bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitrification and Crystallization of Phase-Separated Metallic Liquid
Authors: Cheng Yun , Cui Wenchao , Wang Li , Peng Chuanxiao , Wang Shenghai , Wang Yuyang
Published: February 2017

The liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) behavior of Fe50Cu50 melt from 3500 K to 300 K with different rapid quenching is investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation based on the embedded atom method (EAM). The liquid undergoes metastable phase separation by spinodal decomposition in the undercooled regime and subsequently solidifies into three different Fe-rich microstructures: the interconnected-type structure is kept in the glass and crystal at a higher cooling rate, while the Fe-rich droplets are found to crystalize at a lower cooling rate. During the crystallization process, only Fe-rich clusters can act as the solid nuclei. The twinning planes can be observed in the crystal and only the homogeneous atomic stacking shows mirror symmetry along the twinning boundary. Our present work provides atomic-scale understanding of LLPS melt during the cooling process.
Fabrication of All Glass Bifurcation Microfluidic Chip for Blood Plasma Separation
Authors: Jang Hyungjun , Haq Muhammad , Ju Jonghyun , Kim Youngkyu , Kim Seok-min , Lim Jiseok
Published: February 2017

An all-glass bifurcation microfluidic chip for blood plasma separation was fabricated by a cost-effective glass molding process using an amorphous carbon (AC) mold, which in turn was fabricated by the carbonization of a replicated furan precursor. To compensate for the shrinkage during AC mold fabrication, an enlarged photoresist pattern master was designed, and an AC mold with a dimensional error of 2.9% was achieved; the dimensional error of the master pattern was 1.6%. In the glass molding process, a glass microchannel plate with negligible shape errors (~1.5%) compared to AC mold was replicated. Finally, an all-glass bifurcation microfluidic chip was realized by micro drilling and thermal fusion bonding processes. A separation efficiency of 74% was obtained using the fabricated all-glass bifurcation microfluidic chip.
Optimal Location of Vanadium in Muscovite and Its Geometrical and Electronic Properties by DFT Calculation
Authors: Zheng Qiushi , Zhang Yimin , Liu Tao , Huang Jing , Xue Nannan , Shi Qihua
Published: February 2017

Vanadium-bearing muscovite is the most valuable component of stone coal, which is a unique source of vanadium manufacture in China. Numbers of experimental studies have been carried out to destroy the carrier muscovite’s structure for efficient extraction of vanadium. Hence, the vanadium location is necessary for exploring the essence of vanadium extraction. Although most infer that vanadium may substitute for trivalent aluminium (Al) as the isomorphism in muscovite for the similar atomic radius, there is not enough experimental evidence and theoretical supports to accurately locate the vanadium site in muscovite. In this study, the muscovite model and optimal location of vanadium were calculated by density functional theory (DFT). We find that the vanadium prefers to substitute for the hexa-coordinated aluminum of muscovite for less deformation and lower substitution energy. Furthermore, the local geometry and relative electronic properties were calculated in detail. The basal theoretical research of muscovite contained with vanadium are reported for the first time. It will make a further influence on the technology development of vanadium extraction from stone coal.
The Cyborg Mermaid (or: How Technè Can Help the Misfits Fit In)
Authors: Mussies Martine , Maliepaard Emiel
Published: February 2017

In feminist studies, the figure of the mermaid has long been regarded as flawed, disabled and less-than-human. Her theoretical counterpart in that respect would be the cyborg, an image used to show that with the aid of robotics, humankind could be larger than life. What would happen if we could combine those two images and apply them to create “super love” more-than-human relationships? This article explores the possibilities of technology for “mermaids”, people who normally fall outside the norm, to satisfy human desires in a new way. Two case studies will be presented, first we will look at people who identify as having ASD (Autism Spectre Disorders) and second we explore the use of technology for people who have BDSM-oriented desires (related to Bondage and Discipline (B&D), Dominance and Submission (D&S), and Sadism and Masochism (S&M)). We briefly discuss the added value of practice theory for exploring how people are altered by technè.
Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of Li3V2(PO4)3−xBrx/Carbon Composites as Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Xiaoyu , Mo Lulu , Zhu Limin , Xie Lingling
Published: February 2017

Li3V2(PO4)3−xBrx/carbon (x = 0.08, 0.14, 0.20, and 0.26) composites as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries were prepared through partially substituting PO43− with Br−, via a rheological phase reaction method. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical properties were evaluated by charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). XRD results reveal that the Li3V2(PO4)3−xBrx/carbon composites with solid solution phase are well crystallized and have the same monoclinic structure as the pristine Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite. It is indicated by SEM images that the Li3V2(PO4)3−xBrx/carbon composites possess large and irregular particles, with an increasing Br− content. Among the Li3V2(PO4)3−xBrx/carbon composites, the Li3V2(PO4)2.86Br0.14/carbon composite shows the highest initial discharge capacity of 178.33 mAh·g−1 at the current rate of 30 mA·g−1 in the voltage range of 4.8–3.0 V, and the discharge capacity of 139.66 mAh·g−1 remains after 100 charge/discharge cycles. Even if operated at the current rate of 90 mA·g−1, Li3V2(PO4)2.86Br0.14/carbon composite still releases the initial discharge capacity of 156.57 mAh·g−1, and the discharge capacity of 123.3 mAh·g−1 can be maintained after the same number of cycles, which is beyond the discharge capacity and cycleability of the pristine Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite. EIS results imply that the Li3V2(PO4)2.86Br0.14/carbon composite demonstrates a decreased charge transfer resistance and preserves a good interfacial compatibility between solid electrode and electrolyte solution, compared with the pristine Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite upon cycling.
A Robust Liquid Chromatographic Method for Confirmation of Drug Stability of Azithromycin in Bulk Samples, Tablets and Suspensions
Authors: Okaru Alex , Abuga Kennedy , Kamau Franco , Ndwigah Stanley , Lachenmeier Dirk
Published: February 2017

