bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite Hierarchical Anti-Disturbance Control with Multisensor Fusion for Compact Optoelectronic Platforms
Authors: Wang Yutang , Tian Dapeng , Dai Ming
Published: September 2018

In the aerospace field, compact optoelectronic platforms (COPs) are being increasingly equipped on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). They assist UAS in a range of mission-specific tasks such as disaster relief, crop testing, and firefighting. However, the strict constraint of structure space makes COPs subject to multi-source disturbances. The application of a low-cost and low-precision sensor also affects the system control performance. A composite hierarchical anti-disturbance control (CHADC) scheme with multisensor fusion is explored herein to improve the motion performance of COPs in the presence of internal and external disturbances. Composite disturbance modelling combining the characteristic of wire-wound moment is presented in the inner layer. The adaptive mutation differential evolution algorithm is implemented to identify and optimise the model parameters of the system internal disturbance. Inverse model compensation and finite-time nonlinear disturbance observer are then constructed to compensate for multiple disturbances. A non-singular terminal sliding mode controller is constructed to attenuate disturbance in the outer layer. A stability analysis for both the composite disturbance compensator and the closed-loop system is provided using Lyapunov stability arguments. The phase lag-free low-pass filter is implemented to interfuse multiple sensors with different order information and achieve satisfactory noise suppression without phase lag. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed CHADC strategy with a higher-quality signal has an improved performance for multi-source disturbance compensation.
Electromagnetic–Acoustic Sensing for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Siyu , Zhang Ruochong , Zheng Zesheng , Zheng Yuanjin
Published: September 2018

This paper reviews the theories and applications of electromagnetic–acoustic (EMA) techniques (covering light-induced photoacoustic, microwave-induced thermoacoustic, magnetic-modulated thermoacoustic, and X-ray-induced thermoacoustic) belonging to the more general area of electromagnetic (EM) hybrid techniques. The theories cover excitation of high-power EM field (laser, microwave, magnetic field, and X-ray) and subsequent acoustic wave generation. The applications of EMA methods include structural imaging, blood flowmetry, thermometry, dosimetry for radiation therapy, hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO2) sensing, fingerprint imaging and sensing, glucose sensing, pH sensing, etc. Several other EM-related acoustic methods, including magnetoacoustic, magnetomotive ultrasound, and magnetomotive photoacoustic are also described. It is believed that EMA has great potential in both pre-clinical research and medical practice.
A Polarization-Independent Fiber-Optic SPR Sensor
Authors: Li Songquan , Gao Laixu , Zou Changwei , Xie Wei , Wei Yong , Tian Canxin , Wang Zesong , Liang Feng , Xiang Yanxiong , Yang Qian
Published: September 2018

Fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors possess the advantages of small size, flexible, allowing for a smaller sample volume, easy to be integrated, and high sensitivity. They have been intensively developed in recent decades. However, the polarizing nature of the surface plasmon waves (SPWs) always hinders the acquisition of SPR spectrum with high signal-noise ratio in wavelength modulation unless a polarizer is employed. The addition of polarizer complicates the system and reduces the degree of compactness. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a novel, polarization-independent fiber-optic SPR sensor based on a BK7 bi-prism with two incident planes orthogonal to each other. In the bi-prism, TM-polarized components of non-polarized incident lights excite SPWs on the first sensing channel, meanwhile the TE components and the remaining TM components are reflected, then the reflected TE components serve as TM components of incident lights for the second sensing channel to excite SPWs. Simulations show the proposed SPR structure permit us to completely eliminate the polarization dependence of the plasmon excitation. Experimental results agree well with the simulations. This kind of devices can be considered an excellent option for development of simple and compact SPR chemical sensors.
Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring with a Contact Lens and Smartphone
Authors: Lin You-Rong , Hung Chin-Chi , Chiu Hsien-Yi , Chang Po-Han , Li Bor-Ran , Cheng Sheng-Jen , Yang Jia-Wei , Lin Shien-Fong , Chen Guan-Yu
Published: September 2018

Diabetes has become a chronic metabolic disorder, and the growing diabetes population makes medical care more important. We investigated using a portable and noninvasive contact lens as an ideal sensor for diabetes patients whose tear fluid contains glucose. The key feature is the reversible covalent interaction between boronic acid and glucose, which can provide a noninvasive glucose sensor for diabetes patients. We present a phenylboronic acid (PBA)-based HEMA contact lens that exhibits a reversible swelling/shrinking effect to change its thickness. The difference in thickness can be detected in a picture taken with a smartphone and analyzed using software. Our novel technique offers the following capabilities: (i) non-enzymatic and continuous glucose detection with the contact lens; (ii) no need for an embedded circuit and power source for the glucose sensor; and (iii) the use of a smartphone to detect the change in thickness of the contact lens with no need for additional photo-sensors. This technique is promising for a noninvasive measurement of the glucose level and simple implementation of glucose sensing with a smartphone.
Surface-Plasmon-Resonance-Based Optical-Fiber Micro-Displacement Sensor with Temperature Compensation
Authors: Wei Yong , Wu Ping , Zhu Zongda , Liu Lu , Liu Chunlan , Hu Jiangxi , Wang Shifa , Zhang Yonghui
Published: September 2018

