Since the advent of industrial age, asbestos fibres have been extensively used in an endless number of industrial applications and especially to manufacture various types of products (asbestos cement, disc brake pads, pipes, reinforcing agents, fire retardants, etc.). In those countries where all asbestos minerals are banned, and remediation policies are fostered, many attempts were made to inertized asbestos minerals by using different techniques [10] [11] [12] . In this regard, many projects and patents have dealt with the possible disposal and reuse of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) via the crystal chemical transformation induced by thermal treatment [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] . However, it must be considered that the thermal transformation sequence of ACM, composed of a variety of different crystalline and amorphous phases, is totally different with respect to the transformation sequence of pure asbestos minerals.

In those countries where all asbestos minerals are banned, and remediation policies are fostered, many attempts were made to inertized asbestos minerals by using different techniques.

In this regard, many projects and patents have dealt with the possible disposal and reuse of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) via the crystal chemical transformation induced by thermal treatment.


Despite their outstanding technological properties (e.g. low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, workability, among the others) which prompt their widespread industrial applications, asbestos minerals are considered hazardous. In general, all asbestos fibres if breathed are thought to induce malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer (in combination with other factors) and other lung diseases [7, 8] . According to the existing regulations, amphibole asbestos fibres are banned worldwide, whereas chrysotile is banned in only 28 % of the countries worldwide. In the other countries, safe use of chrysotile is admitted. Asbestiform erionite unfortunately is not regulated but listed by International Agency for Research of Cancer as substance carcinogenic to humans. As a matter of fact, in vivo studies unequivocally proved that asbestiform erionite is more tumorigenic than chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos [9] .

In general, all asbestos fibres if breathed are thought to induce malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer (in combination with other factors) and other lung diseases.

As a matter of fact, in vivo studies unequivocally proved that asbestiform erionite is more tumorigenic than chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos.


In this scenario, the aim of this study was to systematically investigate and compare the thermal behaviour (TG/DSC) as well as the phase transformations of the most relevant mineral fibres during heating up to 1000 or 1100°C. The study was performed on eight selected fibrous minerals including chrysotile, crocidolite (asbestiform riebeckite), tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, amosite (grunerite asbestos) and fibrous erionite object of many important biomedical studies [34, 35] . Four fibrous species (chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite and anthophyllite asbestos) were distributed by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC).

The study was performed on eight selected fibrous minerals including chrysotile, crocidolite (asbestiform riebeckite), tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, amosite (grunerite asbestos) and fibrous erionite object of many important biomedical studies.


Both the map-inside and map-outside groups in Experiment 2 performed better than the map groups in Experiment 1. Thus, continuous visual exposure to the space while learning the map does not seem necessary to ensure that preschoolers understand the map as a representation of a specified space. Howeve~ visual access to the space while using a map-acquired representation does seem helpful. This seems reasonable, because using a map to assist navigation through a space requires knowing not only (a) that and how the map represents the space, but also (b) where one is in the space in order to use the information available from the map relevant to one's current position (Levine, 1982; Vesely, 1985) . Experiment 2 suggests that relative to 6-and 7-year-olds, preschoolers have trouble with the second requirement rather than with the first.

This seems reasonable, because using a map to assist navigation through a space requires knowing not only (a) that and how the map represents the space, but also (b) where one is in the space in order to use the information available from the map relevant to one's current position.


Natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites are gaining great interest by researchers and industry due to advantages such as renewability, reduction in weight and cost, and less abrasiveness to equipment [1] . Compatibility between natural fibers and matrices always comes in the interface when talking about natural fiber composites. The hydrophobic nature of most polymers used in this sector against hydrophilicity of natural fibers causes fiber-matrix incompatibility (i.e., lack of adhesion and wettability between fiber and matrix). Kenaf plant is an annual plant that can be harvested 2-3 times a year. It can grow to reach 3-4 meters within 4-5 months. Kenaf plant has three layers: bast, core, and pith. Kenaf bast represents one-third of the plant. Core and pith represent the rest. Kenaf bast fiber has been reported to have superior mechanical properties than those the other parts of the plant [2] . Polyurethane is hydrophilic, and thus the issue that always arises (incompatibility) will not be a problem when compounding it with natural fibers [3] . Previously several researchers reported about naturalfibers-reinforced polyurethane (PU) thermosets [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . TPU has been compounded with synthetic fibers such as glass, aramid, and carbon fibers [10] [11] [12] . Natural-fibers-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites were studied by the authors [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] . It was found that kenaf fibers were compatible with TPU.

Natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites are gaining great interest by researchers and industry due to advantages such as renewability, reduction in weight and cost, and less abrasiveness to equipment.

Core and pith represent the rest.

Kenaf bast fiber has been reported to have superior mechanical properties than those the other parts of the plant.

Polyurethane is hydrophilic, and thus the issue that always arises (incompatibility) will not be a problem when compounding it with natural fibers.

Previously several researchers reported about naturalfibers-reinforced polyurethane (PU) thermosets.

TPU has been compounded with synthetic fibers such as glass, aramid, and carbon fibers.

Natural-fibers-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites were studied by the authors.


Development of new composites using an internal mixer requires proper settings for parameters such as temperature, time, and speed in order to get the best results. Temperature is critical in processing; if it is low, it will lead to nonhomogeneous distribution of fibers. In contrast, higher temperature might lead to thermal degradation of the fibers as well as the matrix. Optimizing mixing time is also essential, 2 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering since in short mixing time homogeneous distribution might not take place. On the other hand, longer processing time causes thermal degradation of the matrix and breakage of polymer chains, due to shear stress and temperature. Moreover, processing speed might lead to breakage of the fibers if high speed is applied. Low speed is inadequate to mix the compounds well. Fiber size (i.e., aspect ratio) used in composite materials significantly affects the mechanical properties of the composite [20] . In the previous studies by the authors choosing the best parameters and fiber size was optimized in sequence, each one at a time (i.e., optimizing temperature, speed then time and finally fiber size), but there was no method that can give a combination of optimized parameters [13] . The authors found that kenaf-fibers-reinforced TPU is promising and decided to use a proper method to optimize processing parameters and fiber size. The aim of this study is to optimize processing parameters and fiber size of TPU/KF composites by using the Taguchi method to have a combination of optimized parameters. Furthermore the significance of parameters will be determined using ANOVA.

Fiber size (i.e., aspect ratio) used in composite materials significantly affects the mechanical properties of the composite.

In the previous studies by the authors choosing the best parameters and fiber size was optimized in sequence, each one at a time (i.e., optimizing temperature, speed then time and finally fiber size), but there was no method that can give a combination of optimized parameters.


For the control of problematic perennial weeds, such as couch grass (Elymus repens L.) that commonly exists and causes great yield losses in a variety of crops in the northern and southern temperate zones, there is often a choice between intensive use of non-selective herbicides and autumn tillage. In conventional agriculture, the most common control method for couch grass is application of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine], a broad-spectrum herbicide. Due to its wide use, glyphosate has been frequently detected in European groundwater and surface water monitoring programmes (Horth and Blackmore 2009) . To mitigate the increasing herbicide resistance in weeds as well as environmental pollution, a EU directive has set requirements for reduced dependence and sustainable use of pesticides /128/EC, European Commission 2015 . In organic farming, herbicides are prohibited and couch grass is mainly controlled by intensive tillage, often in the form of repeated stubble cultivations during autumn, followed by ploughing. This method works by fragmenting the rhizomes, starving them of energy and preventing any build-up of new energy reserves (Håkansson 1969) . However, it requires tillage being performed from crop harvest in late summer until late autumn, which may increase risk of nutrient leaching losses in northern Europe, where there is often high water surplus during this time period. Consequently, alternative cost effective weed control methods, i.e. methods that could effectively control couch grass and other perennial weeds but depend less on herbicides and have minimum increase in N leaching, are needed for both organic and conventional agriculture.

Due to its wide use, glyphosate has been frequently detected in European groundwater and surface water monitoring programmes.

This method works by fragmenting the rhizomes, starving them of energy and preventing any build-up of new energy reserves.


Semirings have applications in science and engineering especially in computer science and are an interesting generalization of rings and bounded distributive lattices [10] . They can also be used to model algebraic properties of probability and modular functions [27] . For general books on semiring theory, one may refer to the resources [1, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18] .

Semirings have applications in science and engineering especially in computer science and are an interesting generalization of rings and bounded distributive lattices.

They can also be used to model algebraic properties of probability and modular functions.

For general books on semiring theory, one may refer to the resources.


Monocular vision-based methods can be further divided into two groups. The first group consists of methods which attempt to detect road boundaries. One type of approach is methods which exploit surface marking to detect road boundaries [6] [7] [8] . Surface marking causes strong edges in gradient image, and edges appears in pairs, which can help to reduce outliers and increase accuracy of road boundary detection. However, such an approach is unusable for unstructured roads (roads without surface marking). The simplest ideas on how to cope with unstructured roads is to use single edges to detect road boundaries [9] [10] [11] [12] . However, edges in gradient image are caused by local changes of intensity and there is no easy way to distinguish between real road boundaries and edges caused by other objects, even if the edge detection is perfect.

One type of approach is methods which exploit surface marking to detect road boundaries.

The simplest ideas on how to cope with unstructured roads is to use single edges to detect road boundaries.


