International Research Laboratory Research Articles

FRENCH ARGOTOLOGY IN RUSSIA IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE 21st CENTURY

In the anniversary year of Eda Moiseevna Beregovskaya, it is important to note the continued interest in the study of both the features of social variability of the national language and the expressive capabilities of elements of a specific lexical continuum in literary and journalistic texts. The method of systematic description of French argotisms, which has no analogues in the world practice, proposed by the founder of the national school of argotology, has been repeatedly applied both to the characteristics of a certain sublanguage and to the comparative analysis of several social variants of the national language. Moreover, the scientific heritage of E.M. Beregovskaya contains an array of information on the development and testing of an algorithm for analyzing argotic units in the fabric of a literary text. The analysis allows the addressee to understand words of connivance in context and adequately assess the stylistic effect arising from their presence. The article also describes a convergent approach to the selection of areas of research (lexicological, linguostylistic, field research), which contributes to the inventory of linguistic facts and the identification of universal and specific features of the functioning of elements of argotic vocabulary. Special attention is paid to the followers of E.M. Beregovskaya, who implement individual projects for the study of substandard lexemes as part of the work of the International Research Laboratory of Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev “Problems of Social and Territorial Heteroglossia”.

The PI3K/Akt signaling axis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): From mechanistic insights into possible therapeutic targets.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an immensely debilitating chronic disease that progressively undermines the well-being of various bodily organs and, indeed, most patients succumb to the disease due to post-T2DM complications. Although there is evidence supporting the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway by insulin, which is essential in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, the significance of this pathway in T2DM has only been explored in a few studies. The current review aims to unravel the mechanisms by which different classes of PI3Ks control the metabolism of glucose; and also to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. We also summarized the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis in target tissues spanning from the skeletal muscle to the adipose tissue and liver. Furthermore, inquiries regarding the impact of disrupting this axis on insulin function and the development of insulin resistance have been addressed. We also provide a general overview of the association of impaired PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the most prevalent diabetes-related complications. The last section provides a special focus on the therapeutic potential of this axis by outlining the latest advances in active compounds that alleviate diabetes via modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Finally, we comment on the future research aspects in which the field of T2DM therapies using PI3K modulators might be developed.

23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling

Article 23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling Shuangli Xiang 1, # , Miaojuan Wang 2, # , and Xiuping Chen 2, * 1 Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China. 2 State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China. * Correspondence: xpchen@um.edu.mo, Tel.: +853-88224679, Fax: +853-28841358 # Co-First author. Received: 8 November 2022 Accepted: 2 December 2022 Published: 11 January 2023 Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory intestinal disease, is a growing epidemic affecting people worldwide and requires the development of effective therapeutic drugs. In this study, the effect of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HBA), a compound isolated from the traditional herb Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, on experimental UC was studied. C57BL/6J male mice were administrated with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water to establish the UC model. 23-HBA was orally administrated at either 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/kg for 6 days. Mesalazine was used as a positive control. Examination of the body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology examination, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and protein expression was performed. The pathological changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Aixian blue-glycogen (AB-PAS) staining. In cultured RAW 264.7 cells, the effects of 23-HBA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and oxidative stress were analyzed. Compared with the colitis model, 23-HBA treatment significantly increased the body weight and colon length and decreased the DAI score. Pathological staining showed that 23-HBA mitigated the damage in intestinal structures, the increase in inflammatory cell infiltration, the increase in submucosa edema, and the decrease in goblet cell number. Furthermore, 23-HBA decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA levels in the colon tissues. In addition, 23-HBA inhibited the protein expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB p65 both in the colon tissues and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, these results showed that 23-HBA alleviated DSS-induced acute UC in mice and inhibited LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells possibly mediated by regulating the NF-κB pathway.

Studying Some of Physical Properties of a Lead Doping Titanium Dioxide TiO₂: Pb with Different Ratios

Titanium dioxide TiO2 has witnessed great interest in international research laboratories due to its excellent properties. To study the changes in its physical properties, the structural properties of pure and lead-doped titanium dioxide powder samples were examined with different ratios (x = 0.2 - 0.5 - 0.7 - 0.9 g). The results of X-ray diffraction showed the participation of samples of anatase and rutile of the tetragonal crystal system and brookite of the orthorhombic crystal system based in the titanium dioxide compound with the peaks corresponding to the crystalline levels (110), (012), (040), (111), (211), (123), (112)The preferred orientation is (110) in all pure and doped samples. The relative intensities, distance between crystalline planes (d), crystal size (D), lattice parameters (a), (b) and (c), Initial cell size (V), dislocation density (δ), and theoretical density of the X-ray diffraction spectrum for the powders (ρX-ray) were determined, and the number of atoms of a substance per unit volume (n) and the average distance between atoms (L).

