bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of pseudo-spin guiding and flat bands for topological edge states
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Gao Yong-feng , He Liu , Sun Jia-ping , Song He , Wang Quan
Published: May 2019

We manipulate pseudo-spin guiding and flat bands for topological edge states with elliptic cylinders based on silicon material.
Fracture structure and thermoelectric enhancement of Cu2Se with substitution of nanostructured Ag2Se
Authors: Ballikaya Sedat , Sertkol Murat , Oner Yildirhan , Bailey Trevor P. , Uher Ctirad
Published: May 2019

Nano-Ag2Se inclusions strongly impact the microstructure and resultant heat and charge carrier transport in Cu2Se.
4He/3He separation using oxygen-functionalized nanoporous graphene
Authors: Motallebiour Maryam S. , Karimi-Sabet Javad , Maghari Ali
Published: May 2019

Various oxygen-functionalized graphene nanopores were modeled to investigate their 4He/3He separation performances under both kinetic competition and steady state conditions.
Tuneable single-molecule electronic conductance of C60by encapsulation
Authors: Fujii Shintaro , Cho Haruna , Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Nishino Tomoaki , Murata Yasujiro , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: May 2019

It has been demonstrated that the single-molecule transport properties of fullerene C60can be modulated by encapsulating endohedral species,i.e.Li+and H2O, which exhibit different degrees of van der Waals interactions with the C60cage.
Revealing the mechanistic pathway of cholinergic inhibition of Alzheimer's disease by donepezil: a metadynamics simulation study
Authors: Ghosh Shibaji , Jana Kalyanashis , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: May 2019

Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is an approved drug for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Hierarchical porous MnCo2O4 yolk–shell microspheres from MOFs as secondary nanomaterials for high power lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yang Hongxun , Xie Yue , Zhu Miaomiao , Liu Yongmin , Wang Zhenkang , Xu Minghang , Lin Shengling
Published: May 2019

Hierarchical porous MnCo2O4 yolk–shell microspheres have been synthesized via a facile chemical precipitation method with subsequent calcination treatment, showing high reversible lithium storage capacity, excellent cyclic performance and enhanced rate capability.
Tuning the supramolecular isomerism of MOF-74 by controlling the synthesis conditions
Authors: Gheorghe Andreea , Imaz Inhar , van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar , Maspoch Daniel , Tanase Stefania
Published: May 2019

Controlled synthesis of MOF materials with specific properties is highly relevant for practical applications and it still remains a challenging task. This work highlights the key role played by the solvents and specific modulators in the formation and stability of two isomers of the well-known MOF-74.
Reaction duration-dependent formation of two Cu(ii)-MOFs with selective adsorption properties of C3H4 over C3H6
Authors: Xu Ming-Ming , Kong Xiang-Jing , He Tao , Wu Xue-Qian , Xie Lin-Hua , Li Jian-Rong
Published: May 2019

Reaction duration was found to play an important role in the formation of two different MOFs, BUT-301 and BUT-302, which all show three-dimensional framework structures, permanent porosity and selective adsorption properties of C3H4 over C3H6.
Three new phosphates, Cs8Pb4(P2O7)4, CsLi7(P2O7)2 and LiCa(PO3)3: structural comparison, characterization and theoretical calculation
Authors: Han Shujuan , Li Hao , Yang Zhihua , Yu H. H. , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2019

Three new phosphates with a short cutoff edge were obtained, and the structural comparisons were discussed in detail.
Plug-and-play safe-by-design production of metal-doped tellurium nanoparticles with safer antimicrobial activities
Authors: Park Dae Hoon , Gautam Milan , Park Sung Jae , Hwang Jungho , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh , Byeon Jeong Hoon
Published: May 2019

A plug-and-play continuous flow system was developed for convenient and green production of heterogeneous tellurium nanoparticles with safer antimicrobial activity.
Continuous manufacturing – the Green Chemistry promise?
Authors: Rogers Luke , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: May 2019

We review Green Chemistry advances resulting when transitioning to continuous manufacturing with focus on Green Chemistry elements inherent in flow chemistry and related separation processes.
Biocatalytic synthesis of panthenyl monoacyl esters in ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Lozano Pedro , Alvarez Elena , Nieto Susana , Villa Rocio , Bernal Juana M. , Donaire Antonio
Published: May 2019

The enzymatic synthesis of panthenyl monoacyl esters was carried out by the direct esterification of fatty acids (e.g. lauric acid) with panthenol in sponge-like ionic liquids, as well as in deep eutectic mixtures, resulting in highly selective processes (i.e. near to 100% for the panthenyl monolaurate case).
Studies on the uptake and transformation of gold(iii) and gold nanoparticles in a water–green algae environment using mass spectrometry techniques
Authors: Malejko Julita , Szymańska Natalia , Bajguz Andrzej , Godlewska-Żyłkiewicz Beata
Published: May 2019

