bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Phase Transition of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Thermo-Sensitive Cyclic Brush Polymer
Authors: Tu Xiaoyan , Meng Chao , Liu Zhe , Sun Lu , Zhang Xianshuo , Zhang Mingkui , Sun Mingrui , Ma Liwei , Liu Mingzhu , Wei Hua
Published: July 2017

Polymers with advanced topological architectures are promising materials for wide applications due to their structure-generated unique properties different from that of the linear analogues. The elegant integration of stimuli-responsive polymers with such advanced architectures can create novel materials with virtues from both moieties, are thus a hot subject of research for both fundamental and practical investigations. To fabricate cyclic brush polymer-based intelligent materials for biomedical applications, herein, we designed and synthesized thermo-sensitive cyclic brush polymers with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) brushes by controlled living radical polymerization using cyclic multimacroinitiator. The thermo-induced phase transition behaviors of the resultant cyclic brush polymers with different compositions were investigated in detail by temperature-dependent optical transmittance measurements, and compared with the properties of bottlebrush and linear counterparts. Interestingly, the cloud point transition temperature (Tcp) of cyclic brush PNIPAAm could be regulated by the chain length of PNIPAAm brush. Although the bottlebrush polymers with the same composition exhibited similarly structurally dependent Tcps behaviors to the cyclic brush polymers, the cyclic brush PNIPAAm did show higher critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and enhanced stability against dilution than the bottlebrush counterpart. The readily tailorable Tcps together with the ability to form highly stable nanoparticles makes thermo-sensitive cyclic brush PNIPAAm a promising candidate for controlled drug delivery.
LACO-Wiki: A New Online Land Cover Validation Tool Demonstrated Using GlobeLand30 for Kenya
Authors: See Linda , Laso Bayas Juan , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Perger Christoph , Dresel Christopher , Maus Victor , Salk Carl , Weichselbaum Juergen , Lesiv Myroslava , McCallum Ian , Moorthy Inian , Fritz Steffen
Published: July 2017

Accuracy assessment, also referred to as validation, is a key process in the workflow of developing a land cover map. To make this process open and transparent, we have developed a new online tool called LACO-Wiki, which encapsulates this process into a set of four simple steps including uploading a land cover map, creating a sample from the map, interpreting the sample with very high resolution satellite imagery and generating a report with accuracy measures. The aim of this paper is to present the main features of this new tool followed by an example of how it can be used for accuracy assessment of a land cover map. For the purpose of illustration, we have chosen GlobeLand30 for Kenya. Two different samples were interpreted by three individuals: one sample was provided by the GlobeLand30 team as part of their international efforts in validating GlobeLand30 with GEO (Group on Earth Observation) member states while a second sample was generated using LACO-Wiki. Using satellite imagery from Google Maps, Bing and Google Earth, the results show overall accuracies between 53% to 61%, which is lower than the global accuracy assessment of GlobeLand30 but may be reasonable given the complex landscapes found in Kenya. Statistical models were then fit to the data to determine what factors affect the agreement between the three interpreters such as the land cover class, the presence of very high resolution satellite imagery and the age of the image in relation to the baseline year for GlobeLand30 (2010). The results showed that all factors had a significant effect on the agreement.
Mapping Development Pattern in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration Using DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Hu Yi’na , Peng Jian , Liu Yanxu , Du Yueyue , Li Huilei , Wu Jiansheng
Published: July 2017

Spatial inequality of urban development may cause problems like inequality of living conditions and the lack of sustainability, drawing increasing academic interests and societal concerns. Previous studies based on statistical data can hardly reveal the interior mechanism of spatial inequality due to the limitation of statistical units, while the application of remote sensing data, such as nighttime light (NTL) data, provides an effective solution. In this study, based on the DMSP/OLS NTL data, the urbanization type of all towns in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration was analyzed from the aspects of development level and speed. Meanwhile, spatial cluster analysis of development level by local Moran’s I was used to explore spatial inequality, and the trend was discussed by comparing the development characteristics on both sides of the transition line of different development levels (inequality boundary). The results showed that the development level of the whole region increased dramatically as the mean DN value increased by 65.99%, and 83.72% of the towns showed a positive development during 2000–2012. The spatial distribution of urbanization types showed that Beijing and Tianjin were at a high urbanization level with rapid speed of development, with the southern region having a medium development level and the northwestern region lagging behind. The spatial cluster analysis also revealed a gradually intensifying trend of inequality as the number of towns with balanced development reduced by 319 during 2000–2012, while the towns in the high-high areas increased by 99 and those in the low-low areas increased by 229. Moreover, the development speed inside the inequality boundary was obviously higher than that outside, indicating an increasingly serious situation for spatial inequality of urban development in the whole region.
Angular Rate Sensing with GyroWheel Using Genetic Algorithm Optimized Neural Networks
Authors: Zhao Yuyu , Zhao Hui , Huo Xin , Yao Yu
Published: July 2017

