A wide range of drugs can be incorporated directly into different sizes or types of fibers for site-specific drug delivery [16] . In our study, we targeted paclitaxel as the model for the drug effect on fiber morphology and drug release studies. Paclitaxel is a lipophilic/hydrophobic drug which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America (FDA) for use as an anti-tumor agent for many cancers including ovarian, breast, and nonsmall cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia and melanoma [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] . However, current formulations used to deliver paclitaxel in the human body may cause several side effects such as hypersensitivity reaction, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity [22] . Our aim was therefore to develop PHA-based nanofibers for paclitaxel accommodation and delivery to serve as an alternative approach to overcome the abovementioned problems.

A wide range of drugs can be incorporated directly into different sizes or types of fibers for site-specific drug delivery.

Paclitaxel is a lipophilic/hydrophobic drug which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America (FDA) for use as an anti-tumor agent for many cancers including ovarian, breast, and nonsmall cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia and melanoma.

However, current formulations used to deliver paclitaxel in the human body may cause several side effects such as hypersensitivity reaction, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.


This shift towards preventative health care has resulted in a growing interest in home-based assisted living technologies, designed for and with older adults [6] , [14] . These include a broad spectrum: from remote health monitoring, electronic sensors and equipment such as fall detectors and bed alerts, to information and communication technologies (ICT) and environmental control systems (ECS). There has been a surge in the design of technology-based wellness applications that support people in actively monitoring their wellbeing, largely due to the wide availability of smart phones embedded with powerful sensors [15] , [20] . Such applications promote wellbeing by providing the individual with some level of feedback based on collected data. However, there are issues with the majority of the technologies described above. Often they are not designed with older adults in mind, and critically, any data collected is typically sent to carers or clinicians rather than to the older adult themselves. Thus, little is known about how older adults might self-manage their own wellbeing and what might motivate them to do so. This paper describes YourWellness, an iPad application designed to support older adults in self-reporting on their wellbeing and to provide feedback on such, in terms of showing an overview of an individual's wellbeing, trends of their data over time and information and education on how to maintain or return to a healthy state of being. The overall aim of the application is to provide a holistic approach to wellbeing self-management. While incidences of chronic illness are high in older adults, and while monitoring of physiological symptoms is important, what is often ignored are the associated health issues, such as effects on mood, social interactions, physical activity or sleep.

This shift towards preventative health care has resulted in a growing interest in home-based assisted living technologies, designed for and with older adults.

There has been a surge in the design of technology-based wellness applications that support people in actively monitoring their wellbeing, largely due to the wide availability of smart phones embedded with powerful sensors.


REV is immunologically, morphologically and structurally distinct from the leukemia/sarcoma group. REV can cause acute reticular cell neoplasia, chronic neoplasia of lymphoid tissues and other organs, immunosuppression and runting disease syndrome in domestic poultry as well as other avian species. However, natural outbreaks of REV in commercial poultry are rare [7] .

However, natural outbreaks of REV in commercial poultry are rare.


A different approach introduces fuzzy sets for outlier detection (Aliosmanoglu and Akyilmaz 2001; Wieser 2001) . The set of outliers is considered as a fuzzy set and the membership function is derived from the difference between test statistic and critical value. Also, here improved critical values of the test statistic would be needed.

A different approach introduces fuzzy sets for outlier detection.


The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women is currently highly controversial, in particular with regard to the possibly increased incidence of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease [1] . In addition, there has been some suggestion that combined oestrogen-progesterone therapy may actually increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease if initiated at age 65 or older [2] . This paper reports the first study to systematically evaluate the effects on episodic learning and memory of unopposed-oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in women either possessing or lacking the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. APOE ε4 is thought to predispose individuals to the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) [3] [4] [5] . Perhaps independently, APOE ε4 may be an important factor in modulating normal age-related cognitive change [6] . Furthermore, APOE ε4 has been suggested to confer a higher risk for AD in women (in whom there is a higher overall incidence of AD) compared to men [7] [8] [9] .

The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women is currently highly controversial, in particular with regard to the possibly increased incidence of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

In addition, there has been some suggestion that combined oestrogen-progesterone therapy may actually increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease if initiated at age 65 or older.

APOE ε4 is thought to predispose individuals to the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Perhaps independently, APOE ε4 may be an important factor in modulating normal age-related cognitive change.

Furthermore, APOE ε4 has been suggested to confer a higher risk for AD in women (in whom there is a higher overall incidence of AD) compared to men.


This is the first clinical study in the literature to explore systematically the interaction between oestrogen administration and APOE genotype on specific elements of learning and memory in healthy postmenopausal women. Improvements relative to age and education-matched controls have previously been observed following oestrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women on tests of learning and memory [14, 15] . However, the interaction of this phenomenon with the APOE ε4 allele has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The study revealed that, within a modestly sized cohort of postmenopausal women, specific components of episodic learning and memory were affected by ERT and genetic status. More specifically, oestrogen and APOE ε4 status impacted upon verbal episodic memory, with the best memory performance being observed in women receiving ERT who were APOE ε4 negative.

Improvements relative to age and education-matched controls have previously been observed following oestrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women on tests of learning and memory.


To enhance interactions with the real world, augmented reality (AR) displays are designed to combine computer-generated elements with real-world elements. One of the most intriguing applications of AR is the notion of ''X-ray vision,'' denoting the ability to virtually ''see through'' a real surface to present information that is not otherwise visible to the user (Livingston, Dey, Sandor, & Thomas, 2013) . In contrast to most AR applications, which involve superimposing computer-generated images onto real surfaces, the present context involves adding images beneath, or behind, real surfaces.

One of the most intriguing applications of AR is the notion of ''X-ray vision,'' denoting the ability to virtually ''see through'' a real surface to present information that is not otherwise visible to the user.


Modern optimizing compilers can perform a series of transformation passes (typically in the form of peephole optimizations) to simplify logical operations [6, 16] . For example, algebraic simplifications and reassociation can be applied to Boolean and structure bit-field types using logical computation properties. Constant folding evaluates constant expressions at compile time and replaces variable references with constants. One of the main characteristics of these techniques is that they manipulate operands mainly at byte/word level and rarely analyze bit-value flow information. This is usually sufficient when the target is a general-purpose microprocessor. However, for application-specific hardware implementations, we may miss many important optimization opportunities that potentially lead to better solutions, especially for bitwise computation-intensive applications.

Modern optimizing compilers can perform a series of transformation passes (typically in the form of peephole optimizations) to simplify logical operations.


Photodynamic therapy is a recent technology wherein a photosensitising agent (WST11) is administered intravenously, then activated by light to induce tumour necrosis. The light is applied using laser optical fibres positioned within the prostate as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) planning. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, in the dark. Hollow, transparent, plastic brachytherapy catheters were positioned into the prostate, using TRUS-image guidance in accordance with a previously devised MRI-based treatment plan (Fig. 1) . Cylindrically diffusing optical fibres were inserted into the catheters. Laser light was delivered to the prostate, using a multichannel diode laser. The single TOOKAD Soluble intravenous (i.v.) dose was a 10-min infusion, followed by continuous illumination of the prostate gland for between 20 and 25 min. The total duration of the whole procedure was~2 h. The light activates the photosensitiser in the prostate, generating reactive oxygen species that activate thrombosis within the vessels. This results in obliteration of the microvessel anatomy with resultant deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to the tumour cells and surrounding prostate tissue in the treated area [6] [7] [8] . An optimal radius of 6.5 mm is expected around a 753-nm laser fibre [9] . The treatment appears promising for localised prostate cancer and benefits from a reasonably low rate of complications [10] . Currently, MRI is the reference imaging technique Fig. 1 Procedure performed under general anaesthesia, in the darkness (a). Catheters were positioned into the prostate, using TRUS-image guidance in accordance with a previously devised MRI-based treatment plan. Cylindrically diffusing optical fibres were inserted into the catheters (b) Fig. 2 Pre-treatment MRI of a 65-year-old patient with a PSA level of 9.7 ng/ml and a positive biopsy in the right prostate apex (adenocarcinoma Gleason 6). Axial and sagittal T2-weighted images (a, b) show a hypointense nodule in the right peripheral prostate with restriction on the apparent diffusion coefficient map of the diffusion-weighted image (c, low signal intensity) and early enhancement on the axial dynamic contrast-enhanced MR image (d, arrowhead) for the diagnosis of disease and follow-up after local treatment [11] [12] [13] .

This results in obliteration of the microvessel anatomy with resultant deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to the tumour cells and surrounding prostate tissue in the treated area.

An optimal radius of 6.5 mm is expected around a 753-nm laser fibre.

The treatment appears promising for localised prostate cancer and benefits from a reasonably low rate of complications.

Axial and sagittal T2-weighted images (a, b) show a hypointense nodule in the right peripheral prostate with restriction on the apparent diffusion coefficient map of the diffusion-weighted image (c, low signal intensity) and early enhancement on the axial dynamic contrast-enhanced MR image (d, arrowhead) for the diagnosis of disease and follow-up after local treatment.


The Drucker-Prager and Mohr-Coulomb models are amongst the most widely used simple pressure-sensitive perfect plasticity formulations in geomechanics. However, they fail to incorporate both the Lode angle and intermediate principal stress dependency typically seen in geomaterials. This omission has been shown by others to lead to errors in finite-element simulations [2] . Many constitutive models now include such dependencies, but the algebraic expressions describing those formulations are relatively complex. This necessitates iterative numerical schemes to integrate the stresses. This can present a significant computational burden when undertaking detailed 2D and 3D analyses.

