Finally, the MERRAero reanalysis results sampled along hypothetical orbital tracks also yielded global, annual mean AOT values insignificantly different from the full-swath sampling of the MERRAero AOT field. The MERRAero AOT spatial sampling artifacts were generally similar in magnitude to the along-track MODIS sampling artifact. From the MERRAero results, we also computed a forcing sampling artifact as the range in the seasonal-regional mean all-sky TOA aerosol forcing across all sampling strategies. In most regions this forcing artifact had seasonal peaks larger than 1 W m −2 , and in several regions it had seasonal mean peaks as large as 2-3 W m −2 . The forcing artifact is distinct from the AOT artifact in that it bears an imprint of surface and cloud variability in addition to aerosol loading variability, and so reveals a different aspect of the spatial sampling issue explored here, i.e., the ability to constrain the climatically critical aerosol direct radiative forcing (Solomon et al., 2007) .

The forcing artifact is distinct from the AOT artifact in that it bears an imprint of surface and cloud variability in addition to aerosol loading variability, and so reveals a different aspect of the spatial sampling issue explored here, i.e., the ability to constrain the climatically critical aerosol direct radiative forcing.


The a im of t echnology management (TM) i s t o sustain and im prove the competitive pos ition of a company's technology exploitation. The m anagement of te chnology s hould comprise th ree m ajor f actors: l eadership, m otivation o f employees and appropriate management of t echnology [1] . The goal of T M is to create a synergy among all the factors (i.e. research, development, planning, engineering, machines, software, produc tion, a nd c ommunication) t o m ake t hem wor k together in th e m ost ef ficient w ay to p roduce p rofit f or th e company in the long-term.

The m anagement of te chnology s hould comprise th ree m ajor f actors: l eadership, m otivation o f employees and appropriate management of t echnology.


There are many techniques available for the numerical solution of TPBVPs for ordinary differential equations [13] . The standard techniques can be divided into two classes. Typical of this class are various shooting and multi-shooting approaches. The other class involves converting the TPBVP into a system of algebraic equa-tions, and includes methods based on various versions of finite difference or collocation. Methods for solving TPBVPs usually require users to provide an initial guess for the unknown initial states and/or parameters.

There are many techniques available for the numerical solution of TPBVPs for ordinary differential equations.


All chemical reactions are usually accompanied with mass and energy transfer, either homogeneously or heterogeneously. Mathematical modeling for these processes is based on material and energy balance. One can generate a set of differential equations known as the reaction-diffusion problem. Owing to the strong nonlinearity of the reaction rate, mainly from the effect of temperature, reaction-diffusion equations are paid more attention in analyzing and designing chemical and catalytic reactors [1] . The same phenomena exist in electrochemical processes, with the add complexity of a varying potential field, and considerable research has been reviewed for electrochemical reactions occurring in the porous electrode [2] .

Owing to the strong nonlinearity of the reaction rate, mainly from the effect of temperature, reaction-diffusion equations are paid more attention in analyzing and designing chemical and catalytic reactors.

The same phenomena exist in electrochemical processes, with the add complexity of a varying potential field, and considerable research has been reviewed for electrochemical reactions occurring in the porous electrode.


In addition, for systems where the time scales are very short, and the coupling constant between the system and the measuring device is small, it would be difficult to implement strong measurements. Since our method utilizes weak measurement, we believe our method would be suitable for such systems as well. Weak measurements have been recently realized in various systems [18, 19] .

Weak measurements have been recently realized in various systems.


Another approach is based on applying the dynamics on random states and comparing the results with the theoretical output state which would have been received had the transformation been purely unitary [5] . The major advantage of this method is that it is efficient (in the sense that it scales polynomially with the number of particles in the system). However, it does not reconstruct the superoperator representing the channel, but rather estimates the strength of the noise.

Another approach is based on applying the dynamics on random states and comparing the results with the theoretical output state which would have been received had the transformation been purely unitary.


To further improve the efficiency of our approach, it would be necessary to develop methods to reduce the error discussed in section 2. A significant part of this error is systematic, and may be further reduced by using either analytical or perturbative methods. For example, when dealing with qubit dynamics and the evolution is known to be unitary, one can calculate f (B i (t 1 ) , B j (t 2 )) and the higher order corrections in terms of the measured correlation and thus eliminate the systematic error. For general, non-unitary, dynamics we believe that similar results can achieved perturbatively. Finally, it would be interesting to investigate whether the present method can be combined with existing efficient methods for selective estimation of dynamics [3, 4] .

Finally, it would be interesting to investigate whether the present method can be combined with existing efficient methods for selective estimation of dynamics.


Statistical pattern selection methods have been widely used to resolve the dimensionality problem when the number of discovered patterns is too large. However, these methods are too generic and do not consider the specificity of the domain and the used data. We believe that in many contexts, it would be important to incorporate the background knowledge about the domain in order to create approaches that best fit the considered data. In proteomics, a protein structure is composed by the folding of a set of amino acids. During evolution, amino acids can substitute each other. The scores of substitution between pairs of amino acids were quantified by biologists in the literature in the form of substitution matrices such as Blosum62 [8] . Our approach uses the substitution information given in the substitution matrices in order to select a subset of unsubstituted patterns that summarizes the whole set of frequent subgraphs. We consider the selected patterns as the representative ones.

The scores of substitution between pairs of amino acids were quantified by biologists in the literature in the form of substitution matrices such as Blosum62.


The importance of phase related quantities can be linked to their vast application in many different physiological and pathological interpretations. For instance, phase differences of electroencephalogram (EEG) are used to calculate the Directional Coherence between brain records, which is a measure of the directional flow of information between two EEG electrode sites [15, 16] . Moreover, EEG phase differences are also used in estimating the conduction velocities and synaptic integration times in different directions within brain regions [17, 18, 19] . Furthermore, phase resetting is an indicator of the dynamic balance between Event Related Synchronization (ERS) and Desynchronization (ERD) in EEG records.

For instance, phase differences of electroencephalogram (EEG) are used to calculate the Directional Coherence between brain records, which is a measure of the directional flow of information between two EEG electrode sites.

Moreover, EEG phase differences are also used in estimating the conduction velocities and synaptic integration times in different directions within brain regions.


The problem associated with the first obstacle is that extracted phase from a wide frequency-band could be pointless [40] . For this purpose, filtering and narrowing the frequency support of EEG signal is the initial step in every phase extraction method; nevertheless, a filter with very thin Band Width (BW) or Transition Band (TB) could have very unstable behavior due to its corresponding high-order and long-impulse response (FIR filters). This instability leads to obtaining quite different phase measures with slightly changing the filter's parameters or having additional uncorrelated noise sources. Consequently, trying to have a meaningful and reliable phase sequence (narrowing the frequency support of signal as much as possible) might result in having fake information in phase of cerebral signals which are not related to the brain activity. In addition, it has been previously shown that low values of amplitude in analytic signals (foreground or desired activity) is a major source of spikes and jumps throughout the captured instantaneous phase sequence [39] . This notorious problem which is referred to as phase-slipping, leads to incorrect clinical interpretations of phase related quantities [39, 41] .

The problem associated with the first obstacle is that extracted phase from a wide frequency-band could be pointless.

In addition, it has been previously shown that low values of amplitude in analytic signals (foreground or desired activity) is a major source of spikes and jumps throughout the captured instantaneous phase sequence.

This notorious problem which is referred to as phase-slipping, leads to incorrect clinical interpretations of phase related quantities.


Recent scientific model proposes that functional integration is obtained within the brain due to the concept of neural assemblies. Neural assembly is known as a group of functionally interconnected neurons. The interaction between the neurons of an assembly (neuronal populations) are strong due to an amplified feedback mechanism called reentry [1] . The process of reentry requires specific timing relations, which induces neurons within an assembly to synchronize their firing rates. This has led to an increased interest in utilizing phase variables of the cerebral signals, particularly their synchronization in various applications within the area of computational and applied neuroscience [2] .

The interaction between the neurons of an assembly (neuronal populations) are strong due to an amplified feedback mechanism called reentry.

This has led to an increased interest in utilizing phase variables of the cerebral signals, particularly their synchronization in various applications within the area of computational and applied neuroscience.


The focus of current study was discussing the reliability of EEG phase information in cognitive interpretations. The impact of this investigation within the neuroscience community mostly includes applications such as assessing connectivity within the brain, brain cognitive response studies and BCI systems which widely employ phase information embedded in the cortical brain records. Instantaneous phase estimation in low foreground SNR (low amplitudes of desired activity), is prone to be unreliable due to background spontaneous EEG noise [39] . It has been reported that phase values in time instants concurrent with low values of analytic amplitude are unreliable and cannot be linked to physiological origins within brain [39, 41] . As discussed, the LAAS effects on calculating the phase-related quantities are inevitable [39, 41] .

Instantaneous phase estimation in low foreground SNR (low amplitudes of desired activity), is prone to be unreliable due to background spontaneous EEG noise.

It has been reported that phase values in time instants concurrent with low values of analytic amplitude are unreliable and cannot be linked to physiological origins within brain.

As discussed, the LAAS effects on calculating the phase-related quantities are inevitable.


