Our proof takes its inspiration from three different papers. To prove (i), we follow Lieb's approach to prove the existence of extremizers for the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev inequality, in his famous paper [12] . The major difference here is the way to prove that after suitable rescaling, an extremizing sequence converges weakly to a non-zero function. It is not very surprising that Lieb's approach for the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev inequality can be used to solve our problem; in fact, it is very similar to the k-plane transform inequality. Part (i) of 1.1 can be seen as a corollary of the following generalized theorem, whose assumptions are also satisfied by the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev inequality: Theorem 1.2. Let m be an integer, σ a measure on R + such that σ ({0}) = 0. Let T be a linear operator satisfying all the below assumptions: Two assumptions are essential in this theorem. The continuity in Lorentz spaces will help us prove a concentration compactness lemma, reducing the difficulties generated by the dilationinvariance. The rearrangement inequality (ii) will generate some additional compactness.

To prove (i), we follow Lieb's approach to prove the existence of extremizers for the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev inequality, in his famous paper.


Among the different types of esters, ethyl benzoate (aromatic ester) is a polar solvent ( = 1.8 D) and is not a strongly associated liquid. On the other hand, NNDMF, to some extent, is associated by means of dipole-dipole interactions. Significant structural effects are absent due to the lack of hydrogen bonds. Therefore, it acts as an aprotic protophilic solvent [6] . NNDMAc is a dipolar aprotic solvent and is moderately structured [7] . The N,N-dialkylamides have no significant intermolecular hydrogen bonding capability but are highly polar with high percentage of ionic character, making oxygen of C=O group strongly negative [8] . NNDMA is a unassociated liquid [9] . The interactions of ethyl benzoate with N,N-dialkylamides and N,N-dimethylaniline are important to enable analysis of their dissimilar geometric structures on mixture properties.

Therefore, it acts as an aprotic protophilic solvent.

NNDMAc is a dipolar aprotic solvent and is moderately structured.

The N,N-dialkylamides have no significant intermolecular hydrogen bonding capability but are highly polar with high percentage of ionic character, making oxygen of C=O group strongly negative.

NNDMA is a unassociated liquid.


On the basis of the increasing exposure of humans to radiation due to occupational, public and medical reasons and procedures, the 'Task Group on Reference Man' created a Reference Man and a Reference Woman in 1975. This was based on analyses of anatomic databases. Considering this Reference Man, lowest radiation doses were estimated for the planning and the application of medical radiation that do not cause harm in humans (Snyder et al., 1975) . The Reference Man established quantified constraints, or limits, on individual doses from medical sources. The limitation of this approach is obvious with regard to the combination of data sets from a multitude of several studies from different countries and geographic zones all over the world, which included results of hundreds of patients at different times. A representativeness of a certain population or population group is therefore not given for the Reference Man. However, the statistically precise definition as average men was not the aim of the 'Task Group on Reference Man' (Snyder et al., 1975) .

Considering this Reference Man, lowest radiation doses were estimated for the planning and the application of medical radiation that do not cause harm in humans.

However, the statistically precise definition as average men was not the aim of the 'Task Group on Reference Man'.


Even after the reduction is identified, it is not trivial to optimize them on massively parallel architectures such as GPUs. Reduction operations typically have very low arithmetic intensity, performing one operation per load. Hence, they are bandwidth-bound and require many optimizations to achieve peak performance. Libraries such as CUB, Thrust provide a highly efficient implementation of reductions. They often achieve more than 90% percent of theoretical peak performance by means of a diverse range of optimizations, including architecture-specific instructions to accelerate reductions and tuning parameters for a given architecture. These libraries let the programmer customize reductions by providing an associative and commutative operator and its identity element; it is indeed easy to embed a single reduction into a library call. But when encountering multiple reductions on the same input data, or if performing the reduction on only a subset of the input elements, or combining the reduction with pre-and post-processing steps, these libraries are inefficient as they require multiple calls involving multiple array traversals. For example, consider a loop computing the minimal and maximal elements of an array simultaneously. A typical library approach would need two function calls calls: one to find the minimum and an other one to find the maximum. This is inefficient as one could use a single traversal of the array to find both. In the same spirit, the SLAMBench computer vision application we consider in our experiments has a reduction kernel that performs 32 different reductions [17] . Using library calls in these cases will be highly inefficient. Although library APIs are highly efficient in their optimized use-cases, they are not flexible enough to adapt to all program requirements.

In the same spirit, the SLAMBench computer vision application we consider in our experiments has a reduction kernel that performs 32 different reductions.


We found that, although gender stereotype endorsement was negatively related to GPA for all students, school connection interacted with stereotyping in predicting student grades. This finding indicates that high levels of connection to the single-sex school are not a protective factor against the negative impact of gender stereotypes. In fact, more connected students were more strongly impacted by gender stereotyping than less connected students. That is, students who were more strongly identified with the school and who held stereotyped beliefs about the academic domains emphasized at the school may have been more negatively impacted by their stereotypical beliefs than students who were less strongly identified with the school. This finding parallels other research on the importance of domain identification on performance, such as findings from the stereotype threat literature indicating that individuals who are strongly identified with a particular domain show greater effects of stereotype threat on performance than individuals who are not identified with the domain (Aronson et al., 1999; Steele, 1997) .

This finding parallels other research on the importance of domain identification on performance, such as findings from the stereotype threat literature indicating that individuals who are strongly identified with a particular domain show greater effects of stereotype threat on performance than individuals who are not identified with the domain.


PILOT AND AIRCRAFT MODELS A block diagram of the pilot and aircraft models is shown in Fig. 1 , and it is seen to be similar in structure to the systems of earlier studies [5] , [6] . Perturbation Attention is directed to the effects that the pilot model has on a high-performance aircraft which is in a "wind-up turn" maneuver, described by the first four columns of Tables III and IV shows that the foot pedal gains have the same signs at all but the first flight condition, and the gain magnitudes are very close as well. Thus it is clear that the degree of adaptation required for foot pedal control is relatively low, although there is substantial change in gain magnitudes to account for changing control power.

PILOT AND AIRCRAFT MODELS A block diagram of the pilot and aircraft models is shown in Fig. 1 , and it is seen to be similar in structure to the systems of earlier studies.


Asteraceae is a very large cosmopolitan family, highly advanced and easily recognized with worldwide distribution (Nielsen, 1965) . It belongs to the sub-class Asteridae in the order Asterales (Ming, 1999) . Asteraceae is the second largest family in the division Magnoliophyta with 1,100 genera and over 20,000 recognized species (Ming, 1999) . The majority of Asteraceae species are herbaceous although an important component of the family consists of shrubs or even trees, many plants in the family Asteraceae are economically important as weeds, ornamentals, medicinal and green vegetables (Olorode, 1984) .

Asteraceae is a very large cosmopolitan family, highly advanced and easily recognized with worldwide distribution.

It belongs to the sub-class Asteridae in the order Asterales.

Asteraceae is the second largest family in the division Magnoliophyta with 1,100 genera and over 20,000 recognized species.

The majority of Asteraceae species are herbaceous although an important component of the family consists of shrubs or even trees, many plants in the family Asteraceae are economically important as weeds, ornamentals, medicinal and green vegetables.


In general, a participatory MCDA process could be quite demanding in terms of time, both for the planners and stakeholders. In this study the combination of AHP and TOPSIS only required one personal meeting and no discussions between the interest groups were scheduled. However, these limits on stakeholder interactions and meetings may have affected the data, as several interviews have been shown to provide better data than only one [22] . Additionally, as the interest groups did not meet to communicate with one another they could not increase their awareness and understanding for each other's opinions, which is one of the most positive results of the participatory planning process. When implementing this approach more opportunities for interactions between stakeholders should therefore be considered.

However, these limits on stakeholder interactions and meetings may have affected the data, as several interviews have been shown to provide better data than only one.


It is established that biologically visual perceptual models have the speed advantage, but recognition accuracy is lower than discriminative models, and discriminative models could have the accuracy advantage, but recognition time is longer than biologically visual perceptual models. These problems are detrimental to autonomous driving [1, 2] . For improving both models, we proposed a hybrid model.

These problems are detrimental to autonomous driving.


No previous study has directly compared progression and survival times in multiple regions using empirical data from individuals with well estimated seroconversion dates (i.e. the date at which an infected individual begins to develop antibodies to the HIV virus). CD4 þ cell counts are subject to measurement error and natural short timescale variability, producing a noisy observable marker of progression. For that reason, we use a hidden Markov model that allows joint estimation of CD4 þ cell progression and survival without prior knowledge of time of infection along with estimation of the impact of time-dependent covariates [17] [18] [19] . Informative censoring such as initiation of ART, provided selectively to those with severe disease, can be accommodated by introducing a competing hazards element.

For that reason, we use a hidden Markov model that allows joint estimation of CD4 þ cell progression and survival without prior knowledge of time of infection along with estimation of the impact of time-dependent covariates.


Given the involvement of so many factors in decision-making for any particular task, learning could occur at multiple levels, and involve different processes operating at different time scales (Karni and Sagi, 1993) . It is thus not unexpected to see seemingly different observations for very similar tasks. Indeed, it is not easy to disentangle the multiple mechanisms involved in generating the net effects of multiple processes. This is especially the case when learning involves higher level or top-down processes which can be very subject dependent, and thus may not be completely reproducible across subjects. All these complications make it difficult to study mechanisms of learning. However, once we have a candidate mechanism for learning, such as the V1 mechanism proposed here, and once we understand the limits of its applicability and conditions for its manifestation, we can design experiments accordingly to better isolate or highlight the candidate mechanism in order to dissect, diagnose, and test hypotheses about this one single mechanism more effectively. This approach can hopefully help us to probe different mechanisms one at a time.

