With the expanding demand of electronic loads and high penetration of renewables, an LVDC distribution network has become a competitive solution compared to the existing AC distribution networks. LVDC will eliminate AC-DC conversion losses and offer better controllability [1] . LVDC infrastructures have already been used for different niche applications such as data centres, traction systems and electric ships, but their use is relatively limited in the last mile utility applications [2] [3] . Due to the lack of practical standards, DC fault protection and safety are considered as one of the remaining challenges that holds back the wide deployment of LVDC in the public distribution networks [3] [4] . Previous research by the authors have concluded that LVDC distribution networks require high speed protection (<1ms) to avoid the damage to sensitive electronic loads which can be caused by DC fault currents [5] . Also, the use of existing traditional LVAC protection solutions will require longer time for detecting and clearing DC faults, resulting in the requirement for equipment with higher ratings [6] . This can be an issue when the LVDC network is interfaced to the AC grid using converters without fault management techniques such as two and three level voltage source converters (VSCs).

LVDC will eliminate AC-DC conversion losses and offer better controllability.

LVDC infrastructures have already been used for different niche applications such as data centres, traction systems and electric ships, but their use is relatively limited in the last mile utility applications.

Due to the lack of practical standards, DC fault protection and safety are considered as one of the remaining challenges that holds back the wide deployment of LVDC in the public distribution networks.

Previous research by the authors have concluded that LVDC distribution networks require high speed protection (<1ms) to avoid the damage to sensitive electronic loads which can be caused by DC fault currents.

Also, the use of existing traditional LVAC protection solutions will require longer time for detecting and clearing DC faults, resulting in the requirement for equipment with higher ratings.


It was clear that one reason for our different findings was the growing importance of the business or management school, often set within a larger college, as the locus of decisionmaking. Accounting academics had to operationalise school and college policies but they had lost the autonomy which had accompanied the previous primary focus on the nowdefunct accounting department (Lorange, 2006) . Departments had been replaced by divisions 31 within a business school setting and this had served to retain power in the hands of academics but this power had been taken away from narrow disciplinary specialists as universities had centralised so that power now resided with more senior management.

Accounting academics had to operationalise school and college policies but they had lost the autonomy which had accompanied the previous primary focus on the nowdefunct accounting department.


There remains a question of how much of the shift in recruitment is attributable to the business school model. The influence of senior management was evident in respondents' references to decisions no longer being taken at departmental level but being located within centralised policies applicable across disciplinary areas. This approach aims to ensure consistency and equality across disciplines but fails to recognise differences in supply between disciplines (Hopper, 2013) . The business or management school was found to be the prevalent structural model and this appears to have lent impetus to centralisation but the heads' references to 'senior management' as well as to the business school suggest that the higher levels of the university would have driven recruitment changes whether or not a business or management school existed. The business school model appears to have exacerbated the shift in recruitment but it is possible that such a shift might have happened whether the business school or another configuration was used. Whatever the structural impetus, heads of department clearly felt constrained by wider policies that had left them with less autonomy than in the past when they operated as stand-alone departments.

This approach aims to ensure consistency and equality across disciplines but fails to recognise differences in supply between disciplines.


Since McKinsey consultants coined the term The War for Talent in the late 1990s, talent management has been recognised as a critical success factor for organisations but concern has been raised that the term lacks an adequate and generally agreed definition (Scullion and Collings, 2011) . Talent management spans the employee lifecycle, from attracting and selecting employees to developing and retaining them (Scullion, Collings and Caligiuri, 2010; Stahl et al., 2012) . This paper focuses on the recruitment stage of this lifecycle.

Since McKinsey consultants coined the term The War for Talent in the late 1990s, talent management has been recognised as a critical success factor for organisations but concern has been raised that the term lacks an adequate and generally agreed definition.

Talent management spans the employee lifecycle, from attracting and selecting employees to developing and retaining them.


It is well known that inorganic fertilizers supply only nutrients in soil but organic manure supplies nutrients and at the same time improves soil quality. The longterm impact of chemical fertilizers on soils and environment is harmful. Use of unbalanced nutrients in the soils may be harmful in the long run causing soils an unproductive one. It is true that sustainable production of crops cannot be maintained by using only chemical fertilizers and similarly it is not possible to obtain higher crop yield by using organic manure alone (Bair, 1990) . Proper identification and management of soil fertility problems are prerequisite for boosting crop production and sustaining higher yields over a long period of time.

It is true that sustainable production of crops cannot be maintained by using only chemical fertilizers and similarly it is not possible to obtain higher crop yield by using organic manure alone.


So use of organic manure in integration with inorganic fertilizers is very important in improving soil fertility and crop productivity. But sufficient information is not available about appropriate sources of organic manure and proper combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers suitable for rice based cropping system in Bangladesh to increase yield and improve soil fertility. Among the available organic sources of N, cow dung and mustard oil cake are rich in N content. Cow dung is the commonly practiced organic manure for crop cultivation in Bangladesh. It is an important source for supplying nutrients for crop production and is recognized as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers (Sharma and Mitra, 1991) . The long-term research of BRRI reveals that addition of cow dung at the rate of 5 t ha -1 improved the rice productivity as well as prevented the soil resources from degradation (Bhuiyan, 1994) . Moreover, use of cow dung not only acts as a source of N and other nutrients but also increase the efficiency of applied nitrogen (Sarvanan et al., 1987) .

It is an important source for supplying nutrients for crop production and is recognized as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers.

The long-term research of BRRI reveals that addition of cow dung at the rate of 5 t ha -1 improved the rice productivity as well as prevented the soil resources from degradation.

Moreover, use of cow dung not only acts as a source of N and other nutrients but also increase the efficiency of applied nitrogen.


In healthy subjects, ATX-101-induced adipocytolysis was not associated with a significant increase in plasma lipid levels over time [23] . In addition, ATX-101 showed no accumulation at the injection site because of rapid clearance into the enterohepatic circulation. Nonspecific protein binding of deoxycholic acid was found to limit cellular membrane breakdown in protein-rich tissues such as muscle and skin, thus favoring lysis of fat cells, which are protein poor [22] .

In healthy subjects, ATX-101-induced adipocytolysis was not associated with a significant increase in plasma lipid levels over time.

Nonspecific protein binding of deoxycholic acid was found to limit cellular membrane breakdown in protein-rich tissues such as muscle and skin, thus favoring lysis of fat cells, which are protein poor.


Studies have shown the endogenous molecule deoxycholic acid to be the active lytic agent in previous injectable formulations [17] [18] [19] . As a proprietary, synthetically derived, purified formulation of deoxycholic acid, ATX-101 causes localized adipocytolysis when injected into subcutaneous fat. Histologic evidence indicates that disruption of adipocyte membranes by deoxycholate/deoxycholic acid prompts a mild inflammatory tissue response, which is responsible for clearing the cellular debris through macrophage recruitment and subsequent phagocytosis [20] [21] [22] [23] .

Studies have shown the endogenous molecule deoxycholic acid to be the active lytic agent in previous injectable formulations.

Histologic evidence indicates that disruption of adipocyte membranes by deoxycholate/deoxycholic acid prompts a mild inflammatory tissue response, which is responsible for clearing the cellular debris through macrophage recruitment and subsequent phagocytosis.


The Gurbantünggüt Desert lies in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of northwest China. It is the second largest desert in China and the largest fixed and semi-fixed desert (Guo et al. 2005) . The dominant plant species in the Gurbantünggüt Desert are H. ammodendron, H. persicum, Erodium oxyrrhynchum, Schismus arabicus and Salsola praecox ).

It is the second largest desert in China and the largest fixed and semi-fixed desert.


Deterioration of ecological environment in arid areas especially desertification as global issues had already attracted the attention of scholars widely around the world. Chosen fixing stabilization of sands plants was one of the most fundamental measures to control arid, semi-arid and dry subhumid area of northern China (Jia et al. 2008) . Because H. ammodendron and H. persicum can reduce wind speed and stop blowing sand, and they are important for maintaining the stability of the fragile ecosystem in the Gurbantünggüt desert. The gall mites damaged H. ammodendron and H. persicum leading to a reduction in photosynthesis and plant growth. This was harmful to the H. ammodendron and H. persicum populations and it could indirectly influence the desert ecosystem. A. haloxylonis is a new species of Eriophyidae. This was a preliminary study about the biological and ecological characteristics of A. haloxylonis and its damage to H. ammodendron and H. persicum. The mechanisms of gall formation were not fully understood. However, the results of this study showed that reasonable prevention and treatment period could be chosen for gall management in H. ammodendron, H. persicum and the mixture forest. For instance, on H. ammodendron, the gall of big trees in interdune space and the edge of sand dunes should be surveyed and controlled before early May to middle June. For H. persicum, the gall of big trees on sunny slope of low sand dune could be taken measures before mid-May to mid-June. The major survey and control were focus on H. ammodendron for the mixture forest of H. ammodendron and H. persicum. Additional studies should be done about these factors to control A. haloxylons in the future. Specifically, additional information is needed about the enemies of A. haloxylons, how they form galls, and their relationship with Haloxylon.

Chosen fixing stabilization of sands plants was one of the most fundamental measures to control arid, semi-arid and dry subhumid area of northern China.