Availability of Reference Materials for Improving Quality of Life within Scientific and Industrial Framework

Established metrological traceability to SI (system international) is the strength of any reliable quality management system. Accreditation of facilities and Good laboratory practices in conducting studies drives all measurement involved in the system with traceability either through calibration or by use of Reference Material (RM). Whenever the process of calibration become not convenient, RMs could take up the role for assuring reliability in results with stated level of confidence with minimum possible uncertainty in results. Standardizing clinical diagnostics, qualifying different developmental stages of bio-medical devices and biomaterials, development and constructive use of radio nuclear techniques, control of environmental pollution, etc invites special attention in improving quality of life. Onsets of pandemic conditions like SARS – CoV 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome -Corona Virus 2) triggers emergencies for regulatory approvals. Availability of certified property values of RMs has significant role in qualifying such tests and evaluations. They may support quick release of products like medical devices into market for routine use. Property value of RMs could be quantitative or qualitative. Even though a large quantum of work has established RMs with quantitative property value, the other type still remains as minimally addressed in many countries. Remarkable efforts done at international research laboratories supplies RMs traceable to NIST (National Institute Standards and Technology, USA), USP (United States Pharmacopeia), NPL (National Physical Laboratory) India etc. RM requirements in critical application areas like healthcare are not sufficiently visible to the scientific community and hence do not satisfy global demands. This feature presents an overview of present status on the issue.

5th Photonics Meeting 2022 (PM22)

19–20 September 2022, Penang, MalaysiaThe Photonics Meeting is an annual event organized by the Optical Society of Malaysia (OSM) in celebrating UNESCO International Day of Light. For this year, the 5th Photonics Meeting 2022 (PM22) was held on 19th and 20th of September 2022 in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia. PM22 with the theme “Exploring photonics breakthrough for humanity” has attracted 26 contributors that covers various topics on photonics including optical materials, laser physics, fiber optics and colorimetry. PM22 has been honoured with presentation from world renowned scientists from industry as well as international research laboratory and universities as the plenary and keynote speakers. PM22 would like to extend its great appreciation to all the committee members who have work diligently to ensure the smooth deliverance of this scientific event. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, the conference was fully conducted virtually through Cisco Webex platform hosted by School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Each participant was given 10 minutes for their presentation and another 5 minutes for question and answer session. All submission has been thoroughly reviewed by the experts in the respective field and presented in this volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series.List of Editors, Keynote Speaker, Plenary Speaker, Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in colorectal cancer: Oncogenic alterations, non-coding RNAs, therapeutic opportunities, and the emerging role of nanoparticles.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest human malignancies worldwide. Several molecular pathways have been demonstrated to be involved in the initiation and development of CRC which among them, the overactivation of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR axis is of importance. The current review aims to unravel the mechanisms by which the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway affects CRC progression; and also, to summarize the original data obtained from international research laboratories on the oncogenic alterations and polymorphisms affecting this pathway in CRC. Besides, we provide a special focus on the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in this malignancy. Questions on how this axis is involved in the inhibition of apoptosis, in the induction of drug resistance, and the angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastasis are also responded. We also discussed the PI3K/Akt pathway-associated prognostic and predictive biomarkers in CRC. In addition, we provide a general overview of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition whether by chemical-based drugs or by natural-based medications in the context of CRC, either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic agents; however, those treatments might have life-threatening side effects and toxicities. To the best of our knowledge, the current review is one of the first ones highlighting the emerging roles of nanotechnology to overcome challenges related to CRC therapy in the hope that providing a promising platform for the treatment of CRC.

The PI3K/Akt signaling axis in Alzheimer's disease: a valuable target to stimulate or suppress?

