bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Single-Family Detached Housing Units in terms of Integrated Photovoltaic Shading Devices: The Case of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Ogbeba John , Hoskara Ercan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we evaluate passive and active strategies that can be used in solving the heating problems in the residential sector of Northern Cyprus. In doing so, we propose the use of photovoltaics as a shading device (PVSD). PVSD is known to produce clean energy from solar radiation and it also reduces the energy consumed for cooling. We use an empirical method to evaluate the performance of a typical family detached dwelling in Famagusta, Cyprus. The simulation result derived from the study indicates that the strategic use of PVSDs for openings oriented towards the east, west, and south can reduce its energy consumption by almost 50% in three months of the year and cut down up to 400 kWh of energy consumption through the year, thus raising the comfort level of the building by about 20%. It will also generate nearly 2800 W that can provide up to 50% of the electricity demand.
Consumption and Emissions Analysis in Domestic Hot Water Hotels. Case Study: Canary Islands
Authors: Díaz Pérez Francisco Javier , Díaz Martín Ricardo , Pérez Trujillo Francisco Javier , Díaz Moises , Mouhaffel Adib Guardiola
Published: January 2019

We analyze the energy consumption of domestic hot water (DHW) in the hotels of the archipelago of the Canary Islands (Spain). Currently, systems use fossil fuels of propane and gas oil. However, this paper analyzes several alternative systems which focus on renewable and mixed energies, such as biomass, solar thermal and heat pumps systems associated with an electric generation with photovoltaic solar panels for self-consumption. The carbon footprint generated is calculated for each method of generation of DHW. In our analysis, we demonstrate that by using a high-temperature heat pump with an average coefficient of performance (COP) equal to or greater than 4.4 associated with photovoltaic solar panels, a zero-emission domestic hot water system can be achieved, when the installation area of the photovoltaic solar panels is equal to that of the solar thermal system. The importance of DHW’s carbon footprint is proven, as is the efficiency of using high-temperature heat pumps associated with photovoltaic solar panels. As such, such mixed system suggests that the generation of DHW would have zero emissions with maximum annual savings according to hotel occupancy, between 112,417 and 137,644 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), compared to current boilers based on fossil fuels.
How to Reach the Eurocities? A Retrospective Review of the Evolution Dynamics of Urban Planning and Management on the Iberian Peninsula Territories
Authors: Castanho Rui , Naranjo Gómez José , Kurowska-Pysz Joanna
Published: January 2019

Cities have been designed according to their needs and challenges—i.e., structural, social, and technological advances. The city can be understood as a centre where our past, present, and future coexist. Furthermore, cities reflect the actual tendencies and directions, as exemplified by globalization and cross-border cooperation. Similarly, the creation of Eurocities in Iberian Peninsula territories can be an example how these processes can be implement and use the territories’ development, based on shared resources of neighbouring cities. Contextually, the paper addresses not only urban planning models as well as Eurocities case studies, but also projects of planning and territorial management within Iberian Territories—i.e., of the cross-border cooperation projects and strategies. Throughout the present research it was possible to understand the creation and genesis of Eurocities projects and strategies. Furthermore, the research was able to define a timeline of the process of urban and common planning carried out on the Iberian Peninsula, from the past to the present. Moreover, the study reveals the disadvantages or obstacles present during the Eurocities creation, as well as some interactions among planning methodologies, tools, and public policies and the Eurocities conception on the Iberian Peninsula.
Local Governance and Labor Organizations on Artisanal Gold Mining Sites in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouedraogo Lala Safiatou , Mundler Patrick
Published: January 2019

This paper based on the institutional analysis and development framework (IAD) is to discuss the local governance and labor organizations on artisanal gold mining camps in Burkina Faso; a West African country that in recent years has been increasingly exploiting its gold reserves. Field data were collected from three sites in the villages of Diosso, Siguinoguin and Zincko in accordance with the purposive sampling. One major finding gleaned from the on-site research is that forms of governance vary along a continuum from flexible (enforced by a joint powers: artisanal miners’ union, customary authorities and landowners) to rigid (enforced by landowner). Another finding is that the type of relationship between indigenous communities and miners depend on the importance of the authocthony of the artisanal miners. Indeed, they are harmonious in Zincko, where miners originate from the village, whereas they are tense in Siguinoguin, which is populated by migrants. Eventually, this paper relies on the French school of proximity to enrich the definitions given to the attributes of the physical world and the attributes of the community highlighted by Ostrom’s theory as geographical proximity fails to detail forms of relational proximity that clearly structure the way governance is organized on the mining camps.
Application of Association Rule Mining and Social Network Analysis for Understanding Causality of Construction Defects
Authors: Lee Sangdeok , Cha Yongwoon , Han Sangwon , Hyun Changtaek
Published: January 2019