GyroWheel is an integrated device that can provide three-axis control torques and two-axis angular rate sensing for small spacecrafts. Large tilt angle of its rotor and de-tuned spin rate lead to a complex and non-linear dynamics as well as difficulties in measuring angular rates. In this paper, the problem of angular rate sensing with the GyroWheel is investigated. Firstly, a simplified rate sensing equation is introduced, and the error characteristics of the method are analyzed. According to the analysis results, a rate sensing principle based on torque balance theory is developed, and a practical way to estimate the angular rates within the whole operating range of GyroWheel is provided by using explicit genetic algorithm optimized neural networks. The angular rates can be determined by the measurable values of the GyroWheel (including tilt angles, spin rate and torque coil currents), the weights and the biases of the neural networks. Finally, the simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed angular rate sensing method with GyroWheel.
Parametric Loop Division for 3D Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Li Xue , Seet Boon-Chong
Published: July 2017

Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has been an active topic for more than two decades. A variety of algorithms were proposed to improve the localization accuracy. However, they are either limited to two-dimensional (2D) space, or require specific sensor deployment for proper operations. In this paper, we proposed a three-dimensional (3D) localization scheme for WSNs based on the well-known parametric Loop division (PLD) algorithm. The proposed scheme localizes a sensor node in a region bounded by a network of anchor nodes. By iteratively shrinking that region towards its center point, the proposed scheme provides better localization accuracy as compared to existing schemes. Furthermore, it is cost-effective and independent of environmental irregularity. We provide an analytical framework for the proposed scheme and find its lower bound accuracy. Simulation results shows that the proposed algorithm provides an average localization accuracy of 0.89 m with a standard deviation of 1.2 m.
Estimating the Contribution of New Seed Cultivars to Increases in Crop Yields: A Case Study for Corn
Authors: Qian Jiarong , Zhao Zhijun
Published: July 2017

Sustainability in agricultural development relies on continuing seed (cultivar) development and adoption. Measuring the contribution made by new seed cultivars to yield increases nationwide is essential, but this process remains challenging for academics. This study develops a method to estimate the overall contribution of new seed cultivars to crop yield increases by dividing the study period into several diffusion periods in terms of the replacement in major seed cultivars, and by defining a yield response model incorporating a series of dummy variables to capture net increases due to new cultivars’ diffusion in each period. According to this method, corn cultivars tested in the period from 1980 to 2013 in China can be divided into five periods. Significant increases in corn yields due to cultivar replacement were captured, and the contributions over the base period were calculated as 61.7%, 47.6%, 46.0%, and 48.9% for periods 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Their respective contributions over the previous periods were therefore 61.7%, 34.6%, 26.7% and 56.7%. Estimation results indicate that the introduction of new corn seed cultivars significantly contributed to corn yield increase. This method is likely to have practical applications for other crops or livestock.
Microcystin Prevalence throughout Lentic Waterbodies in Coastal Southern California
Authors: Howard Meredith , Nagoda Carey , Kudela Raphael , Hayashi Kendra , Tatters Avery , Caron David , Busse Lilian , Brown Jeff , Sutula Martha , Stein Eric
Published: July 2017

Toxin producing cyanobacterial blooms have increased globally in recent decades in both frequency and intensity. Despite the recognition of this growing risk, the extent and magnitude of cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxin prevalence is poorly characterized in the heavily populated region of southern California. Recent assessments of lentic waterbodies (depressional wetlands, lakes, reservoirs and coastal lagoons) determined the prevalence of microcystins and, in some cases, additional cyanotoxins. Microcystins were present in all waterbody types surveyed although toxin concentrations were generally low across most habitats, as only a small number of sites exceeded California’s recreational health thresholds for acute toxicity. Results from passive samplers (Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT)) indicated microcystins were prevalent throughout lentic waterbodies and that traditional discrete samples underestimated the presence of microcystins. Multiple cyanotoxins were detected simultaneously in some systems, indicating multiple stressors, the risk of which is uncertain since health thresholds are based on exposures to single toxins. Anatoxin-a was detected for the first time from lakes in southern California. The persistence of detectable microcystins across years and seasons indicates a low-level, chronic risk through both direct and indirect exposure. The influence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms is a more complex stressor than presently recognized and should be included in water quality monitoring programs.
Latency, Integration, and Reactivation of Human Herpesvirus-6
Authors: Pantry Shara , Medveczky Peter
Published: July 2017

Human herpesvirus-6A (HHV-6A) and human herpesvirus-6B (HHV-6B) are two closely related viruses that infect T-cells. Both HHV-6A and HHV-6B possess telomere-like repeats at the terminal regions of their genomes that facilitate latency by integration into the host telomeres, rather than by episome formation. In about 1% of the human population, human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) integration into germline cells allows the viral genome to be passed down from one generation to the other; this condition is called inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (iciHHV-6). This review will cover the history of HHV-6 and recent works that define the biological differences between HHV-6A and HHV-6B. Additionally, HHV-6 integration and inheritance, the capacity for reactivation and superinfection of iciHHV-6 individuals with a second strain of HHV-6, and the role of hypomethylation of human chromosomes during integration are discussed. Overall, the data suggest that integration of HHV-6 in telomeres represent a unique mechanism of viral latency and offers a novel tool to study not only HHV-6 pathogenesis, but also telomere biology. Paradoxically, the integrated viral genome is often defective especially as seen in iciHHV-6 harboring individuals. Finally, gaps in the field of HHV-6 research are presented and future studies are proposed.
Source Water Protection Planning for Ontario First Nations Communities: Case Studies Identifying Challenges and Outcomes
Authors: Collins Leslie , McGregor Deborah , Allen Stephanie , Murray Craig , Metcalfe Chris
Published: July 2017