Given the involvement of so many factors in decision-making for any particular task, learning could occur at multiple levels, and involve different processes operating at different time scales.


As human decision-making can be affected by many factors, a typical visual search task will recruit many types of signals and involve many possible decision-making strategies. Some signals are bottom-up or stimulus driven in nature; others are more top-down and influenced by bias, knowledge, and other factors. Different decision-making strategies can be optimal to different degrees, and it is not uncommon for observers to use sub-optimal strategies first, before improving them. For instance, we have shown that subjects can start out using task-irrelevant information (in our case, the rotational-invariance of object detection) even though, by design, this was detrimental to visual search performance (Zhaoping and Guyader, 2007) . This sub-optimal strategy can be corrected very quickly through learning. Indeed, this strategy learning process is typically faster (and has a profound effect on the reaction time of the task performance) than learning to enhance the task relevant saliency signal from the orientation singleton in the target.

For instance, we have shown that subjects can start out using task-irrelevant information (in our case, the rotational-invariance of object detection) even though, by design, this was detrimental to visual search performance.


Previous research as exhibited in Table 1 regarding factors affecting quality of construction projects has primarily used the same methodology in different countries and regions. As an extension of the previous studies, this study introduced a method for quantifying the factors affecting the quality of social infrastructure projects. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the main constructs affecting quality in SIP, especially in the context of the public construction industry in Pakistan. Therefore, this study built and tested a conceptual model conducted by previous literature related to quality and presented a complete picture of the contributory factors that influenced project quality. Furthermore, this study aimed at identifying the most significant construct that affected the quality of public projects from the owner's perspective, which has been ignored in previous studies. Nevertheless, the public construction industry in Pakistan is still faced with poor quality. Therefore, quality defects are a crucial problem in the public construction industry in Pakistan, which needs severe consideration in improving project quality as it affects overall stakeholder satisfaction and sustainability of the project. In many developing nations, the quality of public infrastructure projects is still inadequate [37] . It is significant to ascertain the causative factors affecting the quality to effectively improve the quality performance of the projects. This study applied an advanced multivariate analysis method of the PLS path model for the quality influencing factors and examined the causal relationship based on the conceptual framework, with statistical analysis conducted using smart-PLS software to examine and validate the conceptual model. This is a very effective method for examining the cause-effect relationships between variables [38] . The findings of the conceptual model are presumed to give insights into the factors affecting the quality in SIP. The quality was evaluated based on the perspectives of public sector construction experts. This study addressed the main quality challenges faced by the SIP with reference to the Pakistani public construction industry.

In many developing nations, the quality of public infrastructure projects is still inadequate.

This is a very effective method for examining the cause-effect relationships between variables.


External factor such as changes in government regulations, a hostile environment, and political instability not only decreases productivity, but also affects the harms the quality of projects. The findings of this study showed that the external related factor had a significant influence on project quality, thus building on and providing support to the findings of Jha and Iyer [2] . External factors are generally difficult to control and are even beyond the control of the parties involved in the construction process. Their negative effect on the project can diminish the project quality, for example, a lack of quality caused by changes in government regulations, political instability, hostile economic environment, harsh climatic condition at the site, and hostile social environment.

The findings of this study showed that the external related factor had a significant influence on project quality, thus building on and providing support to the findings of Jha and Iyer.


Additionally, our findings also revealed that the material related factor was statistically significant with project quality. Aggressive competition during bidding or the lowest bidder making more profit usually led to the use of poor quality materials and bad technical practices that could lead to issues of project quality. In addition, the unavailability of materials and price fluctuations in the market during the life cycle of a project, could also be risks for the lack of quality in construction projects. These findings were in line with previous studies by Jha and Iyer [2] .

These findings were in line with previous studies by Jha and Iyer.


The correlators O( x 1 ) . . . O( x n ) CF T , where the operator O has been rescaled by an appropriate η c dependent factor, compute late time bulk correlation functions with future boundary conditions [60] . The bulk late time profiles ϕ( x) are taken to be infinitesimal such that Ψ HH [ϕ( x), η c ] is merely a generating function of late time correlators about ϕ( x) = 0.

The correlators O( x 1 ) . . .

O( x n ) CF T , where the operator O has been rescaled by an appropriate η c dependent factor, compute late time bulk correlation functions with future boundary conditions.


FTIR spectrum of the rGO/MB/AuNPs composites FTIR spectroscopy was conducted to investigate the reduction and functionalization of GO during the synthesis process ( Fig. 1) . The FTIR spectrum of GO (Fig. 1a) shows the broad peak at 3398 cm -1 which is assigned to the O-H stretching vibration. The other characteristic absorption peaks at 1727, 1219, and 1052 cm -1 which correspond to the stretching of C=O (carbonyl), C-OH, and C-O (alkoxy) bonds, respectively, are also observed [35, 44] . All these peaks serve as the evidence for the existence of oxygen-containing groups on GO. The FTIR spectrum of MB (Fig. 1b) exhibits its typical symmetric C-N stretch at 1398 cm -1 , symmetric -CH 3 deformation at 1354 cm -1 , and absorption peak at 661 cm -1 [41] . As to the FTIR spectrum of rGO/MB/AuNPs composites (Fig. 1c) , the characteristic absorption peaks of oxygen-containing groups at 1727 cm -1 (m C = O), 1219 cm -1 (m C-OH) almost disappear, and the peak at 1052 cm -1 (m C-O) significantly decreases, indicating that GO is reduced to rGO. Moreover, all the characteristic absorption peaks of MB can be observed on the FTIR spectrum of the rGO/ MB/AuNPs composites. These results indicate that GO can be reduced to rGO and be coated with MB onto its surface with this proposed method.

The other characteristic absorption peaks at 1727, 1219, and 1052 cm -1 which correspond to the stretching of C=O (carbonyl), C-OH, and C-O (alkoxy) bonds, respectively, are also observed.

The FTIR spectrum of MB (Fig. 1b) exhibits its typical symmetric C-N stretch at 1398 cm -1 , symmetric -CH 3 deformation at 1354 cm -1 , and absorption peak at 661 cm -1.


A new forming process known as thixoforming has drawn worldwide attention owing to its ability to form spherical-like microstructural morphology during processing, providing the final component with enhanced properties. Thixoforming is a semi-solid processing technique whereby forming occurs in solid-liquid region. Thixoforming processes such as thixotropic diecasting, thixoforging and thixotropic extrusion includes three process segments: semi-solid slurry preparation, re-melting and thixotropic forming. It exhibits less deformation resistance, lower forming temperature, lower energy consumption and cost, and higher performance as compared * Correspondence author: GuiMin Lu, Tel: +86-21-64252065, Fax: +86-21 64252501, gmlu2013@gmail.com 2 to conventional casting and forging [1] . Most commonly, thixoforming is applied to aluminum alloys components for the automotive industry. The wrought aluminum alloy AA 6061, the research objective of this paper, has reasonable mechanical properties and thixoformability, enabling the formation of parts such as wheels and steering knuckles [2] . However, as thixoforming is completed in only a few seconds, it is difficult to experimentally investigate some properties, such as the spatial distribution of the solid, the mechanisms of microstructure evolution, and semi-solid constitutive behavior. Instead, constitutive modeling and numerical software tools have been used to precisely predict the deformation behavior for thixoforming.

It exhibits less deformation resistance, lower forming temperature, lower energy consumption and cost, and higher performance as compared * Correspondence author: GuiMin Lu, Tel: +86-21-64252065, Fax: +86-21 64252501, gmlu2013@gmail.com 2 to conventional casting and forging.

The wrought aluminum alloy AA 6061, the research objective of this paper, has reasonable mechanical properties and thixoformability, enabling the formation of parts such as wheels and steering knuckles.


Among the most important components of global biogeochemical cycling are the processes that mediate the fluxes of C, water and energy between biosphere and atmosphere. A major difficulty in improving our understanding of the functioning of the biosphere-atmosphere system lies in the problem of effectively scaling measurements of the key processes, such as photosynthesis and evapotranspiration, to generate regional estimates of these fluxes (Ehleringer & Field 1993) . Generally, the ability to make measurements of the various components of these coupled systems is strictly limited in some dimension of space and time, according to particular financial and technical constraints. Often it is only possible to collect data at a limited number of sites and/or for restricted periods. Yet, to understand the regional and global issues of present concern, there is a requirement for detailed understanding of processes as they occur over vast areas and long time scales (including the future).

A major difficulty in improving our understanding of the functioning of the biosphere-atmosphere system lies in the problem of effectively scaling measurements of the key processes, such as photosynthesis and evapotranspiration, to generate regional estimates of these fluxes.


The fact that GML is an XML encoding allows it to be queried. In order to query a GML document we have developed a query language over GML/XML enriched with spatial operators [3] . This query language has an underlying data model and algebra that supplies the semantics of the query language [4] . However, to use this query language, it is necessary to find an implementation that allows us to exploit all its features.

In order to query a GML document we have developed a query language over GML/XML enriched with spatial operators.

This query language has an underlying data model and algebra that supplies the semantics of the query language.


