These first principal models have been useful in driving forward the development of DEAs. However, they are generally not well suited to control-focused analysis and design because they tend to be overly complex descriptions, incorporating many terms and parameters. Furthermore, DEAs tend to exhibit time-varying characteristics which most current models do not describe, or are limited to a simplified assumption of time varying phenomena [18, 20] . There is, therefore, a significant gap in the current methodology for modelling DEAs in control-oriented tasks. Hence, it is now timely to develop modelling approaches for DEAs that are specifically control-focused due to the increased use of DEAs in various applications, including for example, soft robotics [4, 5, 21] .

Furthermore, DEAs tend to exhibit time-varying characteristics which most current models do not describe, or are limited to a simplified assumption of time varying phenomena.

Hence, it is now timely to develop modelling approaches for DEAs that are specifically control-focused due to the increased use of DEAs in various applications, including for example, soft robotics.


The need to use nonlinear models to accurately describe DEA dynamics, found here, is consistent with current models of DEAs derived by considering the physical properties of the material [20, [43] [44] [45] . A distinct, novel contribution of the work presented here is that the NARX models identified are compact difference equation descriptions with few terms, unlike many of the physical models, making them particularly amenable to control design. Further to this, the NARX modelling framework is able to represent a broad range of nonlinear systems because the model class can be used to describe general multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with a defined input and output [46] . Therefore, it is likely that the modelling and analysis framework could be applied to a wider range of actuator configurations in the future.

The need to use nonlinear models to accurately describe DEA dynamics, found here, is consistent with current models of DEAs derived by considering the physical properties of the material.

Further to this, the NARX modelling framework is able to represent a broad range of nonlinear systems because the model class can be used to describe general multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with a defined input and output.


Currently the literature provides few examples of adaptive control algorithms for DEAs that would successfully handle time-variation, although success has been made by the use of bioinspired techniques [5] . The control-focused modelling framework proposed here and applied to film-type DEA actuators should enable future high precision control designs that can handle nonlinearity and time-variation of this actuator-type. As the modelling and analysis framework is generically applicable to many system-types, it is likely that the framework could be applied in future to different actuator configurations.

Currently the literature provides few examples of adaptive control algorithms for DEAs that would successfully handle time-variation, although success has been made by the use of bioinspired techniques.


Ladybirds have been used as biological control agents since the early 20th century (Hodek, 1970) . The coccidophagous species such as Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) have been used very successfully. However, the control of aphids with ladybirds remains very difficult, because of the fast development of the aphids and their high rate of reproduction, as well as problems with the space and manpower required for mass rearing of coccinellids.

Ladybirds have been used as biological control agents since the early 20th century.


Also, chelated minerals are said to be more bioavailable than inorganic salts because inorganic salts are reported to rapidly dissociate and freely interact with antagonists, which leads to their loss prior to absorption (Henry et al., 1992; Ward et al., 1996) . However, organic mineral complexes, formed by the chelation of mineral with organic acids, amino acids or peptides, prevent minerals from interacting with antagonists because the minerals are bound to organic ligands through covalent bonds, which improves their bioavailability (Ward et al., 1996) . The acidic status of the small intestine is necessary for the ionization of dissolved minerals (Tim O'Shea, 1998) . Chelation involves the binding of a mineral ion to another component, which is usually an organic compound such as amino acids, protein, organic acids, etc.

Also, chelated minerals are said to be more bioavailable than inorganic salts because inorganic salts are reported to rapidly dissociate and freely interact with antagonists, which leads to their loss prior to absorption.

However, organic mineral complexes, formed by the chelation of mineral with organic acids, amino acids or peptides, prevent minerals from interacting with antagonists because the minerals are bound to organic ligands through covalent bonds, which improves their bioavailability.

The acidic status of the small intestine is necessary for the ionization of dissolved minerals.


The key observation is, that the L q a priori estimate alone is not suitable to establish solutions to non-linear operators. This is due to the fact that the a priori estimates inherit only weak compactness or less and the only possible way to mach weak compactness and nonliniarities is via convexity. In the setting here it is reflected via the use of the monotonicity, for instance via the Minty method. However, the method seemed lost the moment the weak limit is not a suitable test function anymore. Only recently a new point of view was established, which allowed to regain a duality relation between f and ∇u [4] . The duality is gained by replacing L q estimates with weighted L p ω estimates, where the weight is chosen in terms of the right hand side f . It has to be chosen in such a way that it belongs to the Muckenhoupt class A q . This is necessary since it is known, that many linear and sub-linear operators including the Laplace and the Maximal operator are bounded restrictively in these Muckenhoupt classes.

Only recently a new point of view was established, which allowed to regain a duality relation between f and ∇u.


Artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely used to facilitate answering complicated problems in variety of science and engineering domains chiefly wherever conventional and mathematical modeling fail to succeed. Artificial neural networks have been carried out in an effectively manner in the fields of pattern recognition, modeling, and control (Haykin, 1999) . A well-trained ANN, which is fundamentally inspired by human being neural system, is applicable to be utilized as a predictive model for a specific application in science. ANN models and their performance are relying on training experimental data followed by validating and testing the model by independent datasets. Accommodating multiple input variables, while it has the ability to improve its performance with new sets of data, multiple output variables can be efficiently predicted. Conventional models as well as mathematical ones are usually incapable of predicting complex nonlinear phenomena exempt from simplifying the models by neglecting interactions between parameters. This brings about rising inaccuracy. Furthermore, ANN advantages of much faster and more accurate calculations compared with mathematical or conventional methods as no prolonged repetitive calculations are needed. However, appropriate ANN topology is significant to attain simple models with lower mean squared error (MSE) and higher accuracy. Each input to the artificial neural network is multiplied by the synaptic weight, added together and dealt with an activation function. ANNs are trained by frequently exploring the best relationship between the input and output values creating a model after a sufficient number of learning repetitions, or training known as epochs (Jaiswal et al., 2005) . After training, the model can be generalized with new input values to predict, simulate and re-establish the condition identified as testing procedure.

Artificial neural networks have been carried out in an effectively manner in the fields of pattern recognition, modeling, and control.

This brings about rising inaccuracy.

ANNs are trained by frequently exploring the best relationship between the input and output values creating a model after a sufficient number of learning repetitions, or training known as epochs.


Although offering an explanation about how tournament conditions can affect survival of walleyes after the tournament, the cumulative-stress hypothesis does little to help identify the portion of postrelease mortality that is attributable specifically to tournament activities (Pollock and Pine 2007) . For example, netpen confinement and the additional handling necessary to measure postrelease mortality are additional stressors applied shortly after the other tournament-associated stressors. Conceivably, all fish alive at the time of release may have survived if released into habitats conducive to survival and not subjected to the additional stress associated with postrelease mortality assessment. We suggest that zero or near-zero postrelease mortality estimates indicate low postrelease mortality. Conversely, high postrelease mortality not attributable to experimental conditions (e.g., hypoxia, disturbance of net-pens), particularly when the mortality of tournament-caught fish exceeds the mortality of reference fish, indicates mortality of tournament-caught fish after release is likely. However, in keeping with the cumulative-stress paradigms, the amount of postrelease mortality attributable specifically to tournament capture and handling cannot be accurately quantified. Therefore, estimates of postrelease mortality and total mortality, which include postrelease mortality, should be interpreted cautiously.

Although offering an explanation about how tournament conditions can affect survival of walleyes after the tournament, the cumulative-stress hypothesis does little to help identify the portion of postrelease mortality that is attributable specifically to tournament activities.


Goodness of fit was evaluated for each model by the value ofĈ (Ĉ ¼ deviance/df, where deviance is À2 log likelihood for the model) and the adjusted value of R 2 specific for logistic regression (SAS 2006) . Values ofĈ near 1.0 indicate that the data fit the model; models withĈ greater than 0.7 and less than 2.0 were interpreted as adequate fits (Agresti 2002:155) . Adjusted R 2 ranges from 0 to 1, R 2 ¼ 1 being the best fit.

Goodness of fit was evaluated for each model by the value ofĈ (Ĉ ¼ deviance/df, where deviance is À2 log likelihood for the model) and the adjusted value of R 2 specific for logistic regression.


Eight to 10 reference fish were also stocked into each net-pen in each tournament to detect any lethal effects of net-pen confinement (e.g., oxygen depletion, wave disturbance). The reference fish were adult walleyes captured by electrofishing at locations near the tournament site and transported in aerated hauling tanks. Reference fish collection was conducted by experienced fisheries agency personnel who employed fish handling procedures appropriate for the collection and transport conditions to ensure minimal stress to the fish. Among events, electrofishing power output and water conductivity resulted in power density transfers of 169-547 lW/cm 3 . Assessments of injurious power densities are not available for walleyes, but the power densities used are well below those found to injure channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and several centrarchid species (Miranda 2005) . The reference fish were given a partial pelvic fin clip and stocked into each net-pen 10-20 h before the tournament-caught fish were stocked.

Assessments of injurious power densities are not available for walleyes, but the power densities used are well below those found to injure channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and several centrarchid species.


Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease associated with high blood glucose levels (BGL) affecting over 400 million people worldwide [1] . The normal glucose level in the blood ranges from 72 mg/dl to 108 mg/dl whereas patients with DM may experience levels as high as 400mg/dl. In this case, the glucose level needs to be regulated through medication or insulin shots to reduce the chance of long-term negative health effects [2] . The conventional measurement methods are invasive where an accurate BGL measurement can be taken at health clinics/hospitals. However, portable BGL A C C E P T E D M A N U S C R I P T measurement devices are widely used by patients for convenience that allow for an instant reading, anytime and anywhere. This method requires a small drop of blood, which is usually obtained from a pricked fingertip, to be applied onto a test strip. The test strip is then inserted into the measurement device for a BGL reading. Depending on the severity of the disease, a patient may need to take up to 10 measurements a day, which causes discomfort. Furthermore, the blood contaminated consumables such as test strips and needles should be disposed of properly to avoid the spread of blood-related diseases. A non-invasive measurement device is highly desirable to avoid the discomfort and the aforementioned risks. There are various methods that researchers have been working on to measure BGL non-invasively [3] [4] [5] . One of the popular and promising methods is the Radio Frequency (RF)/microwave sensing where an RF sensor is used to measure the change in the dielectric properties of blood [6, 7] .

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease associated with high blood glucose levels (BGL) affecting over 400 million people worldwide.

In this case, the glucose level needs to be regulated through medication or insulin shots to reduce the chance of long-term negative health effects.

There are various methods that researchers have been working on to measure BGL non-invasively.

One of the popular and promising methods is the Radio Frequency (RF)/microwave sensing where an RF sensor is used to measure the change in the dielectric properties of blood.


Tetraalkylphosphonium (R 4 P)-derived RT-ILs, which have a structure analogous to tetraammonium cations, are known to exhibit better thermal stability than alkylimidazolium-derived ones [17] [18] [19] . To date, there are brief reports on the tribological properties of R 4 P-derived RTILs [13, [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] . In this work, we focused on the relationship between the chemical structure and tribological properties of RT-ILs. Further, we evaluated R 4 P salts of TFSA and phosphate-derived anions by means of laboratory tribo-tests. The tribological properties of R 4 P-derived RT-ILs were discussed on the basis of tribochemistry.

Tetraalkylphosphonium (R 4 P)-derived RT-ILs, which have a structure analogous to tetraammonium cations, are known to exhibit better thermal stability than alkylimidazolium-derived ones.

To date, there are brief reports on the tribological properties of R 4 P-derived RTILs.


For compounds 1, 2 and 4 after heating and shock cooling, the thermal effects are not detected on the DSC curves. Those experiments were carried out immediately after rapid cooling, after a week and after a month. In all cases, no thermal effects were observed. The rapid cooling of a liquid below its melting point may lead to an amorphous state with structural characteristics of a liquid. Since molecules in the amorphous state are thermodynamically metastable relative to the crystalline state, the potential for crystallization during handling and storage is always present. However, the temperature at which optimal nucleation and hence crystallization should occur will depend on the degree below melting point and where the temperature lies relative to glass transition temperature [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] . At storage temperatures near to and above glass transition, the rates of crystallization increased. On the other hand, the temperature dependence of molecular motions below the glass transition temperature is highly dependent upon conditions under which the glass was formed [27, [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] . Those molecular motions are consequences of relaxation of a sample.

However, the temperature at which optimal nucleation and hence crystallization should occur will depend on the degree below melting point and where the temperature lies relative to glass transition temperature.

On the other hand, the temperature dependence of molecular motions below the glass transition temperature is highly dependent upon conditions under which the glass was formed.


It would be of considerable importance to undertake studies aiming at evaluation of the stability of that group of compounds. A kinetic study of the degradation in aqueous solution has shown that, either an acidic or basic medium, at an increasing temperature, hydrolysis of the imide bonds is observed [6] [7] [8] . However, solid form diversity of pharmaceutical substances may influence the efficacy and safety of drug products. Physical and chemical characterization of different solid phases that may occur during crystallization and pharmaceutical formulation processes, i.e. polymorphs, pseudo-polymorphism, solvates, desolvated solvates and amorphous materials is therefore advisable for both drugs and excipients. It is very important to control the crystal form of the drug during the various stages of drug development, because any phase changes and change in the degree of crystallinity can alter the bioavailability of the drug. Thermal analysis is one of the most frequently used instrumental techniques on pharmaceutical researches to solve technological problems [9] [10] [11] [12] . The thermal analysis methods are widely used for the study of the stability and decomposition of the substances used in medicine [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] . The evaluation of the stability of a drug in solid form is realized especially by analysing its decomposition in isothermal and non-isothermal conditions.

A kinetic study of the degradation in aqueous solution has shown that, either an acidic or basic medium, at an increasing temperature, hydrolysis of the imide bonds is observed.

Thermal analysis is one of the most frequently used instrumental techniques on pharmaceutical researches to solve technological problems.

The thermal analysis methods are widely used for the study of the stability and decomposition of the substances used in medicine.


Depending on the building rotation and structure, tilt and azimuth angles of PV modules are important parameters for PV systems. As a result, geometric details of the rooftop and surrounding obstacles affect calculation of the shadows on the PV arrays [22] . Because of different installation parameters, annually energy output of the PV arrays will be different [23] .

As a result, geometric details of the rooftop and surrounding obstacles affect calculation of the shadows on the PV arrays.

Because of different installation parameters, annually energy output of the PV arrays will be different.


Traditionally, the laser frequency tuning nonlinearity could be compensated by an auxiliary interferometer which provides an external clock to trigger data acquisitions based on the practically measured wavelength interval [4] - [6] . However, the maximum measurement length is limited by the optical path difference (OPD) between the two arms of the auxiliary interferometer that is four times the sensing fiber length according to the Nyquist sampling criteria [7] . Generally, OFDR with equal frequency-sampling method can achieve high spatial resolution (millimeters) for temperature and strain sensing with a total length of up to 70 m [18] . However, the traditional triggered interferometer approach cannot be implemented for long range temperature and strain sensing due to induced errors in the triggered signals from the auxiliary interferometer where polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and phase noise exist at a long distance for phase recovery of temperature and strain measurement [18] .

Traditionally, the laser frequency tuning nonlinearity could be compensated by an auxiliary interferometer which provides an external clock to trigger data acquisitions based on the practically measured wavelength interval.

However, the maximum measurement length is limited by the optical path difference (OPD) between the two arms of the auxiliary interferometer that is four times the sensing fiber length according to the Nyquist sampling criteria.

Generally, OFDR with equal frequency-sampling method can achieve high spatial resolution (millimeters) for temperature and strain sensing with a total length of up to 70 m.

However, the traditional triggered interferometer approach cannot be implemented for long range temperature and strain sensing due to induced errors in the triggered signals from the auxiliary interferometer where polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and phase noise exist at a long distance for phase recovery of temperature and strain measurement.


Negotiating dominance hierarchies and developing cooperative relationships are major adaptive problems in many lines of animal evolution, and especially primates (Buss, 1999) . As a consequence, people should have a host of evolved psychological mechanisms that address particular challenges involved with the complex social interactions in human society. One set of these mechanisms might be expected to focus on perceiving individuals' characteristics and social structure.

Negotiating dominance hierarchies and developing cooperative relationships are major adaptive problems in many lines of animal evolution, and especially primates.


Proteomic studies have appeared as leading tools providing answers in field of plant physiology and development. Procedures based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) have become one of the most powerful techniques of plant proteomics (Nordhoff et al. 2001; Weiss and Görg 2007; Bocian et al. 2011; Correia et al. 2012) . Combination relationships of protein populations, global protein identification along with internal patterns analysis, have ensured new insights into the connection of biochemical processes of different proteomes (Correia et al. 2012) . The current status of proteomic research in legumes steps over the border of generating proteome reference maps, and now allows for understanding of key proteins answering for adaptation under the countless stress environments of abiotic and biotic nature (Rathi et al. 2016) .

Procedures based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) have become one of the most powerful techniques of plant proteomics.

Combination relationships of protein populations, global protein identification along with internal patterns analysis, have ensured new insights into the connection of biochemical processes of different proteomes.

The current status of proteomic research in legumes steps over the border of generating proteome reference maps, and now allows for understanding of key proteins answering for adaptation under the countless stress environments of abiotic and biotic nature.


This study aimed first at gaining more insight into how new mothers' employment transitions in the Netherlands have changed over time and after the introduction of parental leave. Second, we wanted to know whether policies strengthening the rights of part-time workers and working parents increased the job continuity of new mothers. Third, we assessed in how far sexspecific household strategies of dividing paid work have been affected by these developments. Our aims were motivated by the theoretical expectation that family policies have increased the opportunities for new mothers to reach a good work-family fit. The empirical results showed that leaving employment after the first birth has become less common in the Netherlands and that over time the probability that new mothers reduced their working hours increased substantially. This trend has been facilitated by three related policy developments: the introduction of part-time parental leave (reducing the exit probability), the strong growth in part-time jobs, and concurrent improvements in the labour market position of part-time workers (increasing the probability of a work hour reduction). Contrary to our expectation, we did not find the association between a reduction in work hours and employer change to weaken in the 1990s or with the introduction of parental leave. This result, however, appears to be in line with previous research, which has found that among the general Dutch working population, the right to adjust the number of working hours has not contributed to a higher probability to adjust the number of working hours in the present job (Fouarge and Baaijens, 2009) . The likelihood that a reduction in working hours was associated with occupational downgrading decreased in the 1990s and more so among women eligible for parental leave. Contrary to our expectation, the association between occupational downgrading and working fewer hours increased again substantially in the 2000s. When we relate this result to recent developments in the Dutch labour market, namely strong increases in temporary contracts and related forms of flexibilization, particularly common among (re-entering) women, young people, and minorities, a rather troublesome picture emerges: potentially, the Dutch part-time 'culture' might present a pitfall for vulnerable groups in the labour market, which are increasingly sorted into precarious and volatile careers and instable employment relations. These persisting or even growing career instabilities resulting from the switch to part-time work point to the role of employers in enabling women to make use of the policies in place.