A construction defect can cause schedule delay, cost overrun and quality deterioration. In order to minimize these negative impacts of construction defects, this paper aims to analyze the causality of construction defects. Specifically, association rule mining (ARM) is used to quantify the interrelationships between defect causes, and social network analysis (SNA) is utilized to find out the most influential causes triggering generation of construction defects. The suggested approach was applied to 2949 defect instances in finishing work. Through this application, it was confirmed that the proposed approach can systematically identify and quantify causality among defect causes.
Biochemical Hydrogen Potential Tests Using Different Inocula
Authors: Pecorini Isabella , Baldi Francesco , Iannelli Renato
Published: January 2019

Four inocula collected from different operating facilities were tested in their hydrogenic performances by means of two biochemical hydrogen potential test set-ups using sucrose and food waste as substrates, with the aim of evaluating the influence of inoculum media in batch fermentative assays. The selected inocula were: activated sludge collected from the aerobic unit of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, digested sludge from an anaerobic reactor treating organic waste and cattle manure, digested sludge from an anaerobic reactor treating agroindustrial residues, and digested sludge from an anaerobic reactor of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Test results, in terms of specific hydrogen production, hydrogen conversion efficiency, and volatile solids removal efficiency, were significantly dependent on the type of inoculum. Statistical analysis showed different results, indicating that findings were due to the different inocula used in the tests. In particular, assays performed with activated sludge showed the highest performances for both substrates and both experimental set-ups.
The Formation of Government-Oriented Creative Community and Its Driving Mechanisms: A Case Study of the 39° Space Art Creative Community in Foshan, China
Authors: Jiang Yanfeng , Qian Qinglan , Zhang Xiaoling , Chen Yingbiao
Published: January 2019

With the arrival of the era of the creative economy, the “creative community”, a joint product of the regional/community revival movement and the localization of cultural and creative industries, has become a new goal of sustainable urban development. Creative communities can be government-oriented (top-down), or they can involve a sequence of autogenic developments (bottom-up) depending on the initial motivating force behind their formation. This paper provides a case study of the government-oriented Foshan 39° Space Art Creative Community (hereinafter, the 39° Community), though questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and other methods, to obtain a better understanding of how government-oriented creative communities formed. The paper discusses the mechanisms driving such communities in Chinese cities by constructing a driving mechanism model. The results show that policy decisions, under a special policy and industrial background jointly provided by the Foshan municipal government and the Nanhai District government together, is the initial impetus for the emergence of the 39° Community. The community has a concise and flexible organizational structure, creative community members, reasonable community function partitioning, a vibrant and innovative environment, and a variety of creative elements. Finally, the key to the sustainable development of the government-oriented creative community lies in the combined effect of endogenous and exogenous motivations that include a strong support from the local government, market demand, a favorable location, high-quality community services, and creative spirit. High-quality community service is a critical factor in the interaction between exogenous forces and endogenous factors because it can create bridges among governments, enterprises, employees, and the community.
Internal Coordinated Development of China’s Urbanization and Its Spatiotemporal Evolution
Authors: Zang Liangzhen , Su Yiqing
Published: January 2019

High urbanization quality, predominantly determined by the degree of internal coordinated development, is the most important factor in promoting urbanization development. Based on the panel data of 283 Chinese cities from 2007 to 2016, this paper analysed the internal coordination degree, spatial distribution and spatiotemporal evolution of urbanization using the methods of range standardization, entropy, and coupling and coordination models, as well as exploratory spatial data analysis. We found the following results: (1) The internal coordination degree of China’s urbanization was at a low level for a long time, but it presented a gradually increasing trend; (2) The internal coordinated development of urbanization exhibited an obvious spatial agglomeration. Specifically, it displayed a stepped pattern with a higher internal coordination degree in eastern China, a lower degree in western China, and a spatial distribution with multi-centre agglomeration and diffusion. (3) The spatial distribution of the internal coordinated development of urbanization was stable in most regions of China, only changing in a few. (4) The growth rate of the internal coordination degree of China’s urbanization presented the pattern of a dotted distribution, while the growth rate in western China was higher than in central and eastern China. The spatiotemporal evolution relates to the policies changes of China’s urbanization. In particular, the urbanization in China transfers its focus from population transfer to the development of quality from 2007 to 2016. To promote the sustainable and healthy development of China’s new urbanization, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta shall focus on accelerating the transformation of economic development mode; The provinces located around the above three regions shall strengthen the upgrading and promotion of basic public services. The northeast and central provinces shall speed up the innovation of systems and mechanisms and gradually release the potential of urbanization development by promoting the mobility of urban population, and the vast majority of provinces in Western China shall further improve the spatial development potential for urbanization.
Determining Crossing Number of Join of the Discrete Graph with Two Symmetric Graphs of Order Five
Authors: Staš Michal
Published: January 2019

The main aim of the paper is to give the crossing number of the join product G + D n for the disconnected graph G of order five consisting of one isolated vertex and of one vertex incident with some vertex of the three-cycle, and D n consists of n isolated vertices. In the proofs, the idea of the new representation of the minimum numbers of crossings between two different subgraphs that do not cross the edges of the graph G by the graph of configurations G D in the considered drawing D of G + D n will be used. Finally, by adding some edges to the graph G, we are able to obtain the crossing numbers of the join product with the discrete graph D n and with the path P n on n vertices for three other graphs.
Some Characterizations for a Quaternion-Valued and Dual Variable Curve
Authors: Karadag Muge , Sivridag Ali Ihsan
Published: January 2019