Nevertheless, the dominant source of energy for cooking is fuelwood and charcoal for 76.3% of the households in Ouagadougou, the capital city [12] . Although the Chantier d'Aménagement Forestier (CAF) model in Burkina Faso operates with approved forest management plans (FMPs), there are few studies on the sustainability of fuelwood production. Previous studies have focused on challenges of decentralized forest management, factors influencing access to forest products and participation in JFM [5, 20, 21] . Since all FMUs in the study area are now at different stages in their second rotation cycle, it becomes imperative to assess the sustainability of fuelwood production. This study focuses on three FMUs in Cassou zone, southern Burkina Faso and reviews the FMPs with emphasis on data from both fuelwood production and approved management plans. Additional data were collected through forest inventories and field observations and the paper offers recommendations for policy on the basis of the findings.

Nevertheless, the dominant source of energy for cooking is fuelwood and charcoal for 76.3% of the households in Ouagadougou, the capital city.

Previous studies have focused on challenges of decentralized forest management, factors influencing access to forest products and participation in JFM.


If forests are a key source of greenhouse gas emissions and community forests under different forms of management constitute a quarter of all those in developing countries, it is difficult to tackle climate change without bringing these forests into REDD+ 1 [9] . A key challenge is therefore to generate value from forestlands without overharvesting timber or converting to other uses, such as agriculture and pasture [10] . In principle, JFM areas can support the continuous provision of fuelwood to communities while maintaining the sustainability of other ecosystem goods and services [11] .

If forests are a key source of greenhouse gas emissions and community forests under different forms of management constitute a quarter of all those in developing countries, it is difficult to tackle climate change without bringing these forests into REDD+ 1.

A key challenge is therefore to generate value from forestlands without overharvesting timber or converting to other uses, such as agriculture and pasture.

In principle, JFM areas can support the continuous provision of fuelwood to communities while maintaining the sustainability of other ecosystem goods and services.


Using this n-catenoid, S. Fakhi and the author have produced examples of complete immersed minimal hypersurfaces of R n+1 which have k ≥ 2 hyperplanar ends [2] . These hypersurfaces are of the topological type of a sphere with k punctures and they all have finite total curvature. They generalize the well known k-noids in 3-dimensional Euclidean space.

Using this n-catenoid, S. Fakhi and the author have produced examples of complete immersed minimal hypersurfaces of R n+1 which have k ≥ 2 hyperplanar ends.


Particle-laden turbulent flows are commonly encountered in many engineering and environmental processes. Examples include sediment transport in rivers, avalanches, slurries and chemical reactions involving particulate catalysts. Understanding the behavior of these suspensions is generally a difficult task due to the large number of parameters involved. Indeed, particles may vary in density, shape, size and stiffness, and when nondilute particle concentrations are considered the collective suspension dynamics depends strongly on the mass and solid fractions. Even in Stokesian and laminar flows, different combinations of these parameters lead to interesting peculiar phenomena. In turbulence, the situation is further complicated due to the interaction between particles and vortical structures of different sizes. Hence, the particle behavior does not depend only on its dimensions and characteristic response time, but also on the ratio among these and the characteristic turbulent length and time scales. The turbulence features are also altered due to the presence of the dispersed phase, especially at high volume fractions. Because of the difficulty of treating the problem analytically, particle-laden flows are often studied either experimentally or numerically. In the context of wall-bounded flows, the suspension dynamics has often been studied in canonical flows such as channels and boundary layers. However, internal flows relevant to many industrial applications typically involve more complex, non-canonical geometries in which secondary flows, flow separation and other non-trivial phenomena are observed. It is hence important to understand the behavior of particulate suspensions in more complex and realistic geometries. We will here focus on turbulent square ducts, where gradients of the Reynolds stresses induce the generation of mean streamwise vortices. These are known as Prandtl's secondary motions of the second kind (Prandtl 1963) . The suspension behavior subjected to these peculiar secondary flows will be investigated, as well as the influence of the solid phase on the turbulence features.

These are known as Prandtl's secondary motions of the second kind.


Nowadays, a new generation of biomaterials, able to control the biological response with precision, is arisen. NCD is also included in this recent group of materials and can be used as a template for the immobilization of active molecules for biological applications or for biosensoric applications [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] . One example is the functionalization of NCD with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) creating a biomimetic coating that results in improved osseointegration, which is a powerful strategy in tissue engineering and in the context of bone tissue regeneration [15] . The NCD surface can also be modified with the linking of an antibody, human immunoglobulin G (IgG), which provides biomolecular recognition capability, turning out a biologically sensitive field-effect transistor (Bio-Fet) [14] .

NCD is also included in this recent group of materials and can be used as a template for the immobilization of active molecules for biological applications or for biosensoric applications.

One example is the functionalization of NCD with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) creating a biomimetic coating that results in improved osseointegration, which is a powerful strategy in tissue engineering and in the context of bone tissue regeneration.

The NCD surface can also be modified with the linking of an antibody, human immunoglobulin G (IgG), which provides biomolecular recognition capability, turning out a biologically sensitive field-effect transistor (Bio-Fet).


Despite all the referenced works report the study of NCD bioproperties, the biocompatibility of this coating is not yet full assessed. NCD films can differ to some extent in their surface and bulk properties depending on the deposition method and parameters applied [9] . Besides, biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to execute a specific application with an appropriate host response [16] . Therefore, for each type of NCD and respective application, the biocompatibility must be assessed considering adequate in vitro and in vivo biological systems to evaluate specific cell and tissue response.

NCD films can differ to some extent in their surface and bulk properties depending on the deposition method and parameters applied.

Besides, biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to execute a specific application with an appropriate host response.


Consistent with previous research, resilience in dealing with stress and job challenges, and ability to cope with adversity is an important factor in adapting and adjusting to change and challenging situations. Such traits assist people to manage stressful situations and therefore avoid negative outcomes such as depression and stress [28] . Our findings provide evidence that Chinese employees who had a high level of resilience had a reduced probability of having depression and stress. The results support the proposition that an employee's ability to bounce back from stressful events plays an important role in the workplace to buffer the adverse effect of job stress and maintain a balance between work ability and job demands [28] .

Such traits assist people to manage stressful situations and therefore avoid negative outcomes such as depression and stress.

The results support the proposition that an employee's ability to bounce back from stressful events plays an important role in the workplace to buffer the adverse effect of job stress and maintain a balance between work ability and job demands.


Through the scale effect, keeping other things constant, globalization will increase energy consumption because it increases economic activity (Cole, 2006) . In addition, when globalization is in the form of trade and capital inflows, globalization enables economies to reduce energy consumption by importing new technology without hampering the economic activity (Antweiler et al. 2001) . This is termed as the technique effect of globalization on energy consumption (Dollar and Kraay, 2004) . Lastly, the composite effect of globalization on energy consumption occurs when energy consumption decreases with the rise in economic activity (Stern, 2007) .

Through the scale effect, keeping other things constant, globalization will increase energy consumption because it increases economic activity.

In addition, when globalization is in the form of trade and capital inflows, globalization enables economies to reduce energy consumption by importing new technology without hampering the economic activity.

This is termed as the technique effect of globalization on energy consumption.

Lastly, the composite effect of globalization on energy consumption occurs when energy consumption decreases with the rise in economic activity.


Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is the extreme use of Internet that interferes with existence (Block, 2008) . It is a multidimensional compulsive cognitive and behavior symptoms that completely dominates the addict's life (Pies, 2009) . IAD is often comorbid with psychological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression (Kratzer & Hegerl, 2008) . Several studies show that within the first six months of using the Internet about 25% of users achieve Internet addiction criteria (Anonymous, 2016a) . Worldwide the prevalence of IAD is 6% in which Middle East accounts for 10.9%, North America accounts for 8%, Asia accounts for 7.1%, South and East Europe accounts for 6.1%, Oceania accounts for 4.3%, North and West Europe accounts for 2.6% (Ryan, 2014; Woollaston, 2014) . The variation of the prevalence of IAD may be because of the variation of assessment questionnaires, diagnostic criteria as well as selective use of participants. A study in the UK has been reported that the prevalence rates of the IAD as high as 18%, whereas very low incidence, 0.8% has reported in the Italy (Poli & Agrimi, 2012; Niemz, Griffiths, & Banyard, 2006) . According to the review of Weinstein and Lejoyeux the incidence rates of IAD in the United States and Europe have shown fluctuating between 1.5% and 8.2% (Weinstein & Lejoyeux, 2010; Young & de Abreu, 2011) . Another review of more than 100 studies in China showed that over 12% of male and 5% of female students disclosed signs of Internet addiction (Wallace, 2014) .

Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is the extreme use of Internet that interferes with existence.

It is a multidimensional compulsive cognitive and behavior symptoms that completely dominates the addict's life.

IAD is often comorbid with psychological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression.

Several studies show that within the first six months of using the Internet about 25% of users achieve Internet addiction criteria.

Worldwide the prevalence of IAD is 6% in which Middle East accounts for 10.9%, North America accounts for 8%, Asia accounts for 7.1%, South and East Europe accounts for 6.1%, Oceania accounts for 4.3%, North and West Europe accounts for 2.6%.

A study in the UK has been reported that the prevalence rates of the IAD as high as 18%, whereas very low incidence, 0.8% has reported in the Italy.

According to the review of Weinstein and Lejoyeux the incidence rates of IAD in the United States and Europe have shown fluctuating between 1.5% and 8.2%.

Another review of more than 100 studies in China showed that over 12% of male and 5% of female students disclosed signs of Internet addiction.