Studies elucidate the fate of AuNPs and Au(iii) during 24 h incubation in surface water and their interaction with green microalgae cells. A robust methodology for such studies was developed.
Host–guest chemistry between cyclodextrin and a hydrogen evolution catalyst cobaloxime
Authors: Kato Masaru , Kon Keita , Hirayama Jun , Yagi Ichizo
Published: May 2019

We report the host–guest chemistry between cyclodextrin and a bisdimethylglyoximato cobalt complex, cobaloxime.
Highly enhanced photocatalytic Cr(vi) reduction using In-doped Zn(O,S) nanoparticles
Authors: Duresa Lalisa Wakjira , Kuo Dong-Hau , Ahmed Kedir Ebrahim , Zeleke Misganaw Alemu , Abdullah Hairus
Published: May 2019

Efficient photocatalytic reduction of highly toxic hexavalent chromium pollutants obtained from wastewater has become the focus of research these days due to their ecological and environmental influence.
Highly effective ruthenium-doped TiO2nanoparticles photocatalyst for visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Ismael Mohammed
Published: May 2019

This paper reports the synthesis of bare TiO2and various molar concentrations of ruthenium (Ru)-doped TiO2nanoparticles by the precipitation method.
An efficient clean methodology for the C–S coupling to aryl thioethers and S–S homocoupling to aromatic disulfides catalyzed over a Ce(iv)-leucine complex immobilized on mesoporous MCM-41
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Tamoradi Taibeh , Karmakar Bikash
Published: May 2019

Anchored Ce(iv) on the surface of MCM-41 mesoporous silica was used for the synthesis of aryl thioethers and aromatic disulfides.
Copper-catalyzed coupling of anthranils and α-keto acids: direct synthesis of α-ketoamides
Authors: Li Ping-Gui , Zhu Hao , Fan Min , Yan Cheng , Shi Kai , Chi Xi-Wen , Zou Liang-Hua
Published: May 2019

Copper-catalyzed coupling of α-keto acids with anthranils is reported for the synthesis of α-ketoamides bearing an aldehyde group via N–O/C–O bond cleavages and C–N bond formation.
Correction: One-way and two-way shape memory effects of a high-strain cis-1,4-polybutadiene–polyethylene copolymer based dynamic network via self-complementary quadruple hydrogen bonding
Authors: Yang Qi , Zheng Wenjie , Zhao Wenpeng , Peng Chuang , Ren Juntao , Yu Qizhou , Hu Yanming , Zhang Xuequan
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘One-way and two-way shape memory effects of a high-strain cis-1,4-polybutadiene–polyethylene copolymer based dynamic network via self-complementary quadruple hydrogen bonding’ by Qi Yang, et al., Polym. Chem., 2019, 10, 718–726.
Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of α-1,3-glucan
Authors: Beltran-Villegas Daniel J. , Intriago Daniel , Kim Kyle H. C. , Behabtu Natnael , Londono J. David , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: May 2019

In this work we present a coarse-grained model for α-1,3-glucan that captures hydrogen bonding directionality and polysaccharide monomer structure.
Multiple modulations for supramolecular hydrogels of bola-form surfactants bearing rigid and flexible groups
Authors: Yin Chunyu , Jiang Fengrui , Li Bao , Wu Lixin
Published: May 2019

Supramolecular hydrogels of bola-form surfactants were modulated by light irradiation and chemical additives to achieve reversible and unidirectional transitions between the gel and sol while a non-gelator boosts the gelation of the gelators.
The Impact of the Spanish-to-English Proficiency Shift on the Grammaticality of English Learners
Authors: Castilla-Earls Anny , Francis David , Iglesias Aquiles , Davidson Kevin
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The general aim of this study is to enhance our understanding of the patterns of language growth in Spanish and English during the school years. In this study, we used a longitudinal retrospective approach to explore the growth of the percentage of grammatical utterances (PGU) in both Spanish and English in 2 groups of English learners (ELs): ELs attending English-only instruction and ELs attending Spanish–English bilingual instruction.

Method

The participants included 1,080 ELs. ELs produced at least 3 story retells in both Spanish and English between kindergarten and 2nd grade. All stories were transcribed and coded for errors, and PGU was calculated for each story.

Results

At the onset of the study, children showed higher PGU in Spanish and lower PGU in English. Growth curve analysis indicated that PGU in English improved over time, whereas PGU in Spanish declined in both instructional groups. However, those children who were in bilingual programs showed a slower rate of decline in Spanish PGU and a slower rate of improvement in English PGU. By the age of 9 years, children in English-only programs had approximately a Spanish PGU of 65% in Spanish, whereas children in bilingual instruction had an average Spanish PGU of 80%. The improvement in English PGU was steady with a small difference in the rate of growth benefiting children in English-only programs.