This omission has been shown by others to lead to errors in finite-element simulations.


The relative densities of the sintered specimens were measured by the Archimedes alcohol immersion method and revealed values of 91.5%, 96.2% and 94.3% for W-15Cu, W-30Cu, and W-40Cu, respectively. These results agree with the ones published by other authors for W-Cu composites produced by the powder injection moulding (relative density of 95.58% with 20% Cu content [28] ). However, they are slightly lower than the ones obtained via microwave infiltration sintering method (relative density of 98.87% with 20% Cu content) [29] . However, most researchers have reported the same tendency: with an increasing Cu fraction, internal pores infiltration and Cu migration becomes easier, which makes it easier to fill the pores inside the composite. This increases the density of the final product.

These results agree with the ones published by other authors for W-Cu composites produced by the powder injection moulding (relative density of 95.58% with 20% Cu content).

However, they are slightly lower than the ones obtained via microwave infiltration sintering method (relative density of 98.87% with 20% Cu content).


For studies of mobile large wildlife in remote areas, logistical difficulties and the high cost of tracking animals using conventional VHF radio telemetry, plus the low likelihood of resighting tagged animals, make satellite telemetry an attractive alternative. At the outset of this study, satellite telemetry of wildlife was in its infancy (Harris et al., 1990) . The study was conceived as a pilot study for a similar study on kangaroos, now in progress. The idea was to test the equipment and come to terms with the logistics by following the movements of two feral camels in central Australia.

At the outset of this study, satellite telemetry of wildlife was in its infancy.


In our recent research, it was found that CuMoO4 ceramic attained high density (96 %) with a moderately low sintering temperature of 650 o C. It exhibits excellent microwave and thermal properties with the relative permittivity (r) of 8, quality factor (Qf) of 53 000 GHz, temperature coefficient of relative permittivity ( ) = 63 ppm/C and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (f) = -36 ppm/C at 12.7 GHz. Moreover, CuMoO4 showed low coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.6 ppm/C, which is close to semiconductor silicon (4 ppm/ o C) forming an additional advantage in the case of device level integration [43] . In addition to this, CuMoO4 is also reported as a thermochromic and piezochromic ceramic as it displays a distinct reversible change in colour at around 200 K at ambient pressure and room temperature for a pressure of 250 MPa due to the structural rearrangement leading two distinct allotropic forms of α and γ [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] . Such chromic materials can find applications as user-friendly temperature and pressure indicators especially in safety improvement, medical, shock detector and packaging, etc. However even lower sintering temperature would be beneficial for decreasing the fabrication cost, saving energy and enabling seamless integration with temperature sensitive components and substrates. Hence, the present research focus on an attempt to lower its sintering temperature by using Ag2O. Ag2O was chosen due to its low melting point and has been successfully used earlier as a sintering aid in reducing the sintering temperature for ceramics like SrBi2Nb2O9 and Pb(ZrTi)O3 [51] [52] [53] . Ag2O owing to its low decomposition temperature can results in obtaining a low melting compound on reaction of Ag with CuMoO4. Hence can reduce the sintering temperature of CuMoO4 as compounds having silver molybdates are reported to exhibit low sintering temperature with good dielectric properties [26, 54, 55] . By combining these two ingredients, we anticipate in obtaining a composite of ultra-low sintering temperature with feasible dielectric and thermal properties. The effect of Ag2O addition on densification of CuMoO4 is studied along with related structural and dielectric properties investigations. Furthermore, the compatibility of Al as an electrode material for Ag2O modified CuMoO4 is studied which is more specifically suitable for cost effective microwave applications.

Moreover, CuMoO4 showed low coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.6 ppm/C, which is close to semiconductor silicon (4 ppm/ o C) forming an additional advantage in the case of device level integration.

In addition to this, CuMoO4 is also reported as a thermochromic and piezochromic ceramic as it displays a distinct reversible change in colour at around 200 K at ambient pressure and room temperature for a pressure of 250 MPa due to the structural rearrangement leading two distinct allotropic forms of α and γ.

Ag2O was chosen due to its low melting point and has been successfully used earlier as a sintering aid in reducing the sintering temperature for ceramics like SrBi2Nb2O9 and Pb(ZrTi)O3.

Hence can reduce the sintering temperature of CuMoO4 as compounds having silver molybdates are reported to exhibit low sintering temperature with good dielectric properties.


The objective of the present paper is to give an insight into the validity and reliability of computed results in comparison with measured ones for oscillating turbine cascades operating at different incidence flow angles. The experimental investigations were performed in the annular test facility at EPF-Lausanne, where unsteady blade pressures were measured in oscillating turbine cascades at design and off-design conditions. The corresponding theoretical results were computed with the 2D Euler code mentioned above, which was developed by Carstens [11] . Experimental and computational results of unsteady pressure and aerodynamic damping coefficients are presented for two different test cascades operating at moderate (design case) and high (off-design case) steady-state incidence flow angles. These results are investigated with respect to the aerodynamic stability of the cascades.

The corresponding theoretical results were computed with the 2D Euler code mentioned above, which was developed by Carstens.


Tissue engineering has great potential to provide clinical replacements for damaged or diseased tissue, as an alternative to existing therapies such as artificial implants and donor organs. It could help to overcome the significant current limitations such as the chronic shortage of donor tissue, and limited lifespan and lack of biocompatibility of synthetic joints [1] . Additional advantages over present approaches include reduced risk of infection or rejection by the patient's body [2] . However, progress to date has been hindered by the immense cost associated with the technique, preventing scale up for clinical use. Furthermore, the sensitivity of cells to their surrounding environment, and the vast range of cell types under consideration, mean that no one method will work for every application. Instead, optimal bioreactor design and operating conditions must be determined separately for each tissue type [3, 4] .

It could help to overcome the significant current limitations such as the chronic shortage of donor tissue, and limited lifespan and lack of biocompatibility of synthetic joints.

Additional advantages over present approaches include reduced risk of infection or rejection by the patient's body.

Instead, optimal bioreactor design and operating conditions must be determined separately for each tissue type.


The chickens were fed ad libitum using feed mixtures with animal protein (C) or amaranth supplements (AP, AC, AB) in two phases, from day 1 to day 21 of age, and from day 22 to day 42 of age. The feed mixtures used were in compliance with nutrient requirements of broiler chickens (Zelenka et al., 1999) . Their composition is shown in Table 1 .

The feed mixtures used were in compliance with nutrient requirements of broiler chickens.

Their composition is shown in Table 1 .


The content of crude protein was 172.5, 166.0 and 113.2 g/kg in AP, AC and AB, respectively. The corresponding contents of fat were 53.5, 71.5 and 33.5 g/kg. The contents of NDF were 99.9, 87.5 and 292.6 g/kg; those of ADF were 58.4, 62.1 and 271.9 g/kg. No lignin was found in any of the amaranth products used ( Table 1) . The results are in accordance with the data reported by several authors (Carlsson, 1979; Vetter, 1994; Dodok et al., 1997; Andrasofszky et al., 1998) .

The results are in accordance with the data reported by several authors.


Cumulative incidence risk by birth cohort was estimated to increase from 0.3 percent for birth cohort 1,902 to 48 in 1999 in males and it will increase from 0.2 to 24 percent in females (Figure 3 Period Sex IAAPC (95% cl) PAAPC (95% cl) MAAPC (95% CI) male 6.4 (6.3 6.6) 6.8 (6.7 6.9) 6.4 (6.3 6.6) 2001-2010 female 5.9 (5.7 6.1) 5.8 (5.6 5.9) 5.9 (5.5 6.2) male 6.3 (5.9 6.8) 6.5 (6.0 6.9) 6.3 (5.8 6.8) 2010-2020 female 5.8 (4.8 6.9) 5.8 (5.1 6.5) 5.8 (4.7 6.9) great changes in the lifestyle such as high calorie foods intake, lack of physical activity, smoking habits, socio economic factors, and population aging (Lieberman, 2003; Rodgers et al., 2004; Stuckler, 2008) . In 2020, there will be 3,557 new digestive cancer cases that need to be treated for the first time and 2289 cases will die, so it requires to stop medical cares. Approximately, 15,699 patients with gastrointestinal cancer will be diagnosed up to 2020, and therefore, the health care system will be faced with a highly demanded resource.

Cumulative incidence risk by birth cohort was estimated to increase from 0.3 percent for birth cohort 1,902 to 48 in 1999 in males and it will increase from 0.2 to 24 percent in females (Figure 3 Period Sex IAAPC (95% cl) PAAPC (95% cl) MAAPC (95% CI) male 6.4 (6.3 6.6) 6.8 (6.7 6.9) 6.4 (6.3 6.6) 2001-2010 female 5.9 (5.7 6.1) 5.8 (5.6 5.9) 5.9 (5.5 6.2) male 6.3 (5.9 6.8) 6.5 (6.0 6.9) 6.3 (5.8 6.8) 2010-2020 female 5.8 (4.8 6.9) 5.8 (5.1 6.5) 5.8 (4.7 6.9) great changes in the lifestyle such as high calorie foods intake, lack of physical activity, smoking habits, socio economic factors, and population aging.