Micro-displacement measurements play a crucial role in many industrial applications. Aiming to address the defects of existing optical-fiber displacement sensors, such as low sensitivity and temperature interference, we propose and demonstrate a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based optical-fiber micro-displacement sensor with temperature compensation. The sensor consists of a displacement-sensing region (DSR) and a temperature-sensing region (TSR). We employed a graded-index multimode fiber (GI-MMF) to fabricate the DSR and a hetero-core structure fiber to fabricate the TSR. For the DSR, we employed a single-mode fiber (SMF) to change the radial position of the incident beam as displacement. The resonance angle in the DSR is highly sensitive to displacement; thus, the resonance wavelength of the DSR shifts. For the TSR, we employed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a temperature-sensitive medium, whose refractive index is highly sensitive to temperature; thus, the resonance wavelength of the TSR shifts. The displacement and temperature detection ranges are 0–25 μm and 20–60 °C; the displacement and temperature sensitivities of the DSR are 4.24 nm/μm and −0.19 nm/°C, and those of the TSR are 0.46 nm/μm and −2.485 nm/°C, respectively. Finally, by means of a sensing matrix, the temperature compensation was realized.
Detection of Chloroalkanes by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in Microfluidic Chips
Authors: Pilát Zdeněk , Kizovský Martin , Ježek Jan , Krátký Stanislav , Sobota Jaroslav , Šiler Martin , Samek Ota , Buryška Tomáš , Vaňáček Pavel , Damborský Jiří , Prokop Zbyněk , Zemánek Pavel
Published: September 2018

Optofluidics, a research discipline combining optics with microfluidics, currently aspires to revolutionize the analysis of biological and chemical samples, e.g., for medicine, pharmacology, or molecular biology. In order to detect low concentrations of analytes in water, we have developed an optofluidic device containing a nanostructured substrate for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The geometry of the gold surface allows localized plasmon oscillations to give rise to the SERS effect, in which the Raman spectral lines are intensified by the interaction of the plasmonic field with the electrons in the molecular bonds. The SERS substrate was enclosed in a microfluidic system, which allowed transport and precise mixing of the analyzed fluids, while preventing contamination or abrasion of the highly sensitive substrate. To illustrate its practical use, we employed the device for quantitative detection of persistent environmental pollutant 1,2,3-trichloropropane in water in submillimolar concentrations. The developed sensor allows fast and simple quantification of halogenated compounds and it will contribute towards the environmental monitoring and enzymology experiments with engineered haloalkane dehalogenase enzymes.
HoPE: Horizontal Plane Extractor for Cluttered 3D Scenes
Authors: Dong Zhipeng , Gao Yi , Zhang Jinfeng , Yan Yunhui , Wang Xin , Chen Fei
Published: September 2018

Extracting horizontal planes in heavily cluttered three-dimensional (3D) scenes is an essential procedure for many robotic applications. Aiming at the limitations of general plane segmentation methods on this subject, we present HoPE, a Horizontal Plane Extractor that is able to extract multiple horizontal planes in cluttered scenes with both organized and unorganized 3D point clouds. It transforms the source point cloud in the first stage to the reference coordinate frame using the sensor orientation acquired either by pre-calibration or an inertial measurement unit, thereby leveraging the inner structure of the transformed point cloud to ease the subsequent processes that use two concise thresholds for producing the results. A revised region growing algorithm named Z clustering and a principal component analysis (PCA)-based approach are presented for point clustering and refinement, respectively. Furthermore, we provide a nearest neighbor plane matching (NNPM) strategy to preserve the identities of extracted planes across successive sequences. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of both real and synthetic scenes demonstrate that our approach outperforms several state-of-the-art methods under challenging circumstances, in terms of robustness to clutter, accuracy, and efficiency. We make our algorithm an off-the-shelf toolbox which is publicly available.
Measurement of Atmospheric Dimethyl Sulfide with a Distributed Feedback Interband Cascade Laser
Authors: Wang Shuanke , Du Zhenhui , Yuan Liming , Ma Yiwen , Wang Xiaoyu , Han Ruiyan , Meng Shuo
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a mid-infrared dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3, DMS) sensor based on tunable laser absorption spectroscopy with a distributed feedback interband cascade laser to measure DMS in the atmosphere. Different from previous work, in which only DMS was tested and under pure nitrogen conditions, we measured DMS mixed by common air to establish the actual atmospheric measurement environment. Moreover, we used tunable laser absorption spectroscopy with spectral fitting to enable multi-species (i.e., DMS, CH4, and H2O) measurement simultaneously. Meanwhile, we used empirical mode decomposition and greatly reduced the interference of optical fringes and noise. The sensor performances were evaluated with atmospheric mixture in laboratory conditions. The sensor’s measurement uncertainties of DMS, CH4, and H2O were as low as 80 ppb, 20 ppb, and 0.01% with an integration time 1 s, respectively. The sensor possessed a very low detection limit of 9.6 ppb with an integration time of 164 s for DMS, corresponding to an absorbance of 7.4 × 10−6, which showed a good anti-interference ability and stable performance after optical interference removal. We demonstrated that the sensor can be used for DMS measurement, as well as multi-species atmospheric measurements of DMS, H2O, and CH4 simultaneously.
Methodology for Simulating 5G and GNSS High-Accuracy Positioning
Authors: Del Peral-Rosado José A. , Saloranta Jani , Destino Giuseppe , López-Salcedo José A. , Seco-Granados Gonzalo
Published: September 2018