Many insects and mites can induce galls. The galls are beneficial to the survival of the gallinducer. Gall-inducing arthropods spend most of their lives inside the gall, and as a result, it has evolved highly specialized nutritional dependencies on their host plants (Florentine et al. 2005) . Insects and mites seem to control gall development by modifying the developmental pathways of plant so as to create a protected and favorable environment in which to live (Wool et al. 1999; Haiden et al. 2012) .

Gall-inducing arthropods spend most of their lives inside the gall, and as a result, it has evolved highly specialized nutritional dependencies on their host plants.

Insects and mites seem to control gall development by modifying the developmental pathways of plant so as to create a protected and favorable environment in which to live.


Aceria haloxylonis is a new eriophyoid mite that has been recently observed on H. ammodendron and H. persicum in the Gurbantünggüt Desert. In a preliminary study at one site, A. haloxylonis was observed on H. ammodendron and H. persicum plants. The mites induce flower-like galls, especially at the base of new stems or on small branches (Xue et al. 2012) .

The mites induce flower-like galls, especially at the base of new stems or on small branches.


In complex images, the information provided by the global features is not sufficient and therefore they are not well suited in this context. Hence local features like patches are better suited for complex images, because they represent restricted regions of the image. Beneficial properties of local features are: Inherent translation invariance, Robustness to object variance and occlusion and possible scale invariance [1] .

Beneficial properties of local features are: Inherent translation invariance, Robustness to object variance and occlusion and possible scale invariance.


It is widely believed that the early universe goes through a period of accelerated expansion called 'inflation' [1] . This believe has been successfully confirmed by WMAP measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which validate inflation as a mechanism to produce the initial irregularities of our universe [2] . Furthermore inflation has been shown to solve a number of cosmological problems, such as the 'horizon problem', the 'flatness problem' and the 'monopole problem'. There are many different inflationary models [3] . Experimentally these can be distinguished by their predictions for the main observable quantities: the density perturbation at decoupling, the spectral index of the CMB anisotropy and the cosmic string contribution to the CMB anisotropy [4] .

It is widely believed that the early universe goes through a period of accelerated expansion called 'inflation'.

This believe has been successfully confirmed by WMAP measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which validate inflation as a mechanism to produce the initial irregularities of our universe.

There are many different inflationary models.

Experimentally these can be distinguished by their predictions for the main observable quantities: the density perturbation at decoupling, the spectral index of the CMB anisotropy and the cosmic string contribution to the CMB anisotropy.


A new technique, termed radioactive tracer dilution (RTD), for molten salt mass determination was proposed at INL. The proposed RTD method will dissolve a radioactive source with known activity into the salt, and a small amount of the salt will be sampled and measured in terms of its mass and radioactivity. By finding the ratio of the mass to radioactivity, the unknown mass in the original container could be precisely determined. This method is, by nature, similar to the radioactive tracer dilution for flow measurement. The measurement of change in concentration of radioactive tracer has also been applied to determine the transport number in molten salt mixture [10] . However, the mass determination of molten salt with a radioactive tracer in a highly radioactive system containing many radionuclides is a new challenge and has not been validated. In this paper, we will present the RTD method for salt mass measurement with results and discussion given to support the methodology, which is simple and does not require prior knowledge of the volume and density of salt inside the ER vessels.

The measurement of change in concentration of radioactive tracer has also been applied to determine the transport number in molten salt mixture.


Electrochemical recycling processing (aka ''pyroprocessing'') of used nuclear fuel is currently being developed and evaluated for potential commercial implementation by several countries. It is considered to have a great promise for being applied to managing used nuclear fuel and potentially recycling actinides for use in either thermal or fast neutron spectrum reactors. This process has been used at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to treat used fuel from Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) for final disposal since 1996 [1] .

This process has been used at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to treat used fuel from Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) for final disposal since 1996.


CGA sensu largo comprise three major subgroups representing 98 % of all CGAs (Clifford 1985) . These three groups are quinic acid esters with caffeic acid [caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) and dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQA)] or with ferulic acid [feruloylquinic acids (FQA)]. Three isomers exist within each group and the most abundant is the 5-CQA, known as chlorogenic acid sensu stricto.

CGA sensu largo comprise three major subgroups representing 98 % of all CGAs.


The applicability of the input shaping-based damage localization approach has been tested, successfully, in the context of a numerical study with a simple two-dimensional truss structure [7] . The present paper serves to investigate the applicability of the approach for a more complex system, namely, a beam finite element (FE) model of an offshore jacket structure, which, in its damaged phase, is introduced to a single mass perturbation. The model is, in both structural phases, subjected to ambient excitation-in the form of stochastic plane wave fields generated from a directional wave spectrum-and four controllable, harmonic inputs. It is, thus, contended that the mass perturbation can be localized by interrogating one structural subdomain at the time by shaping the harmonic inputs accordingly.

The applicability of the input shaping-based damage localization approach has been tested, successfully, in the context of a numerical study with a simple two-dimensional truss structure.


However, even operators located away from the major highway and who were not producing wine could find value in opening their olive farms to the public if they saw the potential for visitors to make the effort to take scenic routes off the main highway. The case of the operator who had toured olive regions in the United States and South America and saw potential for developing an olive trail in the area is a prime example. This operator had taken the initiative of working with community groups and setting up an association focussed on promoting olive tourism in the region, including the concept of an olive farm trail. Unlike other operators, these sorts of operators do not necessarily make decisions using a costbenefit rationality centred on immediate profits and losses, but on a long-term vision of what could be achieved through innovative planning and community partnerships. As pioneers it is they who take the greatest risk, but their success builds confidence in others that the risks are manageable. As champions in promoting tourism, they also create the material conditions that reduce the level of risk for others through the development of infrastructure, promotion tools and so on (Wilson et al. 2001) .

As champions in promoting tourism, they also create the material conditions that reduce the level of risk for others through the development of infrastructure, promotion tools and so on.


The Randall-Sundrum (RS) model was inspired by superstring theory. The tendimensional E 8 × E 8 heterotic string theory, which contains the standard model of elementary particle, could be a promising candidate for the description of the real Universe. This theory is connected with an eleven-dimensional theory compactified on the orbifold R 10 × S 1 /Z 2 [17] . In this model we have two separated ten-dimensional manifolds.

This theory is connected with an eleven-dimensional theory compactified on the orbifold R 10 × S 1 /Z 2.


The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase -LDH (E.C.1.1.1.27) catalyzes the final reaction in glycolysis, the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a coenzyme, and it is widely distributed among bacteria, plants and animals [1] . The determination of this enzyme is useful in the diagnosis of diseases involving damage to tissues. Five LDH isoenzymes and their relative properties change significantly in certain pathological conditions [2] .

The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase -LDH (E.C.1.1.1.27) catalyzes the final reaction in glycolysis, the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a coenzyme, and it is widely distributed among bacteria, plants and animals.

Five LDH isoenzymes and their relative properties change significantly in certain pathological conditions.


The aim of this research was to develop an ATPS based on PEG/citrate for partial purification of LDH from bovine heart crude extract using a factorial design. Citrate is a biodegradable and nontoxic anion and can be discharged into biological waste treatment plants [8] . Factorial design is a convenient method to observe the effects of factors (variables) in the purification and to determine the more significant effects.

Citrate is a biodegradable and nontoxic anion and can be discharged into biological waste treatment plants.


Biocontrol experiments are often carried out using sterile soils/substrates; therefore, major determinants influencing results are nutrient availability and/or soil physico-chemical conditions [2] . Moreover, these bioassays are frequently performed using plants artificially inoculated via root dipping in (or soil drenching with) the pathogen's conidia suspensions. However, this experimental scenario is quite different to the situation taking place under field conditions. For instance, in sterile soils there is no competence with other microorganisms and the BCA can easily be established. When several microorganisms are used at the same time under these very specific (and artificial) conditions, the final outcome is strongly determined by the inherent capability of each microorganism to multiply and prevail over the others. In contrast, under natural soil conditions, the introduced BCAs face a very complex situation in a harsh environment considered as one of the most microbiologically diverse on earth [3] . This is particularly true when the introduced microorganism is not adapted to the target ecological niche.

Biocontrol experiments are often carried out using sterile soils/substrates; therefore, major determinants influencing results are nutrient availability and/or soil physico-chemical conditions.

In contrast, under natural soil conditions, the introduced BCAs face a very complex situation in a harsh environment considered as one of the most microbiologically diverse on earth.


Raipur is the largest industrial city in state Chhattisgarh, thus its air quality is an important environmental issue. Industrial and vehicular emissions, rapidly increasing constructions and fast growing population have led to a significant rise in PM levels in Raipur (Deshmukh et al., 2011a) . PM from these sources may contain hazardous pollutants that can have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Under such complicated pollution conditions, it is of interest to examine the detailed characteristics and sources of chemical species in ambient air in the industrial city Raipur. To improve our knowledge on the PM pollution in Raipur, we systematically studied, for the first time, concentrations of dicarboxylates (DCs) and inorganic ions in PM 10 aerosols. The main objectives of the present paper are to report the mass concentration and seasonal distributions of PM 10 aerosols collected in Raipur, India under a variety of meteorological conditions, to determine the detailed chemical composition in terms of water-soluble DCs and inorganic ions and to find the likely sources of analyzed DCs and inorganic ions through the application of correlation and principal component analysis.