Among the long list of age-related complications, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has the most dreadful impact on the quality of life due to its devastating effects on memory and cognitive abilities. Although a plausible correlation between the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling and different processes involved in neurodegeneration has been evidenced, few articles reviewed the task. The current review aims to unravel the mechanisms by which the PI3K pathway plays pro-survival roles in normal conditions, and alsoto discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. Responses to questions on how alterations of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway affect Tau phosphorylation and the amyloid cascade are given. In addition, we provide a general overview of the association between oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, alterations of insulin signaling, and altered autophagy with aberrant activation of this axis in the AD brain. The last section provides a special focus on the therapeutic possibility of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR modulators, either categorized as chemicals or herbals, in AD. In conclusion, determining the correct timing for the administration of the drugs seems to be one of the most important factors in the success of these agents. Also, the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis in the progression or repression of AD widely depends on the context of the cells; generally speaking, while PI3K/Akt activation in neurons and neural stem cells is favorable, its activation in microglia cells may be harmful.

The multifaceted role of sortilin/neurotensin receptor 3 in human cancer development

Sortilin (also known as neurotensin receptor 3) is a multitasking protein implicated in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cancer development, cardiovascular impairment, Alzheimer-type dementia, and depression. Althoughthe definitive role of sortilin in human solid and hematological malignancies has been evidenced, few articles reviewed the task. The aim of the current review is to unravel the mechanisms by which sortilin controls oncogenicity and cancer progression; and alsoto summarize and discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. Questions on how sortilin is involving in the impairment of cell junctions, in exosomes composition and release, as well as in the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor trafficking are also responded. In addition, we provide a special focus on the regulatory role of sortilin in signal transduction by either neurotrophins or neurotensin in normal and malignant cells. The relevance of sortilin with normal and cancer stem cells is also discussed. The last section provides a general overview of sortilin applications as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the context of cancer detection. Finally, we comment on the future research aspects in which the field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy might be developed.

Following Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Consequences of its Zero Emission on the Environmental Ecosystem

Background: This research aims to follow the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and the effect of zero-emission on the ecosystem. CO2 is the most important of the green house gases. Nowadays, the earth is suffering from global warming due to greenhouse gases. The call all over the world is to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gases, mainly CO2. Methods: The research methodology depends on the data of international research laboratories, which follow the concentration of CO2, such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the USA, and Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. The concern towards CO2 concentration in the atmosphere started in the last century. Results: The industrial revolution did not consider the impact of pollution on the environment. The impact on the environment was noticed only after a clear disturbance in the ecosystem. The emission of greenhouse gases, especially, CO2 is monitored; daily, monthly and yearly. There are different sources of CO2 emissions, such as transportation, factories, burning of forests etc. In fact, CO2 is a harmful as well as a useful gas. It is harmful because of global warming, and useful because of its important role in the photosynthesis process. This process is very crucial for all living things. The research to reduce the emission of CO2. has provided some solutions. Layered materials, MPS3, where M stands for the transition metal, have been used to store hydrogen gas. The hydrogen molecule size is 2.89 Å, and the molecular size of CO2 is 3.3 Å, this means that the CO2 can be captured by the layered materials. The capturing of CO2 is achieved by simulation. Conclusion: We need to reduce the emission of CO2 but not to reach zero emission, because then, there will be no photosynthesis process, which means there will be no life on the earth. Carbon capture and storage is a technology that can capture up to 90% of the CO2, but the biggest obstacle to this approach lies in the inherent thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO2.

Динамика рождаемости на Северном Кавказе: играет ли роль материнский капитал?

В статье исследуется влияние государственных мер поддержки рождаемости, прежде всего – выплат семейного (материнского) капитала на рождаемость в регионах Северного Кавказа. С этой целью изучаются тренды рождаемости в регионе по данным официальных источников (ежегодных данных Росстата и данных микропереписи населения Российской Федерации 2015 г.) в сравнении с общероссийскими трендами. Суммарные коэффициенты рождаемости отдельно по первым, вторым, третьим и т. д. детям показывают, что на Северном Кавказе в последние десять лет рождаемость третьих и последующих детей заметно выше, чем в России в целом. Высокий уровень их рождаемости является одним из вероятных следствий выплат материнского капитала. Также отличия северокавказской рождаемости от общероссийской обнаруживается, если исследовать динамику рождаемости не по годам рождения детей, а по поколениям матерей. Такое исследование, основанное на данных микропереписи населения РФ 2015 г., показало, что в большинстве регионов Северного Кавказа рождаемость вторых и последующих детей у всех поколений, родившихся между 1950 и 1990-м гг., была выше, чем в целом по России. Более того, в ряде регионов обнаруживается также не наблюдаемое в России в целом повышение рождаемости по сравнению с предыдущими поколениями у тех женщин, у которых период репродуктивной активностичастично пришелся на время действия программы материнского капитала. Таким образом, более детальный анализ данных показал, что тенденции рождаемости на Северном Кавказе с начала выплат материнского капитала заметно отличались от общероссийских, и эти различия могут объясняться более активной «реакцией» Северного Кавказа на данную меру поддержки рождаемости. Эта реакция, в свою очередь, может иметь как экономические, так и социокультурные причины. В статье также обсуждается вопрос о влиянии региональных мер поддержки рождаемости на Северном Кавказе в сопоставлении с другими субъектами РФ.