Conclusion

The results of this study document a shift in language proficiency from Spanish to English during the school years. This study offers evidence of a temporary period of relatively low grammaticality in both languages that seems to be the result of a shift in proficiency from Spanish to English.
The Link Between Verbal Short-Term Memory and Anomia Treatment Gains
Authors: Zimmerman Reva M. , Silkes JoAnn P. , Kendall Diane L. , Minkina Irene
Published: May 2019

Purpose

A significant relationship between verbal short-term memory (STM) and language performance in people with aphasia has been found across studies. However, very few studies have examined the predictive value of verbal STM in treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine if verbal STM can be used as a predictor of treatment success.

Method

Retrospective data from 25 people with aphasia in a larger randomized controlled trial of phonomotor treatment were analyzed. Digit and word spans from immediately pretreatment were run in multiple linear regression models to determine whether they predict magnitude of change from pre- to posttreatment and follow-up naming accuracy. Pretreatment, immediately posttreatment, and 3 months posttreatment digit and word span scores were compared to determine if they changed following a novel treatment approach.

Results

Verbal STM, as measured by digit and word spans, did not predict magnitude of change in naming accuracy from pre- to posttreatment nor from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment. Furthermore, digit and word spans did not change from pre- to posttreatment or from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment in the overall analysis. A post hoc analysis revealed that only the less impaired group showed significant changes in word span scores from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment.

Discussion

The results suggest that digit and word spans do not predict treatment gains. In a less severe subsample of participants, digit and word span scores can change following phonomotor treatment; however, the overall results suggest that span scores may not change significantly. The implications of these findings are discussed within the broader purview of theoretical and empirical associations between aphasic language and verbal STM processing.
Remote Microphone System Use at Home: Impact on Child-Directed Speech
Authors: Benítez-Barrera Carlos R. , Thompson Emily C. , Angley Gina P. , Woynaroski Tiffany , Tharpe Anne Marie
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The impact of home use of a remote microphone system (RMS) on the caregiver production of, and child access to, child-directed speech (CDS) in families with a young child with hearing loss was investigated.

Method

We drew upon extant data that were collected via Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) recorders used with 9 families during 2 consecutive weekends (RMS weekend and no-RMS weekend). Audio recordings of primary caregivers and their children with hearing loss obtained while wearing and not wearing an RMS were manually coded to estimate the amount of CDS produced. The proportion of CDS that was likely accessible to children with hearing loss under both conditions was determined.

Results

Caregivers produced the same amount of CDS when using and when not using the RMS. However, it was concluded that children with hearing loss, on average, could potentially access 12% more CDS if caregivers used an RMS because of their distance from their children when talking to them.

Conclusion

Given our understanding of typical child language development, findings from this investigation suggest that children with hearing loss could receive auditory, speech, and language benefits from the use of an RMS in the home environment.
Towards path‐based semantic dissimilarity estimation for scene representation using bottleneck analysis
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Dempere‐Marco Laura , Wang Fan , Ji Zhihang , Hu Xiaopeng
Published: May 2019

In natural images, it remains challenging to estimate dissimilarities between image elements for scene representation due to gradual variations of illuminations, textures or clutters. To tackle this problem, we utilise a path‐based bottleneck analysis method that captures the semantic information between image elements to measure the dissimilarity. By integrating both the spatial continuity and feature consistency into the understanding of the semantic information, we detect the bottlenecks on the proposed double‐S path to define the bottleneck distance, which demonstrates a favourable capability of grouping image elements that follow a similar pattern and separating different ones. In the experiments, the method is proved to be robust to noises and invariant to changing illumination and arbitrary scales in natural images. Tests on some challenging datasets validate the advantage of applying the path‐based bottleneck distance in image ranking and salient object detection.
Integral and series solutions for inductance of rectangular coils with parallel end faces
Authors: Zhou Xinglong , Chen Baichao , Luo Yao , Kyrgiazoglou Athanasios
Published: May 2019

A detailed analysis is presented for the inductance calculations of rectangular coils with parallel end faces, with the coils of parallel sides as the special case. Integral solutions are given by the theory of second‐order scalar potential. The authors further provide the series solutions for the inductance, which are based on the truncated region eigenfunction expansion method. These series are quite concise and accurate, and with higher computational efficiency by comparison with the integrals. The integral and series solutions are also obtained for the planar rectangular coils. The numerical results of both methods are compared with those of the experimental data, and the proposed methods prove to be accurate and efficient enough for practical applications.
Algorithm for fault detection and localisation in a mesh‐type bipolar DC microgrid network
Authors: Bhargav Reddipalli , Bhalja Bhavesh R. , Gupta Chandra Prakash
Published: May 2019