Quaternions, which are found in many fields, have been studied for a long time. The interest in dual quaternions has also increased after real quaternions. Nagaraj and Bharathi developed the basic theories of these studies. The Serret–Frenet Formulae for dual quaternion-valued functions of one real variable are derived. In this paper, by making use of the results of some previous studies, helixes and harmonic curvature concepts in Q D 3 and Q D 4 are considered and a characterization for a dual harmonic curve to be a helix is given.
A MAGDM Algorithm with Multi-Granular Probabilistic Linguistic Information
Authors: Wang Ju-Xiang
Published: January 2019

The traditional multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) method needs to be improved to the integration of assessment information under multi-granular probabilistic linguistic environments. Some novel distance measures between two multi-granular probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are proposed, and distance measures are proved to be reasonable. To calculate the weights of the alternative attributes, the extended cross-entropy method for multi-granular probabilistic linguistic term sets is proposed. Then, a novel extended MAGDM algorithm based on prospect theory (PT) is proposed. Two case studies of decision making (DM) on purchasing a car is provided to illustrate the application of the extended MAGDM algorithm. The case analyses are proposed to illustrate the novelty, feasibility, and application of the proposed MAGDM algorithm by comparing the other three algorithms based on TOPSIS, VIKOR, and Pang Qi et al.’s method. The analyses results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm based on PT is superior.
Spatial Economic Convergence and Public Expenditure in Ecuador
Authors: Flores-Chamba Jorge , Correa-Quezada Ronny , Álvarez-García José , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz
Published: January 2019

In Ecuador, the sectorial policies, public policies and state investment, increase the presence of polarized and polycentric territories with very heterogeneous characteristics and with asymmetric levels of economic growth and development. The explanation for the unequal growth of regions in Ecuador is determined by the existence of different types of asymmetries; that determine economic dynamics and non-convergent development processes. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of an increase in public spending on physical infrastructure and education, on the improvement of productive conditions and on the process of reducing disparities (convergence) at the regional level in Ecuador. To do this, the hypothesis of beta convergence will be tested, which is conditioned by the proxy variables of public expenditure or investment in infrastructure and education at provincial level, for the 2001–2015 period. The results show the existence of a "slight" process of convergence per capita and productivity, although with a significant level of territorial "segregation". In the same way, it is observed that public investment made in this period did not increase the productivity of small and medium-sized provinces significantly, severely conditioning the sustainability of the process of reducing disparities at regional level.
Co-Designing the Kits of IoT Devices for Inquiry-Based Learning in STEM
Authors: Kusmin Marge
Published: January 2019

The rapidly developing technological landscape challenges require educational institutions to constantly renew the school’s digital infrastructure in order to keep students engaged in learning difficult subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of such new technology platforms that could help the schools enhance learning processes with innovative resources, and to increase students’ motivation to learn. This paper summarizes the first stage of a design-based research focusing on introducing IoT technologies to secondary education. Five kits of IoT devices were co-designed by researchers, teachers, and students, to optimize their match with the curricular objectives, cost, learning curve, and re-usability in various educational contexts. The study included three steps: (1) mapping out the IoT devices on the basis of the desk research, (2) literature review on STEM education practices, and (3) two focus group interviews with teachers and students from different schools. As a result of the study, five different kits of IoT devices were purchased for schools and pilot-tested in real-life settings.
The C-Terminal Domain of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4Ba Mosquito-Specific Toxin Serves as a Potential Membrane Anchor
Authors: Thammasittirong Anon , Imtong Chompounoot , Sriwimol Wilaiwan , Sakdee Somsri , Angsuthanasombat Chanan
Published: January 2019

Although the C-terminal domain (DIII) of three-domain Cry insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis has been implicated in various biological functions, its exact role still remains to be elucidated. Here, the 21-kDa isolated DIII fragment of the 65-kDa Cry4Ba mosquito-specific toxin was analyzed for its binding characteristics toward lipid-bilayer membranes. When the highly-purified Cry4Ba-DIII protein was structurally verified by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, it revealed the presence of a distinct β-sheet structure, corresponding to its structure embodied in the Cry4Ba crystal structure. Binding analysis via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy revealed that the 21-kDa Cry4Ba-DIII truncate displayed tight binding to immobilized liposome membranes in a two-step manner, exhibiting a dissociation rate constant (kd) comparable to the 65-kDa full-length toxin. Also similar to the Cry4Ba full-length toxin, its isolated DIII truncate was able to anchor a part of its molecule into the immobilized membrane as the SPR signal was still detected after prolonged treatment with proteinase K. However, unlike the full-length active toxin, the DIII truncate was unable to induce membrane permeability of calcein-loaded liposomes or ion-channel formation in planar lipid bilayers. Together, our present data have disclosed a pivotal role of C-terminal DIII in serving as a membrane anchor rather than a pore-forming moiety of the Cry4Ba mosquito-active toxin, highlighting its potential mechanistic contribution to the interaction of the full-length toxin with lipid membranes in mediating toxicity.
Serotherapy against Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel-Targeting α-Toxins from Androctonus Scorpion Venom
Authors: Martin-Eauclaire Marie-France , Adi-Bessalem Sonia , Hammoudi-Triki Djelila , Laraba-Djebari Fatima , Bougis Pierre E.
Published: January 2019

