bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave Energy Focalization in a Plate With Imperfect Two-Dimensional Acoustic Black Hole Indentation
Authors: Huang Wei , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao , Cheng Li
Published: July 2016

The acoustic black hole (ABH) phenomenon in thin-walled structures with a tailored power-law-profiled thickness allows for a gradual change of the phase velocity of flexural waves and energy focalization. However, ideal ABH structures are difficult to realize and suffer from potential structural problems for practical applications. It is therefore important to explore alternative configurations that can eventually alleviate the structural deficiency of the ideal ABH structures, while maintaining similar ability for wave manipulation. In this study, the so-called imperfect two-dimensional ABH indentation with different tailored power-law-profiled is proposed and investigated. It is shown that the new indentation profile also enables a drastic increase in the energy density around the tapered area. However, the energy focalization phenomena and the process are shown to be different from those of conventional ABH structure. With the new indentation profile, the stringent power-law thickness variation in ideal ABH structures can be relaxed, resulting in energy focalization similar to a lens. Different from an ideal ABH structure, the energy focalization point is offset from, and downstream of indentation center, depending on the structural geometry. Additional insight on energy focalization in the indentation is quantitatively analyzed by numerical simulations using structural power flow. Finally, the phenomenon of flexural wave focalization is verified by experiments using laser ultrasonic scanning technique.
Design for Sustainable Use of Appliances: A Framework Based on User Behavior Observations
Authors: Withanage Chathura , Hölttä-Otto Katja , Otto Kevin , Wood Kristin
Published: July 2016

User behavior can determine over one third of the energy consumed in the residential energy market. Thus, user behavior has become a primary focus in sustainable mechanical device, appliance, and smart-energy systems design. Wasteful user behaviors, termed energy overuse failure modes (EOFMs), offer an opportunity for design engineers to direct users toward more sustainable behavior through design strategies. There are fundamentally two intervention strategies: (1) product or systems solution led or (2) behavioral led. Both are used to achieve increased sustainable user behavior. To ensure expected intervention outcomes, it is equally important to both identify the EOFMs as well as their underlying causes. However, the prevailing sustainable design approaches, such as design for sustainable behavior (DfSB) and ecodesign, depend on stated responses to elicit underlying causes of behavior. Consequently, the outcomes of these approaches are susceptible to response biases. In this paper, a new revealed behavior based framework is introduced to elicit underlying causes of EOFMs and to propose potential intervention strategies to address them. We focus on uncovering two underlying causes that correspond to the intervention strategies: (1) high energy consuming habits and (2) lack of energy awareness. In the proposed framework, user behavior categorization matrices are formulated using a two-phase user study approach with a request to lower the energy use in-between the phases. Based on the observed behavior, each EOFM is matrix categorized on two axes of change and correctness. With this data, the matrices thereby indicate the dominant underlying causes of EOFMs. The EOFMs and proposed interventions can then be prioritized based on the likelihood of occurrence, severity, magnitude or a combinatorial strategy to suit the sustainability objectives. A case study is presented with seven EOFMs that are found in typical day-to-day household electromechanical appliance use including inefficient appliance setup, inefficient selection, inefficient operation, standby energy consumption, and inefficient settings of conditions. Lack of user awareness of energy and power interactions among appliances and household settings is identified as the key underlying cause of considered EOFMs. Potential design solution strategies are also considered to overcome the EOFMs based on likelihoods, severities, and magnitudes, respectively. Each solution strategy carries a varying level of knowledgeable decision-making required of the user, compared with alternatively designing into the product or systems restrictions on use.
Comparing Ideation Techniques for Beginning Designers
Authors: Daly Shanna R. , Seifert Colleen M. , Yilmaz Seda , Gonzalez Richard
Published: July 2016

Concept generation techniques can help to support designers in generating multiple ideas during design tasks. However, differences in the ways these techniques guide idea generation are not well understood. This study investigated the qualities of concepts generated by beginning engineering designers using one of three different idea generation techniques. Working individually on an open-ended engineering design problem, 102 first year engineering students learned and applied one of three different ideation techniques—design heuristics, morphological analysis, or individual brainstorming (using brainstorming rules to generate ideas working alone)—to a given design problem. Using the consensual assessment technique, all concepts were rated for creativity, elaboration, and practicality, and all participants' concept sets were rated for quantity and diversity. The simplest technique, individual brainstorming, led to the most concepts within the short (25 minute) ideation session. All three techniques produced creative concepts averaging near the scale midpoint. The elaboration of the concepts was significantly higher with design heuristics and morphological analysis techniques, and the practicality was significantly higher using design heuristics. Controlling for number of concepts generated, there were no significant differences in diversity of solution sets across groups. These results demonstrate that the use of design heuristics does not limit the creativity of ideation outcomes, and helps students to develop more elaborate and practical ideas. Design heuristics show advantages in the initial idea generation phase for beginning engineering students. These findings point to specific strengths in different ideation techniques, and the value of exposing beginning designers to multiple techniques for idea generation.
Correlation between structural order parameter of epitaxial Fe/Pt multilayer and corresponding perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and orbital magnetic moment upon annealing
Authors: Chen Yu-Sheng , Lee Chih-Hao , Lin Hong-Ji
Published: July 2016