A simple, isocratic and robust RP-HPLC method for the analysis of azithromycin was developed, validated and applied for the analysis of bulk samples, tablets and suspensions. The optimum chromatographic conditions for separation were established as a mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile-0.1 M KH2PO4 pH 6.5–0.1 M tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide pH 6.5-water (25:15:1:59 v/v/v/v) delivered at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The stationary phase consisted of reverse-phase XTerra® (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size) maintained at a temperature of 43 °C with a UV detection at 215 nm. The method was found to be linear in the range 50%–150% (r2 = 0.997). The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.02% (20 µg) and 0.078% (78 µg), respectively, with a 100.7% recovery of azithromycin. Degradation products of azithromycin in acidic and oxidative environments at 37 °C were resolved from the active pharmaceutical ingredient and thus the method is fit for the purpose of drug stability confirmation.
Potassium Iodide-Functionalized Polyaniline Nanothin Film Chemiresistor for Ultrasensitive Ozone Gas Sensing
Authors: Srinives Sira , Sarkar Tapan , Hernandez Raul , Mulchandani Ashok
Published: February 2017

Polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures have been widely studied for their sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants at ambient conditions. We recently showed an effective way to electropolymerize a PANI nanothin film on prefabricated microelectrodes, and demonstrated its remarkable sensing performance to be comparable to that of a one-dimensional nanostructure, such as PANI nanowires. In this work, we report further progress in the application of the PANI nanothin film chemiresistive sensor for the detection of ozone (O3) by modifying the film with potassium iodide (KI). The KI-PANI sensor exhibited an excellent sensitivity to O3 (8–180 ppb O3 concentration rage) with a limit of detection of 230 ppt O3, and exquisite selectivity against active chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The sensing mechanism of the sensor relied on iodometric chemistry of KI and O3, producing triiodide ( I 3 − ) that partially doped and increased electrical conductivity of the PANI film. The sensitivity and selectivity of the KI-functionalized PANI film demonstrates the potential use for KI-PANI-based O3 sensing devices in environmental monitoring and occupational safety.
Religion and Nature in a Globalizing World
Authors: Berry Evan
Published: February 2017

Despite the recent series of electoral victories by populists seeking to capitalize on antipathy about globalization, our world remains radically interconnected.[...]
A Mutation Operator Accelerated Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Hyperspectral Endmember Extraction
Authors: Xu Mingming , Zhang Liangpei , Du Bo , Zhang Lefei , Fan Yanguo , Song Dongmei
Published: February 2017

The endmember extraction algorithm, which selects a collection of pure signature spectra for different materials, plays an important role in hyperspectral unmixing. In this paper, the endmember extraction algorithm is described as a combinatorial optimization problem and a novel Mutation Operator Accelerated Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (MOAQPSO) algorithm is proposed. The proposed approach employs Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) to find endmembers with good performances. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that QPSO has been introduced into hyperspectral endmember extraction. In order to follow the law of particle movement, a high-dimensional particle definition is proposed. In addition, in order to avoid falling into a local optimum, a mutation operation is used to increase the population diversity. The proposed MOAQPSO algorithm was evaluated on both synthetic and real hyperspectral data sets. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method obtained better results than other state-of-the-art algorithms, including Vertex Component Analysis (VCA), N-FINDR, and Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (D-PSO).
Freeze/Thaw-Induced Deformation Monitoring and Assessment of the Slope in Permafrost Based on Terrestrial Laser Scanner and GNSS
Authors: Luo Lihui , Ma Wei , Zhang Zhongqiong , Zhuang Yanli , Zhang Yaonan , Yang Jinqiang , Cao Xuecheng , Liang Songtao , Mu Yanhu
Published: February 2017