After the Walkerton tragedy in 2000, where drinking water contamination left seven people dead and many suffering from chronic illness, the Province of Ontario, Canada implemented policies to develop Source Water Protection (SWP) plans. Under the Clean Water Act (2006), thirty-six regional Conservation Authorities were mandated to develop watershed-based SWP plans under 19 Source Protection Regions. Most First Nations in Ontario are outside of these Source Protection Regions and reserve lands are under Federal jurisdiction. This paper explores how First Nations in Ontario are attempting to address SWP to improve drinking water quality in their communities even though these communities are not part of the Ontario SWP framework. The case studies highlight the gap between the regulatory requirements of the Federal and Provincial governments and the challenges for First Nations in Ontario from lack of funding to implement solutions to address the threats identified in SWP planning. This analysis of different approaches taken by Ontario First Nations shows that the Ontario framework for SWP planning is not an option for the majority of First Nations communities, and does not adequately address threats originating on reserve lands. First Nations attempting to address on-reserve threats to drinking water are using a variety of resources and approaches to develop community SWP plans. However, a common theme of all the cases surveyed is a lack of funding to support implementing solutions for the threats identified by the SWP planning process. Federal government initiatives to address the chronic problem of boil water advisories within Indigenous communities do not recognize SWP planning as a cost-effective tool for improving drinking water quality.
Regional Groundwater Flow Assessment in a Prospective High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository of China
Authors: Cao Xiaoyuan , Hu Litang , Wang Jinsheng , Wang Jingrui
Published: July 2017

The production of nuclear energy will result in high-level radioactive waste (HLRW), which brings potential environmental dangers. Selecting a proper disposal repository is a crucial step in the development of nuclear energy. This paper introduces firstly the hydrogeological conditions of the Beishan area in China. Next, a regional groundwater model is constructed using a multiphase flow simulator to analyze the groundwater flow pattern in the Beishan area. Model calibration shows that the simulated and observed hydraulic heads match well, and the simulated regional groundwater flow pattern is similar to the surface flow pattern from the channel network, indicating that the groundwater flow is mainly dependent on the topography. In addition, the simulated groundwater storage over the period from 2003 to 2014 is similar to the trend derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite-derived results. Last, the established model is used to evaluate the influences of the extreme climate and regional faults on the groundwater flow pattern. It shows that they do not have a significant influence on the regional groundwater flow patterns. This study will provide a preliminary reference for the regional groundwater flow assessment in the site of the HLRW in China.
A Hydrological and Geomorphometric Approach to Understanding the Generation of Wadi Flash Floods
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Mohammed , Saber Mohamed , Kantoush Sameh A. , Khalil Mohamed F. , Sumi Tetsuya , Sefelnasr Ahmed M.
Published: July 2017

Abstract: The generation and processes of wadi flash floods are very complex and are not well understood. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between variations in geomorphometric and rainfall characteristics and the responses of wadi flash floods. An integrated approach was developed based on geomorphometric analysis and hydrological modeling. The Wadi Qena, which is located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, was selected to validate the developed approach and was divided into 14 sub-basins with areas ranging from 315 to 1488 km2. The distributed Hydrological River Basin Environment Assessment Model (Hydro-BEAM) was used to obtain a good representation of the spatial variability of the rainfall and geomorphology in the basin. Thirty-eight geomorphometric parameters representing the topographic, scale, shape and drainage characteristics of the basins were considered and extracted using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. A series of flash flood events from 1994, 2010, 2013, and 2014, in addition to synthetic virtual storms with different durations and intensities, were selected for the application of this study. The results exhibit strong correlations between scale and topographic parameters and the hydrological indices of the wadi flash floods, while the shape and drainage network metrics have smaller impacts. The total rainfall amount and duration significantly impact the relationship between the hydrologic response of the wadi and its geomorphometry. For most of the parameters, we found that the impact of the wadi geomorphometry on the hydrologic response increases with increasing rainfall intensity.
Development and characterization of microsatellite primers for Zanthoxylum schinifolium (Rutaceae)
Authors: Kim Young Mi , Jo Aruna , Jeong Ji Hee , Kwon Yong Rak , Kim Ho Bang
Published: July 2017

Premise of the study:

Polymorphic microsatellite markers of Zanthoxylum schinifolium (Rutaceae), a promising medicinal plant with effective antibacterial, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory compounds, were developed and evaluated for further genetic studies based on genetic variation among individuals or populations.

Methods and Results:

Following the selective hybridization method, microsatellite‐enrichment libraries were constructed. Using these libraries, we obtained 15 polymorphic and three monomorphic microsatellite markers for Z. schinifolium. The number of alleles observed in each of the 15 polymorphic loci ranged from two to eight, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.070 to 0.677 and from 0.093 to 0.688, respectively. Eleven of these developed markers were successfully amplified for Z. piperitum, a related species.