It is important that the underlying principle of distance education is not simply to increase student numbers but to continually improve the services provided to students. The existence of online courses has resulted in the increasing access by nontraditional students with the removal of traditional intuitional boundaries to expertise and knowledge. Institutions will not be able to simply move a traditional classroom approach to learning into an online environment. Instead, there will have to be a move toward a "pull" rather than a "push" of information to DLs, which is highly individualized and available on demand. There will also be increased democratization of the creation and dissemination of knowledge with the use of Web 2.0 tools (Rudestam & Schoenholtz-Read, 2010) .

There will also be increased democratization of the creation and dissemination of knowledge with the use of Web 2.0 tools.


A number of recent publications have investigated radiation pattern manipulation but each only investigates the beamshape from a single element such as a nanocube or single antenna [8] , [9] . This paper on the other hand, modifies the emission pattern of fluorescent molecules using a 2D array of antennas and progresses further to separate Purcell effect from array beamshaping enhancement. Here we use dipole nanoantennas, which consist of two coupled arms that are separated by a small distance, typically 10's of nanometers. This creates high field intensities in the gap region which results in an extremely small mode volume, well below the diffraction limit. This makes the dipole antenna an excellent choice for coupling to fluorescent molecules, as small mode volume is an essential requirement for Purcell enhancement. Furthermore, this type of antenna has been widely used in the RF domain to provide controllable beamshaping. Thus dipole antennas are ideal for combining Purcell and beamshaping effects, though it should be noted that in terms of fabrication, maintaining uniform gaps throughout the 25 elements of a 5 x 5 array remains a significant challenge. Section 2 describes the fabrication procedure using Focused Ion Beam etching and measurements using scanning confocal microscope. Section 3 shows FDTD modelling of 3 x 3 and 5 x 5 arrays. Section 4 uses FDTD to analyse array gain using the Friis formula which enables an estimate intensity enhancement to be made. Our figure-of-merit based on mode volume is then introduced and calculations are performed to compare the array and non-array results and Section 5 draws conclusions.

A number of recent publications have investigated radiation pattern manipulation but each only investigates the beamshape from a single element such as a nanocube or single antenna.


Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), superoxide anions (O 2 -), singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radicals (OH -), are unstable reactive molecules that are involved in various pathologies (Sundaram and Panneerselvam, 2006) . H 2 O 2 is one of the major ROS related to oxidative stress. It facilely penetrates cells and reacts with intracellular ions such as iron and copper. This leads to generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, which damage lipids, proteins, and DNA (Aruoma, 1998) . However, H 2 O 2 is considered to be an environmentally sustainable material, because it decomposes readily into water and gaseous oxygen. Hence, it is classified as a 'low regulatory compound' by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States (Avendaño-Herrera et al., 2006) . Therefore, identifying alternative natural substances that protect against ROS for use as a feed material in the aquaculture industry is of interest.

Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), superoxide anions (O 2 -), singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radicals (OH -), are unstable reactive molecules that are involved in various pathologies.

This leads to generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, which damage lipids, proteins, and DNA.

Hence, it is classified as a 'low regulatory compound' by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States.


The most widely accepted model of amygdala-dependent synaptic plasticity is fear conditioning [33] . The association between a conditioned stimulus (CS+) and unconditioned stimulus (US) formed in fear acquisition involves local synaptic LTP in the lateral amygdala [33] [34] [35] . In a previous paradigm, we found enhanced fear acquisition in patients with MDD [23] . This paradigm involved a complex CS-US contingency to prolong the acquisition process and to detect subtle group differences in acquisition speed and strength. The observation was in line with enhanced activity in a ventral emotional network and increased amygdaladependent LTP in MDD.

The most widely accepted model of amygdala-dependent synaptic plasticity is fear conditioning.

The association between a conditioned stimulus (CS+) and unconditioned stimulus (US) formed in fear acquisition involves local synaptic LTP in the lateral amygdala.

In a previous paradigm, we found enhanced fear acquisition in patients with MDD.


A heat exchanger network (HEN) is an arrangement of heat exchangers; in which cold and hot process streams and hot and cold utility streams interchange energy. The purpose of the HEN is to recover energy from the hot process streams to heat up cold process streams using the least amount of hot and cold utility streams, while achieving specified outlet target temperatures of the process streams. Normally the classical synthesis of a HEN assumes and keeps all design operating conditions at a constant value. Before further design for detailed engineering some analysis and modifications of the synthesised HEN have to be carried out, in order to guarantee good flexibility of the HEN, since in reality operating conditions are expected to change. This paper shows a methodology to optimize a HEN using "Fuzzy Design Reliability Theory" (e.g. Kubic and Stein, [1] ). The main advantage in using this methodology is that it incorporates the experience of the design engineer or operations personnel, in order to determine the expected variations in the operating conditions that potentially could happen. These variations will be considered to be the design uncertainties. This new approach to optimization will determine the HEN behaviour in order to assess the detailed engineering of the HEN and the determination of suitable control systems.

This paper shows a methodology to optimize a HEN using "Fuzzy Design Reliability Theory" (e.g. Kubic and Stein,).


The feasibility of polarimetric SAR-based oil spill classifications relies on the fact that the polarimetric mechanisms for oil-free and oil-covered sea surface are largely different [14] . Before the availability of polarimetric observations, hydrocarbons and biogenic slicks were difficult to distinguish because they damped the short gravity-capillary waves with almost the same strength [15] . However, based on different polarimetric scattering behaviors, hydrocarbons and biogenic slicks can now be better distinguished: for oil-covered areas, Bragg scattering is largely suppressed, and high polarimetric entropy can be documented. In the case of a biogenic slick, Bragg scattering is still dominant, but with a lower intensity. Thus, similar polarimetric behaviors as those of oil-free areas should be expected in the presence of biogenic films [3] .

The feasibility of polarimetric SAR-based oil spill classifications relies on the fact that the polarimetric mechanisms for oil-free and oil-covered sea surface are largely different.

Before the availability of polarimetric observations, hydrocarbons and biogenic slicks were difficult to distinguish because they damped the short gravity-capillary waves with almost the same strength.

Thus, similar polarimetric behaviors as those of oil-free areas should be expected in the presence of biogenic films.


In data received via CP SAR modes, Stokes parameters and covariance matrices can be calculated from the measurement vector of SAR data, and further polarimetric analysis can be employed [24] . Some important polarimetric parameters, such as the degree of polarization (DoP), relative phase, entropy, anisotropy and α, can also be derived [22, 25, 26] . It is noted that the processing method and definitions of some parameters for CP SAR data, in the process of calibration, decomposition and classification, can be different.

In data received via CP SAR modes, Stokes parameters and covariance matrices can be calculated from the measurement vector of SAR data, and further polarimetric analysis can be employed.

Some important polarimetric parameters, such as the degree of polarization (DoP), relative phase, entropy, anisotropy and α, can also be derived.


Some previous studies explored the possibility of taking advantage of dual-and compact polarimetric SAR data to classify oil spills and biogenic slicks [27] [28] [29] . However, there are seldom quantitative comparisons of different polarimetric SAR modes, and their performance for actual oil spill classification applications. One important benefit of Pol-SAR paradigm is its robustness, i.e., it successfully works with airborne and spaceborne SARs and for different frequencies. Due to the fine classification capability of polarimetric features, polarimetric SAR-based methods may work on a wider range of sea status (surface wind and currents). However, because of the complexity of sea surface polarimetric scattering mechanisms, it is unrealistic to consider using any single characteristic to distinguish a variety of kinds of oil spills under different conditions. As a result, a synthetic and proper use of the polarimetric characteristics is the key to the accurate detection and successful interpretation of oil slicks. Moreover, the optimum compact polarimetric SAR mode varies with the different scattering behavior of the targets and also depends on specific classification tasks. Hence, in this study, we compare the oil spill detection using quad-, dual-and compact polarimetric features using supervised oil spill classifications. The study mainly concentrated on: (a) investigating the feature selection from quad-and compact polarimetric SAR data; (b) testing the performance of these features using several supervised classification algorithms, and (c) comparing SAR data from these modes to achieve marine oil spill classifications.

Some previous studies explored the possibility of taking advantage of dual-and compact polarimetric SAR data to classify oil spills and biogenic slicks.


Since the 2000s, CP SAR has become a new research trend [16, 18, 19] . In the years following the development of this technique, most studies focused on the applications of land monitoring, e.g., biomass and soil moisture estimation [20] . Recently, it began to be considered in maritime surveillance applications [21] [22] [23] .

Since the 2000s, CP SAR has become a new research trend.

In the years following the development of this technique, most studies focused on the applications of land monitoring, e.g., biomass and soil moisture estimation.

Recently, it began to be considered in maritime surveillance applications.


According to our previous studies, the morphological and the electrical properties of the ITiO thin film were greatly influenced by Ti doping concentration and substrate temperature [6, 7] . The lowest electrical resistivity was obtained at around 400 o C of substrate temperature and 2.5 wt% of doping concentration. Therefore all the films in this study were deposited at these conditions.

According to our previous studies, the morphological and the electrical properties of the ITiO thin film were greatly influenced by Ti doping concentration and substrate temperature.