Because of their venom lethality towards mammals, scorpions of the Androctonus genus are considered a critical threat to human health in North Africa. Several decades of exploration have led to a comprehensive inventory of their venom components at chemical, pharmacological, and immunological levels. Typically, these venoms contain selective and high affinity ligands for the voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels that dictate cellular excitability. In the well-studied Androctonus australis and Androctonus mauretanicus venoms, almost all the lethality in mammals is due to the so-called α-toxins. These peptides commonly delay the fast inactivation process of Nav channels, which leads to increased sodium entry and a subsequent cell membrane depolarization. Markedly, their neutralization by specific antisera has been shown to completely inhibit the venom’s lethal activity, because they are not only the most abundant venom peptide but also the most fatal. However, the structural and antigenic polymorphisms in the α-toxin family pose challenges to the design of efficient serotherapies. In this review, we discuss past and present accomplishments to improve serotherapy against Androctonus scorpion stings.
Hamiltonian Approach to QCD at Finite Temperature
Authors: Reinhardt Hugo , Campagnari Davide , Quandt Markus
Published: January 2019

A novel approach to the Hamiltonian formulation of quantum field theory at finite temperature is presented. The temperature is introduced by compactification of a spatial dimension. The whole finite-temperature theory is encoded in the ground state on the spatial manifold S 1 ( L ) × R 2 where L is the length of the compactified dimension which defines the inverse temperature. The approach is then applied to the Hamiltonian formulation of QCD in Coulomb gauge to study the chiral phase transition at finite temperatures.
Human Polyclonal Antibodies Produced from Transchromosomal Bovine Provides Prophylactic and Therapeutic Protections Against Zika Virus Infection in STAT2 KO Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Siddharthan Venkatraman , Miao Jinxin , Van Wettere Arnaud J , Li Rong , Wu Hua , Sullivan Eddie , Jiao Jinan , Hooper Jay W. , Safronetz David , Morrey John D. , Julander Justin G. , Wang Zhongde
Published: January 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can cause severe congenital diseases, such as microcephaly, ocular defects and arthrogryposis in fetuses, and Guillain–Barré syndrome in adults. Efficacious therapeutic treatments for infected patients, as well as prophylactic treatments to prevent new infections are needed for combating ZIKV infection. Here, we report that ZIKV-specific human polyclonal antibodies (SAB-155), elicited in transchromosomal bovine (TcB), provide significant protection from infection by ZIKV in STAT2 knockout (KO) golden Syrian hamsters both prophylactically and therapeutically. These antibodies also prevent testicular lesions in this hamster model. Our data indicate that antibody-mediated immunotherapy is effective in treating ZIKV infection. Because suitable quantities of highly potent human polyclonal antibodies can be quickly produced from the TcB system against ZIKV and have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a small animal model, they have the potential as an effective countermeasure against ZIKV infection.
The Preclinical and Clinical Progress of Bacteriophages and Their Lytic Enzymes: The Parts are Easier than the Whole
Authors: Abdelkader Karim , Gerstmans Hans , Saafan Amal , Dishisha Tarek , Briers Yves
Published: January 2019

The therapeutic potential of phages has been considered since their first identification more than a century ago. The evident concept of using a natural predator to treat bacterial infections has, however, since then been challenged considerably. Initially, the vast success of antibiotics almost eliminated the study of phages for therapy. Upon the renaissance of phage therapy research, the most provocative and unique properties of phages such as high specificity, self-replication and co-evolution prohibited a rapid preclinical and clinical development. On the one hand, the typical trajectory followed by small molecule antibiotics could not be simply translated into the preclinical analysis of phages, exemplified by the need for complex broad spectrum or personalized phage cocktails of high purity and the more complex pharmacokinetics. On the other hand, there was no fitting regulatory framework to deal with flexible and sustainable phage therapy approaches, including the setup and approval of adequate clinical trials. While significant advances are incrementally made to eliminate these hurdles, phage-inspired antibacterials have progressed in the slipstream of phage therapy, benefiting from the lack of hurdles that are typically associated with phage therapy. Most advanced are phage lytic enzymes that kill bacteria through peptidoglycan degradation and osmotic lysis. Both phages and their lytic enzymes are now widely considered as safe and have now progressed to clinical phase II to show clinical efficacy as pharmaceutical. Yet, more initiatives are needed to fill the clinical pipeline to beat the typical attrition rates of clinical evaluation and to come to a true evaluation of phages and phage lytic enzymes in the clinic.
The Oxysterol 25-Hydroxycholesterol Inhibits Replication of Murine Norovirus
Authors: Shawli Ghada T. , Adeyemi Oluwapelumi O. , Stonehouse Nicola J. , Herod Morgan R.
Published: January 2019