Industrial and vehicular emissions, rapidly increasing constructions and fast growing population have led to a significant rise in PM levels in Raipur.


The paper provides a detailed description of the design and the implementation of the VLE and its evaluation. The study draws on a body of information gathered as part of a two-week online test session for seven professional advisers interested in developing their abilities to advise language learners in resources centres. The adviser training format is based on the CRAPEL's experience of face-to-face (F2F) adviser training (Bailly, 1995) . It allows a blend of various professional cultures and viewpoints about advising practices, perceived as crucial to enhance reflection upon and transformation of practices. The data consist of information collected from pre-and post-questionnaires and from activity tracks (logs), as well as from analysis of the discourses that participants exchanged inside the peer forum. They help trace the evolution of the training activity of each participant in the VLE and also provide insights into the capacity of the VLE to support training practices based on reflection, participation and collaboration. The results outline the interest of such environment for adviser training and shed new light on the crucial notion of "community of practice" (CoP) for professional development.

The adviser training format is based on the CRAPEL's experience of face-to-face (F2F) adviser training.


It is a limitation that we only had information on live born children, but most children with isolated oral cleft survive their pregnancy and birth (Mossey et al., 2009) . Since oral cleft are rare and despite the large study population, we still had a relatively small number of cases, which results in reduced power to detect small differences. Our timing of the stress exposure often started earlier and ended later than the timing of the death we report. Relatives may have been diagnosed with a lethal disease several months before the death leading to severe stress in addition to stress related to the loss. When we added the second and third trimester to the exposure window the results did not change. Also we did not have any information on other types of emotional stress such as stress due to divorce, moving or changing of job, but were able to do a sub-analysis on 83 000 mothers, which showed that exposed mothers were more likely to report more emotional stress of this type than unexposed mothers. Since we have several kinds of exposure and death of a child and sudden death have the strongest association with oral cleft, an overlap of 21% between these two exposures should be taken into consideration. Also sudden overlap with other death since part of the category other death contains diagnosis of stroke or heart attack which also may be of sudden nature. In addition, we did not have actual measurements of the maternal cortisol concentration, but we believe that bereavement due to the death of a close relative produces a strong biological response in most people (Goodkin, 2001; Pfeffer et al., 2007) . Also we did not have the opportunity to adjust for folic acid intake preconception or in the first trimester. However, we did a sub-analyses on 86 387 women in the Danish National Birth Cohort and found that exposed and unexposed women were equally likely to take folic acid supplements.

It is a limitation that we only had information on live born children, but most children with isolated oral cleft survive their pregnancy and birth.

In addition, we did not have actual measurements of the maternal cortisol concentration, but we believe that bereavement due to the death of a close relative produces a strong biological response in most people.


The source of students' personal beliefs is typically their experiences in schools prior to postsecondary and experience in their out-of-school lives (Gal et al., 1997) . The nature of these classroom experiences (e.g., style/quality of instruction) can help predict student performance alongside previous math and science scores (Tai et al., 2006) . Student beliefs about the nature of a discipline impact (1) ''process considerations,'' or how students approach learning, (2) ''outcome considerations,'' or how they translate their understanding to the world outside of the classroom, and (3) ''access considerations,'' whether or not they choose to continue on in their studies of a discipline (Gal et al., 1997) .

The source of students' personal beliefs is typically their experiences in schools prior to postsecondary and experience in their out-of-school lives.

The nature of these classroom experiences (e.g., style/quality of instruction) can help predict student performance alongside previous math and science scores.

Student beliefs about the nature of a discipline impact (1) ''process considerations,'' or how students approach learning, (2) ''outcome considerations,'' or how they translate their understanding to the world outside of the classroom, and (3) ''access considerations,'' whether or not they choose to continue on in their studies of a discipline.


A double-wall CNT can be viewed as a single-wall tube filled by another single-wall tube. As such, and in view of the above, it is reasonable to expect that the inner tube provides mechanical support, while the outer tube screens the environment [17, 31, 32] . Therefore, double-wall tubes are believed to show higher mechanical stability than single-wall CNTs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to extract from the different experimental and theoretical works published up to now a coherent picture on the collapse of CNTs having more than one wall.

As such, and in view of the above, it is reasonable to expect that the inner tube provides mechanical support, while the outer tube screens the environment.


For example one may prove in continuum renormalization theory that a certain quantity, such as the running coupling constant, defined in terms of gluon correlation functions in some gauge, is finite when the cut-off is removed. Then the corresponding lattice quantity, defined in the corresponding lattice gauge, should be finite in the critical limit, and it becomes of interest to make a numerical determination of that quantity. Moreover one may determine by numerical fit the location of the poles of propagators which, according to the Nielsen identities, is independent of the gauge parameters [1] . Finally, if one has in hand a confinement scenario in a particular gauge, then it is possible to test its predictions numerically for gauge-fixed quantities. Although the scenario may look quite different in different gauges, nevertheless any one of them provides a valid perspective.

Moreover one may determine by numerical fit the location of the poles of propagators which, according to the Nielsen identities, is independent of the gauge parameters.


A simple solution to these problems is the use of floating point representation of parameters as a chromosome [4] . In these real-coded GAs, a chromosome is coded as a finite-length string of the real numbers corresponding to the design variables. The real-coded GAs are robust, accurate, and efficient because the floating point representation is conceptually closest to the real design space, and moreover, the string length reduces to the number of design variables. It has been reported that the real-coded GAs outperformed binary-coded GAs in many design problems [5] , [6] . However, even the real-coded GAs would lead to premature convergence when applied to aerodynamic shape designs with a large number of design variables.

A simple solution to these problems is the use of floating point representation of parameters as a chromosome.

It has been reported that the real-coded GAs outperformed binary-coded GAs in many design problems.


System dynamics models of supply chains provide a mathematical interpretation of the intricate relationships between numerous variables. Sets of those variables can form feedback loops based on the causality structure of the problem. These intermingled feedback loops can act simultaneously, but at different times, they may have diverse effects. Therefore, transitions from a regime to another are widespread. Most system dynamics models used for supply chains are complex and nonlinear [6] . Nonlinearities due to the multiplying effect of multiple causal variables upon another variable are "quite common in SD and difficult to tackle" [7] . The number of variables and feedback loops, the discontinuities, and time delays increases the level of complexity [8] . Time delays being added to "negative feedback loops increases the tendency for the system to oscillate" as stated by Sterman [9] . Therefore, this level of complexity makes more difficult the task to design stable supply chains.

Most system dynamics models used for supply chains are complex and nonlinear.

Nonlinearities due to the multiplying effect of multiple causal variables upon another variable are "quite common in SD and difficult to tackle".

The number of variables and feedback loops, the discontinuities, and time delays increases the level of complexity.

Time delays being added to "negative feedback loops increases the tendency for the system to oscillate" as stated by Sterman.


Instability is a major cause for poor performance in supply chains [4, 10] . Traditional methods in structural analysis can be used to investigate and stabilize supply chains using SD modeling. One of these methods is loop knockout [10] . Loop knockout is a brute force method that relies on testing various feedback loops. This analysis of the different feedback loops is used to visualize the long-term effects of changes that could be implemented in order to stabilize the supply chain. This method can be effective for very simple models. However, it is not enough for medium to higher levels of complexity. Another method is eigenvalue analysis. Eingenvalue analysis is used to characterize the modes of behavior [11] [12] [13] . The analysis is based on the linearization of the mathematical description at infinitesimal points and then study the evolution of the eigenvalues and their elasticities [14] . The utilization of this method cannot be easily generalized to nonlinear models. Furthermore, methods in structural analysis rely on sensitivity analysis to determine the parameter values of the stabilization policies. Therefore, we propose a new alternative to stabilize the supply chain modeled as a dynamic system based on the ADE.

Instability is a major cause for poor performance in supply chains.

One of these methods is loop knockout.

Another method is eigenvalue analysis.

Eingenvalue analysis is used to characterize the modes of behavior.

The analysis is based on the linearization of the mathematical description at infinitesimal points and then study the evolution of the eigenvalues and their elasticities.


In this article, we study twisted Alexander polynomials of 2-bridge knots associated with a linear representation coming from a Fox coloring of the knot. If K p/q is a 2-bridge knot and is an odd prime dividing the determinant q of K p/q , then it is well-known that there is a Fox -coloring of the knot. This coloring provides a linear representation of the knot group that factors through the dihedral group. We call the twisted Alexander polynomial associated with this linear representation the -twisted Alexander polynomial of K p/q and denote it by∆ p/q (t). Our study of these polynomials was motivated by the following conjecture of Hirasawa and Murasugi [5] .

Our study of these polynomials was motivated by the following conjecture of Hirasawa and Murasugi.


Associated to every knot K is its classical Alexander polynomial ∆ K (t). This well-known polynomial invariant encodes metabelian information of the knot group. That is, one can think of the Alexander polynomial as describing the representations of the knot group into a metabelian subgroup of a linear group. Knot groups, however, allow for many other types of non-abelian linear representations. From this perspective, the Alexander polynomial is just a special case of a more general invariant called the twisted Alexander polynomial introduced by Xiao-Song Lin [6] . The twisted Alexander polynomial∆ K,φ (t) depends not only on the knot K but also on a choice of some linear representation φ : π 1 (S 3 − K) → GL(n, C) and it has been studied extensively in recent years.

