bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Water Footprint Assessment of Electricity Production: An Overview of the Economic-Water-Energy Nexus in Italy
Authors: Miglietta Pier , Morrone Domenico , De Leo Federica
Published: January 2018

The term “water-energy nexus” has remarkable implications in the sustainable management of water resources. The aim of this paper is to analyse the production of electricity, from an economic and technical perspective, using the water footprint and economic water productivity approaches. After comparing the percentage of contribution of fossil and renewable sources to the production of the electricity sector, the study then compares the percentage of contribution of fossil and renewable sources to the consumptive water footprint of Italian electricity production for each year analysed. Furthermore, distinguishing between renewable and fossil sources, the paper proceeds to assess the total consumptive water footprint generated by each energy source for the electricity production in Italy during the period 2007–2016. The study represents an original contribution for the identification of policies and managerial implications in the context of the energy sector, serving as a practical guide. The results, in fact, confirm the need for scientific and practical efforts to manage electricity production in an integrated perspective and provide a first glance at addressing the optimal design of energy source mix in the Italian regulation context, contributing to reducing the water footprint, without ignoring the economic aspects.
From Waste Management to Component Management in the Construction Industry
Authors: Rose Colin , Stegemann Julia
Published: January 2018

The construction industry uses more resources and produces more waste than any other industrial sector; sustainable development depends on the reduction of both, while providing for a growing global population. The reuse of existing building components could support this goal. However, it is difficult to reclaim components from demolition, and materials remain cheap compared with labour, so new approaches are needed for reuse to be implemented beyond niche projects. This study therefore reviews waste interventions. Multiple case studies, spanning new builds and refurbishment, were undertaken to examine systemic mechanisms that lead to components being discarded. Evidence from fieldwork observations, waste documentation, and interviews indicates that the generators of unwanted components effectively decide their fate, and a failure to identify components in advance, uncertainty over usefulness, the perception of cost and programme risk in reclamation, and the preferential order of the waste hierarchy mean that the decision to discard to waste management goes unchallenged. A triage process is proposed to capture timely information about existing building components to be discarded, make this information visible to a wide community, and determine usefulness by focusing creativity already present in the industry on an exhaustive examination of component reusability and upcyclability.
On the Sustainability and Progress of Energy Neutral Mineral Processing
Authors: Reitsma Frederik , Woods Peter , Fairclough Martin , Kim Yongjin , Tulsidas Harikrishnan , Lopez Luis , Zheng Yanhua , Hussein Ahmed , Brinkmann Gerd , Haneklaus Nils , Kacham Anand , Sreenivas Tumuluri , Sumaryanto Agus , Trinopiawan Kurnia , Al Khaledi Nahhar , Zahari Ahmad , El Yahyaoui Adil , Ahmad Jamil , Reyes Rolando , Kiegiel Katarzyna , Abbes Noureddine , Mwalongo Dennis , Greaves Eduardo
Published: January 2018

A number of primary ores such as phosphate rock, gold-, copper- and rare earth ores contain considerable amounts of accompanying uranium and other critical materials. Energy neutral mineral processing is the extraction of unconventional uranium during primary ore processing to use it, after enrichment and fuel production, to generate greenhouse gas lean energy in a nuclear reactor. Energy neutrality is reached if the energy produced from the extracted uranium is equal to or larger than the energy required for primary ore processing, uranium extraction, -conversion, -enrichment and -fuel production. This work discusses the sustainability of energy neutral mineral processing and provides an overview of the current progress of a multinational research project on that topic conducted under the umbrella of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Energy Storage System Control Algorithm by Operating Target Power to Improve Energy Sustainability of Smart Home
Authors: Kang Byeongkwan , Jang Kyuhee , Park Sounghoan , Choi Myeong-in , Park Sehyun
Published: January 2018

As energy issues are emerging around the world, a variety of smart home technologies aimed at realizing zero energy houses are being introduced. Energy storage system (ESS) for smart home energy independence is increasingly gaining interest. However, limitations exist in that most of them are controlled according to time schedules or used in conjunction with photovoltaic (PV) generation systems. In consideration of load usage patterns and PV generation of smart home, this study proposes an ESS control algorithm that uses constant energy of energy network while making maximum use of ESS. Constant energy means that the load consumes a certain amount of power under all conditions, which translates to low variability. The proposed algorithm makes a smart home a load of energy network with low uncertainty and complexity. The simulation results show that the optimal ESS operating target power not only makes the smart home use power constantly from the energy network, but also maximizes utilization of the ESS. In addition, since the smart home is a load that uses constant energy, it has the advantage of being able to operate an efficient energy network from the viewpoint of energy providers.
Review and Analysis of Alternatives for the Valorisation of Agro-Industrial Olive Oil By-Products
Authors: Berbel Julio , Posadillo Alejandro
Published: January 2018