The reliable calculation of phase-related variables with respect to the brain activity is highly dependent on estimating an accurate and meaningful measure of the instantaneous phase sequence of the EEG signal. Nevertheless, it has been shown that phase of narrow-band (frequency specific) foreground EEG (desired task related signal) may potentially contain fake spikes and variations (unrelated to the brain activity) in the presence of background spontaneous EEG and low SNRs of foreground EEG [39] . Accordingly, IP estimation is a very sensitive and rigorous task due to two major obstacles: 1 making the phase sequence frequency-specific and narrowing signal's spectral support as much as possible and 2 dealing with unavoidable and undeniable fake phase-jumps spread throughout the phase sequence due to the low foreground SNRs. Herein, we refer to this problem as low-Amplitude Analytic Signals (LAAS).

Nevertheless, it has been shown that phase of narrow-band (frequency specific) foreground EEG (desired task related signal) may potentially contain fake spikes and variations (unrelated to the brain activity) in the presence of background spontaneous EEG and low SNRs of foreground EEG.


Our present dataset includes 5 trials of 128channel EEG recordings of 4 different subjects recorded when submitted to visual stimuli. Steady-state Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP) were sampled at 256Hz and three different SSVEP stimulation frequencies are available (i.e. 8Hz, 14Hz and 28Hz). A complete description is represented in number [57] .

A complete description is represented in number.


Clinically, the presence of the black triangle is characterized by a receded papilla visible space between the papilla and the contact point of the restorations. Whether the presence of the black triangle translates into an unfavorable esthetic outcome depends on the size of the defect as well as on the "perceivement" of this defect. If the esthetic outcome is perceived as "unfavorable" by several clinicians, then attempts should be done to rectify or prevent the defect. For example, in aesthetic demanding cases, the clinician should also consider alternative treatment plans (i.e., one implant and a cantilevered pontic) for a two-tooth edentulous space in order to achieve an improved aesthetic outcome [9] .

For example, in aesthetic demanding cases, the clinician should also consider alternative treatment plans (i.e., one implant and a cantilevered pontic) for a two-tooth edentulous space in order to achieve an improved aesthetic outcome.


Fish and shellfish provide an almost unlimited variety of fatty acids with beneficial roles for human health. The overall net effect of the consumption of fish and fish oils appears to reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. The potential health benefits related to fish consumption are due to the presence of proteins, unsaturated essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Additional health benefits deriving from the consumption of fish or fish lipids may be related to PUFAs, especially n3 PUFAs (Guler et al., 2008) .

Additional health benefits deriving from the consumption of fish or fish lipids may be related to PUFAs, especially n3 PUFAs.


The setting of minimum capital in a financial institution is crucial to avoid insolvency problem primarily during sluggish economy. On the positive side, the capital requirement is perceived to be a regulatory monitoring tool which forces banks to 'behave' nicely in their planning decision towards asset portfolio. By controlling the loans and financing products to the market, capital adequacy managed to provide cushion and preserve the solvency of the financial institution. In addition, such a capital clause paradigm is likely to be more effective especially for banks with relatively low capital levels compared with their counterparts which have strong fundamentals and capital (Shrieves and Dahl, 1992) . Under the Malaysian banking environment, as Islamic banks are still in infancy phase, the relationship between the adjustment of capital and risk-taking behaviour is remain vague and warrants further investigation.

In addition, such a capital clause paradigm is likely to be more effective especially for banks with relatively low capital levels compared with their counterparts which have strong fundamentals and capital.


Capital is a key element in the regulatory framework. The recent US subprime banking crisis in 2008 has shed some lights to the importance of maintaining sufficient level of capital to insulate bank's assets from the adverse market conditions. The inadequate capital faced by the western banks has been partly blamed for the banking crisis. Prior to the crisis, given the favourable market environment, most of US banks placed their short term deposit funds into the long term risky investment assets including the real estate securities (e.g. mortgage securities). These business activities continued for several years without diligent checking on the potential risks from the sketchy real estate mortgages. This imprudent practice among bankers had exposed banks to the interest rate risk where banks could not 1 Simultaneity bias and endogeneity problems faced by OLS are common in practice. The simultaneity problem is a problem associated with the simultaneous equation. The problem arises when the list of regressors do correlated each other under the simultaneous system (Masih and Masih, 1996) . On the other hand, the endogeneity bias happens under dynamic setting of OLS where the inclusion of the lag dependant variable on the right hand side together with other explanatory variables make the lag dependant variable correlated with error term.

The problem arises when the list of regressors do correlated each other under the simultaneous system.


In this paper, we introduce an ultra thin and triple band microwave radar absorber for oblique incident applications. The reported absorber was designed using a resonant split ring resonator (SRR) absorber. The resonance was achieved based on the multiple resonances concept that was suggested for dual band absorber [17] . The theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental measurements of the proposed radar absorbing material were introduced. The proposed structures have the advantage of thin structure, high absorption of incident electromagnetic waves, a reasonable operation bandwidth, in addition to be applicable for different incidence angles.

The resonance was achieved based on the multiple resonances concept that was suggested for dual band absorber.


Although empirical models proposed by standards cannot determine initial tangent modulus E ci accurately as a function of the strength and type of aggregate, they provide approximations (Helene et al., 1993) . True rates are those that previously considered the elastic modulus of cement paste and aggregates. Attempts have been made to include other correction factors linked to the nature of coarse aggregate and the consistency of fresh concrete.

Although empirical models proposed by standards cannot determine initial tangent modulus E ci accurately as a function of the strength and type of aggregate, they provide approximations.


Liquid state sintering, with large amount of additives (up to 20wt%), has been previously used to consolidate porous SiC structures [10] . In this work we are able to improve the wall densification and preserve the porous architectures, by combining liquid phase sintering (with reduced amount of additives) with a controlled atmosphere that prevents evaporation. The liquid phase formed at high temperature promotes sintering thus increasing the density of the walls.

Liquid state sintering, with large amount of additives (up to 20wt%), has been previously used to consolidate porous SiC structures.


The emulsified suspension shows a predominantly elastic behavior (G'>G'') before triggering the assembly making and it is not possible to identify a crossover. They become stiffer after the pH drop due to the formation of a particle network. Consequently, the storage and loss modulus increase rapidly. The assembly process takes place within half an hour (Fig. 2c, d ), and freezing rate and additive formulation [31, 32] . A decrease in solid loading leads to an increased porosity while the freezing rate determines the lamellae wavelength. As it has been previously observed with a range of materials, faster freezing speeds result in thinner lamellae and pores. At low freezing front speeds (below 20 µm/s), minimal changes on the freezing speed significantly influence the final wavelength. As the freezing front speed increases the variation of the wavelength with the freezing rate slows down substantially and it seems difficult to reach wavelengths inferior to ~20 µm while using microscopic particles, as has been already reported in a previous study [10] .

The assembly process takes place within half an hour (Fig. 2c, d ), and freezing rate and additive formulation.

As the freezing front speed increases the variation of the wavelength with the freezing rate slows down substantially and it seems difficult to reach wavelengths inferior to ~20 µm while using microscopic particles, as has been already reported in a previous study.


A controlled pH drop with GδL, triggers the assembly of a 3D particle network in the continuous phase and interfaces of these emulsions, thanks to the establishment of hydrogen bonds between the BCS molecules functionalizing the particles and oil-water interfaces. These molecular interactions are responsible for the establishment of a very well organized structure built from the nano to the macro scale [15] . The aggregation kinetics differs between suspensions and emulsions. For both, G' and G'' values gradually increase immediately after triggering the pH due to the establishment of a particle network. There is an initial plateau, then a steep increase and a secondary plateau. Both moduli increase at a similar pace. The crossover point is just a relative parameter that indicates the transition from a liquid-like to a solid-like behavior that also depends on the conditions set during the measurement.

These molecular interactions are responsible for the establishment of a very well organized structure built from the nano to the macro scale.

Both moduli increase at a similar pace.


Freeze casting of ceramic suspensions and the directed assembly of emulsified suspensions are two of the most promising paths for complex shaping and microstructural control. Freeze casting uses the complex structure of ice to create monolithic and hybrid materials that exhibit unique bio-inspired hierarchical structures and very promising properties [12] . It is based on the directional freezing of a colloidal suspension at controlled speed to promote the growth of lamellar ice. The growing ice expels the ceramic particles as it grows, arranging and compacting them in walls between adjacent ice crystals [13] . After sublimating the water a porous structure remains that is the replica of the ice. Control of the freezing process is used to tailor the morphological features of this structure over a range of size-scales.

Freeze casting uses the complex structure of ice to create monolithic and hybrid materials that exhibit unique bio-inspired hierarchical structures and very promising properties.

The growing ice expels the ceramic particles as it grows, arranging and compacting them in walls between adjacent ice crystals.


The advance of key technological fields like transportation, building, energy or healthcare depends on the development of novel lightweight porous materials capable of providing exceptional mechanical performance under demanding environments, from high temperatures to corrosive media. Applications such as catalysis supports, filters, separation membranes or thermal insulators, require porous structures able to combine structural stability with high surface area, control of internal fluid flow and tailored thermal or electrical conductivities. Silicon carbide is a ceramic with outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical properties (such as thermal shock and corrosion resistance) making it a promising candidate for many of these applications, in particular those that involve work under extreme environments [1] .

Silicon carbide is a ceramic with outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical properties (such as thermal shock and corrosion resistance) making it a promising candidate for many of these applications, in particular those that involve work under extreme environments.


