While there is evidence on the impact of mobile phone messaging on health behavior change, little is known about the characteristics of effective programs and how to successfully implement such programs at a population level. In a 2010-2011 study, an evaluation of Text4baby assessing enrollment and usage among a prospective cohort of Atlanta, Georgia, women observed that despite high interest in the program, women who were younger (<26 years), less educated, and had lower literacy were more likely to have interrupted messages [19] . These findings indicate the importance of understanding patient perspectives on the feasibility of delivering SMS text message health promotion in underserved populations. Further, involving end users in all stages of text messaging program development, including piloting, implementation, and evaluation, allows developers to identify and address potential barriers to enrollment and use of the program [20] . This includes ensuring that the language used is lay friendly, culturally appropriate, and trauma informed to meet the needs of a broad target audience, including women experiencing conditions that contribute to vulnerability such as substance use and violence [9, 21] . A 2015 Cochrane Review of the effects of mobile phone messaging interventions in health observed that pilot testing can assist in tailoring the messages to the preferences and needs of the target population [2] .

In a 2010-2011 study, an evaluation of Text4baby assessing enrollment and usage among a prospective cohort of Atlanta, Georgia, women observed that despite high interest in the program, women who were younger (<26 years), less educated, and had lower literacy were more likely to have interrupted messages.

Further, involving end users in all stages of text messaging program development, including piloting, implementation, and evaluation, allows developers to identify and address potential barriers to enrollment and use of the program.

This includes ensuring that the language used is lay friendly, culturally appropriate, and trauma informed to meet the needs of a broad target audience, including women experiencing conditions that contribute to vulnerability such as substance use and violence.

A 2015 Cochrane Review of the effects of mobile phone messaging interventions in health observed that pilot testing can assist in tailoring the messages to the preferences and needs of the target population.


The 18:1, 18:2 and 20:4 species (18 or 20 carbons in the acyl chain and 1, 2 or 4 unsaturated bonds) are thought to be the most active in vivo. LPA is found both intracellularly and extracellularly in tissues, and is also a major component of serum [7] [8] [9] . Extracellular LPA may be generated from lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) via autotaxin, or converted from phosphatidic acid by membrane-bound phospholipase A1. However, source-sink gradients, in which one cell type produces LPA and another removes it to set up a chemotactic gradient, have not been found.

LPA is found both intracellularly and extracellularly in tissues, and is also a major component of serum.


Mortar is a workable paste typically made from a mixture of fine aggregate, a binder such as cement or lime, and water. Mortar becomes hard when it sets, resulting in a rigid aggregate structure. It is used in masonry to bind bricks and stones, to provide an even bed between joints, and to plaster and point exposed masonry surfaces. Mortar in a thin liquid form (grout) is used to fill empty joints in masonry, to stabilize soil, to solidify porous rock, to make cast-in-situ reinforced concrete membranes, and has many other uses [14, 3] .

Mortar in a thin liquid form (grout) is used to fill empty joints in masonry, to stabilize soil, to solidify porous rock, to make cast-in-situ reinforced concrete membranes, and has many other uses.


Integration of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tapes with commercial thick-film pastes of electronic components such as conductors, resistors, etc. has opened new gates to advanced packaging possibilities for versatile applications [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . In spite of a distinction in their functions, these materials have common features in their contents such as functional elements, glass and organics, each with a specific task to accomplish during processing [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . Functional elements are those, which determine physical and electrical properties, whereas glass aids low temperature sintering, densification, dimensional stability, adherence to substrate and determine final resistor properties. Organics, on the other hand, provides a medium for efficient blending of these elements for appropriate rheology and handling. Although these material systems are commercially developed and traded in large amounts with producer specifications, their handling requires extreme attention as the processing conditions directly influence the final properties. This occurs as a result of the variety and extent of physical and chemical interactions occurring between the materials during firing.

Integration of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tapes with commercial thick-film pastes of electronic components such as conductors, resistors, etc. has opened new gates to advanced packaging possibilities for versatile applications.

In spite of a distinction in their functions, these materials have common features in their contents such as functional elements, glass and organics, each with a specific task to accomplish during processing.


We evaluated the potential impact of interventions that reduce AD pathology on dementia prevalence in the oldest-old. Our calculations incorporated reductions in Aβ deposits and neurofibrillary tangles in defining reductions of AD pathology. In the absence of any prevention interventions, the prevalence of dementia among the oldest-old in the U.S. will approach 5 million by mid-century which is nearly the current burden of dementia prevalence across all ages [22] . Moderate reductions in AD pathology would reduce dementia prevalence by approximately 22% and avert over 1 million dementia prevalent cases in 2050 among the oldest-old. If interventions completely eliminate AD pathology, then dementia prevalence would be reduced by approximately 50% and avert nearly 2.4 million prevalent dementia cases among the oldest-old in 2050. While elimination of AD pathology significantly reduces the burden of dementia, our results underscore that large numbers of dementia cases would still remain.

In the absence of any prevention interventions, the prevalence of dementia among the oldest-old in the U.S. will approach 5 million by mid-century which is nearly the current burden of dementia prevalence across all ages.


The air-to-air missile is the main weapon in the air combat. The aircraft been chased should maneuver to avoid the attacking missile, after the air-to-air missile was fired by an opposition fighter. The aircraft guidance method for maneuver evasion is based on knowing the missile location and the real-time track [1] . However, we cannot acquire the exact location information of the missile because the measurement for the missile location has great error. We need an on-line filter method to eliminate the error and track the air-to-air missile. How to effectively track the missile is the research content in this paper.

The aircraft guidance method for maneuver evasion is based on knowing the missile location and the real-time track.


Radiation interaction simulations allow different scenarios to be explored more efficiently, bypassing common obstacles to experiments. Access to irradiation sources may be cost prohibitive and time constraints may render an experiment impractical. One use of simulations is to evaluate different safety options to minimize a researcher's dose [1] [2] [3] . Additionally, simulations can be used to optimize experiment parameters like irradiation and decay times. Also, some situations cannot be achieved experimentally. When this occurs, simulations can be used to predict environmental conditions, as well as define and track material signatures [4, 5] .

One use of simulations is to evaluate different safety options to minimize a researcher's dose.

When this occurs, simulations can be used to predict environmental conditions, as well as define and track material signatures.


Gamma-spectroscopy measurements are simulated in this work with a Monte Carlo HPGe detector model using the Monte Carlo N-Particle radiation transport code (MCNP) version 6.1 [8] . Since peak resolution can be a limiting factor for quantitative gamma-ray measurements, HPGe detectors are used because of their superior resolution over other semiconductor or scintillation detectors [9, 10] . This characteristic is necessary when dealing with high-Z materials and fission products because of the substantial number of potentially closely spaced gamma-ray emission energies. The use of the critical assembly neutron source makes contamination from fission products a possibility that could undermine the reliability of gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements. To address this, the HPGe model is used to investigate the effect of decay time on the reliability of activation product ratio calculations and identify an optimal measurement window. A variety of activation product ratios are chosen based on experimentally measured nuclides to determine which, if any, are sensitive to the decay time.

Gamma-spectroscopy measurements are simulated in this work with a Monte Carlo HPGe detector model using the Monte Carlo N-Particle radiation transport code (MCNP) version 6.1.

Since peak resolution can be a limiting factor for quantitative gamma-ray measurements, HPGe detectors are used because of their superior resolution over other semiconductor or scintillation detectors.


For fully developed laminar flow inside ducts, Nu is constant and relatively low. Hence there are large wall-fluid temperature differences, DT, between the outer wall and the fluid [10] . The motivation for our work is to enhance the heat transfer by increasing Nu.

Hence there are large wall-fluid temperature differences, DT, between the outer wall and the fluid.


Thermoplates are efficient heat transfer devices used in a variety of engineering practices. While many methods for manufacturing thermoplates have existed for some time, only recently have computational methods been used to diagnose the often complex flow present inside such devices [1] [2] [3] . Garg and Maji, and others have modeled the fluid flow and heat transfer sinusoidal channels with complex velocity fields, flow separation and re-attachments [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . Thermoplate devices with regular, yet non-sinusoidal, spot welds are excellent candidates for parametric analysis using computational fluid dynamics simulations given their complex geometry-dependant flow structure.

While many methods for manufacturing thermoplates have existed for some time, only recently have computational methods been used to diagnose the often complex flow present inside such devices.

Garg and Maji, and others have modeled the fluid flow and heat transfer sinusoidal channels with complex velocity fields, flow separation and re-attachments.


The subject of this study is a thermoplate comprised of two sheets of Inconel 625 seam-welded together, with a pattern of spot welds distributed along the fluid direction as shown in Fig. 1 . The space between the sheets is hydraulically expanded to a known thickness using a parallel plate guide fixture. The device uses a single fluid, in the liquid phase. This particular heat exchanger is a prototype test-section of a larger design intended for use in a specialized concentrated solar power receiver [9] . This application requires a compact, formable profile with high operating efficiency and minimal temperature gradient between the irradiated wall and heat transfer fluid. Preliminary designs utilize water as the working fluid, with laminar flowrates from 0.5 to 5.0 g/s, pressures ranging from 1 to 50 bar, and outlet temperatures of 80-250 C. As opposed to standard thermoplates which often fill an entire sheet with one or more fluids, we consider a directed flow through a single channel. The presence of periodic spot welds, and the complex curvature created during the inflation procedure result in flow structures which undermine the application of analytic solutions.