This study proposes a new method to detect and locate the fault in a DC distribution system in the presence of distributed generators. As the mesh‐type network provides good continuity of service during faults and the bipolar system transmits high power at low‐voltage level to the end user, the proposed scheme has utilised 1200 V mesh‐type bipolar DC microgrid network. The proposed scheme detects a fault by comparing the calculated value of fault current and pole‐to‐pole voltage with the pre‐defined threshold values and then distinguishes internal or external fault based on an estimation of line parameters. In case of an internal fault, the estimated parameters yield the exact location of the fault. The modelling of the aforementioned DC microgrid network has been carried out in PSCAD/EMTDC environment and various faults involving pole and ground have been performed with variable fault resistance and location. The simulation results clearly indicate that the proposed technique is not only capable to detect the fault rapidly but also able to disconnect the faulty section speedily (around 1.25 ms). As the proposed method detects fault by utilising local voltages and currents, its reliability is better than the previous algorithms.
Small signal stability analysis of doubly‐fed induction generator‐integrated power systems based on probabilistic eigenvalue sensitivity indices
Authors: He Ping , Arefifar Seyed Ali , Li Congshan , Tao Yukun
Published: May 2019

The grid connection of wind farms affects the load flow of a power system and may introduce an unexpected threat to the power system small signal stability. This study presents an application of probabilistic eigenvalue sensitivity indices (PSIs) for optimal allocation of wind farm in a power system. For this purpose, firstly, probabilistic sensitivity indices are used to identify the strongly correlated electromechanical eigenvalues of generators and to facilitate the wind farm site selection. Two different cases are studied, wind farm replacing synchronous generators or being directly added to the power system. Afterwards, the influence of the wind farm location on power system small signal stability is examined. For this purpose, an index is proposed to measure the small signal stability of the system and is used for optimal allocation of the wind farm. Two examples, i.e. a 3‐machine 9‐bus and an 8‐machine 24‐bus power system, with a wind farm integrated based on PSIs are presented to demonstrate the proposed approach by employing the eigenvalue analysis and a dynamic time‐domain simulation. Finally, the results are compared with the traditional optimal allocation of a wind farm for power loss reduction.
DLMPCS‐based improved yaw stability control strategy for DDEV
Authors: Shi Ke , Yuan Xiaofang , Huang Guoming , Zhang Xizheng , Shen Yongpeng
Published: May 2019

The yaw stability of distributed drive electric vehicle (DDEV) can be guaranteed by the active steering and torque distribution systems. Conventional yaw stability control strategy mainly focuses on the study of yaw moment, while the tyre lateral saturation and excessive longitudinal skid problems are difficult to be solved efficiently. This may lead to the unstable yaw phenomenon of the vehicle such as the sideslip or tail flick. To improve the yaw stability of DDEV under the tyre lateral saturation and excessive longitudinal skid situations, a double‐layer model predictive control system (DLMPCS) is presented in this work. The proposed DLMPCS consists of an anti‐saturation yaw stability controller (AYSC) and an anti‐slip torque distribution controller (ATDC). The AYSC is designed to guarantee the vehicle yaw stability under the tyre lateral saturation situation, through the active steering and yaw moment. The ATDC is designed to realise the torque distribution and keep the longitudinal slip ratio within the stable zone; then, the vehicle can be prevented from the excessive skid phenomenon. The simulation results confirm the improved yaw performance of the DLMPCS for DDEV under different situations.
Alignment‐ and metallic‐obstacle‐insensitive contactless power transmission system utilizing surface‐guided mode
Authors: Song Seong‐Kyu , Malik Jagannath , Ko Nak‐Young , Park Woo‐Jin , Seo Seok‐Tae , Lee Bon‐Young , Oruganti Sai Kiran Sharma , Kim Hak‐Sun , Bien Franklin
Published: May 2019

A key limitation inherent in wireless power transmission (WPT) systems using coils is a high sensitivity to the alignment between the transmitting and receiving coils. Moreover, the physical separation of the transmitting and receiving coils or any metallic barrier between them can notably reduce the efficiency. To overcome these limitations, a practical WPT system that is insensitive to the alignment between coils and metallic obstacles is proposed. It uses a printed circuit board‐type antenna fabricated by reducing the structure of an antenna used in previous research and is designed to resonate at the target frequency through impedance matching. The proposed system uses surface‐guided‐mode resonance at the metal–air interface and transmits uniform power within 1.3 m. In addition, the proposed system satisfies the electromagnetic field international standard that is the electric field and magnetic field reference values are 152.5 V/m and 0.4 A/m, respectively at 4 MHz.
Transient analysis of finite multi‐conductor transmission line metamaterials (MTL‐MMs) based on discrete green's function (DGF) and macro‐modelling techniques
Authors: Torabi Yalda , Dadashzadeh Gholamreza
Published: May 2019