This result, however, appears to be in line with previous research, which has found that among the general Dutch working population, the right to adjust the number of working hours has not contributed to a higher probability to adjust the number of working hours in the present job.


In addition to the limitations discussed with regard to the empirical part of the study, the fact that we only look at one particular country might be regarded as a potential limitation. The question that arises in this context is in how far the Dutch example, or any single country for that matter, presents a typical or generalizable case for the area studied. The Netherlands are without doubt at the extreme end of the country distribution when the growth in female employment over the past decades and proportion of mothers working part-time is concerned. Both developments are, however, by no means unique to the Dutch context but comparable with, for instance, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden. The same is true for policies adopted, such as the right to a work hour reduction, as comparable policies also exist in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (Hegewisch, 2009) . We have argued that the Netherlands represent a least likely case for the success of unpaid leave policies in a historically conservative setting. Our finding that these low-cost work-centred policies strengthened new mothers' labour force attachment should be informative to scholars and policymakers in other countries. Some liberal and post-socialist welfare regimes currently face the challenge of granting more time and flexibility to new parents, without intervening too strongly in market processes and the daily organization of work and care. While it goes without saying that specific policies cannot simply be transferred from one setting to another, the Dutch minimum standard of family policy shows that policies do not need to be invasive or expensive to efficiently increase the range of options for young families.

The same is true for policies adopted, such as the right to a work hour reduction, as comparable policies also exist in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.


For many mechanical systems, the possible configuration of the mechanism may be considered as a zero set of, typically non-linear, polynomial system where its equations express geometrical constraints among components of the mechanism [13] . The motion of the mechanism is than understood as a function of only geometric relations among its parts. Searching for all feasible positions of the mechanism, known as kinematic/mechanism synthesis, has been of major interest in recent decades [11] [19] [21] .

For many mechanical systems, the possible configuration of the mechanism may be considered as a zero set of, typically non-linear, polynomial system where its equations express geometrical constraints among components of the mechanism.

Searching for all feasible positions of the mechanism, known as kinematic/mechanism synthesis, has been of major interest in recent decades.


The prototype of RB-IGBT based indirect matrix converter has been developed, shown in Figure 14 . It mainly includes power circuit, RB-IGBT gate drive circuit, signal processing circuit, CPLD and DSP based control board, and heat sink. The rectifier is composed of the RB-IGBT module 18MBI100W-060A from Fuji Electric [31] . In order to verify the proposed PWM algorithm and sequence, experimental tests on IMC prototype have been carried out. The parameters of the input filters are = 0.7 mH, = 20 F, and = 200 Ω. The sampling frequency is 10 kHz. Input voltage is 50 Hz and output frequency is 25 Hz. The load is an induction motor. Figure 15 gives the experimental waveforms of SVM algorithm. The THD of output current is 1.06%. The THD of input current is 6.39%. Figure 16 shows the voltage of the bidirectional switch ap -sap and dc-link current dc when the commutation of bidirectional switches occurs. It can be seen that dc-link current is around zero at the commutation point, which means that zero-current switching is realized.

The rectifier is composed of the RB-IGBT module 18MBI100W-060A from Fuji Electric.

The load is an induction motor.

The THD of output current is 1.06%.

The THD of input current is 6.39%.


On the positive side, recent advances in sensor technologies provide us a large amount of data about human behaviour in every day life. Taking advantage of these large data sets and sensor redundancy we may partly compensate for the stochasticity at the sensor and behavioral level, and improve precision and robustness of the system. Furthermore, observing real environments for long periods of time may reveal dynamics that are not evident from small-scale studies in artificial environments and for limited durations [4] .

Furthermore, observing real environments for long periods of time may reveal dynamics that are not evident from small-scale studies in artificial environments and for limited durations.


There are various compositions of iron nanoparticles with wide range of applications in environmental engineering, especially in contaminant removal processes. One of the advantages of using iron nanoparticles for in situ processes is that they can be injected directly into the environment and contrary to millimetric iron particles, so there is no need for underground installation as in the case of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) that makes it economically affordable [1] . Moreover, the extremely large specific surface area (SSA) of nanoparticles provides a much higher surface reactivity compared to the more widely used millimetric iron [2] [3] [4] .

One of the advantages of using iron nanoparticles for in situ processes is that they can be injected directly into the environment and contrary to millimetric iron particles, so there is no need for underground installation as in the case of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) that makes it economically affordable.

Moreover, the extremely large specific surface area (SSA) of nanoparticles provides a much higher surface reactivity compared to the more widely used millimetric iron.


Absorption occurs within the bulk of the material via a chemical or physical interaction. Chemical absorbents react with the CO 2 , forming covalent bonds between the molecules. The solvent can be habitually regenerated through heating and captured CO 2 is released. This mechanism can also be made highly selective by the introduction of specific chemical complexes. Typical compounds used in this process are amines, or ammonia-based solutions. Physical absorbents obey Henry's law, where gas solubility is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the said gas in equilibrium, at a constant temperature. Typically this is at high CO 2 partial pressures and low temperatures. The interaction between CO 2 and the solvent is by nonchemical surface forces, that is, Van der Waals interaction. Regeneration of the solvent is achieved by increasing the temperature and lowering the pressure of the system [15] . Selexol and Rectisol are examples of physical absorbents that have been used in natural gas sweetening and synthesis gas treatment.

Regeneration of the solvent is achieved by increasing the temperature and lowering the pressure of the system.


Cryogenic Separation is a technique based on cooling and condensation. This has the advantage of enabling the direct production of liquid CO 2 , benefiting transportation options. Although a major disadvantage of cryogenic technology in this respect is the high amounts of energy required to provide cooling for the process, this is especially prominent in lowconcentration gas streams [18] . This technique is more suited to high-concentration and high-pressure gases, such as in oxyfuel combustion and precombustion.

Although a major disadvantage of cryogenic technology in this respect is the high amounts of energy required to provide cooling for the process, this is especially prominent in lowconcentration gas streams.


Membrane separation technology is based on the interaction of specific gases with the membrane material by a physical or chemical interaction. Through modifying the material, the rate at which the gases pass through can be controlled. There are wide varieties of membranes available for gas separation, including polymeric membranes, zeolites, and porous inorganic membranes, some of which are used in an industrial scale and have the possibility of being implemented into the process of CO 2 capture. However achieving high degrees of CO 2 separation in one single stage has so far proved to be difficult; therefore, having to rely on multiple stages has led to increasing energy consumption and cost. An alternative approach is to use porous membranes as platforms for absorption and stripping. Here a liquid (typically aqueous amine solutions) provides the selectivity towards the gases. As the flue gas moves through the membrane, the liquid selects and captures the CO 2 [17] .

As the flue gas moves through the membrane, the liquid selects and captures the CO 2.


In pig production systems, enterprise revenue and costs depend on the weight and number of animals raised to marketing. Reproduction is the source of all market and breeding animals. Thus sow productivity contributes most to the revenue and costs of any pig enterprise. To improve the profits obtained from an enterprise, the number of live piglets born should be improved. The survival of these piglets until weaning is equally important, after which they do not depend on the sow for survival. Therefore, sow productivity has been identified as a key factor affecting the efficiency and economic viability of the pig industry (Kim, 2001) . Productivity per farrowing is usually considered the basis for evaluating the genetic merit of animals in a herd (Bereskin, 1984) . Improvement of sow productivity substantially reduces production costs per pig marketed (Irgang et al., 1994) . The cumulative and permanent nature of genetic improvement is an important motive to consider sow productivity traits in a selection programme to improve the efficiency of pig enterprises.

Therefore, sow productivity has been identified as a key factor affecting the efficiency and economic viability of the pig industry.

Productivity per farrowing is usually considered the basis for evaluating the genetic merit of animals in a herd.

Improvement of sow productivity substantially reduces production costs per pig marketed.


In the paper an effect of the cutting speed v c , feed f being simultaneously depth of the cut a p , and displacement p on a chosen surface roughness parameters was investigated: average roughness R a , mean roughness depth R z and maximum roughness depth R max were taken into account. The displacement p consists in a small movement of the insert along its cutting edge, aimed at elimination of effects of profile roughness of the cutting edge on the machined surface [12] . It occurs after completion of the in-feed movement of the cutting insert. In the next machining step a dwell equal to two shaft rotations is performed, aimed at assurance of adequate dimensional accuracy of the machined surface.

The displacement p consists in a small movement of the insert along its cutting edge, aimed at elimination of effects of profile roughness of the cutting edge on the machined surface.


