bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variation and Factors Impacting Grassland Circulation Price in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Brown Colin
Published: November 2018

As the circulation of grassland use rights in China increases, relatively little is known about the factors that influence circulation price. This paper examines the spatial distribution of grassland circulation prices and the impact of various attributes on grassland circulation prices in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). Spatial autocorrelation tests and quantile regression methods are applied to data from an online land-circulation website covering the period from January to October 2017. The spatial analysis found that grassland circulation price does vary greatly throughout IMAR but that no significant spatial autocorrelation is evident. The quantile regression analysis revealed significant, though varied, quantile effects across the price distribution indicating that local market structures, strong demand for grazing land in desert steppe, high demand of poor herders for smaller plots, and high demand of richer herders for larger plots all play an important role in determining circulation prices. These nuanced findings should enable policy makers, grassland users, and other grassland actors to better understand how grassland price is determined with respect to a range of factors across the quantiles of price as well as the spatial pattern of price characteristics. This information and understanding are a crucial step in improving grassland circulation.
Model of Predicting Cost Overrun in Construction Projects
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta
Published: November 2018

During the construction phase, significant differences between the planned and actual costs of construction projects frequently occur. The paper describes the concept of a model of prediction of the increase in the costs of construction works in relation to those planned. The assumption of the model is to determine the probability of the cost increase for the elements of the object for which it is the largest. A fuzzy Mamdani inference method was proposed for the selection of the elements to be evaluated. In the cost prediction model, fuzzy relations and the compound max-min relations were used. The result of the model are the probabilities of cost overrun for works most exposed to changes in costs. The model can be helpful mainly for the contractor who wants to know not only the probability of the total cost overrun but also the possibility and amount of increase in the costs of individual packages of works or detailed construction works necessary to complete a construction project. Such an approach may help to properly plan expenses related to the implementation and schedule of works along with the cash flow for the project.
Neutrosophic Logic Based Quantum Computing
Authors: Çevik Ahmet , Topal Selçuk , Smarandache Florentin
Published: November 2018

We introduce refined concepts for neutrosophic quantum computing such as neutrosophic quantum states and transformation gates, neutrosophic Hadamard matrix, coherent and decoherent superposition states, entanglement and measurement notions based on neutrosophic quantum states. We also give some observations using these principles. We present a number of quantum computational matrix transformations based on neutrosophic logic and clarify quantum mechanical notions relying on neutrosophic states. The paper is intended to extend the work of Smarandache by introducing a mathematical framework for neutrosophic quantum computing and presenting some results.
A New Radar Signal Recognition Method Based on Optimal Classification Atom and IDCQGA
Authors: Wan Jian , Ruan Guoqing , Guo Qiang , Gong Xue
Published: November 2018

Radar electronic reconnaissance is an important part of modern and future electronic warfare systems and is the primary method to obtain non-cooperative intelligence information. As the task requirement of radar electronic reconnaissance, it is necessary to identify the non-cooperative signals from the mixed signals. However, with the complexity of battlefield electromagnetic environment, the performance of traditional recognition system is seriously affected. In this paper, a new recognition method based on optimal classification atom and improved double chains quantum genetic algorithm (IDCQGA) is researched, optimal classification atom is a new feature for radar signal recognition, IDCQGA with symmetric coding performance can be applied to the global optimization algorithm. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: Firstly, in order to measure the difference of multi-class signals, signal separation degree based on distance criterion is proposed and established according to the inter-class separability and intra-class aggregation of the signals. Then, an IDCQGA is proposed to select the best atom for classification under the constraint of distance criterion, and the inner product of the signal and the best atom for classification is taken as the eigenvector. Finally, the extreme learning machine (ELM) is introduced as classifier to complete the recognition of signals. Simulation results show that the proposed method can improve the recognition rate of multi-class signals and has better processing ability for overlapping eigenvector parameters.
Multiple-Image Encryption Algorithm Based on the 3D Permutation Model and Chaotic System
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqiang , Wang Xuesong
Published: November 2018

Large numbers of images are produced in many fields every day. The content security of digital images becomes an important issue for scientists and engineers. Inspired by the magic cube game, a three-dimensional (3D) permutation model is established to permute images, which includes three permutation modes, i.e., internal-row mode, internal-column mode, and external mode. To protect the image content on the Internet, a novel multiple-image encryption symmetric algorithm (block cipher) with the 3D permutation model and the chaotic system is proposed. First, the chaotic sequences and chaotic images are generated by chaotic systems. Second, the sender permutes the plain images by the 3D permutation model. Lastly, the sender performs the exclusive OR operation on permuted images. The simulation and algorithm comparisons display that the proposed algorithm possesses desirable encryption images, high security, and efficiency.
Novel Three-Way Decisions Models with Multi-Granulation Rough Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Xue Zhan-Ao , Han Dan-Jie , Lv Min-Jie , Zhang Min
Published: November 2018