This paper focuses on the exploitation of fifth generation (5G) centimetre-wave (cmWave) and millimetre-wave (mmWave) transmissions for high-accuracy positioning, in order to complement the availability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in harsh environments, such as urban canyons. Our goal is to present a representative methodology to simulate and assess their hybrid positioning capabilities over outdoor urban, suburban and rural scenarios. A novel scenario definition is proposed to integrate the network density of 5G deployments with the visibility masks of GNSS satellites, which helps to generate correlated scenarios of both technologies. Then, a generic and representative modeling of the 5G and GNSS observables is presented for snapshot positioning, which is suitable for standard protocols. The simulations results indicate that GNSS drives the achievable accuracy of its hybridisation with 5G cmWave, because non-line-of-sight (NLoS) conditions can limit the cmWave localization accuracy to around 20 m. The 5G performance is significantly improved with the use of mmWave positioning with dominant line-of-sight (LoS) conditions, which can even achieve sub-meter localization with one or more base stations. Therefore, these results show that NLoS conditions need to be weighted in 5G localization, in order to complement and outperform GNSS positioning over urban environments.
Impacts of Tourists’ Sociodemographic Characteristics on the Travel Motivation and Satisfaction: The Case of Protected Areas in South China
Authors: Ma Anson T. H. , Chow Alice S. Y. , Cheung Lewis T. O. , Lee Karen M. Y. , Liu Shuwen
Published: September 2018

Western studies on nature-based tourism have long explored the relationships among tourists’ sociodemographic characteristics, motivation and satisfaction as a way of predicting their visitation patterns and travel behaviours. Relatively few studies have been conducted in the Chinese context given its varied and extensive landscapes. This paper seeks to fill this gap using data from questionnaire surveys conducted in two popular and prestigious forest nature reserves in Guangdong province between August and December 2015. Data collected were analyzed by multiple regression tests with socio-demographic factors as the predictors of travel motivation and satisfaction in SPSS 24.0. The key findings and observations include the following: First, contrary to some overseas studies, education level was negatively correlated with tourists’ satisfaction with management and educational value. Second, age was positively correlated with the sense of relaxation and nature exploration. Third, education level had a negative correlation with motivation regarding social influence. Fourth, the influence of local culture helps differentiate Chinese tourists from Western tourists, implying that different management strategies should be adopted. All these findings offer insights to nature-based tourism operators that cater to the growing ranks of Chinese ecotourists.
Fiscal Adjustment Programs versus Socially Sustainable Competitiveness in EU Countries
Authors: Socol Cristian , Marinas Marius , Socol Aura Gabriela , Armeanu Dan
Published: September 2018

After implementing harsh austerity measures during 2008–2011, in the period 2012–2014 the fiscal adjustment programs also involved social equity measures, the quantitative fiscal consolidation being changed into a qualitative one—a reduction of the structural budget deficit accompanied by an improvement of social sustainability indicators. The 2015–2017 period shows mixed evolutions in terms of social progress brought by the recovery of the economic potential lost during the crisis. This research analyzes the sustainability of economic competitiveness dynamics from a social viewpoint during 2012–2014. In this paper, we analyze the way in which the economic and social components of fiscal adjustment programs are dynamically balanced in 24 EU member states. We identify four clusters of countries depending on the relationship between fiscal consolidation/fiscal stimulation and the social dynamics of the sustainability adjusted global competitiveness index. We found that under the pressure of “fiscal adjustment fatigue” caused by tough austerity programs in the period 2008–2011, most of the European countries completed the fiscal adjustment packages with measures to improve the social situation between 2012 and 2017. The fiscal consolidation programs have become more balanced from the perspective of the combination of budgetary austerity—social equity measures. Furthermore, we analyze how some countries on the EU periphery (Central and Eastern Europe, Baltic countries and Portugal, Ireland and Greece, countries that have joined the EU with a lower level of development) are experiencing or not an improvement in the social sustainability generated by the measures aimed at stimulating the economic growth implemented during 2012–2017. To conclude, we proposed a few pillars that could be integrated if an “ideal adjustment program” is to be achieved.
Evaluating the Effect of Policies and the Development of Charging Infrastructure on Electric Vehicle Diffusion in China
Authors: Yu Jiali , Yang Peng , Zhang Kai , Wang Faping , Miao Lixin
Published: September 2018