To help determine the impact of this African Guide intervention on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, over a period of one year, teachers were asked to report on their evaluation of any changes in these domains that they had noticed in their students. While this approach may not be as robust as asking students directly and may be subject to bias (Hawthorne effect), it is an outcome measure that has cultural familiarity for teachers and has been successfully applied in other settings (Kutcher, et al., 2015) . Teachers reported that all their students had demonstrated either improved or very much improved outcomes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors compared to prior to the intervention. The improvement to knowledge, attitudes and behaviors is an additional substantial positive impact of this intervention.

While this approach may not be as robust as asking students directly and may be subject to bias (Hawthorne effect), it is an outcome measure that has cultural familiarity for teachers and has been successfully applied in other settings.


In the northern/northwestern region of Rio de Janeiro, an extensive history of agricultural and livestock activities has resulted in a reduction in forest cover and a high level of soil degradation. Currently, 80 % of the land use in the region corresponds to pastures in degraded state (Gama-Rodrigues & May, 2001) . To decrease the pressure of forest conversion on remnant forest fragments and promote the recovery of degraded soils, techniques that stimulate natural mechanisms of soil restoration are needed (Campello, 1998; Macedo et al., 2008) .

Currently, 80 % of the land use in the region corresponds to pastures in degraded state.

To decrease the pressure of forest conversion on remnant forest fragments and promote the recovery of degraded soils, techniques that stimulate natural mechanisms of soil restoration are needed.


Texture is the most fundamental information on which the majority of all living organisms base their visual cognition and is a key component of computer vision system [8] . Basically, all the digital images can be regarded as texture. Texture analysis has been applied to many visual problems such as material categorization, surface inspection, medical image analysis, object recognition, image segmentation, pedestrian detection, face analysis and so on.

Texture is the most fundamental information on which the majority of all living organisms base their visual cognition and is a key component of computer vision system.


Besides agrochemicals treatment, soil also can be sterilized with nonchemical methods. Soil steam sterilization is a farming technique that sterilizes soil with steam in open fields or greenhouses [6, 7] . Pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can be effectively killed by heating the soil to levels that cause protein coagulation or enzyme inactivation. However, after heating, soil microbiota (living soil organisms) is commonly affected to varying degrees. The exact impact of heating on soil microbiota is complex and for the most part still poorly understood.

Soil steam sterilization is a farming technique that sterilizes soil with steam in open fields or greenhouses.


Vibro-impacting systems provide examples of non-linear dynamical systems, exhibiting new levels of complicated dynamics due to their non-smoothness. Grazing phenomenon is one of the attractive features for these dynamics [13] - [36] , [26] - [29] . There are two approaches for the definition of grazing in literature.

Grazing phenomenon is one of the attractive features for these dynamics.


Urban land sprawl and population migration from rural to urban areas have resulted in rapid global urbanization over the last several decades [1] . The urban population is expected to rise to more than 60% in developing countries and 80% in developed regions by 2050 [2] . Urbanization has led to unprecedented wealth and economic growth, and to social advances in many parts of the world [3, 4] . On the other hand, drastic urbanization has generated many challenges and problems. For example, it can affect the urban environment and climate at local or global scales, bring about traffic jams, decrease employment opportunities, and jeopardize biodiversity [5] [6] [7] . As a developing country and the most populous country, China experienced a dramatic increase (+230%) in urban area from the 1990s to 2010 [8, 9] . It is imperative to monitor urbanization because a long record of urban land use change is of significant value for future urban planning and management [10] .

Urban land sprawl and population migration from rural to urban areas have resulted in rapid global urbanization over the last several decades.

The urban population is expected to rise to more than 60% in developing countries and 80% in developed regions by 2050.

Urbanization has led to unprecedented wealth and economic growth, and to social advances in many parts of the world.

For example, it can affect the urban environment and climate at local or global scales, bring about traffic jams, decrease employment opportunities, and jeopardize biodiversity.

As a developing country and the most populous country, China experienced a dramatic increase (+230%) in urban area from the 1990s to 2010.

It is imperative to monitor urbanization because a long record of urban land use change is of significant value for future urban planning and management.


Meat is considered the top quality protein source, not only due to its nutritional characteristics but also to its appreciated taste [1] . In recent years, since the addition of non-meat proteins to meat products may cause health problems, this practice has been forbidden in many countries [2] . Thus, the need for detecting added soy proteins in meat products is obvious. However, in the meat industry, ground meat is a further-processed product used for manufacturing a wide range of marketable products such as sausages, hams, bologna, salami, etc. It is of great importance to ensure meat products are healthy from the root material of ground meat.

Meat is considered the top quality protein source, not only due to its nutritional characteristics but also to its appreciated taste.

In recent years, since the addition of non-meat proteins to meat products may cause health problems, this practice has been forbidden in many countries.


There are three main classification of donors in Nigeria; the voluntary (non-remunerated) donors, family (replacement) donors and commercial (paid) donors [11, 12] . The voluntary donors are altruistic individuals who donate blood with the sole aim of saving life without regard to any form of inducement. These are usually mobilized through mass media, blood donation drives to churches and schools. The family (replacement) donors includes those that donate for hospitalized family members, friends or associates and could be nonremunerated or remunerated via family recruitment. On the other hand, commercial donors refer to those who donate blood strictly for financial gratification [12] . In Nigeria, commercial donors are remunerated between N2,000 ($5.6 @ $1:N 360) to N10,000 ($27.7 @ 1$:N 360) depending on the location and the blood group type (scarcity of the needed blood group) [Personal observation].

There are three main classification of donors in Nigeria; the voluntary (non-remunerated) donors, family (replacement) donors and commercial (paid) donors.

On the other hand, commercial donors refer to those who donate blood strictly for financial gratification.


Nevertheless, occlusal surface radiographs represent a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional tooth, making the detection of mineral loss in the enamel difficult, especially when it is hidden by sound tooth tissue or the caries lesion is superimposed onto the dentine due to the complex anatomy of the occlusal area [2, 8] . In addition, a failure of the radiographic examination is the false-negative and false-positive errors, which could make it difficult to decide on patient management and treatment [2, 3] . The examiner's experience or inexperience in detecting occlusal caries by bitewing radiographs is also a factor [9] . Some studies have shown that experience regarding radiographic analysis differs among clinicians to detect approximal or occlusal caries [2, 10] . There are some reports in the literature referring to student skills in detecting caries from bitewing radiographs and comparing it to faculty dentists or practitioners [11] [12] [13] .

Nevertheless, occlusal surface radiographs represent a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional tooth, making the detection of mineral loss in the enamel difficult, especially when it is hidden by sound tooth tissue or the caries lesion is superimposed onto the dentine due to the complex anatomy of the occlusal area.

In addition, a failure of the radiographic examination is the false-negative and false-positive errors, which could make it difficult to decide on patient management and treatment.

The examiner's experience or inexperience in detecting occlusal caries by bitewing radiographs is also a factor.

Some studies have shown that experience regarding radiographic analysis differs among clinicians to detect approximal or occlusal caries.

There are some reports in the literature referring to student skills in detecting caries from bitewing radiographs and comparing it to faculty dentists or practitioners.


Noticeably, PMIPv6 (as with other anchor-based solutions) suffers from a number of drawbacks; first of all, it violates network end-to-end transparency: although it provides user experience transparency, an essential goal for mobility support, it does not provide network addressing transparency which requires unaltered mechanisms for the flow of packets and unaltered logical addressing between source and destination [8] . Second, PMIPv6 increases network fragility due to the explosive growth of the tracking state in the LMA for all MNs in the domain. Third, it imposes processing complexity in the network core (LMA) and edges (MAGs) to support the necessary protocol functionality during mobility [9] , [10] .

Noticeably, PMIPv6 (as with other anchor-based solutions) suffers from a number of drawbacks; first of all, it violates network end-to-end transparency: although it provides user experience transparency, an essential goal for mobility support, it does not provide network addressing transparency which requires unaltered mechanisms for the flow of packets and unaltered logical addressing between source and destination.

Third, it imposes processing complexity in the network core (LMA) and edges (MAGs) to support the necessary protocol functionality during mobility.


The transcripts were organised and coded using NVivo9 software and the emergent themes informed the findings reported in this paper. Coding involved identifying themes in the data (Auerbach and Silverstein 2003) . These were either identified a priori, emerging from the types of questions in the interview guide or were identified during the coding process. As a case study approach was taken the results are not meant to be representative of one particular community but rather they are indicative of the role and importance marine fishing plays in communities across Cornwall. These results are drawn from a wider project investigating the social and cultural contribution of marine fishing to coastal communities of the English Channel in England and France as part of the CHARM III Interreg 4a project (which adopted an ecosystems approach for the development of understanding and tools to manage human activities for the long-term sustainability of living marine resources in the English Channel).

Coding involved identifying themes in the data.


There are several methods for the synchronization of chaotic systems. These methods include active control, Open Plus Closed Loop (OPCL), backstepping, feedback control, adaptive control, sliding mode and others. A comparison of performance of a modified active control method and backstepping control on synchronization of integer order system has been investigated [23] . The active control method was found "to be simpler with more stable synchronization time and hence more suitable for practical implementation". The active control method was also found to have the best stability and convergence when compared with the direct method and OPCL method for fractional order systems [21] .