In Bangladesh the use of computer began in the 1960s and assumed widespread in the nineties (Zaman & Rowshon, 2011) . Like many developed and developing countries, the Internet in Bangladesh has perceived remarkable growth. However, only 0.1% of the population used the Internet in 2000 and it rises to 31.9% in 2015 (Anonymous, 2016b) .

In Bangladesh the use of computer began in the 1960s and assumed widespread in the nineties.

However, only 0.1% of the population used the Internet in 2000 and it rises to 31.9% in 2015.


Regarding the residential status significant difference was noticed for Internet addiction, psychological distress and depression among students. In this study, 26.3% (36) students lived with family were severely Internet addicted, then 29.9% (41) had psychological distress and 26.3% (36) had severe psychological depression. On the other hand, students who lived without family had more addicting behavioral than students lived with family. In this study, 47.9% (162) students lived without family had severe Internet addiction, but 37.9% (128) had psychological distress and 52.9% (179) had severe depression. Family plays an important role in the growth of student life (Christensen, 2013) . The finding of this study suggests that Internet addiction and its psychological effect among students lived without family are probably due to lack of family bonding or lack of family care, aloneness and adjusting them with virtual life (Young, 2004) .

Family plays an important role in the growth of student life.

The finding of this study suggests that Internet addiction and its psychological effect among students lived without family are probably due to lack of family bonding or lack of family care, aloneness and adjusting them with virtual life.


Researchers observed that most Internet users are young people, especially university undergraduates (Jones, 2002) . Previous study exposed that Internet user is higher in younger than adult and mainly 19 to 24 years of age group are considered as a high risk group for Internet addiction (Koo & Kwon, 2014) . Another study exposed that university students are more at risk of becoming Internet addicts due to more free time, lack of monitoring on account of being away from parents and sometimes efforts to become away from arduous university routines (Soule, Shell, & Kleen, 2003; Young & Rogers, 1998; Kandell, 1998) . As well as this Internet addiction is more predominant on university campuses because of laptops and computer labs are within easy proximity.

Researchers observed that most Internet users are young people, especially university undergraduates.

Previous study exposed that Internet user is higher in younger than adult and mainly 19 to 24 years of age group are considered as a high risk group for Internet addiction.

Another study exposed that university students are more at risk of becoming Internet addicts due to more free time, lack of monitoring on account of being away from parents and sometimes efforts to become away from arduous university routines.


The Internet is making the world smaller by making information more accessible to all and creating connections with different people around the world (Howe, 2016) . However, it has also attracted many people to spend more time on the Internet, so that it becomes the center of their lives and causing neurological difficulties, psychological disorders and social complications (Griffiths, 2005; Shaffer et al., 2004) . The younger generation is more prone to Internet addiction as a means of communicating, learning and seeking new challenges (Gordon, Juang, & Syed, 2007) . This is the first study showing prevalence of Internet addiction and its correlation with psychological distress and depression among undergraduate university students in Bangladesh.

The Internet is making the world smaller by making information more accessible to all and creating connections with different people around the world.

However, it has also attracted many people to spend more time on the Internet, so that it becomes the center of their lives and causing neurological difficulties, psychological disorders and social complications.

The younger generation is more prone to Internet addiction as a means of communicating, learning and seeking new challenges.


In contrast to the above mentioned models, the PDE in (1.1) is a pure diffusion equation, not explicitly containing lower-order drift terms. On the other hand, the diffusion mechanism in (1.1) is of fourth order, highly nonlinear, and it degenerates both at x = 0 and near points where u = 0. Mathematical challenges thus do not only result from the lack of comparison principles, but moreover also from the fact that standard parabolic regularity does not apply. Based on the construction of a family of approximate problems and weighted gradient estimates, we have proved the local-in-time existence of mass-conserving continuous weak solutions [13] .

Based on the construction of a family of approximate problems and weighted gradient estimates, we have proved the local-in-time existence of mass-conserving continuous weak solutions.


The celebrated theorem of Kurosh describes subgroups of free products. Theorem 1.1 (Kurosh Subgroup Theorem [9] ). Let G be a free product of groups G i , where i runs over an index set I. Let H be a subgroup of G. Then H = F * ( * g j H j g −1 j ) is a free product of a free group F together with groups that are conjugates of subgroups H j of the free factors G i of G.

Theorem 1.1 (Kurosh Subgroup Theorem).


The global sensitivity analysis method is a satisfactory solution for this problem [21] [22] . In the global sensitivity analysis method, all the model parameters are varied simultaneously over a certain parameter range. By using this method, not only the local influence of each individual parameter, but also the interactions between different parameters on the fuel cell model performance can be effectively measured. However, such global parameters sensitivity study for fuel cell applications has not been reported so far in the literature. The paper is organized as follows: a 2-D PEMFC model, which covers two multi-physical domains: fluidic and electrochemical, is proposed in Section II. Section III gives the model implementation and experimental validation. Section IV uses an iterative least angle regression method to provide online global parameters sensitivity analysis results. Section V presents final conclusions and future works.

The global sensitivity analysis method is a satisfactory solution for this problem.


During the last few decades, electric vehicles (EVs), and most recently hybrid electric vehicles powered by fuel cells (FCHEVs) have a fast growing interest due to environment pollution and energy crisis. Different from conventional energy device for example thermal machine, fuel cells have been commonly considered as a more suitable energy conversion device for long-range EVs, due to their advantages of compactness, fast fueling time and high conversion efficiency [1] - [3] . As one type of fuel cell technologies, proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has all the above mentioned advantages. In addition, compared to other fuel cell types, PEMFC can provide higher power density for transport and portable applications with relatively lower operation temperature and pressure [4] [5] .

Different from conventional energy device for example thermal machine, fuel cells have been commonly considered as a more suitable energy conversion device for long-range EVs, due to their advantages of compactness, fast fueling time and high conversion efficiency.

In addition, compared to other fuel cell types, PEMFC can provide higher power density for transport and portable applications with relatively lower operation temperature and pressure.


In this paper, we are going to see the cluster algebra structure in semi-invariant rings of quiver representation spaces. For a fixed dimension vector β of a quiver Q, the space of all β-dimensional representations is Many previous examples fall into this construction (up to localization), including Grassmannians, partial flags, unipotent cells, double Bruhat cells, and mixed invariant rings at least in type A. So we just saw a tip of an iceberg. However, it is impractical to consider any quiver with arbitrary dimension vector from the beginning. The first family of quivers we consider here is the triple flag quivers T p,q,r . Such a family has established its importance around 2000 when Derksen and Weyman proved the saturation conjecture for the type-A LittlewoodRichardson coefficients [4] . A triple flag T p,q,r with a dimension vector β is called complete if p = q = r = n and β = β n is standard as indicated below.

Such a family has established its importance around 2000 when Derksen and Weyman proved the saturation conjecture for the type-A LittlewoodRichardson coefficients.


The past few years have seen an increase in the production of renewable fuels because of rising crude oil prices, limited supply of fossil fuels and increased concerns about global warming. The increase in oil price has caused many countries to consider using alternative renewable energy from the agricultural sector, particularly vegetable oils such as soybean, rapeseed, sugarcane, corn and palm oil. This increase in production reflects rising global demand for vegetable oils dominated by palm oil production (Carter, 2007) . However, there are regional differences in the choice of vegetable oils used for conversion to biodiesel. For example, in Europe, the primary production of biodiesel is based on the use of rapeseed oil, in Brazil and the USA, the base is soybean oil, and in Malaysia, palm oil is the main source (Yu et al., 2006) .

This increase in production reflects rising global demand for vegetable oils dominated by palm oil production.

For example, in Europe, the primary production of biodiesel is based on the use of rapeseed oil, in Brazil and the USA, the base is soybean oil, and in Malaysia, palm oil is the main source.


The forecasting of agricultural prices has traditionally been carried out by applying econometric models such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (ARCH) and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic models (GARCH) (Assis et al., 2010) . These models assume that the data are normally distributed. Therefore, predicting future prices using such approaches ignores the possibility of extreme events. We believe, however, that palm oil price predictions involve determining the probability of extreme events. To this end, the application of Extreme Value Theory (EVT) enables the analysis of the behaviour of random variables both at extremely high or low levels (e.g., caused by financial shocks, weather variations, etc.).

The forecasting of agricultural prices has traditionally been carried out by applying econometric models such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (ARCH) and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic models (GARCH).


In the present study we investigated the effects of lesions affecting mainly the anterior insula in a series of 22 patients with lesions to the LH and 18 patients with lesions involving the RH. The insula can be affected by both low and high grade gliomas. Due to its location and its functional integration role resection of the insula tumors has traditionally been viewed as hazardous [33] . In particular, their tendency to spread along the intricate network of afferent and efferent connections between the insula itself and the surrounding cortical areas, constitutes a major difficulty in reaching a gross total resection [20] . We studied patients in the pre-operative phase, and reported their neuropsychological profile and an analysis of their pre-surgical symptoms. Besides characterizing the patients' lesions as involving the anterior-posterior insula, we also investigated the effect of lesions involving the left and the right hemisphere. In addition, a sub-group of patients (8 RH patients and 9 LH patients) underwent to the post-surgery follow-up examination.

Due to its location and its functional integration role resection of the insula tumors has traditionally been viewed as hazardous.

In particular, their tendency to spread along the intricate network of afferent and efferent connections between the insula itself and the surrounding cortical areas, constitutes a major difficulty in reaching a gross total resection.