A new systematic macro‐modelling technique for transient analysis of finite multi‐conductor transmission line metamaterials (MTL‐MMs) based on a Dyadic discrete Green's function (DGF) approach is proposed. Governing discrete voltage‐based equations for one‐ and two‐dimensional (1‐D and 2‐D) MTL‐MMs are derived using a rigorous MTL analysis. Applying the idea of the Dyadic DGF solution to these equations, the impedance matrix representation of a finite open‐ended MTL‐MM is represented in a rational form, where the corresponding poles and residues can be identified exactly. The resulting pole/residue macro‐model is converted into a state space model which is compatible to SPICE circuit simulator. The proposed macro‐modelling technique significantly reduces the CPU time for transient analysis of 2‐D electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures embedded in large multi‐layer printed circuit boards or volumetric NRI slabs with interaction with free space waves which can be modelled as an MTL‐MM system. The usefulness of the proposed macro‐model is illustrated by three sample MTL‐MMs including 1‐D shunt node negative refractive index ( NRI ) slab and 2‐D two‐ and three‐layered shielded EBG structures. The obtained results from the proposed macro‐modelling technique are presented and compared with those obtained using a full‐wave simulator, confirming the validity of the proposed model.
Design of a wideband polarisation conversion metasurface and its application for RCS reduction and gain enhancement of a circularly polarised antenna
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Gangwar Deepak , Kumar Kanaujia Binod , Dwari Santanu , Kumar Sachin
Published: May 2019

An improved loading method of checkerboard‐based linear polarisation conversion metasurface (PCM) is proposed for gain enhancement and wideband radar cross‐section (RCS) reduction of the circularly polarised patch antenna (CPA). The proposed metasurface consists of a checkerboard arrangement of PCM and its mirror unit cells, and an improved loading method is used to rearrange the PCM unit cells around the radiating patch. The PCM unit cell is composed of a metallic pattern on the top and bottom surface covered with metal. A wideband RCS reduction is realised by achieving 180° cross‐polarisation reflection phase difference between the two neighbouring PCM unit cells and gain enhancement is achieved by the coherent superposition of energy in the far‐field between the radiating patch and PCM cells. Simulated and measured results depict that the operating bandwidth of CPA and the proposed antenna is 12.6–13.76 GHz. The peak gain of the proposed antenna is 3.5 dB higher than the CPA and 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of the designed antenna is 200 MHz. The proposed antenna achieves significant RCS reduction in the frequency range of 9.6–22.6 GHz with maximum in‐band RCS reduction of 21 dB and maximum out of band RCS reduction of 34 dB.
Global navigation satellite system spoofing‐detection technique based on the Doppler ripple caused by vertical reciprocating motion
Authors: Li He , Hong Li , Mingquan Lu
Published: May 2019

The menace of spoofing is overshadowing the civilian use of the global satellite navigation system. Many anti‐spoofing approaches have been intensively researched in the literature, among which the spoofing‐detection ones are the most thoroughly investigated. In this study, the authors propose a novel spoofing‐detection method, which jointly utilises the carrier Doppler frequency caused by the vertical reciprocating motion of the receiving antenna and the navigational information conveyed by the received signals. This specific motion pattern would make the Doppler measurement of each signal fluctuate like water ripples, of which the amplitude should be proportional to the sine of the corresponding satellite's elevation. Singular value decomposition is deployed to simultaneously estimate the speed variation of the receiving antenna and the relative amplitudes of the Doppler fluctuations. Then, the proportionality between relative amplitudes and the elevation sines is checked to detect the spoofing signal, which would probably break the proportionality. The proposed method is experimentally verified and validated. They also analyse the detection performance both theoretically and numerically. Moreover, several motion deviations are assessed both theoretically and practically.
Robust adaptive H‐infinity based controller for islanded microgrid supplying non‐linear and unbalanced loads
Authors: Sedhom Bishoy E. , Hatata Ahmed Y. , El‐Saadawi Magdi M. , Abd‐Raboh El‐Hosaini E.
Published: May 2019

This study introduces a proposed control method for microgrids (MGs) in islanded (off‐grid) mode. The proposed control method is developed by modifying the droop control method using H‐infinity controller. In this control method, the droop control loop, current and voltage control loops are adjusted to respond to system load variation. The proposed method is an adaptive control one as it regulates the system voltage and frequency to their nominal values after system load variations. Also, it is a repetitive control method as it depends on the internal model principle that provides good performance for voltage and current error tracking. To prove the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method, it is applied to a test system using MATLAB/Simulink under three different loading conditions. The results are compared with those of droop control and they prove the effectiveness of the proposed method in adjusting MGs under the off‐grid mode of operation. Also, a system stability analysis is performed based on root locus and system step response. Robustness analysis is performed to prove the ability of the proposed controller to restore the system performance after the fault clearance.
Self‐organising technique for carrier synchronisation and phase offset distribution in modular, fault‐tolerant converters
Authors: Broadmeadow Mark A. H. , Sands Kenneth D.
Published: May 2019

Carrier interleaved pulse width modulated modular multilevel converters provide multiple benefits including increased effective switching frequency, switching frequency harmonic elimination, and reduced filter requirements. For converters comprising high numbers of switching modules, control is often distributed across multiple controllers, making carrier‐phase synchronisation challenging. This paper presents a technique for carrier‐phase synchronisation and phase offset distribution for controllers in a ring network comprising duplex serial links. The proposed method is self‐organising, with equal phase offset automatically achieved across connected nodes. A key advantage of the proposed technique is capacity to enable fault tolerance, through automatic phase offset redistribution in the case of switching modules being removed from the system. An experimental prototype is implemented and evaluated using three FPGA nodes connected via 6.25 Gbps full‐duplex fibre‐optic links, with phase offset accuracy to within 0.1 degrees demonstrated for 25 kHz pulse width modulation.
Dust absorption and scattering in the silicon K-edge
Authors: Zeegers S. T. , Costantini E. , Rogantini D. , de Vries C. P. , Mutschke H. , Mohr P. , de Groot F. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: May 2019

Context. The composition and properties of interstellar silicate dust are not well understood. In X-rays, interstellar dust can be studied in detail by making use of the fine structure features in the Si K-edge. The features in the Si K-edge offer a range of possibilities to study silicon-bearing dust, such as investigating the crystallinity, abundance, and the chemical composition along a given line of sight.