A comparison of performance of a modified active control method and backstepping control on synchronization of integer order system has been investigated.

The active control method was also found to have the best stability and convergence when compared with the direct method and OPCL method for fractional order systems.


The primary conversion of energy resources and wind energy leads to the generation of electricity. Coal is the largely used resource for the generation of electricity. Furthermore, the use of natural gas and nuclear power is gradually gaining share in electricity generation whiles the use of oil is fast declining due to the burgeon increment in stock prices over the years [4] . It is reported that the demand for electricity in OECD counties is minimizing than that of the non OECD countries [5] . Most academic think tanks have been thinking deeply about sustainable energy. The establishment of a causality nexus between electricity consumption and economic growth is of colossal relevance to countries that bank on electricity as the primary source of energy. The causality between electricity consumption and economic growth might cause various challenges that need to be addressed with meticulous measures. For example, if economic growth Granger causes electricity, then the implementation of policies for the conservation of electricity needs to be tackled with extreme care [6] . However, the stipulation of enough evidence that electricity-Granger-causes economic growth poses threat of detrimental consequences of economic policies to economic growth which intrinsically shrinks the creation of jobs as well as enhancing poverty [7] .

Furthermore, the use of natural gas and nuclear power is gradually gaining share in electricity generation whiles the use of oil is fast declining due to the burgeon increment in stock prices over the years.

It is reported that the demand for electricity in OECD counties is minimizing than that of the non OECD countries.

For example, if economic growth Granger causes electricity, then the implementation of policies for the conservation of electricity needs to be tackled with extreme care.

However, the stipulation of enough evidence that electricity-Granger-causes economic growth poses threat of detrimental consequences of economic policies to economic growth which intrinsically shrinks the creation of jobs as well as enhancing poverty.


Let Γ be a countable, infinite group which acts in a Borel way on a standard Borel space X. The action gives rise to a Borel orbit equivalence relation E X Γ with countable classes. Conversely, every countable Borel equivalence relation is given by a group action (Feldman-Moore [7] ). It is of interest to compare equivalence relations arising from different groups and different actions of the same group.

Conversely, every countable Borel equivalence relation is given by a group action (Feldman-Moore).


Furthermore, we observed that supplemental feeding of bears modulated bear-lynx interactions even beyond the effects on local bear densities. When controlling for bear densities at 1 km 2 scale, the presence of bear feeding sites locally increased odds for kleptoparasitism 5-fold. This probably reflects changes in the use of space by bears induced by supplemental feeding, which has already been observed in a bear telemetry study . The strongest effects of feeding site presence were detected only up to a 675 m radius (Fig. 4) . However, when the high density of these sites is considered (on average one feeding site per every 2.7 km 2 ), a substantial (45%) part of the CBPA is thus affected. Therefore, by avoiding the vicinity of bear feeding sites, lynx could substantially reduce its vulnerability to kleptoparasitism. Further research will be needed to test whether lynx actually adjust their hunting efforts in respect to the distribution of the bear feeding sites and local bear densities. Elsewhere, for example, it has been observed that cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) avoid hunting in areas with higher densities of lions, which regularly usurp cheetah kills (Cooper et al., 2007) .

Elsewhere, for example, it has been observed that cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) avoid hunting in areas with higher densities of lions, which regularly usurp cheetah kills.


The low science learning achievement was caused by many factors as follows. First, teacher in the teaching process did not optimally elicit the students' prior knowledge and did not relate concepts or topics to be taught to the students' real world. In addition, the students were not sufficiently guided to connect their knowledge and the implementation of concepts taught. This is the same as what Mariawan states [12] . He states that teachers seldom consider the students' prior knowledge. The effect of the teaching is that the concepts taught are abstract, so that they are difficult to be integrated with concepts that have been structured in the students' minds. On the other hand, when the teachers are able to connect the concepts or materials learned to the students' real life and their environment, this will help them in developing their naturalist intelligence.

This is the same as what Mariawan states.


Secondly, another cause of the low quality of the process and product of science teaching at elementary schools is the fact that some teachers do not pay enough attention to the nature of science as process and product. Learning science involves ability and skill to interpret physical bodies, to transform magnitudes, units, mathematical logic, and numeration ability accurately (Santyasa) [17] . This means that it is not enough to memorize or to learn theories alone, but it also involves the students in direct experiences through real activities.

Learning science involves ability and skill to interpret physical bodies, to transform magnitudes, units, mathematical logic, and numeration ability accurately (Santyasa).


Furthermore, stressors related to students' lives can have negative impact on health, and are associated with more frequent physical and psychological symptoms (Murberg & Bru, 2007; Torsheim & Wold, 2001) . The results of our study showed the association between stressful life events and psychosomatic symptoms. An important feature of this study is that it examined how everyday stressful situations, as opposed to major stressful live events, affect smoking and prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms.

Furthermore, stressors related to students' lives can have negative impact on health, and are associated with more frequent physical and psychological symptoms.


The results of this study showed that there were statistically significant differences between smokers and non-smokers in the subscales social alienation, academic failure and everyday social conflicts. Smokers have achieved higher scores on these subscales than non-smokers. These results indicate that the smokers compared to non-smokers are more socially alienated and have poorer quality of social relationships and social support. The effects of age on the experience of social alienation were also found, as well as in the number of consumed cigarettes. The results are in accordance with findings that students of the first year of college are particularly vulnerable groups of participant because of lack of social support and effective skills in coping with various stressful situations they face (Allen & Heibert, 1991) . Strategies of coping with stress, besides for life demands, depend on social support (Williams & McGillicuddy-De Lisi, 2000) . Younger participants experienced less social support and therefore resort to ineffective strategies for coping with stress, such as consumption of cigarettes. Specifically, students of younger years of study may perceive that the consumption of cigarettes makes it easier to perform everyday obligations because of the positive subjective effects of nicotine on minimizing the stress and tension, as well as improving social functioning, so they start with its consumption (Patton et al., 1998) .

The results are in accordance with findings that students of the first year of college are particularly vulnerable groups of participant because of lack of social support and effective skills in coping with various stressful situations they face.

Strategies of coping with stress, besides for life demands, depend on social support.

Specifically, students of younger years of study may perceive that the consumption of cigarettes makes it easier to perform everyday obligations because of the positive subjective effects of nicotine on minimizing the stress and tension, as well as improving social functioning, so they start with its consumption.


The second canonical function labeled "confrontation based on wishfulness," showed that the increase in the wishfulness of the dialogue can be associated with perceiving the internal interlocutor as weak and full of negative feelings. Both the author's confrontational attitude and the interlocutor's integrative attitude intensify when this is the case. This configuration of dialogue characteristics and perceived situation characteristics can be explained in the light of the cognitive dissonance theory (Festinger, 1957) . In a wishful dialogue, where egotistic tendencies are not restrained by the demands of reality, the author wants to consider himself/herself the absolute winner, which is tantamount to the interlocutor's defeat. This is probably typical especially in people who see various social life phenomena in terms of a zero-sum game (Norton & Sommers, 2011) . Still, making the internal interlocutor a loser (particularly if he/she cannot prevent it, not being the one who decides on the course of the dialogue) may be perceived by the dialogue's author as doing harm to the partner. In order to reduce the dissonance between the high opinion of oneself and the sense of harm done, the author begins to perceive the interlocutor as deserving such treatment (Glass, 1964) . He/she judges the interlocutor to be negatively disposed and devoid of inner strength, someone who finally admits their mistake by modifying their stance due to the arguments used by the dialogue's author or to the author's importance in the relationship (interlocutor's integrative attitude). As a result, the author of the dialogue can have the satisfaction of victory and be free from the sense of guilt.

This configuration of dialogue characteristics and perceived situation characteristics can be explained in the light of the cognitive dissonance theory.

This is probably typical especially in people who see various social life phenomena in terms of a zero-sum game.

In order to reduce the dissonance between the high opinion of oneself and the sense of harm done, the author begins to perceive the interlocutor as deserving such treatment.


The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using clay and sandy soil to remove naphthalene from aqueous solution. The abundance of clay in most continents of the world and its low cost make it a strong candidate as an adsorbent for the removal of many pollutants from wastewaters [7] . The capacity of these materials for the removal of naphthalene, one of the most abundant polycyclic aromatic compounds in wastewater from aqueous solution is evaluated. The adsorption of naphthalene on clay and sandy soil is further evaluated by the common isotherms (e.g. Langmuir, Freundlich and linear isotherms) and kinetic models (e.g. pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order) rate equations.

The abundance of clay in most continents of the world and its low cost make it a strong candidate as an adsorbent for the removal of many pollutants from wastewaters.


The narrative of Anna's therapy process offers insights into the relationship between intrusive memories of trauma and earlier childhood memories associated with invalidation and abuse. Anna's intrusive symptoms related to the memory of being raped did not remit in response to work with reliving and restructuring the trauma memory. Her intrusive memory of the party at which she was drugged, or her being triggered by men who reminded her of the rapist, accords with the warning-signal hypothesis in terms of which intrusive memories reflect the moment immediately preceding the trauma or the moment where there was an escalation in the sense of threat (Ehlers & Clark, 2000; Ehlers, Hackmann, & Michael, 2004) . In terms of this hypothesis, individuals are alert for such warning signals that might indicate impending danger in the future. This gives rise to overgeneralized triggering since not all social gatherings or all men with those facial features will be a precursor to being raped.