China has been one of the most aggressive countries in electric vehicle (EV) promotion. However, private EV sales fail to achieve the government’s target. In particular, cutting purchase subsidies poses great uncertainty in relation to EV diffusion. In this research, a system dynamics model aims to investigate the influence of government policies, infrastructure development plans, the duration of policies, and the phase out strategy of policies. Parameters relating to consumers’ preferences are drawn from a questionnaire survey, which is conducted in Shenzhen, the pioneer city in China’s EV promotion. The result of a scenario analysis shows that purchase subsidies, purchase restrictions and driving restrictions are the most effective policies for EV promotion. Driving restrictions are more effective but less easy to enforce than purchase restrictions. The number and location of charging piles are much more important than large charging stations. Moreover, EV diffusion can be self-sufficient after current policies have been maintained for 11 years. We find that the gradual removal of subsidies will cause a four-year delay in EV sales entering rapid growth in Shenzhen. However, cutting subsidies in cities without purchase restrictions will cause the failure of EV promotion.
The Crash of a Policy Pilot to Legally Define Community Energy. Evidence from the German Auction Scheme
Authors: Tews Kerstin
Published: September 2018

“Community energy” is a highly contested issue not only in the German energy transition governance but also in the recent legislative procedure to recast energy market legislation within the EU’s “Winter Package”. This paper analyses the effects of the privileges for “community energy actors” in the German auction scheme for on-shore wind energy. Those privileges aim to guarantee a level playing field for small actors and to enhance societal acceptance. The results of the first rounds of auctions did not merely reveal an acceptable level of losses due to recognized trade-offs between policy objectives. Instead, the results indicate a complete failure regarding all three objectives of the revised support scheme for renewables—controlled renewable energy expansion, actor plurality and cost efficiency. The paper discusses whether the policy motivations translate appropriately into legislation. It suggests differentiating clearly the economic risks for small actors from the added value that is attributed to community energy actors. De-coupling these—often mixed—motives behind the demands for actor plurality unveils policy approaches that more adequately fit with these distinct motives. The paper finally proposes rather to integrate the politically desired values into the bid evaluation criteria instead of granting privileges to specific actors that are assumed to provide these values.
New Distance Measure for Atanassov’s Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Application in Decision Making
Authors: Ke Di , Song Yafei , Quan Wen
Published: September 2018

The intuitionistic fuzzy set introduced by Atanassov has greater ability in depicting and handling uncertainty. Intuitionistic fuzzy measure is an important research area of intuitionistic fuzzy set theory. Distance measure and similarity measure are two complementary concepts quantifying the difference and closeness of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. This paper addresses the definition of an effective distance measure with concise form and specific meaning for Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy sets (AIFSs). A new distance measure for AIFSs is defined based on a distance measure of interval values and the transformation from AIFSs to interval valued fuzzy sets. The axiomatic properties of the new distance measure are mathematically investigated. Comparative analysis based in numerical examples indicates that the new distance measure is competent to quantify the difference between AIFSs. The application of the new distance measure is also discussed. A new method for multi-attribute decision making (MADM) is developed based on the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution method and the new distance measure. Numerical applications indicate that the developed MADM method can obtain reasonable preference orders. This shows that the new distance measure is effective and rational from both mathematical and practical points of view.
Beyond Productivity: Considering the Health, Social Value and Happiness of Home and Community Food Gardens
Authors: Pollard Georgia , Roetman Philip , Ward James , Chiera Belinda , Mantzioris Evangeline
Published: September 2018

We are living in an age of concern for mental health and wellbeing. The objective of the research presented in this paper is to investigate the perceived health, social value and happiness benefits of urban agriculture (UA) by focusing on home and community food gardens in South Australia. The results reported in this paper are from “Edible Gardens”, a citizen science project designed to investigate the social value, productivity and resource efficiency of UA in South Australia. Methods include an online survey and in-field garden data collection. Key findings include: dominant home gardener motivations were the produce, enjoyment, and health, while dominant community gardener motivations were enjoyment, connection to others and the produce. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four key factors: Tranquillity and Timeout, Develop and Learn Skills, the Produce, and Social Connection. The key difference between home and community gardeners was an overall social connection. Although home gardeners did not appear to actively value or desire inter-household social connection, this does not mean they do not value or participate in other avenues of social connection, such as via social learning sources or by sharing food with others. The combined results from this research regarding health and wellbeing, social connection and happiness support the premise that engagement in home or community food gardening may provide a preventative or supportive role for gardener health and wellbeing, regardless of whether it is a conscious motivation for participation.
Recombination Located over 2A-2B Junction Ribosome Frameshifting Region of Saffold Cardiovirus
Authors: Da Costa Antônio Charlys , Luchs Adriana , Milagres Flávio Augusto de Pádua , Komninakis Shirley Vasconcelos , Gill Danielle Elise , Lobato Márcia Cristina Alves Brito Sayão , Brustulin Rafael , Das Chagas Rogério Togisaki , Abrão Maria de Fátima Neves dos Santos , Soares Cassia Vitória de Deus Alves , Deng Xutao , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Delwart Eric , Leal Élcio
Published: September 2018