Cholesterol, an essential component of mammalian cells, is also an important factor in the replicative-cycles of several human and animal viruses. The oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, is produced from cholesterol by the enzyme, cholesterol 25-hydroxylase. 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) has been shown to have anti-viral activities against a wide range of viruses, including a range of positive-sense RNA viruses. In this study, we have investigated the role of 25-HC in norovirus replication using murine norovirus (MNV) as a model system. As a control, we employed herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), a pathogen previously shown to be inhibited by 25-HC. Consistent with previous studies, 25-HC inhibited HSV-1 replication in the MNV-susceptible cell line, RAW264.7. Treating RAW264.7 cells with sub-cytotoxic concentrations of 25-HC reduced the MNV titers. However, other sterols such as cholesterol or the oxysterol, 22-S-hydroxycholesterol (22-S-HC), did not inhibit MNV replication. Moreover, treating MNV-infected RAW264.7 cells with 25-HC-stimulated caspase 3/7 activity, which leads to enhanced apoptosis and increased cell death. Our study adds noroviruses to the list of viruses inhibited by 25-HC and begins to offer insights into the mechanism behind this inhibition.
Planning Considerations of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Projects in Jordan
Authors: Salameh Elias , Abdallat Ghaida , van der Valk Michael
Published: January 2019

This work discussed the conditions for the successful implementation of managed aquifer recharge, with various case studies in Jordan. The motivation behind this study was that many managed aquifer projects have been implemented in Jordan without adequate studies and they have since failed. Examples from Jordan were provided to serve as an illustration of Middle Eastern and North African countries, with their semi-arid to arid climates and increasing demand for water. The methodology included the evaluation of the implemented managed aquifer projects in Jordan and whether they achieved success or failure in fulfilling the purposes of aquifer recharging, as well as to clarify the reasons for the failure or success. The results showed that a minimum level of study must be carried out before starting any artificial recharge projects, such as defining the aquifer parameters and the water quality evolution after recharge, in addition to understanding of the fate of the recharged water. Managed aquifer recharge can alleviate the impacts of climate change by making use of unused water, and in the case of Jordan, it can alleviate the implications of dropping groundwater levels.
Evaluating the Dynamics of Groundwater Depletion for an Arid Land in the Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Xia Jun , Wu Xia , Zhan Chesheng , Qiao Yunfeng , Hong Si , Yang Peng , Zou Lei
Published: January 2019

Groundwater depletion has become a hotly debated topic, particularly in arid land. In this study, groundwater depletion and its dynamic factors were investigated in the Tarim Basin. The groundwater data were collected randomly from 10 groundwater monitoring wells, from September 2002–December 2014. Piezometric groundwater level decreased with the range from 667.00 cm to 1288.50 cm, and also with a linear decreasing rate of 73.96 cm per year, on average. Significant spatial variation characteristics have been detected. Groundwater depletion was more serious in the northwest than the southeast of the study area. A correlation analysis was conducted to explore the major influence factors. These results showed that the annual irrigated land area was the primary influencing factor. Driving force analysis also suggested that electricity consumption could be an effective and convenient factor to assess groundwater exploitation. This study indicated that human activity was the major impact factor for groundwater decline. The seasonal-trend decomposition analysis supported these findings, as observed from the correlation analysis and the spatial variation. It also provided new insight into the groundwater time-series and enhanced the identification of groundwater-flow characteristics. These findings may be useful for understanding the groundwater fluctuations in high water demand regions and also for developing safety policies for groundwater management.
Variations in Soil Water Content and Evapotranspiration in Relation to Precipitation Pulses within Desert Steppe in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Song Yifan , Lu Yajing , Guo Zhongxiao , Xu Xiaomin , Liu Tiejun , Wang Jun , Wang Wenjun , Hao Weigang , Wang Jian
Published: January 2019

Neither single nor discontinuous hydrological observation data can truly reflect periodic changes in soil moisture under natural conditions or interrelationships between various water sources. Therefore, in this study, precipitation pulse characteristics and variations in the soil water content (SWC) and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) in relation to pulses are explored through a field multi-water continuous observation system set in desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. A comparison between precipitation events in the growing seasons of 2016 and 2017 shows that precipitation events that are greater than 10 mm are the main cause of dramatic interannual precipitation variations in this region. A single small precipitation event has a limited impact on SWC and provides no obvious increase in the SWC within the top 10 cm soil layer. The precipitation interval ratio (P/I) is suitable for comparing water stresses of different drying-wetting cycles, and correlations between soil layers are found to be closer in humid years than in dry years. In this study, three modes of interpulse ETa in the desert steppe are discussed: a stable ETa mode under a water-sufficient condition, an attenuation ETa mode, and a stable ETa mode under extreme drought conditions.
Performance of A Two-Dimensional Hydraulic Model for the Evaluation of Stranding Areas and Characterization of Rapid Fluctuations in Hydropeaking Rivers
Authors: Juárez Ana , Adeva-Bustos Ana , Alfredsen Knut , Dønnum Bjørn Otto
Published: January 2019