By-products and waste from olive production (agriculture) and the olive oil industry (mills and refineries) are an important environmental issue in Mediterranean areas. Industrial waste and by-products contain highly valuable components that can also be phytotoxic. This article reviews recent research on the valorisation of olive by-products under the bioeconomy strategy. The alternatives are classified according to the ‘bioeconomy value pyramid’, which prioritises higher value uses over the current energy and compost valorisation. Special attention is paid to the use of these by-products for animal feed that can be improved by reducing the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids amount considered beneficial in response to their use; this makes the food healthier for humans while simultaneously reducing feeding costs and the environmental impact of livestock.
Modulation of the Intensity of the Spectral Components of Polychromatic Light within Certain Regions in Space by Passive Methods by Strategically Using Material Optical Properties and Texture
Authors: Lira-Oliver Adriana
Published: January 2018

Recent research indicates that not only blue and green monochromatic light stimulates our circadian system, but polychromatic light as well. Recent work also suggests that the human circadian system also changes its spectral sensitivity with different light levels and spectrum. Usually, indoor architectural spaces are dynamic in light color and quantity, and to a certain extent, the architect is able to modulate these light characteristics to benefit not only of the visual system but the circadian system as well. The purpose of this work was to redirect the three main spectral components (RGB) of indirect light towards different directions and in different quantities as an approach to an understanding of how the spectral composition of an indoor light environment can be modulated by passive methods. In the present work, reflections of blue-enriched polychromatic light off different surface materials with different optical properties and textures were simulated. Spectral radiance values were measured at a specific point in space in order to evaluate how the three main spectral components of the reflected light changed in quantity.
Eye-Gaze Control Technology as Early Intervention for a Non-Verbal Young Child with High Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Hemmingsson Helena , Ahlsten Gunnar , Wandin Helena , Rytterström Patrik , Borgestig Maria
Published: January 2018

Assistive technology (AT) can be used as early intervention in order to reduce activity limitations in play and communication. This longitudinal case study examines eye-gaze control technology as early intervention for a young child with high spinal cord injury without the ability to make sounds. The young child was followed by repeated measures concerning performance and communication from baseline at 9 months to 26 months, and finalized at 36 months by field observations in the home setting. The results showed eye-gaze performance and frequency of use of eye-gaze control technology increased over time. Goals set at 15 months concerning learning and using the AT; naming objects and interactions with family was successfully completed at 26 months. Communicative functions regarding obtaining objects and social interaction increased from unintentional actions to purposeful choices and interactions. At 36 months, the toddler was partly independent in eye gazing, used all activities provided, and made independent choices. In conclusion, the results show that a 9-month-old child with profound motor disabilities can benefit from eye-gaze control technology in order to gradually perform activities, socially interact with family members, and make choices.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Toxics in 2017
Authors:   Toxics Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Toxics maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
CRISPR-Cas Targeting of Host Genes as an Antiviral Strategy
Authors: Chen Shuliang , Yu Xiao , Guo Deyin
Published: January 2018

Currently, a new gene editing tool—the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) associated (Cas) system—is becoming a promising approach for genetic manipulation at the genomic level. This simple method, originating from the adaptive immune defense system in prokaryotes, has been developed and applied to antiviral research in humans. Based on the characteristics of virus-host interactions and the basic rules of nucleic acid cleavage or gene activation of the CRISPR-Cas system, it can be used to target both the virus genome and host factors to clear viral reservoirs and prohibit virus infection or replication. Here, we summarize recent progress of the CRISPR-Cas technology in editing host genes as an antiviral strategy.
Interaction between Hepatitis B Virus and Toll-Like Receptors: Current Status and Potential Therapeutic Use for Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Ma Zhiyong , Cao Qian , Xiong Yong , Zhang Ejuan , Lu Mengji
Published: January 2018