During sintering the challenge is to consolidate the SiC particles into a strong structure with dense walls, while preserving the porous architecture. Limited sintering results in poor cohesion and weak structures meanwhile large densification could reduce the desired porosity, making necessary to find a compromise between them. Different processing routes have been used to fabricate porous SiC structures with different range of porosities and pore sizes. The partial sintering method produce porous SiC with porosity below 65% and pore sizes going from 0.1 to 10 µm [23] . This method usually requires low sintering temperatures to partially sinter coarse SiC particles producing uniformly distributed residual porosity. It does not require the use of sintering additives. The replica method allows the fabrication of highly porous scaffolds with porosity ranging from 60 up to 98% and cell size from 100 µm up to millimeters providing limited microstructural control [23] . In this case the amount of additives and the sintering temperatures influence strongly the final porosity. Sacrificial template methods, as the ice-templating used in this study, use a template as pore forming agent that is subsequently removed during sintering. This technique allows good control over the porosity, pore size and pore morphology, producing porosities that can range from 15 up to 95% and pore sizes from 1 to 700 µm [23] . Sintering conditions have to be properly tailored to preserve the microstructure imposed during processing.

The partial sintering method produce porous SiC with porosity below 65% and pore sizes going from 0.1 to 10 µm.

The replica method allows the fabrication of highly porous scaffolds with porosity ranging from 60 up to 98% and cell size from 100 µm up to millimeters providing limited microstructural control.

This technique allows good control over the porosity, pore size and pore morphology, producing porosities that can range from 15 up to 95% and pore sizes from 1 to 700 µm.


Despite the novelty and design freedom brought by the powder bed fusion process, it cannot yet be considered as a simple push-button technology. Post-processing is often performed, and can cost more than 50% of the manufacturing cost of a part [33] . One way to reduce the whole processing costs could be to either increase the production speed or reduce post processing steps like HIP.

Post-processing is often performed, and can cost more than 50% of the manufacturing cost of a part.


The positive association between high BMI and lower mammographic density is well-established (Boyd et al., 2005) . Therefore, our finding that Emirati women were in the lowest mammographic density categories (BI-RADS a and b, Table 1 ) was expected because of the substantial number of overweight and obese women recorded in this study (Figure 1) . Our results are supported by a recently published study among Croatian women which found that approximately 87% of women fell into the lowest mammographic density categories (BI-RADS a and b) and that 71% of participants were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ) (Tesic et al., 2013) . We acknowledge, however, that lower mammographic density distribution among Emirati women remained significant after controlling for BMI in our ethnicity stratified regression analysis presented in Table 3 . This suggests that other possible attributable agents for the reported low mammographic density among Emirati women that need to be considered.

The positive association between high BMI and lower mammographic density is well-established.

Our results are supported by a recently published study among Croatian women which found that approximately 87% of women fell into the lowest mammographic density categories (BI-RADS a and b) and that 71% of participants were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ).


Landfilling is one of the less expensive methods of disposal of solid waste playing an important role in integrated solid waste management (Peng, 2013) . It is reported that about 90% of municipal solid waste (MSW) *Corresponding author. E-mail: niiadjiri2004@yahoo.com.

Landfilling is one of the less expensive methods of disposal of solid waste playing an important role in integrated solid waste management.

E-mail: niiadjiri2004@yahoo.com.


Recently, many important and interesting efforts have been made on stabilization and synchronization of nonlinear dynamical systems with or without time delays via the intermittent control [15] - [23] . However, to our best knowledge, most researches were mainly focused on asymptotical or exponential synchronization by using the intermittent control [15] - [23] . This means that the trajectories of drive system cannot track to the trajectories of response system within a finite time.

Recently, many important and interesting efforts have been made on stabilization and synchronization of nonlinear dynamical systems with or without time delays via the intermittent control.

However, to our best knowledge, most researches were mainly focused on asymptotical or exponential synchronization by using the intermittent control.


Our goal is to help the student achieve as good exam result as possible. A common tactic used by students under time pressure is going through all topics very quickly rather than learning at least few topics in detail. Using such a strategy often there is no topic learnt at minimal level, i.e. the level which allows producing right answer for at least some tasks given during the exam. Our method for personalized recommendation presented in this paper is designed to help the students to prepare for the exam by covering as many topics as possible in limited time. It is implemented and evaluated as a part of the ALEF framework for adaptive web-based learning [1] .

It is implemented and evaluated as a part of the ALEF framework for adaptive web-based learning.


Increasing demands for energy and green engineering is leading to an increase in generation of renewable energy from resources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. While solar energy is currently the most commercially used, wind energy has enormous potential for increase in efficiency and power output (Maehlum 2016) . Further, vertical axis wind turbines have the potential to outperform horizontal axis wind turbines but have not achieved the maximum efficiency available (Dabiri 2011) . This has led to more research into commercial applications of vertical axis wind turbines. While not all locations are ideal for wind turbines, they do hold an advantage over solar panels in that they can work constantly because they are not dependent on the sun being present (Boyle 2012) .

While solar energy is currently the most commercially used, wind energy has enormous potential for increase in efficiency and power output.

Further, vertical axis wind turbines have the potential to outperform horizontal axis wind turbines but have not achieved the maximum efficiency available.

While not all locations are ideal for wind turbines, they do hold an advantage over solar panels in that they can work constantly because they are not dependent on the sun being present.


The current market is primarily HAWTS, but VAWTS have shown the ability to provide more energy per land area, or a greater power density. The power density for a VAWT wind farm can achieve a magnitude of ten times greater than a HAWT wind farm (Dabiri 2011) . The increase in power density is due to the ability of VAWTS to be placed closer together than HAWTS. If a wind turbine is too close to the next wind turbine, the airflow will be disrupted and impact the power output. The placement of wind turbines to improve power output is important but only has a major impact when turbines are in close proximity of one another. Single turbine efficiency is still the major selling point, especially in individual use and urban settings. The current major drawback in VAWTS is the overall lower efficiency compared to the efficiency of HAWTS. However, VAWTS have the advantages of being able to rotate at lower wind speeds, ability to function on wind from any direction, and are located lower to the ground, which reduces cost and can be more marketable for urban settings (Boyle 2012; Tummala et al. 2016) .

The power density for a VAWT wind farm can achieve a magnitude of ten times greater than a HAWT wind farm.

However, VAWTS have the advantages of being able to rotate at lower wind speeds, ability to function on wind from any direction, and are located lower to the ground, which reduces cost and can be more marketable for urban settings.


Regarding the prevention of project delays, the PMBOK Guide dedicates one of ten Knowledge Areas to Project Time Management, which includes the processes required to accomplish timely completion of the project [7] . This knowledge area includes processes such as Activity Definition, Activity Sequencing, Activity Resource Estimating, Activity Duration Estimating, Schedule Development, and Schedule Control. The appropriateness of Project Time Management can be seen as a relevant indicator that could be used to assess contractors' effectiveness and capability to succeed on the completion of a project and to evaluate contractors' performance [10] .

Regarding the prevention of project delays, the PMBOK Guide dedicates one of ten Knowledge Areas to Project Time Management, which includes the processes required to accomplish timely completion of the project.

The appropriateness of Project Time Management can be seen as a relevant indicator that could be used to assess contractors' effectiveness and capability to succeed on the completion of a project and to evaluate contractors' performance.


The aftermath of delays affects all people and organizations involved in the project. This is especially true for the owner's business since delaying the startup of the project will impede obtaining the expected project revenue and will increase financial costs. In addition, the owner may face several other difficulties resulting from the commitments assumed based on the delivery date established in the contract [3] . On the other hand, prolonging the project execution time usually results in contractors that have to deal with cost overruns due mostly to the following causes: extra expenses on management personnel, cost escalations of materials, increase of financial cost, paying contract penalties, and so forth [4] . Moreover, given the usual competitive environment in the construction industry, contractors that fail to complete projects on time may get their reputation harmed and become impeded to obtain new contracts.

In addition, the owner may face several other difficulties resulting from the commitments assumed based on the delivery date established in the contract.

On the other hand, prolonging the project execution time usually results in contractors that have to deal with cost overruns due mostly to the following causes: extra expenses on management personnel, cost escalations of materials, increase of financial cost, paying contract penalties, and so forth.


Lastly, there was a strong spectral peak in the 20-30 day time period in the control model run that is also evident in the IPSL-CM5 simulation and the re-analyses. This peak is evident in the autocorrelation of the IE figures as well. While this time period is beyond the scope of our work here, predictability in the 20-30 day period was discussed in a recent study [55] . That study found statistically significant peaks in this time frame, using the FFT and autocorrelation analysis applied to a 67-year time series of the Pacific North America Index [55] . They attributed these to persistent and quasi-stationary Rossby wave trains occurring within the Pacific Ocean basin, and this information can be used to make weather predictions in the 2-4 week time period.

While this time period is beyond the scope of our work here, predictability in the 20-30 day period was discussed in a recent study.

That study found statistically significant peaks in this time frame, using the FFT and autocorrelation analysis applied to a 67-year time series of the Pacific North America Index.


Aircraft carrier is the important part in the modern naval warfare. The research on the warfare capacity of aircraft carrier has become a hot issue with the increasing attention of the security in the territorial sea [1] [2] [3] . The comparison of sortie generation capacity of aircraft carrier in different operational schemes is helpful to determine the final plan [4] [5] [6] [7] . Therefore, the evaluation for sortie generation capacity of aircraft carrier has important theoretical significance and application value.

The research on the warfare capacity of aircraft carrier has become a hot issue with the increasing attention of the security in the territorial sea.

The comparison of sortie generation capacity of aircraft carrier in different operational schemes is helpful to determine the final plan.


P. aeruginosa was the most prevalent opportunistic pathogen isolated from the water samples. Predominantly it is defined as a nosocomial pathogen, but it is present in many environments including biofilms in the water distribution system (Geldreich 1996) . Over 19% of the samples resulted positive for the presence P. aeruginosa.