Most previous studies of the Qinghai-Tibet engineering corridor (QTEC) have focused on the impacts of climate change on thaw-induced slope failures, whereas few have considered freeze-induced slope failures. Terrestrial laser scanning was used in combination with global navigation satellite systems to monitor three-dimensional surface changes between 2014 and 2015 on the slope of permafrost in the QTEC, which experienced two thawing periods and a freezing period. Soil temperature and moisture sensors were also deployed at 11 depths to reveal the hydrological–thermal dynamics of the active layer. We analyzed scanned surface changes in the slope based on comparisons of multi-temporal point cloud data to determine how the hydrological–thermal process affected active layer deformation during freeze–thaw cycles, thereby comprehensively quantifying the surface deformation. During the two thawing periods, the major structure of the slope exhibited subsidence trends, whereas the major structure of the slope had an uplift trend in the freezing period. The seasonal subsidence trend was caused by thaw settlement and the seasonal uplift trend was probably due to frost heaving. This occurred mainly because the active layer and the upper permafrost underwent a phase transition due to heat transfer. The ground movements occurred approximately in the soil temperature conduction direction between the top of the soil and the permafrost table. The elevation deformation range was mainly −0.20 m to 0.20 m. Surface volume increases with heaving after freezing could have compensated for the loss of thawing twice and still led to the upward swelling of the slope. Thus, this type of slope in permafrost is dominated by frost heave. Deformation characteristics of the slope will support enhanced decision making regarding the implementation of remote sensing and hydrological–thermal measurement technologies to monitor changes in the slopes in permafrost adjacent to engineering corridors, thereby improving the understanding and assessment of hazards.
Construction of the Calibration Set through Multivariate Analysis in Visible and Near-Infrared Prediction Model for Estimating Soil Organic Matter
Authors: Wang Xiaomi , Chen Yiyun , Guo Long , Liu Leilei
Published: February 2017

The visible and near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy prediction model is an effective tool for the prediction of soil organic matter (SOM) content. The predictive accuracy of the VNIR model is highly dependent on the selection of the calibration set. However, conventional methods for selecting the calibration set for constructing the VNIR prediction model merely consider either the gradients of SOM or the soil VNIR spectra and neglect the influence of environmental variables. However, soil samples generally present a strong spatial variability, and, thus, the relationship between the SOM content and VNIR spectra may vary with respect to locations and surrounding environments. Hence, VNIR prediction models based on conventional calibration set selection methods would be biased, especially for estimating highly spatially variable soil content (e.g., SOM). To equip the calibration set selection method with the ability to consider SOM spatial variation and environmental influence, this paper proposes an improved method for selecting the calibration set. The proposed method combines the improved multi-variable association relationship clustering mining (MVARC) method and the Rank–Kennard–Stone (Rank-KS) method in order to synthetically consider the SOM gradient, spectral information, and environmental variables. In the proposed MVARC-R-KS method, MVARC integrates the Apriori algorithm, a density-based clustering algorithm, and the Delaunay triangulation. The MVARC method is first utilized to adaptively mine clustering distribution zones in which environmental variables exert a similar influence on soil samples. The feasibility of the MVARC method is proven by conducting an experiment on a simulated dataset. The calibration set is evenly selected from the clustering zones and the remaining zone by using the Rank-KS algorithm in order to avoid a single property in the selected calibration set. The proposed MVARC-R-KS approach is applied to select a calibration set in order to construct a VNIR prediction model of SOM content in the riparian areas of the Jianghan Plain in China. Results indicate that the calibration set selected using the MVARC-R-KS method is representative of the component concentration, spectral information, and environmental variables. The MVARC-R-KS method can also select the calibration set for constructing a VNIR model of SOM content with a relatively higher-fitting degree and accuracy by comparing it to classical calibration set selection methods.
A RLS-SVM Aided Fusion Methodology for INS during GPS Outages
Authors: Yao Yiqing , Xu Xiaosu
Published: February 2017

In order to maintain a relatively high accuracy of navigation performance during global positioning system (GPS) outages, a novel robust least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM)-aided fusion methodology is explored to provide the pseudo-GPS position information for the inertial navigation system (INS). The relationship between the yaw, specific force, velocity, and the position increment is modeled. Rather than share the same weight in the traditional LS-SVM, the proposed algorithm allocates various weights for different data, which makes the system immune to the outliers. Field test data was collected to evaluate the proposed algorithm. The comparison results indicate that the proposed algorithm can effectively provide position corrections for standalone INS during the 300 s GPS outage, which outperforms the traditional LS-SVM method. Historical information is also involved to better represent the vehicle dynamics.
Holistic Context-Sensitivity for Run-Time Optimization of Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Scholze Sebastian , Barata Jose , Stokic Dragan
Published: February 2017

Highly flexible manufacturing systems require continuous run-time (self-) optimization of processes with respect to diverse parameters, e.g., efficiency, availability, energy consumption etc. A promising approach for achieving (self-) optimization in manufacturing systems is the usage of the context sensitivity approach based on data streaming from high amount of sensors and other data sources. Cyber-physical systems play an important role as sources of information to achieve context sensitivity. Cyber-physical systems can be seen as complex intelligent sensors providing data needed to identify the current context under which the manufacturing system is operating. In this paper, it is demonstrated how context sensitivity can be used to realize a holistic solution for (self-) optimization of discrete flexible manufacturing systems, by making use of cyber-physical systems integrated in manufacturing systems/processes. A generic approach for context sensitivity, based on self-learning algorithms, is proposed aiming at a various manufacturing systems. The new solution encompasses run-time context extractor and optimizer. Based on the self-learning module both context extraction and optimizer are continuously learning and improving their performance. The solution is following Service Oriented Architecture principles. The generic solution is developed and then applied to two very different manufacturing processes.
Temperature Mapping of 3D Printed Polymer Plates: Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Kousiatza Charoula , Chatzidai Nikoleta , Karalekas Dimitris
Published: February 2017

In Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which is a common thermoplastic Additive Manufacturing (AM) method, the polymer model material that is in the form of a flexible filament is heated above its glass transition temperature (Tg) to a semi-molten state in the head’s liquefier. The heated material is extruded in a rastering configuration onto the building platform where it rapidly cools and solidifies with the adjoining material. The heating and rapid cooling cycles of the work materials exhibited during the FDM process provoke non-uniform thermal gradients and cause stress build-up that consequently result in part distortions, dimensional inaccuracy and even possible part fabrication failure. Within the purpose of optimizing the FDM technique by eliminating the presence of such undesirable effects, real-time monitoring is essential for the evaluation and control of the final parts’ quality. The present work investigates the temperature distributions developed during the FDM building process of multilayered thin plates and on this basis a numerical study is also presented. The recordings of temperature changes were achieved by embedding temperature measuring sensors at various locations into the middle-plane of the printed structures. The experimental results, mapping the temperature variations within the samples, were compared to the corresponding ones obtained by finite element modeling, exhibiting good correlation.
Phase Compensation Sensor for Ranging Consistency in Inter-Satellite Links of Navigation Constellation
Authors: Meng Zhijun , Yang Jun , Guo Xiye , Hu Mei
Published: February 2017

Theperformanceoftheglobalnavigationsatellitesystem(GNSS)canbeenhancedsigniﬁcantly by introducing the inter-satellite links (ISL) of a navigation constellation. In particular, the improvement of the position, velocity, and time accuracy, and the realization of autonomous functions require the ISL distance measurement data as the original input. For building a high-performance ISL, the ranging consistency between navigation satellites becomes a crucial problem to be addressed. Considering the frequency aging drift and the relativistic effect of the navigation satellite, the frequency and phase adjustment (FPA) instructions for the 10.23 MHz must be injected from the ground station to ensure the time synchronization of the navigation constellation. Moreover, the uncertainty of the initial phase each time the onboard clock equipment boots also results in a pseudo-range offset. In this Ref., we focus on the inﬂuence of the frequency and phase characteristics of the onboard clock equipment on the ranging consistency of the ISL and propose a phase compensation sensor design method for the phase offset. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method not only realized a phase compensation for the pseudo-range jitter, but, when the 1 PPS (1 pulse per second) falls in the 10.23 MHz skip area, also overcomes the problem of compensating the ambiguous phase by directly tracking the 10.23 MHz to ensure consistency in the ranging.
High Biodiversity of Green Infrastructure Does Not Contribute to Recreational Ecosystem Services
Authors: Sikorska Daria , Sikorski Piotr , Hopkins Richard
Published: February 2017

Urban lakes, especially those of natural origin, provide ecosystem services, recreation being one of the most important and highly valued by city dwellers. Fulfilling the needs of city residents to relax and have contact with nature has become a priority in urbanized areas and has been proven to positively affect people’s health and well-being. The recreational potential of water bodies was identified to be the most important aspect of ecosystem services to the residents of the neighboring areas. An assessment of recreational ecosystem services (RES) provisioning to society based on the real time spent by the citizens and housing values in the urban–rural gradient revealed that the economic benefits of lakes differ in urbanized, suburban and rural landscapes. The growth of cities has led to an increased population density in the surroundings of ecologically valuable areas, resulting in higher pressure from visitors seeking recreational areas. Along with urbanization, the impoverishment of ecosystem functions takes place, limiting their capability to provide ecosystem services. In this work, the provisioning of recreational ecosystem services of 28 floodplain lakes located along the urban–rural gradient of the Warsaw agglomeration was assessed. The relationship between the ecological value of the water bodies, measured using naturalness indices, and the recreational ecosystem services they can provide was assessed. The results showed that the floodplain lakes located along the urban–rural gradient are of great importance to the citizens due to their recreational potential. The provisioning of recreational ecosystem services is poorly connected with the ecological characteristics of the floodplain lakes. Only hemeroby was significantly correlated with provisioning, and there was no relationship with factors such as naturalness of vegetation or water quality, demonstrating that public preference was not generally influenced by high ecological quality. These data should be available to potential buyers and be integrated in spatial planning management plans in order to shape future housing policy.
Acute Oral Toxicity of Tetrodotoxin in Mice: Determination of Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) and No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL)
Authors: Abal Paula , Louzao M. , Antelo Alvaro , Alvarez Mercedes , Cagide Eva , Vilariño Natalia , Vieytes Mercedes , Botana Luis
Published: February 2017

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is starting to appear in molluscs from the European waters and is a hazard to seafood consumers. This toxin blocks sodium channels resulting in neuromuscular paralysis and even death. As a part of the risk assessment process leading to a safe seafood level for TTX, oral toxicity data are required. In this study, a 4-level Up and Down Procedure was designed in order to determine for the first time the oral lethal dose 50 (LD50) and the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in mice by using an accurate well-characterized TTX standard.
Development of Colloidal Gold‐Based Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Rapid Qualitative and SemiQuantitative Analysis of Ustiloxins A and B in Rice Samples
Authors: Fu Xiaoxiang , Xie Rushan , Wang Jian , Chen Xiaojiao , Wang Xiaohan , Sun Weibo , Meng Jiajia , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang , Wang Baomin
Published: February 2017