Immune defense against infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is complex and involves both host innate and adaptive immune systems. It is well accepted that the development of sufficient HBV-specific T cell and B cell responses are required for controlling an HBV infection. However, the contribution of innate immunity to removing HBV has been explored in recent years. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are recognized as the first line of antiviral immunity because they initiate intracellular signaling pathways to induce antiviral mediators such as interferons (IFNs) and other cytokines. Recent studies show that the activation of TLR-mediated signaling pathways results in a suppression of HBV replication in vitro and in vivo. However, HBV has also evolved strategies to counter TLR responses including the suppression of TLR expression and the blockage of downstream signaling pathways. Antiviral treatment in chronic HBV-infected patients leads to an upregulation of TLR expression and the restoration of its innate antiviral functions. Thus, TLR activation may serve as an additional immunotherapeutic option for treating chronic HBV infection in combination with antiviral treatment.
Restricted Spatial Windows of Visibility in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
Authors: Ahmed Nadia , Gottlob Irene , Proudlock Frank , Hutchinson Claire
Published: January 2018

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a devastating disorder marked by debilitating fatigue. It not well understood and its diagnosis is controversial. It is very important therefore that significant clinical features are investigated. Visual symptoms in ME represent a group of distinct, quantifiable, clinical features that could significantly improve diagnosis and provide insights into underlying pathology. The purpose of the present study was therefore to explore the effect of ME on spatial windows of visibility using the spatial contrast sensitivity function. Contrast sensitivity was determined for stationary luminance-defined sinusoidal gratings spanning a five-octave range of spatial frequencies (0.5 to 16 c/deg) in a group of 19 individuals with ME and a group of 19 matched (age, gender) controls. Compared to controls, the ME group exhibited a restricted spatial window of visibility for encoding stimulus contrast. This was characterised principally by a contrast sensitivity deficit at lower spatial frequencies and a narrower bandwidth. Our findings suggest that contrast sensitivity deficits may represent a visual marker of ME, and be indicative of abnormal visual processing at the level of the retina and in the cortical and subcortical visual pathways.
Sur un Monstre humain adelphosite
Authors: Jarricot Jean , Trillat Paul
Published: January 2018

Nous avons eu l'occasion d'étudier un monstre humain adelphosite. Nous allons exposer brièvement les résultats de la dissection à, laquelle nous nous sommes livrés, puis jeter un coup d'œil d'ensemble sur la tératogénie des monstres de ce groupe.
Elemental Abundances of Kepler Objects of Interest in APOGEE. I. Two Distinct Orbital Period Regimes Inferred from Host Star Iron Abundances
Authors: Wilson Robert F. , Teske Johanna , Majewski Steven R. , Cunha Katia , Smith Verne , Souto Diogo , Bender Chad , Mahadevan Suvrath , Troup Nicholas , Prieto Carlos Allende , Stassun Keivan G. , Skrutskie Michael F. , Almeida Andrés , García-Hernández D. A. , Zamora Olga , Brinkmann Jonathan
Published: January 2018

The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) has observed ∼600 transiting exoplanets and exoplanet candidates from Kepler (Kepler Objects of Interest, KOIs), most with ≥18 epochs. The combined multi-epoch spectra are of high signal-to-noise ratio (typically ≥100) and yield precise stellar parameters and chemical abundances. We first confirm the ability of the APOGEE abundance pipeline, ASPCAP, to derive reliable [Fe/H] and effective temperatures for FGK dwarf stars—the primary Kepler host stellar type—by comparing the ASPCAP-derived stellar parameters with those from independent high-resolution spectroscopic characterizations for 221 dwarf stars in the literature. With a sample of 282 close-in (

days) KOIs observed in the APOGEE KOI goal program, we find a correlation between orbital period and host star [Fe/H] characterized by a critical period,

days, below which small exoplanets orbit statistically more metal-enriched host stars. This effect may trace a metallicity dependence of the protoplanetary disk inner radius at the time of planet formation or may be a result of rocky planet ingestion driven by inward planetary migration. We also consider that this may trace a metallicity dependence of the dust sublimation radius, but we find no statistically significant correlation with host

