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Mode-locked fiber lasers emitting short pulses of light at wavelengths of 2 μm and longer are reviewed. Rare-earth doped silica and fluoride fiber lasers operating in the mode-locked regime in the mid-IR (2–5 μm) have attracted attention due to their usefulness to spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, laser surgery, remote sensing and ranging to name a few. While silica fiber lasers are fundamentally limited to emission wavelengths below 2.2 μm, fluoride fiber lasers can reach to nearly 4 μm. The relative infancy of fluoride fibers as compared to silica fibers means the field has work to do to translate the mode-locking techniques to systems beyond 2 μm. However, with the recent demonstration of a stable, mode-locked 3 μm fiber laser, the possibility of achieving high performance 3 μm class mode-locked fiber lasers looks promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to answer the question: is a solute water “negatively expansible” in tetrahydrofuran or not (?), a comparative analysis of own and literature data on the temperature-dependent partial volumes at the infinite dilution of water isotopologues in tetrahydrofuran have been carried out. Used for computing the limiting partial (apparent) volumes of water isotopologues, densities of H2O and D2O solutions in the solvent studied, with the solute mole fractions ranging up to ∼0.043, were measured with an error of 1.5·10−5 cm3 ·mol−1 at (278.15, 288.15, 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15)K and atmospheric pressure using a vibrating tube densimeter. It has been shown that the partial molar volume of H2O or D2O at infinite dilution increases with rising temperature; that is, the isotopically distinguishable solutions of water in tetrahydrofuran do not have the unusual structure-packing behavior being characteristic of the water-containing system with the so-called phenomenon of “negative partial molar expansibility”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland reclamation was an intrinsic part of nineteenth-century global agricultural transformations. In Swedish research, reclamation has mainly been situated in larger general processes of population rise, commercialization and societal/technological development. The intersection of reclamation, physical environments and local economies has seldom been studied in detail. This paper conducts a local analysis of nineteenth-century wetland reclamation in two parishes in Sweden, Knätte and Mörlunda, through combining a study of specific reclamation processes with an analysis of local agrarian-economic development. The results show that these processes varied depending on specific historical-geographical circumstances. In Knätte, reclamation was not primarily related to population rise, but to increasing commercialization during the period. The case in Mörlunda instead shows how reclamation was first a response to increasing population but later developed into a project of agricultural market adaptation. In both cases, the physical environment led to varying degrees of geographic constraint in the process. In combination, these results point to the importance of detailed case studies in nuancing our understanding of nineteenth-century wetland reclamation both in Sweden and internationally. • Local factors are important for nuancing general trends in wetland reclamation. • In Sweden, population rise and commercialization are considered primary drivers. • The active drivers vary between the compared cases, depending on context. • Reclamation was primarily a part of local agrarian developments. • Wider relations of the local economy, for example through trade, also impacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-velocity impacts can cause microscopic and invisible damage to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) structures, potentially compromising their integrity and leading to catastrophic failures. In this paper, an impact localization system for CFRP structures was developed by using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. The time difference of arrival (TDOA) between signals from different FBG sensors are collected to characterize the impact location, and an impact localization method of CFRP structure based on CNN-LSTM-Attention is proposed. The following conclusions can be made from this study: • A monitoring system of impact on CFRP structures was developed by using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, and impact signals detected by FBG sensors are demodulated by edge-filtering at high speed. • The Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) between signals from different FBG sensors are collected to characterize the impact location, the occurrence time of the first trough in the low-frequency narrowband signal component is extracted as the arrival time of impact signal, which is found to be sensitive to the location of impact and thus can be used as features for impact localization. • An impact localization method of CFRP structure based on CNN-LSTM-Attention is proposed. The time differences in the arrival of impact signal detected by different FBG sensors are used as features, and attention mechanism is introduced into the CNN-LSTM model of impact localization to emphasizes the arrival time difference of impact signal detected by nearby FBG sensors. • The impact localization method was developed and validated on a CFRP plate by using FBG sensors. Comparative analysis of localization performance between different models confirms the effectiveness and satisfactory performance of the proposed method. Low-velocity impacts can cause microscopic and invisible damage to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures, potentially compromising their integrity and leading to catastrophic failures. Therefore, obtaining precise information about the impact location is crucial for monitoring the health of CFRP structures. In this paper, an impact localization system for CFRP structures was developed by using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, and impact signals detected by FBG sensors are demodulated by edge-filtering at high speed. An impact localization method of CFRP structure based on CNN-LSTM-Attention is proposed. The time difference of arrival (TDOA) between signals from different FBG sensors are collected to characterize the impact location, and attention mechanism is introduced into the CNN-LSTM model to augment the significance of TDOA of impact signal detected by proximal FBG sensors. The model is trained using the training set, its parameters are optimized using the validation set and the localization performance of different models are compared by the test set. The proposed impact localization method based on CNN-LSTM-Attention model was verified on a CFRP plate with an experiment area of 400 mm*400 mm. Experimental results prove the effectiveness and satisfactory performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the need to understand the structure of sustainability change in the face of the unpredictability of modern civilization. The aim of the paper is to examine the structure of sustainability change in relation to smaller spatial units such as the regions of the European Union and to compare these results with those achieved at the country level. For this purpose, the sustainable development indicators available in the Eurostat database were analyzed. Studies published to date have tended to focus on the performance of national economies or selected regions. In this article, the available data on regions are also analyzed. The study aims to compare the level of sustainable development achieved at the level of EU countries and regions located within them. Methodologically, the study uses advanced methods of comparative analysis, and the synthesis of the data enables the construction of a synthetic measure using taxonomic methods, facilitating the classification of EU countries and regions into clusters. The results highlight significant divergences in sustainability achievements between EU countries and regions. The study reveals the importance of studying sustainable development in smaller geographical cross-sections. The results highlight the need to expand access to data at the regional level (sustainability indicators) to facilitate more comprehensive analyses and inform targeted policy interventions. Looking to the future, the study recommends further research into the inter-linkages between sustainability and other critical areas in EU regions, such as innovation and competitiveness. • A new approach to studying sustainable development from a regional perspective has been proposed. • An in-depth analysis of the current level of sustainability in EU regions was carried out. • The diversity of sustainable development in the countries of the EU has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by Brucella infection. Brucella abortus strain A19 is a spontaneously attenuated vaccine strain that has been used in vaccination of cattle against brucellosis. Until now, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of A19 are still unknown. In this paper, the whole-genome sequence of B. abortus A19 was performed using Illumina Hiseq 4000 and PacBio sequencing technology and comparative genomics analysis were carried out with the whole genome sequences of B. abortus strains S19. This analysis indicated that the two vaccine strains have a high degree of similarity in genomic structure. We further analysis of the difference in genomic structure between A19 and S19. And found some differential genes such as eryC , eryD and eryF. Of the other different proteins between A19 and S19, such as outer membrane protein, 2-isopropylmalate synthase, citramalate synthase, GntR family transcriptional regulator and ABC transporters, no clear effects related to bacterial virulence were found, pending further investigation. The data presented here provide a reasonable basis for designing Brucella vaccines that can be used in other strains. • So far, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of A19 are unclear. • In this work, the innovation and highlight of this paper is the genome-wide sequencing of the Brucella A19 vaccine strain. • We attempted to compare the sequenced genome to another published Brucella S19 vaccine strain to identify some genomic structural differences. • The two vaccines are historically related, so finding out the genetic differences between them provides data support for subsequent Brucella- related studies. • At present, relevant analysis has not been seen at home and abroad, so this is the focus of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have become an important asset for daily life in healthcare organizations. Efficient management and digitization of CPGs help achieve organizational objectives and improve patient care and healthcare quality by reducing variability. However, digitizing CPGs is a difficult, complex task because they are usually expressed as text, and this often leads to the development of partial software solutions. At present, different research proposals and CPG-derived CDSS (clinical decision support system) do exist for managing CPG digitalization lifecycles (from modeling to deployment and execution), but they do not all provide full lifecycle support, making it more difficult to choose solutions or proposals that fully meet the needs of a healthcare organization. This paper proposes a method based on quality models to uniformly compare and evaluate technological tools, providing a rigorous method that uses qualitative and quantitative analysis of technological aspects. In addition, this paper also presents how this method has been instantiated to evaluate and compare CPG-derived CDSS by highlighting each phase of the CPG digitization lifecycle. Finally, discussion and analysis of currently available tools are presented, identifying gaps and limitations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Intel DPC++ Compatibility Tool is a component of the Intel oneAPI Base Toolkit. This tool automatically transforms CUDA code into Data Parallel C++ (DPC++), thus assisting in the migration process. DPC++ is an implementation of the programming standard for heterogeneous computing known as SYCL, which unifies the development of parallel applications on CPUs, GPUs or even FPGAs. This paper analyzes the DPC++ Compatibility Tool by considering the manual intervention required and the problems encountered while migrating the Rodinia benchmarks. For this suite, this tool achieves an impressive rate of almost 87% for code successfully migrated. Moreover, a comparative study of the performance obtained by the migrated code was carried out, showing a moderate overhead in most of the migrated examples. Finally, a performance comparison on different devices was also performed. • Performance and portability are big challenges in heterogeneous computing. • Intel DPC++ Compatibility Tool transforms CUDA code into Data Parallel C++ (DPC++) easing the migration process. • A comparative study of the performance obtained by the migrated code is performed with Rodinia benchmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting hydromorphological assessments for evaluating the ecological status of rivers is a key requirement of the Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive – WFD) within European Union (EU) Member States. This paper aims at understanding how this requirement was implemented, through an original comparative review of methodologies for rivers' hydromorphological assessment in three EU Member States, which joined the EU at different times, and with many differences in terms of hydrographic features, socio-economic and water management systems: France, Romania, and Croatia. More precisely, the paper aims at identifying and understanding the main principles guiding the hydromorphological assessment methodologies, elements and data used, giving an overview of the results of hydromorphological river status assessment, and concluding on the stage of hydromorphological assessment implementation. France developed numerous methodologies for physical habitat survey since the 1990s and it is currently conducting a rigorous hydromorphological field survey, but it does not yet have any national methodology for rivers' hydromorphological status assessment, nevertheless foreseen for the next cycle of the WFD. Besides, Romania and Croatia have already started the assessment of the hydromorphological status of rivers within the two cycles of the River Basin Management Plans and are making efforts to improve the hydromorphological monitoring activity. The methods generally differ in indicators, data used, and spatial scale of analysis, which makes it difficult to compare the results of the assessments. Despite a common water policy, the methodological dissimilarities seem to be rather usual between EU Member States. Therefore, the standardization of methodologies appears to be necessary, but the current results could be useful for setting priorities for river restoration and for achieving a better status at a national scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A study space analysis of the entire literature on child-directed speech reveals considerable gaps in research efforts with respect to comparisons between child- and adult-directed speech for several combinations of input domains and learning outcomes. • Studies that compare learning outcomes between child-directed and adult-directed speech have to date focussed mainly on prosodic, phonetic, and phonological features of child-directed speech and on the ability to discriminate between child-and adult-directed speech. Evidence about learning benefits from other input features and learning outcomes is limited. • Thus, claims that child-directed speech facilitates language learning do not generalise across other input domains and learning outcomes and should more accurately represent the limitations of the available evidence. Future research efforts would benefit from filling the identified gaps in the study space. Because child-directed speech (CDS) is ubiquitous in some cultures and because positive associations between certain features of the language input and certain learning outcomes have been attested it has often been claimed that the function of CDS is to aid children's language development in general. We argue that for this claim to be generalisable, superior learning from CDS compared to non-CDS, such as adult-directed speech (ADS), must be demonstrated across multiple input domains and learning outcomes. To determine the availability of such evidence we performed a study space analysis of the research literature on CDS. A total of 942 relevant papers were coded with respect to (i) CDS features under consideration, (ii) learning outcomes and (iii) whether a comparison between CDS and ADS was reported. The results show that only 16.2% of peer-reviewed studies in this field compared learning outcomes between CDS and ADS, almost half of which focussed on the ability to discriminate between the two registers. Crucially, we found only 20 studies comparing learning outcomes between CDS and ADS for morphosyntactic and lexico-semantic features and none for pragmatic and extra-linguistic features. Although these 20 studies provided preliminary evidence for a facilitative effect of some specific morphosyntactic and lexico-semantic features, overall CDS-ADS comparison studies are very unevenly distributed across the space of CDS features and outcome measures. The disproportional emphasis on prosodic, phonetic, and phonological input features, and register discrimination as the outcome invites caution with respect to the generalisability of the claim that CDS facilitates language development across the breadth of input domains and learning outcomes. Future research ought to resolve the discrepancy between sweeping claims about the function of CDS as facilitating language development on the one hand and the narrow evidence base for such a claim on the other by conducting CDS-ADS comparisons across a wider range of input features and outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how well various machine learning classifiers can identify mean-motion resonances in the main belt using supervised learning. The most popular classifiers are assessed: k-Nearest Neighbours, Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, Random Forest, and Naïve Bayes. In contrast to previous studies that often relied on default ML configurations, this research conducts a detailed investigation, fine-tuning, and testing of each classifier across various parameters. The results show that simpler models, especially k-Nearest Neighbours and Decision Tree, perform better than more complex ones, particularly in terms of F 1 scores. The paper provides guides on selecting features, parameters, and training set sizes for optimal classifier performance and outlines a method for developing effective machine-learning models for asteroid classification. • Fine-tuning classifiers boosts performance in asteroid classification. • kNN and Decision Trees outperform in mean-motion resonance identification. • Naïve Bayes is effective with minimal initial dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a set-analytic approach to the study of intersectionality. Our approach builds on the intersectional view that combinations of attributes, such as black females , should be understood as qualitatively distinct states, not reducible to their component attributes. We show that interaction-based, quantitative approaches are not only inconsistent with the core assumptions of intersectionality but also may underestimate the presence of penalties linked to multi-category memberships. In contrast, we show that truth table analysis, a core feature of Qualitative Comparative Analysis, directly implements several of the core methodological concerns of the intersectionality perspective. The truth table approach offers two important advantages. (1) It provides a foundation for the comparison of logically 'adjacent' configurations—combinations of case characteristics that differ by only a single attribute. (2) It can accommodate case attributes that vary by level or degree in a set-theoretic, intersectional framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesh-based Eulerian and particle-based Lagrangian models are common computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools for simulating wave-structure interactions. While Eulerian models are efficient in terms of computational time, they are limited in their ability to handle large interface discontinuities between two flows and complex structure motion responses. Conversely, Lagrangian models are suitable for such discontinuities and motion responses but can be computationally expensive. However, there is a lack of comprehensive discussion on the (dis)advantages of hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian models, which have the potential to achieve both numerical efficiency and flexibility through a combined use of mesh and particles. This paper presents a comparative study of a hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian Particle-In-Cell (PIC) model and the widely-used OpenFOAM model, applied to a variety of complex wave interactions with floating offshore renewable energy structures in both 2D and fully 3D domains. We found that both models demonstrate good performance in simulating complex floating structures. Additionally, it is the first time that the two models have been compared in parallel on the same computing facility, allowing us to directly show their computational efficiency. The PIC model has the advantage of using staggered grids, which enables it to achieve computational efficiency comparable to the pure mesh-based OpenFOAM. The findings of this study provide researchers and practitioners in the field of computational fluid dynamics with a clear understanding of the performance of the hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian PIC model and OpenFOAM for simulating complex fluid-structure interaction problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flood risks are managed differently across Europe. While a number of research studies aim to understand these differences, they tend to pay little attention to the social constructionist aspects of flood risk governance, i.e. the meaning that societies give to flood risk and governance. This paper aims to address this gap by understanding differences in flood risk management approaches (FRMA) from a discursive-institutional perspective. Based on this perspective, an analytical framework was developed to systematically analyse and compare discourses pertaining to flood risk and its governance in six European member states (England (the United Kingdom), Flanders (Belgium), France, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden). Correspondingly, this paper demonstrates how the hegemonic discursive-institutional patterns of flood risk governance differ between the six European countries. These differences may influence the capability of countries to learn from each other, adopt new FRMAs or cooperate with each other. Moreover, the paper argues that differences in discourses partially account for the differences in FRMAs between countries, combined with other factors. Additionally, broader implications are discussed. For example, the research findings imply that some discourses tend to favour or disfavour other discourses, and that they additionally also tend to favour particular FRMAs; e.g. the flood risk discourse pertaining to high manageability of risks seems to favour a governance discourse of collectivity and central governance . The different insights imply that further research is necessary to understand the complex interaction of discourses and institutional arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The relationship between MHBM and VCHBM is unveiled by deriving the transformation matrices for their nonlinear algebraic equations. • A new efficient formulation for alternating Frequency-Time method (AFT) in VCHBM is proposed to avoid unnecessarily time-consuming symbolic operations. • A phase condition for arc-length continuation method (ALC) in VCHBM is proposed to perform a robust and efficient continuation in the solution branches. • It is found that MHBM demonstrates a higher computational efficiency but VCHBM provides a more robust and accurate result. Quasi-periodic solutions widely exist in nonlinear dynamical systems, which are the one of the most important dynamical behaviors but much more difficult to obtain full- or semi-analytically than equilibria and periodic solutions. Recently, multi-harmonic balance method (MHBM) and variable-coefficient harmonic balance method (VCHBM) have been proposed to determine the quasi-periodic solutions semi-analytically. In this paper, after a brief review on the two methods, that is, MHBM uses a multi-dimensional Fourier series and VCHBM a variable-coefficient Fourier series, the relationship between them is unveiled particularly for the case of quasi-periodic solutions consisting of two frequency components. The transform matrices between the algebraic equations of the Fourier coefficients in the two methods are derived. Furthermore, a new formulation for alternating Frequency-Time method (AFT) and a phase condition for arc-length continuation method (ALC) in VCHBM are proposed to make the method more efficient and robust. Through the application of two examples, it is found that when the two methods choose equal harmonic order and thus have the same number of unknowns, MHBM demonstrates higher computational efficiency but VCHBM shows more robust and accurate, especially for the quasi-periodic solutions in the nonlinear dynamical systems with a single-frequency excitation. This paper provides insight views into the features of MHBM and VCHBM.