Rice false smut is a worldwide devastating rice disease infected by the fungal pathogen Villosiclava virens. Ustiloxin A (UA) and ustiloxin B (UB), cyclopeptide mycotoxins, were the major ustiloxins isolated from the rice false smut balls (FSBs) that formed in the pathogen‐infected rice spikelets. Based on the specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 2D3G5 and 1B5A10, respectively, against UA and UB, the lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) were developed, and the indicator ranges for UA and UB both were 50-100 ng/mL. The cross‐reactivities of UB for UA LFIA, and UA for UB LFIA were 5% and 20%, respectively, which were consistent with the icELISA results reported previously. Even at 50,000 ng/mL, none of other commonly existent metabolites in rice samples caused noticeable inhibition. The LFIAs were used for determination of UA and UB contents in rice FSBs and rice grains, and the results were agreeable with those by HPLC and icELISA. There was no change in the sensitivity of either dipstick stored at 4 °C) after at least three months. The developed LFIA has specificity and sensitivity for detecting UA and UB as well as simplicity to use. It will be a potential point‐of‐care device for rapid evaluation of the rice samples contaminated by UA and UB.
Modeling Crop Water Productivity Using a Coupled SWAT–MODSIM Model
Authors: Ashraf Vaghefi Saeid , Abbaspour Karim , Faramarzi Monireh , Srinivasan Raghavan , Arnold Jeffrey
Published: February 2017

This study examines the water productivity of irrigated wheat and maize yields in Karkheh River Basin (KRB) in the semi-arid region of Iran using a coupled modeling approach consisting of the hydrological model (SWAT) and the river basin water allocation model (MODSIM). Dynamic irrigation requirements instead of constant time series of demand were considered. As the cereal production of KRB plays a major role in supplying the food market of Iran, it is necessary to understand the crop yield-water relations for irrigated wheat and maize in the lower part of KRB (LKRB) where most of the irrigated agricultural plains are located. Irrigated wheat and maize yields (Y) and consumptive water use (AET) were modeled with uncertainty analysis at a subbasin level for 1990–2010. Simulated Y and AET were used to calculate crop water productivity (CWP). The coupled SWAT–MODSIM approach improved the accuracy of SWAT outputs by considering the water allocation derived from MODSIM. The results indicated that the highest CWP across this region was 1.31 kg·m−3 and 1.13 kg·m−3 for wheat and maize, respectively; and the lowest was less than 0.62 kg·m−3 and 0.58 kg·m−3. A close linear relationship was found for CWP and yield. The results showed a continuing increase for AET over the years while CWP peaks and then declines. This is evidence of the existence of a plateau in CWP as AET continues to increase and evidence of the fact that higher AET does not necessarily result in a higher yield.
Groundwater Modeling and Sustainability of a Transboundary Hardrock–Alluvium Aquifer in North Oman Mountains
Authors: Izady Azizallah , Abdalla Osman , Joodavi Ata , Chen Mingjie
Published: February 2017

This study aims at modeling groundwater flow using MODFLOW in a transboundary hardrock–alluvium aquifer, located in northwestern Oman. A three-dimensional stratigraphic model of the study area representing the vertical and spatial extent of four principal hydro-geologic units (specifically, the Hawasina, ophiolite, Tertiary and alluvium) was generated using data collected from hundreds drilled borehole logs. Layer elevations and materials for four layers grid cells were taken from the generated stratigraphic model in which the materials and elevations were inherited from the stratigraphic model that encompasses the cell. This process led to accurate grid so that the developed groundwater conceptual model was mapped to simulate the groundwater flow and to estimate groundwater balance components and sustainable groundwater extraction for the October 1996 to September 2013 period. Results show that the long-term lateral groundwater flux ranging from 4.23 to 11.69 Mm3/year, with an average of 5.67 Mm3/year, drains from the fractured eastern ophiolite mountains into the alluvial zone. Moreover, the long-term regional groundwater sustainable groundwater extraction is 18.09 Mm3/year for 17 years, while it is, respectively, estimated as 14.51, 16.31, and 36.00 Mm3/year for dry, normal, and wet climate periods based on standardized precipitation index (SPI) climate condition. Considering a total difference in groundwater levels between eastern and western points of the study area on the order of 228 m and a 12-year monthly calibration period (October 1996 to September 2008), a root mean squared error (RMSE) in predicted groundwater elevation of 2.71 m is considered reasonable for the study area characterized by remarkable geological and hydrogeological diversity. A quantitative assessment of the groundwater balance components and particularly sustainable groundwater extraction for the different hydrological period would help decision makers to better understand the water resources in the Al-Buraimi region. In addition, it would assist decision makers to improve existing strategies to enhance the decision making for future developments.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Analysis of Changing Trade-Offs in the Nepalese Water–Energy–Food Nexus with Hydropower Development
Authors: Dhaubanjar Sanita , Davidsen Claus , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: February 2017