The plastics contained in municipal solid waste consist of about 50e70% of packaging materials comprising polyethylene (high and low density polyethylene (HDPE & LDPE)), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Of the plastic waste generated,~70% is ascribed to polyethylene [1] . With the increasing concerns around waste plastics in the environment, there is current great interest in developing new recycling technologies. Waste plastics recycling processes include mechanical/reprocessing of the waste plastic to form new products, however, this route tends to be based around the production of low quality goods. Incineration of municipal solid waste which contains~10 wt% plastic is an option which disposes of the plastic to recover energy, but results in loss of the resource. An alternative process, is thermal recycling via pyrolysis/gasification techniques which produce gases, liquid and solid products that can be used as fuels and chemicals [1e6] . Additionally, catalysts may be incorporated into the pyrolysis process to enhance the quality of the end-product liquid and gaseous fuels or the production of higher value chemicals [2, 6] . Catalytic degradation of polyolefins, particularly polyethylene, for the production of fuels and chemicals has been studied by several researchers [7e13] . Silica-alumina and zeolite catalysts have been used for catalytic degradation of polyolefins to produce lower molecular weight distribution fuels and chemicals such as benzene, toluene and xylenes [6e15] .

Of the plastic waste generated,~70% is ascribed to polyethylene.

Additionally, catalysts may be incorporated into the pyrolysis process to enhance the quality of the end-product liquid and gaseous fuels or the production of higher value chemicals.


A significant development on the determination of share price was done by David Durand [11] . He sought to determine the factors that affected the market to book value ratio of the banks as this ratio was considered important with regard to fund raising through stock issue. The study considered earning to book value, dividend rate, and size of the bank as independent variables and data was collected from five groups of bank stocks along with New York bank stocks for eight years period of 1946-1953. The results indicated that dividend payout was not that important determinant of stock price of New York bank stocks, although it strongly influenced on bank stocks of other groups. Moreover, only the variables of dividends and earnings provided indication of the systematic influence over the bank stock price to book value.

A significant development on the determination of share price was done by David Durand.


DEP actuation and droplet dispensing can usually be repeated on the same structure as many as ten times, after which the Teflon coating apparently deteriorates. We believe this limitation can be circumvented by using a dip-coating process to apply the Teflon. Figure 4 is a selection of video images revealing finger actuation and droplet formation achieved with the open-loop dynamic control scheme. The initial velocity of the leading edge, marked by a white arrow (figures 4(b)-(d ) ), was ∼200 mm s −1 . The timer controlling the voltage on E2 was preset to t trap = 64 ms, corresponding to a predicted finger length of 5.6 mm or 19 droplets, as shown in figure 3 . By lapsed time t = 64 ms, the finger, now slowed to ∼50 mm s −1 , had covered 18 bumps ( figure 4(c) ), one short of the predicted value of 19. Figure 4(d) , taken at t = 66 ms, shows that the liquid has been trapped along E3. Note an extraneous droplet formed along E2. The timer controlling the voltage on E3 was preset so that t = 156 ms, far longer than necessary. In figure 4 (e), taken at t = 216 ms and with the E3 voltage still on, the trapped liquid had extended a short distance (leftward arrow) and covered one additional bump, presumably due to adjustment of the hydrostatic equilibrium. As shown in figure 4(f ), when voltage was removed from E3 at t = t trap + t = 220 ms, the trapped finger broke up into 19 droplets, each of volume ∼380 pl. Systematic tests were performed with these structures to investigate the performance of the time-based droplet dispensing scheme. Figure 5 shows data for a wide range of settings for the E2 voltage on-time t trap , from 8 ms to 110 ms. This range yielded from 1 to 23 uniform droplets in a fashion is reasonably consistent with the predictor relation based on the solution of equation (1) .

This range yielded from 1 to 23 uniform droplets in a fashion is reasonably consistent with the predictor relation based on the solution of equation.


There are different ways to measure the wavefront respectively the wavefront errors of an optical system: the common way is to use Shack-Hartmann Sensors (SHS) that are inpractical in some cases, e.g. in the detection of a fast, fluorescent particle in a definite optical system. Here, the approach of a Modal Wavefront Sensor (MWFS) is very useful [10] , [11] . This applies only in the case that either single Photodiodes (PDs) are used as sensor elements (one PD per mode) or if only individual lines (rows or columns) of the 2D sensor chip have to be readout. In contrast to previous works, this research article describes the application, design, and manufacturing process, as well as the experimental verification of the sensor for a particular application. In principle, a detailed analysis of the effect of different measuring volumes, the intermodal crosstalk (that is mostly discussed in earlier works), and possibilities for the readout arrangement of the PSFs onto the detector plane were presented. As described before, this measurement approach is very useful if the overall system is fully understood and all systematic errors are reproducible. Further steps will include the test with wavefronts which were actually generated by a parabolic mirror as shown in Fig. 1 . But not only the use of the sensor in the above-mentioned fundamental research area is possible. The areas of application are also conceivable in biological applications (biological sample measurements). Obviously, the use of the described measuring method has to be adapted to the desired application. Without a priori knowledge of the system to be measured, it does not succeed. The entire sensor must be adapted to the particular application. Through the connection between the MWFS within a closed loop, a reasonable approach can be created.

Here, the approach of a Modal Wavefront Sensor (MWFS) is very useful.


Here we compare these various smooth, semi-discrete and fully-discrete catenoids to see in what ways they do or do not coincide. For the smooth and fully-discrete catenoids, the parametrizations have already been determined, making comparisons between them elementary. However, for some of the semi-discrete cases, we will need to first establish those parametrizations here. In particular, we will provide a Weierstrass representation for determining semi-discrete minimal surfaces as defined by Mueller and Wallner [9] , [13] . Construction of the semi-discrete catenoids in particular, via an integrable systems approach, can be done either with this Weierstrass representation, or without it (instead using the results by Mueller and Wallner Table 1 : Names of seven types of catenoids representation comes when one wishes to consider the full class of semi-discrete minimal surfaces based on an integrable systems approach, as this representation gives a classification of such surfaces in terms of semi-discrete holomorphic functions. This Weierstrass representation can be regarded as a restatement of the definition of such surfaces (Definition 4), but in a more explicit form that tells us how the surface is constructed from the given dual surface inscribed in a sphere.

In particular, we will provide a Weierstrass representation for determining semi-discrete minimal surfaces as defined by Mueller and Wallner.


Both emotion regulation and decision-making influence human behavior by top-down or bottom-up processing in the brain [44] . According to the interactive influence model of emotion and cognition, cognition interacts with emotion in both decision-making and emotion regulation. For example, decision-making is influenced by bottom-up processing such as increasing emotional reaction and decreasing cognitive capacity; it is further influenced by top-down processing such as regulating emotional responses by cognitive strategy [44] . Regarding the functional anatomy of the brain, emotion regulation and decisionmaking share dorsomedial, dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and medial regions of the prefrontal cortex [48] . Due to the anatomical characteristics of emotion regulation and decisionmaking, brain stimulation to these areas using rTMS and tDCS can influence emotion regulation and decision-making by modulating the interaction in the brain circuits.

Both emotion regulation and decision-making influence human behavior by top-down or bottom-up processing in the brain.

For example, decision-making is influenced by bottom-up processing such as increasing emotional reaction and decreasing cognitive capacity; it is further influenced by top-down processing such as regulating emotional responses by cognitive strategy.

Regarding the functional anatomy of the brain, emotion regulation and decisionmaking share dorsomedial, dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and medial regions of the prefrontal cortex.


The dominant methods for encouraging people to change their energy consumption behavior have long been information campaigns, the energy labeling of white goods, energy advice, and so on. The results achieved so far, however, have been insufficient [4, 5] . Although at a rhetorical level people are aware of the importance of using energy efficiently, concrete action is lacking-household energy use has not decreased. This can be partially explained by people not relating the satisfaction of their daily needs to the energy demanded by the (increasing) stock of appliances in their homes. For example, there has been a rapid rise in demand for novel electronic devices (e.g., information and communication technologies and other electronic devices), a high turnover of white goods due to fashion trends, more use of lighting in architecture, and the spread of specialized and individualized appliances. In addition, the demand for air conditioning has increased while considerable energy is still needed for heating [6, 7] .

The results achieved so far, however, have been insufficient.

In addition, the demand for air conditioning has increased while considerable energy is still needed for heating.


Apart from the sensor side progress in the field of coordinate measurement systems is also required. To realize the three-dimensional measurement of complex specimen in the nanometre order, the sensor systems (2-D or 3-D probe systems) should be additionally combined with appropriate mover systems (with possibly large movement range) for manipulating and measuring the relative position of the specimen to the probing tip. To fully utilize high accuracy sensors and to comply with Berndt's statements the positioning system must also have a resolution of up to sub-nanometre and an uncertainty of only a few nanometres. The classical coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) with moving probes, which commonly only fulfil the Abbe comparator principle in the z axis, cannot meet this requirement (Weckenmann et al., 2004) . For a three-dimensional measurement with the highest accuracy in the nanometre range, it is necessary to apply the Abbe comparator principle in all three coordinate axes. The current favourable way is to move the measurement object and to keep the probe systems in a fixed position, due to the fact that the workpiece carrier can be extended with a well-known and stable reference surface, e.g. a plane mirror, for a displacement measurement system. In this case, the probe system is used as a null indicator. To fulfil the Abbe principle in all axes the probing point lies in the intersection point of the three perpendicular measurement axes (Hausotte, 2011) . Some of the mover systems like the positioning stage of the nanomeasuring machine SIOS NMM-1 already fulfil these requirements (Hausotte, 2011; Hausotte et al., 2009; Schott et al., 2013) .