Aims. We present newly acquired laboratory measurements of the silicon K-edge of several silicate-compounds that complement our measurements from our earlier pilot study. The resulting dust extinction profiles serve as templates for the interstellar extinction that we observe. The extinction profiles were used to model the interstellar dust in the dense environments of the Galaxy.

Methods. The laboratory measurements, taken at the Soleil synchrotron facility in Paris, were adapted for astrophysical data analysis and implemented in the SPEX spectral fitting program. The models were used to fit the spectra of nine low-mass X-ray binaries located in the Galactic center neighborhood in order to determine the dust properties along those lines of sight.

Results. Most lines of sight can be fit well by amorphous olivine. We also established upper limits on the amount of crystalline material that the modeling allows. We obtained values of the total silicon abundance, silicon dust abundance, and depletion along each of the sightlines. We find a possible gradient of 0.06 ± 0.02 dex/kpc for the total silicon abundance versus the Galactocentric distance. We do not find a relation between the depletion and the extinction along the line of sight.
Lithium Niobate Micro-transducers matrix design
Authors: El Rammouz Hala , Benmeddour Farouk , Assaad Jamal , Moulin Emmanuel , Dupont Lucie , Smagin Nikolay , Zaatar Youssef , Herro Ziad
Published: May 2019

In this work, a two-dimensional (2D) Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) 36°Y-cut micro-transducers (μTs) matrix design is presented. Two main steps define the fabrication process: electrode deposition and photolithography. These steps are preceded by the optical mask conception, which defines the 2D matrix pattern. In contrary to the one element case, this μTs matrix allows to automatically scan a desired structure in real time. The μTs matrix is characterized using an impedance analyzer. Furthermore, the experimental tests carried out in order to demonstrate the matrix functionality at low frequencies [200 - 800] kHz are presented.
Risk due to creep of prestressed concrete at moderate temperature
Authors: Vidal Thierry , Cagnon Hugo , Nguyen Nam , Torrenti Jean-Michel , Sellier Alain
Published: May 2019

This study is a part of a French national project dealing with the mechanical behaviour of the containment vessel of French Nuclear Power Plants in case of a severe accident. The accident conditions are characterized by the increases of internal pressure, +0.5 MPa, and of temperature, up to 180°C, during two weeks. Heating can induce a strong increase of creep deformations kinetics leading to prestressing losses of concrete. Associated to internal pressure, tensile stress could occur in some areas of the structure and the potential cracking could affect the containment capacity of the vessel. One of the objectives of the project was thus to provide original creep data to develop accurate models, taking into account the coupled effects of temperature, desiccation and damage, and able to predict the behaviour of prestressed concrete structures in such insitu conditions. A wide experimental program consisted of numerous creep tests under various thermo-hydro-mechanical conditions in the values range of the accident. The presented results concern uniaxial compressive and flexural creep tests respectively performed on concrete cylinders and prestressed concrete beams, at 20°C and 40°C without desiccation.
Numerical study for the effect of hairpin shaped shear reinforcement on one-way shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Elmoussa Baraa , Temsah Yehya , Jahami Ali
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the effectiveness of using Hairpin shaped stirrups to increase the shear capacity of beams and slabs. The hairpin system consists of inverted U-shape stirrups welded to flexural corner rebar. Previous research works proved the increase of the hairpin system in increasing the two-way shear capacity compared to conventional punching reinforcement. However, the system’s ability to increase the shear capacity of beams has not been explored. This paper presents the results of Finite Element simulation of two beams performed using ABAQUS Software; one beam is reinforced with conventional shear stirrups, and the other is reinforced with hairpin stirrups. The load capacity, deflection and damage pattern of the two beams were compared. Results showed that beams reinforced with hairpin stirrups have higher load capacity and ductility compared to beams with conventional stirrups. However, the reinforcement type had little effect on the shear damage pattern.
Landslide susceptibility mapping based on triggering factors using a multi-modal approach
Authors: Kaafarani Rouba , Abou-Jaoude Grace , Wartman Joseph , Tawk Miriam
Published: May 2019