This particular heat exchanger is a prototype test-section of a larger design intended for use in a specialized concentrated solar power receiver.


Consequent approximations from multi-fluid to single fluid MHD allow us to find the stage where the cut-off wavenumber for Alfvén waves appears in partially ionized plasmas of the solar atmosphere. The real part of the wave frequency always exists in full multi-fluid equations, which means that there is no cut-off wavenumber of Alfvén waves. The real part of wave frequency approaches zero, but never vanishes when the inertia of ion-neutral relative velocity are neglected. This approximation corresponds to the single-fluid Hall MHD and hence there is no cut-off wavenumber here, either. On the other hand, the cut-off wavenumber appears when, after neglecting the inertial term, one neglects the modified Hall current term in the induction equation. The appearance of Alfvén waves is due to the current j ⊥ , which is perpendicular to b ⊥ and k (see Eq. 16). This current is due to the ion inertia in an oscillating electric field E ⊥ and it plays a key role in Alfvén oscillations through the force j ⊥ × B (Chen 1988) . In the general case, when both electrons and ions move freely into electric and magnetic fields, the collision of plasma particles and neutral atoms may lead only to damping of Alfvén waves and waves with any frequency may propagate in the medium (but remember that the wave frequency should be always lower than ion-electron collision frequency, otherwise the fluid approximation is not valid). When one neglects the electron inertia, i.e. considers the Hall MHD approximation, the electrons are frozen in the magnetic field, but ion inertia is still at play. In this case, the collision between ions and neutrals becomes important for shorter scales and it opposes the current j ⊥ at higher wavenumbers. However, oscillations again exist for all wavelengths due to the Hall current, but the wave frequency is much lower than the Alfvén frequency for shorter wavelengths (see green lines in Fig. 1 ). The critical point arises when one neglects the Hall current in the induction equation. Then the collision between particles completely blocks the current j ⊥ at higher wavenumbers and leads to the appearances of the cut-off frequency.

This current is due to the ion inertia in an oscillating electric field E ⊥ and it plays a key role in Alfvén oscillations through the force j ⊥ × B.


We report ionoacoustic measurements with GeV-ions from the upgraded SIS18 synchrotron at GSI (Darmstadt, Germany) where a water beam dump was exposed to short and intense heavy ion bunches (C, Xe, U) with energies from about 200 to 300 MeV/u. In contrast to most previous experiments, we used a single standard PZT-transducer in the axial configuration (i.e. on beam axis) to optimize the range and, hence, the energy resolution [16, 17] . Following a brief introduction concerning characteristic parameters of ionoacoustic signal generation with focus on heavy ions, extensive pre-studies with 20 MeV protons at the Munich tandem accelerator (MLL, Garching, Germany) are described along with methods for extracting the ion range from the measured acoustic signal pattern in the time and frequency domains.

In contrast to most previous experiments, we used a single standard PZT-transducer in the axial configuration (i.e. on beam axis) to optimize the range and, hence, the energy resolution.


Renal disease is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. When mild decrements in glomerular filtration rate appear, phosphate elimination decreases. High phosphate serum levels have been associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events even in the absence of renal disease [1] . Compensatory responses to maintain phosphate homeostasis include an increase in fibroblast growth-23 (FGF-23) and a subsequent rise in parathormone levels [2] . FGF-23 promotes phosphaturia and diminishes vitamin D plasma levels, downregulating its synthesis and enhancing its degradation [2] .

High phosphate serum levels have been associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events even in the absence of renal disease.

Compensatory responses to maintain phosphate homeostasis include an increase in fibroblast growth-23 (FGF-23) and a subsequent rise in parathormone levels.

FGF-23 promotes phosphaturia and diminishes vitamin D plasma levels, downregulating its synthesis and enhancing its degradation.


LC voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO) commonly used as local oscillators are a bottleneck in the design of a fully integrated radio frequency (RF) circuit. Compared to other topologies, such as inverter-based ring oscillators, LC oscillators are preferred because of their high quality factor (Q). However, the Q-value of an integrated inductor is poor in CMOS technology due to the high substrate loss. The thermal noise generated due to the substrate loss causes significant phase noise [1] .

The thermal noise generated due to the substrate loss causes significant phase noise.


The inelastic X-ray scattering technique (IXS), also called X-ray Raman scattering (XRS), is based on a photon-in photon-out scattering process of hard X-rays from low Z elements [4, [15] [16] [17] [18] . Through this scattering process, the core electron is excited to an unoccupied electronic state just above the Fermi level, and the energy loss shifts the scattered photon energy to lower values. The energy conservation for the IXS process is expressed by E 1 = E initial + E electron + E 2 , where E 1 and E 2 are the energies of incoming and scattered X-rays, respectively. The sum of E initial and E electron represent the total energy loss of the scattered X-ray, where E initial stands for the binding energy of an electron and E electron represents its energy above the Fermi level. By changing the energy of either E 1 or E 2 , and monitoring E 1 and E 2 energies, the unoccupied electronic states probed by the scattering electron may thus be determined.

The inelastic X-ray scattering technique (IXS), also called X-ray Raman scattering (XRS), is based on a photon-in photon-out scattering process of hard X-rays from low Z elements.


The IXS technique is generally implemented at synchrotron sources at dedicated beamlines, equipped with instruments ensuring good energy resolution and efficient X-ray detection [3, [23] [24] [25] . In order to obtain good quality spectra with relatively short acquisition times, the IXS signal is often recorded by scanning the incident X-ray energy rather than scanning the emission spectrometer. Such an approach, called inverse-IXS, allows the efficiency of the IXS experiments to be improved by building X-ray spectrometers equipped with multiple analyzer crystals. Such spectrometers, arranged in the Johann geometry, are operated at a fixed Bragg angle close to 90 degrees. A large solid angle can be achieved by using even a few tens of analyzer crystals. To date, this experimental approach is the best possible approach for use at 3rd-generation storage rings, which are characterized by very stable beam parameters and allow for fast, reproducible scanning of the incident X-ray beam energy using fixed-exit double-crystal monochromators synchronized to insertion device gaps. This approach cannot be applied at XFELs, where the pulse and photon energy stability are poor and vary significantly from pulse to pulse [26, 27] . This means the application of the IXS technique at an XFEL should avoid, if possible, the necessity of scanning the incident photon energy. An alternative approach to scanning the incident X-ray photon energy is to use a dispersive X-ray spectrometer at a fixed incident X-ray beam energy. This allows the full and direct IXS spectrum to be obtained in a single acquisition, and each acquisition can then be simply summed up, removing the necessity of both signal normalization and changing the incident beam photon energy. This approach is clearly advantageous for sources where the stability of the incident X-ray beam parameters varies from pulse to pulse.

The IXS technique is generally implemented at synchrotron sources at dedicated beamlines, equipped with instruments ensuring good energy resolution and efficient X-ray detection.

This approach cannot be applied at XFELs, where the pulse and photon energy stability are poor and vary significantly from pulse to pulse.


The presented spectrometer design has been shown to be ideal for a range of different types of X-ray experiments including both off-and on-resonant X-ray techniques [5, 8, [41] [42] [43] [44] . Here, we have demonstrated its application to inelastic X-ray scattering to probe low-energy electronic excitations in condensed matter. Due to its unique combination of large solid angle and high-energy resolution, it can measure IXS signals within realistic timescales of several hours at a bending magnet beamline (X-ray flux 10 11 photons/second/0.015% bandwidth) at a third-generation storage ring X-ray source. Increasing the number of crystals used is a straightforward way of increasing the X-ray signals.

The presented spectrometer design has been shown to be ideal for a range of different types of X-ray experiments including both off-and on-resonant X-ray techniques.


Since ρ is hermitian and has all non-negative eigenvalues, it is always guaranteed that we can write ρ in this way. In this sense,H = − log ρ is simply a trivial rewriting of the problem. However, the usefulness of this form is the fact that, in many important cases, the entanglement Hamiltonian turns out to be local (i.e. a sum of local operators). For example, it is always local for any relativistic field theory partitioned into two half-spaces, as we will discuss in the next section. By repurposing this relativistic tool, we will find that the entanglement Hamiltonian for Fermi surface systems, of any codimension, can also be written in local form in terms of a suitably defined set of low-energy variables, specifically a set of decoupled patch variables representing the different portions of the surface. However, the result will still be nonlocal with respect to the original microscopic fermions, in agreement with earlier treatments of free fermion entanglement Hamiltonians [20] .

However, the result will still be nonlocal with respect to the original microscopic fermions, in agreement with earlier treatments of free fermion entanglement Hamiltonians.


Sputum culture negativity during the early months of MDR-TB treatment (especially after two months) -is widely adopted as a reliable interim indicator of noninfectiousness (i.e. microbiological endpoint) and for monitoring and predicting ongoing progress, effectiveness and ultimately success of treatment [7, 8] . Successful treatment outcomes have been reported in MDR-TB patients who achieved sputum culture negativity after two months of treatment [10, 39] . In our study, sputum culture positivity even after two months of MDR-TB treatment was positively associated with unsuccessful interim treatment outcomes. Similarly unsuccessful treatment outcomes have been reported in MDR-TB patients with positive sputum culture results after two months of treatment [40] . According to a study from Hong Kong, culture negativity after two months of MDR-TB treatment was 100% and 52.3% prognostic of treatment success and failure, respectively [10] . In addition, a secondary analysis of data from two observational cohort studies and a study from the Dominican Republic has reported better treatment outcomes in MDR-TB patients with negative sputum culture results after two months of treatment [11, 41] . The results from our study also advocate that early negativity of sputum culture is a positive predictor of successful interim treatment outcomes, and vice versa. This may help clinicians in the early detection of patients who are at greater risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Moreover, our study results also advance credibility for the clinical utility of checking sputum cultures as a method of evaluating the treatment effectiveness.