In particular, we show that if H(∂Ω) is finite for an open set Ω ⊂ X, then every function in BV(Ω) with zero trace on ∂Ω can be extended by zero to X \ Ω without increasing its BV energy (Theorem 6.1), and that such functions can be approximated in BV(X) by BV functions with compact support in Ω (Theorem 6.9). In Section 7 we prove a Maz'ya-type Sobolev inequality for functions that vanish on a set of positive capacity (Theorem 7.2). To prove Theorem 6.9 and to study certain locally Lipschitz approximations of functions in BV(Ω), we use Whitney type decompositions of Ω and discrete convolutions. For a more substantial description of these tools, see also the upcoming paper [32] .

For a more substantial description of these tools, see also the upcoming paper.


For our purposes, we designed and implemented a statistical attack against sensor-enhanced keystroke dynamics. Our approach is to forge statistically relevant inputs by drawing from the characteristics of a given population and attempt to evade detection. We attacked sensor-enhanced keystroke dynamics for all the three combinations of features used in prior work [9] . Our results confirm that basic keystrokedynamics authentication is very prone to statistical attacks, with the best classifier available yielding an EER of 28.83% and an EER increase of 184% compared to the zero-effort attack. When sensors are considered, in turn, we obtained much more promising results. The best classifier reported an EER of 0.22% for both sensors-only and sensor-enhanced keystroke dynamics, with EER increases of 123.28% and 148.09% (respectively). The effective percentage increase in these cases is 0.12-0.13%. Our results show that the effectiveness of statistical attacks against these two mechanisms is low, demonstrating their robustness in practice. Moreover, our results suggest that sensor dynamics alone is a stronger mobile biometric authentication mechanism against statistical attacks, since it proved robust for all the classifiers we considered (not only the weighted ones) while full sensor-enhanced keystroke dynamics performed poorly for unweighted classifiers.

We attacked sensor-enhanced keystroke dynamics for all the three combinations of features used in prior work.


Generally, the performance measurement has transformed from measuring the tangibles things towards measuring the intangibles criteria (Mokhtar et al. 2003) . The old fashion way of measuring performance which is solely based on the fincancial aspect does not depict the real quality of the organisations. The measurement should consider the improvement that would lead to and improve the organisational performance as a whole. The emergence of many organisations that offer similiar services caused many organisations to differentiate their achievement standings or performance results. It is through proper measurement system or KPIs that could make their presence felt and different from others.

Generally, the performance measurement has transformed from measuring the tangibles things towards measuring the intangibles criteria.


Estimation results of equation 1 are presented in Table 3 . Column (1) reports estimates of the fixed effects estimation allowing for an arbitrary variance-covariance structure with standard errors clustered by id. This estimation not only allows me to control for unobservable factors influencing price evolution but also for those differences between stations and municipalities that do not vary over time. Recall that with this technique I also control for gasoline station characteristics and location, given that all these features are time invariant. Moreover, I avoid any estimation bias caused by correlation between the error term, as the estimation was performed with clustered standard errors by id (Bertrand et al. 2004) .

Moreover, I avoid any estimation bias caused by correlation between the error term, as the estimation was performed with clustered standard errors by id.


In this paper, we perform an analysis of the networks evolved by FD-NEAT for the lung nodule detection task, and stratify the results according to four radiologists' ratings of the nodule characteristics in the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) database [16] . A "blinded" and "unblinded" reviewing procedure was established for the database. In the blinded review stage, each radiologist individually annotated all nodules between 3 to 30 mm in diameter in a blinded fashion. Then, the annotations of the other radiologists were compiled and presented to the radiologists again for the unblinded reading, in which each radiologist reexamined the cases, but this time with the annotations of the other radiologists as additional information. No forced consensus was imposed in this unblinded review. For every CT scan, the unblinded read annotations from each of the four radiologists were combined into a single XML file.

In this paper, we perform an analysis of the networks evolved by FD-NEAT for the lung nodule detection task, and stratify the results according to four radiologists' ratings of the nodule characteristics in the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) database.


Situations requiring a rapid evacuation of passenger trains are rare however, the most critical incidents are those involving fire [1] . Even in fire situations, it may not be necessary to evacuate from the train, the movement of passengers to a place of relative safety on the train being preferred to evacuation to the track side. In conventional trains, passenger cars (also referred to as carriages) are typically separated by internal doors (ID), which while usually closed, allow passengers to move between the cars. In the event of an internal fire, these doors provide passengers with some degree of protection from the developing fire and the fire effluent as they act as a barrier, if closed, to the spreading fire effluent. Passengers can move from the car of fire origin to the neighbouring cars, closing the doors behind them. For scenarios involving over-ground trains, should an evacuation be required, passengers can exit the train through the carriage side doors down to the track side. In underground tunnel environments the situation is more complex and is dependent on the geometry of the tunnel. If the train is in a wide tunnel, evacuation can occur from the car side doors directly to the track side as in over-ground trains [2] . However, if the train is in a narrow tunnel, as may be found in some older underground systems, evacuation from the car side doors may be impossible as there is insufficient room for passengers to safely exit the train and walk alongside the train. In this case, passengers must move through the train from car to car until reaching the drivers cab or end cab, which allows egress to the track side [2] .

Situations requiring a rapid evacuation of passenger trains are rare however, the most critical incidents are those involving fire.

If the train is in a wide tunnel, evacuation can occur from the car side doors directly to the track side as in over-ground trains.

In this case, passengers must move through the train from car to car until reaching the drivers cab or end cab, which allows egress to the track side.


Drinking liquid water was the primary mechanism used by the adult midges to maintain their internal water pools. No water vapor absorption occurred; neither males nor females could maintain water levels at any humidity below saturation (Fig. 3) . Most arthropods cannot absorb water vapor, but rely on drinking as their primary water source (Hadley, 1994) . Metabolic water production was not documented in this study but may occur at low levels that contribute only minimally (less than 0.5% of the water mass) to the water pool (Arlian, 1979) .

Most arthropods cannot absorb water vapor, but rely on drinking as their primary water source.

Metabolic water production was not documented in this study but may occur at low levels that contribute only minimally (less than 0.5% of the water mass) to the water pool.


For an insect to function effectively water loss must be countered by water gain to maintain adequate internal water pools (Hadley, 1994) . Water loss occurs by three major paths: cuticular loss, respiration and defecation. The small size of B. antarctica, with the accompanying high surface to volume ratio, exacerbates cuticular water flux. Uptake of water by vapor absorption and ingestion of liquid water directly or in the food are the two most common mechanisms to replenish water stores (Edney, 1977; Hadley, 1994) . Less commonly water may be obtained from the metabolism of lipids (Hadley, 1985) . Generally, arthropods with low rates of water loss maximize water retention as an adaptation for living in xeric environments, while rapid loss usually indicates a hydrophilic arthropod (Edney, 1977; Hadley, 1994; Benoit et al., 2005) . For Antarctic terrestrial arthropods, maintaining water balance is a significant environmental driver due to long absences of free water and the prevalence of desiccating humidities (Baust & Lee, 1987) . In these experiments we examined how adults of B. antarctica cope with the desiccating Antarctic environment. We did so by documenting water loss rates, minimum water content required for survival, clustering as a waterconserving mechanism, and by assessing potential routes for water uptake. Additionally, populations from different islands were compared to determine if this midge retains a general species-or island-specific water balance profile.

For an insect to function effectively water loss must be countered by water gain to maintain adequate internal water pools.

Uptake of water by vapor absorption and ingestion of liquid water directly or in the food are the two most common mechanisms to replenish water stores.

Less commonly water may be obtained from the metabolism of lipids.

Generally, arthropods with low rates of water loss maximize water retention as an adaptation for living in xeric environments, while rapid loss usually indicates a hydrophilic arthropod.

For Antarctic terrestrial arthropods, maintaining water balance is a significant environmental driver due to long absences of free water and the prevalence of desiccating humidities.


The following scenarios were considered. Scenario S1: electricity is produced from biogas generated in anaerobic digestion plants of the total power of 80 MW. In this scenario, emissions into the environment come from the process of anaerobic digestion (loss and CH 4 emissions) and the production of electricity from biogas. In this scenario, the assumed minimal energy efficiency was 0.25, while the maximum value of energy efficiency was 0.45, the value expected for gas engines by 2030. This way, the range of emissions reduction was obtained as in Cuelar and Webber methodology [17] .

This way, the range of emissions reduction was obtained as in Cuelar and Webber methodology.


Empirical models continue to serve an important function in predicting the yield of wood fibre (Korzukhin et al. 1996) . The models developed here are not intended to address all growth and yield concerns in Ontario. In particular, mixed species conditions and mid-rotation density regulation (thinning, partial harvesting) will require different modelling approaches. One such model being adapted for use in Ontario is FVS Ontario (www.fvsontario.ca) (Lacerte et al. 2006) . FVS Ontario is the Ontario variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), the official growth model of the United States Forest Service. FVS is a distance-independent, individual-tree model. It requires a tree list to initialize predictions. Much work has gone into developing tree list generation models to link FVS to stand-level (inventory) attributes. It is anticipated that predictions from the present yield curves and those from FVS Ontario will be similar for even-aged, relatively pure species conditions. However, FVS Ontario will likely give superior predictions for the growth of mixed species stands since trees are grown individually.

Empirical models continue to serve an important function in predicting the yield of wood fibre.