Here we report the nearly full-length genome of a recombinant Saffold virus strain (SAFV-BR-193) isolated from a child with acute gastroenteritis. Evolutionary analysis performed using all available near-full length Saffold picornavirus genomes showed that the breakpoint found in the Brazilian strain (SAFV-BR-193) is indeed a recombination hotspot. Notably, this hotspot is located just one nucleotide after the ribosomal frameshift GGUUUUU motif in the SAFV genome. Empirical studies will be necessary to determine if this motif also affects the binding affinity of RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) and therefore increases the changes of RdRp swap between molecules during the synthesis of viral genomes.
Analysis of Soil Erosion Induced by Heavy Rainfall: A Case Study from the NE Abruzzo Hills Area in Central Italy
Authors: Piacentini Tommaso , Galli Alberto , Marsala Vincenzo , Miccadei Enrico
Published: September 2018

Soil erosion induced by heavy rainfall deeply affects landscape changes and human activities. It depends on rainfall distribution (e.g., intensity, duration, cumulative per event) and is controlled by the interactions between lithology, orography, hydrography, land use, and vegetation. The Abruzzo piedmont coastal hilly area has been affected by several heavy rainfall events in the last decades. In this work, we investigated three ~1-day heavy rainfall (>35 mm/h and 100–220 mm/day) events in 2007, 2011, and 2012 that occurred in the clayey hilly coastal NE Abruzzo area, analyzing cumulative rainfall, intensity, and duration while mapping triggered geomorphological effects (soil erosion and accumulation) and evaluating average erosion. The analysis provides contributions to a soil erosion assessment of clayey landscapes that characterizes the Adriatic hilly area, with an estimation of rainfall-triggering thresholds for heavy soil erosion and a comparison of erosion in single events with rates known in the Mediterranean area. The triggering threshold for heavy soil erosion shows an expected value of ~100–110 mm. The estimated average soil erosion is from moderate to high (0.08–3.08 cm in ~1-day heavy rainfall events) and shows a good correlation with cumulative rainfall and a poor correlation with peak rainfall intensity. This work outlines the strong impact of soil erosion on the landscape changes in the Abruzzo and Adriatic hilly areas.
Using a Genetic Algorithm with a Mathematical Programming Solver to Optimize a Real Water Distribution System
Authors: Martínez-Bahena Beatriz , Cruz-Chávez Marco Antonio , Ávila-Melgar Erika Yesenia , Cruz-Rosales Martín H. , Rivera-Lopez Rafael
Published: September 2018

This research proposes a genetic algorithm that provides a solution to the problem of deficient distribution of drinking water via the current hydraulic network in the neighborhood “Fraccionamiento Real Montecasino” (FRM), in Huitzilac, Morelos, Mexico. The proposed solution is the addition of new elements to the FRM network. The new elements include storage tanks, pipes, and pressure-reducing valves. To evaluate the constraint satisfaction model of mass and energy conservation, the hydraulic EPANET solver (HES) is used with an optimization model to minimize the total cost of changes in the network (new pipes, tanks, and valves). A genetic algorithm was used to evaluate the optimization model. The analysis of the results obtained by the genetic algorithm for the FRM network shows that adequate and balanced pressures were obtained by means of small modifications to the existing network, which entailed minimal costs. Simulations were performed for an extended period, which means that the pressure was obtained by simulation with HSE at one-hour intervals, during the algorithm execution, to verify adequate pressure at a specific point in the system, or to make corrections to ensure proper distribution, this with the aim of having a final optimized network design.
Improved catalytic combustion of methane using CuO nanobelts with predominantly (001) surfaces
Authors: Kong Qingquan , Yin Yichun , Xue Bing , Jin Yonggang , Feng Wei , Chen Zhi-Gang , Su Shi , Sun Chenghua
Published: September 2018

Through computational calculations, CuO(001) has been identified as an active surface for methane oxidation. Experimental validation with CuO nanobelts comprised of predominantly (001) surfaces has been performed and it is confirmed that the performance of such nanobelts is much higher than normal nanoparticles and nanowires. First principle calculations further clarified that two-coordinated oxygen plays a key role for methane adsorption and oxidation.
Long-lived Protoplanetary Disks in Multiple Systems: The VLA View of HD 98800
Authors: Ribas Álvaro , Macías Enrique , Espaillat Catherine C. , Duchêne Gaspard
Published: September 2018