Extreme, short-duration fluctuations caused by hydropeaking occurs when hydropower is regulated to cover demand peaks in the electricity market. Such rapid dewatering processes may have a high impact on the downstream biological conditions, particularly related to stranding of fish and other species. The present work analyzes these fluctuations using a two-dimensional unsteady hydraulic modelling approach for quantification of two important hydro-morphological factors on fish stranding risk: the variation in wetted area and the dewatering ramping rate. This approach was applied on the two-kilometer-long reach of Storåne downstream of the Hol 1 power plant, where topo bathymetric LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data was available providing a high-resolution digital elevation model. Based on this model, hydraulic conditions could be simulated in high detail allowing for an accurate assessment of the hydro morphological factors. Results show the dried area distribution at different flows and dewatering ramping rates. The attenuation of the water level fluctuation due to the damping effect along the river reach controls the dewatering rate. We recommend an alternative scenario operation which can reduce the impact of the peaking operation and estimate the operational mitigation cost. We find that the modelling based on the fine resolution grid provides new opportunities in assessing effects of hydropower regulations on the ecosystem.
Halloysite Nanotubes as Adsorptive Material for Phosphate Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Saki Hermin , Alemayehu Esayas , Schomburg Joachim , Lennartz Bernd
Published: January 2019

In this study, we were aiming at testing halloysite nanotubes as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from agricultural runoff. Adsorption of phosphate onto powder and granular form of halloysite nanotubes has been examined by using the classical batch method and diffusion experiments at room temperature. Different forms of halloysite nanotubes were investigated to explore the effect of structure on the adsorption of phosphate. The maximum adsorption efficiency was obtained for powder halloysite nanotubes (79.5%) and granular form (94.7%). It is believed that the pore space of the granular halloysite nanotubes accommodates phosphorus in addition to physico-chemically bound phosphate at surfaces. The pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order model fitted well the experimental kinetic data for both powder and granular form of halloysite nanotubes. The fit of the Freundlich isotherm model was superior as compared with the Langmuir approach, implying that the halloysite nanotubes are heterogeneous because of multiple surface groups and different pore structures. The two forms of halloysite nanotube tested have the abundant potential for removal of phosphate from agriculture runoff. Additional investigations at the pilot scale are, however, required to draw definite conclusions.
First Resolution of Microlensed Images*
Authors: Dong Subo , Mérand A. , Delplancke-Ströbele F. , Gould Andrew , Chen Ping , Post R. , Kochanek C. S. , Stanek K. Z. , Christie G. W. , Mutel Robert , Natusch T. , Holoien T. W.-S. , Prieto J. L. , Shappee B. J. , Thompson Todd A.
Published: January 2019

We employ Very Large Telescope Interferometer GRAVITY to resolve, for the first time, the two images generated by a gravitational microlens. The measurements of the image separation

mas, and hence the Einstein radius θ
E = 1.87 ± 0.03 mas, are precise. This demonstrates the robustness of the method, provided that the source is bright enough for GRAVITY (K ≲ 10.5) and the image separation is of order of or larger than the fringe spacing. When θ
E is combined with a measurement of the “microlens parallax”

, the two will together yield the lens mass and lens–source relative parallax and proper motion. Because the source parallax and proper motion are well measured by Gaia, this means that the lens characteristics will be fully determined, whether or not it proves to be luminous. This method can be a powerful probe of dark, isolated objects, which are otherwise quite difficult to identify, much less characterize. Our measurement contradicts Einstein’s prediction that “the luminous circle [i.e., microlensed image] cannot be distinguished” from a star.
Particle-in-cell and Weak Turbulence Simulations of Plasma Emission
Authors: Lee Sang-Yun , Ziebell L. F. , Yoon P. H. , Gaelzer R. , Lee E. S.
Published: January 2019

The plasma emission process, which is the mechanism for solar type II and type III radio burst phenomena, is studied by means of particle-in-cell (PIC) and weak turbulence (WT) simulation methods. “Plasma emission” is meant as a loose description of a series of processes, starting from the solar flare-associated electron beam exciting Langmuir and ion-acoustic turbulence, and subsequent partial conversion of beam energy into radiation energy by nonlinear processes. PIC simulation is rigorous but the method is computationally intense, and it is difficult to diagnose the results. The numerical solution of equations of WT theory, known as WT simulation, on the other hand, is efficient and naturally lends itself to diagnostics because various terms in the equation can be turned on or off. Nevertheless, WT theory is based upon a number of assumptions. It is therefore desirable to compare the two methods, which we do for the first time with numerical solutions of the complete set of equations of WT theory and a two-dimensional electromagnetic PIC simulation. Upon making quantitative comparisons, it is found that WT theory is largely valid, although some discrepancies are also found. The present study also indicates that large computational resources are required in order to accurately simulate the radiation emission processes, especially for low electron beam speeds, such that it may be more advantageous to employ the WT method in order to describe the radiation emission itself. Findings from the present paper thus imply that both methods may be useful for the study of solar radio emissions, as they are complementary.
Stochastic Gravitational-wave Background from Binary Black Holes and Binary Neutron Stars and Implications for LISA
Authors: Chen Zu-Cheng , Huang Fan , Huang Qing-Guo
Published: January 2019