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) is a noise assisted method that may sometimes provide a significant improvement on Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). However, the amplitude and number of added noise need to be selected when applying the EEMD method. Furthermore, the computation time which depends on the number of ensemble trails is very high compared to the EMD. In this paper, a new way for choosing the appropriate added noise is presented. Conversely, a recently-developed method called the Empirical Wavelet Transform (EWT) is investigated. A comparative study between the EMD and EWT methods is conducted. The results show that the EWT is better than the EEMD and EMD on mode estimates and computation time is significantly reduced. An experimental study on bearing diagnosis is conducted. The EWT is applied to experimental data coming from damaged bearings. In the paper, an index selection is introduced that allows for the automatic selection of the Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) that should be used to perform the envelope spectrum. It is shown that choosing all the IMF selected by the index is more efficient than only choosing the best one. The envelope of the sum of the selected IMF clearly reveals the bearing frequencies and its harmonics which are excited by the defect. This approach seems to be an effective and efficient method for processing bearing fault signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present comparison results for focal points of conjoined bases Y ( t ) , Y ˆ ( t ) of two linear Hamiltonian differential systems under the majorant condition H ( t ) − H ˆ ( t ) ≥ 0 for their Hamiltonians H ( t ) , H ˆ ( t ) . Both systems are considered without controllability (or normality) assumptions and under the Legendre condition for H ˆ ( t ) . The main result of the paper connects the difference between the number of proper focal points of Y ( t ) , Y ˆ ( t ) with the number of proper focal points of the transformed conjoined basis Z ˆ − 1 ( t ) Y ( t ) , where Z ˆ ( t ) is a symplectic fundamental solution matrix of the Hamiltonian system associated with H ˆ ( t ) . Focal points of this transformed basis coincide with focal points of the matrix Wronskian of Y ( t ) , Y ˆ ( t ) . The main tool of the paper is the comparative index theory for discrete symplectic systems generalized to the continuous case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding a novel drug is a very long and complex procedure. Using computer simulations, it is possible to accelerate the preliminary phases by performing a virtual screening that filters a large set of drug candidates to a manageable number. This paper presents the implementations and comparative analysis of two GPU-optimized implementations of a virtual screening algorithm targeting novel GPU architectures. This work focuses on the analysis of parallel computation patterns and their mapping onto the target architecture. The first method adopts a traditional approach that spreads the computation for a single molecule across the entire GPU. The second uses a novel batched approach that exploits the parallel architecture of the GPU to evaluate more molecules in parallel. Experimental results showed a different behavior depending on the size of the database to be screened, either reaching a performance plateau sooner or having a more extended initial transient period to achieve a higher throughput (up to 5x), which is more suitable for extreme-scale virtual screening campaigns. • Analyze and compare two CUDA implementations of a real-world virtual screening application with a completely different design. • Experimental results show how a batched approach yields a much higher throughput than an approach that spreads the computation across the GPU. • To explain the performance, we performed a detailed analysis considering the algorithm, hardware characteristics, and input features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site selection for Low Impact Development (LID) practices is a significant process. It affects the effectiveness of LID in controlling stormwater surface runoff, volume, flow rate, and infiltration. This research paper presents a comprehensive review of various methods used for LID site selection. It starts by introducing different methods and tools. Three main methods: index-based methods, GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and multi-criteria models and tools, are discussed in detail. A comparative analysis of these methods is then conducted based on ten different criteria. These criteria include the number of variables, data properties, the scale of analysis, benefits maximization approach, multi-attribute decision analysis, user-friendliness, community and stakeholder participation, and the validation methods. This comparison reveals limitations in each method. These include inadequate data availability and quality, lack of evaluation methods, comprehensive assessment criteria and spatial explicitness. These challenges underscore the need for future research to prioritize spatial clarity, broaden criteria, improve data quality through standardization, incorporate field visits and remote sensing for robust results, integrate big data, and develop web-based, open-source tools for enhanced accessibility. These key strategies provide valuable insights for advancing LID site selection methods. • Reviews key LID site selection methods. • Comparative analysis based on multiple factors. • Highlights method limitations, prompting further research in LID site selection. • Recommends improvements and new methods to address research gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the globalised food system delivers unparalleled food variety and quantity to most in the developed world it also disconnects consumers from where, how and by whom food is grown. This change in the food system has resulted in an acceptance of an anonymous and homogeneous food supply, which has contributed to over-consumption and the rise in diet-related diseases. 'Nutritionism' responds to this issue by maintaining that a 'healthy diet' can be achieved by consuming the correct balance of energy and nutrients, but with limited success. Yet, some food cultures can moderate the effects of the environmental drivers of increasing global obesity rates. This paper draws on this premise and presents an alternative eco-dietetic response, exploring people's meaning-making of food and food culture through local food networks. This research used narrative inquiry methodology and purposive sampling to gather stories through focus group conversations. Twenty people attended focus groups comprised of food procurers from one of three local food networks in the Canberra region: community gardens, a modified Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farmers' markets. The findings showed that those using local food networks enjoyed a 'contemporary relational food culture' that highlighted the importance of people, place and time, in their visceral experiences of food. The community gardeners made meaning of food through their connections to the earth and to others. The farmers' market and CSA food procurers valued the seasonal, local and ethical food produced by their beloved farmer(s). This paper provides qualitative evidence that local food networks enable people to enjoy multi-dimensional relationships to food. Further research is required to examine whether experiencing a contemporary relational food culture can lead to improved health outcomes for people and the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined analysis of medical images obtained from multiple imaging modalities is extensively used by clinical professionals for quick diagnosis and treatment of critical diseases. Therefore, multimodal medical image fusion, that fuses information from different medical images into a single fused image, have gained potential interest of researchers in recent years. In this paper, a novel method of multimodal medical image fusion using fuzzy-transform (FTR) is proposed. FTR based fusion helps in preservation as well as effective transfer of detailed information present in input images into a fused image. To evaluate and prove better performance of the proposed fusion method, a number of experiments and comparisons with other existing methods of fusion have been carried out in this paper. Experimental results and comparative analysis prove that the proposed fusion algorithm is effective and generates better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active and semi-active control of oscillating devices and structures is a challenging field and this paper proposes an original investigation based on variational controls that can be successfully applied to mechanical systems. The method produces a general class of new controllers, named VFC – Variational Feedback Controllers, that is the main theoretical contribution of the paper. The value of the theory relies on using a reformulation of the Variational Optimal Control Theory, that has in general the limit of producing control program strategies and not directly feedback control methods. The difficulties are in fact related to the intrinsic nature of the variational optimal control, that must solve initial and final boundary conditions. A special definition of the class of the considered objective functions, permits to skip this difficulty, producing a pure feedback control. The presented theory goes beyond with respect to the most acknowledged LQR variational-based techniques, in that VFC can be applied to more general nonlinear dynamical systems, even with finite time horizon. To test the effectiveness of the novel approach in real engineering problems, a deep investigation on nonlinear suspension systems treated by VFC is proposed in this paper. To this aim, VFC is systematically compared with the most recent methods available in this field and suitable to deal with nonlinear system control of car suspensions. In particular, the comparative analysis is made in terms of both comfort and handling key performance indexes, that permits to easily and significantly compare different control logics, such as the Sky-hook and Ground-hook control families, the Acceleration and Power Driven Dampers. The results of this comparison are collected