The conditions and evolution of protoplanetary disks in multiple systems can be considerably different from those around single stars, which may have important consequences for planet formation. We present Very Large Array (VLA) 8.8 mm (34 GHz) and 5 cm (6 GHz) observations of the quadruple system HD 98800, which consists of two spectroscopic binary systems (Aa-Ab, Ba-Bb). The Ba-Bb pair is surrounded by a circumbinary disk, which is usually assumed to be a debris disk given its ∼10 Myr age and the lack of near-infrared excess. The VLA 8.8 mm observations resolve the disk size (5–5.5 au) and its inner cavity (≈3 au) for the first time, making it one of the smallest disks known. Its small size, large fractional luminosity, and millimeter spectral index consistent with blackbody emission support the idea that HD 98800 B is a massive, optically thick ring that may still retain significant amounts of gas. The disk detection at 5 cm is compatible with free–free emission from photoionized material. The diskless HD 98800 A component is also detected, showing partial polarization at 5 cm that is compatible with nonthermal chromospheric activity. We propose that tidal torques from Ba-Bb and A-B have stopped the viscous evolution of the inner and outer disk radii, and the disk is evolving via mass loss through photoevaporative winds. This scenario can explain the properties and longevity of HD 98800 B, as well as the lack of a disk around HD 98800 A, suggesting that planet formation could have more time to proceed in multiple systems than around single stars in certain system configurations.
Estimating the Milky Way's Mass via Hierarchical Bayes: A Blind Test on MUGS2 Simulated Galaxies
Authors: Eadie Gwendolyn , Keller Benjamin , Harris William E.
Published: September 2018

In a series of three papers, Eadie et al. developed a hierarchical Bayesian method to estimate the Milky Way Galaxy’s mass given a physical model for the potential, a measurement model, and kinematic data of test particles such as globular clusters (GCs) or halo stars in the Galaxy’s halo. The Galaxy’s virial mass was found to have a 95% Bayesian credible region (c.r.) of (0.67, 1.09) × 1012

M

⊙

. In the present study, we test the hierarchical Bayesian method against simulated galaxies created in the McMaster Unbiased Galaxy Simulations 2 (MUGS2), for which the true mass is known. We estimate the masses of MUGS2 galaxies using GC analogs from the simulations as tracers. The analysis, completed as a blind test, recovers the true M
200 of the MUGS2 galaxies within 95% Bayesian c.r. in 8 out of 18 cases. Of the 10 galaxy masses that were not recovered within the 95% c.r., a large subset have posterior distributions that occupy extreme ends of the parameter space allowed by the priors. A few incorrect mass estimates are explained by the exceptional evolution history of the galaxies. We also find evidence that the model cannot describe both the galaxies’ inner and outer structure simultaneously in some cases. After removing the GC analogs associated with the galactic disks, the true masses were found more reliably (13 out of 18 were predicted within the c.r.). Finally, we discuss how representative the GC analogs are of the real GC population in the Milky Way.
Political asylum and the European Union. Proposals to overcome the impasse
Authors: Weil Patrick , Auriel Pierre
Published: September 2018

Today, the European Union asylum regime seems to be ruled by two mechanisms that provokes the anger of some member states and then of others. There is a risk that on asylum issues, the divided European Union explodes. This paper explores different options to avoid this outcome.
Effects of Heat Dissipation on the Peristaltic Flow of Jeffery and Newtonian Fluid through an Asymmetric Channel with Porous Medium
Authors: Latha R. , Kumar B. Rushi , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: September 2018

This is a theoretical investigation on MHD peristaltic flow of Newtonian and Jeffery fluid through an asymmetric channel with the effect of heat dissipation. The present study, we investigate to include heat dissipation, permeability, Schmidt number and heat generation parameter. The velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are performed in entire study. The governing equations are solved by using the lubrication approach and perturbation technique. The temperature, velocity and concentration fields, trapping phenomena and heat transfer coefficient are plotted by using different parameters. The significance of this study that the pressure gradient with different values of permeability gradually increased, where we observed that from the graph, the pressure gradient is lesser in Newtonian compared to the Jeffery fluid. Moreover, In the trapping phenomena the number of bolus greater in Newtonian fluid compared to the Jeffery fluid by using different values of phase difference and magnetic field parameter.
Chemical Reaction and Thermal Radiation Effects on MHD Mixed Convection over a Vertical Plate with Variable Fluid Properties
Authors: Suresh Babu R. , Kumar B. Rushi , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: September 2018