Conclusions:

These microsatellite markers can be valuable tools for further genetic studies of Z. schinifolium, such as genetic resource conservation for maintaining breeding material and individual identification for breeding program improvement and variety management.
Development of EST‐derived microsatellite markers in the aquatic macrophyte Ranunculus bungei (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Wu Zhigang , Wu Jinwei , Wang Yalin , Hou Hongwei
Published: July 2017

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed to investigate the influence of ecological factors on gene flow and spatial genetic structuring of the submerged plant Ranunculus bungei (Ranunculaceae), which is regarded as an important species for understanding how plants adapt to an aquatic environment.

Methods and Results:

Twenty‐two microsatellite loci were identified from an expressed sequence tag (EST) library. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to five, and the expected heterozygosity varied from 0.0 to 0.5 in four Chinese populations of R. bungei. Fourteen loci were polymorphic and significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. All of the loci were found to be amplifiable in two other species of Ranunculus section Batrachium, and cross‐amplification in six riparian and aquatic species of Ranunculaceae was also partially successful.

Conclusions:

These novel EST‐SSR markers will be useful for ecological and evolutionary studies of R. bungei as well as related species.
Vision System for Product Quality Control
Authors: Kuzmicki Dominik , Sidorchik Dzmitry
Published: July 2017

The article presents an algorithm of comparison of shots of a current video to a given template. The identity is represented by the coefficient of correlation. The practical realization of the given algorithm was performed in the Simulink package of the program Matlab. This algorithm can be used to perform tasks such as checking the availability of the necessary components, reading the text and barcodes, size measurement, alignment check, as well as detection of defects.
Investigation of Quality of Experience Using ECG Features during Consumption of Audiovisual Content
Authors: Abromavičius Vytautas
Published: July 2017

Development of new multimedia technologies allows us to receive better quality of audio and video content. Quality of Experience (QoE) evaluates given content from the consumer’s perspective. This measurement allows to evaluate not only visual and audible quality, but also general acceptability of provided service. QoE evaluation is getting popular between engineers, designers, retailers who wants to provide high quality content for consumers. QoE is generally evaluated subjectively by surveys. It is possible to find relationship between physiological signals measured while user is consuming audiovisual content and make the subjective evaluation of this experience. This paper investigates relationship between heart rate and QoE while user is watching 1 min duration video recordings on three different devices. Heart rate was calculated as mean RR interval for each recording. Mean RR intervals of 0.848 s, 0.869 s and 0.884 s were calculated for low, medium and high QoE device configurations, respectively. ANOVA analysis results indicates a relation between heart rate and QoE level. The results can help to develop further the investigations of QoE level and heart rate relationship for various subjective assessment, device configurations and content provided.
Controlled Limiter in the Synchronous Detection Circuit
Authors: Bialetski Yauheni , Hryniuk Dzmitry
Published: July 2017

This variant of construction of the electrical circuit is aimed at reducing the effects of impulse noise. The measuring channels of the primary transducers are subject to interference of various types. In the case of a small ratio between a useful signal and noise level, synchronous detection is used. Impulse noise leaves a big mark even after using synchronous detection. To improve the performance of such measuring devices, it is proposed to use a controlled amplitude limiter at the input. Comparative analysis of solutions with controlled limiters is carried out in the article and conditions for its optimal operation are determined.
MOA Data Reveal a New Mass, Distance, and Relative Proper Motion for Planetary System OGLE-2015-BLG-0954L
Authors: Bennett D. P. , Bond I. A. , Abe F. , Asakura Y. , Barry R. , Bhattacharya A. , Donachie M. , Evans P. , Fukui A. , Hirao Y. , Itow Y. , Koshimoto N. , Li M. C. A. , Ling C. H. , Masuda K. , Matsubara Y. , Muraki Y. , Nagakane M. , Ohnishi K. , Ranc C. , Rattenbury N. J. , Saito To. , Sharan A. , Sullivan D. J. , Sumi T. , Suzuki D. , Tristram P. J. , Yamada T. , Yamada T. , Yonehara A. ,   (The MOA Collaboration)
Published: July 2017

We present the MOA Collaboration light-curve data for the planetary microlensing event OGLE-2015-BLG-0954, which was previously announced in a paper by the KMTNet and OGLE Collaborations. The MOA data cover the caustic exit, which was not covered by the KMTNet or Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) data, and they provide a more reliable measurement of the finite source effect. The MOA data also provide a new source color measurement that reveals a lens-source relative proper motion of μ
rel = 11.8 ± 0.8 mas yr−1, which compares to the value of μ
rel = 18.4 ± 1.7 mas yr−1 reported in the KMTNet-OGLE paper. This new MOA value for μ
rel has an a priori probability that is a factor of ≳100 times larger than the previous value, and it does not require a lens system distance of D