Her intrusive memory of the party at which she was drugged, or her being triggered by men who reminded her of the rapist, accords with the warning-signal hypothesis in terms of which intrusive memories reflect the moment immediately preceding the trauma or the moment where there was an escalation in the sense of threat.


In Anna's case, however, the memory of the rape intersected with childhood memories of repeated situations in which social contact of various sorts resulted in her being invalidated, humiliated, or physically abused. The interventions that addressed the memory of the rape failed to impact on her negative core beliefs at the level of EMSs (e.g. I will be criticised, belittled and shamed if I enter social situations) that were driving her intrusive memory and avoidance of social situations. This meant that it was also necessary to engage with and transform the EMSs that formed the basis of her conception of self, influenced her interactions with others and constituted the frame from which she interpreted experiences (Lee, 2006) . After this, the intrusive memory of the rape no longer fitted with these deeper self-definitions that had replaced the old ones and, as a result, the intrusion resolved.

This meant that it was also necessary to engage with and transform the EMSs that formed the basis of her conception of self, influenced her interactions with others and constituted the frame from which she interpreted experiences.


The case study is presented in the spirit of hermeneutic phenomenology (Finlay, 2011) . The phenomenological aspect is a commitment to inviting the reader into some of the dimensions of Anna's experience as she went through the therapy process, as well as some dimensions of the therapist's experience. Given the length of the psychotherapy and the length of an article such as this, the narrative is thematically selective, with a focus on the role of IR within the treatment process. IR as an intervention fits well with the aims of hermeneutic phenomenology because, as Finlay (2011, p. 111 ) puts it, "phenomenology is concerned with meanings which are often implicit and hidden" and seeks "methods that allow the concrete, mooded, sensed, imaginative, aesthetic, embodied and relational nature of experience to be revealed." IR can be considered not only a therapeutic intervention, but also, like many other therapeutic interventions, a means of opening up and elucidating the underlying nature of experience.

The case study is presented in the spirit of hermeneutic phenomenology.


Anthropogenic noise is increasing in the oceans and shipping alone has increased the ambient noise by 12 dB (re 1 µPa) over the past few decades [10] . Little is known of the effects of different anthropogenic sounds in the ocean, but the concern about the effects on fish and marine mammals is increasing [11] [12] [13] . Ambient noise is the background noise in the ocean and is the sound field against which signals must be detected. It consists of both natural (e.g., wind, waves, seismic activity) and anthropogenic (e.g., shipping, pile driving, bridges, wind power) sounds. Wave power will contribute to the ambient noise in the oceans, both locally and globally, but to what extent?

Anthropogenic noise is increasing in the oceans and shipping alone has increased the ambient noise by 12 dB (re 1 µPa) over the past few decades.

Little is known of the effects of different anthropogenic sounds in the ocean, but the concern about the effects on fish and marine mammals is increasing.


In the analysed design of WEC the main operational noise derives from when translator hits the end stop springs. The noise is a transient/pulse (short duration and high amplitude) noise with most its energy in frequencies <1000 Hz. In the analysed pulses (undistorted pulses in 0.5 m of SWH) peak amplitude was found at 145 Hz with an average value of 126 dB re 1 μPa. The SPL rms for an entire pulse sound at 20 m from a WEC was 133 dB re 1 μPa (max value) and 129 dB re 1 μPa (average value). Comparing with the threshold audiograms in this study it is clear that all analysed species will be able to hear this noise at a distance of 20 m away from the WEC in the measured ambient noise levels. The noise intensity at this distance is higher than the hearing thresholds for all fish species at frequencies between 100 and 200 Hz, where the peak frequency (145 Hz) was between ~15-45 dB over the hearing thresholds (15 dB for the least sensitive and 45 dB for the most sensitive species). These levels are not predicted to induce any behavioural reactions in the least sensitive fish [69] . Furthermore the intensity of the analysed noise is most probably below the threshold of causing physical injury to fish [15] .

These levels are not predicted to induce any behavioural reactions in the least sensitive fish.

Furthermore the intensity of the analysed noise is most probably below the threshold of causing physical injury to fish.


To determine whether a particular sound is disturbing or even harmful to marine organisms is difficult since the auditory characteristics differ greatly between marine organisms. Different species can perceived a specific sound in different ways [14] . There are studies that have examined how pile driving and offshore wind affects fish, both their behavior and physical well being [15] [16] [17] [18] . The results from these studies are difficult to apply to other sound sources, as they may differ in amplitude, frequency range and duration. There are indications that sound may cause some kinds of effects on marine organisms, but how and to what degree depend on the species and conditions. Extrapolation between different sounds and different species is not possible. Thus, it is difficult to determine what effect a sound will have on the environment. The basic need is for a set of systematic studies that examine effects of highly quantified sounds of various types (e.g., different types of pile driving, different seismic sources, etc.) on a wide range of morphologically and taxonomically diverse species of interest [13] . The main objectives of this study is to examine the sound emitted from operating WECs in the Lysekil project, and evaluate the impacts of this noise on marine organisms. Characteristics such as spectrum level, sound pressure level (SPL), duration and repetition rate are all important to describe a sound source [10] . These characteristics will help to evaluate if marine organisms might be affected by the sound of an operating WEC and if the sound will be local or widespread.

Different species can perceived a specific sound in different ways.

There are studies that have examined how pile driving and offshore wind affects fish, both their behavior and physical well being.

The basic need is for a set of systematic studies that examine effects of highly quantified sounds of various types (e.g., different types of pile driving, different seismic sources, etc.) on a wide range of morphologically and taxonomically diverse species of interest.

Characteristics such as spectrum level, sound pressure level (SPL), duration and repetition rate are all important to describe a sound source.


In this paper, the authors do not go into details of the fundamental theory of the PLL, which has been well documented [9] , [24] . Instead, the behavior of the PLL in a multifrequency environment is particularly emphasized. This paper first presents the limitation of the PLL on tracking the dominant frequency in a multifrequency environment. In Section 2, the authors analytically derive the equation of state trajectory for the input composed of two frequency components of equal magnitude. Section 3 evaluates the performance of the PLL on tracking the dominant frequency (the frequency component having the largest power) of a signal composed of two major frequency components. Section 4 presents the strategy involved in the design and implementation of the integrated system. The experimental results of applying the PLL to the SSB-modulated EEG are presented in Section 5. Conclusions are drawn in Section 6.

In this paper, the authors do not go into details of the fundamental theory of the PLL, which has been well documented.

Conclusions are drawn in Section 6.


The tracing of human brain waves (an electroencephalogram, or EEG) was discovered in 1924 by Hans Berger. Berger discovered that the tracings on his recording paper were not entirely random; rather they displayed certain periodicities and regularities. After intensive research for several decades, the EEG has proved to be very useful, especially in the evaluation of epilepsy and sleep disorders [6] . It is now used routinely in clinics and operating rooms for the diagnosis of certain types of nervous-system disorders. In addition, some particular frequency corn-ponents of the EEG have been found to be correlated with different physioiogJca.~ states [2] .

After intensive research for several decades, the EEG has proved to be very useful, especially in the evaluation of epilepsy and sleep disorders.

In addition, some particular frequency corn-ponents of the EEG have been found to be correlated with different physioiogJca.~ states.


Dopamine release appears to follow a simple rule. When the acquired reward is unexpectedly large, the neurons fire a burst, but if the same reward is expected, the neurons no longer respond [7, 8] . That is, dopamine neurons encode the difference between the predicted stimulus value and the actually acquired value, termed reward prediction error (RPE). This transient encoding of RPE provides an interesting prediction: if dopamine release in the milliseconds before movement onset contributes to control of vigor, then movements that follow a positive RPE (+RPE) should exhibit high vigor, and those that follow a -RPE should exhibit low vigor. That is, vigor modulation should dependent on reward prediction error, not reward itself.

When the acquired reward is unexpectedly large, the neurons fire a burst, but if the same reward is expected, the neurons no longer respond.


In our experiment, we relied on the idea that viewing of images carries some of the hallmarks of reward: when given the option of choosing from various image categories, people prefer face images, and are willing to spend a greater amount of effort in exchange for gaze at those images [9, 10] . Furthermore, viewing of face images activates the brain's reward system [11] . In our experiment we used images as a proxy for reward, and then probabilistically controlled the image content to induce RPE events. We asked whether induction of an RPE event in the milliseconds before a movement influenced vigor of that movement.

In our experiment, we relied on the idea that viewing of images carries some of the hallmarks of reward: when given the option of choosing from various image categories, people prefer face images, and are willing to spend a greater amount of effort in exchange for gaze at those images.

Furthermore, viewing of face images activates the brain's reward system.


The simplest way to inject a liquid through a microneedle matrix is to use a single reservoir that is emptied through the whole matrix. This type of system is presented for example in the works of Stoeber [5] . While the liquid should mainly pass through the needles with the lower hydrodynamic resistance, such a system should not permit us to control the quantity of drug that is injected through each needle. Indeed, apart from the fact that the needles are hardly exactly identical, the skin is not a homogeneous material leading to different hydrodynamic resistances at the needle exit. This fact leads to an inhomogeneous injection of the drug into the skin. Another limit of this simple way to inject liquid through microneedles has been pointed out by Stoeber and Liepmann: the system does not allow controlling precisely the amount of injected drug. Consequently, there are two main bottlenecks to face concerning liquid handling: homogeneous spreading through the skin and control of the amount of the injected liquid.