A strong correlation has been noted between the structural order parameter of an epitaxial L10 Fe/Pt thin film and the corresponding perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and orbital magnetic moment. This relationship is studied in detail here. An epitaxial L10 FePt thin film grown from an [Fe(10 Å)/Pt(10 Å)]15 multilayer with (001) orientation was prepared using ion beam sputtering deposition. The Fe/Pt multilayer was transformed into L10 alloy at an annealing temperature of about 500 °C. When annealed at 700 °C, the out-of-plane order parameter of L10 FePt reached 0.95, with the squareness close to 1 and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant reaching 3 × 107 erg/cm3. This indicates that the ordered FePt film has a strong PMA effect. The plane-normal orbital-to-spin magnetic moment ratios are 0.088, 0.149 and 0.174 for the samples of Fe/Pt multilayer without annealing, after annealing at 500 °C and the ordered FePt film after 700 °C annealing, respectively. The results suggest that the higher order parameter results in a stronger hybridization and spin–orbital coupling between Fe and Pt atoms. Also, the higher orbital magnetic moment anisotropy implies that the plane-normal orbital-to-spin magnetic moment ratio increases.
Sound source localization identification accuracy: Level and duration dependencies
Authors: Yost William A.
Published: July 2016

Sound source localization accuracy for noises was measured for sources in the front azimuthal open field mainly as a function of overall noise level and duration. An identification procedure was used in which listeners identify which loudspeakers presented a sound. Noises were filtered and differed in bandwidth and center frequency. Sound source localization accuracy depended on the bandwidth of the stimuli, and for the narrow bandwidths, accuracy depended on the filter's center frequency. Sound source localization accuracy did not depend on overall level or duration.
Energy Expenditure of Daily Living Activities in 3- to 6-Year-Old Children
Authors: Byun Wonwoo , Barry Allison , Lee Jung-Min
Published: July 2016

Background:

There has been a call for updating the Youth Compendium of Energy Expenditure (YCEE) by including energy expenditure (EE) data of young children (ie, < 6-year-old children). Therefore, this study examined the activity EE in 3 to 6 year old children using indirect calorimetry.

Methods:

Using Oxycon Mobile portable indirect calorimetry, both the oxygen consumption (VO2) and the EE of 28 children (Girls: 46%, Age: 4.8 ± 1.0, BMI: 16.4 ± 1.6) were measured while they performed various daily living activities (eg, watching TV, playing with toys, shooting baskets, soccer).

Results:

Across physical activities, averages of VO2 (ml·kg·min-1), VO2 (L·min-1), and EE ranged from 8.9 ± 1.5 to 33.3 ± 4.8 ml·kg·min-1, from 0.17 ± 0.04 to 0.64 ± 0.16 L·min-1, and from 0.8 ± 0.2 to 3.2 ± 0.7 kcal·min-1, respectively.

Conclusions:

These findings will contribute to the upcoming YCEE update.
Energy Expenditure of Common Sedentary Activities in Youth
Authors: Lau Melissa , Wang Li , Acra Sari , Buchowski Maciej S.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Standardized measures of energy expenditure (EE) for sedentary activities in youth are needed. The goal was to determine EE of common contemporary and computer-related sedentary activities in youth.

Methods:

We measured EE for sedentary tasks in 10- to 17-year-old youths (n = 24) during ~24 hours in a whole-room indirect calorimeter. Directly monitored tasks were performed for ~10-min. EE was calculated from oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced, converted to metabolic equivalents (MET) by normalization to an individual’s measured resting EE, and compared with the Compendium of Energy Expenditures for Youth.

Results:

Compared with the youth compendium, measured METs were lower for internet surfing (1.3), computer keyboard typing (1.3), and sorting beads/crafts (1.5) (all P < .002), and similar for handwriting (1.4), playing cards (1.6), video-gaming (1.6), and telephoning (1.5).

Conclusions:

Current youth compendium MET estimates should be used with caution when predicting EE of common contemporary and computer-related sedentary activities in youth.
Metabolic Equivalents of Selected Sedentary and Physical Activities in Chinese Youth
Authors: Gao Yong , Sun Haichun , Zhuang Jie , Zhang Jian , Ransdell Lynda , Zhu Zheng , Wang Siya
Published: July 2016

Background:

This study determined the metabolic equivalents (METs) of several activities typically performed by Chinese youth.

Methods:

Thirty youth (12 years) performed 7 activities that reflected their daily activities while Energy Expenditure (EE) was measured in a metabolic chamber.

Results:

METs were calculated as activity EE divided by participant’s measured resting metabolic rate. A MET value ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 was obtained for sleeping, watching TV, playing computer games, reading and doing homework. Performing radio gymnastics had a MET value of 2.9. Jumping rope at low effort required 3.1 METs. Except for watching TV, METs for other activities in this study were lower than Youth Compendium values.