The advent of gravitational-wave and multimessenger astronomy has stimulated research on the formation mechanisms of binary black holes (BBHs) observed by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)/Virgo. In the literature, the progenitors of these BBHs could be stellar-origin black holes (sBHs) or primordial black holes (PBHs). In this paper, we calculate the stochastic gravitational-wave background (SGWB) from BBHs, covering the astrophysical and primordial scenarios separately, together with the one from binary neutron stars (BNSs). Our results indicate that PBHs contribute a stronger SGWB than that from sBHs, and the total SGWB from both BBHs and BNSs has a high possibility of being detected by the future observing runs of LIGO/Virgo and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). On the other hand, the SGWB from BBHs and BNSs also contributes an additional source of confusion noise to LISA’s total noise curve, and then weakens LISA’s detection abilities. For instance, the detection of massive black hole binary (MBHB) coalescences is one of the key missions of LISA, and the largest detectable redshift of MBHB mergers can be significantly reduced.
2D Isotropic Feature of Solar Wind Turbulence as Shown by Self-correlation Level Contours at Hour Timescales
Authors: Wang Xin , Tu Chuanyi , He Jiansen
Published: January 2019

The slow wind anisotropy is observed by Dasso et al. as elongation along the magnetic field direction in the magnetic self-correlation contours calculated from data sets of two-day-long data and averaged for five years in 1998–2002, which is consistent with prediction by the “critical balance cascade theory.” More pronounced elongation at smaller scales than at larger scales has also been predicted by this theory. However, this prediction has not yet been checked by observations. Here, we present a check of the variation trend of the anisotropy with scales by presenting level contours of magnetic field and velocity self-correlations using intervals with durations varying from two days to one hour as observed by the Advanced Composition Explorer during 1998–2002 in the slow wind. We find that the level contours elongate along the magnetic field direction at durations of two days and one day. But they become isotropic for shorter intervals from about 10 hours to 1 hour. We also find that in the fast wind, the variation of the anisotropy with the scale has the same trend as in the slow wind. The 2D isotropic feature of the solar wind fluctuations shown by these statistical results is not consistent with the existing theory and will open a new avenue for studying solar wind turbulence.
On the Minimum Jet Power of TeV BL Lac Objects in the p–γ Model
Authors: Xue Rui , Liu Ruo-Yu , Wang Xiang-Yu , Yan Huirong , Böttcher Markus
Published: January 2019

We study the requirement of the jet power in the conventional p–γ models (photopion production and Bethe–Heitler pair production) for TeV BL Lac objects. We select a sample of TeV BL Lac objects whose spectral energy distributions are difficult to explain by the one-zone leptonic model. Based on the relation between the p–γ interaction efficiency and the opacity of γγ absorption, we find that the detection of TeV emission poses upper limits on the p–γ interaction efficiencies in these sources and hence minimum jet powers can be derived accordingly. We find that the obtained minimum jet powers exceed the Eddington luminosity of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Implications for the accretion mode of the SMBHs in these BL Lac objects and the origin of their TeV emissions are discussed.
Infrared Contributions of X-Ray Selected Active Galactic Nuclei in Dusty Star-forming Galaxies
Authors: Brown Arianna , Nayyeri Hooshang , Cooray Asantha , Ma Jingzhe , Hickox Ryan C. , Azadi Mojegan
Published: January 2019

We investigate the infrared (IR) contribution from supermassive black hole activity versus host galaxy emission in the mid- to far-IR spectrum for a large sample of X-ray bright active galactic nuclei (AGN) residing in dusty, star-forming host galaxies. We select 703 AGN with

erg s−1 at 0.1 < z < 5 from the Chandra XBoötes X-ray Survey with rich multiband observations in the optical to far-IR. This is the largest sample to date of X-ray AGN with mid- and far-IR detections that uses spectral energy distribution (SED) decomposition to determine intrinsic AGN and host galaxy IR luminosities. We determine weak or nonexistent relationships when averaging star formation activity as a function of AGN activity, but see stronger positive trends when averaging L
X in bins of star-forming activity for AGN at low redshifts. We estimate an average dust covering factor (CF) of 33% based on IR SEDs and bolometric AGN luminosity, corresponding to a Type 2 AGN population of roughly a third. We also see a population of AGN that challenge the inclination-based unification model with individual dust CFs that contradict the nuclear obscuration expected from observed X-ray hardness ratios. We see no strong connection between AGN fractions in the IR and corresponding total IR, 24 μm, or X-ray luminosities. The average rest-frame AGN contribution as a function of IR wavelength shows significant (∼80%) contributions in the mid-IR that trail off at λ > 30 μm. Additionally, we provide a relation between observed L
X and pure AGN IR output for high-z AGN, allowing future studies to estimate AGN IR contribution using only observed X-ray flux density estimates.
The ISM Properties and Gas Kinematics of a Redshift 3 Massive Dusty Star-forming Galaxy
Authors: Leung T. K. Daisy , Riechers Dominik A. , Baker Andrew J. , Clements Dave L. , Cooray Asantha , Hayward Christopher C. , Ivison R. J. , Neri Roberto , Omont Alain , Pérez-Fournon Ismael , Scott Douglas , Wardlow Julie L.
Published: January 2019