This type of system is presented for example in the works of Stoeber.


Multiserver queueing system considered in this paper can be applied for modelling various real life systems. But the primary motivation of its consideration was potential applicability for modelling, performance evaluation, capacity planning, and optimizing cognitive radio systems. Recently, the technology of cognitive radio has attracted considerable attention of many researchers as a promising technology for optimization of the utilization of scare radio frequency spectrum. Dynamic spectrum access allows effective use of radio frequency and prevents its underutilization in many real world networks. It enables unlicensed users to temporarily "borrow" unused spectrum while ensuring that the rights of the incumbent license holders are respected [1] . Problems of optimization of joint access of the primary and secondary users can be effectively solved by means of queueing theory.

It enables unlicensed users to temporarily "borrow" unused spectrum while ensuring that the rights of the incumbent license holders are respected.


Participants in the study were selected using a nonprobability sample of residents in the community, i.e., no effort was made to sample each element of the population with a fixed probability. Nonprobability sampling is particularly suited to understanding qualitative and relational issues (Narayan 1996) . The sample size was not determined prior to data collection. Instead, sampling was conducted sequentially in each locality and for each tool, using snowball sampling, i.e., asking key informants to name other people who should be contacted by the researchers, and accidental sampling, i.e., groups of people or individuals met randomly when walking through the localities or with key informants and available to participate. We purposely included men and women, younger and older people, people engaged in different activities, and people considered worse or better off economically if the initial sample did not reflect this diversity. This technique, known as diversity or common sense sampling, was used to ensure diversity and avoid sampling errors containing biases related to leadership, gender, age, visibility, and wealth (Narayan 1996) .

Nonprobability sampling is particularly suited to understanding qualitative and relational issues.

This technique, known as diversity or common sense sampling, was used to ensure diversity and avoid sampling errors containing biases related to leadership, gender, age, visibility, and wealth.


From a household perspective the single biggest factor contributing to the convenience of recycling has been the improved provision of recycling services at the kerbside. However, local drop-off recycling centres still remain an important component of the recycling infrastructure. Therefore, an interesting question to ask is to what extent households view these different channels of recycling service provision as substitutable or complementary. The total proportion of waste recycled and the split between the various channels can change, depending on the recyclability of materials and households' propensity to undertake recycling. Propensity to recycle via a particular channel may be affected positively or negatively by recycling behaviour through other channels. Such positive and negative effects can be due to enhanced awareness or due to subtractability and moral licencing (Merritt et al., 2010) . Subtractability relates to the physical constraint that a single container cannot be recycled simultaneously through different channels. Moral licensing occurs across different domains of behaviour. For example, in relation to recycling and public transport, individuals may hold the view that because they recycle they are entitled not to use public transport. Likewise, within a single domain like recycling, individuals may feel they do enough recycling at the kerb so that any further waste separation is not required.

Such positive and negative effects can be due to enhanced awareness or due to subtractability and moral licencing.


Interestingly, in the last decade, wireless power transmission has again become a field of interest. It enables new applications in several fields including customer's electronics, military, medicine and more. One of the most promising techniques is based on resonant magnetic couplings [2] .

One of the most promising techniques is based on resonant magnetic couplings.


Gross C0 2 assimilation of the total canopy was calculated from the assimilation-light response curve of single leaves, incoming PAR, temperature and simulated total LAI (Acock et al., 1978; Schapendonk and Brouwer, 1984) . After subtraction of maintenance respiration, the carbohydrates were converted into structural dry matter (Schapendonk and Gaastra, 1984) . The total dry matter increment was partitioned between the highand low-light pre-treated plant groups according to their shares of the total LAI (Spitters and Aerts, 1983) . Of this dry weight increment, 54% was allocated to the leaves, which was the percentage found in destructive harvests on Days 21 and 42. Leaf area was calculated by multiplying leaf dry weight by specific leaf area. Specific leaf area is given as a function of temperature and incoming PAR (Schapendonk and Brouwer, 1984) . In the early growth stages, the plants do not shade each other and shading within the plant is also negligible. A certain expansion of the leaf area then leads to a corresponding increase of light interception and C0 2 assimilation. This results in exponential growth.

Gross C0 2 assimilation of the total canopy was calculated from the assimilation-light response curve of single leaves, incoming PAR, temperature and simulated total LAI.

After subtraction of maintenance respiration, the carbohydrates were converted into structural dry matter.

The total dry matter increment was partitioned between the highand low-light pre-treated plant groups according to their shares of the total LAI.

Specific leaf area is given as a function of temperature and incoming PAR.

This results in exponential growth.


Competitive status does not necessarily remain constant in time, but may also change during growth. That occurs when one component has placed its leaves partly above that of the other (differences in plant height), when its light-use efficiency is greater, or when it produces a larger leaf area per gram dry weight increment (Spitters and Aerts, 1983; Spitters, 1984) . In this experiment, this type of difference was negligible, so that the ratio did not change in time (Fig. 2) .

That occurs when one component has placed its leaves partly above that of the other (differences in plant height), when its light-use efficiency is greater, or when it produces a larger leaf area per gram dry weight increment.


It is also noteworthy that the ECLS team may occasionally need to switch VA-ECLS to VV-ECLS in patients with a myocardial recovery from post-traumatic hypoxic CA [13] . These patients develop severe posttraumatic ALI and fail to perform an acceptable gas exchange with native lungs during the weaning process from VA-ECLS. The post-traumatic ALI may be worsened continuously by superimposed infections related to prolonged intubation, non-healing wounds, and a compromised immunity accompanied with malnutrition and systemic inflammatory reactions on ECLS. In these cases, multiple organ failure due to overwhelming septic shock is always the cause of death on ECLS. Our case 8, a victim with flail chest due to combined fracture of the right clavicle and manubrium ( Figure 1E and F), is a good example. Aside from the significant thoracic injury, he also had multiple long bone fractures and fixed with splints. The VA-ECLS was shifted to VV-ECLS after 96 h for purely pulmonary support. Unfortunately, a left-sided empyema and open osteomyelitis of the sternum/ left knee were found on VV-ECLS. Surgical debridements and fracture fixations were held over concerns of ECLS coagulopathy. The ECLS was terminated after 258 h due to an uncontrolled left-sided hemothorax associated with necrotizing pneumonitis. This experience made us reconsider and wonder if the posttraumatic ALI could be reversed with an early surgical debridement/reconstruction on ECLS. The major limitation of the current study was a small and inhomogeneous database. Nevertheless, some valuable lessons could still be learned from a thorough case analysis. A clinical sensitivity of reversed injuries, a secure implantation of the device, and a proactive stance towards complications on ECLS should be important factors to reduce the risk of a futile VA-ECLS in trauma patients. Increasing the volume of practice is essential to build-up the institutional consensus and to develop a versatile program of post-traumatic VA-ECLS.

It is also noteworthy that the ECLS team may occasionally need to switch VA-ECLS to VV-ECLS in patients with a myocardial recovery from post-traumatic hypoxic CA.


There is a geometric subgroup of O(d, d; Z) acting through torus diffeomorphisms and integral shifts of the B-field. If the monodromy is not in this subgroup, it is not a compactification, but can be thought of as string theory with a non-geometric internal space, known as a T-fold [6] . However, as O(d, d; Z) ⊂ GL(2d; Z), it has a natural action as diffeomorphisms of a 'doubled torus' T 2d and there is a T 2d bundle over a circle with such a monodromy. A formulation using a circle coordinate and its dual arises naturally in the string field theory for toroidal backgrounds [11] . String theory reduced in this way with a duality twist can be formulated as a sigmamodel on a bundle over a circle whose fibres are the doubled torus T 2d [6] . The doubled formalism has the virtue that it provides a geometric interpretation to many nongeometric backgrounds. The doubled torus has coordinates conjugate to both the d momenta and the d winding numbers. Different dual backgrounds arise from choosing different polarisations or choices of T d ⊂ T 2d , specifying the 'real' spacetime slice of the doubled space. T-duality acts to change the choice of polarisation, and T-folds arise when there is no global polarisation.

If the monodromy is not in this subgroup, it is not a compactification, but can be thought of as string theory with a non-geometric internal space, known as a T-fold.

A formulation using a circle coordinate and its dual arises naturally in the string field theory for toroidal backgrounds.

String theory reduced in this way with a duality twist can be formulated as a sigmamodel on a bundle over a circle whose fibres are the doubled torus T 2d.


The vascularization of the galls is a fundamental factor for their maintenance as potent drains of photoassimilates [54, 55] . In the globoid galls of C. brasiliense, the vascularization is guaranteed by the differentiation of bundles located in the intermediate portions of the cortex. These bundles guarantees the supplying of photoassimilates for the development of the gall and of the galling herbivore [15, 40] . In addition, vascular differentiation is a common phenomenon in insect galls [8, 9, 13, 44, 56] .

The vascularization of the galls is a fundamental factor for their maintenance as potent drains of photoassimilates.