Sputum culture negativity during the early months of MDR-TB treatment (especially after two months) -is widely adopted as a reliable interim indicator of noninfectiousness (i.e. microbiological endpoint) and for monitoring and predicting ongoing progress, effectiveness and ultimately success of treatment.

Successful treatment outcomes have been reported in MDR-TB patients who achieved sputum culture negativity after two months of treatment.

Similarly unsuccessful treatment outcomes have been reported in MDR-TB patients with positive sputum culture results after two months of treatment.

According to a study from Hong Kong, culture negativity after two months of MDR-TB treatment was 100% and 52.3% prognostic of treatment success and failure, respectively.

In addition, a secondary analysis of data from two observational cohort studies and a study from the Dominican Republic has reported better treatment outcomes in MDR-TB patients with negative sputum culture results after two months of treatment.


Cell membranes consist of saturated and unsaturated lipid molecules which arrange themselves in a bilayer structure. Moreover, other molecules such as cholesterols or proteins are included. The lateral organisation of these different components is important for the functioning of the cell, contributing to protein trafficking, endocytosis, and signalling [12, 28] .

The lateral organisation of these different components is important for the functioning of the cell, contributing to protein trafficking, endocytosis, and signalling.


Four caterpillars of M. alcon were introduced to each subcolony, and the time taken before they were adopted was recorded (Als et al., 2001) . Caterpillars that were not adopted within 48 h after being offered to the ants were ''force-adopted'' by placing the caterpillars directly into the ant nest chamber. Any caterpillars that died before adoption (which only occurred if the caterpillars remained unadopted for nearly 48 h) were replaced with fresh caterpillars, which were immediately force-adopted. Thus each of the 106 subcolonies started the experiment with four adopted caterpillars of M. alcon.

Four caterpillars of M. alcon were introduced to each subcolony, and the time taken before they were adopted was recorded.


Starch is the main component of wheat bread and its gelatinization induces major structural changes during baking. The knowledge about the degree of gelatinization is an important factor for the control and optimization of thermal heating processes. This gelatinization process involves partly irreversible structural changes of the starch granules with concurrent loss of its molecular order or crystallinity [7] . The swollen granules and partially solubilized starch act as essential structural elements of bread.

This gelatinization process involves partly irreversible structural changes of the starch granules with concurrent loss of its molecular order or crystallinity.


Besides these microscopic methods, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) -in which the thermal energy is required for maintaining a given rate of temperature changes -was used as one of the main tools for the investigation of thermally induced starch gelatinization during the course of the baking process [19] . Several parameters can be defined by DSC: gelatinization temperature (T max , corresponding to that where half of the granules have lost their birefringence), initial or onset temperature (T on , where birefringence loss starts) and final or end temperature (T end , where 90 % of the granules have lost their birefringence) [20] . These temperatures, especially the gelatinization temperature, are characteristic of the biological origin of starch and a reflection of its internal structure.

Besides these microscopic methods, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) -in which the thermal energy is required for maintaining a given rate of temperature changes -was used as one of the main tools for the investigation of thermally induced starch gelatinization during the course of the baking process.

Several parameters can be defined by DSC: gelatinization temperature (T max , corresponding to that where half of the granules have lost their birefringence), initial or onset temperature (T on , where birefringence loss starts) and final or end temperature (T end , where 90 % of the granules have lost their birefringence).


The change from dough to bread during thermal heating process entails important structural modifications which depend on specified process conditions [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . The resting time -used for dough rise and structure relaxing -is followed by the baking process which is an irreversible process causing physical and chemical changes of the product components with the objective of a specified volume and stabilized crumb structure. The volume depends on the oven-rise which is driven by the gas expansion.

The change from dough to bread during thermal heating process entails important structural modifications which depend on specified process conditions.


However, the implementation of a group-based program in real-world settings involves many sources of variation arising from individual, group, and systemic factors. Thus, there is a need to determine the field conditions that will assure the correct implementation of the program: parents' sociodemographic profile and risk status, criteria and procedures used to create groups, selection and training of professionals, material resources needed, technical assistance teams and organizational culture, and climate of the services (Fixsen et al., 2005) . The specification of all these aspects is very important to properly assess the fidelity to the original program standards in a massive application of the program across different sites or in successive trials (Durlak & DuPre, 2008) . Among all the factors, in this study we have focused on the characteristics of the parents and the groups in which they participate that correspond to the first two factors mentioned above.

Thus, there is a need to determine the field conditions that will assure the correct implementation of the program: parents' sociodemographic profile and risk status, criteria and procedures used to create groups, selection and training of professionals, material resources needed, technical assistance teams and organizational culture, and climate of the services.

The specification of all these aspects is very important to properly assess the fidelity to the original program standards in a massive application of the program across different sites or in successive trials.


Because of reduction in investment, the level of output correspondingly decreases. The powerless political society, instability of government and carelessness of political parties create the situation for a politically instable state. For economic development of any country political stability is required. Political stability has direct effect on the process of economic development and the progress level of a state. Foreign direct investment affects economic growth and development process because it supplies capital for developing nations for investment purpose. Foreign direct investment also helps in creating job opportunities which finally leads to a rise in economic growth. Pakistan considered foreign direct investment as significant source of funding to meet tasks of resources gap. In developing the setup for financial markets is also not achieved suitably. Externally, Pakistan has faced the problem of exchange rate and imbalance between imports and exports. Pakistan has failed to build up a political power because of lack of stable popularity based government, financial problems and absence of social development. The local problems, conflict for an offer of force between the territories and border clashes with India and the financial gaps inside the nation are other main causes of instability in Pakistan (Hashmi et al., 2012) .

The local problems, conflict for an offer of force between the territories and border clashes with India and the financial gaps inside the nation are other main causes of instability in Pakistan.


Among researchers there is also no clear consensus yet regarding the soundscape terminology and choices of bipolar adjectives [19, 20, [23] [24] [25] [26] . In particular, the issues arise in the selection criteria for bipolar adjectives used, which is accompanied by the question of universal applicability due to loss of certain semantic nuances in translation and determining proper statistical approach. Thus, if statistical relevance of a certain adjective pair is not proven, it can easily be argued that a certain acoustic environment tested is not effectively described.

Among researchers there is also no clear consensus yet regarding the soundscape terminology and choices of bipolar adjectives.


Carrier transport in the QD thin films can manifest both hopping transport and conduction band transport features. The hopping transport regime is characterized by its dependence on different temperatures and much lower mobility values than the band conduction transport. What causes the transport regime prevail depends on the structural and morphological properties of the QD thin films. Despite its importance for practical applications, there has been relatively little work done on charge transport in the QD thin films [1] . Experimental investigation of thermal transport in such structures has also just begun [14] . For thermoelectric applications, it is important to measure both electrical and thermal conductivities in the same set of QD thin film samples.

Despite its importance for practical applications, there has been relatively little work done on charge transport in the QD thin films.

Experimental investigation of thermal transport in such structures has also just begun.


Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising candidate materials for realizing photovoltaics and optoelectronic devices. They can be fabricated near room temperature and scalable to large-area substrates [1] [2] [3] . Various artificially nanostructured materials have also become available which possess large transition dipole moments and consequently strong optical absorption [4] . Being coated on any surface and capability of the band gap to be tuned by changing the size and the shape of the particle are the potential advantages of colloidal QDs [5, 6] . Among these artificial nanostructures, of the most interest are colloidal synthesized QD semiconductors which can be processed from solution due to the broad optical response that can be tuned from visible to infrared by the selection of the type and physical size of the nanocrystals [7] [8] [9] . The CdTe QD semiconductors have a direct band gap that can be tuned from 1.5 to 2.1 eV, covering most of the range of the peak emission power of the solar spectrum, and hence, they are suitable materials for photovoltaic applications [10] [11] [12] [13] . They are also beneficial for thermoelectric applications, as they have the lowest possible thermal conductivity [14] .

They can be fabricated near room temperature and scalable to large-area substrates.

Various artificially nanostructured materials have also become available which possess large transition dipole moments and consequently strong optical absorption.

Being coated on any surface and capability of the band gap to be tuned by changing the size and the shape of the particle are the potential advantages of colloidal QDs.

Among these artificial nanostructures, of the most interest are colloidal synthesized QD semiconductors which can be processed from solution due to the broad optical response that can be tuned from visible to infrared by the selection of the type and physical size of the nanocrystals.

The CdTe QD semiconductors have a direct band gap that can be tuned from 1.5 to 2.1 eV, covering most of the range of the peak emission power of the solar spectrum, and hence, they are suitable materials for photovoltaic applications.

They are also beneficial for thermoelectric applications, as they have the lowest possible thermal conductivity.


Despite their many advantages, biodiesel have some negative effects on engine operation since its use can have an impact on the injection system (injector coking, fuel lines clogging, etc.), on combustion (poor atomization, carbon deposits, etc.) and on the hardware (piston ring sticking) [10, 11] . Moreover, due to its higher surface tension and viscosity the cold startability of diesel engines with biodiesel is deteriorated [12] . Some of these effects affect negatively the vaporization process, so that incomplete combustion is induced during the engine start and also an increase of NO x emissions can be noticed [13] . Additionally, since the heat value of biodiesel is about 13% lower than that of standard diesel fuel, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increases while the thermal efficiency is scarcely affected [14, 15] .