This article investigates the magnetohydrodynamic mixed convective heat, and mass transfer flow of an incompressible, viscous, Boussinesq, electrically conducting fluid from a vertical plate in a sparsely packed porous medium in the presence of thermal radiation and an nth order homogeneous chemical reaction between the fluid and the diffusing species numerically. In this investigation, the fluid and porous properties like thermal and solutal diffusivity, permeability and porosity are all considered to be vary. The governing non-linear PDE's for the fluid flow are derived and transformed into a system of ODE's using an appropriate similarity transformation. The resultant equations are solved numerically using shooting technique and Runge-Kutta integral scheme with the help of Newton-Raphson algorithm in order to know the characteristics of the fluid for various non-dimensional parameters which are controlling the physical system graphically. The results of the numerical scheme are validated and a numerical comparison has been made with the available literature in the absence of some parameters and found that in good agreement. Nomenclature
Stagnation Point Flow with Heat Transfer and Temporal Stability of Ferrofluid Past a Permeable Stretching/Shrinking Sheet
Authors: Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the hydromagnetic stagnation point flow and temporal stability of Fe3O4-water ferrofluid over a convectively heated permeable stretching/shrinking sheet is theoretically investigated. The model equations of momentum and energy balance are obtained and transformed into ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity variable. Using shooting method together with Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg numerical scheme the model nonlinear boundary value problem is tackled numerically. Pertinent results with respect to the basic steady flow velocity, temperature, skin friction and Nusselt number are obtained graphically and in tabular form. It is found that a critical value of shrinking parameter (λc) exists below which no real solution can be found. In addition, dual solutions (upper and lower branch) are observed for a range of shrinking/stretching parameter (λc<λ< 1), while for the stretching case (λ 1), the solution is unique. The obtained steady state solutions are examined for temporal development of small disturbances. The smallest eigenvalues reveal that the upper solution branch is stable and physically reliable while the lower solution branch is unstable and unrealistic. Both suction and magnetic field widen the range of the shrinking parameter for which the solution exists and boost the flow stability while nanoparticles volume fraction lessens it.
Rational Dimensions of Transverse Stiffenning Ribs in Girders with a Slender Web
Authors: Pritykin Alexej I. , Kirillov Ilja E.
Published: September 2018

In thin-walled structures, to which girders with slender web (GSW) are related, one of the weak links is their local stability. Girders with slender web are still buckling in elastic stage of loading under shear deformation. Increasing of their stability is possible to reach with installation of Analysis carried out in the work show that demands to appointment of optimum sizes of transverse stiffening ribs in Russian structural standard differ essentially from those of the foreign standards. The goal of the work is to find out the demands by which the standards are more well grounded and bring in suggestion on improving the Russian structural rules. The determined goal has been reached with GSW panels calculations FEM using the program complex ANSYS. The critical loads were determined in the shear of rectangular plates supported by transverse stiffening ribs of different sizes. The results of the FEM were compared with the calculations performed on the empirical dependencies of different standards. The result of the research was to make recommendations on the rational dimensions of the stiffening ribs, determined from the ratio of flexural stiffnesses of the reinforced plate and rib. It is noted that the presence of stiffening ribs can increase the stability of the beam wall by 15-30%. The results of the research can be used in design organisations.
Propagation of Multicomponent Admixture in the Atmosphere in the Mountain-Steppe Zone
Authors: Shapovalov Vitaliy A.
Published: September 2018

The article deals with the mathematical modeling of propagation in the near and far zones of impurities formed during man-made accidents. A three-dimensional numerical model for the propagation of impurities from a powerful source is developed. Meteorological parameters allow for more detailed investigation of air and soil pollution in the mesoscale region. The numerical analysis of the propagation of harmful impurities in the mountain-steppe zone is performed. Three-dimensional data on the concentration of pollutants in the air at different times is obtained. The washout of impurities by clouds and precipitation was taken into account. The characteristics of air pollution and the underlying surface at distances up to 200 km from the sources are determined. The calculations used meteorological parameters of the atmosphere, typical for warm and cold periods of the year in the main geographical areas of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic from mountainous to steppe.
Development of Methods of Active Influence on the Processes of Precipitation Formation in Clouds in Order to Solve Environmental and Economic Problems
Authors: Ashabokov Boris A. , Shapovalov Alexander V. , Tashilova Alla A.
Published: September 2018

The paper discusses some approaches to the development of methods of active influence on clouds, which develop in the High-Mountain geophysical institute. We considered the problems of determination in the cloud the region in which to make the particles of the reactants, concentration of these particles, the beginning and completion of seeding. Such questions should be solved on the basis of numerical modeling of clouds. The most common approach to the development of methods of active influence on clouds is a simulation of different variants of any particles of reagent in the cloud and choose the most effective one from the point of view of achieving the objectives of impact compared to a natural development of the cloud. Another approach to the development of the method of sedimentation control in the clouds is to consider this problem in the framework of optimal control theory. Despite the difficulties in implementing this approach, it is very effective and produces optimal results.
The New Sorbent and the Method of Sulphide and Mercaptans Removal from the Enterprises of Oil and Gas Complex Atmospheric Air
Authors: Evsina Elena M. , Alykova Tamara V. , Zolotareva Natalia V. , Alykov Nariman M.
Published: September 2018