L
 < 1 kpc. Based on the corrected source color, we find that the lens system consists of a planet of mass

orbiting a

star at an orbital separation of

and a distance of

.
Dust Emission at 8 and 24 μm as Diagnostics of H ii Region Radiative Transfer
Authors: Oey M. S. , López-Hernández J. , Kellar J. A. , Pellegrini E. W. , Gordon K. D. , Jameson K. E. , Li A. , Madden S. C. , Meixner M. , Roman-Duval J. , Bot C. , Rubio M. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: July 2017

We use the Spitzer Surveying the Agents of Galaxy Evolution (SAGE) survey of the Magellanic Clouds to evaluate the relationship between the 8 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission, 24 μm hot dust emission, and H ii region radiative transfer. We confirm that in the higher-metallicity Large Magellanic Cloud, PAH destruction is sensitive to optically thin conditions in the nebular Lyman continuum: objects identified as optically thin candidates based on nebular ionization structure show six times lower median 8 μm surface brightness (0.18 mJy arcsec−2) than their optically thick counterparts (1.2 mJy arcsec−2). The 24 μm surface brightness also shows a factor of three offset between the two classes of objects (0.13 versus 0.44 mJy arcsec−2, respectively), which is driven by the association between the very small dust grains and higher density gas found at higher nebular optical depths. In contrast, PAH and dust formation in the low-metallicity Small Magellanic Cloud is strongly inhibited such that we find no variation in either 8 μm or 24 μm emission between our optically thick and thin samples. This is attributable to extremely low PAH and dust production together with high, corrosive UV photon fluxes in this low-metallicity environment. The dust mass surface densities and gas-to-dust ratios determined from dust maps using Herschel HERITAGE survey data support this interpretation.
The Double Galaxy Cluster A2465. III. X-Ray and Weak-lensing Observations∗
Authors: Wegner Gary A. , Umetsu Keiichi , Molnar Sandor M. , Nonino Mario , Medezinski Elinor , Andrade-Santos Felipe , Bogdan Akos , Lovisari Lorenzo , Forman William R. , Jones Christine
Published: July 2017

We report Chandra X-ray observations and optical weak-lensing measurements from Subaru/Suprime-Cam images of the double galaxy cluster A2465 (z = 0.245). The X-ray brightness data are fit to a β model to obtain the radial gas density profiles of the northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) subcomponents, which are seen to differ in structure. We determine core radii, central temperatures, the gas masses within r
500c, and the total masses for the broader NE and sharper SW components assuming hydrostatic equilibrium. There is no large X-ray excess between the two components. The central entropy of the NE subcluster is about two times higher than the SW. Along with its structural properties and an apparent radio halo that is a sign of a merger, this suggests that the NE component has undergone merging on its own. The weak-lensing analysis gives virial masses for each substructure, which compare well with earlier dynamical results. The derived outer mass contours of the SW sub-component from weak lensing are more irregular and extended than those of the NE. Although there is a weak enhancement and small offsets between X-ray gas and mass centers from weak lensing, the lack of large amounts of gas between the two subclusters indicates that A2465 is in a pre-merger state. We discuss star formation enhancement in this system resulting from its dynamics and shock-induced star formation scenarios. A dynamical model that is consistent with the observed cluster data, based on the FLASH program and the radial infall model, is constructed, where the subclusters currently separated by ∼1.2 Mpc are approaching each other at ∼2000 km s−1 and will meet in ∼0.4 Gyr.
Submilliarcsecond Optical Interferometry of the High-mass X-Ray Binary BP Cru with VLTI/GRAVITY
Authors: Waisberg I. , Dexter J. , Pfuhl O. , Abuter R. , Amorim A. , Anugu N. , Berger J. P. , Blind N. , Bonnet H. , Brandner W. , Buron A. , Clénet Y. , Wit W. de , Deen C. , Delplancke-Ströbele F. , Dembet R. , Duvert G. , Eckart A. , Eisenhauer F. , Fédou P. , Finger G. , Garcia P. , Lopez R. Garcia , Gendron E. , Genzel R. , Gillessen S. , Haubois X. , Haug M. , Haussmann F. , Henning Th. , Hippler S. , Horrobin M. , Hubert Z. , Jochum L. , Jocou L. , Kervella P. , Kok Y. , Kulas M. , Lacour S. , Lapeyrère V. , Bouquin J.-B. Le , Léna P. , Lippa M. , Mérand A. , Müller E. , Ott T. , Pallanca L. , Panduro J. , Paumard T. , Perraut K. , Perrin G. , Rabien S. , Ramírez A. , Ramos J. , Rau C. , Rohloff R.-R. , Rousset G. , Sanchez-Bermudez J. , Scheithauer S. , Schöller M. , Straubmeier C. , Sturm E. , Vincent F. , Wank I. , Wieprecht E. , Wiest M. , Wiezorrek E. , Wittkowski M. , Woillez J. , Yazici S. ,   (GRAVITY collaboration)
Published: July 2017

We observe the high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) BP Cru using interferometry in the near-infrared K band with VLTI/GRAVITY. Continuum visibilities are at most partially resolved, consistent with the predicted size of the hypergiant. Differential visibility amplitude (