One such model being adapted for use in Ontario is FVS Ontario (www.fvsontario.ca).


There are about twenty four (24) species of Ficus indigenous to South Africa and the fruits of most of them are edible although not so palatable as Ficus caracal L. Monkeys and many species of birds delight in eating them. The fruits are often infested by insects to a degree and this makes them disagreeable to the human palate (Watt and Breyer, 1962) . Ficus thoningii belongs to the Moraceae family. It is widely distributed in upland forests, open grasslands, riverines and rocky areas. It is found in the savannahs. Soil requirements occur on a variety of soils but prefer light, dried and well drained soils with neutral reaction to acid. It is propagated by cutting and seed dispersal by birds and animals. It is used as a live fence with the intention of using the leaves as mulch or green manure, and also for producing shade or fodder. It has the ability to store water and conserve soil. The stem bark is used to treat colds, sore throat, diarrhea, wounds and to stimulate lactation (Watt and Breyer, 1962) . It has other sacred ceremonial purposes. In Tanzania the root of F. thoningii is an indigenous galactogogue (Brenan *Corresponding author. E-mail ndukweilogeorge@yahoo.com. Tel: (234) 08036001692, 08054567774.

The fruits are often infested by insects to a degree and this makes them disagreeable to the human palate.

It is found in the savannahs.

The stem bark is used to treat colds, sore throat, diarrhea, wounds and to stimulate lactation.

E-mail ndukweilogeorge@yahoo.com.

Tel: (234) 08036001692, 08054567774.


Numerous refugees and asylum seekers undergo both physical and psychological stress in their country of origin, as well as during the transition to and upon arrival in the host country, which can increase their risk of developing mental health problems [6] . Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with refugees, as it was found that they are more likely to suffer from mental distress in comparison to non-refugees [7] . In a qualitative study done with Iraqi refugee women in the United States, the women expressed and complained about poor physical health, anxiety, stomach pain, psychological discomfort, thyroid disease, chronic disease and other physical and psychological health issues [8] . Another study, based on a survey among newly arrived adult immigrants residing in the US, found that among them chronic health conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, overweight/obesity and diabetes were reported. Of the participants, 60% reported to have at least one chronic condition, while 37% reported to have at least two chronic conditions. The prevalence of anxiety, depression and emotional stress was approximately 50% among the participants, and 31% were identified as having PTSD [9] . These findings are in line with an Australian study that screened asylum seekers for mental health status, which shows that 50% of the designated population had mental illness, with around 25% screening positive for PTSD [10] . Various other factors also play a role and may affect the refugees' health status, including: country of birth, level of ability to communicate in English, community capital, stage of life, and each individual's balance of protective and risk factors [11] .

Numerous refugees and asylum seekers undergo both physical and psychological stress in their country of origin, as well as during the transition to and upon arrival in the host country, which can increase their risk of developing mental health problems.

Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with refugees, as it was found that they are more likely to suffer from mental distress in comparison to non-refugees.

In a qualitative study done with Iraqi refugee women in the United States, the women expressed and complained about poor physical health, anxiety, stomach pain, psychological discomfort, thyroid disease, chronic disease and other physical and psychological health issues.

The prevalence of anxiety, depression and emotional stress was approximately 50% among the participants, and 31% were identified as having PTSD.

These findings are in line with an Australian study that screened asylum seekers for mental health status, which shows that 50% of the designated population had mental illness, with around 25% screening positive for PTSD.

Various other factors also play a role and may affect the refugees' health status, including: country of birth, level of ability to communicate in English, community capital, stage of life, and each individual's balance of protective and risk factors.


Improvements of word finding by phonological cueing treatment in poststroke aphasia have been examined in naming speed and accuracy, and recently also in neuroimaging studies targeting changes in brain activations and fibre tract integrity (Nardo et al., 2017; Van Hees et al., 2014) . These neuroimaging findings had not been addressed yet by computer models. The present simulations filled this gap by showing that the WEAVER model successfully captures the empirically observed effects in naming performance and neural measures, thereby providing a computationally explicit account.

Improvements of word finding by phonological cueing treatment in poststroke aphasia have been examined in naming speed and accuracy, and recently also in neuroimaging studies targeting changes in brain activations and fibre tract integrity.


The neoclassical growth theory paid attention to the accumulation of such resources as capital and labour [2] . However, new growth of economics emphasize the need for technological innovations and knowledge spillovers as the major factors of sustainable growth [3] . Freeman and Soete point out that innovation is an essential condition of economic progress and important element in the competition of companies [4] . Anyway, the innovative activities of firms not only lead to new products whose benefits firms can appropriate but also cause knowledge spillovers [5] .

The neoclassical growth theory paid attention to the accumulation of such resources as capital and labour.

However, new growth of economics emphasize the need for technological innovations and knowledge spillovers as the major factors of sustainable growth.

Freeman and Soete point out that innovation is an essential condition of economic progress and important element in the competition of companies.

Anyway, the innovative activities of firms not only lead to new products whose benefits firms can appropriate but also cause knowledge spillovers.


Some scholars point out, that among both economists and policymakers, there has long been a continuous support for the view that governments have to take active actions in responding to deficiencies for science and technology in private markets [11] . The government could play a major role within national innovation system due to its significant influence over various economic and institutional factors that determine the economy's capacity to develop and adapt new technology. For instance, the government encourage R&D through the protection of intellectual rights, tax system, subsidies and procurement of advanced technologies.

Some scholars point out, that among both economists and policymakers, there has long been a continuous support for the view that governments have to take active actions in responding to deficiencies for science and technology in private markets.


According to Schumpeter, innovation is the source of value creation. Notably, the importance of technology is emphasized and novel combinations of resources are considered. Other scholars point out that the effectiveness of protective property rights and complementary assets can add to the value creation potential of innovations [9] . For instance, Moran and Goshal emphasized the role of economic exchange through which the latent value imbedded in the new combination of resources is realizable [10] .

Other scholars point out that the effectiveness of protective property rights and complementary assets can add to the value creation potential of innovations.

For instance, Moran and Goshal emphasized the role of economic exchange through which the latent value imbedded in the new combination of resources is realizable.


In spite of its importance, traditional architecture and its methods and strategies, especially those of the hot and arid climates of Iran, are undervalued and not used in new constructions. Besides, few attempts have been made to investigate the local architecture of Central Iran. Moreover, there are few comprehensive studies on the relationship between temperature increase resulting from global warming and the effectiveness of passive cooling systems (Roshan et al., 2009; Praveena and Aris, 2010) . The extent, to which traditional systems could provide comfort conditions in these buildings, has not been the subject of many studies and the way buildings can withstand extremely hot summer temperatures has not been well addressed.

Moreover, there are few comprehensive studies on the relationship between temperature increase resulting from global warming and the effectiveness of passive cooling systems.


In this study, univariate analysis was used to find that BMI, GLU, TC, and LDL-C in the NAFLD group and the NAFLD+CAD group were significantly higher than healthy controls; the HDL-C of the NAFLD+CAD group was significantly lower than that of the healthy control group and the NAFLD group. This indicated that high BMI, high GLU, high TC, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C were cardiovascular risk factors, which was consistent with previous research results [34, 35] . To further explore the independent risk factors for NAFLD combined with CAD, we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis. We found that BMI, GLU, and TC were independent risk factors for NAFLD combined with CAD, while the T allele of FADS2 rs3834458 was not an independent risk factor for NAFLD with CAD.

This indicated that high BMI, high GLU, high TC, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C were cardiovascular risk factors, which was consistent with previous research results.


How do our new Evolving Set results compare to previous isoperimetric bounds? We find that our new L 2 mixing bound is slightly better than earlier Evolving Set results, our conductance bounds on L 2 mixing may be substantially better than those derived from Spectral Profile bounds, and our mixing bounds are significantly sharper than those of Blocking Conductance except when the worst bottleneck is at a small set. Moreover, our results explain the curious existence of three total variation mixing bounds in the Blocking Conductance paper [6] . We find these are in fact total variation extensions of a bound on L 2 mixing, a bound on relative entropy mixing, and a direct bound on total variation mixing.

Moreover, our results explain the curious existence of three total variation mixing bounds in the Blocking Conductance paper.


Infections due to MDRSA are destructive and often lead to amputations and multi-organ pathologies [10, 11] . There are concerted efforts in antibiotic discovery and development, but the process is slow and expensive [12] . Therefore, there is a need for an alternative method of treating infections caused by MDRSA. The method should be cheap, versatile, feasible, as well as effective. The use of bacteriophages is one such method and its applicability in sub-Saharan Africa should be explored. Phage therapy in some regions of Eastern Europe has been reported to possess some potential in treating bacterial infections [13] .

Infections due to MDRSA are destructive and often lead to amputations and multi-organ pathologies.

There are concerted efforts in antibiotic discovery and development, but the process is slow and expensive.

Phage therapy in some regions of Eastern Europe has been reported to possess some potential in treating bacterial infections.


Against this background, researchers have resorted to a relatively new approach, copula, to model the dependence between (Sklar, 1959) . We can infer from this expression that to obtain the joint distribution, one needs to know how X and Y are related, in addition to their individual marginal distributions. In this regard, the copula function C provides this other information. Thus, copulas by definition provide a realistic description of the dependence structure between random variables over their whole range of variation, including linear and non-linear dependence, symmetric and asymmetric dependence, and extreme or tail dependence. Moreover, copula functions are invariant to non-linear strictly increasing transformations of the data, unlike conventional measures of dependence, such as linear correlations (Embrechts et al. 2002) . For example, the dependence between X 1 and X 2 will be the same as the dependence between ln( X 1 ) and ln( X 2 ).