The existing construction methods of granularity importance degree only consider the direct influence of single granularity on decision-making; however, they ignore the joint impact from other granularities when carrying out granularity selection. In this regard, we have the following improvements. First of all, we define a more reasonable granularity importance degree calculating method among multiple granularities to deal with the above problem and give a granularity reduction algorithm based on this method. Besides, this paper combines the reduction sets of optimistic and pessimistic multi-granulation rough sets with intuitionistic fuzzy sets, respectively, and their related properties are shown synchronously. Based on this, to further reduce the redundant objects in each granularity of reduction sets, four novel kinds of three-way decisions models with multi-granulation rough intuitionistic fuzzy sets are developed. Moreover, a series of concrete examples can demonstrate that these joint models not only can remove the redundant objects inside each granularity of the reduction sets, but also can generate much suitable granularity selection results using the designed comprehensive score function and comprehensive accuracy function of granularities.
Close the Loop! System Dynamics Modelling in Service Design
Authors: Svirakova Eva
Published: November 2018

Service design is a thought process using creativity, empathy in responding to a customer’s need and rationality in an analysis of a recommended, innovative solution. In this paper, we propose a research methods system which enables designers to integrate design and systems thinking into a system dynamics model of a creative project. Based on these research methods, topics and problems can be detected, and solutions can be proposed. The communicative game “Close the Loop!” which uses elements of visual language, and modifies the Grounded Theory method and its three processes: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The aim of the game is to create a Causal Loop Diagram which expresses a dynamic hypothesis, a Stock and Flow Diagram, which solves the problem visually and follows the Causal Loop Diagram. The accuracy of this set of method is demonstrated by its application in a case study from the service area. The article is intended for researchers who endeavour to use research methods in order to improve their services and meet a customer’s requirements.
Pharmacokinetics of Toxin-Derived Peptide Drugs
Authors: Stepensky David
Published: November 2018

Toxins and venoms produced by different organisms contain peptides that have evolved to have highly selective and potent pharmacological effects on specific targets for protection and predation. Several toxin-derived peptides have become drugs and are used for the management of diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, and other medical conditions. Despite the similarity in their composition (amino acids as the building blocks), toxin-derived peptide drugs have very profound differences in their structure and conformation, in their physicochemical properties (that affect solubility, stability, etc.), and subsequently in their pharmacokinetics (the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination following their administration to patients). This review summarizes and critically analyzes the pharmacokinetic properties of toxin-derived peptide drugs: (1) the relationship between the chemical structure, physicochemical properties, and the pharmacokinetics of the specific drugs, (2) the major pharmacokinetic properties and parameters of these drugs, and (3) the major pharmacokinetic variability factors of the individual drugs. The structural properties of toxin-derived peptides affect their pharmacokinetics and pose some limitations on their clinical use. These properties should be taken into account during the development of new toxin-derived peptide drugs, and for the efficient and safe use of the clinically approved drugs from this group in the individual patients.
In Vivo Toxicity of Solasonine and Its Effects on cyp450 Family Gene Expression in the Livers of Male Mice from Four Strains
Authors: Zhong Youbao , Li Shanshan , Chen Liling , Liu Zhiyong , Luo Xiaoquan , Xu Peng , Chen Lai
Published: November 2018

Solasonine was reported to inhibit tumour cell growth in several different models. The in vivo toxicity of solasonine, the effects of genetic background on its toxicity, and its possible roles in regulating the expression of cyp450 family genes were still unclear and required characterisation. Here, Horn’s assays were performed on male mice from four different strains, and the expression of cyp450 family genes in their livers was examined by RT-PCR and ELISA. Mice treated by intraperitoneal injection with high levels of solasonine showed immediate post-excitatory depression, intraperitoneal tissue adhesion, and dissolving of cells in the liver. Furthermore, these four mouse strains showed different toxicological sensitivity to solasonine. The strains, in decreasing order of LD50 value, rescuing speed of body weight, and more severe pathological symptoms, were KM, ICR, C57BL/6, and BALB/c. Interestingly, more cyp450 genes were downregulated at the mRNA and/or protein level in the livers of male mice from C57BL/6 or BALB/c strains than those from KM or ICR strains. These results suggest that (1) Solasonine has hepatic toxicity and downregulates cyp450 genes expression at transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional levels; (2) Genetic background is an important factor which can affect the in vivo toxicity; (3) Downregulation of cyp450 gene expression in the liver may be a clue to help understand whether or not a given strain is sensitive to solasonine; (4) Influences on the expression of cyp450 genes should be considered when using solasonine alone, or in combination with other drugs.
Foreclosures and Evictions in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during the Economic Crisis and Post-Crisis Period in Spain
Authors: Parreño-Castellano Juan M. , Domínguez-Mujica Josefina , Armengol-Martín Maite , Pérez García Tanausú , Boldú Hernández Jordi
Published: November 2018