These bundles guarantees the supplying of photoassimilates for the development of the gall and of the galling herbivore.

In addition, vascular differentiation is a common phenomenon in insect galls.


Because the first effects of polymer arise in the buffer region, whose structure the ECS evidently capture, these flows provide a natural starting point for understanding drag reduction. In prior work, we have studied the initial effects of viscoelasticity on ECS in the plane Couette and plane Poiseuille geometries (Stone et al. 2002; Stone & Graham 2003; Stone et al. 2004; Li et al. 2005) . The primary effect was found to be the weakening of the streamwise vortices, as well as changes in the statistics of the velocity fluctuations that are consistent with experimental observations at low levels of drag reduction. The present work takes a broader view, examining the region of parameter space (Re, Wi) in which ECS exist and its connection to experimental observations.

In prior work, we have studied the initial effects of viscoelasticity on ECS in the plane Couette and plane Poiseuille geometries.


We now turn to the study of the evolution of the ECS along some experimental paths, at low to moderate degrees of drag reduction (Virk 1975; Sureshkumar et al. 1997) . The effect of viscoelasticity can also be observed in the reduced Reynolds shear stress and ultimately can be traced to the suppression of the streamwise vortices by the viscoelasticity (Stone et al. 2002 (Stone et al. , 2004 Li et al. 2005) . Figure 4 shows fields of v x and trτ p on the El = 0.019 path at Wi = 41.8, Re = 2200 (the point just left of the label "C" on Figure 2b ). The region of high polymer stress clearly "wraps around" the streamwise vortices, and the corresponding polymer force (∼ ∇ · τ p ) is in direct opposition to the vortex motions.

We now turn to the study of the evolution of the ECS along some experimental paths, at low to moderate degrees of drag reduction.

The effect of viscoelasticity can also be observed in the reduced Reynolds shear stress and ultimately can be traced to the suppression of the streamwise vortices by the viscoelasticity.


Anti-inflammatory effect of the plant by plant derived EPMC were dose dependent in inhibiting carrageenan induced edema with an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 10 mg/kg [14] . Hepatoprotective activities of freshly powdered rhizomes were demonstrated in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats [15] . The bioactive compound, EPMC isolated from ethanol extract of rhizome had a decreasing effect on micropthalmia associated transcription factor and tyrosinase levels in MSHstrimulated B16F1O cells, helping in immunoregulation. It also could be used as a skin lightening agent to treat hyperpigmentary disorders in man [16] .

Anti-inflammatory effect of the plant by plant derived EPMC were dose dependent in inhibiting carrageenan induced edema with an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 10 mg/kg.

Hepatoprotective activities of freshly powdered rhizomes were demonstrated in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats.

It also could be used as a skin lightening agent to treat hyperpigmentary disorders in man.


In this study, both IVP and CP sources of oil had remarkable antioxidant activities. In general, the essential oil obtained from IVP rhizomes showed a greater activity than that from CP rhizomes. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of oil samples and that due to hydrogen peroxide of essential oil samples from IVP rhizomes, herein, were more than the activity level due to CP rhizomes; invariably reducing values due to ascorbic acid were the highest in each experiment. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize chemically active products of metabolism such as, free reactive oxygen radicals, which can damage the body. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include several metabolic by-products, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, superoxide anions, peroxy nitrite and a few more that are potential enough to trigger degenerative processes in human body [30] . Compounds such as, phenolic acids, polyphenols and flavonoids are recognized as antioxidants, as they have the ability to scavenge free radical generating ROS. It has been documented that plant phenols neutralize free oxygen, eventually play a major role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular, neurogenerative diseases and a few more, with their potentiality to act as antioxidants [31] . Essential oils, despite their wide uses and fragrances, constitute an effective alternate to synthetic compounds produced by chemical industry without having any side effects [32] . Antioxidant activities of essential oils from aromatic plants are mainly attributed to inherent active compounds.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include several metabolic by-products, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, superoxide anions, peroxy nitrite and a few more that are potential enough to trigger degenerative processes in human body.

It has been documented that plant phenols neutralize free oxygen, eventually play a major role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular, neurogenerative diseases and a few more, with their potentiality to act as antioxidants.

Essential oils, despite their wide uses and fragrances, constitute an effective alternate to synthetic compounds produced by chemical industry without having any side effects.


Research advances over the years have led to the development of several mainstream compounds for the treatment of diseases and for maintaining physiological homeostasis. However, the side-effects of some compounds can be burdensome (Fekete et al., 2015) . Bioactive peptides have demonstrated several health-promoting effects that can be the basis of formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals. This beneficial property has attracted the interest of consumers, food scientists, health professionals, and the food industry. Examples of physiological benefits derived from bioactive peptides include antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticalmodulin, anticancer, antithrombotic, and mineral binding activities (Agyei et al., 2017; Udenigwe 2014) . The peptides discussed in this contribution are low molecular weight compounds generated via hydrolysis of food proteins by digestive, microbial, or plant proteases; in some cases, post-hydrolysis processes are used to isolate the active or functional molecules present in the complex hydrolysate mixture (Udenigwe and Aluko 2012) .

However, the side-effects of some compounds can be burdensome.

Examples of physiological benefits derived from bioactive peptides include antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticalmodulin, anticancer, antithrombotic, and mineral binding activities.

The peptides discussed in this contribution are low molecular weight compounds generated via hydrolysis of food proteins by digestive, microbial, or plant proteases; in some cases, post-hydrolysis processes are used to isolate the active or functional molecules present in the complex hydrolysate mixture.


The functional and bioactive properties of peptides are predicated on their structural features. The peptide structure encompasses properties such as molecular weight, net charge, amino acid sequence, hydrophobicity, and hydrophilicity. The type of enzyme used for proteolysis, the degree of hydrolysis, and processing conditions are known to influence the structure of peptides generated from proteins, which in turn affects the functional property, bitterness, biostability, cellular uptake, bioavailability, and bioactivity of peptides (Xie et al., 2015; Udenigwe and Aluko, 2012) . Typically, the structure of food-derived bioactive peptides contains 2-20 amino acid residues, and is often predominated by hydrophobic chemical groups (Rani et al., 2018; Sánchez and Vázquez, 2017) . Notably, the aforementioned structural features may act synergistically to promote the functionality and bioactivity of peptides . There is emerging interest in understanding the structure-property relationship of bioactive or functional peptides. This type of information is crucial in the design of potent or functionally useful peptides and in understanding their interaction with the food product and biological matrices. This contribution discusses the extant literature on the specific role of hydrophobicity in several functionalities and bioactivities of food protein-derived peptides.

The type of enzyme used for proteolysis, the degree of hydrolysis, and processing conditions are known to influence the structure of peptides generated from proteins, which in turn affects the functional property, bitterness, biostability, cellular uptake, bioavailability, and bioactivity of peptides.

Typically, the structure of food-derived bioactive peptides contains 2-20 amino acid residues, and is often predominated by hydrophobic chemical groups.


Censored sample involves the process of censoring low-value observation in a complete sample that lies below a certain measurement threshold level. In water quality analysis, censored values refer to the values that are less than detection or measurement limits. These censored values may have actually been zero or they may have been between zero and the measurement threshold, yet are noted as being zero (Kroll & Stedinger, 1996) . Censored data involves type I and type II censoring. Type I censoring refers to the situation where all data below a fixed threshold value are censored while the number of values censored is a random variable. For type II censoring it is inversed, that is, a fixed number of data points are always censored and the censoring threshold is a random variable (Schneider, 1986) . The present study focuses on type II censoring.

These censored values may have actually been zero or they may have been between zero and the measurement threshold, yet are noted as being zero.

For type II censoring it is inversed, that is, a fixed number of data points are always censored and the censoring threshold is a random variable.


The third category, hybrid-LCAs, has emerged to combine the strengths of the two presented approaches and to reduce the inherent weaknesses related to them [13, 15, 16, 20] . As described above, the IO and process method have different uncertainties, creating space for a hybrid approach. The first hybrid approaches date back to the 1970s, but the method has become more popular in environmental impact assessments after the late 1990s. In hybrid-LCAs, full coverage of production and delivery chains is possible to maintain with the use of input-output tables, but the accuracy is raised with the utilization of process data for the assessment of the most important processes.

The third category, hybrid-LCAs, has emerged to combine the strengths of the two presented approaches and to reduce the inherent weaknesses related to them.


Within the field of life-cycle assessment (LCA), process-LCA is the traditional and the most utilized method. Process-LCAs attribute the emission to a certain good by process based, energy and mass flow assessments. The method is potentially highly accurate, but suffers from a few inherent limitations. First, the amount of processes adding to the emissions inventory of a certain good is often very large in cradle-to-grave assessments, which makes the assessments very laborious and time consuming. Second, the assessments suffer from a truncation error, resulting from an inevitable system boundary selection [13] . The errors may become significant even with the inclusion of multiple production chain processes [14] . Finally, the energy and mass flow data needed for the assessments are often not readily available [13, 15] .

Second, the assessments suffer from a truncation error, resulting from an inevitable system boundary selection.

The errors may become significant even with the inclusion of multiple production chain processes.

Finally, the energy and mass flow data needed for the assessments are often not readily available.