Against this background, researchers have resorted to a relatively new approach, copula, to model the dependence between.

Moreover, copula functions are invariant to non-linear strictly increasing transformations of the data, unlike conventional measures of dependence, such as linear correlations.


Advances in pharmaceutical technology led to the design of technologically optimal vehicles for the administration of drugs, thus allowing improvement in the properties of the preparations as well as maximization of their stability, bioavailability and biocompatibility. However, a persisting drawback is low solubility in physiological aqueous environment of about 50 % of approved active molecules, resulting in poor bioavailability [1] . Limited solubility also constitutes a hurdle in the development of topical formulations, and improved solubility usually correlates well with higher bioavailability [1] [2] [3] .

However, a persisting drawback is low solubility in physiological aqueous environment of about 50 % of approved active molecules, resulting in poor bioavailability.

Limited solubility also constitutes a hurdle in the development of topical formulations, and improved solubility usually correlates well with higher bioavailability.


Recently, an interrogation technique based on the wavelength-swept fiber laser (WSFL) was developed [9] . This technique offers several attractive features compared to previous ones [10] [11] . First, it provides for high signal powers, since the full source output is available during the measurement of a given grating's Bragg wavelength.

Recently, an interrogation technique based on the wavelength-swept fiber laser (WSFL) was developed.

This technique offers several attractive features compared to previous ones.


It is now generally accepted that nutritional status is an important determinant of host immune responses. Rapid advances in nutritional and biochemical research have shown that lipid metabolism (specifically fatty acid metabolism) plays a significant role in immune-cell function. In particular, 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), derived from essential fatty acids, are precursors of eicosanoid signalling molecules that play vital roles in immune function and inflammatory processes [1] . In addition to eicosanoid-mediated effects, dietary fatty acids may also modulate immune function via the regulation of gene expression, their effects on membrane fluidity and cell metabolism and alterations in the rates of cellular apoptosis. Dietary intervention has attracted much attention as a means of beneficially Key words : apoptosis, fatty acid, lipid metabolism, oxidative metabolism, neutrophil.

In particular, 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), derived from essential fatty acids, are precursors of eicosanoid signalling molecules that play vital roles in immune function and inflammatory processes.


For various reasons, including the possibility of formulating a variational principle, one would like to remove the generator assumption in Bowen's definition. Sinai's solution of taking a supremum over finite partitions does not work in this case, as illustrated by the fact that any two nontrivial Bernoulli actions of a countable group containing the free group F 2 factor onto one another [2] . To circumvent this problem, Hanfeng Li and the author developed an operator algebra approach using approximate homomorphisms that allows one to broaden the meaning of generator to bounded sequences of functions in L ∞ . This leads to a completely general notion of sofic measure entropy, as well as a topological counterpart and a variational principle relating the two [4] . As in Bowen's setting, when the acting group is amenable one recovers the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy [5] .

Sinai's solution of taking a supremum over finite partitions does not work in this case, as illustrated by the fact that any two nontrivial Bernoulli actions of a countable group containing the free group F 2 factor onto one another.

This leads to a completely general notion of sofic measure entropy, as well as a topological counterpart and a variational principle relating the two.

As in Bowen's setting, when the acting group is amenable one recovers the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy.


Recently Lewis Bowen greatly extended the scope of this classical theory to measure-preserving actions of countable sofic groups by replacing the internal information-theoretic approach of Kolmogorov with the statistical-mechanical idea of counting external finite models [1, 3] . Bowen first defined the dynamical entropy of a finite partition by measuring the exponential growth of the number of models with respect to a fixed sofic approximation sequence for the group, and then he showed that any two generating finite partitions produce the same value. By a limiting process he also extended this analysis to partitions with finite Shannon entropy. Bowen was thereby able to extend the Ornstein-Weiss entropy classification of Bernoulli actions to a wide class of nonamenable acting groups, including all nontorsion countably infinite sofic groups.

Recently Lewis Bowen greatly extended the scope of this classical theory to measure-preserving actions of countable sofic groups by replacing the internal information-theoretic approach of Kolmogorov with the statistical-mechanical idea of counting external finite models.


Kolmogorov introduced the notion of entropy for a measure-preserving transformation of a probability space by first defining it locally on partitions as a limit of averages of the Shannon entropy under iteration and then showing that all generating partitions with finite Shannon entropy yield the same value. To handle the case in which there is no such generating partition, Sinai proposed taking the supremum over all finite partitions, thereby furnishing what is now the standard definition. The Kolmogorov-Sinai theorem asserts that this supremum coincides with Kolmogorov's entropy in the presence of a generator. Ultimately it was realized that this set-up works most generally for measure-preserving actions of amenable groups, and in the case of a countably infinite amenable group Ornstein and Weiss showed that entropy is a complete invariant for Bernoulli actions [6] .

Ultimately it was realized that this set-up works most generally for measure-preserving actions of amenable groups, and in the case of a countably infinite amenable group Ornstein and Weiss showed that entropy is a complete invariant for Bernoulli actions.


Currently, the failure rate of a potential drug before reaching the market is still high. The main problem resides in the difficulty to know the rules that govern ADMET behavior in the human body. For these reasons, interest in Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) and Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPR) given by the scientific and industrial community has grown considerably in last decades. These both approaches comprise the methods by which chemical structure parameters are quantitatively correlated with a well defined process, such as biological activity or any other experiment. QSAR has evolved over a period of 30 years from simple regression models to different computational intelligence models that are now applied to a wide range of problems [4] [5] . Nevertheless, the accuracy of the ADMET property estimations remain as a challenging problem [6] .

QSAR has evolved over a period of 30 years from simple regression models to different computational intelligence models that are now applied to a wide range of problems.

Nevertheless, the accuracy of the ADMET property estimations remain as a challenging problem.


In this context, hydrophobicity is one of the most extensively modeled physicochemical property since the difficulty of experimentally determine its value, and also because it is directly related with ADMET properties [4] [7] . This property is traditionally expressed in terms of the logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient (logP). QSAR methods developed by computer means are commonly named as in silico methods. These in silico methods, clearly cheaper than in vitro experiments, allow to examine thousands of molecules in shorter time and without the necessity of intensive laboratory work. Although in silico methods are not pretended to replace high-quality experiments at least in the short term, some computer methods have demonstrated to obtain as good accuracy as well-established experimental methods [8] . Moreover, one of the most important features of this approach is that a candidate drug (or a whole library) can be tested before being synthesized. Due to the gains in saved labour time, in silico predictions considerably help to reduce the large percentage of leads that fail in later stages of their development, and to avoid the amount of time and money invested in compounds that will not be successful.

In this context, hydrophobicity is one of the most extensively modeled physicochemical property since the difficulty of experimentally determine its value, and also because it is directly related with ADMET properties.

Although in silico methods are not pretended to replace high-quality experiments at least in the short term, some computer methods have demonstrated to obtain as good accuracy as well-established experimental methods.


Visuals combined with verbal narration demonstratively enhance learning (Mayer, 2002) . Traditionally, radio played a major role in delivering information to rural areas in Africa (Chapman, Blench, Kranjac-Berisavljevic, & Zakariah, 2003; del Castello, 2002) . Today, the Internet has revolutionized access to information even for people living in rural areas. Mobile phone technology similarly has the potential to secure itself as the key player in the area of extension information. This stands in contrast to other forms of educating farmers, such as extension learning presentations in villages, which can be costly due to resources, as well as travel time and distance for extension agents (Ramamritham, Bahuman, Duttagupta, Bahuman, & Balasundaram, 2006) .

Visuals combined with verbal narration demonstratively enhance learning.

Traditionally, radio played a major role in delivering information to rural areas in Africa.

This stands in contrast to other forms of educating farmers, such as extension learning presentations in villages, which can be costly due to resources, as well as travel time and distance for extension agents.


In Benin, an added challenge is its 55 spoken languages (Lewis, Simons, & Fennig, 2015) . To supply needed extension materials in many, much less all, of these languages quickly becomes cost-prohibitive, and assumes reading-literacy as well in its recipients. Such materials, in addition, need to be in a format usable across a myriad of cultural groups and levels of access.

In Benin, an added challenge is its 55 spoken languages.


It is well known that excessive adsorption and accumulation of certain pollutants can influence the growth and metabolism of native plants [15, 16] . A traditional method to recognize and evaluate soil pollution is by examining the morphological variations of plant indicators caused by soil pollution, which are sensitive to the presence of certain pollutants. Although the level of soil pollution could only be qualitatively evaluated using plant indicators, it is more convenient and economic compared with direct methods by analysis of pollutants in soil. However, the use of plant indicators for soil pollution can be limited for some reasons. Firstly, because the plant species in an area can be influenced by many factors, such as geographical and climatic conditions, usually it is not ready to have a well-studied and suitable plant indicator in certain areas. Secondly, in some seriously polluted areas, the plants sensitive to soil pollution would perish and be gradually replaced with the dominant species, which have adapted to the pollution and whose morphological changes are not significant enough to be exactly recognized by the naked eye. Therefore, rather than examining the plants by the naked eye, it is more reasonable and reliable to characterize the changes in chemical compositions of polluted plants using instrumental techniques.

It is well known that excessive adsorption and accumulation of certain pollutants can influence the growth and metabolism of native plants.