Conclusions:

The results provide empirical evidence for more accurately assessing EE of activities commonly performed by Chinese youth. This is the first study to determine METs for radio gymnastics and jump rope in Chinese youth.
Energy Cost of Children’s Structured and Unstructured Games
Authors: Clevenger Kimberly A. , Aubrey Aubrey J. , Moore Rebecca W. , Peyer Karissa L. , Suton Darijan , Trost Stewart G. , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Limited data are available on energy cost of common children’s games using measured oxygen consumption.

Methods:

Children (10.6 ± 2.9 years; N = 37; 26 male, 9 female) performed a selection of structured (bowling, juggling, obstacle course, relays, active kickball) and unstructured (basketball, catch, tennis, clothespin tag, soccer) activities for 5 to 30 minutes. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was calculated using Schofield’s age- and sex-specific equation. Children wore a portable metabolic unit, which measured expired gases to obtain oxygen consumption (VO2), youth METs (relative VO2/child’s calculated RMR), and activity energy expenditure (kcal/kg/min). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data.

Results:

Relative VO2 ranged from 16.8 ± 4.6 ml/kg/min (bowling) to 32.2 ± 6.8 ml/kg/min (obstacle course). Obstacle course, relays, active kickball, soccer, and clothespin tag elicited vigorous intensity (>6 METs), the remainder elicited moderate intensity (3–6 METs).

Conclusions:

This article contributes energy expenditure data for the update and expansion of the youth compendium.
Acute Resistance Exercise Facilitates Attention Control in Adult Males Without an Age-Moderating Effect
Authors: Hsieh Shu-Shih , Chang Yu-Kai , Fang Chin-Lung , Hung Tsung-Min
Published: July 2016

The current study examined the effects of acute resistance exercise (RE) on adult males’ attention control. Eighteen younger males (23.9 ± 2.3 years) and 17 older males (66.4 ± 1.2 years) were recruited. Participants underwent a RE session and a reading session in a counterbalanced order. RE protocol required individuals to perform two sets of 10 repetitions of eight exercises using weights set at 70% of 10-repetition maximum. Attention control was assessed by go/no-go SART with intraindividual variability in reaction times (IIV in RT), in addition to reaction time and accuracy, employed as measures of attention control. Results indicated that IIV in RT was smaller following RE sessions than after reading sessions for both age groups. In addition, RTs were shorter after the exercise session. These findings suggest that RE enhances attention control in adult males and that the size of this effect is not moderated by age.
Rewilding Rio
Authors: Escobar Herton
Published: July 2016

A team of ecologists is recreating a living rainforest in the heart of the Olympic city
Draft Genome Sequence of the Deep-Sea Basidiomycetous Yeast
Cryptococcus
sp. Strain Mo29 Reveals Its Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Rédou Vanessa , Kumar Abhishek , Hainaut Matthieu , Henrissat Bernard , Record Eric , Barbier Georges , Burgaud Gaëtan
Published: July 2016

Cryptococcus
sp. strain Mo29 was isolated from the Rainbow hydrothermal site on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of this basidiomycetous yeast strain, which has highlighted its biotechnological potential as revealed by the presence of genes involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites and biotechnologically important enzymes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nonagglutinating
Lactococcus garvieae
Strain 122061 Isolated from Yellowtail in Japan
Authors: Nishiki Issei , Oinaka Daisaku , Iwasaki Yuki , Yasuike Motoshige , Nakamura Yoji , Yoshida Terutoyo , Fujiwara Atushi , Nagai Satoshi , Katoh Masaya , Kobayashi Takanori
Published: July 2016

Nonagglutinating
Lactococcus garvieae
has been isolated from diseased farmed yellowtail in Japan since 2012. In this study, the complete genome and plasmid sequence of nonagglutinating
L. garvieae
strain 122061 was determined, to our knowledge, for the first time.
Child maltreatment hospitalisations in Hong Kong: incidence rate and seasonal pattern
Authors: Ip Patrick , Ho Frederick Ka-wing , Chan Ko Ling , Yip Paul Siu-fai , Lau Joseph Tak-fai , Wong Wilfred Hing-sang , Chow Chun-bong , Jiang Fan
Published: July 2016

Objective

We investigated the incidence and seasonal patterns of child maltreatment hospitalisations in Hong Kong.

Design

A retrospective study of subjects aged under 19 years with a primary diagnosis of child maltreatment admitted to hospitals in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2010. Data were retrieved from the centralised database of all 42 public hospitals in the Hospital Authority.

Main outcome measures

Child maltreatment incidence rate.

Results

A consistent seasonal pattern was found for non-sexual maltreatment in children aged 6–18 years (p<0.001). Hospitalisations peaked in May and October but dipped in August and January. No significant seasonal patterns were found for sexual maltreatment or among children under 6 years. The seasonal pattern of child maltreatment coincided with the two school examination periods. The annual child maltreatment hospitalisation rate in Hong Kong in 2010 was 73.4 per 100 000 children under 19 years, more than double that in 2001.