in a performance plane, having comfort and handling indexes as coordinate axes, showing that VFC controllers completely cover the regions reached by the other mentioned control logics in this plane, but reveal to have access to new valuable areas of unexplored different performance combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectangular tanks equipped with perforated screens and partly filled with water have been proposed as Tuned Liquid Dampers (TLDs) to mitigate the vibratory response of slender buildings. In a previous paper (Molin & Remy 2013)an experimental campaign was reported and its results compared with a numerical model, based on linearized potential flow theory. Good agreement was generally obtained for the added mass and damping coefficients. In these experiments the screen had numerous circular openings, 4 mm in diameter, and it was assumed in the numerical model that the screen created a pressure drop proportional to the square of the relative traversing velocity. In this subsequent paper complementary experiments are described where the screen openings are increased in size, keeping constant the open-area ratio, and varied in shapes (vertical slots then circular holes). As a result of the solid parts of the screen getting larger, inertia effects come into play resulting in a shift of the resonant frequencies of the odd sloshing modes. With a proper modification of the discharge law in the numerical model, ccounting for inertia effects, good agreement is recovered between experimental and numerical hydrodynamic coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamics of a simple dry-friction oscillator which is composed of a block, modeled as a particle, connected to a fixed support by a spring. The block moves over a continuous belt that is driven by rollers. The frictional force between the block and the belt is modeled as a Coulomb friction. Due to this friction model, the resulting motion of the block can be characterized into two qualitatively different modes, the stick- and slip-modes, with a non-smooth transition between them. The focus of the paper is to quantify the percent of time in which the block stays in the stick-mode for different models of periodic belt velocity and for different values of the friction coefficient. Continuous, discontinuous, and random models of belt velocity were considered. The objective is to compare their influence in the duration of the stick-mode. The time of stick represents the fraction of time that the oscillator sticks, it can be viewed as the probability of a biased-coin problem: stick is head and slip is tail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To address a deficiency in clinical trial and research enrollment in gynecologic cancer studies, we launched a paper based patient research registry. To improve registry enrollment, we transitioned to an online registry and trial matching mechanism to aid women in accessing open studies. Methods Utilizing a validated verification platform, we designed a web-based registry and trial matching mechanism for women over age 18. Participants completed a questionnaire to provide information for trial matching. A focus group of registry participants was held 9 months after the start of the study to evaluate barriers to participation. Results A total of 322 women were enrolled in the online registry over a 14 month period which was a 4.3 fold increase over the paper-based registry (p < 0.0001). Two hundred and sixty three (82%) women were matched to at least one study. Fifteen percent (39/263) of those eligible for studies went on to enroll. The online enrollment rate to studies was not different from that observed in the paper-based registry (26/172, p = 0.934), however, the web-based registry linked participants to subsequent studies 27% more rapidly (68 (+/− 98) days vs. 93 (+/− 81) days for the paper-based registry, p = 0.017). Focus group participants identified areas for improvement. Conclusion Web-based patient driven registry provides dramatic improvement in the number of participants enrolled and the time to trial linkage compared to a paper based registry at a single institution. Further studies of barriers to research participation are necessary to improve on this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scholars point out that in complex and contested decision-making and planning situations, participatory processes have clear advantages over “traditional” or non-participatory processes. Improving our understanding of which participatory process elements or combination of elements contribute to specific outcomes demands a comparative diagnosis of multiple case studies based on a systematic framework. This paper describes the theoretical foundation and application of a diagnostic framework developed for the description and comparative analysis of participatory processes. The framework for the Comparison of Participatory Processes (COPP) is composed of three dimensions: context, process, and outputs outcomes and impacts. For each dimension, a list of variables is provided, with associated selectable options. The framework also requires clarification of three monitoring and evaluation elements. The COPP framework is then applied to five participatory processes across five different contexts: three located in the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia and two in eastern Africa. The goal is to test first if the framework facilitates the development of a comprehensive and clear description of participatory processes, and second, if a diagnostic step can be facilitated by applying the descriptions in a cross-comparative analysis. The paper concludes that despite a few challenges, the COPP framework is sufficiently generic to derive clear and consistent descriptions. A sample of only five case studies restricts the derivation of robust insights. Nevertheless, three testable hypothesis were derived, which would need to be tested with a much larger sample of case studies in order to substantiate the efficacy of process characteristics and attributes. Ultimately, such hypotheses and subsequent analytical efforts would contribute to the advancement of this increasingly prominent research domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three multiscale methods for coupling of mesoscopic (compartment-based) and microscopic (molecular-based) stochastic reaction–diffusion simulations are investigated. Two of the three methods that will be discussed in detail have been previously reported in the literature; the two-regime method (TRM) and the compartment–placement method (CPM). The third method that is introduced and analysed in this paper is called the ghost cell method (GCM), since it works by constructing a “ghost cell” in which molecules can disappear and jump into the compartment-based simulation. Presented is a comparison of sources of error. The convergent properties of this error are studied as the time step Δ t (for updating the molecular-based part of the model) approaches zero. It is found that the error behaviour depends on another fundamental computational parameter h , the compartment size in the mesoscopic part of the model. Two important limiting cases, which appear in applications, are considered: (i) Δ t → 0 and h is fixed; (ii) Δ t → 0 and h → 0 such that Δ t / h is fixed. The error for previously developed approaches (the TRM and CPM) converges to zero only in the limiting case (ii), but not in case (i). It is shown that the error of the GCM converges in the limiting case (i). Thus the GCM is superior to previous coupling techniques if the mesoscopic description is much coarser than the microscopic part of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The matter of environmental concern prioritization integrated into globally used green building rating systems is a fundamental issue since it determines how the performance of a structure or development is reflected. Certain nationally-developed certification systems are used globally without being subjected to adjustments with respect to local geographical, cultural, economic and social parameters. This may lead to a situation where the results of an evaluation may not reflect the reality of the region and/or the site of construction. The main objective of this paper is to examine and underline the problems regarding the issue of weighting environmental concerns in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system, which is a US-originated but globally used assessment tool. The methodology of this study consists of; (i) an analysis of the approach of LEED in the New Construction and Major Renovations scheme in version 3 (LEED NC, v.3) and the Building Design and Construction scheme in version 4 (LEED BD + C, v.4), (ii) case studies in which regional priority credits (RPCs) set by LEED for four countries (Canada, Turkey, China and Egypt) are criticized with respect to countries’ own local conditions, and, (iii) an analysis of the approaches of major environmental assessment tools, namely; BREEAM, SBTool, CASBEE and Green Star, in comparison to