) and phase (

) signatures are observed across the He i

and Brγ lines, the latter seen strongly in emission, unusual for the donor star’s spectral type. For a baseline

m, the differential phase rms

corresponds to an astrometric precision of

. We generalize expressions for image centroid displacements and variances in the marginally resolved limit of interferometry to spectrally resolved data, and use them to derive model-independent properties of the emission such as its asymmetry, extension, and strong wavelength dependence. We propose geometric models based on an extended and distorted wind and/or a high-density gas stream, which has long been predicted to be present in this system. The observations show that optical interferometry is now able to resolve HMXBs at the spatial scale where accretion takes place, and therefore to probe the effects of the gravitational and radiation fields of the compact object on its environment.
Exploring Halo Substructure with Giant Stars. XV. Discovery of a Connection between the Monoceros Ring and the Triangulum–Andromeda Overdensity?*
†
‡
Authors: Li Ting S. , Sheffield Allyson A. , Johnston Kathryn V. , Marshall Jennifer L. , Majewski Steven R. , Price-Whelan Adrian M. , Damke Guillermo J. , Beaton Rachael L. , Bernard Edouard J. , Richardson Whitney , Sharma Sanjib , Sesar Branimir
Published: July 2017

Thanks to modern sky surveys, over 20 stellar streams and overdensity structures have been discovered in the halo of the Milky Way. In this paper, we present an analysis of spectroscopic observations of individual stars from one such structure, “A13,” first identified as an overdensity using the M giant catalog from the Two Micron All Sky Survey. Our spectroscopic observations show that stars identified with A13 have a velocity dispersion of ≲40

, implying that it is a genuine coherent structure rather than a chance superposition of random halo stars. From its position on the sky, distance (∼15 kpc heliocentric), and kinematical properties, A13 is likely to be an extension of another substructure at low Galactic latitude—the Galactic Anticenter Stellar Structure (also known as the Monoceros Ring)—toward smaller Galactic longitude and greater distance. Furthermore, the kinematics of A13 also connect it with another structure in the southern Galactic hemisphere—the Triangulum–Andromeda overdensity. We discuss these three connected structures within the context of a previously proposed scenario in which one or all of these features originate from the disk of the Milky Way.
Study on Tullbergiidae of Tibet, China I. Metaphorura, Mesaphorura and Prabhergia (Hexapoda, Collembola)
Authors: Bu Yun , Gao Yan
Published: July 2017

The Tullbergiidae of Tibet is studied for the first time and the genus Metaphorura Bagnall, 1936 is firstly recorded in China. Metaphorura motuoensissp. n. from southeastern Tibet is described and illustrated. It is characterized by the presence of 1+1 pseudocelli on thoracic segment I, few vesicles (14 -16) on PAO, pseudocellar formula as 11/111/11111, all pseudocelli of type II, setae p4 on abdominal segment V as microsetae, weakly differentiated sensory seta p3 on abdominal segment V, absence of median process on Abd VI. In addition, Mesaphorura yosii (Rusek, 1967), Mesaphorura hylophila Rusek, 1982, and Prabhergia imadatei Tamura & Zhao, 1996 are recorded in Tibet for the first time. The type specimens of P. imadatei are re-examined and errors in the original description of chaetotaxy are corrected.
Tracce dell’antieroe tragico nell’enigmatica moglie di Giobbe? Sul riuso biblico di un modulo drammatico classico
Authors: Toloni Giancarlo
Published: July 2017

Son numerosas las analogías entre los grandes protagonistas de las páginas bíblicas y los héroes griegos de la épica arcaica y las heroínas del teatro clásico. En particular, la figura de la mujer del justo, perseguido injustamente e incomprendido precisamente por su incondicional fidelidad, está muy próxima a la del anti-héroe del teatro sofocleo, que se opone con fuerza a la elección del héroe en nombre de la mentalidad del hombre común; en ambos casos, de hecho, el resultado obtenido es exactamente el contrario de las expectativas, dado que ratifica la elección del justo/héroe, contribuyendo a acentuar aún más su aislamiento. Sobre este modelo literario, en consecuencia, podría haberse situado el personaje de su mujer en la historia de Job; de hecho, ella está ausente en la leyenda antigua que sirve de base al prólogo y al epílogo del libro bíblico. La Septuaginta antigua (Old Greek = OG) lo atestigua claramente con el añadido (vv. 9a-e) mediante el cual, algo después, la intervención de la mujer de Job quedó definida de manera más favorable, haciendo de ella una especia de anti-heroína, sobre el esquema dramático de Ismene y Crisótemis frente a sus respectivos héroes, en el teatro trágico de Sófocles. El Testamento de Job apreció esta elección y acentuó el papel de la mujer, reelaborando de manera benévola la imagen que de ella se muestra en la tradición de la Septuaginta.
Un estudio sobre el color: los usos de לָבָן en la Biblia hebrea
Authors: Santos Carretero Carlos
Published: July 2017