Conclusions

A peculiar seasonal pattern and an alarming increasing trend in child maltreatment hospitalisation were observed in Hong Kong, which we speculated to be related to school examination stress and increasing socioeconomic disparity. Our findings highlighted differences in the trends of child maltreatment between Hong Kong and the West. Professionals and policymakers should be made aware of these trends and develop effective strategies to tackle child maltreatment.
Infant home respiratory monitoring using pulse oximetry
Authors: Seddon Paul , Sobowiec-Kouman Sonia , Wertheim David
Published: July 2016

Respiratory rate (RR) is a valuable early marker of illness in vulnerable infants, but current monitoring methods are unsuitable for sustained home use. We have demonstrated accurate measurement of RR from brief recordings of pulse oximeter plethysmogram (pleth) trace in full-term neonates in hospital. This study assessed the feasibility of this method in preterm infants during overnight recordings in the home. We collected simultaneous overnight SpO2, pleth and respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) on 24 preterm infants in the home. RR from pleth analysis was compared with RR from RIP bands; pleth quality was assessed by the presence of visible artefact. Median (range) RR from RIP and pleth were not significantly different at 42 (25–65) and 42 (25–64) breaths/min. Median (range) % of epochs rejected due to artefact was 20 (8–75) for pleth and 10 (3–53) for RIP. Our results suggest that home RR monitoring by pulse oximeter pleth signal is accurate and feasible.
Interest and preferences for using advanced physical activity tracking devices: results of a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alley Stephanie , Schoeppe Stephanie , Guertler Diana , Jennings Cally , Duncan Mitch J , Vandelanotte Corneel
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Pedometers are an effective self-monitoring tool to increase users' physical activity. However, a range of advanced trackers that measure physical activity 24 hours per day have emerged (eg, Fitbit). The current study aims to determine people's current use, interest and preferences for advanced trackers.

Design and participants

A cross-sectional national telephone survey was conducted in Australia with 1349 respondents.

Outcome measures

Regression analyses were used to determine whether tracker interest and use, and use of advanced trackers over pedometers is a function of demographics. Preferences for tracker features and reasons for not wanting to wear a tracker are also presented.

Results

Over one-third of participants (35%) had used a tracker, and 16% are interested in using one. Multinomial regression (n=1257) revealed that the use of trackers was lower in males (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.65), non-working participants (OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.61), participants with lower education (OR=0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.72) and inactive participants (OR=0.52, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.70). Interest in using a tracker was higher in younger participants (OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.58). The most frequently used tracker was a pedometer (59%). Logistic regression (n=445) revealed that use of advanced trackers compared with pedometers was higher in males (OR=1.67, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.79) and younger participants (OR=2.96, 95% CI 1.71 to 5.13), and lower in inactive participants (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.63). Over half of current or interested tracker users (53%) prefer to wear it on their wrist, 31% considered counting steps the most important function and 30% regarded accuracy as the most important characteristic. The main reasons for not wanting to use a tracker were, ‘I don't think it would help me’ (39%), and ‘I don't want to increase my activity’ (47%).

Conclusions

Activity trackers are a promising tool to engage people in self-monitoring a physical activity. Trackers used in physical activity interventions should align with the preferences of target groups, and should be able to be worn on the wrist, measure steps and be accurate.
Extranodal extension of lymph node metastasis is a marker of poor prognosis in oesophageal cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Luchini Claudio , Wood Laura D , Cheng Liang , Nottegar Alessia , Stubbs Brendon , Solmi Marco , Capelli Paola , Pea Antonio , Sergi Giuseppe , Manzato Enzo , Fassan Matteo , Bagante Fabio , Bollschweiler Elfriede , Giacopuzzi Simone , Kaneko Takuma , de Manzoni Giovanni , Barbareschi Mattia , Scarpa Aldo , Veronese Nicola
Published: July 2016

The extranodal extension (ENE) of nodal metastasis is the extension of neoplastic cells through the nodal capsule into the perinodal adipose tissue. This histological feature has recently been indicated as an important prognostic factor in different types of malignancies; in this manuscript, we aim at defining its role in the prognosis of oesophageal cancer with the tool of meta-analysis. Two independent authors searched SCOPUS and PubMed until 31 August 2015 without language restrictions. The studies with available data about prognostic parameters in subjects with oesophageal cancer, comparing patients with the presence of ENE (ENE+) versus only intranodal extension (ENE−), were considered as eligible. Data were summarised using risk ratios (RRs) for number of deaths/recurrences and HRs together with 95% CIs for time-dependent risk related to ENE+, adjusted for potential confounders. Fourteen studies were selected; they followed-up 1437 patients with oesophageal cancer for a median follow-up of 39.4 months. The presence of ENE was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR=1.33; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.50, p<0.0001, I2=49%; HR=2.72, 95% CI 2.03 to 3.64, p<0.0001, I2=0%), cancer-specific mortality (RR=1.35; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.59, p=0.001, I2=57%; HR=1.97, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.75, p<0.0001, I2=41%) and of risk of recurrence (RR=1.50, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.88, p<0.0001, I2=9%; HR=2.27, 95% CI 1.72 to 2.90, p<0.0001, I2=0%). On the basis of these results, in oesophageal cancer, ENE should be considered from the gross sampling to the pathology report, and in future oncological staging system.
Expression of 4-1Bb and Its Ligand on Blasts Correlates with Prognosis of Patients with Aml
Authors: Schmohl Joerg U , Nuebling Tina , Wild Julia , Kroell Tanja , Kanz Lothar , Salih Helmut R , Schmetzer Helga
Published: July 2016