the approach in LEED, regarding the main issue of this paper. This work shows that, even in its latest version (v.4) LEED still displays some inadequacies and inconsistencies from the aspect of environmental concern prioritization and has not yet managed to incorporate a system which is more sensitive to this issue. This paper further outlines the differences and similarities between the approaches of the aforementioned major environmental assessment tools with respect to the issue of concern and the factors that should be integrated into future versions of LEED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of experimental studies of vibrations of an elastic hose which are induced by a pulsating fluid flow. It was found that there is a possibility of parametric resonances: principal and combination associated with certain modes of vibrations. The influence of frequency and the amplitude of pulsation, average flow velocity, pressure inside pipe, the length of the hose, and the temperature on the ranges of parametric vibrations were analysed. The character of vibrations in resonance ranges was determined by showing time histories and the results of spectral analyses. A flexible hose applied in high-pressure hydraulic systems was used as an object of research. The values of basic parameters which describe the hose׳s mechanical properties were identified experimentally. The results of the experiments were compared with the results of numerical simulations conducted on the basis of the methodology proposed in Part I of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines food eaten at meals in Great Britain. It presents findings about contemporary meal content, reflecting on the relationship between meal content and occasion, and makes comparison with an earlier study. Drawing on an online survey (N = 2784), conducted in September 2012, it describes the food consumed at daily eating events in terms of content, volume and complexity, common components and combinations, and sequence. Socio-demographic and economic differences are examined. Conceptual tools for analysing the association between food content and meal occasions are refined. The paper first explores the regularity of meal patterns. This is followed by description of the contours of the three principal daily eating events, with a brief section on snacks. The paper interprets distinctive features of current patterns by way of comparison with a similar study of eating habits in the 1950s. Findings reveal morning and midday eating events as simple and homogeneous in content, particularly on weekdays, with respondents breakfasting on cereal or toast, and lunching on sandwiches. Evening meals are more complex, structured and varied in content. Common patterns and systematic differentiation can be discerned, particularly across age cohort. Significant historical change can also be observed in relation to meal content and, to a lesser extent, meal pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an alternative pathway in studying the ubiquitous blade/casing rub problem in turbomachinery. Bladed disks interfere with the stationary shroud (casing) for a variety of reasons, such as axial offsets, thermal expansions. Both components being compliant, time-varying interface characteristics, nonlinearities and uncertainties in the rub forces make this dynamics very complex to model and analyze. The main idea in this paper originates from the conjecture that this dynamics is inherently akin to internal machining operation which also deals with compliant cutters (blades) but relatively more rigid workpiece (casing). This analogy directs our attention to the fact that the blade/casing impingement dynamics manifests a ‘regenerative mechanism’ which is impregnated with time delays. The ensuing time-delayed system (TDS) can be stable, which is ideal. If it is unstable, however, the interference amplitudes between the blade and the casing grow, and the nonlinear effects become dominant. If the components survived the exercise, this evolution would reach a limit-cycle behavior. Existing literature indicates that this limit cycle mode is the common state of operation in most modern-day turbomachinery. Consequently, the state-of-the-art research effort is focused on minimizing its amplitude to alleviate the destructive levels of fatigue effect. In this article we consider a different perspective in looking at these problems, by proposing the conditions to achieve stable rub interference. For this, a recent mathematical tool of the authors’ group called the Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots (CTCR) is deployed. CTCR declares the complete stability outlook of such time-delayed systems in the space of the operational and design parameters. We show how this new capability can assist the design process of the blade-casing interface. Simulations, relevant stability observations and comparisons with a peer technique are provided for some case studies to demonstrate the capabilities of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how the brine shrimp responds to different geographical populations can provide novel insights on response to bacterial stimulation. In the paper, Artemia sinica from lower altitudes and Artemia parthenogenetica from higher altitudes of the Tibetan Plateau, were used to illustrate different defense against bacteria mechanisms that these organisms used to adapt to different geographical environments. Protein kinase CK2 is a serine/threonine kinase with a multitude of protein substrates. It is a ubiquitous enzyme essential for the viability of eukaryotic cells, where its functions in a variety of cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, transcription, and viral infection. The gene encodes the same mRNA sequence in A. sinica and A. parthenogenetica , named AsCK2α and ApCK2α , respectively. The open reading frame was obtained, a 1047-bp sequence encoding a predicted protein of 349 amino acids. To systematically analyze the expression of AsCK2α and ApCK2α during embryonic development and bacterial challenge, real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed. The results showed that As CK2α was higher than Ap CK2α at different developmental stages. Under bacterial challenge, the expression of Ap CK2α was significantly higher than As CK2α. Protein localization analysis showed that As CK2α and Ap CK2α were mainly distributed in the head and chest. Our research revealed that CK2α plays a vital role in the growth, development and bacterial stimulation of the brine shrimp. • AsCK2α gene was identified and characterized in the brine shrimp for the first time. • CK2α is differentially expressed of two brine shrimps at under bacterial stimulation. • CK2α gene plays a vital role in the early development of the brine shrimp. • CK2α may regulate the expression of immune related genes in the brine shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp), belongs to Mycoplasma mycoides cluster and is a causal pathogen of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP). This paper presents the complete annotated genome sequence of Mccp Strain 87001—a strain that was isolated from pneumonia affected goats on a farm in China, and comparative genomics analysis of five Mccp genomes in addition to comparative genomics within Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. The Mccp strain 87001 genome consists of a single circular chromosome 1017333 bp in length and encodes 898 open reading frames (orfs) averaging 944 bp in length. Fifty eight potential virulence genes were identified, including variable surface lipoproteins, hemolysin A, and P60 surface lipoprotein. Comparative genomic analysis revealed eight virulence genes and four extracellular genes which remained unchanged in five Mccp genomes for forty years, which can be used as potential target for drug development and vaccine design. We revealed 183 Mccp unique genes as markers to distinguish Mccp with other mycoplasma strains from goats, and different virulence factors contributing to host specificity and different syndrome of bovine pathogens and caprine pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weighted Euclidean distance (D 2) is one of the earliest dissimilarity measures used for alignment free comparison of biological sequences. This distance measure and its variants have been used in numerous applications due to its fast computation, and many variants of it have been subsequently introduced. The D 2 distance measure is based on the count of k-words in the two sequences that are compared. Traditionally, all k-words are compared when computing the distance. In this paper we show that similar accuracy in sequence comparison can be achieved by using a selected subset of k-words. We introduce a term variance based quality measure for identifying the important k-words. We demonstrate the application of the proposed technique in phylogeny reconstruction and show that up to 99% of the k-words can be filtered out for certain datasets, resulting in faster sequence comparison. The paper also presents an exploratory