At the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008, the number of foreclosures and evictions increased dramatically in Spain. The severe economic situation and the lack of mitigation measures by public institutions seemed to be the main causes. However, the start of a period of economic recovery since 2014 has meant that the number of the evictions continues to increase. In this article, we analyze in detail this phenomenon in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Based on the disaggregated judicial data on the records of ejections and transfer of possession by foreclosures and evictions for the period 2009–2017, we carry out a study according to judicial procedures and proceedings and nature of the parties affected from a time-based and spatial perspective. This information allows us to discern that the causes that have led to the loss of housing are more varied than expected; that these circumstances have affected both societies and individuals, diverging on the period of incidence; and that the loss of housing has a different spatial impact in each stage. We conclude that both dispossession and loss of use are two structural occurrences coherent with the capitalist model of secondary accumulation developed in the world in the last 20 years. In the case of Spain, we have recognized these phases and modes of accumulation beyond the incidence of the crisis, revealing the structural character of the phenomenon analyzed.
Site-Specific N-Glycosylation on the AAV8 Capsid Protein
Authors: Aloor Arya , Zhang Junping , Gashash Ebtesam A. , Parameswaran Aishwarya , Chrzanowski Matthew , Ma Cheng , Diao Yong , Wang Peng George , Xiao Weidong
Published: November 2018

Adeno associated virus (AAV) is a versatile gene delivery tool, which has been approved as a human gene therapy vector for combating genetic diseases. AAV capsid proteins are the major components that determine the tissue specificity, immunogenicity and in vivo transduction performance of the vector. In this study, the AAV8 capsid glycosylation profile was systemically analyzed by peptide mass fingerprinting utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry to determine the presence of capsid glycosylation. We identified N-glycosylation on the amino acid N499 of the capsid protein. We characterized the overall sugar profile for vector produced in 293 cells. Multiple N-glycosylated host-cell proteins (HCPs) copurified with AAV8 vectors and were identified by analyzing LC-MS data utilizing a human database and proteome discoverer search engine. The N-glycosylation analysis by MALDI-TOF MS, highlighted the probability of AAV8 interaction with terminal galactosylated N-glycans within the HCPs.
Human Fetal Astrocytes Infected with Zika Virus Exhibit Delayed Apoptosis and Resistance to Interferon: Implications for Persistence
Authors: Limonta Daniel , Jovel Juan , Kumar Anil , Airo Adriana M. , Hou Shangmei , Saito Leina , Branton William , Ka-Shu Wong Gane , Mason Andrew , Power Christopher , Hobman Tom C.
Published: November 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and persistence during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly and other fetal neurological disorders collectively known as Congenital Zika Syndrome. The immunological and virological events that contribute to the establishment of persistent ZIKV infection in humans are unclear though. Here we show that human fetal astrocytes (HFAs), the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system, become persistently infected with ZIKV resulting in continuous viral shedding for at least one month; a process that is facilitated by TIM/TAM receptors. HFAs are relatively resistant to ZIKV-induced apoptosis, a factor that may be important for chronic infection of these cells. Once infection was established, interferon treatment did not reduce virus replication. Moreover, the fact that the innate immune system was highly activated in persistently infected HFAs indicates that the virus can thrive in the presence of a sustained antiviral response. RNAseq analyses of persistently infected cells revealed that ZIKV alters host gene expression in a manner that could affect developmental processes. Conversely, data from sequencing of ZIKV genomes in persistently infected HFAs suggest that adaptive mutations were not required for establishing chronic infection. Based on these results, we postulate that HFAs are reservoirs for ZIKV in the fetal brain and that moderate apoptosis combined with inefficient antiviral response from these cells may contribute to the establishment of chronic brain infection associated with the ZIKV neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
Molecular Co-Chaperone SGT1 Is Critical for Cell-to-Cell Movement and Systemic Infection of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Qian Xin , Xiang Qing , Yang Tongqing , Ma Hongyu , Ding Xin Shun , Tao Xiaorong
Published: November 2018

Tospovirus is a tripartite negative stranded RNA virus and is considered as one of the most devastating plant viruses. Successful virus infection in plant requires many host factors. To date, very few host factors have been identified as important in Tospovirus infection in plants. We reported earlier that NSm protein encoded by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a type species of the genus Orthotospovirus, plays critical roles in viral cell-to-cell and long-distance movement. In this study, we determined that molecular co-chaperone NbSGT1 interacted with TSWV NSm in Nicotiana benthamiana. TSWV infection significantly upregulated the expression of NbSGT1 gene and transient overexpression of NbSGT1 in N. benthamiana leaves accelerated TSWV infection. In contrast, silencing the NbSGT1 gene expression using a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach strongly inhibited TSWV NSm cell-to-cell movement, as well as TSWV local and systemic infection in N. benthamiana plants. Furthermore, NbSGT1 was found to regulate the infection of both American and Euro/Asia type tospoviruses in N. benthamiana plant. Collectively, our findings presented in this paper and the results published previously indicated that molecular co-chaperone NbSGT1 plays important roles in modulating both positive stranded and tripartite negative stranded RNA virus infection in plants.
Pathogenesis of Rift Valley Fever Virus Aerosol Infection in STAT2 Knockout Hamsters
Authors: Hickerson Brady T. , Westover Jonna B. , Van Wettere Arnaud J. , Rigas Johanna D. , Miao Jinxin , Conrad Bettina L. , Motter Neil E. , Wang Zhongde , Gowen Brian B.
Published: November 2018