Predominantly it is defined as a nosocomial pathogen, but it is present in many environments including biofilms in the water distribution system.


A particular class of Clifford regular domains is given by stable domains. A domain is (finitely) stable if each (finitely generated) ideal is invertible in its endomorphism ring. Stable domains have been thoroughly investigated by B. Olberding [37, 38, 39, 40] .

Stable domains have been thoroughly investigated by B. Olberding.


In order to collect data, a multi-case study of three SMEs (Palazzo, Knitware and Nylonia -not their real name) from the clothing industries have been carried out between May and September 2014. In each case study, five to nine individuals have been interviewed (before and after the ICT training and the adoption of ICT) including: the SME owners, the HR and ICT managers, as well as other representative employees. The interviews were semi-structured. The questions are based on the key elements of the DC conceptualization ( Figure 1 and Table 2 ) as well as on questions developed by other researchers [11, 19] .

The interviews were semi-structured.

The questions are based on the key elements of the DC conceptualization ( Figure 1 and Table 2 ) as well as on questions developed by other researchers.


In order to establish a reliable and robust prediction model and improve the estimation accuracy, four different pre-preprocessing methods were implemented and discussed. Savizky-Golay method is one of the useful smoothing algorithms for noise reduction. First derivative (FD) is effective for baseline offset removal and resolution strengthening [17] . In favor of the sharpest peaks, FD is useful to separate two or more components with overlapping spectra, nevertheless, this method may result in a deterioration in the signal to-noise ratio [18] . As a common spectral processing approach, standard normal variate (SNV) mainly eliminates the interference of solid particle size, surface scattering and the change of optical path of diffuse reflection spectra [19] . Continuum removal (CR) performs well in the enhancement of specific absorption features and the suppression of changing slope effects [20] . Regarding the fact that the existence of Pb in the samples does not add any extra or independent peaks in the absorption spectra, we used the proposed four spectral pretreatment to try to extract quantitative values from these "featureless" spectra.

First derivative (FD) is effective for baseline offset removal and resolution strengthening.

In favor of the sharpest peaks, FD is useful to separate two or more components with overlapping spectra, nevertheless, this method may result in a deterioration in the signal to-noise ratio.

As a common spectral processing approach, standard normal variate (SNV) mainly eliminates the interference of solid particle size, surface scattering and the change of optical path of diffuse reflection spectra.

Continuum removal (CR) performs well in the enhancement of specific absorption features and the suppression of changing slope effects.


All the soil absorption spectra were normalized by the carbon black curve and selected representative spectra of different concentrations of Pb contaminated soils were depicted in Fig. 2(b) . It is O-H bonds in the clay minerals and soil organic matters that significantly affect the near infrared absorption feature of the soil samples [7] . The 1400 nm absorption peak is predominantly generated by lattice O-H bonds in the hydroxyl of clay minerals [5] . The 1900 nm peak is mainly related to O-H bonds of free water [16] . Although the peaks of the characterized spectra have no direct connection to the HM element feature, they exhibit a monotonic decreasing trend towards Pb concentration which implies the possibility of quantitative evaluation of the featureless toxic HM contamination by the proposed PAS configuration.

It is O-H bonds in the clay minerals and soil organic matters that significantly affect the near infrared absorption feature of the soil samples.

The 1400 nm absorption peak is predominantly generated by lattice O-H bonds in the hydroxyl of clay minerals.

The 1900 nm peak is mainly related to O-H bonds of free water.


There has been a continuing and increasing interest in photoacoustic spectrometric (PAS) evaluation methodology due to the advantages of high sensitivity, simplicity and robustness of implementation [11] , [12] . PAS is ideally a zero-background technique and unaffected by light scattering since the signal is generated from incident light absorption. The acoustic sensors (e.g., microphone or tuning fork), which is completely irrelevant to optical band width, usually hundred times less costly than optical detectors. The identification of agricultural soil constituents with mid-infrared PAS yielded a larger number of features than the total reflectance spectra [13] . However, to our best knowledge, the studies for PAS methodology focusing on the estimation of HM contamination in soil are seldom reported. In this study, a broadband and cost-effective PAS system was established for the quantification evaluation of HM contaminants in soil. A typical HM element Pb was used as the case study target pollutant. A compact photoacoustic cell was designed and fabricated with only a small amount of sample needed for the experiments. This work provides an alternative and realistic approach for high performance of HM contaminants monitoring, which can assist soil property survey.

There has been a continuing and increasing interest in photoacoustic spectrometric (PAS) evaluation methodology due to the advantages of high sensitivity, simplicity and robustness of implementation.

The identification of agricultural soil constituents with mid-infrared PAS yielded a larger number of features than the total reflectance spectra.


The AHP has been accepted and applied extensively by decision makers in more than 30 diverse areas ranging from medicine, logistics, petroleum pipeline, hospitality, fast food restaurants, accounting and other areas (Shahin and Mahbod, 2007) . However, the study observed that the number of papers that applied the AHP in HLIs can be considered low compared with the other areas. As such, efforts should be invested by prominent scholars and practitioners in promoting the AHP as a decision-making tool in HLIs. It is hoped that the findings of the study will act as a reference point to help practitioners and academics to make better decisions by applying the AHP either as a stand-alone tool or in association with other techniques.

The AHP has been accepted and applied extensively by decision makers in more than 30 diverse areas ranging from medicine, logistics, petroleum pipeline, hospitality, fast food restaurants, accounting and other areas.


Several traditional methods for maize seed classification have been developed over the past years and vary from each other, such as in morphology method, protein electrophoresis, and DNA molecular marker technology. Most of these methods require professional staff and specialized instruments, and they are often time consuming [3] . Although the traditional method is convenient and economic, its accuracy depends on the experience of the inspectors and is influenced by subjective errors. Therefore, the development of rapid, accurate, and nondestructive methods for classifying and identifying maize seeds is important in the seed industry. Accordingly, optical sensing techniques for the one-time measurement of quality parameters have been the focus of domestic and foreign research on the automated evaluation (classification/sorting) of maize seeds [4, 5] .

Most of these methods require professional staff and specialized instruments, and they are often time consuming.

Accordingly, optical sensing techniques for the one-time measurement of quality parameters have been the focus of domestic and foreign research on the automated evaluation (classification/sorting) of maize seeds.


Nonlinear systems that are driven away from equilibrium often show the phenomenon of self-organized structure formation. For example, a homogeneous state undergoes a symmetry breaking instability and a spatially extended structure appears [1] . Some systems also support spatially confined structures that are embedded in and connected to the surrounding homogeneous state via fronts. Such so-called localized structured states have been seen in a wide variety of systems: in fluids, optical media, granular material, colloidal suspensions, chemical reactions, e.g., on surfaces, and in various model equations.

For example, a homogeneous state undergoes a symmetry breaking instability and a spatially extended structure appears.


As population and water demand increase, there is a need for new freshwater sources. Because brackish water is abundant, desalination of brackish water represents one possible alternative supply. However, desalination is an energy intensive treatment method which remains an inhibitor to its broader adoption. At the same time, concerns about carbon emissions and their effects on the climate favor the use of renewable energy over conventional fossil fuels. However, renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar are intermittent, which can present a challenge to grid operation if large-scale storage (such as batteries, pumped hydroelectric, or compressed air energy storage) is not available [1] . One possible solution is to couple solar photovoltaic (PV) with desalination that can be operated intermittently, such that stored, treated water is a proxy for energy storage. At the same time, using the water facility only when solar power is available reduces fluctuations in power supply to the electric grid, adding value to the integrated facility.

However, renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar are intermittent, which can present a challenge to grid operation if large-scale storage (such as batteries, pumped hydroelectric, or compressed air energy storage) is not available.


Such microeconometric decomposition approaches are sometimes dismissed as being too difficult to construct to be of general practical use (Cowell and Fiorio, 2011) . We address this concern by developing a framework that is portable across all European countries. The model is constructed on the basis of household survey data that are available in harmonized form in all EU countries. Using cross-country comparable data, the income distribution model has a common specification for each country so as to permit the simulation of counterfactual distributions holding components constant across countries. Also, by exploiting EUROMOD, the heterogeneity of tax-benefit rules is easily incorporated. This means that the model can be used to examine inequality differences across any pairs of European countries using a common analytic framework at a minimal development cost.

Such microeconometric decomposition approaches are sometimes dismissed as being too difficult to construct to be of general practical use.


It is worth emphasizing that this endeavor should avoid mere importation of existing methods based on success achieved in developed countries. The reason for this is that the central issue in developing countries is to bypass the environmental assessment for assessing the sustainability of buildings. This approach also fails to address the social and economic aspects related to production, operation, and modification of the built environment [7] .

This approach also fails to address the social and economic aspects related to production, operation, and modification of the built environment.


Generally, amorphous carbon and catalyst particles are also present on the surface of the as grown CNTs, which can significantly decrease the adsorption and desorption efficiency of the CNTs by blocking their pores [24] . The removal of amorphous carbon is usually achieved by heating the CNTs at 300-500ºC and the catalyst particles can be eliminated by acid treatment [25] . This treatment results in the destruction of the structure and introduction of carboxylic groups in CNTs. Furthermore, it is rather difficult to control and very harsh for the graphitic walls of CNTs [25] [26] [27] . Our previous studies show that the CNTs surface can be cleaned and crafted with different functional groups by controlling the conditions of a plasma treatment (rf plasma power, gas composition and pressure) [28, 29] .