While the water–energy–food nexus approach is becoming increasingly important for more efficient resource utilization and economic development, limited quantitative tools are available to incorporate the approach in decision-making. We propose a spatially explicit framework that couples two well-established water and power system models to develop a decision support tool combining multiple nexus objectives in a linear objective function. To demonstrate our framework, we compare eight Nepalese power development scenarios based on five nexus objectives: minimization of power deficit, maintenance of water availability for irrigation to support food self-sufficiency, reduction in flood risk, maintenance of environmental flows, and maximization of power export. The deterministic multi-objective optimization model is spatially resolved to enable realistic representation of the nexus linkages and accounts for power transmission constraints using an optimal power flow approach. Basin inflows, hydropower plant specifications, reservoir characteristics, reservoir rules, irrigation water demand, environmental flow requirements, power demand, and transmission line properties are provided as model inputs. The trade-offs and synergies among these objectives were visualized for each scenario under multiple environmental flow and power demand requirements. Spatially disaggregated model outputs allowed for the comparison of scenarios not only based on fulfillment of nexus objectives but also scenario compatibility with existing infrastructure, supporting the identification of projects that enhance overall system efficiency. Though the model is applied to the Nepalese nexus from a power development perspective here, it can be extended and adapted for other problems.
Groundwater Simulations and Uncertainty Analysis Using MODFLOW and Geostatistical Approach with Conditioning Multi-Aquifer Spatial Covariance
Authors: Lin Yu-Pin , Chen Yu-Wen , Chang Liang-Cheng , Yeh Ming-Sheng , Huang Guo-Hao , Petway Joy
Published: February 2017

This study presents an approach for obtaining limited sets of realizations of hydraulic conductivity (K) of multiple aquifers using simulated annealing (SA) simulation and spatial correlations among aquifers to simulate realizations of hydraulic heads and quantify their uncertainty in the Pingtung Plain, Taiwan. The proposed approach used the SA algorithm to generate large sets of natural logarithm hydraulic conductivity (ln(K)) realizations in each aquifer based on spatial correlations among aquifers. Moreover, small sets of ln(K) realizations were obtained from large sets of realizations by ranking the differences among cross-variograms derived from the measured ln(K) and the simulated ln(K) realizations between the aquifer pair Aquifer 1 and Aquifer 2 (hereafter referred to as Aquifers 1–2) and the aquifer pair Aquifer 2 and Aquifer 3 (hereafter referred to as Aquifers 2–3), respectively. Additionally, the small sets of realizations of the hydraulic conductivities honored the horizontal spatial variability and distributions of the hydraulic conductivities among aquifers to model groundwater precisely. The uncertainty analysis of the 100 combinations of simulated realizations of hydraulic conductivity was successfully conducted with generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE). The GLUE results indicated that the proposed approach could minimize simulation iterations and uncertainty, successfully achieve behavioral simulations when reduced between calibration and evaluation runs, and could be effectively applied to evaluate uncertainty in hydrogeological properties and groundwater modeling, particularly in those cases which lack three-dimensional data sets yet have high heterogeneity in vertical hydraulic conductivities.
Heads and Busts on Roman Coins. Some Remarks on the Morphology of Numismatic Portraiture
Authors: Woytek Bernhard
Published: February 2017

Les portraits constituent le type de représentation habituel au droit des monnaies impériales romaines. Jusqu’au milieu du Ier s. apr. J.-C., des spécificités morphologiques s’observent dans le traitement des portraits des empereurs et des membres de leurs familles. Les bustes des empereurs sont invariablement nus tandis que ceux des femmes de la domus impériale sont drapés. Dans cet article, ces nuances sont analysées dans le détail et les interprétations possibles sont discutées. Les différents types de bustes impériaux sont mis en regard avec les monnayages des rois hellénistiques, mais aussi avec les têtes et bustes de dieux et de mortels qui se retrouvent sur les monnaies de la République romaine – une tradition jusqu’alors sous-exploitée par les chercheurs.
Chronology of Sabina’s coinage at the Roman mint
Authors: Abdy Richard A.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an attempt to construct a chronology for Sabina’s coinage for the revision to the typology of the Roman Imperial Coinage for Hadrian (RIC II. 2). Sabina was omitted from the coinage during the first half of the reign, while imperial ladies such as Plotina and Matidia continued to be so honoured by Hadrian. The situation is completely reversed around the time of the emperor’s adoption of the title pater patriae in AD 128. A regular coinage in Sabina’s name in gold, silver and copper alloy then continues until the end of the reign. Thus for the years AD 128-138 we can trace the development of the empress coinage combining the evolving obverse legend, the changing reverse types and the progress of hairstyle fashion. Comparison to the hairstyles on dated provincial coinage helps to propose a series for the mint of Rome with relatively close dating.
Autour des travaux d’Hercule : Postume et Gallien
Authors: Christol Michel
Published: February 2017