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging pathogen capable of causing severe disease in livestock and humans and can be transmitted by multiple routes including aerosol exposure. Several animal models have been developed to gain insight into the pathogenesis associated with aerosolized RVFV infection, but work with these models is restricted to high containment biosafety level (BSL) laboratories limiting their use for antiviral and vaccine development studies. Here, we report on a new RVFV inhalation infection model in STAT2 KO hamsters exposed to aerosolized MP-12 vaccine virus by nose-only inhalation that enables a more accurate delivery and measurement of exposure dose. RVFV was detected in hepatic and other tissues 4–5 days after challenge, consistent with virus-induced lesions in the liver, spleen and lung. Furthermore, assessment of blood chemistry and hematological parameters revealed alterations in several liver disease markers and white blood cell parameters. Our results indicate that STAT2 KO hamsters develop a disease course that shares features of disease observed in human cases and in other animal models of RVFV aerosol exposure, supporting the use of this BSL-2 infection model for countermeasure development efforts.
Virulence of Marburg Virus Angola Compared to Mt. Elgon (Musoke) in Macaques: A Pooled Survival Analysis
Authors: Blair Paul W. , Keshtkar-Jahromi Maryam , Psoter Kevin J. , Reisler Ronald B. , Warren Travis K. , Johnston Sara C. , Goff Arthur J. , Downey Lydia G. , Bavari Sina , Cardile Anthony P.
Published: November 2018

Angola variant (MARV/Ang) has replaced Mt. Elgon variant Musoke isolate (MARV/MtE-Mus) as the consensus standard variant for Marburg virus research and is regarded as causing a more aggressive phenotype of disease in animal models; however, there is a dearth of published evidence supporting the higher virulence of MARV/Ang. In this retrospective study, we used data pooled from eight separate studies in nonhuman primates experimentally exposed with either 1000 pfu intramuscular (IM) MARV/Ang or MARV/MtE-Mus between 2012 and 2017 at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association of variant type with time to death, the development of anorexia, rash, viremia, and 10 select clinical laboratory values. A total of 47 cynomolgus monkeys were included, of which 18 were exposed to MARV/Ang in three separate studies and 29 to MARV/MtE-Mus in five studies. Following universally fatal Marburg virus exposure, compared to MARV/MtE-Mus, MARV/Ang was associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 22.10; 95% CI: 7.08, 68.93), rash (HR = 5.87; 95% CI: 2.76, 12.51) and loss of appetite (HR = 35.10; 95% CI: 7.60, 162.18). Our data demonstrate an increased virulence of MARV/Ang compared to MARV/MtE-Mus variant in the 1000 pfu IM cynomolgus macaque model.
Assessment of Siltation Processes of the Koronowski Reservoir in the Northern Polish Lowland Based on Bathymetry and Empirical Formulas
Authors: Szatten Dawid , Habel Michał , Pellegrini Luisa , Maerker Michael
Published: November 2018

Artificial reservoirs have an important role in water management of river systems in terms of flood control, water supply and sediment budgeting. Therefore, it is important to maximize the time of their effective functioning. Sediment budgeting mainly depends on sediment transport dynamics. This article illustrates the impact of the Koronowski Reservoir on suspended sediments transported by the Brda River. The river system and the reservoir represent a typical lowland river environment. Our research is based on hydrological and sedimentological investigations on the reservoir and the river system. Field measurements were used to create the respective hydrological and sediment budgets. Moreover, we carried out bathymetric measurements to generate present day bathymetry and to calculate the reservoir’s capacity. We assessed the silting of the reservoir following the approaches proposed by Goncarov and Stonawski. We show that the size and dynamics of suspended sediments are mainly determined by the hydrological conditions. Moreover, we illustrate that the suspended sediment measurements made with the filtration method correlate with the nephelometric results. Generally, we show that the Koronowski Reservoir is mainly filled up by suspended sediments. We further illustrate that the level of siltation estimated with the empirical formulas deviates significantly from calculations made by bathymetric measurements.
Automated Geospatial Models of Varying Complexities for Pine Forest Evapotranspiration Estimation with Advanced Data Mining
Authors: Panda Sudhanshu , Amatya Devendra M. , Jackson Rhett , Sun Ge , Noormets Asko
Published: November 2018

The study goal was to develop automated user-friendly remote-sensing based evapotranspiration (ET) estimation tools: (i) artificial neural network (ANN) based models, (ii) ArcGIS-based automated geospatial model, and (iii) executable software to predict pine forest daily ET flux on a pixel- or plot average-scale. Study site has had long-term eddy-flux towers for ET measurements since 2006. Cloud-free Landsat images of 2006−2014 were processed using advanced data mining to obtain Principal Component bands to correlate with ET data. The regression model’s r2 was 0.58. The backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and radial basis function network (RBFN) models provided a testing/validation average absolute error of 0.18 and 0.15 Wm−2 and average accuracy of 81% and 85%, respectively. ANN models though robust, require special ANN software and skill to operate; therefore, automated geospatial model (toolbox) was developed on ArcGIS ModelBuilder as user-friendly alternative. ET flux map developed with model tool provided consistent ET patterns for landuses. The software was developed for lay-users for ET estimation.
Hydrodynamic Performance Analysis of the Vertical Axis Twin-Rotor Tidal Current Turbine
Authors: Ma Yong , Hu Chao , Li Yulong , Li Lei , Deng Rui , Jiang Dapeng
Published: November 2018