From this perspective, the Alexander polynomial is just a special case of a more general invariant called the twisted Alexander polynomial introduced by Xiao-Song Lin.


Step heights larger than 0.5 microns could be avoided. The experiment was placed in a vacuum of 2 × 10 −4 mbar. Furthermore, with this setup, each transition can be treated as a pure two-level system as the transition frequencies are well separated, other effects can be neglected with the current level of sensitivity [10] .

Furthermore, with this setup, each transition can be treated as a pure two-level system as the transition frequencies are well separated, other effects can be neglected with the current level of sensitivity.


One of the first rigorous experimental studies on the effect of dust on the I-V characteristic curve was conducted by El-Shobokshy [1] . They studied the effect of dust deposition on the reduction of solar intensity and the power output of the solar panel. Although the experimental procedure was very robust to understand the ramifications of dust accumulation on solar panel efficiency, the results drawn were for a specific solar panel type which was used in the laboratory.

One of the first rigorous experimental studies on the effect of dust on the I-V characteristic curve was conducted by El-Shobokshy.


There is an increasing demand for sustainable manufacturing processes in the food industry (Del Borghi et al., 2014) . A sustainable process implies an engagement between high-quality and hygienic products, low environmental impact of the process, reduced costs and lower health risks (Gomes da Cruz et al., 2015; Mauermann et al., 2009) . However, this is challenging since elevated cleaning costs are incurred due to the use of disinfectants, water and energy in order to reduce contamination on processing equipment and food products (Gomes da Cruz et al., 2015; Mauermann et al., 2009) . Moreover, the use of chemical disinfectants and high water consumption have an elevated environmental impact (Moreira et al., 2014b) . The unavoidable attachment of bacterial cells on industrial surfaces and further biofilm development is at the core of the problem (Simões et al., 2010) . Bacteria within a biofilm are protected by a self-produced matrix composed by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This matrix protects the cells from chemical disinfectants, biocides, surfactants and from mechanical forces promoted by water jets and by scrubbing and scraping actions (Simões et al., 2009) . Moreover, in industrial plants, there are critical zones such as crevices, corners, joints, valves, which are difficult to clean due to reduced access and where lower fluid velocities may be found, making these zones suitable niches for biofilm accumulation and growth . In these zones, higher amounts of disinfectants and water have to be used in order to achieve recommended cleaning standards and this has environmental and economic impacts.

There is an increasing demand for sustainable manufacturing processes in the food industry.

A sustainable process implies an engagement between high-quality and hygienic products, low environmental impact of the process, reduced costs and lower health risks.

However, this is challenging since elevated cleaning costs are incurred due to the use of disinfectants, water and energy in order to reduce contamination on processing equipment and food products.

Moreover, the use of chemical disinfectants and high water consumption have an elevated environmental impact.

The unavoidable attachment of bacterial cells on industrial surfaces and further biofilm development is at the core of the problem.

This matrix protects the cells from chemical disinfectants, biocides, surfactants and from mechanical forces promoted by water jets and by scrubbing and scraping actions.


Among socio-demographic variables, the prevalence of perceptive fear of falling and higher level of concern over falling were different between the two areas in participants with the following characteristics: lower educational background (≤9 years), physical laborer or no occupation, lower income (≤1,000,000 KRW), and not living in an apartment or condominium. This result suggests that the rural senior population is more vulnerable to fear of falling compared with urban seniors when they are in a lower socio-economic status. Disparity of perceptive fear of falling and higher level of concern over falling between areas was also seen in participants living 2-3 generations together or living with a spouse. Although we could not find any possible explanation, we assumed that insufficient familial support in the senior population may have greater impact on fear of falling compared with regional characteristics. The relationships between individual socio-economic factors and fear of falling are still unclear, although a few researchers had reported that living alone and lower income are associated with fear of falling [8, [35] [36] [37] . Additional studies will be required to investigate the effect of socio-economic status on fear of falling in relation to regional difference. This is the first study to investigate disparities of fear of falling between urban and rural areas in relation to socio-demographics, chronic medical problems, and functional level. The results suggest that we should consider regional characteristics when we design fall-related studies or develop fall-prevention programs at the community level. However, this study had several limitations. We were unable to confirm the causal relationships as this was a cross-sectional study or explain the reason why regional disparities appeared only in the population with low socio-economic status or those without medical morbidity or functional dependency. A prospective study will be required to investigate mechanisms for our result and the cause-and-effect relationships. Sociodemographic and health related variables were asked by predefined questionnaire for a regional epidemiologic cohort study and may not have been optimized for this study. In this light, alteration or adjustment of each variable and its items should be considered in a future study. This study also had a limitation as we did not investigate the experience of falls longer than 1 year because of possible recall error.

The relationships between individual socio-economic factors and fear of falling are still unclear, although a few researchers had reported that living alone and lower income are associated with fear of falling.


Potato (Solanum spp.) is the most important non-cereal crop worldwide and ranks the fourth after maize, rice and wheat [1] . Potato production faces major challenges including low multiplication rates in the field under conventional (biological) seed production and yield losses due to susceptibilities to diseases and pests such as late blight disease, potato cyst nematode and Colorado beetle [2] - [6] . In production fields, many traditional cultivars suffer from poor yield with reduced tuber size and carry undesirable traits, such as sunken eyes, susceptible to blight disease and cyst nematodes, which result in reduced yield and quality. Improvements of potato by breeding are hampered by local preferences for old traditional cultivars in many parts of the world.

Potato (Solanum spp.) is the most important non-cereal crop worldwide and ranks the fourth after maize, rice and wheat.

Potato production faces major challenges including low multiplication rates in the field under conventional (biological) seed production and yield losses due to susceptibilities to diseases and pests such as late blight disease, potato cyst nematode and Colorado beetle.


Potato is predominantly vegetatively propagated by tubers and mini-tubers with true seed propagation being deployed mainly for breeding purposes [7] . Additionally, axillary buds, cuttings, synthetic seeds and micro-tubers can be used as propagules. The Solanum genus is composed of over 160 species (wild and cultivated) which provide a large gene pool for crop improvement [8] . Despite the large germplasm resources, success in breeding new cultivars has been slow and genetic variability among elite lines is narrow. China has the biggest potato production in the world; however, Chinese potato cultivars show a low genetic diversity due to shared pedigrees [5] [9] . The loss of genetic diversity in cultivars may eventually lead to an increased vulnerability to new abiotic and biotic stressors, especially those directly and indirectly arising from changing climatic conditions. The narrowing of the genetic base of commercial cultivars is a primary cause of stagnation in yield improvement [10] .

Potato is predominantly vegetatively propagated by tubers and mini-tubers with true seed propagation being deployed mainly for breeding purposes.

The Solanum genus is composed of over 160 species (wild and cultivated) which provide a large gene pool for crop improvement.

China has the biggest potato production in the world; however, Chinese potato cultivars show a low genetic diversity due to shared pedigrees.

The narrowing of the genetic base of commercial cultivars is a primary cause of stagnation in yield improvement.


Mutant micro-tuber populations are convenient for end users. In this work the populations studied were M 1 V 2 and hence some chimera dissolution has occurred. Although chimera dissolution was not measured, a recent report in banana suggests that these can be dissolved after one or two rounds of subculture [32] . The micro-tuber mutant populations produced may be subject to screens in detecting desired mutants for traits and genes. The micro-tuber mutant populations are being screened for potato Cyst nematodes and Blight resistance.

Although chimera dissolution was not measured, a recent report in banana suggests that these can be dissolved after one or two rounds of subculture.


Conceptually, the stability breakage occurs when the temperature of the silages exceeds the ambient temperature by 2 °C after exposure to air (Kung et al., 2007) . The assay to test the aerobic stability in this study was conducted at ambient temperature, and reduction of the ambient temperature was the main reason for the disruption of stability in the silages, rather than the increase in silage temperatures caused by the action of spoilage microorganisms (Figure 3) . Conversely, although the control of the ambient is not the same compared with trials carried under room with controlled temperature, the evaluation of the aerobic stability in silages in ambient temperature is more accurate to estimate the spoilage of silages in the field (Jobim et al., 2007) . However, it is clear that the addition of gliricidia (100%) improved silage characteristics after silo opening, for example, by reducing the maximum pH values, which can be indicative of deterioration caused by spoilage microorganisms (Wilkinson and Davies, 2012) .

Conceptually, the stability breakage occurs when the temperature of the silages exceeds the ambient temperature by 2 °C after exposure to air.

Conversely, although the control of the ambient is not the same compared with trials carried under room with controlled temperature, the evaluation of the aerobic stability in silages in ambient temperature is more accurate to estimate the spoilage of silages in the field.

However, it is clear that the addition of gliricidia (100%) improved silage characteristics after silo opening, for example, by reducing the maximum pH values, which can be indicative of deterioration caused by spoilage microorganisms.


Thus far, the focus of research has often been on the technological and institutional aspects of water supply systems. User communities in developing countries have rarely been investigated to understand how they can contribute to and benefit from such development programmess. Despite the stated intention of social inclusion, it has become clear that many participatory development initiatives do not deal well with the complexity of community differences, including age, income, education level and other social issues (Godfrey & Obika, 2004; Schouten & Moriarty, 2003) .

Despite the stated intention of social inclusion, it has become clear that many participatory development initiatives do not deal well with the complexity of community differences, including age, income, education level and other social issues.