and orbital period to support such a claim.
Simulations of Dissipative Circular Restricted Three-body Problems Using the Velocity-scaling Correction Method
Authors: Wang Shoucheng , Huang Guoqing , Wu Xin
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we survey the effect of dissipative forces including radiation pressure, Poynting–Robertson drag, and solar wind drag on the motion of dust grains with negligible mass, which are subjected to the gravities of the Sun and Jupiter moving in circular orbits. The effect of the dissipative parameter on the locations of five Lagrangian equilibrium points is estimated analytically. The instability of the triangular equilibrium point L4 caused by the drag forces is also shown analytically. In this case, the Jacobi constant varies with time, whereas its integral invariant relation still provides a probability for the applicability of the conventional fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm combined with the velocity scaling manifold correction scheme. Consequently, the velocity-only correction method significantly suppresses the effects of artificial dissipation and a rapid increase in trajectory errors caused by the uncorrected one. The stability time of an orbit, regardless of whether it is chaotic or not in the conservative problem, is apparently longer in the corrected case than in the uncorrected case when the dissipative forces are included. Although the artificial dissipation is ruled out, the drag dissipation leads to an escape of grains. Numerical evidence also demonstrates that more orbits near the triangular equilibrium point L4 escape as the integration time increases.
Transition Elements in Supernova Presolar Grains: Condensation versus Implantation
Authors: Marhas Kuljeet K. , Sharda Piyush
Published: January 2018

We compute the concentrations of five transition elements (Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn) via condensation and implantation in supernova presolar grains (Silicon Carbide Type X) from the time they condense until the end of the free expansion (or pre-Sedov) phase. We consider relative velocities of these elements with respect to grains as they condense and evolve at temperatures ≲2000 K; use zonal nucleosynthesis yields for three core collapse supernovae models −15 M
⊙, 20 M
⊙, and 25 M
⊙; and use an ion target simulator SDTrimSP to model their implantation onto the grains. Simulations from SDTrimSP show that maximal implantation in the core of the grain is possible, contrary to previous studies. Among the available models, we find that the 15 M
⊙ model best explains the measured concentrations of SiC X grains obtained from the Murchison meteorite. For grains where measured concentrations of Fe and Ni are ≳300 ppm, we find the implantation fraction to be ≲0.25 for most probable differential zonal velocities in this phase, which implies that condensation is more dominant than implantation. We show that radioactive corrections and mixing from the innermost Ni and Si zones are required to explain the excess Ni (condensed as well as implanted) in these grains. This mixing also explains the relative abundances of Co and Ni with respect to Fe simultaneously. The model developed can be used to predict concentrations of all other elements in various presolar grains condensed in supernova ejecta and compared with measured concentrations in grains found in meteorites.
The Propitious Role of Solar Energetic Particles in the Origin of Life
Authors: Lingam Manasvi , Dong Chuanfei , Fang Xiaohua , Jakosky Bruce M. , Loeb Abraham
Published: January 2018

We carry out 3D numerical simulations to assess the penetration and bombardment effects of solar energetic particles (SEPs), i.e., high-energy particle bursts during large flares and superflares, on ancient and current Mars. We demonstrate that the deposition of SEPs is non-uniform at the planetary surface, and that the corresponding energy flux is lower than other sources postulated to have influenced the origin of life. Nevertheless, SEPs may have been capable of facilitating the synthesis of a wide range of vital organic molecules (e.g., nucleobases and amino acids). Owing to the relatively high efficiency of these pathways, the overall yields might be comparable to (or even exceed) the values predicted for some conventional sources such as electrical discharges and exogenous delivery by meteorites. We also suggest that SEPs could have played a role in enabling the initiation of lightning. A notable corollary of our work is that SEPs may constitute an important mechanism for prebiotic synthesis on exoplanets around M-dwarfs, thereby mitigating the deficiency of biologically active ultraviolet radiation on these planets. Although there are several uncertainties associated with (exo)planetary environments and prebiotic chemical pathways, our study illustrates that SEPs represent a potentially important factor in understanding the origin of life.
A Monte Carlo Radiation Transfer Study of Photospheric Emission in Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Parsotan Tyler , Lazzati Davide
Published: January 2018