Generally, amorphous carbon and catalyst particles are also present on the surface of the as grown CNTs, which can significantly decrease the adsorption and desorption efficiency of the CNTs by blocking their pores.

The removal of amorphous carbon is usually achieved by heating the CNTs at 300-500ºC and the catalyst particles can be eliminated by acid treatment.

Furthermore, it is rather difficult to control and very harsh for the graphitic walls of CNTs.

Our previous studies show that the CNTs surface can be cleaned and crafted with different functional groups by controlling the conditions of a plasma treatment (rf plasma power, gas composition and pressure).


Lung cancer is the most common form of malignancy and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide (CDC WONDER 2014) . Surgical treatment for lung cancer is possible at an early stage. However, as tumors are commonly diagnosed at advanced or inoperable stages, anticancer agents occupy a pivotal position in therapy as well. Several molecular targeted therapies have been developed, but are limited to cases of driver gene alteration, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (Soda et al. 2007; Reungwetwattana et al. 2012) . On the other hand, treatment with classic anticancer drugs is generally used for patients with v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) mutations or without the above gene variations since no effective strategies have been established to date.

Lung cancer is the most common form of malignancy and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.

Several molecular targeted therapies have been developed, but are limited to cases of driver gene alteration, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).


There were several key findings in this study suggestive of a lower oral abuse potential for morphine-ADER-IMT compared with morphine ER. Drug Liking E max was significantly lower after oral administration with manipulated morphine-ADER-IMT compared with manipulated morphine ER. Additionally, no significant differences in E max were observed after treatment with intact or manipulated morphine-ADER-IMT. These findings occurred after a greater level of effort and time required to manipulate morphine-ADER-IMT compared with the process needed to crush morphine ER. Furthermore, TE max was significantly shorter after treatment with manipulated morphine ER compared with intact or manipulated morphine-ADER-IMT. Finally, the mean AQ was lower after treatment with intact or manipulated morphine-ADER-IMT compared with manipulated morphine ER, suggesting that morphine-ADER-IMT maintains some of its ER properties after attempted manipulation. In addition, a higher AQ was observed with manipulated morphine ER compared with intact or manipulated morphine-ADER-IMT, suggesting a greater potential for abuse with manipulated morphine ER because reaching high concentrations in a shorter period of time is associated with rewarding effects [11, 12] .

In addition, a higher AQ was observed with manipulated morphine ER compared with intact or manipulated morphine-ADER-IMT, suggesting a greater potential for abuse with manipulated morphine ER because reaching high concentrations in a shorter period of time is associated with rewarding effects.


Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) was established in 1959 using an alternative strategy for a conservation area by combining the goal of conservation but with the indigenous population being allowed to continue to live in the conservation area but under land use restrictions; i.e. the NCA was established as a multipurpose land use area in which wildlife and people would coexist to the benefit of both. This model later became known as Community Conservation and is in contrast to the NCA's neighbour Serengeti National Park which was established at the same time but as a fortress park with its indigenous Maasai population removed, many of whom moved to the NCA. The NCA's population, almost all members of the pastoralist Maasai ethnic group, was allowed to live in recognized villages and maintain their herds of cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys but was not allowed to cultivate crops or receive land tenure. Land tenure and all decisions related to land, conservation and resource use is the legal responsibility of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) which was created to govern and run the NCA [7] [8] [9] [10] . Since 1959 the Maasai population has increased from 8000 to almost 70,000 today (Figure 1) .

Land tenure and all decisions related to land, conservation and resource use is the legal responsibility of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) which was created to govern and run the NCA.


Pre-diagnosis attrition was found in 139 (16.6%) patients (Table 2) . Among those who who underwent testing (n = 825), the median (IQR) TAT was four (2, 14) days. The median (IQR) time taken for Xpert MTB/RIF test results to be given to patients after testing was zero (0, 2) days.

Among those who who underwent testing (n = 825), the median (IQR) TAT was four days.


It is now recognized that antipsychotic-naïve individuals can develop involuntary movement disorders and these are classified as spontaneous dyskinesia (SD) [8] [9] [10] . Drugs associated with TD are chlorpromazine and other antipsychotic drugs and metoclopramide (MCP) [3, 11, 12] . Spontaneous and tardive dyskinesia are more common in older ages [13, 14] . The incidence of spontaneous dyskinesia by age and sex has not been well studied. For drugrelated dyskinesia, the incidence may be related to the increased use of neuroleptic drugs or MCP in older individuals. For example, MCP is used to treat gastrointestinal problems associated with diabetes mellitis. In addition, there is a strong correlation between age and cumulative antipsychotic exposure.

It is now recognized that antipsychotic-naïve individuals can develop involuntary movement disorders and these are classified as spontaneous dyskinesia (SD).

Drugs associated with TD are chlorpromazine and other antipsychotic drugs and metoclopramide (MCP).

Spontaneous and tardive dyskinesia are more common in older ages.


We found that the pH increased in all treated groups in comparison to that in the control group, but there were no significant differences between pH in the above treated groups. Furthermore, statistical analysis did not show any correlation between the anxiety parameters and pH. This fact indicates that increased pH did not affect the anxiety level in our study. After 24 h, the reduction of the zinc concentration in the ZnO NP groups was lower than that of cZnO; thus, it seems that the clearance of ZnO NPs is less than that of cZnO [25] . Thus, the efficacy of ZnO NPs with respect to the reduction of anxiety may depend on the ZnO structure and longer bioavailability more than on its concentration [26] . In addition, SEM images showed that, with rising aggregation at higher ZnO NP concentrations, the anxiolytic effects decreased. Thus, ZnO NP pharmacokinetics need more investigation [25] .

After 24 h, the reduction of the zinc concentration in the ZnO NP groups was lower than that of cZnO; thus, it seems that the clearance of ZnO NPs is less than that of cZnO.

Thus, the efficacy of ZnO NPs with respect to the reduction of anxiety may depend on the ZnO structure and longer bioavailability more than on its concentration.

Thus, ZnO NP pharmacokinetics need more investigation.


The anxiolytic effect of ZnO NPs or cZnO may be due to the role of zinc in the anxiety-related neurochemical systems. In presynaptic spaces, zinc is co-released with glutamate, and zinc is an inhibitory neuromodulator in the glutamate signalling system [27, 28] . A number of studies indicated that glutamate is an important factor in the formation of anxiety and anxious behavior. Blocking of glutamate NMDA receptors can elicit a significant anxiolytic effect [29] . Several studies demonstrated that stimulation of NMDA receptors induces anxiogenic-like behaviors in a variety of animal models of anxiety [30] . Administration of competitive and noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists induced anxiolytic behaviors in humans and laboratory animals [30] . Electrophysiological studies showed that zinc weakens the NMDA receptor-mediated response via two different mechanisms, voltage-independent non-competitive (allosteric) inhibition responsible for reducing the channel opening frequency, and voltage-dependent inhibition representing the open-channel blocking effect of zinc [31] . Therefore, the release of zinc together with glutamate reduces the ability of glutamate to activate postsynaptic NMDA receptors.

In presynaptic spaces, zinc is co-released with glutamate, and zinc is an inhibitory neuromodulator in the glutamate signalling system.

Blocking of glutamate NMDA receptors can elicit a significant anxiolytic effect.

Several studies demonstrated that stimulation of NMDA receptors induces anxiogenic-like behaviors in a variety of animal models of anxiety.

Administration of competitive and noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists induced anxiolytic behaviors in humans and laboratory animals.

Electrophysiological studies showed that zinc weakens the NMDA receptor-mediated response via two different mechanisms, voltage-independent non-competitive (allosteric) inhibition responsible for reducing the channel opening frequency, and voltage-dependent inhibition representing the open-channel blocking effect of zinc.


Zinc, an important prevalent trace element, is essential for both brain and systemic physiology. It has been found in a great number of protein structures, including important enzymes regulating a wide variety of cellular processes (e.g., cell division, DNA synthesis, etc.) and cell signaling pathways [3] . Zinc modulates functions of many receptors (including AMPA/kainate, NMDA, and GABA receptors) and of voltage-gated calcium channels [4] [5] [6] .

It has been found in a great number of protein structures, including important enzymes regulating a wide variety of cellular processes (e.g., cell division, DNA synthesis, etc.) and cell signaling pathways.

Zinc modulates functions of many receptors (including AMPA/kainate, NMDA, and GABA receptors) and of voltage-gated calcium channels.


Anxiety disorders, being a common mental health problem in the general population, affect up to 18% of individuals within a given time period and 25% of the individuals over their lifetime [1] . Generalized increases in the level of anxiety tend to precede depression and eventually develop into depression. Unfortunately, current drug therapies for psychological disorders are frequently not very successful, and many patients either do not respond to these treatments or suffer from side effects [2] .

Anxiety disorders, being a common mental health problem in the general population, affect up to 18% of individuals within a given time period and 25% of the individuals over their lifetime.

Unfortunately, current drug therapies for psychological disorders are frequently not very successful, and many patients either do not respond to these treatments or suffer from side effects.


Another alternative way to decrease the glutamate output in the CNS can be achieved by intensification of GABA neurotransmission. A balance between GABA receptor-mediated inhibition and glutamate receptor-mediated excitation can regulate behavioral and physiological responses associated with anxiety [33, 34] . Zinc promotes the release of GABA from interneurons in the hippocampus, thus enhancing the inhibitory effects of this neurotransmitter and leading to decreased presynaptic release of glutamate [35] . As a result, the release of zinc from cZnO and ZnO NPs in our study is likely to be responsible for reducing the anxiety level via a reduction in the release of glutamate and blocking of NMDA receptor and/or via increase in the release of GABA and disrupting the balance between glutamate and an GABA in the CNS.