A literature review of existing constitutive models accounting for fracture properties of such anisotropic materials would be out of scope in this paper. Let us just mention a few works, among many others concerning fiber-reinforced composites, which proposed damage continuum mechanics models at the mesoscopic ply level [39] [40] [41] [42] . Phase-field models have also been used to simulate the unidimensional behavior of hybrid laminates, including a competition between fracture of both layers and debonding of the adhesive interface [43] .

Let us just mention a few works, among many others concerning fiber-reinforced composites, which proposed damage continuum mechanics models at the mesoscopic ply level.

Phase-field models have also been used to simulate the unidimensional behavior of hybrid laminates, including a competition between fracture of both layers and debonding of the adhesive interface.


In the light of the above considerations, researchers have observed that it is then logical to obtain or develop edge indicators that would be adapted to the local image structure [4] . Consequently, a number of edge indicators have been proposed and logically grafted into the partial differential equation (PDE) based evolution equations [1, 5] . In addition, energy minimization problems are continually being formulated which focus on producing adaptive partial differential equations [6, 7] .

In the light of the above considerations, researchers have observed that it is then logical to obtain or develop edge indicators that would be adapted to the local image structure.

Consequently, a number of edge indicators have been proposed and logically grafted into the partial differential equation (PDE) based evolution equations.

In addition, energy minimization problems are continually being formulated which focus on producing adaptive partial differential equations.


The paper is organized as follows. In Section 2 we show any self-similar set in A(λ, n, m) has graph-directed structure and obtain the logarithmic commensurability of ratios for the dust-like self-similar set by the approach of Falconer and Marsh [3] . Using the dimension polynomials and their irreducibility, we give the proof of Theorem 1 in Section 3.

The paper is organized as follows.

In Section 2 we show any self-similar set in A(λ, n, m) has graph-directed structure and obtain the logarithmic commensurability of ratios for the dust-like self-similar set by the approach of Falconer and Marsh.


In prior research and through clinical experience, we developed a working list of six domains of patient capacity: Personal, Physical, Mental, Social, Financial, and Environmental [6] . Mental and physical capacity relate to health and are limited by the "burden of illness:" either by the disease (i.e., cognitive dysfunction due to heart failure, physical function limitations from arthritis) or its treatment (i.e., side effects from chemotherapy or dialysis). Personal, social, financial, and environmental capacity may be limited by scarcity: patients may be stressed or burnt out, lack adequate literacy, suffer from isolation, live in poverty, or be at a distance from healthcare and social support.

In prior research and through clinical experience, we developed a working list of six domains of patient capacity: Personal, Physical, Mental, Social, Financial, and Environmental.


The automotive industry market is one of the most unpredictable because of the global competition. Manufacturers companies have to face a high fluctuation in product demand and mix. Modular systems seem to be the most suitable to shorten the lead time and fasten the reconfiguration of the machining lines because it becomes possible to integrate or remove some modules without affecting the whole system. It increases feasibility of product/component change, simplifies the introduction of new product or the use of new technology process. Although these benefits, a formal approach for modularity is still lacking (Kusiak, 1999) .

Although these benefits, a formal approach for modularity is still lacking.


Numerous investigations on the influence of the aforementioned factors have been conducted (Couceiro et al., 2006; Tatsis et al., 2007) . The developmental stage is another source of variability that considerably influences the secondary metabolite concentration (Çirak et al., 2008; Omezzinea and Haouala, 2013) . Therefore, the determination of the optimum harvest time is important to obtain maximum natural product production and to assess the viability of a medicinal plant as a potential crop (Taylor and van Staden, 2001) .

Numerous investigations on the influence of the aforementioned factors have been conducted.

The developmental stage is another source of variability that considerably influences the secondary metabolite concentration.

Therefore, the determination of the optimum harvest time is important to obtain maximum natural product production and to assess the viability of a medicinal plant as a potential crop.


It is evident that New Zealand is highly susceptible to the establishment of the BMSB and, with current knowledge of its invasive impact, is extremely likely to cause significant damage to a range of productions crops, ornamental woody and herbaceous plants and potentially native species, as well as resulting in significant social impact. Due to increasing interception rates and probable border leakage, MPI is implementing significant pre-border and border strategies to minimize the risk of invasion by this species [75] . However, it may be inevitable that this arthropod pest becomes established in New Zealand. The battle continues.

Due to increasing interception rates and probable border leakage, MPI is implementing significant pre-border and border strategies to minimize the risk of invasion by this species.

The battle continues.


Having focused on the economic impacts of this pest, the social impacts must also be addressed. Not only will crop damage and increased pest control cost reduce profitability for producers, this arthropod is also known as a nuisance to humans, due to its overwintering behavior in cool dry refuges in human habitation, such as wall cavities, attics and garages, and its production of a characteristic unpleasant odor when crushed [17, 22] . Establishment of the BMSB in New Zealand will result in both economic and social impacts.

Not only will crop damage and increased pest control cost reduce profitability for producers, this arthropod is also known as a nuisance to humans, due to its overwintering behavior in cool dry refuges in human habitation, such as wall cavities, attics and garages, and its production of a characteristic unpleasant odor when crushed.


The environmental variables used were derived from the WorldClim Database for current conditions and future climatic scenarios (http://worldclim.org/). The world model was at a resolution of 5 min and the New Zealand projection at 30 s. The future climatic scenarios consisted of the data used in the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report that was based on the representative concentration pathways (RCP 2.6 representing lower emissions and RCP 8.5 representing higher emissions) [38] . Models were run for both emission trajectories for the years 2050 and 2070 to predict environmental suitability. Environmental variables at the occurrence points, determined using the ArcMap tool Extract Multi-values from rasters, were used in the models (Table 1) . These consisted of 19 parameters, which were checked for cross correlation using the SDMtoolbox in ArcMap [34] . Only variables that were not cross-correlated at Pearson coefficient of less than or equal to 0.7 were used in the model, and with a variance inflation factor (VIF) of less than 10 [39] . Studies have shown that using simpler models with a smaller number of variables improves projection of species distribution models [25, 40, 41] . Of the 19 variables, seven (BIO1, BIO2, BIO8, BIO9, BIO12, BIO15, and BIO19) were selected in the final model (Table 1) . To check for co-linearity, the VIF of the environmental variables was checked with the r-package "usdm" [42] . VIF values for the non-correlated variables ranged from 3.11 to 7.06 or below commonly used thresholds [42] . Species distribution modeling was run using the R package "dismo" using three high performing algorithms; Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Maxent, using the default values for each algorithm [43, 44] . These have been found to be high performance algorithms with occurrence only data [45] . A worldwide distribution model was generated for each of the algorithms and projected to New Zealand for current and future conditions [32, 43, 44] . Each model was evaluated according to Area Under the Curve (AUC), Kappa and True Skills Statistic (TSS). The AUC, while some problems are reported with its use, is a threshold independent widely employed performance metric that shows the accuracy of the models in correctly predicting presence and absence (values of >0.7 showing good performance) [46, 47] . The "Kappa" statistic describes agreement between the observations and predictions, and incorporates the effect of chance on the accuracy of the prediction (values nearing 1.0 showing good performance) [48, 49] . The TSS is a commonly used measure that overcomes some of the weaknesses of the Kappa statistics (values near 1.0 indicate good performance) while addressing Kappa's sensitivity to prevalence [50] .

The world model was at a resolution of 5 min and the New Zealand projection at 30 s. The future climatic scenarios consisted of the data used in the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report that was based on the representative concentration pathways (RCP 2.6 representing lower emissions and RCP 8.5 representing higher emissions).

These consisted of 19 parameters, which were checked for cross correlation using the SDMtoolbox in ArcMap.

Only variables that were not cross-correlated at Pearson coefficient of less than or equal to 0.7 were used in the model, and with a variance inflation factor (VIF) of less than 10.

Studies have shown that using simpler models with a smaller number of variables improves projection of species distribution models.

To check for co-linearity, the VIF of the environmental variables was checked with the r-package "usdm".

VIF values for the non-correlated variables ranged from 3.11 to 7.06 or below commonly used thresholds.

Species distribution modeling was run using the R package "dismo" using three high performing algorithms; Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Maxent, using the default values for each algorithm.

These have been found to be high performance algorithms with occurrence only data.

A worldwide distribution model was generated for each of the algorithms and projected to New Zealand for current and future conditions.

The AUC, while some problems are reported with its use, is a threshold independent widely employed performance metric that shows the accuracy of the models in correctly predicting presence and absence (values of >0.7 showing good performance).

The "Kappa" statistic describes agreement between the observations and predictions, and incorporates the effect of chance on the accuracy of the prediction (values nearing 1.0 showing good performance).

The TSS is a commonly used measure that overcomes some of the weaknesses of the Kappa statistics (values near 1.0 indicate good performance) while addressing Kappa's sensitivity to prevalence.