Based on above analysis, this paper presents an optimization model to learn the structure of Bayesian classifier, which inspired by constraint-based Bayesian network structure learning method. It is the first time that a problem of structural learning for a Bayesian classifier is transformed into its related mathematical programming problem by defining objective function and feasible region. And, we also propose a new method to measure the dependent relationships between attributes. The theoretical basis of this method is established by Theorem 1 [24] .

The theoretical basis of this method is established by Theorem 1.


A circular economy is based on the principle of maintaining the value of products, materials and resources as long as possible, minimizing waste and resource use [1] . At the end of its life, a product can be recovered to create further value [2] . Biogas is the product of anaerobic digestion beginning from several feedstocks, such as agricultural residues (e.g., manure and crop residues), energy crops, organic-rich waste waters, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (ofmsw) and industrial organic waste [3] .

A circular economy is based on the principle of maintaining the value of products, materials and resources as long as possible, minimizing waste and resource use.

At the end of its life, a product can be recovered to create further value.

Biogas is the product of anaerobic digestion beginning from several feedstocks, such as agricultural residues (e.g., manure and crop residues), energy crops, organic-rich waste waters, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (ofmsw) and industrial organic waste.


Italy presents a strong contradiction. This country has the highest number of NGVs in the global context (about equal to 950,000 units), and the number of biogas plants is very significant. In addition, the production of natural gas is very low, and consequently, Italy depends on foreign imports. Biomethane can be a valid solution, but its use is very limited [13] . This paper tries to offer new discussion items useful to researchers, firms and public administrators.

Italy presents a strong contradiction.

Biomethane can be a valid solution, but its use is very limited.


In fact, the economic impact of upgrading can be evaluated varying the quantity of biogas processed and the technology used [29] . The biomethane cost of production is 0.54 €/m 3 injected into the grid and 0.73 €/m 3 as transportation fuel [30] . The discounted total cost for the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (ofmsw) substrate varies from 0.46-0.82 €/m 3 , while it is equal to 0.49-0.76 €/m 3 for a mixed substrate (maize and manure residues) [13] .

In fact, the economic impact of upgrading can be evaluated varying the quantity of biogas processed and the technology used.

The biomethane cost of production is 0.54 €/m 3 injected into the grid and 0.73 €/m 3 as transportation fuel.

The discounted total cost for the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (ofmsw) substrate varies from 0.46-0.82 €/m 3 , while it is equal to 0.49-0.76 €/m 3 for a mixed substrate (maize and manure residues).


The great challenges of climate change have increased the propensity towards sustainable choices. The automotive sector is characterized by new solutions from cradle to grave [33] . The substitution of fossil fuels with renewable sources is a choice adopted by several governments. Biomethane permits a reduction of emissions as defined in Section 1, while the economic opportunities are verified for some sizes and substrates.

The automotive sector is characterized by new solutions from cradle to grave.


Biomethane has properties potentially equivalent to methane and can be used directly as vehicle fuel, or be injected into the natural gas grid, or be converted into electricity and heat in cogeneration units [8] . Current technologies of biomethane consume less than about 20% of biogas energy for upgrading and compression aims [9] . A review of this topic underlines innovative and highly effective technologies along the whole chain of biomethane production [10] . Among several feedstocks used, the application of a multi-criteria analysis underlines the advantageous linked to the use of organic waste [11] . A comprehensive analysis of agricultural waste highlights also its strategic role in a circular economy model [12] . Biomethane has properties potentially equivalent to methane and can be used directly as vehicle fuel, or be injected into the natural gas grid, or be converted into electricity and heat in cogeneration units [17] . Current technologies of biomethane consume less than about 20% of biogas energy for upgrading and compression aims [18] . A review of this topic underlines innovative and highly effective technologies along the whole chain of biomethane production [19] . Among several feedstocks used, the application of a multi-criteria analysis underlines the advantageous linked to the use of organic waste [20] . A comprehensive analysis of agricultural waste highlights also its strategic role in a circular economy model [21] .

Biomethane has properties potentially equivalent to methane and can be used directly as vehicle fuel, or be injected into the natural gas grid, or be converted into electricity and heat in cogeneration units.

Current technologies of biomethane consume less than about 20% of biogas energy for upgrading and compression aims.

A review of this topic underlines innovative and highly effective technologies along the whole chain of biomethane production.

Among several feedstocks used, the application of a multi-criteria analysis underlines the advantageous linked to the use of organic waste.

A comprehensive analysis of agricultural waste highlights also its strategic role in a circular economy model.


Due to the delicate hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of PNIPA, any interaction that influences this balance directly or indirectly may result in a shift in the phase transition temperature. In spite of the wide range of studies aiming the subject, no simple relationship was found between the response of PNIPA and the structure of the interacting small molecule [5, [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] . The three probe molecules investigated here have very different influence not only on the swelling properties of PNIPA hydrogel but also on its thermal response when confined in the dry gel. Phenol only slightly reduces the decomposition temperature of the gel, but the elongated collective release of phenol and water confirms that the interaction between PNIPA and phenol might be mediated by the retained water molecules. Nevertheless, the strength of interaction between the water and the phenol seems to be stronger than that between phenol and PNIPA. The degradation peak of the polymer decreases by more than 30°C. A possible explanation is that the surface area of the porous gel remaining after the ''evaporation'' of water and phenol is larger. It is very probable that no phenol remains in the gel at higher temperatures. This can be concluded from the comparison of the corresponding residues at 650°C. Phenol adsorbed on porous carbon is withheld on the surface, and its pyrolyzed form increases the mass of the residual carbon considerably even above 900°C [28] . No such effect was observed here. Ibuprofen, although its effect in swollen state is very moderate, modifies the PNIPA signal the most. Instead of detecting responses in the mixed system around the temperatures characteristic to the individual components, the degradation DTG peaks of both the polymer and ibuprofen ''disappear'' and a single peak appears at significantly lower temperature. The shift is 60°C for the polymer and exceeds 100°C for the probe molecule. The reduced amount of residue at 650°C corroborates that all these observations may be related to a strong interaction that survives even elevated temperatures. Independent measurements are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

In spite of the wide range of studies aiming the subject, no simple relationship was found between the response of PNIPA and the structure of the interacting small molecule.

Phenol adsorbed on porous carbon is withheld on the surface, and its pyrolyzed form increases the mass of the residual carbon considerably even above 900°C.

No such effect was observed here.


Phenol is a pollutant generated in industrial processes such as paper manufacturing and in the production of dyes, resins, plastics, pharmaceuticals, etc. It is a toxic molecule that accumulates in the environment. Phenol is frequently used as a model for various drug molecules with substituted aromatic rings, such as tyrosine [11] . PNIPA exhibits a concentration-dependent response in the presence of phenols [6, 7] . Binding of phenol to PNIPA is mediated by hydrogen bonding between the amide group of the NIPA chain and the hydroxyl group of the phenol molecule [11] . The associative behavior between phenol and PNIPA was also proved by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and solid-state NMR techniques [5, 8] . Based on these interactions, PNIPA is a potential candidate as a phenol sensor or actuator.

Phenol is frequently used as a model for various drug molecules with substituted aromatic rings, such as tyrosine.

PNIPA exhibits a concentration-dependent response in the presence of phenols.

Binding of phenol to PNIPA is mediated by hydrogen bonding between the amide group of the NIPA chain and the hydroxyl group of the phenol molecule.

The associative behavior between phenol and PNIPA was also proved by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and solid-state NMR techniques.


Ibuprofen (2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-propionic acid) is a hydrophobic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is usually commercialized as (R,S)-(±)-ibuprofen sodium salt. The S enantiomer of ibuprofen is the active agent. The R enantiomer can be partially converted into (S)-(?)-ibuprofen in humans. Racemic ibuprofen displays polymorphism. The gamma form (where R and S enantiomers are crystallized into segregated particles containing either pure R or pure S enantiomer) is thermodynamically stable. Its alpha and beta forms, where R and S enantiomers crystallize in a joint lattice, are metastable. Controlled release experiments with various polymers revealed that the more hydrophobic the gel matrix is, the stronger the interaction between ibuprofen and the gel is [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] . Ibuprofen interacts with PNIPA via hydrogen bonding when its carboxylic group binds either to the carbonyl oxygen or to the nitrogen atoms of the polymer chain in aqueous solution [15] . Dopamine (4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol) is a neurotransmitter present in the brain and the nervous system. Abnormal levels of dopamine may result in Parkinson's disease and mental disorders [17] . In PNIPA gels, it has a solvent quality improving effect and slightly increases the VPT temperature. However, no phase transition occurs even at internal concentrations as high as 1 M [10] . Previous studies including two-dimensional 1 H solid-state NMR combined with rotation and multiple-pulse spectroscopy (CRAMPS) techniques showed no association with the polymer chains [9] .

Controlled release experiments with various polymers revealed that the more hydrophobic the gel matrix is, the stronger the interaction between ibuprofen and the gel is.

Ibuprofen interacts with PNIPA via hydrogen bonding when its carboxylic group binds either to the carbonyl oxygen or to the nitrogen atoms of the polymer chain in aqueous solution.

Abnormal levels of dopamine may result in Parkinson's disease and mental disorders.

However, no phase transition occurs even at internal concentrations as high as 1 M.

Previous studies including two-dimensional 1 H solid-state NMR combined with rotation and multiple-pulse spectroscopy (CRAMPS) techniques showed no association with the polymer chains.