Landslide susceptibility mapping has been done using statistical and physically-based assessment techniques with limited focus on mode-specific models to identify failure modes and runout patterns. Because each failure mode has different consequences, it is essential to identify the failure mode associated with each slope inclination category, triggering factor, and geological setting. This paper presents a multimodal regionalscale assessment procedure for rainfall and earthquake-induced landslides, in the country of Lebanon, where landslide inventories are not available. Three failure modes are studied: debris flows, rock-slope failures, and coherent rotational slides. Areas prone to each mode of failure are identified based on geology and topography, then, using mode-specific models, their susceptibility to landslides is assessed. A runout assessment approach is then presented to identify the influence area of each predicted landslide and to obtain comprehensive susceptibility maps. Field assessment validated the proposed model which was in good agreement with actual slope failures across Lebanon. Therefore, the multimodal approach may be used to assess rainfall-induced landslide susceptibility, especially when landslide inventories are unavailable.
Seismic assessment and rehabilitation of a historical masonry mosque
Authors: Trad Ayman , Sobhieh Tarek , Ghanem Hassan , Temsah Yehya
Published: May 2019

In order to assess the structural behaviour and to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of old masonry structures located in Lebanon, a historical masonry mosque was analysed under earthquake loading. A numerical model developed by the finite element method using Abaqus software was elaborated on the basis of previously published experimental studies. It was concluded that the numerical model can predict maximum stresses with reasonable accuracy, allowing control of a full scale wall model. This analysis shows that the stresses generated in the joints between the blocks exceed the ultimate shear stress of the mortar, resulting in cracks in the joints. The choice of an adequate structural rehabilitation method was limited because the mosque is of archaeological importance and its original appearance should not be modified. Therefore, a seismic retrofit solution using internal or external post tensioned tendons was recommended.
Geotechnical and Numerical analysis of Bcharreh Landslide stability
Authors: Tabbal Diala , Saleh Marwa , Bashir Hiba
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study is to shed light on a real stability problem within the region of Bcharreh located in North of Lebanon where roads have no protection against landslides. An attempt for landslide assessment that occurred in November 2016 is presented in order to analyse the different factors behind the landslide and find the trigger factor affecting the stability of the slope. The characterization of soil properties along the slope is done based on geotechnical investigation, and data collection. The first part of work consists of site inspection and geotechnical investigation followed by a series of laboratory tests to evaluate the mechanical properties constituting the slope, in addition to collection of topographical and hydrogeological data. The second part presents the numerical analysis where a finite element model simulating the slope conditions is generated using Plaxis 2D in order to reproduce the process of landslides, to assess slope stability and determine the overall factor of safety in both dry and wet conditions. The contribution of each causal factor in prompting soil movement is then demonstrated and explained.
Smart technology for the protection of urban biodiversity
Authors: Pham Thi Hai Yen , Shahrour Isam , Aljer Ammar , Lepretre Alain , Pernin Celine , Ounaies Sana
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the use of the smart city solution for the protection of urban biodiversity. This biodiversity is crucial for human wellbeing and sustainable development. The paper presents first the urban biodiversity, then the risk of its deterioration by urban activity (change in land-use; pollution of air, soil and water; noise pollution; light pollution; alien species; construction, flood). Finally, the paper presents briefly the Smart City solution including data collection, data analysis and reporting and control and how this solution could be used for the protection of biodiversity.
Sustainability Management of Solid Waste in Tripoli Lebanon Landfill
Authors: Tadmouri Rida , Sief Hamdi
Published: May 2019

Municipal waste management is an important component of ecosystem and one of the essential part in sustainable development. This paper analyzes Tripoli landfill’s situation. According to Municipality of Tripoli, the average production of waste reached 148.5 million in 2015 where all of these waste was dumped in north of the city which leads to many environmental and health crises. The maximum height point in the landfill reached 30 m in 2013 which is more than acceptable engineered height. The paper took Tripoli landfill as case study to account for the amount of economic and environmental benefits if it is subjected to around zero waste management. The study takes into account the waste generated in 2015 till 2065 by assuming 1.5 % growth in population. As a result lots of economical, healthful and environmental benefits can be extracted if the generated waste is subjected to composting, recycling, reuse and incineration instead of throwing them.
Optimal spatio-temporal design for water quality monitoring networks in maximizing economic value of information
Authors: Destandau François , Zaiter Youssef
Published: May 2019

The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC draw attention to Water Quality Monitoring Networks (WQMN) that allows the acquisition of information regarding water streams. Information could be acquired by a spatial and/or temporal approach. However, there is a cost for monitoring water quality. Hence, to determine the spatio-temporal design of the network, the Economic Value of Information must be known to undertake a cost-benefit analysis. In this study, we show how the calculation of the EVOI can help the network manager to answer questions such as: is the cost of monitoring justified? How to allocate a budget between adding a monitoring station or increasing the frequency of measurement of existing stations?
Introducing systemic risk management to engineering consultation industry: A case study
Authors: AbdAlla Reem S. , Khalaf Fouad
Published: May 2019