In urban planning and design centrality -though under different terms like "accessibility", "proximity", "integration", "connectivity", "cost", "effort" -has entered the scene stressing the idea that some places (or streets) are more important than others because they are more central [6] . A pioneering discussion of centrality in the analysis of spatial systems has been successfully operated after Hillier and Hanson seminal work on cities since the mid Eighties [7] . Space Syntax, the related methodology of urban analysis, has been raising growing evidence of the correlation between the level of "integration" of urban spaces -a closeness centrality in all respects -and phenomena as diverse as crime rates, pedestrian and vehicular flows, retail commerce vitality and human wayfinding capacity [8] . However, the Space Syntax approach is profoundly different from most previous uses of networks in geographic space, i.e. in transportation and land use planning or economic geography: in fact, while in those studies the urban pattern is subjected to a primal translation in a graph, where streets are turned into edges and intersections into nodes, Space Syntax follows the dual representation where streets are turned into nodes and intersections into edges. This dual character leads Space Syntax to the abandonment of metric distance (one street is one point no matter its real length) -which, conversely, was the core of those territorial studies -and to actually reach the topologic world of non geographic systems. Moreover, the Space Syntax analysis is mainly based on just one centrality index, called "integration", which can be used only in association with a generalization model in order to minimize the so called "edge-effect", a typical distortion of the spatial distribution of centrality values that groups higher scores around the centre of the image no matter the actual configuration of the network [9, 10] .

In urban planning and design centrality -though under different terms like "accessibility", "proximity", "integration", "connectivity", "cost", "effort" -has entered the scene stressing the idea that some places (or streets) are more important than others because they are more central.

A pioneering discussion of centrality in the analysis of spatial systems has been successfully operated after Hillier and Hanson seminal work on cities since the mid Eighties.

Space Syntax, the related methodology of urban analysis, has been raising growing evidence of the correlation between the level of "integration" of urban spaces -a closeness centrality in all respects -and phenomena as diverse as crime rates, pedestrian and vehicular flows, retail commerce vitality and human wayfinding capacity.

Moreover, the Space Syntax analysis is mainly based on just one centrality index, called "integration", which can be used only in association with a generalization model in order to minimize the so called "edge-effect", a typical distortion of the spatial distribution of centrality values that groups higher scores around the centre of the image no matter the actual configuration of the network.


The variety of nanoparticle constructs clearly offers an opportunity for optimization of sensitivity and optical response that is lacking for conventional, flat surface, SPR sensors. An added strength is the possibility to optimize for surface-enhanced spectroscopic analysis, such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with sensitivity approaching the single-molecule limit [9, 10] . Due to the large number of possibilities, it is clearly desirable to have accurate models for the optical properties and response of different SPR sensors. Such models would allow researchers to optimize and evaluate various sensor concepts prior to experiment. The challenge is to solve Maxwell's equations for realistic boundary conditions, electromagnetic environments, nanoparticle shapes and interactions.

An added strength is the possibility to optimize for surface-enhanced spectroscopic analysis, such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with sensitivity approaching the single-molecule limit.


Our results indicate that buyers prefer a delicate balance of proximity to the amenities found in small population centers and being close to forests and lakes. Since the HIM has a stronger impact on property values than the IBI, it is likely that other components of the HIM (i.e., proximity to lakes infected by invasive species, potential for acid rain, proximity to other parcels that have structures, and road density) play a significant role. This conclusion is consistent with prior studies that found that the presence of invasive species in the nearest lake decreased property values by as much as 9 percent and that potential for acid rain was a significant factor affecting property values in the Adirondack Park (Tuttle and Heintzelman 2013) .

This conclusion is consistent with prior studies that found that the presence of invasive species in the nearest lake decreased property values by as much as 9 percent and that potential for acid rain was a significant factor affecting property values in the Adirondack Park.


We used a local-area fixed-effects hedonic pricing model to assess the impacts of land use regulation and ecological amenities on private property values in the Adirondack Park. The hedonic pricing method is a common revealedpreference approach to valuing environmental and other amenities. A number of empirical issues are common in hedonic modeling, including omitted variable bias, simultaneity, and spatial dependence and autocorrelation (Gujarati and Porter 2010) . The local-area fixed-effects approach mitigates these problems.

A number of empirical issues are common in hedonic modeling, including omitted variable bias, simultaneity, and spatial dependence and autocorrelation.


In this paper, we apply the new DYNAMO approach to the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) trial S9916, which compared mitoxantrone plus prednisone and docetaxel plus estramustine for men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) [4] . No conclusive evidence for significant differences in the primary HRQL endpoints (pain palliation and global HRQL [GHRQL]) was found [5] . The trial design, therapeutic results, and HRQL analyses are described below.

In this paper, we apply the new DYNAMO approach to the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) trial S9916, which compared mitoxantrone plus prednisone and docetaxel plus estramustine for men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

No conclusive evidence for significant differences in the primary HRQL endpoints (pain palliation and global HRQL [GHRQL]) was found.


Quantifying the population-level effects of hypoxia on coastal fish species has been challenging. Fish populations exhibit complex dynamics that are not easily attributed to a single factor (Rose 2000) . Many coastal fish populations live tens of years and their life stages use different habitats. This results in individuals being affected by a multitude of environmental and Communicated by Dennis Swaney biological factors, whose influence can vary within years (e.g., seasonally) and among years (interannual). Quantifying population-level effects of hypoxia is further complicated by the stressor itself (low dissolved oxygen (DO)) varying spatially and temporally, and combined with fish movement patterns, resulting in difficulties in determining time-dependent exposures of individuals in the field. Also, while very low DO undoubtedly results in mortality of individuals, most fish attempt to avoid lethal DO levels, and thus, the realized effects of low DO depend on realistic modeling of behavior and dealing with sublethal (e.g., growth) and indirect effects (e.g., displacement to poorer habitat). This same suite of issues creates challenges in quantifying population responses to hypoxia whether the analysis is based on long-term monitoring data or modeling ).

Fish populations exhibit complex dynamics that are not easily attributed to a single factor.


Due to the inclusion criteria of the underlying study, the cause for the care-receivers' dependency on caregiving was limited to mild or moderate dementia. Another limitation of this study is that the sample was not representative of all family caregivers in Germany. The data used in this validation study were the outcome of a study ("the IDA project") that was constructed for a purpose other than the validation of the BSFC-s. A limitation of this work is that the convergent validity cannot be verified because there was only one single measure applied to assess the subjective burden of the caregivers, the BSFC-s. Some of the data used in this validation were assessed by CATI with the family caregivers. Therefore, an observation bias by family caregivers cannot be excluded. Further research is required to determine the test-retest reliability of the BSFC-s. Moreover, the applicability of the BSFC-s should be evaluated not only for the care of the elderly, but also for other populations such as the caretaking of children by a parent. A valid classification system denoting low, moderate, and high burden would be useful for the interpretation of the score. The extent of physical symptoms would provide a suitable criterion for this classification. The original version of the BSFC revealed a significant association between total subjective caregiver burden and the extent of physical symptoms [15] .

The original version of the BSFC revealed a significant association between total subjective caregiver burden and the extent of physical symptoms.


High average power lasers are needed to increase the processing speed in industrial applications and to increase the signal-to-noise ratio in many scientific applications. Typically, the output of a weak oscillator is increased in a single or multiple amplifiers, which is denoted as the master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA). In short-pulse laser systems, the chirped pulse amplification (CPA) is utilized, where the MOPA procedure involves stretching the pulses prior to the amplification and a subsequent compression of amplified pulses [1] . In recent years, the number of diode-pumped solid state lasers has dramatically increased thanks to their high efficiency, reliability, flexibility and compactness [2] . Increasing the average power of lasers needs active laser media with a low quantum defect, efficient heat removal and good overlap between their absorption line and pump radiation. In short-pulse high average power lasers, the popular Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) active medium has been replaced by Yb:YAG (ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet). Compared to the Nd:YAG, the Yb:YAG has a lower quantum defect and broader emission bandwidth, allowing for the generation of picosecond or even femtosecond pulses. The other Yb-doped materials used in lasers are, e.g., Yb:LuAG (lutetium aluminum garnet), Yb:YLF (yttrium lithium fluoride), Yb:CaF2 (calcium fluoride), Yb:KYW (potassium yttrium tungstate), Yb:KGW (potassium gadolinium tungstate), Yb:CALGO (Yb:CaAlGdO4) and Yb:glass, especially in the form of optical fibers [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] .

In short-pulse laser systems, the chirped pulse amplification (CPA) is utilized, where the MOPA procedure involves stretching the pulses prior to the amplification and a subsequent compression of amplified pulses.

In recent years, the number of diode-pumped solid state lasers has dramatically increased thanks to their high efficiency, reliability, flexibility and compactness.

The other Yb-doped materials used in lasers are, e.g., Yb:LuAG (lutetium aluminum garnet), Yb:YLF (yttrium lithium fluoride), Yb:CaF2 (calcium fluoride), Yb:KYW (potassium yttrium tungstate), Yb:KGW (potassium gadolinium tungstate), Yb:CALGO (Yb:CaAlGdO4) and Yb:glass, especially in the form of optical fibers.


A United Kingdom based online graduate program (The University) uses weekly asynchronous discussions triggered by learner responses to discussion questions as one of their primary methods for online learning (Du, Yu, & Olinzock, 2011) . Discussions are used in every online course taught for the graduate business and information technology programs. Each week, the course faculty will assign Discussion Questions (DQs) from an available list of questions for that week. Students asynchronously post answers to these questions in a weekly discussion area of the online classroom by a stated 'due by' date. These posts are accessed by all the students taking the class to read and reply to as part of the participation requirements. The intent is for the students to demonstrate learning from both developing the original essays and by entering into an exchange of ideas asynchronously for the remainder of the week.