Considering congestion control (rate control) and link scheduling together is known as the cross-layer approach since it involves functions at both the transport layer and the link layer, and possibly also the network layer if the routes need to be determined. Under the traditional layered approach, the MAC-layer link schedules are predetermined independently of the higher-layer objective, and hence, the resulting performance is often far from the optimum. In contrast, the performance level (objective value) can be significantly improved by the cross-layer design [2] , [14] . For instance, if the higher-level objective is to improve the network throughput, by formulating a cross-layer optimization problem, an algorithm that solves the problem achieves the highest network throughput that the underlying wireless network can ever support under any scheduling policy. Another benefit of the cross-layer approach is that, since the joint problem is typically cast in the optimization framework, one can rely on the large body of knowledge in the general optimization theory and algorithms, and design good networking algorithms/protocols with performance guarantee. Some of the general optimization algorithms are the results of many years of knowledge accumulation and are hard to reinvent. In this paper, we will work under the crosslayer framework, and formulate the joint rate-control and scheduling problem as a convex optimization problem.

In contrast, the performance level (objective value) can be significantly improved by the cross-layer design.


Direct monitoring approaches in the shallow surface enables only spatially limited information. A leakage, on the other hand, will be formed depending on the geological structure and may also emerge in an area around the subsurface source. As a consequence, a cost-intensive, area-wide sensor network needs to be build-up (km scale) to supervise, e.g., critical regions of a geological repository. On the other hand, a number of advantages of shallow subsurface monitoring exist, e.g., they have a higher probability of detecting a leak due to a longer residence time of a gas anomaly in the shallow subsurface than in the atmosphere above the leak where-at, the expected leak position can be estimated already with a comparatively high accuracy with respect to a gas movement detected in the deeper ground, and shallow subsurface monitoring can enhance the time for a hazard management [15] .

On the other hand, a number of advantages of shallow subsurface monitoring exist, e.g., they have a higher probability of detecting a leak due to a longer residence time of a gas anomaly in the shallow subsurface than in the atmosphere above the leak where-at, the expected leak position can be estimated already with a comparatively high accuracy with respect to a gas movement detected in the deeper ground, and shallow subsurface monitoring can enhance the time for a hazard management.


To monitor CO 2 or tracers in the vadose zone or shallow groundwater, spatially distributed wells are required. These wells, however, provide again potential leakage pathways to the atmosphere [4] . Alternatively, measurement systems as the one proposed in the paper could be installed directly in the subsurface.

These wells, however, provide again potential leakage pathways to the atmosphere.


Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with, e.g., electricity production by coal-fired power plants. However, adequate technologies for comprehensive monitoring of subsurface carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) storage areas¹ are still missing. Essential aspects associated with these technologies are the rapid identification of CO 2 leaks in critical areas and the continuous quantification of escaping CO 2 from the repository [3] . In addition, transport and storage facilities for hydrogen (H 2 ) and natural gas (containing mainly methane -CH 4 ) demand for equivalent rapid monitoring solutions, e.g., to enhance the safety of energy supplies of renewable energy systems (photovoltaic, wind power) by power-to-gas conversion technologies.

Essential aspects associated with these technologies are the rapid identification of CO 2 leaks in critical areas and the continuous quantification of escaping CO 2 from the repository.


Therefore, a novel sensor concept for distributed, area-wide monitoring of underground gas storage areas is developed that combines membrane-based linear gas sensors for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil with the mapping capabilities of Computed Tomography (CT) to reconstruct spatially and temporally resolved gas distribution maps. Compared to conventional sensors (e.g., soil air probes, borehole probes, or gas sampling with subsequent spectroscopy) that can only be used for synoptic point measurements, the linear sensor supports the identification of leakages in critical regions with dimensions in the order of magnitude of 100 × 100 m 2 , such as abandoned wells, critical public/industrial infrastructures, or critical geological formations by a much better coverage of the region to be monitored. The monitoring system works reliable within a subsurface, responds rapidly, and is noninvasive after sensor installation (no influence on the monitoring object, due to permanent presence of the sensor in the ground) [2] .

The monitoring system works reliable within a subsurface, responds rapidly, and is noninvasive after sensor installation (no influence on the monitoring object, due to permanent presence of the sensor in the ground).


External factors contributing to the recruitment crisis include the current pressures on primary care, linked to falling investment in real terms. Fewer than half of UK GPs report being satisfied with their job -the lowest proportion since 2001 [12] . Moreover, the appeal of hospital practice may have increased with the introduction of restrictions in working hours, at a cost to general practice recruitment [13, 14] .

Fewer than half of UK GPs report being satisfied with their job -the lowest proportion since 2001.

Moreover, the appeal of hospital practice may have increased with the introduction of restrictions in working hours, at a cost to general practice recruitment.


Although cupping was successfully utilised to treat pain and a wide variety of other complaints for thousands of years, it has almost vanished from the therapeutic spectrum of modern medicine, especially in Europe. Nonetheless, interest in cupping has increased during the last decade since preliminary systematic clinical trials have suggested that cupping is effective in managing painful conditions [30] [31] [32] [33] . However, a search of the literature in pubmed, medline, and web of science in April 2010 failed to identify an RCT on dry cupping for the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain.

Nonetheless, interest in cupping has increased during the last decade since preliminary systematic clinical trials have suggested that cupping is effective in managing painful conditions.


In order to analyze the security performance, except for the secrecy capacity, recently ill-posed theory has been used for the security performance analysis [14] , [15] . Particularly, it may also be applicable to the scenarios where the requirements mentioned above cannot be satisfied. Based on the ill-posed theory, the issue of physical layer security is modelled as the problem of ill-posed equations, and it is naturally required that the system should provide a stable and unique solution for the legitimate receiver, but at the same time unstable and/or non-unique solutions or even unavailable for the malicious users.

In order to analyze the security performance, except for the secrecy capacity, recently ill-posed theory has been used for the security performance analysis.


Compared with traditional radio frequency (RF) based systems where signals may penetrate obstacles and thus be easily intercepted by malicious users, VLC's line-of-sight (LOS) transmission property offers a naturally improved security. However, the VLC channel is still of broadcast nature and the interception of the optical signals transmitted in VLC is also possible. That makes VLC links inherently susceptible to eavesdropping by unintended or unauthorized users having access to the physical area illuminated by the data transmitters [5] - [7] . Typical scenarios include public areas such as meeting rooms, libraries, shopping malls etc.

That makes VLC links inherently susceptible to eavesdropping by unintended or unauthorized users having access to the physical area illuminated by the data transmitters.


Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in a wide range of human pathologies including sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome [10] . MF has also been identified in hepatic steatosis as a key predictor of organ well-being [9] . MF analysis may provide a useful tool in the research of various liver diseases. Currently there are no detailed clinical studies of liver MF as there are no simple methods of procuring tissue for assessing MF. Here we show that MF analysis on very small biopsies can provide a new method for assessing hepatocyte function.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in a wide range of human pathologies including sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

MF has also been identified in hepatic steatosis as a key predictor of organ well-being.


Wood poaching is regarded as a threat to protected area woodland in close proximity to human habitations [13] . Zimbabwe faced economic challenges between 2000 and 2008 which led to increased power cuts, among other shortages, leading to local people in urban areas to heavily rely on wood fuel and gas among other energy sources. Excessive woody plant species extraction raises concerns of ecological implications on biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Effective biodiversity conservation is only possible when accurate, timely information is available regarding disturbance impact on seemingly intact woody vegetation nodes and the interactive dynamics between biophysical factors and socioeconomic factors [14] . Despite its status and recognition as a protected wildlife and woodland area, inadequate documentary evidence exists on the impacts of wood poaching on vegetation structure and composition of the Mukuvisi Woodland. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to determine the preferred tree species harvested by wood poachers in Mukuvisi Woodland based on cut trees on the ground; and 2) to assess the impacts of wood poaching on vegetation structure and composition in Mukuvisi Woodland.

Wood poaching is regarded as a threat to protected area woodland in close proximity to human habitations.

Effective biodiversity conservation is only possible when accurate, timely information is available regarding disturbance impact on seemingly intact woody vegetation nodes and the interactive dynamics between biophysical factors and socioeconomic factors.


Our main result in this paper is that (8g + 4)λ can be directly related to the function β on M g , introduced by R. Hain and D. Reed around ten years ago [9] . This β-invariant is defined as follows. Let J (∧ 3 H/H) be the Griffiths intermediate jacobian fibration over M g associated to ∧ 3 H/H, and letB be the pullback, along the graph of the canonical polarization, of the standard G m -biextension line bundle on J (∧ 3 H/H) ×J (∧ 3 H/H). The holomorphic line bundleB comes with a natural hermitian metric · B . Let ν : M g → J (∧ 3 H/H) be the normal function that maps each curve X to the point in the intermediate jacobian of ∧ 3 H 1 (X)/H 1 (X) associated, by the Griffiths Abel-Jacobi map, to the Ceresa cycle X − X − in the jacobian of X.

Our main result in this paper is that (8g + 4)λ can be directly related to the function β on M g , introduced by R. Hain and D. Reed around ten years ago.

This β-invariant is defined as follows.


Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage is a leading cause of mortality and neurological disabilities in infants and young children [1] . Moreover, even with the best care, there is often little improvement in the overall ability of these children. Therefore, developing effective therapeutic strategies is urgently needed.

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage is a leading cause of mortality and neurological disabilities in infants and young children.


Microencapsulation by spray-drying is one of the most important and growing technologies of the last decade in the food industry, and it addresses the need to guarantee the stability of antioxidant compounds. This procedure also assures the bioavailability of the functional ingredients at a metabolic level [9] . Spray-drying can be scaled up to an industrial level at lower costs in comparison to other drying methods that are usually used, such as freeze drying [10] .