Costimulatory ligands (COLs) and their receptors (COR) regulate immune reactions and cellular survival and might be relevant in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study evaluated the clinical relevance of 4-1BBL, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) and ligand (GITRL), CD80, and CD86 in case of expression on AML blasts. 98 patients were evaluated at initial diagnosis. Immunophenotypically evaluated specific fluorescence index (SFI) levels of COR and COL on blasts were correlated with morphological, cytogenetic, and several prognostic parameters. Significantly higher COR expression was seen in monocytic versus non-monocytic AML subtypes; GITR, p=0.05; GITRL, p=0.005; CD86, p=0.001). Cut-off values for two COR and their ligands were evaluated: cases presenting with 4-1BB values above cut-off 1.2 SFI levels correlated (tendentially) significantly with a higher probability for disease-free survival (DFS, p=0.06) and a favorable HR of 0.2; p=0.04 for relapse. HR for death was also significantly lower in this group (0.12; p=0.04). In contrast, a lower probability for DFS and overall survival was seen in cases with 4-1BBL expression above 2.2 SFI levels (p=0.08 and p=0.09). In addition, multivariate analysis showed a significantly higher probability of death in this group (HR 10.3, p=0.04). Expression of CD80 and CD86 did not show significant prognostic relevance. On initial diagnosis, 4-1BB and 4-1BBL qualify as markers for prediction of patients’ course and represent a valuable screening target for patients with AML at initial diagnosis.
Quantifying the Effect of Sharing Information in a Supply Chain Facing Supply Disruptions
Authors: Tao Yi , Lee Loo Hay , Chew Ek Peng
Published: July 2016

In this work, a system dynamics simulation approach is proposed to evaluate the effect of sharing information with partners in a supply chain when it is faced with supply-related disruptions which severely affect the product manufacturing. We focus on a simple two-echelon supply chain involving one retailer and two suppliers, and study the retailer’s decision on allocating orders between the suppliers. Three specific settings of information sharing by the suppliers are investigated: (i) no information shared; (ii) information partially shared; and (iii) information completely shared. After establishing corresponding ordering policy under each setting, we conduct extensive numerical analysis to simulate shocks to suppliers’ manufacturing capacity and calculate the resulting extra cost as measure of the effectiveness of information sharing. Simulation results show that with more information shared by suppliers, the retailer is able to make response to disruptions more accurately and timely, the negative impact of which thus can be reduced by larger extent, even though not completely eliminated.
Double genus expansion for general Ω background
Authors: Prudenziati Andrea
Published: July 2016

We will show how the refined holomorphic anomaly equation obeyed by the Nekrasov partition function at generic [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] values becomes compatible, in a certain two-parameter expansion, with the assumption that both parameters are associated to genus counting. The underlying worldsheet theory will be analyzed and constrained in various ways, and we will provide both physical interpretation and some alternative evidence for this model. Finally, we will use the Gopakumar–Vafa formulation for the refined topological string in order to give a more quantitative description.
Summarizing Personal Dataspace Based on User Interests
Authors: Wang Ning , Tian Tian
Published: July 2016

A personal dataspace management system (PDSMS) is a platform to manage personal data with various data types. Facing huge volume of heterogeneous personal data and complex relationships between them, it is better for users to start with a simplified, easy-to-read schema and then explore in depth only the relevant schema elements during formulating queries. Existing approaches of database schema summarization neglect user interests, which is very important in a personal dataspace. We propose a framework for building a concise resource summary based on user interests automatically in PDSMS. Our method builds the initial summary by partitioning schema graph according to its linkage information and selecting representative elements based on a novel measure on schema element typicality. Then, user interested degree for schema node is introduced to measure user interests and the initial summary is refined according to user interests. Finally, we evaluate the quality of our resource summary through a comprehensive set of experiments, and results indicate that summaries generated by our system are more effective on reducing user efforts required in formulating queries.
Spontaneous dimensional reduction in quantum gravity
Authors: Carlip S.
Published: July 2016

Hints from a number of different approaches to quantum gravity point to a phenomenon of “spontaneous dimensional reduction” to two spacetime dimensions near the Planck scale. I examine the physical meaning of the term “dimension” in this context, summarize the evidence for dimensional reduction, and discuss possible physical explanations.
Carter constant induced mechanism for generation of anisotropic kinetic equilibria in collisionless N-body systems
Authors: Cremaschini Claudio , Stuchlík Zdeněk
Published: July 2016