The goal of this manuscript is to investigate the influence of relative distance between the twin rotors on the hydrodynamic performance of the vertical axis twin-rotor tidal current turbine. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations based on commercial software ANSYS-CFX have been performed to enhance the understanding of interactions between the twin-rotors. The interactions between the twin rotors are known to have increased the power output efficiency as a whole, and it is, therefore, of great significance to undertake deeper research. The simulation results are found to be consistent with similar research results in the literature in some aspects. The simulation results of stand-alone turbine and twin rotors are compared from three different aspects, including blade forces, power output efficiency and wake flow field. The results showed that the cyclic variations tendency of blade force coefficients of twin rotors is close to that of the stand-alone turbine. The average power output efficiency of the twin-rotors system is higher than that of the stand-alone turbine. The interactions between the turbines increase the power output of the twin turbine system as whole in a wide relative distance range. However, smaller relative distance between the twin rotors does not mean a bigger power output efficiency of such a system. The power out efficiency of such a system would decrease when the relative distance between the twin rotors exceeds the critical point. The power output of the twin rotors reaches the peak value when the ratio between the two main axis distance and diameter of the turbine is around 9/4. This research can provide a reference for the design and development of larger tidal power stations.
Use of WRF-Hydro over the Northeast of the US to Estimate Water Budget Tendencies in Small Watersheds
Authors: Somos-Valenzuela Marcelo , Palmer Richard
Published: November 2018

In the Northeast of the US, climate change will bring a series of impacts on the terrestrial hydrology. Observations indicate that temperature has steadily increased during the last century, including changes in precipitation. This study implements the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Hydro framework with the Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-MP) model that is currently used in the National Water Model to estimate the tendencies of the different variables that compounded the water budget in the Northeast of the US from 1980 to 2016. We use North American Land Data Assimilation System-2 (NLDAS-2) climate data as forcing, and we calibrated the model using 192 US Geological Survey (USGS) Geospatial Attributes of Gages for Evaluating Streamflow II (Gages II) reference stations. We study the tendencies determining the Kendall-Theil slope of streamflow using the maximum three-day average, seven-day minimum flow, and the monotonic five-day mean times series. For the water budget, we determine the Kendall-Theil slope for changes in monthly values of precipitation, surface and subsurface runoff, evapotranspiration, transpiration, soil moisture, and snow accumulation. The results indicate that the changes in precipitation are not being distributed evenly in the components of the water budget. Precipitation is decreasing during winter and increasing during the summer, with the direct impacts being a decrease in snow accumulation and an increase in evapotranspiration. The soil tends to be drier, which does not translate to a rise in infiltration since the surface runoff aggregated tendencies are positive, and the underground runoff aggregated tendencies are negative. The effects of climate change on streamflows are buffered by larger areas, indicating that more attention needs to be given to small catchments to adapt to climate change.
Hydrological Restoration and Water Resource Management of Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) Stopover Wetlands
Authors: Jiang Haibo , He Chunguang , Luo Wenbo , Yang Haijun , Sheng Lianxi , Bian Hongfeng , Zou Changlin
Published: November 2018

Habitat loss is a key factor affecting Siberian crane stopovers. The accurate calculation of water supply and effective water resource management schemes plays an important role in stopover habitat restoration for the Siberian crane. In this paper, the ecological water demand was calculated and corrected by developing a three-dimensional model. The results indicated that the calculated minimum and optimum ecological water demand values for the Siberian crane were 2.47 × 108 m3~3.66 × 108 m3 and 4.96 × 108 m3~10.36 × 108 m3, respectively, in the study area. After correction with the three-dimensional model, the minimum and optimum ecological water demand values were 3.75 × 108 m3 and 5.21 × 108 m3, respectively. A water resource management scheme was established to restore Siberian crane habitat. Continuous, area-specific and simulated flood water supply options based on water diversions were used to supply water. The autumn is the best season for area-specific and simulating flood water supply. These results can serve as a reference for protecting other waterbirds and restoring wetlands in semi-arid areas.
Combination of LiCs and EDLCs with Batteries: A New Paradigm of Hybrid Energy Storage for Application in EVs
Authors: Jiya Immanuel N. , Gurusinghe Nicoloy , Gouws Rupert
Published: November 2018