We present CO (J = 1 → 0; 3 → 2; 5 → 4; 10 → 9) and 1.2 kpc resolution [C ii] line observations of the dusty star-forming galaxy (SFG) HXMM05—carried out with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy, the Plateau de Bure Interferometer, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, measuring an unambiguous redshift of z = 2.9850 ± 0.0009. We find that HXMM05 is a hyperluminous infrared galaxy (

 = (4 ± 1) × 1013
L
⊙) with a total molecular gas mass of (2.1 ± 0.7) × 1011(

/0.8) M
⊙. The CO (J = 1 → 0) and [C ii] emission are extended over ∼9 kpc in diameter, and the CO line FWHM exceeds 1100 km s−1. The [C ii] emission shows a monotonic velocity gradient consistent with a disk, with a maximum rotation velocity of

 = 616 ± 100 km s−1 and a dynamical mass of (7.7 ± 3.1) × 1011
M
⊙. We find a star formation rate of 2900

M
⊙ yr−1. HXMM05 is thus among the most intensely SFGs known at high redshift. Photodissociation region modeling suggests physical conditions similar to nearby SFGs, showing extended star formation, which is consistent with our finding that the gas emission and dust emission are cospatial. Its molecular gas excitation resembles the local major merger Arp 220. The broad CO and [C ii] lines and a pair of compact dust nuclei suggest the presence of a late-stage major merger at the center of the extended disk, again reminiscent of Arp 220. The observed gas kinematics and conditions, together with the presence of a companion and the pair of nuclei, suggest that HXMM05 is experiencing multiple mergers as a part of the evolution.
Odonata of Canada
Authors: Cannings Robert A.
Published: January 2019

Since Corbet’s thorough 1979 overview of Canadian Odonata, hundreds of regional works on taxonomy, faunistics, distribution, life history, ecology and behaviour have been written. Canada records 214 species of Odonata, an increase of 20 since the 1979 assessment. Estimates of unrecorded species are small; this reflects the well-known nature of the fauna. A major impetus for surveys and analyses of the status of species is the work of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada which provides a scientifically sound classification of wildlife species potentially at risk. As of 2017, six species have been designated “Endangered” and two “Special Concern” (only five of which are officially listed under the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA)). The Order provides a good example of molecular barcoding effort in insects, as many well-accepted morphological species in Canada have been barcoded to some degree. However, more barcoding of accurately identified specimens of many species is still required, especially in most of the larger families, which have less than 70% of their species barcoded. Corbet noted that the larvae of 15 Canadian species were unknown, but almost all larvae are now well, or cursorily, described. Extensive surveys have greatly improved our understanding of species’ geographical distributions, habitat requirements and conservation status but more research is required to better define occurrence, abundance and biological details for almost all species.
Une archive de petites tablettes d’époque sargonique au Musée des Antiquités de Rouen
Authors: Lecompte Camille
Published: January 2019

Cet article propose l’étude d’un lot de onze tablettes d’époque sargonique relatives à des reçus de bière dont les caractéristiques sont quelque peu singulières en raison de leur petit format, de particularités inhérentes à l’onomastique et à la présence du bien dit zi-da. Six documents de ce lot sont édités ici pour la première fois, permettant de reconstituer l’ensemble de ces tablettes issues de la collection privée de Henri de Genouillac.
The Unfortunate Frog: On Animal and Human Bondage in K 2581 and Related Fragments With Excursuses on BM 64526 and YOS XI, 3
Authors: Stadhouders Henry
Published: January 2019

This article presents a fresh edition with annotations of the medico-magical Sammeltafel K 2581 and several as yet unpublished duplicates and parallels, the most prominent of which (BM 65426) is dealt with in an excursus of its own. These texts are an important source for our understanding of the li’bu disease, and the present editions provide an opportunity for a discussion of some of the ancient methods of treating the ailment, notably the practice of quarantine. The edition of a newly identified duplicate to the reverse (N 909+) helps us to better understand what this part of the tablet is about. In a final excursus the author expounds his musings over text and purport of an Old Babylonian incantation against tūltum “tooth worm” ( YOS  XI, 3), deviating in crucial details from previous attempts to decode the meaning of this elusive spell.