El estudio del color permite asumir la correlación (y no correlación) entre elementos psicológicos, sociales, simbólicos y el lenguaje en sí. Y la Biblia Hebrea no es una excepción. Considerando la magnitud de este proyecto, este artículo refleja la primera etapa de mi estudio sobre los colores en el texto masorético, específicamente en לָבָן, término traducido habitualmente como ‘blanco’, así como las diferentes formas verbales que contienen la raíz לבן. Si se compara לָבָן con el resto de términos de color, se llegará a la conclusión de que este es el más común de todos, haciendo que sea considerado un término primario y bien documentado. Pero dicha antigüedad es prueba de su opacidad. Una lectura detallada de לָבָן refuerza la idea de que la traducción de este término como ‘blanco’ es incompleta. De hecho se refiere a algo cuyo cromatismo es bajo pero brillante al mismo tiempo. Esta “vaga naturaleza” es lo que hace que לָבָן esté tan presente en la Biblia Hebrea. Este artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar la percepción cromática de לָבָן.
Traducción de hápax legómena griegos y neologismos latinos en la traducción latina interlineal del Libro de Job de la Biblia Políglota Complutense
Authors: García Juan José Francisco
Published: July 2017

La Biblia Políglota Complutense (1514-1517), auspiciada por el Cardenal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros (1436-1517), cuenta con traducciones interlineales para la columna de Septuaginta. Concebida como Biblia de estudio, el joven magister artium Juan de Vergara (1492-1557) realizó la interpretatio latina interlineal del libro de Job, que no se ha vuelto a publicar desde el s. XVI y de la que damos a conocer en este artículo los procedimientos de traducción usados con los hápax legómena griegos y los neologismos latinos acuñados por Juan de Vergara, como expresiones singulares de fidelidad al literalismo interlineal y de concreción interpretativa del texto bíblico.
El hebreo en España defendida de Quevedo
Authors: Cohen Shai
Published: July 2017

En este trabajo se expone una revisión del uso de la terminología hebrea en la obra de Francisco de Quevedo, España defendida, en la cual se destaca una serie de voces hebreas que se puede estudiar de diferentes perspectivas lingüísticas: fonética, morfológica, etimológica y, en este caso particular, gráfica. Mediante la evaluación del conocimiento de Quevedo de hebreo se muestra la yuxtaposición que realiza entre el saber literario, cultural, ideológico, además de su conocimiento de idiomas. En esta obra temprana de Quevedo las manifestaciones artísticas coinciden con una reflexión sobre la identidad del pueblo español y la visión que tiene del pueblo hebreo-judío. Quevedo pone en manifiesto la plenitud de su exquisita habilidad de escribir sobre temas eruditos; hasta tal punto que el análisis de la lengua hebrea desde una perspectiva socio-lingüística coincide con su visión de identidad del pueblo español en relación con la tradición y religión, del pueblo hebreo a la cristiandad y España.
El poeta sefardí de Salónica Šelomó Šalem: nuevos datos biográficos y sus crónicas sobre los cafés cantantes de la Salónica de principios del siglo XX
Authors: Romero Elena
Published: July 2017

El presente artículo está dedicado a la figura del poeta y periodista salonicense Šelomó Šalem (1873-1910), quien fue colaborador del periódico La Época. Se examinan los datos que sobre su persona ya han publicado otros autores; se aducen nuevos datos biográficos a los ya conocidos mediante textos publicados por él mismo y por algún otro poeta de la época. Asimismo se examina su obra poética publicada en el citado periódico, sus dos recopilaciones de poesía tituladas La gavilla y Cuaderno de poesía, y se dedica un apartado al estudio y edición de cuatro de sus poemas que constituyen una innovación para la época: un a modo de cartelera de espectáculos sobre las atracciones de los cafés cantantes de Salónica en 1900.
Sharing Online Experiments – An Excellent Opportunity for Networking of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Krneta Radojka
Published: July 2017

The opportunity for networking of higher education institutions (HEIs) by networking of their remote laboratories (RLs) is considered in this paper. Several important issues regarding successful HEIs networking by networking of their RLs are highlighted and resulted from a round table discussion during Experiment@ International Workshop 2016 “The Emerging Technologies on the Internet of Everything “ -ETIoE’16.
Enhancing a 3D Printer with Online Access
Authors: Andrade T. F. , Abreu P. , Restivo M. T. , Chouzal M. F. , Santos B. F. , Rodrigues J.
Published: July 2017

This paper looks at different ways of providing a RepRap 3D printer with online access and remote control to be operated from multiple devices including mobile devices. Different technological solutions that can be used with distinct printers are identified and tested. The selected and implemented remote access solution is described and examples of printed parts are presented. Reference is made to MSc theses that have been supported by this lab facility.
Development of a Tool to Perform Vehicle Road Tests
Authors: Silva Manuel Gameiro , Gültekin Ahmet , Ünlütürk Eren
Published: July 2017

The development of a tool to analyse data collected in car road tests is presented, allowing a better understanding of the Physics of car motion. Using the measured data of fuel consumption and the main variables related to the vehicle displacement, it is possible to make corrections to the influence of the main disturbing factors and clearly improve the quality of road tests based evaluations. Thus, the fuel consumption rate is continuously recorded during the motion of the vehicle, whereas the power required to ensure displacement can be calculated using a simulation model with the data recorded during a path. Integrating over time the average power values at each interval, the energy necessary to ensure the vehicle displacement is calculated, while integrating the fuel rate over the duration of the path, the fuel consumption is computed. The ratio between the theoretically required energy and the one actually spent provides the conversion efficiency of the vehicle propulsion system. The developed tool is very useful in the framework of the courses about car dynamics included in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering Programmes. The developed tool couples data collected during road tests with a simulation model that computes all the force components acting on the car body during the motion. It has been written in LabView and an attractive graphical interface is used to keep the attention of the students when the data is displayed in real-time or analysed based upon previously recorded files.
Approach to Adapt a Legacy Manufacturing System Into the IoT Paradigm
Authors: Rosas João , Brito Vasco , Palma Luis Brito , Barata Jose
Published: July 2017