The research presented in this paper proposes a hybrid energy storage system that combines both electrolytic double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) also known as supercapacitors (SCs) and lithium-ion capacitors (LiCs) also known as hybrid capacitors (HCs) with a battery through a multiple input converter. The proposal was verified in simulation and validated by implementing a laboratory prototype. A new hybridisation topology, which reduces the amount of resource requirement when compared to the conventional hybridisation topology, is introduced. An electric vehicle (EV) current profile from previous research was used to test the performance of the proposed topology. From the results obtained, the hybridisation topology proposed in this research had the lowest cost per unit power at 14.81 $/kW, the lowest cost per unit power to energy, and available power to energy ratio, both at 1:1.3, thus making it a more attractive hybridisation topology than the two conventional alternatives. The multiple input converter built had efficiency values in excess of 80%. The key take away from this paper is that using the proposed hybridisation topology, the battery is less often required to supply energy to the electric vehicle, and so, its cycle life is preserved. Furthermore, since the battery is not used for the repeated acceleration and deceleration in the entire driving cycle, the battery’s cycle life is further preserved. Furthermore, since the battery is not the only storage device in the energy storage system, it can be further downsized to best fit the required base load; therefore, leading to a more optimized energy storage system by reducing the weight and volume of space occupied by the energy storage system, while also achieving better efficiencies.
Vitesse de recul d'un escarpement lapiazé (Ile Diego de Almagro, Patagonie, Chili)
Authors: Veress Márton , Tóth Gábor , Zentai Zoltàn , Czöpek Istvàn
Published: November 2018

Backward rate of a marble side slope (Island Dlego de Almagro, Chilean Patagonia).

Our research group measured the dissolution caused regressive velocity of the marble's side slope on one of the marble stripes on the island of Diego de Almagro. Using the time of ice melting and the width of rim bordering the edge of the sidewall the velocity of regression is 0,4-0,5 mm per year. This velocity of regression exceeds with an order of magnitude the velocity of denudation caused by dissolution on marble surface. Due to this fact, the marble stripes of the island become narrower to a bigger degree than they become shorter.
Tectonique et karstification : le cas de la région de Han-sur-Lesse (Belgique)
Authors: Havron Cécile , Quinif Yves , Vandycke Sara
Published: November 2018

Relationship between karst and tectonics in the Han-sur-Lesse area (Luxembourg province, Belgium).

The structure of four limestone massifs around Han-sur-Lesse (Belgium) has been studied with the aim of understanding the relationship between karst and tectonics. In the massifs of Han and Wellin, a swallow-hole -resurgence system is observed, on the contrary of Grignaux-Turmont and Resteigne massifs. The structural analysis involves a geometric study of tectonic objects as the faults or the joints, to establish the structural evolution of the massif. With such an analysis, it is possible to describe more accurately the relationships between the tectonic evolution of a massif and its speleogenesis defined by the presence of a structured endokarstic hydrosystem. A study of the karstified joints' directions has showed that the karstogenesis developed during two successive stages. Indeed, we can observe that the Han tectonic network is mainly structured according to two directions : the first one -N50°E -N65°E -was caused by a Mesozoïc extensional tectonic stage, without any hydrodynamic potential. It induced a ghost-rock karstification. The second one -N140°E -is due to another tectonic extensional stage during the Cenozoïc ; this second stage, in relation with the Ardennes uplift is combined with the appearance of a hydraulic gradient, which allows the structuring of karstic systems. The hydraulic gradient together with the extensional tectonics lead to the karstification of Han and Wellin massifs.
Apports des méthodes hydrologiques dans la compréhension des écoulements en pays calcaire : Exemple des bas plateaux jurassiques du haut bassin de la Marne (France)
Authors: Lejeune Olivier , Devos Alain
Published: November 2018

L'hétérogénéité spatiale des écoulements en pays calcaires a été mise en évidence dans la haute vallée de la Marne (interfluves Marne-Aube et Marne-Meuse) grâce aux méthodes des profils hydrologiques, de la spatialisation des débits d'étiage et de l'étude de paramètres physico-chimiques.

L'étude s'est portée sur cinq sous-bassins-versants appartenant au bassin de la Marne amont (4500 km²) et les mesures ont été réalisées entre 2001 et 2003 en période d'étiage. Nous avons utilisé une perche à intégration (type Pirée) pour la mesure des débits et un conductimètre pour la mesure de la température et de la conductivité afin de repérer l'origine des eaux. Les mesures nous ont permis d'établir des profils hydrologiques et nous avons également cartographié les rendements hydrologiques d'étiage.

Ces méthodes ont révélé à la fois des transferts d'eau à l'intérieur d'un bassin-versant et vers les bassins-versants contigus. Ainsi, sont apparus des secteurs d'infiltration généralisée, de perte, de rendement moyen et de rendement fort. Ainsi, elles démontrent une divergence ou une concentration des écoulements en fonction du compartimentage morphostructural des aquifères calcaires et les différentiels d'incision des vallées. On obtient un maillage hydrogéologique des interfluves entre des secteurs déficitaires et des secteurs excédentaires en eau qui témoignent de transferts d'eaux. Ce processus constitue les «captures actives » souvent corroborées par des traçages hydrogéologiques. Ces «captures actives », révélées par ces méthodes en période chaude ou interglaciaire, préparent de futures captures hydrographiques de surface, communément reconnues en début de phase froide.
Le flux géothermique avec circulation d'eau profonde dans les karsts : la surprise des transitoires
Authors: Lismonde Baudouin
Published: November 2018

Après un rappel de quelques généralités sur le flux géothermique et son origine, nous présentons en détail le rôle important des circulations d'eau sur la distribution des températures dans les massifs calcaires. Nous verrons que cette influence se traduit, en régime permanent, par deux propriétés dont la première est bien connue et la deuxième sous-estimée :

-diminution du flux géothermique dans le massif karstique ;

-focalisation des lignes de flux au voisinage des collecteurs.