A new intrinsically-relativistic kinetic mechanism for generation of nonisotropic relativistic kinetic equilibria in collisionless [Formula: see text]-body systems is pointed out. The theory is developed in the framework of the covariant Vlasov statistical description. The new effect is based on the constraints placed by the conservation laws of neutral single-particle dynamics in prescribed background curved-spacetimes demonstrating existence of Killing tensors. As an illustration, the particular case of the Kerr spacetime admitting the so-called Carter constant for the particle geodesic motion is considered. The general functional form of the equilibrium kinetic distribution function (KDF) is determined and an explicit realization in terms of Gaussian-like distributions is provided. It is shown that, due to the Carter constant, these equilibrium KDFs exhibit an anisotropic phase-space functional dependence in terms of the single-particle 4-velocity components, giving rise to corresponding nonisotropic continuum fluid fields. The qualitative properties of the equilibrium stress–energy tensor associated with these systems are discussed, with a particular emphasis on the related occurrence of temperature anisotropy effects. The theory is susceptible of astrophysical applications, including in particular the statistical properties of dark matter (DM) halos around stellar-mass or galactic-center black holes.
Dilepton production as a useful probe of quark gluon plasma with temperature dependent chemical potential quark mass
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Singh S. Somorendro
Published: July 2016

We extend the previous study of dilepton production using [S. Somorendro Singh and Y. Kumar, Can. J. Phys. 92 (2014) 31] based on a simple quasiparticle model of quark–gluon plasma (QGP). In this model, finite value of quark mass uses temperature dependent chemical potential the so-called Temperature Dependent Chemical Potential Quark Mass (TDCPQM). We calculate dilepton production in the relevant range of mass region. It is observed that the production rate is marginally enhanced from the earlier work. This is due to the effect of TDCPQM and its effect is highly significant in the production of dilepton.
Chaos Propagation in Games of Control for Energy-Efficient Wireless Communications
Authors: Baili Hana
Published: July 2016

The question of energy management is a major engineering challenge in any wireless communication system that is constrained by finite battery resources. In this paper, we address the problem of transmit power control in a multi-user wireless network with a single base station and random time-varying channels transmitting in parallel and interfering between each other. We suggest a stochastic particle system for studying the game of control; specifically, the channels are modeled as purely discontinuous Markov processes with known characteristics. The signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) determines the interactions among particles. Dimensionality reduction of the multi-objective optimization problem relies on chaos propagation, i.e., on the fact that the independence of particles persists in time as and when their number becomes large. And then we solve the optimal control problem for one representative of the particle system. Furthermore, we develop a martingale approach for an alternative open-loop optimal control instead of the feedback one since the latter is not computationally feasible.
Randomness and Non-Locality
Authors: Senno Gabriel , Bendersky Ariel , Figueira Santiago
Published: July 2016

The concepts of randomness and non-locality are intimately intertwined outcomes of randomly chosen measurements over entangled systems exhibiting non-local correlations are, if we preclude instantaneous influence between distant measurement choices and outcomes, random. In this paper, we survey some recent advances in the knowledge of the interplay between these two important notions from a quantum information science perspective.
On the essential graph of a commutative ring
Authors: Nikmehr M. J. , Nikandish R. , Bakhtyiari M.
Published: July 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with identity, and let [Formula: see text] be the set of zero-divisors of [Formula: see text]. The essential graph of [Formula: see text] is defined as the graph [Formula: see text] with the vertex set [Formula: see text], and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if ann[Formula: see text] is an essential ideal. It is proved that [Formula: see text] is connected with diameter at most three and with girth at most four, if [Formula: see text] contains a cycle. Furthermore, rings with complete or star essential graphs are characterized. Also, we study the affinity between essential graph and zero-divisor graph that is associated with a ring. Finally, we show that the essential graph associated with an Artinian ring is weakly perfect, i.e. its vertex chromatic number equals its clique number.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND CSR IN PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANIES IN GREECE: CONTENT AND GLOBAL REPORTING INITIATIVE (GRI) ANALYSIS
Authors: METAXAS THEODORE , TSAVDARIDOU MARIA
Published: July 2016

The environmental policy and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are two notions of high importance for enterprises and nations. Numerous pages have been written about the environmental policy of companies in their CSR reports. Whether it concerns to raise environmental awareness among their employees or local communities or to give in detail their environmental footprint at the end of the story it is about giving proofs of their environmental policy. Climate change is among the topics of CSR reports and is under examination in this paper. A case study analysis will be applied in order to present how climate change is interpreted in the CSR reports of Greek companies from the petroleum refining industry.
Application of Strategic Environmental Assessment as a Land Use Planning Tool in India : A Case of Gurgaon-Manesar Development Plan, Haryana, India
Authors: Mukherjee Debojyoti , Rajvanshi Asha
Published: July 2016

Lack of comprehensive land use planning in India has posed significant challenges in achieving more optimal utilisation of land resources. This has also limited the opportunities for developing land use plans that adequately reflect the rationale and objectives of planning. This calls for developing a comprehensive and holistic approach to review the compatibility of actions associated with development plans involving multiple sectors with the ground realities. This paper is an attempt to apply strategic environmental assessment (SEA) as a promising tool to identify environmental risks and deficiencies in the land use planning process in India. The paper draws on the experience of applying SEA to Gurgaon-Manesar Development Plan for 2031 and elaborates on the merits and usefulness of adopting SEA in land use planning in the Indian context.
The Role of Pre-Conditioning Frequency in the Experimental Characterization of Hyper-Elastic Materials as Models for Soft Tissue Applications
Authors: de Gelidi Serena , Tozzi Gianluca , Bucchi Andrea
Published: July 2016