Despite their many advantages, biodiesel have some negative effects on engine operation since its use can have an impact on the injection system (injector coking, fuel lines clogging, etc.), on combustion (poor atomization, carbon deposits, etc.) and on the hardware (piston ring sticking).

Moreover, due to its higher surface tension and viscosity the cold startability of diesel engines with biodiesel is deteriorated.

Some of these effects affect negatively the vaporization process, so that incomplete combustion is induced during the engine start and also an increase of NO x emissions can be noticed.

Additionally, since the heat value of biodiesel is about 13% lower than that of standard diesel fuel, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increases while the thermal efficiency is scarcely affected.


In this investigation the repercussions of alternative fuels (from synthetic and vegetable oils) on engine performance, pollutant emissions (NO x and soot) and combustion noise were analyzed. With this purpose, different biodiesel blends and a synthetic fuel were tested in a lightduty direct injection (DI) diesel engine at different operating conditions. A procedure based on the decomposition of the in-cylinder pressure signal was used in order to evaluate the subjective aspect of combustion noise [23] .

A procedure based on the decomposition of the in-cylinder pressure signal was used in order to evaluate the subjective aspect of combustion noise.


Synthetic fuels like Fischer Tropsch are produced from synthesis gas (CO and H 2 ), using either natural gas or coal as feedstock. This alternative fuel is characterized by its high cetane number, which leads to short ignition delays [16, 17] . As in the case of biodiesel, the sulphur and aromatic content of Fisher Tropsh fuel are negligible, so that reductions of SO 2 , CO, UHC and soot emissions are also expected [18, 19] . Due to its higher heat value compared with that of a standard diesel fuel, Fischer Tropsch fuel allows also to reduce fuel consumption. Some studies have shown that both the heating value and the fluid-dynamic characteristics of fuel during the injection are the parameters which mostly govern the combustion process and have thus the highest impact on engine performance [20] .

This alternative fuel is characterized by its high cetane number, which leads to short ignition delays.

As in the case of biodiesel, the sulphur and aromatic content of Fisher Tropsh fuel are negligible, so that reductions of SO 2 , CO, UHC and soot emissions are also expected.

Some studies have shown that both the heating value and the fluid-dynamic characteristics of fuel during the injection are the parameters which mostly govern the combustion process and have thus the highest impact on engine performance.


Spacer knits are double-layered circular knits with a cushion of air and "spring-like" yarns between the two sides. This unique fabric class is knit in one continuous operation. Although it looks like several fabrics bonded together, it is actually one fabric which cannot be separated by layer. Special yarns are selected for aesthetic qualities (i.e.: soft hand, bright/dull, etc.) and for performance properties (i.e.: moisture transport, thermal insulation or conductance, anti-microbial, compressibility etc.). Compressibility is known as an important mechanical property of textiles. In Murthyguru theory, compressibility can be defined as a decrease of initial thickness due to appropriate increase of compressive force at measuring time [1] . In this definition, initial thickness of tissue is considered as thickness without applied force.

In Murthyguru theory, compressibility can be defined as a decrease of initial thickness due to appropriate increase of compressive force at measuring time.


This constant stress is referred to a collapse stress or a collapse plateau. The most compressibility behaviour and deformation of 3D fabrics occurs in this region, this is why this region is the subject of many investigations in the cushion fabric mechanical behaviour. In the densification region, monofilaments are engaged to each other and the deflection change decreases; the slope of stress-strain curve will decrease [3] . In Figure 16 , the experimental results obtained for 3D fabric sample have been depicted. Figure 16 shows that a typical compressibility behaviour as presented in Figure 15 is obtained for the 3D fabric sample tested here. Modulus, collapse and densification regions are present and appear under 40% deformation. So, the maximum compression loading in experimental tests is sufficient to make appear theses three regions for the studied spacer fabric here.

In the densification region, monofilaments are engaged to each other and the deflection change decreases; the slope of stress-strain curve will decrease.


The most important and fundamental theory related to the compressibility of textiles is Van Wyk theory. In his theory, he introduced a relationship between volume and stress for raw wool fibers regardless of their friction, twist and strength of fibres during compressibility [2] . However, few works have been done on modelling of compression behaviour of warp knitted spacer Fabrics [3, 4, 5] .

In his theory, he introduced a relationship between volume and stress for raw wool fibers regardless of their friction, twist and strength of fibres during compressibility.

However, few works have been done on modelling of compression behaviour of warp knitted spacer Fabrics.


Compressibility of the spacer fabrics depends on the type of spacer yarn, the yarn count of the spacer yarn, the stitch density and the spacer yarn configuration [6] . In different applications, compressibility can be adjusted by appropriate selection of these parameters [5] . Musial introduced a cantilever bar theory of transverse deformation in textile products consisting of two external layers combined with deformed elements in the middle layer [7] . Hong and Ming presented the compressibility of WKSF based on its construction and analyses the stress and strain behaviour of spacer fabric when compressed [3] .

Compressibility of the spacer fabrics depends on the type of spacer yarn, the yarn count of the spacer yarn, the stitch density and the spacer yarn configuration.

In different applications, compressibility can be adjusted by appropriate selection of these parameters.

Musial introduced a cantilever bar theory of transverse deformation in textile products consisting of two external layers combined with deformed elements in the middle layer.

Hong and Ming presented the compressibility of WKSF based on its construction and analyses the stress and strain behaviour of spacer fabric when compressed.


Todos os Santos Bay (12.61-13.13°S / 38.45-38.82°W), one of the most important waterways in Brazil (1,100 km²), is a complex ecosystem with brackish and marine waters, small internal bays, many islands, reefs, rivers, estuaries, mangroves, and rain forest, and has been a protected environmental area since June, 05 1999 in accordance with state law n° 7595 (GOVERNO DA BAHIA, 2007) . Thirteen towns, including Salvador (capital of Bahia State), the ports of Salvador and Aratu, the Aratu naval base, chemical and oil terminals, an oil refinery, and small oil fields are also located on Todos os Santos Bay. The northern portion of the bay lies within the area of four municipalities (Madre de Deus, São Francisco do Conde, Salvador and Candeias), which have been under the direct influence of the oil terminal (Madre de Deus) and the PETROBRAS oil refineryRefinaria Landulpho Alves Mataripe -RLAM (São Francisco do Conde) since 1949. There are thus many sources of anthropogenic pollution such as sewage disposal and industrial waste, the latter consisting mainly of oil refinery effluents.

Todos os Santos Bay (12.61-13.13°S / 38.45-38.82°W), one of the most important waterways in Brazil (1,100 km²), is a complex ecosystem with brackish and marine waters, small internal bays, many islands, reefs, rivers, estuaries, mangroves, and rain forest, and has been a protected environmental area since June, 05 1999 in accordance with state law n° 7595.


The intra-annual variability of the fish total catch (mainly ray and skate) showed similar trends in the study area to those on the whole of the coast of Bahia state during 2002, the highest production occurring during summer and spring (BAHIA PESCA, 2003) . Different trends were observed depending on the resource category or local conditions, which may be associated with many factors such as oceanographic, meteorological, biological, and socioeconomic conditions, or even oil pollution. The study area is evidently subject to a meteorological seasonal cycle. In the estuary, there is a hydrographic summerwinter cycle, with prevailing marine conditions during the summer and estuarine conditions during the winter (PETROBRAS/FUSP/IOUSP, 2005, unpublished) . Possibly this variability could be linked to fluctuations in the abundance of some resources, as in the case of sardine catches during fall and winter months or the catches of mullet, shrimps, crabs, and fighting conch (peguari) during the spring and summer months. Studies on population dynamics are needed for us better to understand the interactions between the populations and the environment, which may explain the great variations in abundance. However, no basic information on the population dynamics of the main species of the study area is yet available in the literature.

The intra-annual variability of the fish total catch (mainly ray and skate) showed similar trends in the study area to those on the whole of the coast of Bahia state during 2002, the highest production occurring during summer and spring.


There are several solutions to address this systematic error without having to compute null geodesics in a Newtonian motion gauge. The issue can be avoided entirely, of course, if one employs relativistic simulations that are directly framed in the Poisson gauge [7, 8] . Alternatively one can translate a Newtonian simulation a posteriori into Poisson gauge before proceeding with the analysis, as we illustrate below. This paper is organised as follows. We first summarise the concept behind the N-boisson gauge, which provides a rigorous mathematical description of the problem, in Section 2. In Section 3 we quantify the impact on observables using a large relativistic N-body simulation. We conclude in Section 4.

The issue can be avoided entirely, of course, if one employs relativistic simulations that are directly framed in the Poisson gauge.

This paper is organised as follows.

We conclude in Section 4.