The classical coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) with moving probes, which commonly only fulfil the Abbe comparator principle in the z axis, cannot meet this requirement.

To fulfil the Abbe principle in all axes the probing point lies in the intersection point of the three perpendicular measurement axes.

Some of the mover systems like the positioning stage of the nanomeasuring machine SIOS NMM-1 already fulfil these requirements.


Measuring the number of crimes that a person suffers, quantifying its concentration and understanding the reasons why one person is victimised more frequently than others, has a counterpart in the number of crimes committed by potential offenders. Relevant questions include, how many criminals are there in a region? And if crime increases, does it mean that there are more criminals, or that a few individuals have become more active? These questions have been of interest to criminologists for years. For example, Wolfgang's classic study of a birth cohort in Philadelphia found that the majority of the population had no contact with the police, but at the same time there was a small group (less than 7% of the population) that was responsible for the majority of the crimes committed by that cohort (Wolfgang et al. 1987) . Also, by considering families and not only the individuals within a family, it was shown that less than 5% of the families account for more than 30% of the arrests (Farrington et al. 2001) . Thus, crime is highly concentrated in the regions in which it is executed, in the population that suffers it and in the people that commit it.

For example, Wolfgang's classic study of a birth cohort in Philadelphia found that the majority of the population had no contact with the police, but at the same time there was a small group (less than 7% of the population) that was responsible for the majority of the crimes committed by that cohort.

Also, by considering families and not only the individuals within a family, it was shown that less than 5% of the families account for more than 30% of the arrests.


It is important to consider the structural aspect also because reducing pipe spacing and reducing pipe depth will lead to damage of pipes and road surfaces due to loads exerted from vehicles. The result from structural analysis also needs to compare to fix the spacing and depth. On analysing different models with different pipe spacing and depth, the results show all the models were under safe operation. Figures 14 and 15 that the maximum stress is developed at the interface of copper tube and within the tube. Within the asphalt the stress is within permissible limit [10] . Since the temperature is maximum at the surface of the pavement the stress value decreases with depth and becomes maximum at the interface between the pavement and the copper tubes. This shows that the possible mode of failure may be because of fatigue and creep. Within the copper the maximum stress developed is 0.490 × 10 7 pa, which is for the model 200 × 75 str when the load is applied eccentrically between the tubes at the surface. This value is very small when compared to the safe stress for a copper tube [11] . Table 6 shows the result of von Mises stress in different models. Figure 16 shows the strain distribution in the model. From the result it is clear that the maximum strain is at the layer just below the application of load. The value is in the order of 0.0001 which is negligible. The deformation is in the order of micrometres. For further analysis the first, second, third, and fourth principle stresses have been plotted. From the analysis the maximum value is obtained for the third principle stress as shown in Figure 17.

Within the asphalt the stress is within permissible limit.

This value is very small when compared to the safe stress for a copper tube.


Yet, another alternative which can help overcome limitations of traditional performance appraisals is mystery shopping. It has two advantages, namely timeliness and unpredictability as to when feedback will be given (Ford et al., 2011) . Employees expect to be rated based on their success in fulfilling their individual performance objectives regardless of their grade or position or other non-performance-related criteria. Overall, there are considerable evidences that the less the risk of bias and errors in PE, the more accurate employee PE system, the greater employee satisfaction, and the better their performance and efficiency.

It has two advantages, namely timeliness and unpredictability as to when feedback will be given.


The manager presents the performance data he has diligently collected and the conclusions along with a judgment on whether the employee's performance met the expectations. The meeting ends with a plan for what the employee needs to do to improve his performance. The employee listens, signs the performance review, and leaves wondering how the manager obtained all the performance data he had diligently collected. Too often this scene plays out in organizations. Managers collect evidence, judge it, and then tell their employees what to do to improve their work and to meet periodic performance expectations. Their problem is to get employee's commitment to stick to a performance improvement plan when the assessor's advice is regarded as old, inaccurate, distorted by observational errors, judgment is perceived as biased or misinformed, or performance expectations are considered too high, misinterpreted, or misinformed. Evaluating performance of others is no easy task. There are significant evidences that both those performing the evaluation and those receiving performance evaluation (PE) often find the process unpleasant (Meyer, 1991) .

There are significant evidences that both those performing the evaluation and those receiving performance evaluation (PE) often find the process unpleasant.


PE performed based on the actual performance of an individual can serve to inform a variety of HR decisions, namely pay or recognition, training, promotion and demotion, and adverse action and termination. In order to solve this problem, many researchers have suggested coaching employees on how to perform, rather than merely telling them what they need to do. Coaching, as in athletic issues, involves giving on-going feedback on performance. It is greatly adopted by managers who believe that coaching is more likely to lead to positive organizational outcomes than a "tell and sell" PE (Ford et al., 2011) . Some positive outcomes of coaching are that specific goals are set, the relationship between what the person is doing and the outcomes he can expect is clarified, good performance is praised, and the individual is inspired to take action that will result in an improvement in job performance (Ford et al., 2011) . For many reasons including legal, coaching as a means for providing performance feedback is replacing or being added to conventional PE hoped to improve not only the performance of employees, but also that of organizations. Many managers who recognize the importance of coaching based on credible performance data suggest a 360 degree review process. An advantage is that since 360 degree data are gathered from multiple sources, namely boss, peers, customers, direct reports, and other employees, the employee who is evaluated is more likely to believe that performance assessment is not just a biased opinion of an uninformed supervisor, rather it is a collective and, hopefully, convergent opinion by all who have contact with the employee. Generally, 360-degree data are regarded as more objective.

It is greatly adopted by managers who believe that coaching is more likely to lead to positive organizational outcomes than a "tell and sell" PE.

Some positive outcomes of coaching are that specific goals are set, the relationship between what the person is doing and the outcomes he can expect is clarified, good performance is praised, and the individual is inspired to take action that will result in an improvement in job performance.


Many studies have been implemented to address big data assessing to reduce big data assessing efforts by handling big data reliability at initial stages in the big data development life cycle (BDDLC) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Big data reliability (BDR) is the reliability attribute about the easiness degree to which system's defects can be detected at assessing phase [4] . Researches show that more than forty percent of Big Data development efforts are spent on assessing, with the percentage for assessing critical systems being even higher [2, 3] . The better the reliability of particular Big Data, the lower the assessing effort required in assessing phase. Moreover, the earlier the reliability is considered, the lower the cost of assessing phase. Big Data Structure of Internet of Things (BDSIT) provides a high level of abstraction of Big Data represented by Big Data modules and the connections between them. Thus, BDR should be considered at the early phases of Big Data Development Life Cycle (BDDLC), specifically in the Big Data Structure of Internet of Things (BDSIT) [3, 4] . Big Data Structure of Internet of Things should consider the reliability rules while building the BDSIT in order to improve Big Data reliability.

Many studies have been implemented to address big data assessing to reduce big data assessing efforts by handling big data reliability at initial stages in the big data development life cycle (BDDLC).

Big data reliability (BDR) is the reliability attribute about the easiness degree to which system's defects can be detected at assessing phase.

Researches show that more than forty percent of Big Data development efforts are spent on assessing, with the percentage for assessing critical systems being even higher.

Thus, BDR should be considered at the early phases of Big Data Development Life Cycle (BDDLC), specifically in the Big Data Structure of Internet of Things (BDSIT).


Whereas numerous aspects of the inorganic-polymeric nanocomposites have been extensively studied, ranging from their processing to the characterization of their mechanical and physical properties, the effect of nanoscale fillers on the so-called physical aging behaviour of glassy polymers remains relatively uncharted. This aging behaviour deals with the evolution of thermodynamic properties (enthalpy, volume, etc.) towards equilibrium, occurring below the glass transition temperature (T g ) [12, 13] . Since physical aging may result in many deleterious effects ranging from embrittlement to reduction in permeability and dimensional instability, it has been extensively studied for bulk polymer systems in the past years [14] [15] [16] [17] . In the case of polymer nanocomposites and, more generally, nanoscale confined materials such as polymer thin films or polymers in nanopores, the physical aging process can be dramatically modified in comparison to the same process in bulk polymers [18, 19] . This is due to the fact that nanoscale confinement may induce two kinds of effects on polymer segmental mobility: i) molecular mobility in glass-forming systems is generally associated with a typical length scale and the presence of a physical barrier in confined materials may modify the size and the temperature dependence of such a length scale; ii) the surface effect is responsible for mobility changes at the interface: polymer-nanoparticle interface in nanocomposites; polymer-matrix in nanoporous materials; polymer-air or substrate in thin films. These peculiarities of physical aging in nanoscale confined polymers explain the emerging interest of the scientific community in the subject [18] .

This aging behaviour deals with the evolution of thermodynamic properties (enthalpy, volume, etc.) towards equilibrium, occurring below the glass transition temperature (T g ).

Since physical aging may result in many deleterious effects ranging from embrittlement to reduction in permeability and dimensional instability, it has been extensively studied for bulk polymer systems in the past years.

In the case of polymer nanocomposites and, more generally, nanoscale confined materials such as polymer thin films or polymers in nanopores, the physical aging process can be dramatically modified in comparison to the same process in bulk polymers.