La surprise viendra de l'étude des transitoires : l'effet de focalisation se traduit par des transitoires thermiques dont l'amplitude est d'autant plus prononcée que le collecteur est plus profond. En effet, en période de basses eaux, certaines galeries s'asséchant complètement, le flux de chaleur provenant de la roche et correspondant à ce gradient élevé est capable de réchauffer les galeries de plusieurs dixièmes de degrés C en quelques semaines.
Contrôle structural et tectonique sur l'hydrogéologie karstique du plateau Mahafaly (domaine littoral semi-aride, sud-ouest de Madagascar)
Authors: André Grégoire , Bergeron Gilles , Guyot Luc
Published: November 2018

Structural and tectonic control on karstic hydrogeology of the plateau Mahafaly (semiarid coastal area, South-West of Madagascar).

The southwestern coast of Madagascar is characterized by a semiarid climate and low fresh water resources, which slow down the economic development. The studied area, located south of Toliara, is separated into a western coast of aeolian dunes and sandstones, where most of the people live, and the eastern, almost unoccupied, calcareous Mahafaly plateau. The coastal aquifer is dominated by salty water. The conductivity, close to 6000pS/cm in the north, decreases to 3000pS !cm in the south. The coastal plain is bordered to the East by highly karstified Cenozoic limestone, separated by a north-south cliff corresponding to the Toliara fault scarp. Surveys in coastal wells and in karstic aquifers clearly point out tidal influence on piezometric level and conductivity. In the north, the limestone cliff is directly in contact with the sea, whose water contaminates the karstic aquifer according to tidal variations. In the south, fresh water flows out on the beach by resurgences in the Quaternary sandstones, probably connected to the Eocene limestones, 5 km to the east. Drillings and exploration of some shafts on the plateau permitted access to the ground water table. It displays various conductivities ranging between 1500µS/cm and 5000µS/ cm, unusually high for a karstic aquifer far away from the coast. The mapping of such conductivities suggests more complex phenomena than only marine intrusions into the different aquifer systems. Chemical and isotopic analyses show an obvious seawater intrusion and evaporation influence for the coastal aquifer, lin the karstic aquifer, however, trace element analyses evoke contamination by upwelling of deep mineralized water. Salty water is frequent eastward on the basement and in the Mesozic formations. Today, fracture zones in both the coastal sandstones and in the Cenozoic limestone units control ground water circulations. Such fractures result from extensional phases in the past. The surface joint directions N-S, NE-SW and NW-SE . reflect the deep-seated horst and graben structures. Microtectonic analyses give evidence of a post-Eocene WNW-ESE extension, and recent seismic data define an E-W extensional regime. The underground flowpaths are mostly on fractures oriented along the present stress field. The tectonic history in the area and the chemical composition of the waters suggest a connection of the karst aquifer with circulations from deep formations through deep-seated faults belonging to the Toliara fault system. This could explain abnormal salinities in the karstic system, far away from the coast.
« Le Faiseur » à table
Authors: Oshita Yoshie
Published: November 2018

Balzac, l’auteur de La Cousine Bette , constate que « la table est le plus sûr thermomètre de la fortune dans les ménages parisiens ». Pour évoquer cette affirmation, nous nous pencherons sur Le Faiseur , comédie en cinq actes de Balzac. Avec la préparation difficile d’un dîner somptueux à l’intention d’un riche parti pour sa fille, sur fond de complot de spéculation boursière aboutissant à un plan de retraite en Touraine, cette pièce nous permet d’avancer que la notion de « table » se rattache, soit au sens propre, soit dans un contexte métaphorique, au sort du héros Mercadet, qui est un spéculateur. La lecture des romans de La Comédie humaine nous aide aussi à mieux comprendre cette pièce, qui traite de la thématique de l’économie et des mœurs dans la première moitié du xix e  siècle.
Le temps des passions
Authors: Borderie Régine
Published: November 2018

L ‘article s’intéresse à la représentation des passions (au sens large du terme) du point de vue du temps, dans  La Cousine Bette . Celles-ci sont abordées au niveau du personnage, des relations entre personnages ou entre eux et l’argent, entre eux et l’Histoire. L’article étudie la configuration de la fulgurance et de la longue durée passionnelle, puis le manque de synchronisation dans la confrontation des passions individuelles entre elles ou avec le temps propre à l’argent (aux opérations financières). Cette pluralité des temps se confirme par la mise en valeur, non sans restrictions importantes, de l’historicité des passions, de ce fait exposées à l’anachronisme. L’élaboration de la temporalité de celles-ci fait donc ressortir leur fonction structurante dans le roman, leur caractère naturel tout comme leur dépendance à l’égard d’un état social.
« La Cousine Bette » ou l’Énergétique narrative de la passion
Authors: Gleize Joëlle
Published: November 2018