Enterprises are adopting the Internet of Things paradigm as a strategy to improve competitiveness. But enterprises also need to rely on their legacy systems, which are of vital importance to them and normally difficult to reconfigure or modify, their mere replacement being usually not affordable. These systems constitute, therefore, barriers to agility and competitiveness, raising the need to develop cost-effective ways for IoT adaptation. An approach for adapting legacy manufacturing systems into the IoT realm is proposed in this research. The methodology is twofold: an adaptation board is firstly designed to provide IoT connectivity, allowing to remotely invoke the “legacy” functionality as services. Then, the board itself can leverage the legacy system by developing additional functionalities inside it, as the update process is usually triggered by the need of new functionality from these systems. An experiment, which consists of adapting to IoT a small distribution line that is controlled by an aged Programmable Logic Controller, is developed to illustrate how straightforward, affordable and cost effective the adaptation approach is, allowing to holistically achieve a new system with more sophisticated functionality.
Online Behavior Modeling
Authors: Chen Charlie C. , Ryan Terry
Published: July 2017

Organizations need effective and affordable software training. In face-to-face settings, behavior modeling (BM) is an effective, but expensive, training method. Can BM be employed effectively, and more affordably, for software training in the online environment? An experiment was conducted to compare the effectiveness of online BM with that of face-to-face (F2F) BM for software training. Results indicate that online BM and F2F BM provide essentially the same outcomes in terms of knowledge near transfer, immediate knowledge far transfer, delayed knowledge far transfer, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and satisfaction. Observed differences were not significant, nor were their patterns consistent, despite sufficient power in the experimental design to detect meaningful differences. These results suggest that organizations should consider online BM as a primary method of software training.
Impact of Personal Innovativeness on the Use of the Internet Among Employees at Work
Authors: Larsen Tor J. , Sørebø Øystein
Published: July 2017

Examining Internet use among employees, this research investigated the theoretical proposition that personal IT innovativeness will positively impact the use of novel computer technologies. The research model included the individual traits of age, gender, experience with IT, and educational level. The article discusses the categories of organizationally relevant versus personal use of the Internet. Using a questionnaire, data was collected from 328 respondents in one organization. The results indicated that users perceive structural differences across various types of Internet use areas, although no clear support for a distinction between organizationally relevant and personal use was found. Additionally, the analyses indicated that personal use is considerably lower than organizationally relevant use of the Internet. However, employees may not distinguish clearly between these two categories. Personal IT innovativeness was the best predictor of organizationally relevant use of the Internet. Age contributed negatively to Internet use. Males appear to use the Internet more frequently than females. Educational level had no impact on Internet use.
Approaches and Applications of Virtual Reality and Gesture Recognition
Authors: Sudha M R  , Sriraghav K  , Sudar Abisheck S  , Jacob Shomona Gracia , Manisha S
Published: July 2017

Interaction with a computer has been the center of innovation ever since the advent of input devices. From simple punch cards to keyboards, there are number of novel ways of interaction with computers which influence the user experience. Communicating using gestures is perhaps one of the most natural ways of interaction. Gesture recognition as a tool for interpreting signs constitutes a pivotal area in gesture recognition research where accuracy of the algorithm and the ease of usability determine the effectiveness of the algorithm or system. Introducing gesture based interaction in Virtual reality applications has not only helped solve problems which were commonly reported in traditional Virtual Reality systems, but also gives user a more natural and enriching experience. This paper concentrates on comparison of different systems and identifying their similarities, differences, advantages and demerits which can play a key role in designing a system using such technologies.
Guided Test Case Generation for Enhanced ECG Bio-Sensors Functional Verification
Authors: Al Hamadi Hussam , Gawanmeh Amjad , Al-Qutayri Mahmoud
Published: July 2017

Testing and verifying the operation of bio-sensor nodes is essential due to the sensitivity and safety-critical aspects of their applications. Simulation technique is frequently used for this task; however, a proper set of test cases is required in order to carry out the simulation process. This paper focuses on enhancing the verification operations of an ElectroCardioGram (ECG) biomedical sensor node through simulation. It presents a new methodology for guided Test Cases Generation (TCG) of ECG signals from formal design specifications. Event-B invariants are used to specify ECG requirements, and then a new algorithm is used to translate these specifications into proper ECG signal parameters. These parameters are subsequently used to control the required shape of the ECG in order to have a wide range of scenarios. The primary objective of this work is to provide ECG test cases to detect design errors in biomedical algorithms. In addition, it can complement the usage of the limited ECG databases currently available to verify the correct operation of ECG bio-sensors.