analysis based evaluation of optimal k-word values and discusses the impact of using subsets of k-words in such optimal instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several years a number of papers have been written describing modern techniques for numerically computing the dominant eigenvalue of the neutron transport criticality problem. These methods fall into two distinct categories. The first category of methods rewrite the multi-group k-eigenvalue problem as a nonlinear system of equations and solve the resulting system using either a Jacobian-Free Newton-Krylov (JFNK) method or Nonlinear Krylov Acceleration (NKA), a variant of Anderson Acceleration. These methods are generally successful in significantly reducing the number of transport sweeps required to compute the dominant eigenvalue. The second category of methods utilize Moment-Based Acceleration (or High-Order/Low-Order (HOLO) Acceleration). These methods solve a sequence of modified diffusion eigenvalue problems whose solutions converge to the solution of the original transport eigenvalue problem. This second class of methods is, in our experience, always superior to the first, as most of the computational work is eliminated by the acceleration from the LO diffusion system. In this paper, we review each of these methods. Our computational results support our claim that the choice of which nonlinear solver to use, JFNK or NKA, should be secondary. The primary computational savings result from the implementation of a HOLO algorithm. We display computational results for a series of challenging multi-dimensional test problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper proposes the design and experiment of a vibration isolator capable of isolating a wide range of loads. The isolator consists of two oblique springs and one vertical spring to achieve quasi-zero stiffness at the equilibrium position. The quasi-zero-stiffness characteristic makes the isolator attenuate external disturbance more at low frequencies, when compared with linear isolators. Unlike previous studies, this paper focuses on the analysis of the effect of different loads and the implementation of an adjustment mechanism to handle a wide range of loads. To ensure zero stiffness under imperfect stiffness matching, a lateral adjustment mechanism is also proposed. Instead of using coil springs, special planar springs are designed to realize the isolator in a compact space. Static and dynamic models are developed to evaluate the effect of key design parameters so that the isolator can have a wide isolation range without sacrificing its size. A prototype and its associated experiments are presented to validate the transmissibility curves under three different loads. The results clearly show the advantage of quasi-zero-stiffness isolators against linear isolators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper compares various decentralised control strategies, including structural and acoustic actuator–sensor configuration designs, to reduce noise transmission through a double panel structure. The comparison is based on identical control stability indexes. The double panel structure consists of two panels with air in between and offers the advantages of low sound transmission at high frequencies, low heat transmission, and low weight. The double panel structure is widely used, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. Nevertheless, the resonance of the cavity and the poor sound transmission loss at low frequencies limit the double panel's noise control performance. Applying active structural acoustic control to the panels or active noise control to the cavity has been discussed in many papers. In this paper, the resonances of the panels and the cavity are considered simultaneously to further reduce the transmitted noise through an existing double panel structure. A structural–acoustic coupled model is developed to investigate and compare various structural control and cavity control methods. Numerical analysis and real-time control results show that structural control should be applied to both panels. Three types of cavity control sources are presented and compared. The results indicate that the largest noise reduction is obtained with cavity control by loudspeakers modified to operate as incident pressure sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a wind tunnel analysis of two degrees-of-freedom system represented by sectional girders is carried out. Besides an evaluation of the aeroelastic coefficients, the analysis is focused on the influence of the natural frequency ratio on the initiation of unstable vibration, which can be of practical interest. On the phenomenological level, the paper also discusses experimentally ascertained response regimes, with an emphasis on their stability character. The attention is paid to the memory effect in the response described by the hysteresis loop together with the separation curves determining the stability boundaries. The influence of initial disturbance on the stability is examined. Two types of cross-sections were investigated: (i) rectangular one with the aspect ratio 1:5, and (ii) bridge-like cross-section with comparable principal dimensions. For both types of cross-sections, the limits of the stability are significantly affected by an intentionally introduced initial disturbance. This holds especially with regard to the rectangular profile where the separation curves create very narrow sub-domains between a stable and an unstable response, while the bridge-like cross-section demonstrates much stable behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we revisit the problem of Bayesian model selection (BMS) at the group level. We originally addressed this issue in Stephan et al. (2009), where models are treated as random effects that could differ between subjects, with an unknown population distribution. Here, we extend this work, by (i) introducing the Bayesian omnibus risk (BOR) as a measure of the statistical risk incurred when performing group BMS, (ii) highlighting the difference between random effects BMS and classical random effects analyses of parameter estimates, and (iii) addressing the problem of between group or condition model comparisons. We address the first issue by quantifying the chance likelihood of apparent differences in model frequencies. This leads to the notion of protected exceedance probabilities. The second issue arises when people want to ask “whether a model parameter is zero or not” at the group level. Here, we provide guidance as to whether to use a classical second-level analysis of parameter estimates, or random effects BMS. The third issue rests on the evidence for a difference in model labels or frequencies across groups or conditions. Overall, we hope that the material presented in this paper finesses the problems of group-level BMS in the analysis of neuroimaging and behavioural data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low impact development (LID) is generally regarded as a more sustainable solution for urban stormwater management than conventional urban drainage systems. However, its effects on urban flooding at a scale of urban drainage systems have not been fully understood particularly when different rainfall characteristics are considered. In this paper, using an urbanizing catchment in China as a case study, the effects of three LID techniques (swale, permeable pavement and green roof) on urban flooding are analyzed and compared with the conventional drainage system design. A range of storm events with different rainfall amounts, durations and locations of peak intensity are considered for holistic assessment of the LID techniques. The effects are measured by the total flood volume reduction during a storm event compared to the conventional drainage system design. The results obtained indicate that all three LID scenarios are more effective in flood reduction during heavier and shorter storm events. Their performance, however, varies significantly according to the location of peak intensity. That is, swales perform best during a storm event with an early peak, permeable pavements perform best with a middle peak, and green roofs perform best with a late peak, respectively. The trends of flood reduction can be explained using a newly proposed water balance method, i.e., by comparing the effective storage depth of the LID designs with the accumulative rainfall amounts at the beginning and end of flooding in the conventional drainage system. This paper provides an insight into the performance of LID designs under different rainfall characteristics, which is essential for effective urban flood management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Water is essential not only to maintain the livelihoods of human beings but also to sustain ecosystems. Over the last few decades several global assessments have reviewed current and future uses of water, and have offered potential solutions to a possible water crisis. However, these have tended to focus on water supply rather than on the range of demands