Could ASF virus have been introduced into China through prohibited pork products carried by air passengers?

Could ASF virus have been introduced into China through prohibited pork products carried by air passengers?

ФАЗОВАЯ ДИАГРАММА СИСТЕМЫ FeGa2Se4-FeIn2Se4 И КРИСТАЛЛИЧЕСКАЯ СТРУКТУРА FeGaInSe4

Методами дифференциального термического анализа (ДТА) и рентгенофазового анализа (РФА) изучены фазовые равновесия в системе FeGa2Se4-FeIn2Se4. Установлено, что она квазибинарна и характеризуется образованием широких областей твердых растворов со стороны исходных соединений FeGa2Se4 (a-фаза) и FeIn2Se4 (b-фаза). b-фаза состава FeGaInSe4 плавится конгруэнтно при 1222 К и кристаллизуется в тригональной сингонии (Пр. гр. R3m) с параметрами решетки: а = 0.39290(1) нм, с = 3.8542(6) нм. С использованием порошковых дифракционных данных методом Ритвельда определена заселенность кристаллографических позиций в FeGaInSe4 и показано, что она качественно отличается от таковой для FeIn2Se4.
 
 Работа выполнена в рамках научной программы международной лаборатории “Перспективные материалы для спинтроники и квантовых вычислений”, созданной на базе Института катализа и неорганической химии НАНА (Азербайджан) и Международного физического центра Доностиа (Испания).

Scorched Earth: 100 Years of Southern African Potteries

November 01 2018 Scorched Earth: 100 Years of Southern African Potteries Scorched Earth: 100 Years of Southern African PotteriesWendyGersAuckland Park, SA: Jacanda Media, 2016. 416 pp., 300+ color ill., notes, biblio., index. $55.95, hardcover Author and Article Information Online Issn: 1937-2108 Print Issn: 0001-9933 © 2018 by the Regents of the University of California.2018Regents of the University of California African Arts (2018) 51 (4): 96. https://doi.org/10.1162/afar_r_00439 Cite Icon Cite Permissions Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Search Site Citation Scorched Earth: 100 Years of Southern African Potteries. African Arts 2018; 51 (4): 96. doi: https://doi.org/10.1162/afar_r_00439 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsAfrican Arts Search Advanced Search Scorched Earth is an account of potteries operating in southern Africa during the twentieth century. With this book, Wendy Gers offers a survey of thirty-two small-to-medium sized potteries that engaged in serial production of a variety of domestic and commercial wares. Each chapter is devoted to one pottery and includes a brief history, types of materials and techniques employed, and an account of the people involved in its history and operation. Gers is an independent curator and art historian who specializes in ceramics. She is also a former curator at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, a founding coordinator of an international ceramics research laboratory for the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Arts (ENSA) Limoges, France, and a research associate at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Gers has curated several exhibitions, including the First Central China International Ceramics Biennale at the Henan Museum (December 2016-March 2017), and Terra-Nova, Taiwan Ceramics Biennale... You do not currently have access to this content.

Challenges in the Analyses of Organophosphate Esters

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been subject to considerable scientific and public scrutiny in recent years. The combination of their physicochemical characteristics and lack of standard analytical methods has resulted in growing concerns with respect to the validity of OPE concentrations reported in the literature. The goal of this study was to address the analytical challenges in analyses of OPEs by comparing the precision and accuracy of data generated for individual target analytes by different laboratories. Eleven international research laboratories were recruited in this study, and a total of 16 OPEs, chosen among the most frequently reported ones, were targeted. Results demonstrate the participating laboratories had generally good to very good consistency for the suite of OPEs analyzed, but accuracy was found to be a problem for several OPEs and laboratories. Methods utilized for the quantification of tri-m-tolyl phosphate, tri-p-tolyl phosphate, and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate performed worst...