Engineering consultation industry plays a central role in developing countries. This industry approaches risk management by using a set of practices related to risk which the industrial project are exposed. However, this limited angle does not satisfy the complexity and nature of real life risks. This paper introduces a systemic approach, supposedly to improve handling project risks through better identifying and managing project risks in the engineering consultancy in Egypt. The proposed model supports the holistic concepts of system definition and hazard identification. The model has been applied in one of Egyptian expert houses as a pilot project. Outcomes of this research will allow the engineering consultants to develop/improve performance if the proposed concepts of systemic risk management are applied.
Identification of a non-stationary system using the Multi-Model approach
Authors: FAWAZ Khaled
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we will present a real-time identification of a dynamic system with time-varying parameters: the Steam Generator (Precisely the Industrial Boiler), which is located at the LAGIS (Laboratory of Automation, Computer and Signal Engineering). ) of the Lille University. The approach used to identify the system is the Multimodel, which is an identification technique of Non-linear systems.
A Systemic Risk Management Model to Manage the Equipment Maintenance System in Oil and Gas Companies
Authors: Khalil Hany , Khalaf Fouad
Published: May 2019

The risk management is significant when managing the equipment maintenance system (EMS) which is very important to maintain equipment operations and is fundamental for achieving business objectives. With the advent of risk-based thinking in industry, there was a need for introducing the risk culture within the organization, including maintenance, in order to reduce business losses. Analysis of equipment failures data showed a relation between the failures types with their consequences, and all interaction with system maintenance components. The ineffective maintenance system may cause multiple losses for the organization and therefore affects the whole business. This paper introduces a systemic risk management model to manage the maintenance system undesired events and control the impact on the organization and the consequences on business. Using systemic risk management model, the maintenance professional can manage the whole maintenance system through risk analysis, assessment, and management by creating the different risk scenarios to develop proper types of control.
An Improved Earned Value Analysis Tool for Mitigating Progress Risks in Long Duration Projects
Authors: Fayad Ali , Hussein Bassam , Maalouf Elie , Haj-Ali Amin
Published: May 2019

As a risk control tool, earned value analysis is crucial for identifying risky trends in the budget or schedule of a project. This tool relies on earned value management, a method for calculating cost and schedule variances. However, this method does not take into account the time value of money. This in itself is a threat that could lead to misleading data and eventually wrong decisions. This paper explores the risk management process, the earned value management method, and proposes a methodology that compliments the earned value management method with net present value calculations. This will allow project managers to take sound decisions based on more accurate information.
Wi-Fi Network Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment in Lebanon
Authors: Nasr Elie , Jalloul Mohammad , Bachalaany Joseph , Maalouly Roy
Published: May 2019

The aim of this paper is to analyze the Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities and risk assessment in Lebanon in order to raise awareness to the Lebanese public by informing them of threats that occur on the network and their impact. The analysis is done by first performing a wardrive; this involves capturing the network access points in several Lebanese regions with the use of two programs: Acrylic Wi-Fi Professional™, and Kismet™, as well as connecting an Alfa Network Antenna to the device in order to increase the range of capture. The data collected are stored in a database where they are processed in order to generate a statistics report of the security and risk level of the network in selected cities. Moreover, a custom survey of the basic knowledge of networking and security is publicly distributed.
Improvement of Criminal Identification by Smart Optimization Method
Authors: Razzaq Abdul Hussein Reem , Sadik Croock Dr.Muayad , Mahdi Al-Qaraawi Dr Salih
Published: May 2019

Data-mining methods, which can be optimized via different methods, are applied in crime detection. This work, the decision tree algorithm is used for classifying and optimizing its structure with the smart method. This method is applied to two datasets: Iraq and India criminals. The goal of the proposed method is to identify criminals using a mining method based on smart search. This contribution helps in the acquisition of better results than those provided by traditional mining methods via controlling the size of the tree through decreasing leaf size.
Physicochemical Properties of Chemical Pollutants Available in Food Contact Materials (FCM)
Authors: Farhat Joanna , Saab Joseph , Stephan Juliette , Kashanna Antonio , Goutaudier Christelle , Mokbel Ilham
Published: May 2019

Health and welfare of population are priority reasons to study the toxic effects of chemical pollutants. These effects can directly produce deterioration of health or can cause less healthful environment toxicity and restricting food production. Thereby, preventing such a consequence is important for human health risk assessment. In recent times, the use of recycled materials for packaging has undeniably been intensified. Nevertheless, recycling systems could not effectively eliminate the potential effect of chemical pollutants (alkyl phenol, phthalates, aldehydes, etc.) existent in such packages. The migration process and/or the ability of these pollutants to be absorbed into the recycled material, subsequently released by the packaging material, and then trapped by the matrices they contain, has become a potential source of exposure to consumers. This process is controlled by the nature of the packaging, time, temperature, and the physicochemical properties of the contaminant. The literature suffers from a lack of data related to the physicochemical (aqueous solubility, vapor pressure, Henry’s constant, etc...) of these contaminants. In this work, we are going to describe the experimental devices used for aqueous solubility, vapor pressure and octanol/water partition coefficient determination.