In the cerebral cortex, the excitatory neurons comprise 85% of the neurons, and the remaining neurons are inhibitory [22] . At the subthreshold state, the sum of the power of the EPSP and IPSP of a single neuron is negative (PP = 0.0367 + (−0.0532) = −0.0165 nW). From the overall observation, the total consumed energy is positive (PP = 0.0367 × 85% −0.0532 × 15% = 0.0232 nW). As seen from the results, the neural system consumes the energy supplied from blood flow, even if the neurons act at a subthreshold state; also as seen from the calculated results, neurons consume more energy at suprathreshold activities than at subthreshold activities. It is reported that a massive number of neurons in subthreshold activities consume only 20% of the total energy, whereas a small amount of neurons consume more than 80% due to action potential firing [22] . Our results conform to this conclusion. A single neuron acts under the condition of a neural network. In other words, the interaction among the neurons makes their functional effectiveness emerge. It is in this sense that neuronal activity is performing the process of metabolism in the thermal noisy physiologic environment. To obtain the size of thermal noise intensity of the neuronal activity in the actual environment and to further obtain the noise circumstance under the condition of networks in the brain, we need to first understand the neuronal membrane potential and its corresponding energy function under the condition of no noise interference [19] . Only by obtaining the neuronal energy under an ideal condition can the physiologic influence of thermal noise on the membrane potential and its neuronal energy be better understood. Once that is obtained, it is possible to comprehend the noisy environment in a neural system and evaluate the behaviors of the network in such an environment.

In the cerebral cortex, the excitatory neurons comprise 85% of the neurons, and the remaining neurons are inhibitory.

It is reported that a massive number of neurons in subthreshold activities consume only 20% of the total energy, whereas a small amount of neurons consume more than 80% due to action potential firing.

Our results conform to this conclusion.

To obtain the size of thermal noise intensity of the neuronal activity in the actual environment and to further obtain the noise circumstance under the condition of networks in the brain, we need to first understand the neuronal membrane potential and its corresponding energy function under the condition of no noise interference.


To avoid these drastic conditions, a universal method for fluoroacidity evaluation was developed and based on a mass transport approach: it simply consists in measuring the diffusion coefficient of a species in various molten media [5] . However, small differences were observed between the diffusion coefficients and the discrimination was complicated by a lack of selectivity. A global approach of mass transport in solution was then proposed, taking into account both solute and solvent.

To avoid these drastic conditions, a universal method for fluoroacidity evaluation was developed and based on a mass transport approach: it simply consists in measuring the diffusion coefficient of a species in various molten media.


To achieve the hybridization of magnetic materials with conductive materials, which could potentially yield outstanding properties that could not be attained by either component alone, we synthesized graphene-Fe 3 O 4 microand nano-scale hybrid spheres with diameters of ~100 nm [23] . The hybrid materials consisted of a homogenous phase without obvious interfaces between graphene and Fe 3 O 4 and yielded good synergistic effects in terms of the electromagnetic wave absorbing properties. A multi-frequency reflection band covered the C band and Ku band with a maximum reflection loss of −20 dB for the matching thickness of 5 mm. However, the high carrier mobility of graphene at room temperature (1000 cm 2 V −1 s −1 ) is harmful to its EM absorption properties; experimentally, the ratio of iron ion and graphene oxide in the precursors is very critical. According to the EM energy conversion principle, the relative complex permittivity, relative complex permeability, and proper matching between the complex permittivity and permeability determine the reflection and attenuation characteristics of EM absorbers. Thus, determining how to design and prepare good EM absorbing materials based on graphene still remains a challenge.

To achieve the hybridization of magnetic materials with conductive materials, which could potentially yield outstanding properties that could not be attained by either component alone, we synthesized graphene-Fe 3 O 4 microand nano-scale hybrid spheres with diameters of ~100 nm.


The majority of existing proposals take an indirect approach: first simplify physical interference conditions into a set of pairwise constraints (or the graph interference model), then distribute spectrum on top of them (or the graph model) [1, [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . Such simplification, however, comes at an unpleasant cost. Radio interference is inherent accumulative and cannot be accurately represented by pair-wise constraints. As a result, decisions made on top of the graph model could lead to inefficient allocation or unwanted interference. Similar pitfall was also identified in other networking problems such as link scheduling [9] [10] [11] .

The majority of existing proposals take an indirect approach: first simplify physical interference conditions into a set of pairwise constraints (or the graph interference model), then distribute spectrum on top of them (or the graph model).

Similar pitfall was also identified in other networking problems such as link scheduling.


The intensive chemotherapy protocols used in the last 15 years have improved the outcome of treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . Unfortunately, similar improvements have been achieved only in the more affluent of the developing nations and only in major centers from these countries [7] [8] [9] [10] . Other countries, such as India, have generally reported low survival rates, largely because of limitations in the existing health care systems such that treatment regimens of sufficient intensity are impractical, but possibly also reflecting differences in the general health (nutritional status, intercurrent infections etc.) of the patients or in the biology of ALL [11] [12] [13] [14] .

The intensive chemotherapy protocols used in the last 15 years have improved the outcome of treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Unfortunately, similar improvements have been achieved only in the more affluent of the developing nations and only in major centers from these countries.

Other countries, such as India, have generally reported low survival rates, largely because of limitations in the existing health care systems such that treatment regimens of sufficient intensity are impractical, but possibly also reflecting differences in the general health (nutritional status, intercurrent infections etc.) of the patients or in the biology of ALL.


One issue to be solved for a broad use of superconductors in AC applications is the reduction of AC losses. In the late 80s, intensive efforts were put into the reduction of the AC losses in BSSCO/Ag superconductors. The results did not lead to a commercial breakthrough. More recently, the MgB2 superconductor has been developed into long-length wires. This conductor is inexpensive and more easily manufactured, with prospects of a successful AC loss reduction [1] .

This conductor is inexpensive and more easily manufactured, with prospects of a successful AC loss reduction.


According to our modelling results, long-term hydrogen storage was cost-effective only in one specific case with shares of about 65% wind and 15% PV supply. This implies that at any other supply mix, balancing is achieved at lower costs using other storage, transmission, and conventional backup. At higher wind supply shares, the increasing usage of offshore turbines reduces the operation hours of dispatchable alternatives, making gas turbines more economic than long term storage. Considering the significantly lower investment costs, which might be realized by using salt caverns for storage, hydrogen storage is also used in scenarios with a wind supply share of 50% or more. Earlier REMix calculations showed that higher CO 2 emission costs can also have a favourable impact on the application of long-term storage [22] .

Earlier REMix calculations showed that higher CO 2 emission costs can also have a favourable impact on the application of long-term storage.


In the case of natural fibers, the imperfect adhesion of the fibers to most thermoplastic polymers has to be reflected in the models. It has been argued that the apparent adhesion is mainly due to static friction [9] . Fiber-matrix slippage is unlikely in the low strain region, with linear elastic material response, so perfect bonding may be assumed when estimating the elastic properties of a UC. When evaluating the non-linear UC response at higher strains, imperfect interface needs to be allowed for.

It has been argued that the apparent adhesion is mainly due to static friction.


A computer vision system includes the application of techniques in which computers are employed to examine and extract image contents in solving specific problems concerning the fruit surface. Quality assessment of agricultural produce offers definite challenges as the "appearance" is inconsistent and vague (Deepa & Geethalakshmi 2011) . Food industry is amid the top ten industries that widely use the machine vision. Its role is exceptional in the field of automated qualification and sorting of horticultural, agricultural and food products.

Quality assessment of agricultural produce offers definite challenges as the "appearance" is inconsistent and vague.


Given that BUPLAS CA probes both linguistic and business informed criteria, the inevitable question has already been raised as to the efficacy of using this strong form of assessment with native -speaker CSRs working in on-shore call centres in the UK and USA. This question has also been raised in the context of the aviation test entry test (Alderson, 2011) . A study has recently been proposed by a large European bank to BUPLAS CA assess 400 (200 native and 200 non-native) authentic calls to establish if there is any merit in using BUPLAS CA for appraisal and coaching feedback purposes for native speaker CSRS onshore (i.e. in the UK, USA and Australia).

This question has also been raised in the context of the aviation test entry test.


Cognitive structures are structured mental models that are used to collect and edit information from the external world [23] . We found that chefs at fine dining restaurants employ different cognitive structures when devising new dishes, and differences in cuisine genre and training background affected not only cooking techniques, ingredients, and condiments but also the mental models employed by the chefs in creating new dishes. Understanding the prioritized CSFs in dish creation by chefs at Japanese fine dining restaurants may help beginners to create new dishes and assist chefs who are interested in Japanese cuisine styles. While this study provides new insight into CSFs, further research including a greater number and variety of chefs as participants is required to confirm the robustness and validity of our results.

Cognitive structures are structured mental models that are used to collect and edit information from the external world.


Laddering is a potential interviewing technique for exploring these cognitive structures [17] . During interviews, subjects are typically asked questions such as "Why is that important to you?" with the express goal of determining sets of linkages between key perceptual elements across a range of attributes (A), consequences (C), and values (V) [18, 19] . Laddering became popular during investigations into what participants deemed important according to the models of the means-end chain (MEC) theory. In a series of articles entitled "Challenging Kyoto Cuisine" in a monthly Japanese magazine for professional chefs, nine chefs of Japanese cuisine presented new dishes using theme ingredients while discussing and criticizing each other's performances. Laddering occurred naturally within these articles, with chefs discussing their attitudes to creating new dishes and the reasons why they appreciated particular creations. In our study, we applied the laddering technique to these discussions and identified factors that emerged as CSFs.

Laddering is a potential interviewing technique for exploring these cognitive structures.

During interviews, subjects are typically asked questions such as "Why is that important to you?" with the express goal of determining sets of linkages between key perceptual elements across a range of attributes (A), consequences (C), and values (V).