ГРАНИЦЫ И СОДЕРЖАНИЕ МИГРАЦИОННОГО ПРОЦЕССА: ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКОЕ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ И ОПЕРАЦИОНАЛИЗАЦИЯ ОБЪЕКТОВ МИГРАЦИОННЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ

The paper is oriented toward re-thinking classical categories in migration studies developed in Russian scholarly literature. The author provides definitions adjusted for the needs of empirical sociological research. The theoretical reasoning and empirical findings presented in the paper are based on researches organized and conducted by the International Research Laboratory «Transnationalism and migration processes: comparative and institutional analysis» in 2009—2015. The author proposes his reading of the terms: «migration process» (in its theoretical and empirical interpretations), «emigrant», «immigrant», and «immigrant status». In opposition to the approach commonly practiced in Russian academic literature the paper introduces the division of the migration process into two (not three) stages: the first stage includes actions aimed at receiving the migrant status; the second stage represents actions carried out to lose the migrant status. The article contains the author’s classi- fication of immigrants according to their status: labor, education, culture, service, family or forced immigrants. The author also proposes criteria for the operation- alization of different types of immigrants according to their formal characteristics and informal practices.

Transition to circular economy and closedloop supply chains as driver of sustainable development

The article was prepared with partial financial support in the framework of the international research laboratory “Efficiency of the economy and the environment” (code IAS SPbSU 15.61.208.2015).

Social Ties of University Students: Evidence from a Longitudinal Survey in Russia

Student friendship networks can be considered as social capital, which is known to be a very useful resource during university and after it. Several empirical studies have examined static models of student behaviour in social networks. In this study we analyse the dynamic changes of student social connections. We use original longitude data of student social ties from one Russian university. Data was collected within the framework of a research project of the International Research Laboratory for Institutional Analysis of Economic Reforms. To investigate factors influencing the evolution of social ties during university probit regressions were tested. We found that students with similar characteristics such as gender and academic achievement are more likely to become friends and continue to be friends. Both studying in the same group and living in a dormitory increase the likelihood of being friends. We also found a transitivity effect. We observe a positive effect of having common friend on friendship ties. We also notice a positive link between reciprocity and friendship stability.

Distributed integrated navigation systems for planetary defense against asteroids

The main objectives of this paper are to give an interdisciplinary overview of the current status of the research on planetary defense against asteroids, which is a real challenge, and consider technical proposals on the development of a multilevel planetary defense system based on modern space technologies, providing for the application of projectile asteroids to deflect target asteroids’ trajectories and distributed integrated navigation systems, the navigation equipment of which is supposed to be installed on many different objects. The composition of such navigation systems and their accuracies are discussed. This work is based on the results obtained by the international Research Laboratory of Space Research, Technologies, Systems and Processes [1], founded at Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics (MIEM), Branch of Higher School of Economics (HSE) in 2011. The project was supported by the grant of the Government of the Russian Federation (2011–2013) [2, 3]. We have also used pioneering ideas from the course of lectures Models of planetary defense [4], prepared at the Department of Mechanics and Mathematical Modeling, MIEM NRU HSE in 2014 [4].

5th International Conference on Advances in Optoelectronics and Micro/Nano-optics (AOM 2015)

The 5th International Conference on Advances in Optoelectronics and Micro/Nano-Optics (AOM 2015) was held in Hangzhou, China during 28-31, October 2015. It was the fifth event of a series of OSA topical meetings that began in Tianjin in 2009, and consequently took place in Guangzhou (2010), Hong Kong (2013), and Xi'an (2014). Following the successes of the previous conferences, the aim of this year's conference was to present the most recent advances in the fields of micro/nano-optics and optoelectronics, especially the new ideas and concepts in modeling, fabrication and testing of photonic materials, structures, devices and systems, and their applications.The conference consisted of 4 plenary lectures (by Yuri Kivshar, Shanhui Fan, Susumu Noda, and Peter Nordlander, respectively), 9 keynote lectures, and 110 invited talks, in which a wide range of topics were covered and the most recent significant results were presented. To encourage the participation of young researchers, oral and poster presentations were also included. Some selected works presented in the conference are published in this edition of Journal of Physics: Conference Series.The AOM 2015 was organized by the State Ley Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation of Zhejiang University, and the Joint International Research Laboratory of Photonics of Zhejiang University, in collaboration with the Optical Society of Zhejiang Province. With 287 international participants from 17 countries, the conference was a great success. We wish to thank all the participants, and the support of the sponsors. We also gratefully acknowledge the support of K. C. Wong Education Foundation.Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the technical program committee, the local organizing committee, the reviewers, as well as the chairs of the conference sessions.