A United Kingdom based online graduate program (The University) uses weekly asynchronous discussions triggered by learner responses to discussion questions as one of their primary methods for online learning.


An opportunity to research the issues arose when the UK University (The University) reviewed all courses to ensure that the course objectives implemented the use of the Bloom's Higher Order Thinking (Choi et al., 2007; Du et al., 2011; Ward, 2011) . This happened as part of refining all Masters of Business and Masters of Information Systems by using verbs that are associated with Bloom's Level 4, 5 and 6 higher order thinking to optimally meet accreditation requirements. The new objectives required learners to demonstrate the ability to go beyond reporting what others have said (level 1, 2 and 3) and rather analyze each of the elements identified in the course objectives and synthesize findings. In order to achieve the new objectives the discussion questions (DQs) needed to require the use of Bloom's level 4 through level 6 thinking. The researchers noted that the current questions did not require the students to exhibit analytical thinking. They further noted that the students were not currently demonstrating the thinking and writing skills to achieve the objectives.

An opportunity to research the issues arose when the UK University (The University) reviewed all courses to ensure that the course objectives implemented the use of the Bloom's Higher Order Thinking.


In this model motion was generated on the basis of muscle contractions (translational movement between the two synchronized cylinders). The result of these simulation combinations are graphs of ideal muscle contractions needed in the state of drinking. However, it is very difficult for a person to reach a prefect process of controlled muscle contractions as the muscle depends on many other factors such as gender, age, and physical or mental condition of the patient. The fact that the prosthesis is being controlled by only two sensors does not provide smooth motion therefore the cocontraction for switching the rotators is needed. The problem could be removed with increased number of sensors, but the patient would be forced to learn how to control a greater amount of muscles and their impact on the prosthesis. For example, if we would use chest muscles, we could extend the choice of controlling the motion in two parts: the chest muscles would deal with the rotation of the wrist and the forearm muscles would deal with the flexion and extension of the fingers. This study is very helpful for the sensor evaluation to improve patient rehabilitation [12] .

This study is very helpful for the sensor evaluation to improve patient rehabilitation.


A growing body of scientists and policy experts argue that N 2 O, the third most important greenhouse gas (GHG) and the most abundantly emitted ozone depleting substance, requires more focused attention from the international policy community [1] [2] [3] . Humanity's ability to produce synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer via the Haber-Bosch process has dramatically increased N concentrations in agricultural soils, bolstering the major biogeochemical processes that produce N 2 O: nitrification (the conversion of ammonium [4] . Agriculture is the dominant source, responsible for two thirds of gross anthropogenic emissions, and the focus of this study [5] .

A growing body of scientists and policy experts argue that N 2 O, the third most important greenhouse gas (GHG) and the most abundantly emitted ozone depleting substance, requires more focused attention from the international policy community.

Humanity's ability to produce synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer via the Haber-Bosch process has dramatically increased N concentrations in agricultural soils, bolstering the major biogeochemical processes that produce N 2 O: nitrification (the conversion of ammonium.

Agriculture is the dominant source, responsible for two thirds of gross anthropogenic emissions, and the focus of this study.


Free seeds harvested from P. pinaster populations with contrasting levels of serotiny responded differently to fire: heavy seeds from the very low serotinous population had much greater resistance to the thermal shocks than the lighter ones from the highly serotinous population. These unexpected findings may be, above all, explained by the distinct reproductive and fire-adaptive strategies of trees predominantly bearing non-serotinous and serotinous cones in these populations (Goubitz et al. 2003) . Seeds enclosed in non-serotinous cones are released annually under warm and dry weather conditions and eventually display prompt germination to withstand competition. In the event of a fire, the discharge of seeds from nonserotinous cones is triggered by heat, causing most of these seeds at the ground surface to end up being killed by the fire (Habrouk et al. 1999) . The seeds retained inside serotinous cones are otherwise protected from high fire-induced temperatures and encounter optimal germination conditions when massively released several days after fire. Where post-fire reforestation programs are developed to assist natural regeneration, selecting the best fire-adapted populations with the optimal serotiny level as seed-provisioning sources may be, therefore, crucial for these fire-prone pine ecosystems to cope with the predicted future, more catastrophic, fire scenarios (Pausas 2015; Pausas et al. 2008) .

These unexpected findings may be, above all, explained by the distinct reproductive and fire-adaptive strategies of trees predominantly bearing non-serotinous and serotinous cones in these populations.

In the event of a fire, the discharge of seeds from nonserotinous cones is triggered by heat, causing most of these seeds at the ground surface to end up being killed by the fire.

Where post-fire reforestation programs are developed to assist natural regeneration, selecting the best fire-adapted populations with the optimal serotiny level as seed-provisioning sources may be, therefore, crucial for these fire-prone pine ecosystems to cope with the predicted future, more catastrophic, fire scenarios.


Flattened affect as a Disintegration modality was partly located on the negative pole of the Emotionality factor (.-40; Table 2 ). This was highly expected, because the low pole of this factor is conceptualized by lack of empathy and detachment from other people, absence of fear and anxiety (Lee & Ashton, 2006) . This finding is in accordance with the relations of the Emotionality negative pole with Callous Affect as an aspect of subclinical psychopathy (Međedović, 2011) . This relation of shallow and constricted affect and low Emotionality is the most highly pronounced through the correlation between Flattened affect and Sentimentality (r=-.31; p<.01; Table 3 ).

This was highly expected, because the low pole of this factor is conceptualized by lack of empathy and detachment from other people, absence of fear and anxiety.

This finding is in accordance with the relations of the Emotionality negative pole with Callous Affect as an aspect of subclinical psychopathy.


Nematodes are generally considered to be a good tool for sediment monitoring due to their high diversity, short generation times, ubiquitous distribution and direct benthic development (Heip et al. 1985) . However, nematode studies are not yet regularly implemented in monitoring studies, due to (1) the relatively large amount of work (and therefore money) that is required in comparison to macrobenthic studies and (2) the rather high taxonomic skills needed for nematode species identification. Therefore, constructing nematode biomass spectra (NBS) can provide an easy way for monitoring changes in the sediments due to anthropogenic or natural stress, since this is less timeconsuming and can be performed by non-specialists. This paper has 2 major aims: (1) to analyse the response of NBS to 3 distinct stressors upon the sediment habitat. Firstly, spectra from undisturbed communities were compared to spectra constructed for physically disturbed communities (due to sand extraction). Secondly, coastal NBS from reduced sediments were compared to spectra from an oxidised coastal station; and thirdly, the changes in the spectra during deposition of the spring phytoplankton bloom were followed. The null hypothesis tested is that the spectra will not show differences due to disturbance or food enrichment.

Nematodes are generally considered to be a good tool for sediment monitoring due to their high diversity, short generation times, ubiquitous distribution and direct benthic development.


Uneven breaking of a tablet is most probable with unscored tablets, and may result in fluctuations in the administered dose which can be harmful to the patient, es-pecially for medications with a narrow therapeutic index e.g., carbamazepine, digoxin, phenytoin, sodium valproate, theophylline [32] . In our study, two products may put the patient at a higher risk of side effects when halved. Firstly, Digoxin ® 0.25 mg (0.22% of the cases), a substance with a narrow therapeutic index, formulated as a round and small tablet, scored on one side only (what contributes to increased inaccuracy of tablet splitting), and without indication on secability in the SPC. We asked the manufacturer about the divisibility of Digoxin ® . The tablets might be split to facilitate intake, but not to administrate a half dose, which can be achieved with the lower existing strength with 0.125 mg. Secondly, MST ® Continus (0.11% of the cases), that contains morphine in an extended release preparation (dispersion of the substance within a soluble matrix that is slowly eroding), is formulated as tablets with no score line and has a clear ban of splitting in the SPC. For both situations, we suppose oversight or ignorance of the prescriber.

Uneven breaking of a tablet is most probable with unscored tablets, and may result in fluctuations in the administered dose which can be harmful to the patient, es-pecially for medications with a narrow therapeutic index e.g., carbamazepine, digoxin, phenytoin, sodium valproate, theophylline.


Titanium-nitride-oxide-coated stents (TiNOX) are biologically inert compared with the nickel component of nitinol stents and can significantly reduce neointimal hyperplasia in coated stainless steel stents [10] . Data about self-expanding TiNOX-coated stents in the iliofemoral arterial bed are scarce. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to test safety and efficacy of self-expanding TiNOX-coated nitinol stents in direct comparison to selfexpanding uncoated nitinol stents in porcine iliofemoral arteries, investigating the impact of stent oversizing on restenosis and long-term outcome.

Titanium-nitride-oxide-coated stents (TiNOX) are biologically inert compared with the nickel component of nitinol stents and can significantly reduce neointimal hyperplasia in coated stainless steel stents.


We empirically investigate whether an increase in the capital gains tax rate has an effect on venture capitalists' investment decisions in funding start-ups. In a first step, we determine whether the capital gains tax has an effect on the number of start-ups financed and whether the probability of success of the start-ups that receive venture capital increases or decreases with the tax rate. In a second step, we study whether the capital gains tax affects venture capitalists' decisions to continue financing start-ups in consecutive funding rounds. Existing studies have exclusively concentrated on the question of tax effects on the investment volume of venture capital within an economy (Bonini & Alkan, 2009; Gompers et al., 1998; Jeng & Wells, 2000; Da Rin et al., 2006) . Our study expands this literature by considering the investment decisions of venture capitalists. This allows deeper insight into the effects the capital gains tax has on the innovativeness of an economy that is influenced by the number and quality of start-ups.