These peculiarities of physical aging in nanoscale confined polymers explain the emerging interest of the scientific community in the subject.


The problem was already solved for automorphisms of compact Kähler manifolds under the natural assumption that their dynamical degrees are distinct. We proved that the Green currents are almost extremal, i.e. they belong to finite dimensional extremal faces of the cone of positive closed currents. We then constructed a mixing measure [10] .

We then constructed a mixing measure.


In previous papers we have described the eMinerals minigrid structure and access tools in some detail [4, 5] . Our main job submission tool is "my_condor_submit" (MCS). This uses Condor-G, a Condor wrapping of Globus jobsubmission tools. As noted above, we quickly learned within the eMinerals project that users can work quite easily with Condor job submission scripts, and working with MCS only requires users to prepare a short Condor-like job submission script [1] .

In previous papers we have described the eMinerals minigrid structure and access tools in some detail.

As noted above, we quickly learned within the eMinerals project that users can work quite easily with Condor job submission scripts, and working with MCS only requires users to prepare a short Condor-like job submission script.


From what we discussed above we can see that all of the participants have realized the importance of connecting reading and writing. Most of them really enjoyed the writing process, because they did not have to squeeze their thoughts to find something to cater to a given topic, and they learned to express themselves on the topics they really prefer. They are practicing the theory of "writing to mean" (Gebhard et al., 2013) . More importantly, some students realized that in order to make a good choice of the topic, they need to think deeply. This consequently cultivates their critical thinking abilities.

They are practicing the theory of "writing to mean".


Moreover drying reduces the microbial growth in the germinated green malt because relative humidity of the grain becomes too low to permit proliferation of microorganisms. However, the levels of microorganisms in dried malt depend mainly on the drying conditions. Thus, dried malt carries complex microbial population that essentially consists of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi (moulds) [9] . Some bacteria (coliforms) and moulds could be harmful to humans if consumed [9] . Microbial contamination could alter physical, chemical and sanitary characteristics of malts. From these data, the malts drying need to be controlled.

Thus, dried malt carries complex microbial population that essentially consists of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi (moulds).

Some bacteria (coliforms) and moulds could be harmful to humans if consumed.


In Benin, the traditionally obtained sorghum malt after steeping, germination and drying is used to prepare many fermented product such as chakpalo, gowé and tchoukoutou [10] [11] [12] [13] . After the germination, the germinated sorghum grains are spread over mat, plastic sack, or leaf to be dried directly under sun and thus are exposed to various bad weather (wind, dust...), insects and microorganisms. So, there is a need to develop attempts of technological approaches in order to improve this last unit operation and the quality of the final product.

In Benin, the traditionally obtained sorghum malt after steeping, germination and drying is used to prepare many fermented product such as chakpalo, gowé and tchoukoutou.


Employee commitment to change is itself a driving factor for several positive outcomes like innovation, role clarity and shared customer values (Trivisonno et al, 2016; Lumbasi, K'Aol & Ouma, 2016) . When employees feel committed to change then they do everything in their hand to bring a positive change in the organization (Parish, Cadwallader & Busch, 2008) . Employees do what they observe. When they learn positive behavior from their leaders then they automatically start displaying positive behavior (Bandura, 1977) . Based on this social learning perspective, the current study proposes that those employees who are committed towards change are more likely to show positive behavior that is innovative work behavior.

Employee commitment to change is itself a driving factor for several positive outcomes like innovation, role clarity and shared customer values.

When employees feel committed to change then they do everything in their hand to bring a positive change in the organization.

Employees do what they observe.

When they learn positive behavior from their leaders then they automatically start displaying positive behavior.


The careful analysis of the existing literature indicates that organizational change is a complex process that not only requires right leadership style but also various other factors. One such factor is change readiness. The research articles on organizational change give extra emphases on making employees ready for change before actually initiating the change (Madsen, Miller & John, 2005) . Change readiness is operationalized at multilevel, but the current study has taken it at an individual level. It refers to the belief among employees that they are ready for the change, the given change is necessary for the organization, the leader is fully committed towards the change and that the proposed change will yield positive outcomes (Holt et al, 2007) . Those employees who are ready for organizational change are more likely to show commitment towards change. Employees working under a participative leader are more likely to show change readiness as participative leaders listen to their followers and answer their concerns related to business matters (Dam, Oreg & Schyns, 2008) . Social learning perspective also suggests that employees learn from their surroundings and it is due to this continuous learning process that they imitate the behavior of their leader (Bandura, 1978) . Based on this, the current study proposes that those employees who are ready for change are more likely to show commitment towards the change under a participative leader. And employees with higher organizational readiness to change are more likely to show commitment to change leading to increased innovative work behavior under a participative leader as compared to employees who are not ready for the change. Figure 1 shows the proposed model. As per the model, participative leadership results in employee commitment to change which leads to employee innovative work behavior and employee change readiness moderates the relationship between participative leadership and employee commitment to change.

One such factor is change readiness.

The research articles on organizational change give extra emphases on making employees ready for change before actually initiating the change.

It refers to the belief among employees that they are ready for the change, the given change is necessary for the organization, the leader is fully committed towards the change and that the proposed change will yield positive outcomes.

Employees working under a participative leader are more likely to show change readiness as participative leaders listen to their followers and answer their concerns related to business matters.

Social learning perspective also suggests that employees learn from their surroundings and it is due to this continuous learning process that they imitate the behavior of their leader.

Figure 1 shows the proposed model.


Organizations are now shifting from transactional leadership styles to modern leadership styles. One such example is participative leadership, a style highly known and appreciated for bringing a positive change in the organization (Asmawi, Rahim & Zainuddin, 2015) . Participative leaders don't hesitate to share their power with their employees by encouraging them to take part in decision making (Benoliel & Somech, 2014) . It is due to this positive behavior that employees automatically start showing positive outcomes in the form of good performance, job satisfaction and other positive outcomes (Miao et al, 2014) . In other words, employees learn from their leader and try to imitate his positive behavior by showing positive outcomes like innovative work behavior. Keeping in view this, the current study proposes that employees show innovative work behavior under a participative leader (Bandura, 1977) . Participative leadership style involves shared decision making and joint influence, both of which are necessary for bringing change in the organization (Pearce & Sims, 2002) . Those employees who are given a part in the decision making feel privileged as it gives them the feeling that their leader considers them an important part of their organization (Somech, 2005) . This results in employee commitment to change. Social learning framework also suggests that leaders act as a role model for the employees (Bandura, 1977) . The positive behavior of a leader motivates the employees to follow his footsteps. When employees repeatedly observe that their leader is giving them responsibility by allowing them to take part in decision making then they automatically start replicating the positive behavior of their leader by showing their commitment towards change (Bandura, 1978) . In the light of social learning perspective and the existing literature on participative leadership as well as organizational commitment, the current study proposes that employees learn from their leaders and that those employees, who are given shared influence, support and part in decision-making show commitment to change.

One such example is participative leadership, a style highly known and appreciated for bringing a positive change in the organization.

Participative leaders don't hesitate to share their power with their employees by encouraging them to take part in decision making.

It is due to this positive behavior that employees automatically start showing positive outcomes in the form of good performance, job satisfaction and other positive outcomes.

Keeping in view this, the current study proposes that employees show innovative work behavior under a participative leader.

Participative leadership style involves shared decision making and joint influence, both of which are necessary for bringing change in the organization.

Those employees who are given a part in the decision making feel privileged as it gives them the feeling that their leader considers them an important part of their organization.

Social learning framework also suggests that leaders act as a role model for the employees.

When employees repeatedly observe that their leader is giving them responsibility by allowing them to take part in decision making then they automatically start replicating the positive behavior of their leader by showing their commitment towards change.


The 21 st century has seen a massive change in the ways businesses operate. Globalization, technological advancements, and tough market conditions are few of the many factors that have motivated the business organizations to focus more on innovation (Akram, Lei & Haider, 2016) . This is particularly true for service sector organizations as they have to face a huge amount of competition due to rapid technological changes (Archibugi, Filippetti & Frenz, 2013; Barrett, Davidson, Prabhu & Vargo, 2015) . There is a lot of literature present on organizational innovation. However, only a limited number of studies have identified the organizational factors that can lead to an increase in organizational innovation (Hogan & Coote, 2014; Akram et al., 2016) . One such factor is leadership style as it plays a vital role in making or breaking any organization. For an organization to achieve innovation, its leadership must follow a positive approach as innovation can't breathe in the negative environment (Donate, & Pablo, 2015) . Participative leadership style is a positive type of leadership style in which the leader gives employees the opportunity to participate in decision making and problem-solving through encouragement, support and influence (Somech, 2006) . Participative leaders give employees a sense of responsibility by giving them role in decision making (Sauer, 2011) . Followers of a participative leader are more likely to show good performance, organizational citizenship behavior and various other positive behaviors (Miao, Newman & Huang, 2014) . Talking about positive employee behaviors, employee commitment to change has gained significant importance during the last few years. It is mainly because of the external pressure on the organization to adopt change for long-term survival and growth (Michaelis, Stegmaier & Sonntag, 2010) .

Globalization, technological advancements, and tough market conditions are few of the many factors that have motivated the business organizations to focus more on innovation.