After first attempting to eliminate Postumus in AD 261, Gallienus reopened war with him in AD 266. But the Gothic invasion forced Gallienus to the Balkans in AD 267, and he was not able to confront Postumus again. In his struggles with the barbarians, Gallienus counted on the support of Hercules, a traditional theme which he had already employed after AD 260. During this time period, Postumus set up his ruling power and took advantage of Aureolus’ revolt. Starting from this moment, Hercules is gradually highlighted in the coinage of Postumus. The series depicting the labours of Hercules in AD 268 reveals his growing ambitions.
Il gruzzolo di Bengasi (Libia) 1939: storia di un ritrovamento e di una dispersione. Note sulla monetazione della Lega Achea e sulla rivolta giudaica dell’età di Traiano
Authors: Asolati Michele , Crisafulli Cristina
Published: February 2017

This paper focuses on the hoard of silver coins found by Gennaro Pesce in Benghazi in 1939. The hoard, originally composed by about a thousand coins, was lost after the Second World War. It has been recently rediscovered – but only partially – during the research activities carried out by the Italian Archaeological Mission of the University of Urbino at Cyrene. It consists of late Hellenistic Greek coins of the Achaean League, Sicyon, Argos, Patrae and Rhodes, as well as of Roman Republican and Imperial denarii and of provincial silver coins ; the treasure closes with Trajan’s issues and its concealment must be connected with the Jewish Revolt of 115-117 AD.
Reccopolis y los contextos numismáticos de época visigoda en el Centro de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Castro Priego Manuel
Published: February 2017

Les manifestations de la politique de développement urbain adoptée par le royaume wisigoth de Tolède et par ses édiles sont bien attestées dans les cités à la fin du VIe siècle. L’établissement de nouveaux centres, comme ce fut le cas à Reccopolis, a entraîné une réorganisation de l’État qui a également concerné la production monétaire. La mise en place du nouveau réseau monétaire a conduit à une période de renforcement qui s’achèverait en 584. Ce premier modèle s’est accompagné du mandatement de plusieurs centres de productions implantés au coeur de la péninsule ibérique. Le nouveau modèle monétaire laisserait plutôt penser à un fonctionnement en circuit fermé, ce que confirment les contextes archéologiques, surtout pour ce qui est de la période finale du royaume wisigoth au cours du premier tiers du VIIIe siècle.
Polyketide stereocontrol: a study in chemical biology
Authors: Weissman Kira J
Published: February 2017

The biosynthesis of reduced polyketides in bacteria by modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) proceeds with exquisite stereocontrol. As the stereochemistry is intimately linked to the strong bioactivity of these molecules, the origins of stereochemical control are of significant interest in attempts to create derivatives of these compounds by genetic engineering. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding this key aspect of the biosynthetic pathways. Given that much of this information has been obtained using chemical biology tools, work in this area serves as a showcase for the power of this approach to provide answers to fundamental biological questions.
Prevalence of Rilpivirine Resistance in People Starting Antiretroviral Treatment in Argentina
Authors: Bissio Emiliano , Barbás Maria G , Kademián Silvia , Bouzas Maria B , Salomón Horacio , Cudolá Analia , Giuliano Silvina Fernández , Falistocco Carlos
Published: February 2017

Background

Rilpivirine-based regimens are now preferred or alternative first-line regimens according to many HIV treatment guidelines. Recently, a surveillance study conducted in Argentina determined that prevalence of pre-treatment resistance to first-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) was 10%. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of resistance mutations to newer generation NNRTIs in the population starting ART in Argentina.

Methods

We analysed the prevalence of resistance mutations to rilpivirine and etravirine (according to the IAS list), obtained through a nationally representative pre-treatment HIV-drug resistance (PDR) surveillance study performed in Argentina in 2014-2015. Briefly, 25 ART-dispensing sites throughout the country were randomly chosen to enrol 330 adults starting ART. Samples were processed with Trugene (Siemens)® and analysed using the Stanford algorithm.

Results

All 270 samples corresponding to participants with no prior exposure to antiretroviral drugs were included in this analysis. Median (IQR) age was 35 years (28–43); 66.7% were male; median (IQR) CD4+ T-cell count was 284 cells/mm3 (112–489). The prevalence of resistance to any antiretroviral was 16% (±5%) and prevalence of NNRTI RAMs was 13% (±4%). The prevalence of resistance to rilpivirine was 8% (±3%). Prevalence of resistance to etravirine was 4% (±3%). The most frequent mutations conferring resistance to rilpivirine were: E138A ( n=6) and G190A ( n=4).

Conclusions

This PDR surveillance study showed concerning levels of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) in Argentina, not only for first-generation NNRTIs but also to rilpivirine. In our setting, performing resistance testing would be necessary before prescription of ART even if a second-generation NNRTI-based regimen was used as first-line therapy.
Una nueva especie de Aphis Linnaeus, 1758 (Hemiptera, Aphididae) recogida sobre Gymnophyton Clos (Apiaceae) en Argentina
Authors: López Ciruelos Sara I. , Ortego Jaime , Mier Durante M. Pilar , Nieto Nafría Juan M.
Published: February 2017