Existing studies have exclusively concentrated on the question of tax effects on the investment volume of venture capital within an economy.


To determine the effects of tax rates on venture capitalists' investment decisions, we use the data from the Thomson One Database on companies that received venture capital between 2000 and 2012. The analysis considers not only companies that received venture capital for the first time, but also those that received further funding rounds. In addition, the exit type for the startup is determined to identify whether a successful exit could be achieved. We classify a company as successful if it is eventually acquired or taken public (Gompers et al., 2008) . In total, our dataset includes 32 countries for which detailed characteristics of the capital gains tax are carefully determined. Since venture capitalists typically invest for a holding period of two to seven years and hold a substantial stake in the company, the corresponding tax rates are applied. In our analysis, we measure the effect of the capital gains tax on four different dependent variables: the number of financed firms, the number of successful firms, the probability of a financed company being successful, and the probability of a firm receiving follow-up investment. To guide our empirics, we develop a theoretical model in which an investor responds to rising taxes by selecting firms to fund. This model predicts that an increase in the capital gains tax rate should result in fewer firms financed, fewer successful firms, and -for start-ups in later development stages -in a lower probability of receiving follow-up investment.

We classify a company as successful if it is eventually acquired or taken public.


Beyond the effect on the first funding probability, our study considers the effect on the further development and success probability of start-ups. We can thus isolate the effect of changes in the capital gains tax at the level of single portfolio companies, which is not possible in aggregated analyses. The procedure allows us to obtain a more precise picture of venture capitalists' decisionmaking processes and their determining factors, extending prior literature on these aspects. Our findings indicate that an increase in the capital gains tax leads to a lower probability for a once funded venture of receiving another funding round, again pointing out a harmful effect of the tax for the growth and survival probability of ventures. However, when considering the initial capital gains tax rate that was in place at the beginning of a start-up's funding history, we find that the probability of ventures receiving further funding rounds is increased when the initial capital gains tax is high. This result is particularly interesting because it indicates that, when tax rates are high, venture capitalists seem to pick companies that they consider more successful. Hence, we contribute to the literature on venture capital with evidence indicating the existence of the so-called selection effect, that is, that, at the time of their first funding decision, venture capitalists have the ability to judge to a certain extent how successful a venture might be. The potential of venture capitalists having this ability is a contentious issue in the literature (Bertoni et al., 2011; Brander et al., 2002; Dimov & Shepherd, 2005; Dimov et al., 2007; Lerner, 1994; Wuebker et al., 2014) .

The potential of venture capitalists having this ability is a contentious issue in the literature.


Our results support the theoretical predictions that higher capital gains tax rates indeed lead to fewer companies receiving investments by venture capitalists. In addition, the number of firms realizing a successful exit is reduced by an increase in the capital gains tax rate. In our data, an increase in the capital gains tax rate of one percentage point is associated with around 1.04 fewer companies per 10 million inhabitants receiving their first investment. This is a reduction of 3.6 percent relative to a mean of 29.27 new companies per 10 million inhabitants. Interestingly, we find that the ratio of successful companies rises with increasing tax rates. These results point to a selection effect of taxes. Venture capitalists seem to be able to pick the companies to invest in more diligently when tax rates are high. This finding provides some evidence for the question discussed in the literature of whether venture capitalists are able to identify potentially more successful companies during their initial due diligence process (Bertoni et al., 2011; Brander et al., 2002; Dimov & Shepherd, 2005; Dimov et al., 2007; Lerner, 1994) . The results are corroborated when we analyze venture capital investments in consecutive funding rounds. Companies have a lower probability of receiving further funding rounds when capital gains taxes are high. However, if the capital gains tax was high at the time of the first funding, the company has a higher probability of receiving funding in consecutive rounds, again pointing at a selection effect.

This finding provides some evidence for the question discussed in the literature of whether venture capitalists are able to identify potentially more successful companies during their initial due diligence process.


Reliable, year-round storage of sweetpotatoes has been achieved with the advent of horizontal ventilation facilities whereby curing and storage facilities no longer require moving the sweetpotatoes from one location to another (Boyette and Stewart, 1994) . The design of these multi-room buildings was difficult due to lack of physical and thermal property data of present day varieties. These facilities may be further improved with regard to energy efficiency and would benefit from more detailed evaluation. Applying mathematical modeling in the design of sweetpotato curing and storage facilities can aid in the development of improved control strategy and reduced energy requirement of the system. Simulation of these facilities requires knowledge of sweetpotato properties such as density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, respiration rate, and respiration heat to evaluate the dynamics of the system more closely.

Reliable, year-round storage of sweetpotatoes has been achieved with the advent of horizontal ventilation facilities whereby curing and storage facilities no longer require moving the sweetpotatoes from one location to another.


Coal is the most widely used fuel for electricity generation in the world, and it is expected to maintain its importance through 2035. In 2007, coal-fired electricity generation accounted for 42% of the world electricity supply; and in 2035, its share is predicted to remain approximately the same [16] . In Turkey, by the year of 2010, the production of electricity was maintained mainly from natural gas (45.9%), coal (25.3%), and hydraulic resources (24.5%); coal being the second most important resource of electricity [17] .

In 2007, coal-fired electricity generation accounted for 42% of the world electricity supply; and in 2035, its share is predicted to remain approximately the same.

In Turkey, by the year of 2010, the production of electricity was maintained mainly from natural gas (45.9%), coal (25.3%), and hydraulic resources (24.5%); coal being the second most important resource of electricity.


For performance prediction and control of combustion processes, generally computer modeling is applied using analytical codes or numerical methods. These methods require laborious and time-consuming solution procedures of multi-parameter complex differential equations. Furthermore, in some cases, these methods may not be applicable due to lack of information about the physical and chemical steps. In this context, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have the potential to be better, quicker, and more practical alternative to these traditional methods, for modeling and predicting the behavior of combustion processes [1] .

In this context, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have the potential to be better, quicker, and more practical alternative to these traditional methods, for modeling and predicting the behavior of combustion processes.


Hydrogen is an environmentally attractive energy carrier with a long-term potential to replace fossil fuels in many applications. In particular this is true, if hydrogen is produced with reduced or even better completely without CO 2 emissions. This can be realized by the use of renewable energy sources in the production process [1] .

This can be realized by the use of renewable energy sources in the production process.


Electric load forecasting acts an important part in power station operations, such as the expansion of power generation, dispatch scheduling of generation production, maintenance, and the insurance of continuously supplied electric power [1] . An accurate electric load forecasting model can not only assist the power station in the management of electricity and the arrangement of operations, but is also able to reduce the loss of auxiliary power, which enhances the stability and the economic benefits of the station. Inaccurate forecasting results, on the other side, can result in abundant electricity waste. For example, underestimated forecasting will raise the difficulty in supplying adequate electric resources, which raises the cost of the power station [2] . Therefore, to obtain a satisfying prediction result, the need to develop an accurate and effective electric load forecasting system is intensely high.

Electric load forecasting acts an important part in power station operations, such as the expansion of power generation, dispatch scheduling of generation production, maintenance, and the insurance of continuously supplied electric power.

For example, underestimated forecasting will raise the difficulty in supplying adequate electric resources, which raises the cost of the power station.


A linear-frequency-modulated (LFM) signal, which has a linear variation in an instantaneous frequency with time, is an example of a pulse compression signal used for ultrasonic distance measurement [1] . However, for the case of the distance measurement of the moving object, the LFM signal is unsuitable because of the shifted frequency of the Doppler effect. The problem is that the cross-correlation cannot completely be achieved between the transmitted and received signals. Therefore, a linear-period-modulated (LPM) signal, the period of which is linearly swept with time, has been demonstrated to solve the Doppler-shift problem of the LFM signal [2, 3] . A LPM signal can be used in the crosscorrelation by providing the TOF with the Doppler-shift compensation via Doppler velocity estimation [4] .

A linear-frequency-modulated (LFM) signal, which has a linear variation in an instantaneous frequency with time, is an example of a pulse compression signal used for ultrasonic distance measurement.

Therefore, a linear-period-modulated (LPM) signal, the period of which is linearly swept with time, has been demonstrated to solve the Doppler-shift problem of the LFM signal.

A LPM signal can be used in the crosscorrelation by providing the TOF with the Doppler-shift compensation via Doppler velocity estimation.


Recently, acoustic systems have been used in many industrial and educational applications because such systems have the advantages of a variety of acoustic transducers, low cost, small size, and simple hardware. For example, ultrasonic distance measurement is a modern and relatively flexible approach for environment recognition. The ultrasonic distance measurement determination uses the time-of-flight (TOF) approach, which is the time for sound waves to travel between the sound source and the objects. In general, TOF can simply be computed by performing a cross-correlation between the transmitted and received signals [1] . As a result, TOF can be measured by the maximum peak during a storage time.

In general, TOF can simply be computed by performing a cross-correlation between the transmitted and received signals.


For temperature gradients of 150 °C to 200 °C, the charge protection circuit provides a simple, inexpensive and robust charging solution. This circuit has been used recently by the current authors for a development project whereby a TEG generator system was designed to generate electricity from biomass cookstoves in the developing world [2] . The circuit has proven to work as designed for extended periods of time and the end users charged mobile phones and LED lanterns.