for all water services (including those of ecosystems). In this paper, a holistic global view of water resources and the services they provide is presented, using Sankey diagrams as a visualisation tool. These diagrams provide a valuable addition to the spatial maps of other global assessments, as they track the sources, uses, services and sinks of water resources. They facilitate comparison of different water services, and highlight trade-offs amongst them. For example, they reveal how increasing the supply of water resources to one service (crop production) can generate a reduction in provision of other water services (e.g., to ecosystem maintenance). The potential impacts of efficiency improvements in the use of water are also highlighted; for example, reduction in soil evaporation from crop production through better farming practices, or the results of improved treatment and re-use of return flows leading to reduction of delivery to final sinks. This paper also outlines the measures needed to ensure sustainable water resource use and supply for multiple competing services in the future, and emphasises that integrated management of land and water resources is essential to achieve this goal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the compact analytical model of underlap gate stack (GS) graded channel (GC) junction accumulation mode (JAM) junctionless (JL) FET. At first, a comparative analysis between the two different graded channel schemes and non-graded channel is performed based on I ON , I OFF and I ON / I OFF ratio. The scheme that yields the higher I ON / I OFF ratio along with smaller I OFF , is adopted in the proposed JL FET for further analysis. The 2D analytical modeling of the GS-GC-JAM-JL FET deals with the determination of surface potential, threshold voltage, subthreshold drain current, DIBL and subthreshold swing. Results obtained from analytical model and simulations are compared and an excellent match is found. Thus the present paper establishes the outstanding ability of proposed underlap GS-GC-JAM-JL FET architecture to shield the short channel effects without sacrificing its performance, and therefore, proves it as a potential candidate for ultra-low power applications. • Analytical modeling of GS-GC-JAM-JL FET is presented here. • Comparative analysis between the various graded channel schemes with non-graded channels is done based on I ON , I OFF and I ON /I OFF ratio. • Graded channel scheme that yields the higher I ON /I OFF ratio with smaller I OFF , is incorporated in the proposed JL FET for further analysis. • Proposed underlap GS-GC-JAM-JL FET architecture shields the short channel effects without sacrificing its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The identification of the aero-acoustic scattering matrix of an orifice in a duct is achieved by computational fluid dynamics. The methodology first consists in performing a large eddy simulation of a turbulent compressible flow, with superimposed broadband acoustic excitations. After extracting time series of acoustic data with a specific filter, system identification techniques are applied. They allow us to determine the components of the acoustic scattering matrix of the orifice. Following the same procedure, a previous paper determines the scattering features of a sudden area expansion. In the present paper, the focus is on whistling orifices. The whistling ability of the tested orifice is evaluated by deriving the acoustic power balance from the scattering matrix. Comparisons with experiments at two different Mach numbers show a good agreement. The potential whistling frequency range is well predicted in terms of frequency and amplitude. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The adoption of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 committed the UK to conserve and sustainably use intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes for the benefit of present and future generations. Through consideration of their importance and value, current status, the characteristics, causes and consequences of their loss, and the associated responses to loss, this paper reviews the UK progress towards the conservation and sustainable use of intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes. Uncertainties in their current status and trends make it difficult to assess the overall net change in extent across the UK. However, it is apparent that losses due to erosion continue to exceed gains from intertidal mudflat and saltmarsh reparation (IMSR) schemes in south-east and southern England. IMSR schemes in the UK have been generally limited to relatively small-scale trials in comparison to elsewhere in Europe and in the USA. No research to date has unequivocally identified the causes of erosion. Regardless of the cause, the loss of intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes has adverse impacts on the provision of ecosystem services upon which humans and other species depend. The evidence presented in this paper suggests that alongside further science-based research, there is a need to develop a decision-making process capable of accommodating complexity, uncertainty and multiple diverse perspectives, through which more informed, timely decisions and more effective, concerted actions to conserve and sustainably use intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes can be taken. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several recent papers have documented an effect of fuel prices on new vehicle fuel economy in the United States. This paper estimates the effect of fuel prices on average new vehicle fuel economy for the eight largest European markets. The analysis spans the years 2002–2007 and uses detailed vehicle registration and specification data to control for policies, consumer preferences, and other potentially confounding factors. We find fuel prices to have a statistically significant effect on average new vehicle fuel economy in Europe. The effect estimated for Europe is much smaller than comparable estimates for the United States. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Examining the evolution of British and Australian policing, this comparative review of the literature considers the historical underpinnings of policing in these two countries and the impact of community legitimacy derived from the early concepts of policing by consent. Using the August 2011 disorder in Britain as a lens, this paper considers whether, in striving to maintain community confidence, undue emphasis is placed on the police's public image at the expense of community safety. Examining the path of policing reform, the impact of bureaucracy on policing and the evolving debate surrounding police performance, this review suggests that, while largely delivering on the ideal of an ethical and strong police force, a preoccupation with self-image may in fact result in tarnishing the very thing British and Australian police forces strive to achieve – their standing with the public. This paper advocates for a more realistic goal of gaining public respect rather than affection in order to achieve the difficult balance between maintaining trust and respect as an approachable, ethical entity providing firm, confident policing in this ever-evolving, modern society. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a SWOT analysis of SEA systems in the Middle East North Africa region through a comparative examination of the status, application and structure of existing systems based on country-specific legal, institutional and procedural frameworks. The analysis is coupled with the multi-attribute decision making method (MADM) within an analytical framework that involves both performance analysis based on predefined evaluation criteria and countries' self-assessment of their SEA system through open-ended surveys. The results show heterogenous status with a general delayed progress characterized by varied levels of weaknesses embedded in the legal and administrative frameworks and poor integration with the decision making process. Capitalizing on available opportunities, the paper highlights measures to enhance the development and enactment of SEA in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Complex mode shapes are quite often encountered in structural dynamics. However, there is no universally accepted parameter for the quantification of mode shape complexity. After reviewing the existing methods, a novel approach is proposed in this paper in order to quantify mode shape complexity for general structures. The new parameter proposed in this paper is based on conservation of energy principle when a structure is vibrating at a specific mode during a period of vibration. The levels of complexity of the individual mode shapes of a sample structure are then quantified using the proposed new parameter and the other parameters available in the literature. The corresponding results are compared, the validity and the generality of the new parameter are demonstrated for various damping scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]