Rubber-like materials as many soft tissues can be described as incompressible and hyper-elastic materials. Their comparable elastic behavior, up to a certain extent, has been exploited to develop and test experimental methodologies to be then applied to soft biological tissues such as aortic wall. Hence, theoretical and experimental simulation of aortic tissue, and more generally blood vessel tissue, has been often conducted using rubbers. Despite all the efforts in characterizing such materials, a clear and comprehensive testing procedure is still missing. In particular, the influence of pre-conditioning in the mechanical response of hyper-elastic materials has been often neglected. In this paper, the importance of pre-conditioning is demonstrated by: (i) exploring the effect of stretching frequency applied before the uniaxial tensile test; (ii) recognizing the role of specimen geometry and strain amplitude; (iii) verifying the impact of experimental data acquisition on finite element predictions. It was found that stress–strain relationship shows a statistical difference between some frequencies of pre-conditioning and its absence. Only certain pre-conditioning frequencies were able to generate repeatable experimental data for strip or dumb-bell shapes. This feature corresponds to a consistent reduction in the scatter of critical pressures obtained by numerical simulations.
Physical Model Study of the Seismic Performance of Highway Embankments with and without Geotextile
Authors: Edinçliler Ayşe , Toksoy Yasin Sait
Published: July 2016

In order to ensure structural safety and integrity in earthquake conditions, it may be useful or even necessary to increase the seismic safety of the highway embankments with reinforcement inclusions. The inclusion of geosynthetics in highway embankments may provide an additional tensile strength and durability to construct more stable and earthquake resistant embankments. In this study, the contributions of the primary factors as inclusion of the geotextile reinforcement, slope inclination and dynamic motion characteristics affecting the seismic performance of the highway embankments are evaluated. Shake table models of the unreinforced and geosynthetic reinforced highway embankments with different slope inclinations are designed. An extensive series of shake table tests were performed under dynamic motions with different predominant frequencies. Test results revealed that inclusion of geotextiles in the embankment model causes deamplification of the transmitted accelerations traveling through the reinforced embankment models. Thus, the geosynthetic reinforcement successfully enhances the seismic performance and mitigates earthquake-related hazards. Contribution of this study to the literature is that the efficiency of the geosynthetic reinforcement by means of energy absorption properties is highly dependent on the dynamic motion characteristics but less dependent to the degree of slope inclination.
The fine control of porous pompon-like Mg-incorporated α-Ni(OH)2 for enhanced supercapacities
Authors: Yuan Shuxia , Wang Xiaomin , Lu Chunxiang , Chen Cheng-Meng
Published: July 2016

Uniform porous pompon-like Mg-incorporated [Formula: see text]-Ni(OH)2 were designed and synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method. The results of ICP, XRD, FESEM, EDS and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms revealed that Mg[Formula: see text] in the Ni(OH)2 lattice had a significant effect on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties. The enhanced chemical stability, high specific capacitance of 1647 F g[Formula: see text], excellent rate capability and long cycle life with capacitance retention of 82.0% after 1000 cycles were obtained for Mg-incorporated samples.
A new public key scheme based on DRSA and generalized GDLP
Authors: Goswami Pinkimani , Singh Madan Mohan , Bhuyan Bubu
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose a new public key scheme, which is a combination of RSA variant namely the DRSA and the generalization of generalized discrete logarithm problem (generalized GDLP). The security of this scheme depends equally on the integer factorization of [Formula: see text] and the discrete logarithm problem (DLP) on [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the product of two large primes and [Formula: see text] is the multiplicative group modulo [Formula: see text]. The scheme is a randomized algorithm. It is at least as secure as the DRSA and ElGamal schemes. We also compare the encryption–decryption performance of the proposed scheme with the RSA and DRSA schemes.
Review of the Capacity Control Capability of Commercial Air Conditioner Units with Variable Speed Compressor
Authors: Kouropoulos Giorgos P.
Published: July 2016