This circuit has been used recently by the current authors for a development project whereby a TEG generator system was designed to generate electricity from biomass cookstoves in the developing world.


A look into the nature and concept of fractal dynamics in physiological networks may indicate a novel theory on how stimulation therapy can be better approached. In the field of nonlinear dynamics and chaos, fractals are a well-known phenomenon that exhibit scale-invariance and self-similarity in its dynamics. Fractals can be observed and applied in multiple disciplines including but not limited to nature, astronomy, computer science, fluid mechanics, physics and medicine. Nature, for instance, reveals its inherent fractality through geometrical structures, such as the bifurcation or pattern of tree branches, lightening, snowflakes, and the tributary network of rivers. This spatial self-similarity is in stark contrast to the repetitive or unpredictable nature of periodic or chaotic dynamic systems, respectively. The concept of fractal can also be applied to temporal fluctuations. For instance in economics, the recession and growth of the economy as well as the rise and fall of the stock market portrays a time-dependent, self-similar pattern [3] .

For instance in economics, the recession and growth of the economy as well as the rise and fall of the stock market portrays a time-dependent, self-similar pattern.


Numerous therapeutic devices currently exist with the purpose of treating diseases through an externally generated form of stimulation. The forms of these stimuli include direct electric current, magnetic and electromagnetic stimulation, ultrasound, light, temperature change through convection, conduction or conversion, physical pressure, and auditory transfer. When employed under the appropriate conditions, these stimuli are shown to have a beneficial physiological effect on the treated subject. Electrophysical agents (EPA's) operate on the basis of transferring energy to a physiological system and may be categorized into electrical stimulation, thermal and non-thermal modalities [1] . Direct electrical stimulation can excite sensory and motor nerves when applied to parts of the body as well as alter physiological healing processes through an electric field. Both electrical and non-thermal modalities can also play a role in mental health by assisting the alteration of the chemical makeup of the brain and influencing the synaptic plasticity of the brain. Thermal stimulation modalities function by using temperature to influence blood flow, inflammation, edema, metabolic activity and the extensibility of collagen tissue [2] . While some treatments are more developed or understood than others, the most effective method for the design and application of these devices is not apparent. Majority of existing stimulation devices emit periodic patterns for treatment, yet the efficacy of this method may not be optimal.

Electrophysical agents (EPA's) operate on the basis of transferring energy to a physiological system and may be categorized into electrical stimulation, thermal and non-thermal modalities.

Thermal stimulation modalities function by using temperature to influence blood flow, inflammation, edema, metabolic activity and the extensibility of collagen tissue.


Fractality is widely observed in physiological processes. Fractal characteristics are observed in the physiological variables recorded from normal, healthy individuals while unhealthy individuals show periodic or chaotic dynamics. These findings have been evident in physiological measurements as in the electroencephalogram (EEG), breathing pattern, heart rate, oxygen saturation level and blood cell dynamics of healthy individuals and patients [4] - [7] . These general observations suggest that the restoration of normal fractal dynamics and hence function is the central role of the stimulation methodology, and raise the question as to whether the periodic pattern of stimulation in widespread use is optimal in promoting a return to aperiodic, healthy fractal dynamics. This paper will examine physiological stimulation modalities and their effectiveness along with the concept of fractal dynamics, its relevance to human pathophysiology, and its potential application towards stimulation therapy.

These findings have been evident in physiological measurements as in the electroencephalogram (EEG), breathing pattern, heart rate, oxygen saturation level and blood cell dynamics of healthy individuals and patients.


There is some debate about the terminology of electrotherapy modalities and their classifications. This paper will interpret electrotherapy as electrophysical agents (EPA's) and classify the types of EPA's into electrical stimulation agents/modalities, thermal agents/modalities, and non-thermal agents/modalities (see Table 1 ) [1] . While not every EPA is accounted for and stimulation therapies are not limited to just EPA's, the objective in this section is to examine underlying concepts of stimulation techniques. Thereby, the effectiveness, mechanisms and implementation of selected treatment therapies will be examined with the goal of obtaining a deeper understanding of the interaction between the stimuli and physiological system, while opening to the possibility of optimizing all stimulation therapy modalities.

This paper will interpret electrotherapy as electrophysical agents (EPA's) and classify the types of EPA's into electrical stimulation agents/modalities, thermal agents/modalities, and non-thermal agents/modalities (see Table 1 ).


The addition of nitrogen not only increased T. testudinum N content, but it also affected the metabolism and uptake of phosphorus. A significant decrease in leaf P content with N addition was observed at both nearshore and offshore sites (Figs. 2, 3) . A probable explanation is that the addition of nitrogen increased N assimilation and led to higher P demand, a phenomena observed with nutrient enrichment in an Australian seagrass bed (Udy and Dennison 1997) . This net decrease was not seen with ϩNϩP, presumably because the increased P demand was met by fertilization. The addition of phosphorus alone did not have a significant negative effect on N content, emphasizing the difference in metabolic characteristics of specific nutrients.

A probable explanation is that the addition of nitrogen increased N assimilation and led to higher P demand, a phenomena observed with nutrient enrichment in an Australian seagrass bed.


Solvents are extensively used throughout analytical science, for example serving as the medium for extracting analytes from a matrix or carrying the sample through analysis [1] . However, the use of solvents also generates additional cost and the possibility of contamination. Moreover, using solvents may not be an option for many real-life applications where the physical form of the sample holds important information or has significant value. Typical examples include analysis of specific crystal forms of therapeutic drugs or forensic evidences. Therefore, there is a strong demand for the development of analytical methods which are solvent-free and nondestructive but at the same time offer high sensitivity. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a non-destructive and molecular specific analytical technique, which allows routine detection of analytes at micro-gram levels [2] [3] [4] [5] . Moreover, by using handheld portable devices SERS can be implemented in field for in-situ analysis [6] [7] [8] . Here, we show for the first time that SERS enhancements can be readily obtained for a wide range of solid analytes down to picogram levels by forcing bulk crystalline samples into the enhancing hot-spots of robust and flexible nanoparticle-polymer sheets with physical pressure. Importantly, the whole process is solventfree and the pressure required can be achieved manually without any specialist equipment.

Solvents are extensively used throughout analytical science, for example serving as the medium for extracting analytes from a matrix or carrying the sample through analysis.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a non-destructive and molecular specific analytical technique, which allows routine detection of analytes at micro-gram levels.

Moreover, by using handheld portable devices SERS can be implemented in field for in-situ analysis.


Wood-fueled heating has become very popular in recent years in Italy, and in Aosta Valley it is used by almost half of the population according to national statistics [19] . Three main kinds of wood fuel are available on the market: logs, chips, and pellets. Wood logs have the main advantage of possible self-production, which dramatically reduces their cost, but the hand loading of wood makes them unpractical for large size plants, e.g., for a block of flats. Wood chips are very cheap, they can be produced too, optimally exploiting forestry residues. The automatic loading makes them practical also for large-size systems such as district heating. Yet wood chips require large storage spaces, which could make them unpractical for residential application: about 1 m 3 of storage volume is required for 1 MWh of heat, i.e., 10 times the value heating oil. Wood pellets and logs are much denser, requiring respectively 0.35 m 3 and 0.45 m 3 of storage volume per MWh.

Wood-fueled heating has become very popular in recent years in Italy, and in Aosta Valley it is used by almost half of the population according to national statistics.


From these statistical findings, it is not clear why there was disparity in terms of decision making in and out of the home, or the possible relationship with factory type. Greater control may have been afforded to textile and garment employees in society, with community leadership linked to their status in organisations (slightly more likely to have been promoted) and because their skills may have been more transferable outside of work contexts, for instance, being able to manufacture may have shaped overall experiences. For example, it could be assumed that formal employment fosters greater self-confidence, increased social power as well as greater respect from others inside or outside of the family home, enabling greater decision making. Conversely, it is possible that some respondents always felt as though they had sufficient decision making power inside or outside of the home, therefore, their situation may have not changed since engaging in formal employment. This paper is limited given that greater insight into these differences cannot be gained from the purely quantitative data analysed here. It is therefore proposed further quantitative and qualitative investigations be conducted into the working conditions and treatment experienced by textile and garment workers and employees representing 'other' types of factories. What is evident is that despite exposure to poorer 'objective' work conditions and some 'subjective' negative experiences than 'other' factory employees, textile and garment worker responses indicated comparable levels of 'empowerment' and 'social inclusion'. This indicated that the absence of negative 'subjective' experiences in the workplace was potentially more important than the presence of 'objective' factors, such as lower pay or hours spent at work. The majority of both cohorts had not experienced any abuse and a near equal minority (less than one-fifth) of each sub sample had been exposed to public humiliation, an encouraging finding which was at odds with the literature regarding the perceived treatment of EPZ workers (Engman et al., 2007) .

The majority of both cohorts had not experienced any abuse and a near equal minority (less than one-fifth) of each sub sample had been exposed to public humiliation, an encouraging finding which was at odds with the literature regarding the perceived treatment of EPZ workers.


Overall, a smaller proportion of each sample believed that they held more power and influence in their community since having engaged in formal employment; potentially reflecting the reality depicted in the literature that EPZ workers are perceived negatively in Sri Lankan society. This is in line with findings that a small proportion of respondents from each sub sample were engaged socio-politically. Statistically, this represented slightly less than one-quarter of textile and garment workers and approximately one-fifth of respondents from the 'other' subsample. This lack of community and political engagement compared to within the home, were also trends in prior research (Hancock, 2006; Hancock et al., 2011a) . However, it should be noted that textile and garment workers were almost twice as likely to report greater decision making power outside of the home, compared to 'other' respondents.