This is particularly true for service sector organizations as they have to face a huge amount of competition due to rapid technological changes.

However, only a limited number of studies have identified the organizational factors that can lead to an increase in organizational innovation.

For an organization to achieve innovation, its leadership must follow a positive approach as innovation can't breathe in the negative environment.

Participative leadership style is a positive type of leadership style in which the leader gives employees the opportunity to participate in decision making and problem-solving through encouragement, support and influence.

Participative leaders give employees a sense of responsibility by giving them role in decision making.

Followers of a participative leader are more likely to show good performance, organizational citizenship behavior and various other positive behaviors.

It is mainly because of the external pressure on the organization to adopt change for long-term survival and growth.


The positive side of participative leadership is that these leaders don't impose their decisions on employees. Instead, they take suggestions and recommendations from the employees and take decisions on the basis of consensus (Somech & Wenderow, 2006) . In other words, these leaders ensure the involvement of their employees in routine as well as important business matters. Employees not only feel honored but also motivated that their leader respects their views and treat them as equal members of the organization (Kim, 2002) . They observe their leader and try to imitate his behavior by displaying positive emotions at the workplace. This is what increases their commitment to change (De Jong & Hartog, 2007) . It is due to this increased commitment that employees start displaying innovative work behavior. In short, employees learn from their environment by observing their leader and this learning molds their behavior (Bandura, 1977) . Observation of positive behavior at the workplace on repeated basis results in the adoption of this behavior. Hence, positive behavior leads to positive outcomes as a result of cognitive learning processes (Bandura, 1977) . Based on this, it is safe to assume that participative leadership is positively associated with innovative work behavior through employee's commitment to change.

Instead, they take suggestions and recommendations from the employees and take decisions on the basis of consensus.

Employees not only feel honored but also motivated that their leader respects their views and treat them as equal members of the organization.

This is what increases their commitment to change.

In short, employees learn from their environment by observing their leader and this learning molds their behavior.

Hence, positive behavior leads to positive outcomes as a result of cognitive learning processes.


The purpose of the current study was to check the impact of participative leadership on innovative work behavior with mediating role of employee commitment to change. This study also hypothesized that change readiness moderates the relationship between participative leadership and employee commitment to change such that employee with high change readiness are more likely to show commitment to change under a participative leadership. Also hypothesized in the study was the moderated mediation hypothesis. After completing the analysis by using different statistics including Herman's one-factor test, structural equation modeling, moderation analysis and moderated mediation analysis, it is proved that participative leadership leads to an increase in the innovative work behavior among employees and this relationship is partially mediated by employee commitment to change. In addition, change readiness moderates the relationship between participative leadership and employee commitment to change such that the relationship becomes strengthened in the presence of high change readiness among employees. The moderated mediation hypothesis is also proved which shows that change readiness moderates between participative leadership and employee commitment to change which then mediates between participative leadership and innovative work behavior. These results are in accordance with the past researches which indicated that employees working under a positive leadership style are more likely to show positive outcomes (Jong & Hartog, 2007; Avey, Hughes, Norman & Luthans, 2008; Fong & Snape, 2015; Nelson, 2014) . The results of the current study also validate social learning theory which posits that people learn from their environment by observing the behavior of others and repeating it (Bandura, 1977) . When leaders give employees with the opportunity to participate in routine tasks and give their opinion in decision making then employees also start taking part in the betterment of the organization actively resulting in an increase in the commitment to change as a result of which their innovative work behavior increases.

These results are in accordance with the past researches which indicated that employees working under a positive leadership style are more likely to show positive outcomes.

The results of the current study also validate social learning theory which posits that people learn from their environment by observing the behavior of others and repeating it.


Besides, the spindle axial behavior is evaluated over a large range of load (-1800 N to +1500 N), during spindle rotations and with an axial loading device [7] . The axial applied force F and the axial shaft deflection (in relation to spindle housing) u are measured and enable the study of the preload and of the axial stiffness evolution with spindle speed. All measures have been performed at the same steady-state operating temperature, at several spindle speeds between 4000 and 24 000 RPM (only results for these extreme values will be presented and discussed).

Besides, the spindle axial behavior is evaluated over a large range of load (-1800 N to +1500 N), during spindle rotations and with an axial loading device.


Seven experimental campaigns have been carried out in order to characterize accurately the evolutions of the dynamic behavior of a spindle, in relation to the spindle condition. Four repaired conditions (noted Rep) and three damaged conditions (noted Dam, just before unmounting for maintenance) of a unique spindle have been studied, over a period of more than three years ( Fig.1 ). There were industrial productions between them. The damaged conditions were determined by the company, notably through vibration measurement. The experiments consist in the measurement of the spindle FRF with an electromagnetic excitation device, at several speeds [2] . A non-contact swept sine excitation of 80 N is applied over a range of 50-5000Hz to a dummy tool. The radial displacement at tool tip is measured by an Eddy current sensor. The radial force is estimated based on a measure of the output current and an identified model of the electromagnetic excitation device [2] . Then, the FRF is computed by H1 formulation.

The experiments consist in the measurement of the spindle FRF with an electromagnetic excitation device, at several speeds.

The radial force is estimated based on a measure of the output current and an identified model of the electromagnetic excitation device.


The experimentally confirmed instabilities of cylindrical waves led to the investigation of polygonal shock waves (Apazidis et al. 2002; Eliasson et al. 2006) . These studies showed that the nature of the focusing depends, in part, on the nature of the reflected waves at the vertices of the polygons. For the triangular (three-sided) case, the reflections are regular, and the incoming shocks maintain a nearly constant strength until reaching the centre. For a larger number of sides, the reflections are Mach reflections, with the waves consuming the initial polygonal sides, replacing them in an alternating fashion with higher strength shocks. This results in increased shock strengths as the waves approach the centre, producing a stepwise focusing that mimics that of an ideal circular wave.

The experimentally confirmed instabilities of cylindrical waves led to the investigation of polygonal shock waves.


However, lack of compelling evidence for interventions is likely to have been a factor in the failure of government to commit significant new funds and to agree to controversial recommendations around food advertising given strong industry opposition. The only contentious resolution taken up by government was for mandatory guidelines for school canteens: this appealed to many community groups and parents who attended the Summit and government is likely to have perceived strong public support for this intervention. Other commentators have questioned the soft policy options adopted in response to the obesity epidemic in Australia following the NSW Summit and raised questions about the way public health issues, such as obesity, are framed in public discourse [31] .

Other commentators have questioned the soft policy options adopted in response to the obesity epidemic in Australia following the NSW Summit and raised questions about the way public health issues, such as obesity, are framed in public discourse.


Overweight and obesity (O&O) in Australia, as in many countries, has risen at an alarming rate over the last 20 years. Overweight is classified as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and above, and obesity as 30 and above [6] . Obesity in men in Australia rose from 9.3% in 1980 to 17.1% in 2000 and for women from 8.0% to 18.9% [7, 8] . O&O in children and young people has also increased markedly. From 1985 to 1995 the level of combined O&O in children more than doubled in all but the youngest age group of boys whilst the level of obesity tripled in all age groups and for both sexes [9] .

Overweight is classified as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and above, and obesity as 30 and above.

Obesity in men in Australia rose from 9.3% in 1980 to 17.1% in 2000 and for women from 8.0% to 18.9%.

From 1985 to 1995 the level of combined O&O in children more than doubled in all but the youngest age group of boys whilst the level of obesity tripled in all age groups and for both sexes.


There are two banking systems in Indonesia, i.e. conventional banks with Islamic banks has a dual banking system, so that the customer can still make the choice between conventional banks with Islamic banks. National banking experience during the economic crisis of 1997-1999 is a valuable lesson. Muamalat bank of Indonesia, which was the pioneer of Islamic banking in Indonesia, it was not only survive but also able to increase net profit of 134% per year with an increase of 14% of their assets in 1999 when many other conventional banks collapsed during monetary crisis in 1997 (Anto & Setyowati, 2008) .

Muamalat bank of Indonesia, which was the pioneer of Islamic banking in Indonesia, it was not only survive but also able to increase net profit of 134% per year with an increase of 14% of their assets in 1999 when many other conventional banks collapsed during monetary crisis in 1997.


Legally and regulations, it appeared that the government has to provide enough space for the development of Islamic banking in Indonesia. Banking Act No. 10 of 1998 and No. 9 of 2008 as well as reinforced by the existence of Islamic banking in Indonesia, the development of Islamic bank showed progress by leaps and bounds. The world of banking in Indonesia began to establish Islamic unit or to change themselves into Islamic banking (Machmud & Rukmana, 2010) . By providing a wide range of banking products and services with various financial schemes, Islamic banking is to be a credible alternative for banking system and can be enjoyed by all Indonesian people without exception (Bank Indonesia, 2011) .

The world of banking in Indonesia began to establish Islamic unit or to change themselves into Islamic banking.

By providing a wide range of banking products and services with various financial schemes, Islamic banking is to be a credible alternative for banking system and can be enjoyed by all Indonesian people without exception.


Sampling method in this study was accidental sampling, which meant taking samples or respondents based on coincidence, i.e., anyone who by chance met with investigators and met the criteria were selected and used as respondents. This technique is usually done due to lack of time, effort, and funds, so that, it is not possible to take a large size of sample. The advantage of this technique lies on the precision of the researchers in choosing data source that corresponds to the variables examined (Arikunto, 2002) .