The scope of the specific study is the extraction of mathematical relations which correlate the nominal capacity with capacity range of an inverter air conditioner unit with variable speed compressor under standard conditions, that is, measurements of minimum and maximum power of air conditioner under specific indoor and outdoor temperatures. Initially, the necessary statistical information for nominal minimum and maximum capacity will be collected from a sample of 544 different inverter air conditioner models. Furthermore, the regression analysis and the change curves of capacity range with regard to the nominal capacity for cooling and heating operation will be drawn. Also the change of turndown ratio with regard to the nominal capacity and capacity range of air conditioners will be studied. The conclusion that arises is that the maximum capacity and capacity range are varied linearly for cooling and heating operation. There is no clear indication for turndown ratio due to low correlation coefficient of the mathematical model.
Axisymmetric Distributions of Thick Circular Plate in a Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Marin Marin , Abbas Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the two-dimensional axisymmetric distributions of thick circular plate in modified couple stress theory with heat and mass diffusive sources is investigated. The problem is considered in the context of the theories of thermodiffusion elastic solid with one and two relaxation time developed by Sherief et al. [Int. J. Eng. Sci. 42, 591 (2004)] and Kumar and Kansal [Int. J. Solid Struct. 45, 5890 (2008)] by using Laplace and Hankel transforms technique. The displacements, stress components, temperature change and chemical potential are obtained in transformed domain. Particular cases of interest are also deduced.
The Triassic–Jurassic boundary event from an equatorial carbonate platform (Ghalilah Formation, United Arab Emirates)
Authors: Al-Suwaidi Aisha H. , Steuber Thomas , Suarez Marina B.
Published: July 2016

The Ghalilah Formation, UAE provides a complete and continuous equatorial shallow-water carbonate sequence through the Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic interval. In higher latitudes, this interval is frequently associated with widespread ocean acidification evidenced by a lack of carbonates or a hiatus in deposition. The data presented here in contrast show evidence for aragonite supersaturation at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary in the equatorial Tethys. δ
13
C
carb
shows a characteristic negative excursion with values as low as −2.8‰ just below the boundary. Deposition of fossiliferous limestones in this location persisted into the latest Rhaetian through the initial negative carbon isotope excursion.

Supplementary material:
δ
13
C
carb
data from bulk rock and a detailed stratigraphic log with sample locations are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3277283
.
Magmatic rifting and active volcanism: introduction
Authors: Wright Tim J. , Ayele Atalay , Ferguson David , Kidane Tesfaye , Vye-Brown Charlotte
Published: July 2016

A major rifting episode began in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia in September 2005. Over a 10-day period,
c.
2.5 km
3
of magma were intruded into the upper crust along a 60 km-long dyke separating the Arabian and Nubian plates. There was an intense seismic swarm and a small rhyolitic eruption; extension of up to 10 m occurred across the rift segment. Over the next five years, a further 13 dyke intrusions caused continued extension, eruptions and seismicity. The activity in Afar led to a renewed international focus on the role of magmatism in rifting, with major collaborative projects involving researchers from Ethiopia, the UK, the USA, France, Italy and New Zealand working in Afar and Ethiopia to study the ongoing activity and to place it in a broader context. This book brings together articles that explore the role of magmatism in rifting, from the initiation of continental break-up through to full seafloor spreading. We also explore the hazards related to rifting and the associated volcanism. This renewed focus on magmatism and its role in rifting has implications for our understanding of how continents break-up and the associated distribution of resources in rift basins and continental margins.
First-Passage Processes in the Genome
Authors: Zhang Yaojun , Dudko Olga K.
Published: July 2016

Many essential processes in biology share a common fundamental step—establishing physical contact between distant segments of DNA. How fast this step is accomplished sets the “speed limit” for the larger-scale processes it enables, whether the process is antibody production by the immune system or tissue differentiation in a developing embryo. This naturally leads us to ask, How long does it take for DNA segments that are strung out over millions of base pairs along the chromatin fiber to find each other in the crowded cell? This question, fundamental to biology, can be recognized as the physics problem of the first-passage time, or the waiting time for the first encounter. Here, we review a number of approaches to revealing the physical principles by which cells solve, with astonishing efficiency, the first-passage problem for remote genomic interactions.
Group II Intron Self-Splicing
Authors: Pyle Anna Marie
Published: July 2016

Group II introns are large, autocatalytic ribozymes that catalyze RNA splicing and retrotransposition. Splicing by group II introns plays a major role in the metabolism of plants, fungi, and yeast and contributes to genetic variation in many bacteria. Group II introns have played a major role in genome evolution, as they are likely progenitors of spliceosomal introns, retroelements, and other machinery that controls genetic variation and stability. The structure and catalytic mechanism of group II introns have recently been elucidated through a combination of genetics, chemical biology, solution biochemistry, and crystallography. These studies reveal a dynamic machine that cycles progressively through multiple conformations as it stimulates the various stages of splicing. A central active site, containing a reactive metal ion cluster, catalyzes both steps of self-splicing. These studies provide insights into RNA structure, folding, and catalysis, as they raise new questions about the behavior of RNA machines.
Globular Protein Folding In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Gruebele Martin , Dave Kapil , Sukenik Shahar
Published: July 2016

In vitro, computational, and theoretical studies of protein folding have converged to paint a rich and complex energy landscape. This landscape is sensitively modulated by environmental conditions and subject to evolutionary pressure on protein function. Of these environments, none is more complex than the cell itself, where proteins function in the cytosol, in membranes, and in different compartments. A wide variety of kinetic and thermodynamics experiments, ranging from single-molecule studies to jump kinetics and from nuclear magnetic resonance to imaging on the microscope, have elucidated how protein energy landscapes facilitate folding and how they are subject to evolutionary constraints and environmental perturbation. Here we review some recent developments in the field and refer the reader to some original work and additional reviews that cover this broad topic in protein science.