We present the analysis of photospheric emission for a set of hydrodynamic simulations of long duration gamma-ray burst jets from massive compact stars. The results are obtained by using the Monte Carlo Radiation Transfer code (MCRaT) to simulate thermal photons scattering through the collimated outflows. MCRaT allows us to study explicitly the time evolution of the photosphere within the photospheric region, as well as the gradual decoupling of the photon and matter counterparts of the jet. The results of the radiation transfer simulations are also used to construct light curves and time-resolved spectra at various viewing angles, which are then used to make comparisons with observed data and outline the agreement and strain points between the photospheric model and long duration gamma-ray burst observations. We find that our fitted time-resolved spectral Band β parameters are in agreement with observations, even though we do not consider the effects of nonthermal particles. Finally, the results are found to be consistent with the Yonetoku correlation, but bear some strain with the Amati correlation.
Theoretical Transmission Spectra of Exoplanet Atmospheres with Hydrocarbon Haze: Effect of Creation, Growth, and Settling of Haze Particles. I. Model Description and First Results
Authors: Kawashima Yui , Ikoma Masahiro
Published: January 2018

Recently, properties of exoplanet atmospheres have been constrained via multi-wavelength transit observation, which measures an apparent decrease in stellar brightness during planetary transit in front of its host star (called transit depth). Sets of transit depths so far measured at different wavelengths (called transmission spectra) are somewhat diverse: some show steep spectral slope features in the visible, some contain featureless spectra in the near-infrared, some show distinct features from radiative absorption by gaseous species. These facts imply the existence of haze in the atmospheres, especially of warm, relatively low-density super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. Previous studies that addressed theoretical modeling of transmission spectra of hydrogen-dominated atmospheres with haze made some assumptions about the distribution and size of haze particles. In this study, we model the atmospheric chemistry, and derive the spatial and size distributions of haze particles by directly simulating the creation, growth, and settling of hydrocarbon haze particles. We then develop transmission spectrum models of UV-irradiated, solar-abundance atmospheres of close-in warm (∼500 K) exoplanets. We find that the haze is distributed in the atmosphere much more broadly than previously assumed, and consists of particles of various sizes. We also demonstrate that the observed diversity of transmission spectra can be explained by the difference in the production rate of haze monomers, which is related to the UV irradiation intensity from host stars.
A Steady-state Spectral Model for Electron Acceleration and Cooling in Blazar Jets: Application to 3C 279
Authors: Lewis Tiffany R. , Finke Justin D. , Becker Peter A.
Published: January 2018

We introduce a new theoretical model to describe the emitting region in a blazar jet. We adopt a one-zone leptonic picture and construct the particle transport equation for a plasma blob experiencing low-energy, monoenergetic particle injection, energy-dependent particle escape, shock acceleration, adiabatic expansion, stochastic acceleration, synchrotron radiation, and external Compton radiation from the dust torus and broad-line region (BLR). We demonstrate that a one-zone leptonic model is able to explain the IR though

-ray spectrum for 3C 279 in 2008–2009. We determine that the BLR seed photons cannot be adequately described by a single average distribution, but rather we find that a stratified BLR provides an improvement in the estimation of the distance of the emitting region from the black hole. We calculate that the jet is not always in equipartition between the particles and magnetic field and find that stochastic acceleration provides more energy to the particles than does shock acceleration, where the latter is also overshadowed by adiabatic losses. We further introduce a novel technique to implement numerical boundary conditions and determine the global normalization for the electron distribution, based on analysis of stiff ordinary differential equations. Our astrophysical results are compared with those obtained by previous authors.
Hierarchical Fragmentation in the Perseus Molecular Cloud: From the Cloud Scale to Protostellar Objects
Authors: Pokhrel Riwaj , Myers Philip C. , Dunham Michael M. , Stephens Ian W. , Sadavoy Sarah I. , Zhang Qizhou , Bourke Tyler L. , Tobin John J. , Lee Katherine I. , Gutermuth Robert A. , Offner Stella S. R.
Published: January 2018

We present a study of hierarchical structure in the Perseus molecular cloud, from the scale of the entire cloud (