In this paper we report on the decomposition of PVC as a model compound of chlorinated polymers in an inductively coupled radiofrequency plasma reactor in neutral, oxidative and reductive conditions. We investigated both the generated chemical species and fragments in the plasma, and the obtained solid materials after the decomposition, as well. The chemical species of the plasma column was monitored and analysed by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). OES is a convenient method for monitoring plasmas because chemical species can be identified and various parameters, such as temperatures, can be determined without any interference on the plasma state. Also, the optical emission measurements of the Swan system of C 2 (d 3 Π g -a 3 Π u ) transition are commonly used as a diagnostic tool for carbon plasmas [19] [20] [21] . The ascollected solid materials were analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the possible graphene formation and to verify the total decomposition of the fed material.

Also, the optical emission measurements of the Swan system of C 2 (d 3 Π g -a 3 Π u ) transition are commonly used as a diagnostic tool for carbon plasmas.


The questionnaires consist of 26 criteria (F1 -F26) to be chosen by respondents (Table 2) . Respondents distinguish each factor based on its relative importance towards sustainable housing affordability. Responses are ranked on a five-point Likert Scale. Likert scale was used because of its simplicity in expressing the respondent level of agreement (Allen et al, 2007) .

Likert scale was used because of its simplicity in expressing the respondent level of agreement.


Other studies into error checking in data entry have focused on the effect of the interface on error checking strategies. In one such experiment, two different number entry interfaces were compared: incremental (where the number displayed was gradually incremented by the interface, as with a volume control dial) and serial (where the number was added to, one digit at a time as with a telephone). During the experiment, errors were injected into the numbers that the participants had entered. When users were asked to transcribe numbers using both interfaces, it was found that incremental number entry interfaces resulted in participants noticing more of the artificially inserted errors (Oladimeji, Thimbleby, & Cox, 2011) . Users of the incremental interface also spent more time looking at the device display compared to the serial interface. However, it is not clear from this analysis of eyetracking data which area of the display participants were viewing, therefore making it difficult to know for certain whether participants were actually checking the numbers they had entered.

When users were asked to transcribe numbers using both interfaces, it was found that incremental number entry interfaces resulted in participants noticing more of the artificially inserted errors.


However, the adhesion between the substrate and coating by physical absorption is weak. In composites discipline, Young's modulus of copper is 110∼128 GPa, and yet that of the polymeric materials, such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, is around 1∼4 GPa. This intrinsic distinction causes that the copper nanoparticles could hardly be coated on the polymer surface to form composites with structural integrity [12] . The most common process of conferring the copper nanoparticles to fabrics materials is utilizing some adhesion and cross-linked agents, such as acrylate and polyurethane, to form a composite coating on the substrate [13, 14] . Consequently, only the exposed copper nanoparticles on the external surface can be released and show antibacterial property subsequently; meanwhile the majority of nanoparticles are blocked in the inner of composites by adhesion agents [15, 16] .

This intrinsic distinction causes that the copper nanoparticles could hardly be coated on the polymer surface to form composites with structural integrity.

The most common process of conferring the copper nanoparticles to fabrics materials is utilizing some adhesion and cross-linked agents, such as acrylate and polyurethane, to form a composite coating on the substrate.

Consequently, only the exposed copper nanoparticles on the external surface can be released and show antibacterial property subsequently; meanwhile the majority of nanoparticles are blocked in the inner of composites by adhesion agents.


Polymer brushes assisted copper electroless deposition methods have been demonstrated to be a powerful tool in preparing copper nanoparticles on polymer substrates [17] [18] [19] . Heuristically, the free release and reinforced concrete-like antibacterial system were designed by chemical bonds tethered copper nanoparticles on cotton and polyester substrates using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and electroless deposition (ELD). The cheaper copper nanoparticles with high effectiveness and long durable properties could match the requirement of antibacterial materials for industrial production. In this paper, cotton is chosen as the substrate material because it is used more widely than any other natural fiber, and polyester, as a typical polymeric material, is chosen as another substrate. Meanwhile, two kinds of materials are the major medical materials used in healthcare and medical fields. The antibacterial properties of copper nanoparticles covalently bonded on cotton and polymeric materials by surface grafted polymer brushes were investigated.

Polymer brushes assisted copper electroless deposition methods have been demonstrated to be a powerful tool in preparing copper nanoparticles on polymer substrates.


Bacterial infection, as a major issue, has been arising from bacterial adhesion, growth, and proliferation on surfaces [1] [2] [3] . A considerable number of research works have been conducted with the aim of preparing the novel antibacterial materials [4] . The antibacterial properties of gold and silver are well known, and the effectiveness in reducing the growth of several microorganisms has been reported [5] [6] [7] . Because of high cost of silver and gold, material chemists have focused their attention on exploring the possibility of using copper as the ultimate antimicrobial agent [8] [9] [10] [11] .

Bacterial infection, as a major issue, has been arising from bacterial adhesion, growth, and proliferation on surfaces.

A considerable number of research works have been conducted with the aim of preparing the novel antibacterial materials.

The antibacterial properties of gold and silver are well known, and the effectiveness in reducing the growth of several microorganisms has been reported.

Because of high cost of silver and gold, material chemists have focused their attention on exploring the possibility of using copper as the ultimate antimicrobial agent.


In this paper, we propose a hybrid two-level thermal management scheme for multi-core system. We show that employing a combination of simple local schemes and global DVFS results in simple and effective thermal management solutions. We have recently proposed runtime reconfigurable architectural parameters (instruction window size and issue width) as an effective mechanism for single-core DTM [11] . Applying multiple knobs simultaneously for thermal management of multi-cores is more challenging because (a) all the cores are constrained to use identical operating frequency preempting the possibility of choosing per-core parameters independently, and (b) the configuration and workload of a core has significant impact on the temperature of the neighboring cores due to lateral coupling (lateral heat transfer among adjacent cores). In this work, we design a software based thermal management framework that adapts the local and global thermal management parameters at runtime.

We have recently proposed runtime reconfigurable architectural parameters (instruction window size and issue width) as an effective mechanism for single-core DTM.


Stock price data is one of the most essential information for investors. It is a dynamic, non-linear, non-parametric and non-trend data. That is the investors' duty to manage the opportunities correctly and keep up with the inconsistencies of the market. They should consider the unexpected events, continuous structural failures along with the market turbulence (Chann Chang, Wang& Le Zhou, 2012) . Stock price movements are actually affected by many macro economics factors including political events, firms' guidelines, general economic situations, inventory price index, investors' expectations, institutional investors' selections and psychological factors. Hence, it can be concluded that the accurate prediction of stock price movements is a very challenging and important topic and is extensively regarded by investors (Zhou Wang, jie Wang, Zhang & Po Guo, 2011) .

They should consider the unexpected events, continuous structural failures along with the market turbulence.

Hence, it can be concluded that the accurate prediction of stock price movements is a very challenging and important topic and is extensively regarded by investors.


World-wide concerns about the energy sustainability and the environmental issues related to traditional power plants have provided incentives for a greater use of renewable energy. Although renewable energy sources offer environmental and in some cases economical benefits, their utilisation in the electric power systems has been facing with many technical challenges. The main technical challenges include power quality, reliability and protection [1] .

The main technical challenges include power quality, reliability and protection.


The use of battery as an energy storage device seems to be more practical than other technologies [4] . Batteries usually have a reasonable price and can supply energy for longer durations. However, their application have arisen environmental concerns [4] . Another alternative is to employ the generator rotor as an energy storage device [5, 6] . When the wind power is more than the load power demand, the extra energy is stored in the rotor inertia which is recovered when the wind power falls below the load demand. With this method, the drawbacks are the wind turbine cannot operate with a maximum power extraction method, and the wind power fluctuations can be smoothen only for a short time period of about 2 s.

The use of battery as an energy storage device seems to be more practical than other technologies.

However, their application have arisen environmental concerns.

Another alternative is to employ the generator rotor as an energy storage device.


Working memory is a core cognitive skill critical for learning, developing basic academic skills, planning, and problem solving [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . It provides the capacity for the temporary storage and manipulation of information in the course of everyday activities, such as following instructions and mental arithmetic [12] [13] [14] . A recently published meta-analysis revealed that reading-impaired children performed approximately 1 standard deviation (SD) below typically achieving students on measures of verbal working memory, and nearly ⅔ SD below peers on measures of visual working memory [7] . Mathematicsimpaired children performed approximately 1 SD below typically achieving peers on verbal working memory tasks and ½ SD below on visual working memory tasks [7] . These findings support the premise that working memory capacity is critically important for academic achievement in the general population. Importantly, the relationship between working memory and academic achievement appears to be independent of general intelligence, as this relationship persists after controlling for IQ and when restricted to children with average IQs [11, 12] .

Working memory is a core cognitive skill critical for learning, developing basic academic skills, planning, and problem solving.

It provides the capacity for the temporary storage and manipulation of information in the course of everyday activities, such as following instructions and mental arithmetic.

A recently published meta-analysis revealed that reading-impaired children performed approximately 1 standard deviation (SD) below typically achieving students on measures of verbal working memory, and nearly ⅔ SD below peers on measures of visual working memory.

Mathematicsimpaired children performed approximately 1 SD below typically achieving peers on verbal working memory tasks and ½ SD below on visual working memory tasks.

Importantly, the relationship between working memory and academic achievement appears to be independent of general intelligence, as this relationship persists after controlling for IQ and when restricted to children with average IQs.