This lack of community and political engagement compared to within the home, were also trends in prior research.


For these initiatives to succeed, ownership should lie with the national governments of the individual SADC member states. SADC (through, for example its health desk) and the African Union (AU), as well as other governing bodies on the continent, have an important role to play in encouraging national member states to admit to having a problem. This could be done by forming a regional cholera response team and circulating a regional case definition of cholera that should be adhered to by all SADC member states. There is also a need for improved inter-and intra-country co-ordination and information exchange (Funke et al., 2010) .

There is also a need for improved inter-and intra-country co-ordination and information exchange.


After PAHs enter into soil, they may undergo a number of processes such as volatilization, leaching, chemical and biological degradation. Sorption and desorption processes may cause these chemicals to go into the soil matrix or mineral particles, combine with organic substances and become a non-extractable solvent or 'irreversibly bound' (Macleod and Semple 2003) . The extractable or total amount of PAHs may be restricted when evaluating their environmental importance. Instead, the fraction distribution and availability of these pollutants are the most important factors of risk assessment. The forms of organic pollutants in soil have been previously reported (Lesan and Bhandari 2004) . PAHs in soils can be separated into three fractions including desorbing, non-desorbing and bound residual fractions, and the following agents can be used to do sequential extraction: n-butanol, dichloromethane and sodium hydroxide extractions ).

Sorption and desorption processes may cause these chemicals to go into the soil matrix or mineral particles, combine with organic substances and become a non-extractable solvent or 'irreversibly bound'.

The forms of organic pollutants in soil have been previously reported.


The three states sharing the Okavango Catchment could hardly be more different. In the north, 'resource cursed' Angola slowly recovering from 27 years of civil war which ended in 2002 [6] . In the southwest, Namibia flanked by the Namib and Kalahari deserts and one of the most arid countries in the world. And in the southeast of the Okavango Catchment, Botswana, often depicted as a 'role model of democracy for Africa' since its independence from the UK in 1966 [3] . As diverse as the riparian states are, they are all interconnected, depending on the ecosystem of the Okavango Catchment to varying degrees and for different reasons. An effective management of the catchment is not only important to enable economic prosperity and to mitigate overuse but also to prevent conflict among the riparian states [7] . For this purpose the three riparian states established the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) who in the mid 1990's developed an Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) strategy geared to balance economic interests and ecological sustainability in the catchment area [8, 9] .

In the north, 'resource cursed' Angola slowly recovering from 27 years of civil war which ended in 2002.

And in the southeast of the Okavango Catchment, Botswana, often depicted as a 'role model of democracy for Africa' since its independence from the UK in 1966.

An effective management of the catchment is not only important to enable economic prosperity and to mitigate overuse but also to prevent conflict among the riparian states.

For this purpose the three riparian states established the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) who in the mid 1990's developed an Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) strategy geared to balance economic interests and ecological sustainability in the catchment area.


Several routing protocols have been proposed for underwater networks, but for cognitive underwater networks, the number of protocols that consider a cognitive capability with a routing technique is limited. Nevertheless, safe and stable communications issues for underwater cognitive acoustic networks (UCANs) are still under investigation in order to reach a robust and distinguished solution. Moreover, existing underwater networks are composed of thousands of nodes that are deployed to collect data in an area of interest in the ocean, thereby satisfying the requirements of a single application. Another issue in these networks is that due to application constraints and vendor dependency, it is difficult to use these nodes for other services in the same area [4] . To overcome the shortcomings with existing architectures in underwater networks, we intend to apply a new concept of software-defined networking (SDN) in this domain. SDN is an emerging technology that increases network intelligence by separating the control plane from the data plane [5] . SDN technology has been progressively diffused into different types of network systems, including UANs, in order to overcome the limitations in these networks [1, 4, 6] . It offers the flexibility to adapt and satisfy different applications.

Another issue in these networks is that due to application constraints and vendor dependency, it is difficult to use these nodes for other services in the same area.

SDN is an emerging technology that increases network intelligence by separating the control plane from the data plane.

SDN technology has been progressively diffused into different types of network systems, including UANs, in order to overcome the limitations in these networks.


Composite materials are consisting of a polymer matrix and a reinforcing agent. Composites are versatile and convenient in diverse application such as automotive and aeronaut industry, constructional materials, civil and military applications and many more. Composite based on thermoplastic resins, are gained popularity due to their processing advantages [1] . The mechanical properties of thermoplastics are enhanced for specific application by incorporating different man made and natural fibers. The fiber dispersion in the thermoplastic composites is an important consideration to achieve consistency in the product. Thermoplastic composites are flexible and strong and exhibit good physio-mechanical properties. However, the percentage of fiber loading is limited by the processability of the composite. Properties of the fibers, the aspect ratio of the fibers, and the fiber-matrix interface govern the properties of the composites. The surface adhesion between the fiber and the polymer plays an important role in the transmission of stress from matrix to the fiber and thus determine the performance of the composite [2, 3] .

Composite based on thermoplastic resins, are gained popularity due to their processing advantages.

The surface adhesion between the fiber and the polymer plays an important role in the transmission of stress from matrix to the fiber and thus determine the performance of the composite.


Environmental concerns have resulted in a renewed interest in agro-based materials, and therefore issues such as recyclability and environmental safety are becoming increasingly important for the introduction of new materials and products. Nowadays there is a growing interest in the use of agro-fibers (jute, hemp, rice husk, abaca wheat straw, coir, kenaf, flax etc) as reinforcing components for thermoplastics, because they are more economical than the synthetic fibers. Secondly, as result of environmental care politics, which is particularly important in those countries where products from agricultural sources offer attractive and cheap alternative for devel-oping degradable materials. The combination of interesting mechanical and physical properties together with their environmentally friendly character has motivated a number of industrial sectors, notably the automotive industry, to consider these fibers as potential candidates to replace glass fibers in environmentally safe products. Jute is an attractive natural fiber for use as reinforcement in composite because of its excellent mechanical properties, low cost, renewable nature and much lower energy requirement for processing. It is produced in large scale in tropical area like Bangladesh, Indian and Latin America and it is already identified as potential candidate for reinforcing agent in composite fabrication. Jute fabrics are also called Hessian cloth. Jute composed of mainly α-cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. In addition, it contains minor constituents such as flats and waxes, inorganic and nitrogenous matters, and traces of pigments like β-carotene and Xanthophyls [5] [6] [7] . The main component of jute fiber is a hydrophilic glucan polymer consisting of a linear chain of 1, 4-β-a hydroglucose unit. The crystalline regions of hydroxyl groups can form hydrogen bonds between parallel chains, thereby reducing the water absorption.The mechanical and physical properties of jute are highly inconsistent and are dependent upon geographic origin, climate, growth conditions, chemical composition (functional groups), molecular structure characteristics, and details of its physical state (above or below Tg, nature and degree of crystallinity) and processing techniques. Several disadvantages of jute, such as poor wettability, poor fiber-matrix adhesion, intrinsic polarity due to the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in their structure, and low moisture resistance make it insufficient for proper reinforcement. To overcome this problem, many attempts, such as physical and chemicals treatments, lead to changes in the surface structure and surface energy of the fibers. Many researchers are working on jute fibers reinforced composites. Potential of jute fabrics as reinforcing material has proved by the researchers [8] [9] [10] [11] .

In addition, it contains minor constituents such as flats and waxes, inorganic and nitrogenous matters, and traces of pigments like β-carotene and Xanthophyls.

Potential of jute fabrics as reinforcing material has proved by the researchers.


In contrast, high self-monitors have good social skills, and they are successful at initiating mentoring relationships (Aryee et al., 1999; Turban and Dougherty, 1994) . They are not as interested in close interpersonal relationships that imply high commitment, but rather in status-oriented impression management to bask in glory by association with a senior manager with a reputation of power and influence. Such protégés are likely satisfied just to demonstrate to others that they have an association with a powerful and influential mentor, rather than trying to intensify interpersonal bonds. Thus, this explains the positive relationship (ß ¼ 0:18, p , 0.01) between self-monitoring and received mentoring as assessed by the employees.

In contrast, high self-monitors have good social skills, and they are successful at initiating mentoring relationships.


Assistive technology will be a tool for enhancing capacity or adjusting ability of a special child and will allow such child to learn better and more efficiently. In addition, Assistive technology is a technology that instructor can apply for facilitating the learning activity and increasing learning opportunity (Alper and Raharinirina, 2006) . Learning methods of students with learning problems are different from other students. The techniques used are also different as well as the technologies. Although some students with learning disabilities will be able to study with normal students, they require special processes or methods of teaching to draw out their expertise and unique talents in order to replace or remove their weaknesses (Gersten et al., 2001) . In Thailand most students with learning disabilities still have to learn the same way as normal students because the use of assistive technology in the country is still limited (Poobrasert et al., 2011) . Though in the market, there are various types of assistive technology for students with learning disabilities, those tools are not suitable and not benefit Thai students. Most of this software is designed and developed for English speakers. The prices of those assistive technology tools are also expensive. Since Thai language is very unique and different from other languages, we then needed to integrate Thai text to speech (VAJA) and BEST corpus into the program. BEST corpus consists of Thai vocabularies from article, encyclopedia, news and novel. We also added Thai vocabularies from Thai textbooks.

In addition, Assistive technology is a technology that instructor can apply for facilitating the learning activity and increasing learning opportunity.