Partant de la conception énergétique qu’a Balzac de la passion, et des liens que le romancier, en tant qu’anthropologue social, tisse entre la passion et le mouvement de l’homme en société, l’article analyse la relation spécifique qui s’élabore, dans La Cousine Bette, entre dynamique narrative et dynamique passionnelle, pour donner sens à cette forme qu’est le rythme du récit et rendre compte de la tension qui emporte la lecture.
« La Cousine Bette » : le feuilleton des passions
Authors: Couleau Christèle
Published: November 2018

Dans le contexte du rapport ambigu que Balzac entretient avec le roman feuilleton, les passions apparaissent comme un possible catalyseur. Conformément aux lois du genre, elles accélèrent l’action, accentuent la tension dramatique, et démultiplient rebondissements et interactions. Mais si l’impact émotionnel qu’elles provoquent tient en haleine le lecteur, il sert aussi à guider, parfois de façon complexe, son interprétation du récit. Enfin, les passions, tout en s’ancrant dans l’actualité, servent l’ambition balzacienne d’une réflexion sur les valeurs, et sur l’évolution du genre romanesque.
Des animaux et des hommes dans « La Comédie humaine »
Authors: Dupuis Danielle
Published: November 2018

De l’avis des sociologues, le comportement de l’homme vis-à-vis de l’animal domestique est révélateur de l’histoire et du mode de pensée d’une civilisation. On ne s’étonnera donc pas que le bestiaire de Balzac, historien des mœurs soit conséquent. Une enquête sur la connaissance personnelle que l’écrivain a pu avoir dans ce domaine et sur les voies de son acquisition s’imposait ainsi qu’une mise en parallèle des pratiques du xix e  siècle avec le témoignage de La Comédie humaine . De plus, il était intéressant de constater comment le romancier fait intervenir l’animal dans la diégèse, mettant en outre à profit une symbolique familière à ses lecteurs.
Quelques sources méconnues de la « Physiologie du mariage »
Authors: Milchina Véra
Published: November 2018

L’article est le fruit d’une édition russe de la Physiologie du mariage et des Petites misères de la vie conjugale dont nous avons publié une traduction accompagnée de notes à Moscou en 2017. Ce travail a permis d’identifier une bonne dizaine de textes que Balzac a cités sans les nommer dans ces deux œuvres. Ainsi, un contemporain ou un auteur contemporain que Balzac mentionne plusieurs fois dans le texte de la Physiologie du mariage désigne Pierre-Édouard Lemontey. Autres sources méconnues : la comédie en vers d’Alexandre de la Ville de Mirmont Le Folliculaire , le roman d’Edward Bulwer-Litton Pelham , les Mémoires de Mme de Genlis, Les Mille et Un Jours , contes persans édités par Petit de Lacroix, l ’Almanach des gourmands d’Alexandre Grimod de La Reynière, et plusieurs autres.
Albert Savarus : « cet obscur objet du désir »
Authors: Lacombe Anne
Published: November 2018

L’objectif de cette étude sera d’envisager le statut problématique du héros éponyme de ce court roman, étrangement « absent » d’une narration singulière, elle-même elliptique et fragmentaire qui fait de lui davantage le héros « entrevu » de la chronique d’une disparition annoncée que le véritable acteur de l’histoire ; cet effacement étant lisible aussi bien dans la saisie presque constamment indirecte d’un personnage lu et commenté par d’autres que dans les modalités d’une présence non seulement ténue mais comme frappée d’une impuissance effective ; ce alors même qu’il est censé incarner, dans sa tension vers un idéal, une dynamique de la volonté et de l’action, et qu’il est, en outre, si manifestement le double intime de l’auteur dans sa vibrante requête à l’amante qui s’éloigne, Ève Hanska.
Containers in Ports can be Tracked Smartly
Authors: Folinas Dimitris
Published: November 2018

This article introduces a web platform to monitor cargo in containers status in real time using telematics and simulation practices. The platform was the main deliverable of a research project which aimed to strengthen security in the logistics handling procedures in port terminals. A systematic approach has been followed for its development and a pilot test was applied for tracking containers in a main port terminal. Lessons learned from this pilot study are also presented and discussed. According to the results of the pilot study, the proposed platform proved to be a useful tool for management, monitoring of the status and confrontation of security threats events, transforming the container to a “smart” container that uses sensors and systems to track and report data such as contents, unauthorized access, and physical location.
Role of Big Data in Continuous Improvement Environments
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: November 2018

Innovation technologies are used for consistent and continuous improvement, as well as for examining past executions in business. Furthermore, obtaining numerous bits of knowledge about a business can help to influence planning and future choices. A way to create connections between various data points is through big data. Currently, business processes face many challenges because of technological headway and information age. Since big data has grown and become so popular, it is possible to apply it to unique and conventional business associations. Additionally, if big data is used to meet the business's needs, then it can yield organizational changes in infrastructure and real-world improvement. Through big data, analysts can reveal continuous improvement methods and a performance measurement system in data administration, as well as management, transactions, and convey central leadership.