This procedure also assures the bioavailability of the functional ingredients at a metabolic level.

Spray-drying can be scaled up to an industrial level at lower costs in comparison to other drying methods that are usually used, such as freeze drying.


Identifying planar surfaces in a single generic-scene image is important for image scene understanding, object recognition, and image forensics. With this capability, an image retrieval system can retrieve poster images regardless of their contents, a scene understanding system can better classify the geometry of a scene, and an image forensics system can detect rebroadcast attacks on a biometric identification system. Recently, a set of images of a tiger, which is believed to belong to an extinct species, has been in the spotlight in China [1] . Hypothesis has it that they are photos of a planar tiger cut-out. While checking homography is a way to verify this hypothesis on the set of images, our work forms the first step of an alternative method using scene specularity.

Recently, a set of images of a tiger, which is believed to belong to an extinct species, has been in the spotlight in China.


Membrane technologies are a high potential option in order to attempt the complete depuration of FGD wastewaters due to their advantages over conventional separations systems such as compact modular nature, high efficiency and moderate investment and maintenance costs. These processes are becoming increasingly used in the recent years in the purification of water and groundwater, in replacement of many conventional separation processes, as well as in the reclamation of several wastewater streams. In particular, pressure-driven membrane operations such as microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) have been increasingly implemented in the recent years in the purification of groundwater and surface water as well as for decontamination of wastewater streams of very diverse sources [11, 12] . Among pressure-driven membrane operations, RO represents a valid approach for treating wastewater with high conductivity. It is generally used to remove water pollutants, such as phosphorus, organic matter as well as in desalination processes, in order to remove, for example, Na + and Cl − [13] .

In particular, pressure-driven membrane operations such as microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) have been increasingly implemented in the recent years in the purification of groundwater and surface water as well as for decontamination of wastewater streams of very diverse sources.

It is generally used to remove water pollutants, such as phosphorus, organic matter as well as in desalination processes, in order to remove, for example, Na + and Cl −.


Surface modeling by skinning is an often used modeling technique. In CAD, modeling from existing objects is called reverse engineering, and skinning is one of the techniques. There are many papers which deal with this topic, but there are few discussing how the desired sectional curves can be defined and created [19] . Although the proposed skinning method is limited to the generalized cylinder mesh object, many real-world objects can be reconstructed using this techniques from very simple to more complicated objects, as shown in our test cases. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by converting various generalized cylinder meshes with or without boundaries to smooth Bspline surfaces. Object format conversion, especially from a polygonal mesh to a spline surface, is an important modeling methodology. As the results indicate, the proposed method is efficient in time and requires minimal user interventions. The main contribution of this paper is a novel method of skinning from a polygonal mesh, especially the data preparation of sectional curves.

There are many papers which deal with this topic, but there are few discussing how the desired sectional curves can be defined and created.


The rationale for such explanation is based on the idea that only oblique orientations cause vertical disparities. Indeed, images have vertical disparities because the distance between a given point to one eye is greater than that to the other eye. As a consequence of this asymmetrical convergence, the amplitude of the binocular subtense angle of these two points is unequal for the left eye and right eye (Howard & Rogers, 2002) . Therefore, the binocular vertical disparity can be computed by the difference between the amplitudes of the binocular subtense angle in the eyes.

As a consequence of this asymmetrical convergence, the amplitude of the binocular subtense angle of these two points is unequal for the left eye and right eye.


The method chosen in order to compare the balance function of deaf and normal-hearing children was computerized dynamic posturography using the EquiTest ® . The advantages of this approach are its non-invasiveness and the fact that it emphasizes the functional aspects of equilibrium control. It is balance itself that is assessed, as opposed to merely the vestibular function [20] .

It is balance itself that is assessed, as opposed to merely the vestibular function.


MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small noncoding RNAs. The single-stranded molecules have a length of 19-23 nt [1] . Gain and loss of function studies revealed that miRNAs play a critical role in the regulation of basically all biological cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . MiRNAs are also involved in pathologic pathways of many disease models [6, 9] . Recent studies discovered that miRNAs are detectable in extracellular human body fluids such as blood or urine in a rather stable form [10] [11] [12] .

The single-stranded molecules have a length of 19-23 nt.

Gain and loss of function studies revealed that miRNAs play a critical role in the regulation of basically all biological cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.

MiRNAs are also involved in pathologic pathways of many disease models.

Recent studies discovered that miRNAs are detectable in extracellular human body fluids such as blood or urine in a rather stable form.


Effective modeling of the transport of an electrolyte through an electrically charged porous medium is an important and well-known multiscale problem in geosciences and porous materials modeling (see for instance the textbook [20] ). It was studied by many authors and most of them assume that the N -component electrolyte, which is a dilute solution of N species of ions in a fluid, saturates a rigid charged porous medium. Here, we depart from this usual assumption by considering a deformable porous medium.

Effective modeling of the transport of an electrolyte through an electrically charged porous medium is an important and well-known multiscale problem in geosciences and porous materials modeling (see for instance the textbook).


According to the structural concept proposed in the present work, the total and relative reinforcement ratio of steel and FRP bars, as well as the pre-stress level, should be selected in order to assure that at the beam's failure the steel has already yielded. Furthermore, the increase of load carrying capacity, mainly at serviceability limit states, the reduction of costs maintenance and the increase of life cycle should justify the relatively higher initial costs of the materials used in this structural system. The pre-stress level to be applied to the flexural reinforcements, and the performance of the FRC, mainly its post-cracking residual strength, should be designed in order to avoid the formation of cracks in the top surface of the beam during the application of the pre-stress in the production process, and to prevent the occurrence of shear failure mode. This paper proposes a design approach for rectangular cross section FRC beams reinforced with pre-stressed FRP and steel bars. After the model description, its predictive performance is appraised and a parametric study is carried out in order to evidence the influence of relevant parameters of the model on the load carrying capacity and ductility performance of FRC-hybrid reinforced simple supported pre-stressed beams. The proposed formulation is prepared to work with FRC that has tensile strain softening (SS-FRC) or tensile strain hardening (SH-FRC) behaviour [23] . Finally, the shear capacity of this structural system is predicted by using an adapted version of the formulation proposed by CEB-FIP Model Code 2010 [24] .

The proposed formulation is prepared to work with FRC that has tensile strain softening (SS-FRC) or tensile strain hardening (SH-FRC) behaviour.

Finally, the shear capacity of this structural system is predicted by using an adapted version of the formulation proposed by CEB-FIP Model Code 2010.


Pre-stressing the FRP bars can mobilize more effectively the strengthening potentialities of these reinforcing elements. Furthermore, by applying a certain pre-stress to the bars, a significant increase in terms of load carrying capacity can be obtained for deflection levels corresponding to the serviceability limit states. Applying steel and FRP bars with a certain pre-stress level can also contribute for the shear resistance of the element [11] .

Applying steel and FRP bars with a certain pre-stress level can also contribute for the shear resistance of the element.


To date, most prevention efforts have focused on ICUs basically due to better nurse and physician to patient staffing ratios and the higher risk populations. The validity of these results outside of ICUs is not well known. Types and use of vascular catheters, site and duration of catheterization, average patient stay, amount of antibiotic treatment given, and after care, appear to vary between ICUs and general wards, as well as unjustified use and inadequate dressing of catheters that might be more common outside ICUs [5] .

Types and use of vascular catheters, site and duration of catheterization, average patient stay, amount of antibiotic treatment given, and after care, appear to vary between ICUs and general wards, as well as unjustified use and inadequate dressing of catheters that might be more common outside ICUs.


The complexity of the LULC system requires that the selection of driving factors for the CLUE-S model be based on the theoretical relationships between driving factors and land use [31] . We select the related driving factors that affect LULC change from land-adaptive variables, regional spatial variables and socio-economic variables, but there are still some other factors that are difficult to quantify. The selection of variables and indicators, to a certain extent, may cause some differences in the simulation results or model parameters, which will produce certain effects on the driving factors and the prediction of LULC change. For example, changes in household sizes may have an impact on housing demand and the land use spatial pattern. In the planned economy era, most of the families in China were three generations, even four generations under one roof. Now, the family structures have changed gradually to a nuclear family, and every newlywed couple generally requires a separate entrance from the newborn small family or nuclear family; DINK (a DINK household in which there are two incomes and no children) families and empty nesting are growing along with the development of society. The miniaturization of household sizes must put forward more requirements on housing. Increased housing demand is largely caused by shrinking household sizes, population growth, property taxes and other factors [51] . Housing demand stimuli will certainly change the land use pattern. When urban centers still have space, increased households may cause its development to be more compact. On the contrary, increased housing demands may lead to sprawl if not accommodated by high-density or not afforded by high housing price, particularly in the city center [52] . In this situation, the rapid spatial expansion of the city will lead to more rural and arable land converting to built-up areas and simultaneously putting immense pressure on the land use pattern in future. Therefore, the identification of the methods for the selection of the more scientific variables that reflect the influence of human activities on LULC change is critical.

The complexity of the LULC system requires that the selection of driving factors for the CLUE-S model be based on the theoretical relationships between driving factors and land use.

Increased housing demand is largely caused by shrinking household sizes, population growth, property taxes and other factors.

On the contrary, increased housing demands may lead to sprawl if not accommodated by high-density or not afforded by high housing price, particularly in the city center.