On a first level the CPU time required in molecular dynamics (MD) for the simulation of complex molecular systems is a rapidly growing function with increasing number of particles. This is due to the computation of interatomic potentials and forces which are required for the integration step in MD. The number of operations to calculate mutual distances between all particles N in the system is proportional to N 2 , which limits the size of the system to several thousand particles. In the case of short range interaction potentials, i.e. potentials which decay faster than r −d (d is the physical dimension), it is possible to restrict the range of particle interactions to a limited area around a tagged particle, the so called interaction sphere. The radius is chosen in a way that contributions from particles outside R c are rather small and errors in the total energy may be accounted for in a continuum way as long-range corrections [1] . For Lennard-Jones systems, often R c = 2.5σ is chosen, where σ is the diameter of a Lennard-Jones particle. Note, however, that also in the case of long-range potentials interaction spheres are often in use, e.g. for the short range real space part in Ewald sums [2] .

The radius is chosen in a way that contributions from particles outside R c are rather small and errors in the total energy may be accounted for in a continuum way as long-range corrections.

Note, however, that also in the case of long-range potentials interaction spheres are often in use, e.g. for the short range real space part in Ewald sums.


In this paper, whereas predictable results were observed after the administration of regular cola to ApoE -/mice, light cola consumption revealed unexpected observations. Neither regular cola nor light cola drinking modified body weight. Interestingly, solid food intake decreased in the regular cola group, likely as the result of drinking large volumes of regular cola which provided excess caloric intake. We reported the same nutritional behavior in eugenic rats after drinking regular cola for a long period [4, 5] .

We reported the same nutritional behavior in eugenic rats after drinking regular cola for a long period.


CD15 (Lewis-X) is a tetrasaccharide ligand (to selectins) present on all myeloid cells; in neutrophils, it can be mobilized from azurophilic/primary granules [36] . The statistically significant, slight increase in post-PCI ratio of CD15-bearing cells is not considerable; it could reflect slight granulocyte activation during the intervention in both patient groups. The moderate downregulation on the following day, however, indicates a less activated state, similarly to the granulocytes of anxious patients in a relatively relaxed condition in our previous study [18] .

CD15 (Lewis-X) is a tetrasaccharide ligand (to selectins) present on all myeloid cells; in neutrophils, it can be mobilized from azurophilic/primary granules.

The moderate downregulation on the following day, however, indicates a less activated state, similarly to the granulocytes of anxious patients in a relatively relaxed condition in our previous study.


Children typically spend much of their time developing their relationship to gravity. First infants lifts up their head and find out that gravity makes it heavy. With each new movement, they learn what gravity can do and what they can do. They learn that the pull of gravity, never, ever changes its direction or strength. They discover that there is nothing on this planet that can avoid gravity but that by adapting to gravity they can stand up, climb a tree, or throw a ball in the air. Gravitational security is so vital to emotional health that nature has given us a strong inner drive to explore gravity and master it. Because this inner drive is so strong, a child will intuitively do whatever is necessary to develop his/her vestibular system [1] . Mothers have always used rocking to calm a distressed baby. The cradle is our symbol for the peace and serenity of infancy. Both young and old find that rocking chairs and swings reduce anxiety and emotional upset [2] . Children have playground equipment and amusement park rides, because swinging, sliding, climbing and riding a see-saw or merry-ground or roller coaster provide so much vestibular stimulation.

Because this inner drive is so strong, a child will intuitively do whatever is necessary to develop his/her vestibular system.

Both young and old find that rocking chairs and swings reduce anxiety and emotional upset.


The problem of tracer transport from low-latitude source regions towards the ice sheets is of interest for several reasons. Ice core analysis yields information about past tracer concentrations (e.g. continental dust, sea salt, etc.) whose variations in time must be interpreted in terms of variations of atmospheric transport towards the ice sheets, and of variations in sources and sinks (Petit et al., 1981) . Analysis of atmospheric tracer transport in atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) can help explain the observed variations. As variations of tracer concentrations in ice cores over time reflect changes in atmospheric circu-lation (and therefore climate), the analysis of these variations is a valuable tool for characterizing the different climate states.

Ice core analysis yields information about past tracer concentrations (e.g. continental dust, sea salt, etc.) whose variations in time must be interpreted in terms of variations of atmospheric transport towards the ice sheets, and of variations in sources and sinks.


We use a direct method of tracer modelling within a GCM as described in the following section. Section 3 presents the characteristics of modelled present-day atmospheric transport towards Antarctica in the polar version of the LMDZ GCM (Krinner et al., 1997) . We then present results obtained for the last glacial maximum (21 kyr BP) and for the last glacial inception (115 kyr BP). T r a n s a n t a r c t ic M o u n ta in s Fig. 1 . Map of Antarctica with place names referred to in the text. On this and all following maps, the Greenwich meridian is on top and the 90 • E meridian is on the right.

Section 3 presents the characteristics of modelled present-day atmospheric transport towards Antarctica in the polar version of the LMDZ GCM.


For the first step, the estimation of the conditional mean, we use an empirical likelihood estimator, in the sense of Owen [21] . Empirical likelihood (EL) is a nonparametric estimation procedure through which we get confidence regions for the conditional mean. Importantly, the EL estimator does not rely on significant assumptions about the conditional distribution of the market factors in extremes. The shape of the resulting confidence regions is able to capture skewness and other features present in extreme outcomes.

For the first step, the estimation of the conditional mean, we use an empirical likelihood estimator, in the sense of Owen.


After providing a precise estimation procedure for reverse stress testing and analyzing conditional means and covariances in extremes, we use similar ideas to draw scenarios from regions of the factor space leading to large losses. In principle, one would want to draw scenarios from the conditional distribution given a large loss, but characterizing extreme conditional distributions remains notoriously difficult (as in Balkema and Embrechts [3] ). We use a mechanism suggested by the EL confidence regions. Our approach generates random weight vectors and uses these to take weighted 3 combinations of past extreme scenarios to generate new scenarios in important large-loss regions.

In principle, one would want to draw scenarios from the conditional distribution given a large loss, but characterizing extreme conditional distributions remains notoriously difficult (as in Balkema and Embrechts).


Environmental variation across breeding areas (seasonal, climatic, landscape) contribute to the polytypic nature of Rock Sandpipers (Pruett and Winker 2005) . Variation in parental care patterns and reproductive rates between two study sites in Alaska and Chukotka, Russia suggests that variation within Beringia may not be limited to morphological characters, but may extend into behavioral and demographical parameters as well. Additional study will be required to confirm whether or not the site-specific differences described here truly reflect consistent regional differences in Rock Sandpiper breeding biology.

Environmental variation across breeding areas (seasonal, climatic, landscape) contribute to the polytypic nature of Rock Sandpipers.


One noteworthy result that emerged in Study 1 is the finding that the loss/why condition exhibited marginal to significant effects on the measures of actual recycling behaviors at T2. However, this combination did not seem to be as effective as the loss/how or the gain/why conditions in influencing recycling, particularly when considering the T3 results. Some research indicates evidence for a negativity bias, wherein people more heavily weight negative rather than positive aspects of information (Rozin and Royzman 2001; Tversky and Kahneman 1981) . However, our findings suggest that in the long run, matching frame (both positive and negative) with construal level can lead to more positive recycling behaviors.

Some research indicates evidence for a negativity bias, wherein people more heavily weight negative rather than positive aspects of information.


First, differently from the other CSSs, CI exerted a direct and negative influence on SRP. A plausible explanation may be drawn on the different occurrence of customer uncivil encounters in comparison with customer verbally aggressive interactions. Indeed, since CI is likely to occur with a higher occurrence than CVA, the accumulation of uncivil acts over time may have a stronger negative impact, despite of its lower magnitude, on SRP than isolated actions of CVA. Moreover, CI may be perceived as a more severe form of CSSs when compared to DCE, ACE, and DC. Additionally, this finding is in line with the results from previous studies which found that CI was positively related to negative job outcomes among service providers, such as reduced sale job performance [128] . The theoretical contribution of this finding is to identify the differential impact of different forms of CSSs on SRP.

Additionally, this finding is in line with the results from previous studies which found that CI was positively related to negative job outcomes among service providers, such as reduced sale job performance.


In the paper, we make three contributions with the theory of entrepreneurship capital and international entrepreneurship. One central contribution of our paper is the identification and conceptualization of entrepreneurship capital at the individual level. Specifically, based on the literature review, we divide the entrepreneurship capital at the individual level into entrepreneurial proclivity of the entrepreneur, human capital, and social capital of the entrepreneur, which contribute greatly towards enhanced success of international entrepreneurship. They are supportive of earlier assertions that business firms with excellent entrepreneurs will have the distinctive capabilities to create, define, discover, and exploit opportunities ahead of their rivals (Andersson, 2000) .

They are supportive of earlier assertions that business firms with excellent entrepreneurs will have the distinctive capabilities to create, define, discover, and exploit opportunities ahead of their rivals.


Managing fisheries through individual property rights finds its roots in the early 1970s (Arnason 2007) . Three main instruments have been envisaged: territorial user rights in fisheries (TURF), individual transferable efforts (ITE) and individual transferable quotas (ITQ). Of these three management instruments, the ITQ have had the broadest applicability, and have now been broadly implemented, including in 10 major fishing nations, to regulate around 15% of the global marine fish catch (12 million tonnes) (Arnason 2007) .

Managing fisheries through individual property rights finds its roots in the early 1970s.

Of these three management instruments, the ITQ have had the broadest applicability, and have now been broadly implemented, including in 10 major fishing nations, to regulate around 15% of the global marine fish catch (12 million tonnes).