The advantage of this technique lies on the precision of the researchers in choosing data source that corresponds to the variables examined.


Thus, we need to resolve synonyms (homonyms) for the entity names as well as the attribute names. For example, by knowing 'Johann Sebastian Bach' and 'J.S. Bach' are synonyms, we can merge their triples and associate them with one single name. As for the homonyms, the problem is even more complex. Most of the time based on the context (or popularity), one should decide the correct homonym of a vague term such as 'JSB' which may refer to 'Johann Sebastian Bach', 'Japanese School of Beijing', etc. Several efforts to find entity synonyms have been reported in recent years [9, 10, 11, 13] . However, the synonym problem for attribute names has received much less attention, although they can play a critical role in query answering. For instance, the attribute 'born' can be represented with terms such as 'place of birth', 'wasbornindate', 'birthdate', and 'birthname' in different (or same) KBs when used in different contexts. Unless these synonyms (and homonyms) are known, a search for musicians born, say, in 1685 is likely to produce a dismal recall.

Several efforts to find entity synonyms have been reported in recent years.


Aluminum cast alloys are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries where innovative, lightweight materials and product forms are needed to improve performance [1] . Common aluminum casting alloys contain alloying additives that affect the mechanical properties, fluidity, and corrosion resistance [2] . For example, the 3xx.x series contain noble alloying elements such as Si and Cu that can promote pitting corrosion and lead to the failure of aluminum alloy components [3] .

Aluminum cast alloys are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries where innovative, lightweight materials and product forms are needed to improve performance.

Common aluminum casting alloys contain alloying additives that affect the mechanical properties, fluidity, and corrosion resistance.

For example, the 3xx.x series contain noble alloying elements such as Si and Cu that can promote pitting corrosion and lead to the failure of aluminum alloy components.


The basic dynamic decision-making problem under uncertainty treated in this paper is: to invest the premiums and previous earnings from investments to yield good asset returns over time and to provide resources for insurance claims. These claims have distributions of losses, as with typical liabilities (Ziemba 2003) . Scenarios are generated to represent the future paths for liabilities derived from the underwriting business and the future paths for asset variables subject to the investment activity. Hence, they are classical asset liability enterprises seeking the methods for the best or optimal management of their resources.

These claims have distributions of losses, as with typical liabilities.


Currently, with increasing concern regarding the nutrition and flavor of food products, the development of wheatbased bakery foods that are enriched with foreign protein additives is increasingly popular [1] . Whey proteins are the best quality proteins available and have high digestibility and a complete amino acid profile. Whey proteins are also recommended due to their beneficial effects on enhancing immunity and reducing the risk of heart disease and the incidence of cancer [2] . Soybean contains the highest quality and quantity protein of any other plant sources and is an inexpensive source of protein and calories for human consumption and in addition, it is seen as a low cost substitute for milk proteins in developing countries [3] . Soy proteins are also reported having beneficial effects on nutrition and health, such as prevention of cancer, diabetes, and obesity and protection against bowel and kidney diseases. Both whey and soy proteins are the most used proteins in protein fortified food products.

Currently, with increasing concern regarding the nutrition and flavor of food products, the development of wheatbased bakery foods that are enriched with foreign protein additives is increasingly popular.

Whey proteins are also recommended due to their beneficial effects on enhancing immunity and reducing the risk of heart disease and the incidence of cancer.

Soybean contains the highest quality and quantity protein of any other plant sources and is an inexpensive source of protein and calories for human consumption and in addition, it is seen as a low cost substitute for milk proteins in developing countries.


There were several reports of the effect of whey or soy proteins on the properties of wheat dough and wheat-based bakery products [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] . Since it is known that the gluten network is responsible for viscoelastic properties in wheat dough and for dough structure strength and gas retention, most studies above reported that the incorporation of foreign proteins interfered with gluten development and therefore had negative effects on baking products, especially when amount of foreign proteins was higher than 5%. Although initially the aim of addition of proteins was to increase the nutritional value of wheat-based bakery products, whey and soy proteins exhibit various functional properties including solubility, gelation, viscosity, emulsifying action, moisture holding capacity, and foam-stabilizing activity, which might significantly impact the structure of the dough and the quality of the some types of products [5, 9, 10] . For example, 2 Journal of Food Quality the ability of whey proteins to thicken and form a gel upon heating might be advantageous for some applications; however, this ability might also be disadvantageous for others [11] . Therefore, the selection of the protein source with appropriate functionality might play an important role in certain application. In addition, if a continuous protein phase could be created when amount of foreign proteins was higher than gluten in wheat flour, they might confer a protective effect on dough structure for obtaining an improvement in the quality of bakery products.

There were several reports of the effect of whey or soy proteins on the properties of wheat dough and wheat-based bakery products.

Although initially the aim of addition of proteins was to increase the nutritional value of wheat-based bakery products, whey and soy proteins exhibit various functional properties including solubility, gelation, viscosity, emulsifying action, moisture holding capacity, and foam-stabilizing activity, which might significantly impact the structure of the dough and the quality of the some types of products.

For example, 2 Journal of Food Quality the ability of whey proteins to thicken and form a gel upon heating might be advantageous for some applications; however, this ability might also be disadvantageous for others.


The use of mobile phone by people has grown substantially in the last years. In parallel with this, an increased concern by the scientific community, the authorities and the population regarding the safety of these phones has raised. It is currently the most appropriate choice when highly non-homogeneous structures are involved for which boundary techniques have fundamental limitations [1] .

It is currently the most appropriate choice when highly non-homogeneous structures are involved for which boundary techniques have fundamental limitations.


The temperature rise in a human head caused by absorbed power in the form of SAR from a cellular telephone has been computed using a bio-heat equation approach. The SAR is computed using an FDTD solver for a reasonable cellular telephone model that radiates at both 900 and 1800 MHz [3] . The issue of temperature rise in the eye caused by electromagnetic fields has generated some interest due to the low blood flow through the eye tissue has been evaluated [4] .

The SAR is computed using an FDTD solver for a reasonable cellular telephone model that radiates at both 900 and 1800 MHz.

The issue of temperature rise in the eye caused by electromagnetic fields has generated some interest due to the low blood flow through the eye tissue has been evaluated.


Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) can be very good predictors in determining the relationship between the inputs and the outputs which at times seem pattern-less. Previous studies show that neural networks have been used to predict different reservoir properties such as porosity, permeability, and fluid saturation to reduce the cost of utilizing expensive processes to acquire those properties [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . Neural networks were also used to generate synthetic well logs and perform reservoir modelling and analysis of formation characteristics [18, 19] . With the recent advancements in shale recovery and hydraulic fracturing, machine learning was successfully used to identify sweet spots in shale-gas reservoirs [20] . Artificial neural networks were also used to generate synthetic geomechanical well logs from conventional well logs for Marcellus Shale, showing its use in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) can be very good predictors in determining the relationship between the inputs and the outputs which at times seem pattern-less. Previous studies show that neural networks have been used to predict different reservoir properties such as porosity, permeability, and fluid saturation to reduce the cost of utilizing expensive processes to acquire those properties [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] . Neural networks were also used to generate synthetic well logs and perform reservoir modelling and analysis of formation characteristics [18, 19] . With the recent advancements in shale recovery and hydraulic fracturing, machine learning was successfully used to identify sweet spots in shale-gas reservoirs [20] . Artificial neural networks were also used to generate synthetic geomechanical well logs from conventional well logs for Marcellus Shale, showing its use in minimizing cost in acquiring geomechanical logs [21, 22] . All the previous studies and work done above have one goal in mind; to utilize statistical and artificially intelligent methods to improve the understanding of formation characteristics with ease, and efficiently enhance the productivity from the reservoir. Similarly, this study also follows a similar goal in utilizing an alternate and efficient technique to help operators obtain a better understanding of the formation with ease, by processing large volumes of data from 112 wells, and transforming it into high value information that could ultimately help operators produce more from current and future wells. The strategy proposed is to minimize input logs to just basic and commonly used well logs that predict shear wave velocity and geomechanical properties with high accuracy, to minimize cost and algorithm processing time without compromising the predictive capability and reliability of the model [23] .

Previous studies show that neural networks have been used to predict different reservoir properties such as porosity, permeability, and fluid saturation to reduce the cost of utilizing expensive processes to acquire those properties.

Neural networks were also used to generate synthetic well logs and perform reservoir modelling and analysis of formation characteristics.

With the recent advancements in shale recovery and hydraulic fracturing, machine learning was successfully used to identify sweet spots in shale-gas reservoirs.

Artificial neural networks were also used to generate synthetic geomechanical well logs from conventional well logs for Marcellus Shale, showing its use in minimizing cost in acquiring geomechanical logs.

The strategy proposed is to minimize input logs to just basic and commonly used well logs that predict shear wave velocity and geomechanical properties with high accuracy, to minimize cost and algorithm processing time without compromising the predictive capability and reliability of the model.