Although some students with learning disabilities will be able to study with normal students, they require special processes or methods of teaching to draw out their expertise and unique talents in order to replace or remove their weaknesses.

In Thailand most students with learning disabilities still have to learn the same way as normal students because the use of assistive technology in the country is still limited.


Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab have shown improved efficacy and longer duration of response compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy (docetaxel). Treatment with nivolumab provided benefit in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma regardless of PD-L1 status while the efficacy of nivolumab is more pronounced in the PD-L1 positive, nonsquamous population compared to the PD-L1 negative, nonsquamous population. Pembrolizumab shows benefit in conjunction with its companion diagnostic for PD-L1 positive patients regardless of histology [58] . Atezolizumab is a PD-L1 inhibitor but has shown similar efficacy as its predecessors and benefit over standard-of-care chemotherapy in the pretreated setting.

Pembrolizumab shows benefit in conjunction with its companion diagnostic for PD-L1 positive patients regardless of histology.


Thus, searching for HIV-1 PR inhibitors from natural sources is becoming a good approach. Recent studies on extracts and compounds from Clusiaceae plant species, native to Tanzania have shown noticeable activity against HIV protease activity and HIV-1 viral replication in MT4 cells (Magadula & Tewtrakul, 2010; Magadula & Suleiman, 2010) . The potential beneficial effects attributed to Clusiaceae extracts are believed to be related to abundance of phenolic compounds found in these plants (Lenta et al., 2007) . This study reports the evaluation of ethanol crude extracts of A. ulugurensis and M. usambarensis for antioxidants and HIV-1 protease activities as well as the phytochemical screening of extracts aiming to establish the classes of compounds responsible for the biological activities.

Recent studies on extracts and compounds from Clusiaceae plant species, native to Tanzania have shown noticeable activity against HIV protease activity and HIV-1 viral replication in MT4 cells.

The potential beneficial effects attributed to Clusiaceae extracts are believed to be related to abundance of phenolic compounds found in these plants.


The current teaching conditions in Vietnam have been being a serious problem to implement B-learning due to some reasons. In their first year, the students often have no sense of self-learning. In addition, the downside of an online class is that the interactions occur between instructors and students to ask questions directly is often difficult (Dung, 2014) .

In addition, the downside of an online class is that the interactions occur between instructors and students to ask questions directly is often difficult.


Pursuing the cascaded operator approach, an inversion theory wave-equation DMO has been developed (Jorden, 1987; Jorden et al., 1987; Liner, 1989) . In this method, a prestack inversion operator is combined with a zero-offset modeling operator. Both integral operators are theoretically based on the Born asymptotic solution to the point-source scalar wave equation. This approach combines the elegance of Deregowski and Rocca' s original idea with the wave equation and the amplitude-conscious rigor of mathematical inverse theory.

Pursuing the cascaded operator approach, an inversion theory wave-equation DMO has been developed.


The main objective of the present study is to demonstrate and clarify the sensitivity of the SPSW pushover analysis response to the lateral load distribution pattern. The study is performed on SPSWs having different story levels to investigate the effect of the height of SPSW structural system. Five medium-to highrise SPSW frames having 4, 7, 10 and 13 stories are designed and analyzed. Each frame is analyzed under the two lateral load distribution patterns specified in FEMA-356 [15] . Specific results regarding the structural characteristics, such as load carrying capacity; stiffness; yielding sequence; deformation mode; distribution of story shear between infill plates and VBEs; ductility; response modification and overstrength factors; and the axial forces in the VBEs are extracted from the pushover analyses and discussed.

Each frame is analyzed under the two lateral load distribution patterns specified in FEMA-356.


Many numerical researches have been and are being carried out to study the behavior of SPSW systems via the four available methods of analysis. Two methods are linear, known as Linear Static Procedure (LSP) and Linear Dynamic Procedure (LDP); and two methods are nonlinear, known as Nonlinear Static Procedure (NSP) and Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure (NDP). The linear procedures are appropriate when the expected level of nonlinearity is low. In the SPSW system, the material nonlinearity is considerable as infill plates yield extensively. Therefore, nonlinear methods are proper tools to study the seismic behavior of such system. The nonlinear dynamic procedure, also known as the nonlinear time history analysis, is deemed to be the most accurate method; but it is complex, expensive and time consuming, especially when there are a large number of elements involved. On the other hand, the nonlinear static procedure, known as the pushover analysis, is a more convenient available method to the structural engineers; and is favored by practicing engineers. The nonlinear pushover analysis accounts for both geometric and material nonlinearities in buildings subjected to seismic loads. It also allows the tracing of the sequence of yielding and failure of members, as well as the progress of overall capacity of structures. On the other hand, prior to a cyclic test or analysis, pushover analyses are performed to predict the maximum strength and deformations of structures in order to develop a suitable loading history, evaluate the needs for instrumentation, establish the range of load and deformation measurements, and reduce the risk of unexpected behavior during experiments [1] .

On the other hand, prior to a cyclic test or analysis, pushover analyses are performed to predict the maximum strength and deformations of structures in order to develop a suitable loading history, evaluate the needs for instrumentation, establish the range of load and deformation measurements, and reduce the risk of unexpected behavior during experiments.


The problems arising in the implementation of continuous time control laws have attracted a growing interest among the research community. The fact that, in practice, every control input of a system is always limited motivates the study of the stabilization of linear control systems with bounded inputs. For exponentially unstable systems, i.e., systems with poles in the open right half-plane, only locally stabilizing controllers can be obtained; therefore, globally stable control systems can only be obtained for integrators in cascade or in general for null controllable systems [1] .

For exponentially unstable systems, i.e., systems with poles in the open right half-plane, only locally stabilizing controllers can be obtained; therefore, globally stable control systems can only be obtained for integrators in cascade or in general for null controllable systems.


Recently, control systems rely increasingly on vision systems as input. This is mainly due to the fact that vision systems have become smaller, faster, reliable and inexpensive. Some control strategies use fixed cameras, which are external to the plant, to implement different tasks, it is the case of manipulator arms [16] . Mobile robots can also be controlled using externally fixed cameras where the control is constrained to the field of vision of the cameras. In order to provide autonomy to the robots, all sensors must be embedded in the robot.

Some control strategies use fixed cameras, which are external to the plant, to implement different tasks, it is the case of manipulator arms.


Weather conditions, sun, temperature variation, rain and snow all affect the long time performance of PVC exterior pipes. Within this long time, white PVC is converted to yellow and the colour compounds will fade. Toughness and flexibility of PVC may be adversely affected by outdoor exposure. Ultraviolet sunlight absorbed by the chemical structure is sufficient to break most of the chemical bonds in polymer [1] .

Ultraviolet sunlight absorbed by the chemical structure is sufficient to break most of the chemical bonds in polymer.


Many scientific and commercial articles have pointed that PVC pipes are one of the most significant raw materials in pipe industry and plumbing [2] . PVC offers a host of properties that have made it the dominant water and sewer utility pipe raw material. Those properties are: corrosion resistance/durability, strength, water quality, superior flow and superior strength-toweight ratio [3, 4] . In 2002, global piping market issued the demands on the pipe raw materials according to the ranking of material pipes. PVC was occupying 39% of that market as shown in Figure 1 .

Many scientific and commercial articles have pointed that PVC pipes are one of the most significant raw materials in pipe industry and plumbing.

Those properties are: corrosion resistance/durability, strength, water quality, superior flow and superior strength-toweight ratio.


Since early 20th century, Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as a raw industry compounds were widely used for exterior applications. These applications include piping system for various purposes [1] . PVC pipes can be structured to have good weathering and service characteristics which are required in many environmental sites. This includes colour retention, physical property retention, and dimensional stability. To certify an acceptable long time performance of using PVC pipe externally, good understanding of PVC degradation mechanisms and the effect of sunlight are essential.

These applications include piping system for various purposes.


Many studies from developed countries suggested that socioeconomic status (SES), measured by income and educational level, is associated with lung function and COPD in terms of exacerbation, prevalence and mortality [10] [11] [12] [13] . This association may be partly explained by the greater proportion of smokers among people in lower socioeconomic groups, but smoking may not explain all of the association. In the Chinese population, COPD is prevalent not only among smokers but also among never smokers. This study aimed to clarify this association.

Many studies from developed countries suggested that socioeconomic status (SES), measured by income and educational level, is associated with lung function and COPD in terms of exacerbation, prevalence and mortality.


Flexural, creep and impact properties have been shown to increase with fiber length, while tensile properties will plateau for glass fibers above 1 mm in length [2] [3] [4] [5] . Fibers less than the 1 mm threshold have been considered short while fibers with lengths greater than 1 mm are 3 considered long. Furthermore, the degree of this mechanical enhancement can vary within a molded part depending on the underlying fiber microstructure [6, 7] .

Flexural, creep and impact properties have been shown to increase with fiber length, while tensile properties will plateau for glass fibers above 1 mm in length.

Furthermore, the degree of this mechanical enhancement can vary within a molded part depending on the underlying fiber microstructure.


Additionally, further insights can come by investigating potential abnormalities in dynamic neurophysiologic processes such as brain rhythms. Schizophrenia is in the recent literature increasingly being recognized as a disorder of internal brain dynamics [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] . Accordingly, in the following sections, thalamic abnormalities in schizophrenia will be reviewed followed by a discussion of how sleep brain rhythms are affected in this illness.

Schizophrenia is in the recent literature increasingly being recognized as a disorder of internal brain dynamics.