The development and upgrading of the transport infrastructure is an inherent part of strategic development plans in most countries [1] . In its 2007-2013 budget, the European Union allocated EUR 76 billion to this objective alone (and only as part of the ERDF). Railway plays a special role among the means of transport; it is safe and environmentally friendly, and generates low external costs in addressing transport needs. The literature on railway transport investments point the macroeconomic as well as less scaled important impacts these investments procure [2] . In the context of falling passenger figures and significant funds (mostly from the EU budget) spent on railway investments in countries with lower than average GDP levels, the question of the relevance and effectiveness of decisions concerning investments in rail infrastructure becomes more pertinent than ever.

The development and upgrading of the transport infrastructure is an inherent part of strategic development plans in most countries.

The literature on railway transport investments point the macroeconomic as well as less scaled important impacts these investments procure.


In planning phase in railway investments programs, policy makers must face strategic problems, which concern the construction, and/or modification of existing infrastructure [3] . As the results of the evaluation studies conducted in Poland demonstrate, even minor changes in the scope of investments in the transport infrastructure can be of fundamental significance for improving the quality of such investments, reinforcing their results and increasing the relevance of the funds allocated to this particular sector [4, 5] . For this reason, the ex ante evaluation is so crucial at this stage since, in addition to the usual questions involving the appraisal of the financial profitability of the planned investments and their impact on socio-economic development, it can provide policy makers with data concerning the preferences of the final beneficiaries of the investments in question, that is, railway passengers.

In planning phase in railway investments programs, policy makers must face strategic problems, which concern the construction, and/or modification of existing infrastructure.

As the results of the evaluation studies conducted in Poland demonstrate, even minor changes in the scope of investments in the transport infrastructure can be of fundamental significance for improving the quality of such investments, reinforcing their results and increasing the relevance of the funds allocated to this particular sector.


Measures of screen based activities performed in seated postures, such as TV viewing and computer use, are commonly used indicators of sedentary behavior as the low metabolic cost of these activities is below the energy expenditure threshold used to define sedentary behavior (<1.5 METS) [12, 13] . Time spent watching TV and using computers are screen based activities which are associated with increased risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity, diabetes, and CVD mortality [14] [15] [16] . Furthermore, the associations between increased screen based activity and the negative health outcomes remain present even when adjusted for engagement in MVPA. As such, the time spent engaged in sedentary behavior is emerging as a potentially important and independent risk factor for ill health [17, 18] .

Measures of screen based activities performed in seated postures, such as TV viewing and computer use, are commonly used indicators of sedentary behavior as the low metabolic cost of these activities is below the energy expenditure threshold used to define sedentary behavior (<1.5 METS).

Time spent watching TV and using computers are screen based activities which are associated with increased risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity, diabetes, and CVD mortality.

As such, the time spent engaged in sedentary behavior is emerging as a potentially important and independent risk factor for ill health.


NO increases bound water content in root under water-stress: When plant root pretreated with NO the water content lowered in root and rose in leave, but no obvious difference was observed under water-stress (Fig. 1) . By analyzing component of the water content, we found the bound water content significantly increased in root pretreated with NO ( Fig. 2) . High level of bound water content meant the resistance to water stress was enhanced (Xiao et al., 2005) . Consequently, NO might increase the resistance to water stress by increasing bound water content in root.

High level of bound water content meant the resistance to water stress was enhanced.


Plants under water-stress may be exposed to oxidative stress through the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) (Iturbe-Ormaetxe et al., 1998; Munné-Bosch and Peñuelas, 2003) . Among different ROS, only hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) can cross plant membranes and it has been increasingly proved to be one of the most important signals in plant cell signaling, especially in elicitor-induced defenses responses (Vanderauwera et al., 2005; Gadjev et al., 2006) . Several studies have shown that the protective effect of NO against a biotic stresses is closely related to the NO-mediated reduction of ROS in plants (Kopyra and Gŵozdz, 2003; Zhang et al., 2003; Hsu and Kao, 2004) . It was found that NO appeared to serve as an antioxidant agent able to scavenge H 2 O 2 to protect plant cells from oxidative damage (Laxalt et al., 1997; Sang et al., 2008) . ROS-scavenging enzymes include Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Glutathione Reductase (GR) and Catalase (CAT) (Mittler et al., 2004) . The emerging main challenges are to obtain an understanding of how these processes are coordinated within the plant.

Plants under water-stress may be exposed to oxidative stress through the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).

Among different ROS, only hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) can cross plant membranes and it has been increasingly proved to be one of the most important signals in plant cell signaling, especially in elicitor-induced defenses responses.

Several studies have shown that the protective effect of NO against a biotic stresses is closely related to the NO-mediated reduction of ROS in plants.

It was found that NO appeared to serve as an antioxidant agent able to scavenge H 2 O 2 to protect plant cells from oxidative damage.

ROS-scavenging enzymes include Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Glutathione Reductase (GR) and Catalase (CAT).


Nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule with different kinds of physiological functions. Application of exogenous NO can mediate various physiological processes to abiotic stresses. NO often functions together with ROS in various ways and plays an important role in environmental stresses (Delledonne et al., 2001) . Studies have shown that the protective effect of NO against abiotic stresses is closely related to the NO-mediated reduction of ROS in plants (Kopyra and Gŵozdz, 2003; Zhang et al., 2003; Hsu and Kao, 2004; Sang et al., 2008) . It is known that H 2 O 2 accumulates under water-stress (Dat et al., 1998; Jiang and Zhang, 2002) . Application of exogenous NO before water-stress significantly improved bound water content in root and root activity. Meanwhile the H 2 O 2 content in root was obviously lowered. NO appeared to serve as an anti-oxidant agent able to scavenge H 2 O 2 to protect plant cells from oxidative damage (Laxalt et al., 1997) . As we know CAT, POD, APX and GR are major anti-oxidant enzymes in plant cells and have multiple molecular forms of is enzymes and are located in different cellular compartments (Mittler et al., 2004) . So the next we wanted to know was the relation among NO, H 2 O 2 and the antioxidant enzymes.

NO often functions together with ROS in various ways and plays an important role in environmental stresses.

Studies have shown that the protective effect of NO against abiotic stresses is closely related to the NO-mediated reduction of ROS in plants.

It is known that H 2 O 2 accumulates under water-stress.

NO appeared to serve as an anti-oxidant agent able to scavenge H 2 O 2 to protect plant cells from oxidative damage.

As we know CAT, POD, APX and GR are major anti-oxidant enzymes in plant cells and have multiple molecular forms of is enzymes and are located in different cellular compartments.


There was no obvious influence on SOD and POD activity in root when exogenous NO was applied before water-stress. CAT is the predominant enzyme controlling H 2 O 2 level and CAT1 expression was induced by applied H 2 O 2 in Arabidopsis (Xing et al., 2007) . APX and CAT were also found to be induced by NO in maize leaves . Application NO on root before water-stress significantly increased CAT activity in root. Although APX and GR are enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle scavenge H 2 O 2 , the activity level in different organs in potato was completely different. In terms of APX the highest was in root and then in stem and root. GR was completely opposite. Meanwhile they reacted differently to NO pretreatment under water-stress. Exogenous NO had little effect on APX but obviously increased GR in root under water-stress.

CAT is the predominant enzyme controlling H 2 O 2 level and CAT1 expression was induced by applied H 2 O 2 in Arabidopsis.

GR was completely opposite.


This study forms part of a larger empirical research investigating the circumstances under which GSCM practices are currently adopted in manufacturing companies in Greece and how they impact organisational performance. The manufacturing industry has been chosen for its distinctive position in the context of environmental sustainable development. It is often related to being one of the main causes of many environmental damages (Baldwin et al., 2005) . The manufacturing sector is characterised by big consumptions of energy and by large quantities of waste production. Thus, it has a distinctive impact on the environment. At the same time, manufacturers are also exposed to a high degree to changes in environmental regulations and market attitude. Supply chain management plays an eminent strategic role in that industry sector (Preuss, 2005) .

It is often related to being one of the main causes of many environmental damages.

Supply chain management plays an eminent strategic role in that industry sector.


The motivation for this research, which forms part of a bigger empirical research about GSCM implementation in Greek manufacturing companies, comes from the fact that the GSCM approach is still rather new in the countries of South East Europe and there is a gap of theoretical and empirical research for this region. Countries, such as Greece, with an emerging environmental sensitivity are characterised by a more relaxed implementation of environmental legislation and regulations, less advanced clean technologies and less sophisticated GSCM practices compared to countries with a more advanced environmental sensitivity (Park et al., 2007) . Within this context, this study investigates the practices of Greek manufacturers in accumulating, administering and diffusing green knowledge in the process of GSCM implementation and how these two management approaches interact with each other. EIC can enable a company to implement environmental actions along its supply chain, such as close cooperation style with its suppliers, which in its turn can help the company to create new green knowledge and increase the company value (González-Benito and González-Benito, 2005) . Although there is plenty of research regarding each of the topics of intellectual capital and GSCM separately, not many researchers have explored the relation between the two fields. This empirical study intends to contribute to closing this gap.

Countries, such as Greece, with an emerging environmental sensitivity are characterised by a more relaxed implementation of environmental legislation and regulations, less advanced clean technologies and less sophisticated GSCM practices compared to countries with a more advanced environmental sensitivity.

EIC can enable a company to implement environmental actions along its supply chain, such as close cooperation style with its suppliers, which in its turn can help the company to create new green knowledge and increase the company value.