A balance between GABA receptor-mediated inhibition and glutamate receptor-mediated excitation can regulate behavioral and physiological responses associated with anxiety.

Zinc promotes the release of GABA from interneurons in the hippocampus, thus enhancing the inhibitory effects of this neurotransmitter and leading to decreased presynaptic release of glutamate.


To investigate whether the T-ERQ has measurement invariance across gender, analyses were done by hierarchically nesting the models to conduct systematic comparison test. In other words, testing for factorial invariance of confirmatory factor analysis is substantiated by testing sequence of models, beginning with an unconstrained model and progressively introducing equality constraints on parameters. The following hierarchical ordering of nested models was tested to reflect the relative importance of the different sets of parameters: (a) unconstrained model, (b) factor loadings invariant, (c) factor loadings and error variances invariant across groups, (d) factor loadings, error variance, and factor variances invariant. In order to compare relative fit of nested models, change in CFI (Δ CFI) was used here, with a recommendation that support for the more parsimonious model (the more highly constrained model with fewer estimated parameters) can fit data better than a less parsimonious model requires a change in CFI is smaller or equal to .01 (Cheung & Rensvold, 2002; Vandenberg & Lance, 2000) .

In order to compare relative fit of nested models, change in CFI (Δ CFI) was used here, with a recommendation that support for the more parsimonious model (the more highly constrained model with fewer estimated parameters) can fit data better than a less parsimonious model requires a change in CFI is smaller or equal to .01.


Process does not target only reducing the intensity and frequency of an emotional response, but also generating and preserving an emotional response. Process-oriented model provides a deeper theoretical background conceptualizing emotional regulation. Process-oriented model suggests that the generation of emotions happens over time, therefore emotion regulation strategies can be categorized according to their temporal location along the emotion generative process. At general level, strategies are classified as antecedent-focused, in which intervention occurs early and is focused on changing the effect of emotion-generating cues, and response focused, referring to those which involves managing emotions after they occur and are being experienced (Gross & Thompson, 2006) .

At general level, strategies are classified as antecedent-focused, in which intervention occurs early and is focused on changing the effect of emotion-generating cues, and response focused, referring to those which involves managing emotions after they occur and are being experienced.


The goodness-of-fit index values obtained from the CFA shows that the fit of the model was sufficient (Hu & Bentler, 1999) . The results of the CFA indicated that the items loaded on both factors above .40, which confirms the adequacy of the scale (Tabachnick & Fidell, 1996) . The T-ERQ was also found to have measurement invariance across gender, indicating that the power of the relationships between each item and the underlying construct is the same for males and females.

The goodness-of-fit index values obtained from the CFA shows that the fit of the model was sufficient.

The results of the CFA indicated that the items loaded on both factors above .40, which confirms the adequacy of the scale.


Between the textures, the infrared band has been traditionally considered relevant for vegetation classification and monitoring, because the light waves of this region of the electromagnetic spectrum are reflected in order to avoid the overheating of the leafs [79] . A large variance in this wavelength may indicate low uniformity in the exposed foliar tissue, in the vigor of the vegetation, or in the species mixing. The redEdge band were also found significant, its mean values was found to be dependent on chlorophyll concentration and the structure of the leaf and canopy [60, 61] .

Between the textures, the infrared band has been traditionally considered relevant for vegetation classification and monitoring, because the light waves of this region of the electromagnetic spectrum are reflected in order to avoid the overheating of the leafs.

The redEdge band were also found significant, its mean values was found to be dependent on chlorophyll concentration and the structure of the leaf and canopy.


Solvent extraction experiments were undertaken at room temperature. H 2 SO 4 and NaOH were used for pH adjustment. Aqueous phase containing dye (100 mg/L, 25 mL) and the organic phase containing vegetable oil and carrier (25 mL) were mixed for 5 minutes at 120 rpm (rapid mixing) followed by one hour slow mixing at 50 rpm. Aqueous and organic phases were introduced in a separating funnel to separate. After certain time of settlement, the samples were taken from the lower phase of the separated funnel (aqueous phase), filtered through filter paper and the dye concentration was measured by UVSpectrophotometer. For preliminary studies, in each experiment, 25ml of aqueous solution with 100 mg/L dye concentration was poured into a 250 ml beaker. A ratio of 1 was selected for aqueous to organic phase ratio. According to the literature, if the aqueous to organic phase ratio is beyond 1/1, then further increase in the volume of internal aqueous solution will have a negative effect on both the rate and efficiency of extraction process (Dâas and Hamdaoui, 2010) . Based on previous studies, this is due to the fact that in case higher aqueous to organic phase ration beyond 1, increase of the emulsion viscosity and also an increase of the diameter of internal droplets will occur (Djenouhat et al., 2008; Chiha et al., 2006) . On the other hand, the bigger droplets diameter will have a direct negative effect on interfacial contact area between the two phases and as a consequence, this will drop the extraction efficiency. In addition to, the other difficulty for higher volume ratios is due to the volume of membrane solution which is not enough for infolding the stripping solution (Juang and Lin, 2004) .

According to the literature, if the aqueous to organic phase ratio is beyond 1/1, then further increase in the volume of internal aqueous solution will have a negative effect on both the rate and efficiency of extraction process.

Based on previous studies, this is due to the fact that in case higher aqueous to organic phase ration beyond 1, increase of the emulsion viscosity and also an increase of the diameter of internal droplets will occur.

In addition to, the other difficulty for higher volume ratios is due to the volume of membrane solution which is not enough for infolding the stripping solution.


To study the structure of this matrix, we aim to filter its elements into a network of directed relationships. A common approach to constructing correlation-based networks is to filter edges according to a topological constraint, as in the minimal spanning tree (MST) (Mantegna 1999) . This approach generally relies on a symmetric correlation between any two nodes. It therefore does not readily extend to the study of lagged correlation networks, in which the correlations are asymmetric: in general, L i,j = L j,i . More generally, such topological methods of filtering a correlation matrix into a network, which depend heavily on the ranking of the measured correlation coefficients, are less robust to statistical uncertainty than other methods, such as applying a threshold to the matrix (Curme et al. 2015) . This is especially important when studying lagged correlations, which tend to be much lower in magnitude than synchronous correlations.

A common approach to constructing correlation-based networks is to filter edges according to a topological constraint, as in the minimal spanning tree (MST).

More generally, such topological methods of filtering a correlation matrix into a network, which depend heavily on the ranking of the measured correlation coefficients, are less robust to statistical uncertainty than other methods, such as applying a threshold to the matrix.


Unfortunately, in most cases a significant decrease of the current is seen during the first hour of biocathode operation. This is due to not only decrease of the copper oxidoreductase stability and/or their weak bonding to the electrodes but also restricted access of dioxygen to the active sites located in the film pores. This difficulty can be at least partially overcome by the preparation of films with larger pores [56] . Another approach is to design electrodes which provide direct access of gaseous dioxygen to the active sites of the biocathode. Therefore, very recently we could witness the development of "air breathing," gas-diffusion biocathodes [4, 45, 48, 49, 111] .

This difficulty can be at least partially overcome by the preparation of films with larger pores.

Therefore, very recently we could witness the development of "air breathing," gas-diffusion biocathodes.


This is the first reporting of any phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.4) activity in Momordica charantia, which was chosen for study because the mature seeds of the plant make TAG that contains α-eleostearic acid as the acyl chains in all three positions [13] . Maturing seeds of Momordica charantia have all the enzymes to assemble storage triglycerides (TAG); therefore, it is a perfect candidate for biochemical dissection. When the supernatant of cotyledon extracts from mid-maturity level seeds of this plant were examined for PAP activity in an in vitro assay, we detected quantifiable phosphohydrolase activity in the supernatant fraction, which was characterized and reported in this communication.

This is the first reporting of any phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.4) activity in Momordica charantia, which was chosen for study because the mature seeds of the plant make TAG that contains α-eleostearic acid as the acyl chains in all three positions.


In the biosynthesis of TAG, PtdCho, and PtdEtn in developing seeds of oleaginous plants, the formation of DAG from PtdOH by the removal of inorganic orthophosphate (P i ) from the latter is considered a critical step [7] . Moreover, PAP has been reported as being a possible rate limiting step in TAG biosynthesis [8] . Therefore, if PAP does not function optimally, it could create a bottleneck in TAG, PtdCho, and PtdEtn biosynthesis. The kinetic and other physico-chemical data of this key biocata- lyst from oleaginous plants is deemed useful for further study of plant fatty acid synthesis systems and for the development of novel and alternative oil sources. This may provide an insight into further modify, enhance, and control the total fatty acyl composition of triglycerides in oil-producing plants if so desired. Of particular interest to plant biochemists are the gene sequences that codes for PAP, which may be useful for applications in genetic engineering of oleaginous crops.

In the biosynthesis of TAG, PtdCho, and PtdEtn in developing seeds of oleaginous plants, the formation of DAG from PtdOH by the removal of inorganic orthophosphate (P i ) from the latter is considered a critical step.

Moreover, PAP has been reported as being a possible rate limiting step in TAG biosynthesis.


Phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP, 3-sn-phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.4) hydrolyzes the phosphomonoester bond present in PtdOH yielding diacylglycerol (DAG) and P i . Figure 1 schematically describes the reaction catalyzed by PAP. In the cytoplasmic membranes of plant seed tissue that accumulate storage triglycerides (oil), fatty acyl groups are added sequentially by specific acyltransferase enzymes to the sn-1, sn-2, and sn-3 positions of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) to form triacylglycerol (TAG). This pathway was discovered in the 1950s and commonly referred to as the Kennedy or G3P pathway [1] . A key step in the formation of TAG is the dephosphorylation of the sn-3 position of PtdOH, which is formed by the action of two specific acyltransferases, namely, glycerophosphate acyltransferase (GP-AT) and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT). The formation of DAG is therefore the penultimate step in Kennedy pathway. The DAG is not only crucial for TAG formation, it is also important for the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) [2, 3] . PAP is present not only in microbes and plants but also in animals; recent studies have shown that human lipin 1 is PAP [3] . The lipin 1 deficiency in mouse prevents normal adipose tissue development which results in lypodystrophy, a disease that eventuates in the loss of body fat and insulin resistance, conversely, lipin 1 promotes obesity and insulin sensitivity [4] [5] [6] . The discovery of lipin 1 being a PAP, the enzyme is linked to the regulation of body fat metabolism in mammalian cells. Therefore, it follows that the activity of PAP will be probed by pharmaceutical researchers for the control of body fat metabolism in humans.

This pathway was discovered in the 1950s and commonly referred to as the Kennedy or G3P pathway.

The DAG is not only crucial for TAG formation, it is also important for the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho).

PAP is present not only in microbes and plants but also in animals; recent studies have shown that human lipin 1 is PAP.

The lipin 1 deficiency in mouse prevents normal adipose tissue development which results in lypodystrophy, a disease that eventuates in the loss of body fat and insulin resistance, conversely, lipin 1 promotes obesity and insulin sensitivity.


The roles PAP play in lipid metabolism and cell physiology were documented through studies employing mutants defective in PAH1 encoded protein. The yeast containing the defective PAH1 gene showed elevated levels of PtdOH and decreased levels of both DAG and TAG [6, 18] . In addition, the contents of the major phospholipids PC, PE, and PI, and fatty acids were affected by the deletion mutation in PAH1 gene [6, 18] . Therefore, PAP probably plays a role in the regulation of overall lipid synthesis.

The yeast containing the defective PAH1 gene showed elevated levels of PtdOH and decreased levels of both DAG and TAG.

In addition, the contents of the major phospholipids PC, PE, and PI, and fatty acids were affected by the deletion mutation in PAH1 gene.


Even though the biochemical evidence for PAP activity had been published over the years, the primary sequence of the biocatalyst and the nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for the protein was only discovered in 2006 from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae [6] . The coded enzyme derived from PAH1 gene was reported to be associated with both the supernatant and membrane fractions of the cell; however, its association with membranes is now considered peripheral in nature [17] . The yeast PAP was reported to be specific for PtdOH and exhibited its phosphohydrolytic activity based on the active site motif DXDX(T/V) within a halo acid dehalogenase (HAD) domain Furthermore, the yeast PAH1 gene showed sequence homology to mammalian lipins encoded by Lipin1, Lipin2, and Lipin3 [4] .

Even though the biochemical evidence for PAP activity had been published over the years, the primary sequence of the biocatalyst and the nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for the protein was only discovered in 2006 from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The coded enzyme derived from PAH1 gene was reported to be associated with both the supernatant and membrane fractions of the cell; however, its association with membranes is now considered peripheral in nature.

The yeast PAP was reported to be specific for PtdOH and exhibited its phosphohydrolytic activity based on the active site motif DXDX(T/V) within a halo acid dehalogenase (HAD) domain Furthermore, the yeast PAH1 gene showed sequence homology to mammalian lipins encoded by Lipin1, Lipin2, and Lipin3.


We are interested in practically efficient algorithms for massive subdivisions that are too large to fit in main memory and must reside in disk. In such cases the movement of data between main memory and disk is often the bottleneck in a computation. We will therefore consider algorithms in the I/O-model of computation [3] . In this model the machine consists of a main memory that can hold M data elements and a disk of unbounded size. A block of B consecutive elements can be transferred between disk and main memory in a single I/O. Computation takes place in main memory, and the complexity of an algorithm is measured in terms of the number of I/Os it performs. Furthermore, since we are interested in practical applications of algorithms for planar subdivision simplification, we will make two practically realistic assumptions (also made in previous similar work) namely that 1) all edges in P crossing any horizontal line fit in main memory, and 2) all edges in P incident to two faces that share an edge fit in main memory.

We will therefore consider algorithms in the I/O-model of computation.


In all studied species, growth parameters were significantly decreased by the higher concentrations of fluorene in soil, but the reduction rate was not similar in different plant species. Generally, sunflower and wheat plants were the most sensitive and most resistant species to fluorene contamination, respectively. The negative effects of PAHs contamination on the growth of different plant species have previously been reported in the literature (Alkio, Tabuchi, Wang, & Colón-Carmona, 2005; Muratova, Kapitonova, Chernyshova, & Turkovskaya, 2009; Smith et al., 2006) . However, plants sensitivity to PAHs contamination can be different in species, even those belonging to the same family (Reynoso-Cuevas et al., 2008; Smith et al., 2006) . The results of our study completely confirmed this finding.

The negative effects of PAHs contamination on the growth of different plant species have previously been reported in the literature.

However, plants sensitivity to PAHs contamination can be different in species, even those belonging to the same family.


In North America, the mid-rise, non-residential building sector is currently dominated by the use of reinforced concrete and wide flange steel as the primary structural support systems. The advancement in understanding of timber building behaviour, along with the refinement of EWP design and performance has demonstrated the applicability of using wood as a primary structural support system in mid-rise building construction. In 2009, the Canadian Province of British Columbia amended their Building Code to permit the design and construction of wood-framed buildings up to six-storeys in height [5] . The previous height restriction for wood-frame structures was four-storeys. This research project considered these building code changes as an impetus for examining the environmental impact of different mid-rise building construction scenarios.

In 2009, the Canadian Province of British Columbia amended their Building Code to permit the design and construction of wood-framed buildings up to six-storeys in height.


Self-rated health is measured on a five-point scale and is skewed to the left. Standard Ordinary Least Squares regression with this type of variable can be problematic, as assumptions concerning the distribution and measurement level are violated. This study uses ordered logistic regression to analyse the data, using all variety on the dependent variable while taking its possible heteroscedastic and non-linear nature into account. Thus, the final method applied is a conditional change ordered logistic regression, which has been applied before (Musick et al., 1998) .

Thus, the final method applied is a conditional change ordered logistic regression, which has been applied before.


While evidence was provided for the 'relief hypothesis' as far as psychological job stress goes, no support for the moderating effect of physical job demands was found. Perhaps more elaborate measurements of physical job demands are needed to determine such effects, but the findings of this study suggest that physically demanding work, or at least the perception of it, is not necessarily linked to lower self-rated health. A job may be experienced as physically challenging without it being health damaging, and then retirement is not more of a relief than when no physical demand is experienced. Alternatively, it could be that workers with truly backbreaking jobs are not in the sample. In any case, this study has demonstrated that for health outcomes, psychological job stress is perhaps a more important factor to look at than physical job demands. Table 2) While this study has provided evidence that retirement is (relatively) beneficial for self-rated health, especially for those who experience high job stress, the disentanglement of the causal relationships between these variables deserves further scrutiny. The decision to retire is likely the result of a long process, and interconnected with job stress, health, and other, possibly unobserved variables. However, the panel nature of this study, the additional robustness checks, and the comparison with non-retired workers suggest that retirement is a source of (relative) self-rated health improvement. Only two waves of panel data were used, making it impossible to precisely determine trajectories of health before and after retirement. It would be interesting to investigate more specifically how long the relative health benefits associated with retirement last, especially when compared with continuous workers. Further, the selection of respondents for the data was not completely random. It is possible that the non-random nature of the data has influenced the results, making it important to approach them with appropriate caution as regards representativeness. Lastly, this study made use of a number of variables that tapped into the stress and demands that people experienced on their job. While these subjective measures are useful and important to gain insight into the stressful aspects of the work environment, more specific and theoretically substantiated measures have been developed. For example, measures that focus on the combination of work demand and control over work, or measures that emphasize the effort-reward balance (Marmot et al., 1997) . Future research can use these measures to identify more specific features of the job that play a role in the health-retirement nexus.

For example, measures that focus on the combination of work demand and control over work, or measures that emphasize the effort-reward balance.


The World Health Organization in 2017 years reported that approximately 1.25 million people die every year as a result of a road traffic crash [1] . Distracted driving is a major factor of road traffic crash. The distraction caused by mobile phones, vehicle mounted central control display, and navigation display is a growing concern for road safety. Drivers watching the displays while driving slows braking reaction time and makes it difficult to keep in the correct lane and to keep the correct following distances.

The World Health Organization in 2017 years reported that approximately 1.25 million people die every year as a result of a road traffic crash.


In addition, the indoor environmental conditions of both case studies were monitored using four HOBO data loggers as shown in Figures 4 and 5 . Each data logger was equipped with sensors to record air temperature, air humidity, air velocity, and light intensity readings. The time interval for readings was 15 min. All data loggers were set to record from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at two locations: (1) the lobby at the ground floor and (2) a hotel room on the first floor of each selected building. All data loggers were placed at the human seating level of 800 mm from the floor [39] [40] [41] [42] .