The results suggest that following a rapid urbanization process, cultivated land converts to urban built-up land, which will become the main feature of LULC change in the future. The pattern will be more serious in the mountainous areas, such as the Mentougou, Shijingshan and Huairou districts and Yanqing County. From three scenarios, we find that the expansion trend of urban land occurs mainly northeast, northwest, southwest and east of Beijing, in districts, such as Tongzhou, Shunyi, Changping and Fangshan. The simulation of land use also shows, however, that the major difference between development scenarios (natural development and rapid development) and protection scenarios (ecological and cultivated land protection) occurs because the mountainous areas of Beijing are important ecological barriers and water conservation areas and the geographical environment with a higher elevation limits the expansion of urban land. The relationship between construction land and the ecological environment should therefore be comprehensively studied and estimated [37] . By protecting ecological and cultivated land and strictly controlling the expansion of built-up land, important adjustments can be made to the regional land use structure, the regional ecology can be accelerated and the sustainable economic development of Beijing can be prioritized.

The relationship between construction land and the ecological environment should therefore be comprehensively studied and estimated.


Recent validation studies have indicated that most spatial models still contain a high level of uncertainty [50] . In this study, we develop an approach by combining the Markov model and CLUE-S model to deal with some shortcomings in existing LULC models and characterize the land change processes and predict LULC change under different scenarios. The Markov model can depict the direction of LULC shifts and predict the future land requirements for land use categories by taking into account the influence of related factors on land use requirements. The CLUE-S model can allocate the predicted land requirements to geographical space using the Markov model. The results of the combined Markov and CLUE-S models indicate that the model is capable of representing LULC change in Beijing, which suggests that the approach is a useful tool for the analysis of related driving factors and the estimation of their influence on LULC change. The methodology can be effective and realistic for predicting possible LULC change under different scenarios and for providing a scientific basis for land use decision making and planning.

Recent validation studies have indicated that most spatial models still contain a high level of uncertainty.


Disease activity in AS encompasses a wide range of concepts and is therefore difficult to measure. Recently, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) has been developed [10, 11] . This new index is a composite score of patient-reported measures and acute phase reactants developed in order to capture both subjective and objective aspects of AS disease activity. Currently, information about the predictive value of the ASDAS with respect to response to TNF-α blocking therapy or drug survival is lacking due to the absence of ASDAS data in previous studies. The aim of the present study was to identify baseline predictors of response and discontinuation of TNF-α blocking therapy in AS patients in daily clinical practice.

Recently, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) has been developed.


Inspiring from Audun Jøsang and Yu, we propose a trust transitivity model based on Dempster-Shafer Theory. In our model, we show two types of trust relationship: Identity Trust and Behavior Trust based on Directness Trust and Recommendation Trust. Then we construct the trust transitivity network and propose the trustworthiness propagation and combination rules (In this paper we do not describe how to obtain the initial trustworthiness value that many researchers have involved [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] ). Finally, we propose a method for transforming the triple of evidence theory to a simple result in order to select the trust entity easily. We also use the nearness degree to analyze the Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 90818017 transitivity rationality and show how to use the trust transitivity model by a shopping scenario in TaoBao and illustrate its legitimacy.

Then we construct the trust transitivity network and propose the trustworthiness propagation and combination rules (In this paper we do not describe how to obtain the initial trustworthiness value that many researchers have involved).


The contribution of this article is the application of the work of Tolman and Weitsman to the case where M is a coadjoint orbit of SU (n). Here there is an explicit description of a generating set of classes for the ideal K , which allows one to actually compute the cohomology ring of weight varieties. These classes are represented by double Schubert polynomials, permuted by the Weyl group and satisfying certain properties. Double Schubert polynomials were first introduced by Lascoux and Schützenberger [21] , [22] . As a corollary, for SU (n) coadjoint orbits, the only vectors ξ ∈ t needed for Theorem 1.5 are fundamental weights and their permutations (Corollary 4.1). Equivalently, the kernel of the Kirwan map κ µ is generated by classes which restrict to zero on one side of hyperplanes ξ ⊥ := ann(ξ), translated to contain µ, parallel to codimension-one walls of the moment polytope.

Double Schubert polynomials were first introduced by Lascoux and Schützenberger.


Some studies documented a significant effect of ozone gas against oral bacteria [35] [36] [37] . The results are difficult to compare, because the ozone concentration was higher (e.g., 2,100 ppm HealOzone) and/or the treatment time was longer (e.g., 10 min), and/or other bacterial species were tested in other oral or in vitro environment. For a clinical application, this may suggest use of equipment providing higher ozone dose to achieve elimination of S. sanguinis cells.

Some studies documented a significant effect of ozone gas against oral bacteria.


To specify which pathway(s) differed, we examined the critical ratios for differences between parameters in the free model. Because this is a chisquare distribution, values of 1.96 or higher are deemed significant (Meyers et al., 2006) . The pathway showing significant differences in this model was between RSP and IP. This path was significantly more negative for men (-1.521, p < .05) than for women (-0.09, ns) , indicating that men who were motivated to attend college to be connected to peers were significantly less likely than women (motivated for the same reason) to report intentions to persist. While other findings from Model 2 were generally consistent with the findings from Model 1, the path between RHA and GPA, and RSF and IP were significant in Model 2, although they did not reach significance in Model 1.

Because this is a chisquare distribution, values of 1.96 or higher are deemed significant.


Metastable stainless steels exhibit a diffusionless phase transformation while deep cooling or at room temperature by an additional plastic deformation [1] . The hexagonal close packed (hcp) ε-martensite and the bcc α´-martensite are formed in the fcc γ-austenite matrix [2] . The deformation-induced phase transformation has a strong influence on the fatigue behaviour. However the first nucleation of martensite occurs at a cumulative plastic strain and a plastic strain amplitude threshold must be exceeded [3] . In the regime of low cycle fatigue (LCF), the fatigue life can be b) a) optimised by means of a martensite formation initiated by pre-deformation [4] . For high and very high cycle fatigue (HCF and VHCF) a similar behaviour is reported. An α´-martensite volume fraction of about 26%, established by monotonic prestrain results in an optimum of the fatigue limit [5] .

Metastable stainless steels exhibit a diffusionless phase transformation while deep cooling or at room temperature by an additional plastic deformation.

The hexagonal close packed (hcp) ε-martensite and the bcc α´-martensite are formed in the fcc γ-austenite matrix.

However the first nucleation of martensite occurs at a cumulative plastic strain and a plastic strain amplitude threshold must be exceeded.

In the regime of low cycle fatigue (LCF), the fatigue life can be b) a) optimised by means of a martensite formation initiated by pre-deformation.

An α´-martensite volume fraction of about 26%, established by monotonic prestrain results in an optimum of the fatigue limit.


The focus of this work is the determination of the microstructural mechanisms of crack initiation and short crack growth at stress amplitudes in the HCF regime and the correlation of these mechanisms to deformation-induced martensite formation. The collected data are implemented in a mechanism-based short crack model used for the simulation of short crack propagation in stainless steels. Details about this Model are reported elsewhere [9] .

Details about this Model are reported elsewhere.


Comparison of the results showed that different drying methods used had a significant effect on essential oil percentages. These results are in agreement with those obtained by other researchers (Papageorgiou et al., 2008) . They observed that oven-drying at 45°C and air-drying at ambient temperature are the methods that produced the best results. Freeze-drying resulted in substantial losses in oxygenated aromatic compounds (Díaz-Maroto et al., 2003) .

These results are in agreement with those obtained by other researchers.

Freeze-drying resulted in substantial losses in oxygenated aromatic compounds.


From the above-simulated results, some anomalous but amazing forward scattering effects can be obtained by doping gain medium into the shell. Then, the total scattering efficiency for core-shell spherical particles with an inner radius r 1 = 0.07 μm and an outer radius r 2 = 0.1 μm, as a function of the incident wavelength λ and the imaginary part of permittivity for dielectric shell Im(ε s ), can also be obtained based on Eq. (1), which has been shown in three-and two-dimensional scales in Figure 2C and D. It is found that the total scattering efficiency at maximum points D and E can also be enhanced strongly, which can be called as superscattering [13] . Besides, for minimum points B and C, the scattering efficiency is still relatively large. It is worth noting that the scattering efficiency at minimum point A can be reduced significantly, which can be called anomalously weak scattering associated with the cloaking phenomenon [12, 13] . Moreover, around minimum point A, the total scattering efficiency is also suppressed. In particular, for such a choice of r 1 = 0.07 μm, r 2 = 0.1 μm, and ε s = 16 − 0.85i, we can obtain superscattering at λ = 0.508 μm (E) and anomalously weak scattering at λ = 0.856 μm (A).

Then, the total scattering efficiency for core-shell spherical particles with an inner radius r 1 = 0.07 μm and an outer radius r 2 = 0.1 μm, as a function of the incident wavelength λ and the imaginary part of permittivity for dielectric shell Im(ε s ), can also be obtained based on Eq. (1), which has been shown in three-and two-dimensional scales in Figure 2C and D. It is found that the total scattering efficiency at maximum points D and E can also be enhanced strongly, which can be called as superscattering.

It is worth noting that the scattering efficiency at minimum point A can be reduced significantly, which can be called anomalously weak scattering associated with the cloaking phenomenon.