The materials and methods for removing hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans from the air, aimed to improve the areas of oil and gas complex enterprises in health respect, related to the primary processing of oil, natural gas and gas condensate, are often associated with the processing of raw materials containing a significant amount of sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans and others. The enterprises, considering premises for various purposes, in spite of all the measures taken, produce small, below the exposure limits of the amount of hydrogen sulphide and low molecular weight mercaptans while their operation. Despite the fact, that the amount of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans, contained in ambient, especially in indoor air, is lower than TVL, the operating personnel is constantly exposed to those components. The basis of the sorbent is flask, highly siliceous material. On the surface of the beads adsorbed diethanolamine the acidic gases form fairly strong ionic associates. In the article the mechanism of associates formation, the sorption mechanism for trapping hydrogen sulphide as well as the characteristics of the absorber circuit diagram for cleaning the air of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans are shown.
Engineering-Hydrometeorological Researches for the Object “Mountain-Skiing Infrastructure of the Resort “Arkhyz” - Avalanche Risk Evaluation
Authors: Adzhiev Anatoly Kh. , Kondratyeva Natalia V. , Bekkiev Muhtar Yu.
Published: September 2018

The paper is devoted to engineering-hydrometeorological research at the mountain resort Arkhyz. The parameters of avalanches on the territory of the resort, potentially dangerous for objects under construction, are determined. Three avalanches focuses were identified with volumes of removals from 230 to 700 thousand cubic meters of snow.
Mathematical Model of Forecasting the Residential Real Estate Market Prices Level
Authors: Voronina Ekaterina V. , Yarosh Olga B. , Bereza Natalia V. , Zakieva Nadezhda I.
Published: September 2018

The authors consider the residential real estate market as a complex socio-technical system, for the prediction of which it is advisable to use a combination of classical methods of forecasting and soft computing or intelligent data processing. The development forecast of the residential real estate services market with the help of foresight technologies is made. We performed the analysis and identified the main factors acting in the market, and their impact on the development of market trends. A mathematical model of residential real estate value forecasting based on the theory of fuzzy sets is developed.
Psychological Readiness for an Entrepreneurship at the Students Planning to Open their Business in the Construction Branch
Authors: Romanova Elena V.
Published: September 2018

In Russia both large real estate construction companies and small firms successfully work. The construction is attractive to entrepreneurs. Many students of the construction university plan to open their own business. For this purpose, profile construction education, education in the field of management and certain personal qualities are necessary to have. Necessary for the entrepreneur qualities are heterogeneous. One of them are congenital, others are the result of the development of relevant abilities, and the third are described as the skills reached as a result of training and practical experience. Entrepreneurial capabilities are well studied. But psychological readiness for business activity is studied a little. The projective technique "Big money" reveals seven types of psychological readiness for an entrepreneurship. Students-builders with the high level of entrepreneurial capabilities have different psychological readiness. A small number of students has high levels of capabilities and psychological readiness. It explains the reason of a small number of successful entrepreneurs.
Conceptual Approach to Management of the Urban Environment Objects Reproduction
Authors: Kuzovleva Irina A. , Potapenko Oksana S. , Blagoder Tamara P.
Published: September 2018

The article deals with the urban environment key aspects and the fixed assets reproduction on the system level, analyses the results achieved in the course of the state policy, proposes a conceptual model for the urban environment objects expanded the reproduction management.
Formation of a Science-Based Real Estate Services Market Management Mechanism
Authors: Voronina Ekaterina V. , Reutov Viktor E. , Yarosh Olga B. , Khalezin Sergei V.
Published: September 2018

The authors approve a mathematical model for estimating the value of an object taking into account trends in the residential real estate market in the MATLAB software package with the assignment and correction of the fuzzy set membership functions. Fuzzy computations are performed using the Mamdani method, which requires defining the membership functions for the output variables. We consider schemes for constructing systems of fuzzy inference for variables (the real estate object state) and (the real estate market state). The results of calculations using the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox are given on the surfaces of fuzzy inference systems that show the dependence of the output variables on the individual input variables.
Presentation of a Framed Cyclically Symmetric Structure as a Ring Plate
Authors: Zhuravlev Alexander A. , Zhuravlev Dmitry A.
Published: September 2018

The problem of calculating a cyclically symmetric design for the nodal radial load action is being solved in the article. The analysis of the stress-strain state of a circular ring plate subjected to the action of a regular distributed load along the outer contour is made. A comparison of the operation of the framed structure and its continuous analogue is performed. The thickness of an isotropic ring plate, which is equivalent in the static ratio of a planar framed structure of a regular construction is determined.
Development of the Methods Improving the Production Costs Formation Process
Authors: Sekisov Aleksandr N. , Degtyareva Olga G. , Samsonova Natalia V. , Grigoryan Marina N.
Published: September 2018

On the basis of the developed model and the basic scheme for improving the process of formation of production costs, a technique allowing to optimise the operation of the construction complex enterprises cost mechanism by selecting the best option for the ratio of the influence of production cost factors levels to cost indicators and their manageability levels is being proposed.