All data loggers were placed at the human seating level of 800 mm from the floor.


Nevertheless, we are still far from solving the MT problem (Koehn and Knowles, 2017) . The systems still produce wrong translations, that may be intolerable for some users or domains. For example, translations of medical records must be accurate and error-free. Moreover, the translation problem has many subtleties that make it hard for machines to tackle it: discourse adequacy, anaphora resolution, domain-specific meanings, stylistic forms, etc.

Nevertheless, we are still far from solving the MT problem.


Many counties and cities in the world are keen on planning light rail transit (LRT) system to meet the growing demand of public transportation. The LRT takes the advantages of low cost, low noise, low pollution, mature technology, short construction period, and easy maintenance. In addition, it may utilize electrical power from distribution systems of power grid because of its lower power requirements than the traditional railway and mass rapid transit systems. In general, it is very suitable to use the LRT as the public transport of the metropolitan areas and a variety of urban transport connections [1] [2] [3] . The tram of LRT is a heavy and irregular load, and it carries many power electronic equipment; the power quality of the distribution system can inevitably be affected [4, 5] . For the distribution system with the LRT, it may cause voltage fluctuation, unbalance, and harmonic and other power quality issues. To ensure the power quality, utilities have published many limits on these issues.

In general, it is very suitable to use the LRT as the public transport of the metropolitan areas and a variety of urban transport connections.

The tram of LRT is a heavy and irregular load, and it carries many power electronic equipment; the power quality of the distribution system can inevitably be affected.


The reverse-flow DMCA flap has gained great popularity among reconstructive surgeons due to its versatility [7] [8] [9] 12, [18] [19] [20] . It has a constant anatomy and can better match the contours of the hand [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] 21, 22] . As burn reconstruction purpose, reverse-flow DMCA flaps used in thumb, and index finger [23, 24] . In our series, we focused on using various reverse-flow DMCA flaps in the four different fingers. It was determined that reverse-flow DMCA flaps provide durable and stable coverage to proximal phalanges and resistance to recurrent contracture in each finger. Furthermore, this flap is safe and easy to perform, although it may demonstrate venous congestion due to the reverse blood flow. In our series, this was not a serious problem.

The reverse-flow DMCA flap has gained great popularity among reconstructive surgeons due to its versatility.

It has a constant anatomy and can better match the contours of the hand.

As burn reconstruction purpose, reverse-flow DMCA flaps used in thumb, and index finger.


The simultaneity of production and demand in service process means that the buyer of the service participates in the specification and delivery of the service as it is being performed (Zeithaml, 1981) . For most service provider, customer participation is an essential part in service process. Through self-serve and collaborate with service staff, customers can create new service. Some researchers have gone so far as to suggest that customers be conceptualized as "partial" employees of the organization owing to their co-production role (Lovelock and Young, 1979; Mills, 1986) . In high customer participation service process, the output of service is finished by the cooperation of customer and employee. And the service quality depends part on customer and employee's interactive degree. In this context, as a new customer management method, customer participation is more and more popular among managers of service organization.

The simultaneity of production and demand in service process means that the buyer of the service participates in the specification and delivery of the service as it is being performed.

Some researchers have gone so far as to suggest that customers be conceptualized as "partial" employees of the organization owing to their co-production role.


Circulatory hypoxemia and re-oxygenation (HR) remain the main causes for permanent or transient organ damage, being associated with serious implications concerning the status of the adjacent organs as well as the overall health of the patient. Critically ill patients usually present with circulatory hypoxemia which may contribute to an overall poorer prognosis. A drug with the potential to reverse or restore the hypoxic state would be beneficial to these patients. Although important progress has been recorded regarding the usage of U-74389G in managing this type of injury, several fundamental questions still remain unanswered, such as the speed of action of this new compound or the recommended dosage or time of administration. The beneficial effect of U-74389G, as an anti-oxidant factor, has been reported in several recent studies [1] . Only few reports have been published concerning U-74389G trials in ischemia reperfusion (IR) studies, mostly providing inadequate conclusions. Additional publications report trials of similar antioxidant molecules belonging to the group which includes U-74389G. U-74389G [21-[4-(2,6-di-1-pyrrolidinyl-4-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-pregna-1,4,9(11)-triene-3,20-dione maleate salt] is an antioxidant which prevents both arachidonic acid-induced and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. It has been shown to protect against IR injury in animal heart, liver and kidney models. Membrane-associating antioxidants are particularly effective in preventing permeability changes in brain microvascular endothelial cells monolayers. A meta-analysis of eight published serum variables, coming from the same experimental setting, sought to provide a numeric evaluation of the U-74389G efficacy at the same endpoints (Table 1) [2] .

The beneficial effect of U-74389G, as an anti-oxidant factor, has been reported in several recent studies.

A meta-analysis of eight published serum variables, coming from the same experimental setting, sought to provide a numeric evaluation of the U-74389G efficacy at the same endpoints (Table 1).


Let X be a continuous vector field on real manifold N with empty boundary. Given an open set U ⊂ N with compact closure U such that (U \ U) ∩ Z(X) = ∅, the index i(X, U) of X on U is defined as the Poincaré-Hopf index of any sufficiently close approximation X ′ ∈ V(U) to X|U (in the compact open topology) such that Z(X ′ ) is finite. Equivalently: i(X, U) is the intersection number of X|U with the zero section of the tangent bundle (Bonatti [2] ). This number is independent of the approximation, and is stable under perturbation of X and replacement of U by smaller open sets containing Z(X) ∩ U When X is C 1 and generates the local flow φ on M, for sufficiently small t > 0 the index i(X, U) equals the fixed-point index I(φ t |U) defined by Dold [5] .

Equivalently: i(X, U) is the intersection number of X|U with the zero section of the tangent bundle (Bonatti).

This number is independent of the approximation, and is stable under perturbation of X and replacement of U by smaller open sets containing Z(X) ∩ U When X is C 1 and generates the local flow φ on M, for sufficiently small t > 0 the index i(X, U) equals the fixed-point index I(φ t |U) defined by Dold.


Strengths and limitations of the TELECHIK study have been reported previously [25, 30] . In this paper, we emphasised on the likelihood of an observation bias and the possibility that CHIKV-infected subjects or doctors may have reported more symptoms by social desirability bias despite the blinded investigation. In line with this hypothesis, each chronic manifestation assessed in the survey were more commonly reported in CHIK+ than in CHIK− subjects [25] . However, given its ordinariness and the small discrepancy between CHIK− and CHIK+ in our seminal analysis, fatigue was putatively the manifestation the least prone to the Hawthorne effect [25] . Given the more stringent definitions used in our reanalysis and the prevalence of LRMSP, ICF and CFS-like illness in the reference group of CHIK− subjects, in the expected range for self-reports, we strongly believe that those biases are unlikely to have changed the overall sense of our results.

Strengths and limitations of the TELECHIK study have been reported previously.

In line with this hypothesis, each chronic manifestation assessed in the survey were more commonly reported in CHIK+ than in CHIK− subjects.

However, given its ordinariness and the small discrepancy between CHIK− and CHIK+ in our seminal analysis, fatigue was putatively the manifestation the least prone to the Hawthorne effect.


We now extend our molecular studies to include the genus Pupilla, a close relative of Vertigo. Both genera are in the Orthurethra and have long been considered to be in the same family, the Pupillidae (Pilsbry, 1948; Hubricht, 1985) . Like Vertigo, Pupilla is distributed across the entire Holarctic and members of both genera commonly co-occur within the same sites.

Both genera are in the Orthurethra and have long been considered to be in the same family, the Pupillidae.


In this paper we verify that this mapping also exists for the surgery sequence for topological manifolds. To this aim we will use as key tool the Lipschitz structure given by Sullivan theorem [20] . In particular we prove that the key results by Wahl, Piazza and Schick, have a true abstract and K-theoretical meaning, that does not depend on the smooth structure and the pseudodifferential calculus.

To this aim we will use as key tool the Lipschitz structure given by Sullivan theorem.


A significant part of waste generation is caused by the building and construction industry. This includes building materials such as insulation, nails, electrical wiring, and rebar, as well as waste generated from site preparation such as dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble [1] . Waste concrete and waste bricks are the primary components of construction waste, the recycling of which has always been an important area studied by domestic and foreign scholars. Waste concrete and waste bricks are referred to as construction waste in this paper.

This includes building materials such as insulation, nails, electrical wiring, and rebar, as well as waste generated from site preparation such as dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble.


The main counting principle suggested in Section 2 of the paper is rather universal. It can be applied to Fuchsian groups to calculate the number of non-equivalent surface coverings (Section 3) as well as the number of unrooted maps on the surface [15] . In Section 4, some general approach is developed to find the number of non-equivalent unbranched coverings of a manifold with finitely generated fundamental group.

It can be applied to Fuchsian groups to calculate the number of non-equivalent surface coverings (Section 3) as well as the number of unrooted maps on the surface.


Photonic band gap (PBG) is essentially the gap between the air-line and the dielectric-line in the dispersion relation of the PBG system [3] . In other word it is range of frequencies in which light is forbidden to propagate in crystal [4] . PhC behaves like a perfect mirror for light with frequency lying inside the band gap [5] .

Photonic band gap (PBG) is essentially the gap between the air-line and the dielectric-line in the dispersion relation of the PBG system.

In other word it is range of frequencies in which light is forbidden to propagate in crystal.

PhC behaves like a perfect mirror for light with frequency lying inside the band gap.