Se describe Aphis cuyana López Ciruelos & Ortego, sp. n. (Aphididae, Aphidinae) a partir de hembras vivíparas ápteras y aladas recogidas sobre Gymnophyton polycephalum (Apiaceae) en localidades de las provincias argentinas de La Rioja, San Juan y Mendoza. Se presenta una tabla con las diferencias de las hembras vivíparas ápteras de la nueva especie con las de Aphis y sus géneros vecinos Andinaphis y Protaphis, conocidas en América del Sur.
Google Earth Revisited
Authors: Kaimaris Dimitris , Patias Petros , Georgoula Olga
Published: February 2017

The interpretation of photos and the processing of Google Earth imagery which allowed the “random” discovery, as a result of a non-systematical research, of a numerous marks of buried constructions in the wide area of the city of Larisa (Thessaly, Greece) is presented in this project. Additional data as aerial photographs over time, satellite images and the digital terrain model of the same area has been used. From the numerous marks, this project mainly focuses on three positions where the positive marks (soilmarks or/and cropmarks), circular or/and linear, reveal on a satisfying level covered construction of great dimensions. The ongoing research activity of the editorial team along with this research highlights the advantages of using Google Earth imagery in an attempt to “random” mark of unknown covered constructions, or, in the frame of a systematic survey of aerial and remote sensing archaeology, as additional and not exclusive source of information.
Pose Tracking in Augmented Reality of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Asmar Daniel
Published: February 2017

This paper briefly surveys pose tracking methods used for augmented reality applications in cultural heritage. The paper primarily benefits scholars and practitioners in the areas of electronic heritage. Pose tracking techniques are categorized as either being dependent or independent of their surrounding; accordingly, various solution methods in the literature are presented along with their advantages and disadvantages. I conclude the paper with a discussion on the open problems in pose tracking in cultural heritage and recommend future directions of research in this field.
Inhibition of Antimicrobial Prodigiosin Production in Serratia marcescens Using Cyclodextrin-Immobilized Microgel Beads Prepared by a Non-Contact Jet Dispensing System
Authors: Nasuno Eri , Okano Chigusa , Takayama Yuriko , Harano Izumi , Iimura Ken-ichi , Kato Norihiro
Published: February 2017

Some gram-negative bacteria possess N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing (QS) as one of the cell-to-cell communication systems for regulation of various cell functions. Increase in the AHL concentration above its threshold leads to simultaneous activation of target gene expression in each cell. The AHL can diffuse in and out of the cells through the cell membrane. Artificial reduction of the AHL concentration can inhibit the AHL complex formation with its receptor inside the cell. In this study, the AHL that diffused out into the culture broth was captured on α-cyclodextrin (CD), which possesses a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic shell. The α-CD-immobilized calcium alginate gel beads, which were prepared using a non-contact jet dispenser, were immersed in the culture medium during the cell growth of Serratia marcescens AS-1, which was used as the model opportunistic human pathogen. The trapping of AHLs on immobilized α-CDs due to hydrophobic interaction of the AHL acyl-chain led to an effective inhibition of AHL-mediated prodigiosin production to approximately 2% in the presence of 27 wt% gel beads in the culture broth. The results of our study suggest that CD has high potential to regulate QS involved in matter production, biofilm formation, and virulence factor expression.
An Asynchronous Irrational Behavior Proof Condition for the Problem of Emission Reduction
Authors: Ji Hai Qiang , Gao Hong Wei , Wang Lei , Zhen Meng Ke , Liu Shu Qing
Published: February 2017

In dynamic cooperative games, a player may use ‘irrational’ acts to extort additional gains if conditions allow. For the differential game problem occurred in the infinite interval, we propose a new asynchronous irrational behavior proof (AIBP) condition. This condition requires that the later the irrational behaviors appear, i.e., the more time the player participates in cooperation, the higher payoff the player will get. Considering the differential game about the problem of emission reduction among countries, we show that the AIBP condition can make the cooperation last much longer.
Design of Intelligent Vehicle Rear Vision System
Authors: Yang Ji Feng , Lu Ming Hong
Published: February 2017

Vehicle rear vision system formed by exterior mirrors and wide-angle lens plays a significant roll in the vehicle safety system. Existing vehicle rear view mirror system still has many problems unsolved, such as blind space during vehicle steering. This paper proposes a new design of intelligent vehicle rear vision system which can automatically adjust the angle of exterior vehicle mirrors in two dimensions in different driving conditions. The affecting factures includes vehicle steering angle, driving speed, and vehicle size parameters. The design uses an AT90C516RD + microcontroller as core control unit. The system adds a new automatic mode with existing manual functions remained. Upon theoretical simulation and model testing, the design has been proved to be fully functional and accepted by customer investigation with industrial potential.
In-Depth Analysis and Reflection on Explosion of Welded Insulated Cylinder for Liquid Oxygen
Authors: Li Wen Wei , Du Qing , Yao Ji , Ye Qiang
Published: February 2017

This article provides a comprehensive analysis on an explosion of welded insulted cylinder for liquid oxygen during unloading occurred in a company in 2014. The possible causes of the accidents are deduced through analysis on the operating principles of welded insulated cylinders, explosion energy estimation and related performance tests. On the basis of the accident analysis, this article presents that great importance should be attached to the safety in filling of welded insulated cylinders, replacement prior to filling and regular inspections, and also indicates the gap in currently existing rules on periodic examinations of welded insulated cylinders in China.