A total of 14 ANN models were achieved to predict shear wave velocity, sonic porosity, and 5 geomechanical properties for the Upper and Middle Bakken Formation each. In this research, the number of nodes carrying the activation functions of sigmoid, linear, and Gaussian within the hidden layers vary for each ANN model, and an optimal structure was achieved through trial and error technique for each model. For each model, 2 hidden layers were used, but the number of nodes carrying the activation functions varied for each ANN model based on their output property. This was done to produce highly accurate results as outputs, and thus a definite structure of the model cannot be elaborated in this research. Overall, the neural network models are trained using back propagation technique with multilayer perceptrons, which helps in faster learning making it possible to find a pattern between variables that had previously been deemed pattern-less and unpredictable [25, 30] . The main advantage of a neural network model is that it can efficiently model different response surfaces and can be approximated to any accuracy. Neural networks are very flexible models but tend to overfit data. When that happens, the model predicts the fitted data very well, but predicts future observations poorly. To mitigate overfitting, neural network uses a validation technique that uses part of the dataset in the training set to estimate the model parameters and using the other part in the validation set to validate the predictive ability of the model. The partitioning of the dataset into training and validation set is arbitrary and can vary depending on the situation and the developer's choice. In this research, 70% of the data was used for training and 30% of the data was used for verification, which is an ideal choice for this research, providing sufficient amount of data for training the model and finally verifying the model. This is done by randomly dividing the original combined dataset into the training and validation sets by using a Monte-Carlo holdback validation with a proportion of 30% for verification. A weight decay penalty is also applied on model parameters by penalizing large weights on their squared value or absolute value. This is done to prevent the overfitting and overtraining effect. Finally, an independent test set is used to assess the model's predictive ability independently.

Overall, the neural network models are trained using back propagation technique with multilayer perceptrons, which helps in faster learning making it possible to find a pattern between variables that had previously been deemed pattern-less and unpredictable.


To gain insight into ventricular dysfunction a quantitative method to describe myocardial mechanics in a beating heart has been intensively sought. Research to understand ventricular function including approaches from various fields, such as finite element computation, strain measurement, systematic simulation, and electrophysiology [1] [2] [3] . Among these, finite element (FE) computation based on mechanical deformation theory provides the potential to quantify gross myocardial function. By calculating myocardial wall stress (WS) it can be used to quantify myocardial function and oxygen consumption [4] . Its potential to direct surgical planning and therapeutic development is considerable [5, 6] .

Research to understand ventricular function including approaches from various fields, such as finite element computation, strain measurement, systematic simulation, and electrophysiology.

By calculating myocardial wall stress (WS) it can be used to quantify myocardial function and oxygen consumption.

Its potential to direct surgical planning and therapeutic development is considerable.


FE computation in ventricular function has been utilized to understand the local cardiac elasticity and ventricular geometry remodelling process [7] [8] [9] . The key elements for FE computation are the particular mechanical deformation theory and the material properties of the myocardium. These material properties have typically been derived from post mortem measurements of animal myocardial tissue [1, 7, 8] . In vivo studies in cardiac mechanics are extremely rare. Recently, with advancements in medical imaging techniques, more accurate cardiac motion has been revealed, suggesting that myocardial material properties are different among individuals and may play an important role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction [2, 10] .

FE computation in ventricular function has been utilized to understand the local cardiac elasticity and ventricular geometry remodelling process.

These material properties have typically been derived from post mortem measurements of animal myocardial tissue.

Recently, with advancements in medical imaging techniques, more accurate cardiac motion has been revealed, suggesting that myocardial material properties are different among individuals and may play an important role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction.


With increasing functionalities of current wireless platforms, reconfigurable antennas have become an attractive option for multi-band operations. These antennas are designed to hop over different frequency bands, polarization and radiation patterns dynamically. Reconfiguration using electronic switches such as PIN diodes, Varactor diodes or MEMS has been extensively investigated by many groups [1] [2] [3] . Optically controlled antennas are also promising candidates to achieve reconfigurable antennas. It has been successfully demonstrated in dipole, monopoles and patch antennas [4] [5] [6] [7] . PIN diodes are controlled by DC bias voltages to behave like an open or short circuits. They offer fast switching speeds, simplicity, more matured technology compared to RF-MEMS or optical switches, good isolation, and low insertion loss. Despite of all these advantages, it has been reported that control lines used to activate these switches may interfere with current distribution on the antenna, de-tune and alter the radiation patterns. They also limit the power that can be handled by antenna. Above 3GHz, the parasitic packaging effects and self-resonance effects of these components become significant [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] .

Reconfiguration using electronic switches such as PIN diodes, Varactor diodes or MEMS has been extensively investigated by many groups.

It has been successfully demonstrated in dipole, monopoles and patch antennas.

Above 3GHz, the parasitic packaging effects and self-resonance effects of these components become significant.


Defaunation and enrichment of sediment: The lower part of the MUC-cores (below 8 cm sediment depth) was sampled and subsequently defaunated by freezing twice to -20°C for 12 h and subsequent thawing at room temperature. Part of the defaunated sediment was enriched with freeze-dried Thalassiosira weissflogii, equivalent to 1 g organic C m -2 , to simulate a disturbed patch enriched with phytodetritus (enriched treatment). Prior to the experiment, the centric diatom T. weissflogii was cultured at 15°C with a photoperiod of 12 h light:12 h dark in artificial seawater amended with f/2 medium (Guillard 1975) . The cultures were harvested via centrifugation after approximately 14 d and then freeze-dried. The freeze-dried diatoms were added to the sediment and gently mixed to reach a homogeneous distribution. The remaining defaunated sediment did not receive any addition and was used to simulate a disturbed patch with no organic enrichment (unenriched treatment).

Prior to the experiment, the centric diatom T. weissflogii was cultured at 15°C with a photoperiod of 12 h light:12 h dark in artificial seawater amended with f/2 medium.


The φ I scalars have profiles linear in the spatial coordinates x, y of the boundary. They effectively describe momentum dissipation mechanisms in the boundary field theory, making the DC conductivity of the theory finite [11] . We will take ψ to be real-valued, since due to the u component of Maxwell equations the phase of the complex field ψ is a constant. We are looking for charged black brane solutions with a scalar hair where u h is the position of the horizon, and the boundary is located at u = 0. We allow for non-trivial χ(u) because we want to have in general a non-trivial ψ(u). If ψ = 0, then χ = 0.

They effectively describe momentum dissipation mechanisms in the boundary field theory, making the DC conductivity of the theory finite.

If ψ = 0, then χ = 0.


To address these limitations, researchers have become interested in modeling 'realistic' VANET deployments [7, 19, 22, 4, 10, 8, 24, 3, 12, 9] . Although these studies capture different levels of simulation details and realism, existing research has shed little light on the actual level of details required and the sensitivity of simulation results to those details. Excessive details may prolong the running time of a simulation with little or no impact on the results, while too few details invariably lead to inaccurate results.

To address these limitations, researchers have become interested in modeling 'realistic' VANET deployments.


Dynamic pricing is a common practice where sellers adjust prices for products or services based on current demand. Developed initially by the airline industry with yield management, dynamic pricing is now a wide-spread phenomenon (Den Boer, 2015) . Recent technological evolutions concerning real-time access to demand-related data (big data), real-time data processing, pricing algorithm automatization (allowing for real-time computation of optimal prices), and new technologies to implement frequent price changes (smart labels) contribute to dynamic pricing diffusion in the retailing industry. A retailer is traditionally confronted with inventory management issues, for which price is a main control (Goyal and Giri, 2001; Elmaghraby and Keskinocak, 2003; Bakker et al., 2012) . New dynamic pricing models need to be developed that also address inventory management issues together with actual consumer behavior. This point motivates our research.

Developed initially by the airline industry with yield management, dynamic pricing is now a wide-spread phenomenon.

A retailer is traditionally confronted with inventory management issues, for which price is a main control.

This point motivates our research.


Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has become a standard, widely used, low-risk procedure that is employed in over 15,000 children in the United States each year. CPB, however, affects many organ systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. Several recent studies have found that as many as 80% of adults who undergo heart surgery with CPB have neurologic deficits after surgery [1] [2] [3] . In these recent studies impairment of memory and attention have been noted most frequently. CPB is also used in the surgical repair of many congenital heart defects in children. Whether children undergoing surgery non-complex congenital heart surgery with CPB experience neurologic injury similar to the adult is unclear. One retrospective study suggested that children who had surgical closure versus catheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) had lower scores on psychometric evaluation at intermediate follow-up [4] . In the present study, we sought to determine whether children demonstrate cognitive deficits after undergoing open-heart surgery with CPB.

Several recent studies have found that as many as 80% of adults who undergo heart surgery with CPB have neurologic deficits after surgery.

One retrospective study suggested that children who had surgical closure versus catheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) had lower scores on psychometric evaluation at intermediate follow-up.


With the recent Canadian signature of the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas reduction, renewed interest for green Photo-Voltaic (PV) electrical energy generation is noticed. For instance, some countries are tax waiving PV modules as incentives for consumers (e.g. Belgium, soon Canada among others). PV modules manufacturers are thus faced with an increased demand. With less time for manual inspection, automatic inspection of PV modules is preferred. In addition to traditional electrical tests, new methods are looked for to detect and locate defects within PV cells themselves. Of importance is crack detection which can lead to total dysfunction of PV modules if micro-cracks degenerate into open cracks preventing the photo-current to be collected at PV cell output [1] [2] [3] [4] .

Of importance is crack detection which can lead to total dysfunction of PV modules if micro-cracks degenerate into open cracks preventing the photo-current to be collected at PV cell output.