pc) to smaller clumps (∼1 pc), cores (∼0.05–0.1 pc), envelopes (∼300–3000 au), and protostellar objects (∼15 au). We use new observations from the Submillimeter Array (SMA) large project “Mass Assembly of Stellar Systems and their Evolution with the SMA (MASSES)” to probe the envelopes, and recent single-dish and interferometric observations from the literature for the remaining scales. This is the first study to analyze hierarchical structure over five scales in the same cloud complex. We compare the number of fragments with the number of Jeans masses in each scale to calculate the Jeans efficiency, or the ratio of observed to expected number of fragments. The velocity dispersion is assumed to arise either from purely thermal motions or from combined thermal and non-thermal motions inferred from observed spectral line widths. For each scale, thermal Jeans fragmentation predicts more fragments than observed, corresponding to inefficient thermal Jeans fragmentation. For the smallest scale, thermal plus non-thermal Jeans fragmentation also predicts too many protostellar objects. However, at each of the larger scales thermal plus non-thermal Jeans fragmentation predicts fewer than one fragment, corresponding to no fragmentation into envelopes, cores, and clumps. Over all scales, the results are inconsistent with complete Jeans fragmentation based on either thermal or thermal plus non-thermal motions. They are more nearly consistent with inefficient thermal Jeans fragmentation, where the thermal Jeans efficiency increases from the largest to the smallest scale.
Detection of GeV Gamma-Ray Emission in the Direction of HESS J1731-347 with Fermi-LAT
Authors: Guo Xiao-Lei , Xin Yu-Liang , Liao Neng-Hui , Yuan Qiang , Gao Wei-Hong , Fan Yi-Zhong
Published: January 2018

We report the detection of GeV γ-ray emission from supernova remnant HESS J1731-347 using 9 yr of Fermi Large Area Telescope data. We find a slightly extended GeV source in the direction of HESS J1731-347. The spectrum above 1 GeV can be fitted by a power law with an index of Γ = 1.77 ± 0.14, and the GeV spectrum connects smoothly with the TeV spectrum of HESS J1731-347. Either a hadronic–leptonic or a pure leptonic model can fit the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution of the source. However, the hard GeV γ-ray spectrum is more naturally produced in a leptonic (inverse Compton scattering) scenario, under the framework of diffusive shock acceleration. We also searched for the GeV γ-ray emission from the nearby TeV source HESS J1729-345. No significant GeV γ-ray emission is found, and upper limits are derived.
La politisation sacerdotale comme iconoclasme religieux
Authors: Raison du Cleuziou Yann
Published: January 2018

Après mai 68, certains prêtres s’engagent en politique en mettant en avant leur autorité sacerdotale. Ils espèrent ainsi contribuer à engager l’Église dans la lutte des classes et au-delà redonner à la foi chrétienne sa radicalité prophétique. Leur mobilisation politique a donc une finalité religieuse réformatrice. C’est cette forme de politisation de la compétence sacerdotale qui est ici étudiée plus particulièrement à travers l’exemple des dominicains de la Province de France membres du mouvement Chrétiens-marxistes (1974-1978).
Waterbird Habitat in California's Central Valley Basins Under Climate, Urbanization, and Water Management Scenarios
Authors: Matchett Elliott L. , Fleskes Joseph P.
Published: January 2018

California's Central Valley provides critical, but threatened habitat and food resources for migrating and wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. To assist in conservation planning, the Central Valley Joint Venture identified nine basins in the Valley. The basins vary in composition and extent of habitats, which primarily include croplands and wetlands that rely on water supplies shared with other competing human and environmental uses. Changes in climate, urban development, and water supply management are uncertain and could reduce future availability of water supplies supporting waterbird habitats and limit effectiveness of wetland restoration planned by the Central Valley Joint Venture to support wintering waterbirds. We modeled 17 plausible scenarios including combinations of 3 climate projections, 3 urbanization rates, and 5 water-supply management options to promote agricultural and urban water uses, with and without wetland restoration. Our research examines the reduction in quantity and quality of habitats during the autumn migration–wintering period by basin under each scenario, and the efficacy of planned wetland restoration to compensate for reductions in flooded areas of wetland habitats. Scenario combinations of projected climate, urbanization, and water-supply management options reduced availability of flooded cropland and wetland habitats during autumn–winter and degraded the quality of seasonal wetlands (i.e., summer irrigation for improved forage production), though the extent and frequency of impacts varied by basin. Planned wetland restoration may substantially compensate for scenario-related effects on wetland habitats in each basin. However, results indicate that Colusa, Butte, Sutter, San Joaquin, and Tulare basins may require additional conservation to support summer irrigation of seasonal wetlands and winter flooding of cropland habitats. Still further conservation may be required to provide sufficient areas of flooded seasonal and semipermanent wetlands in San Joaquin and Tulare basins during autumn–winter. The main objective of this research was to provide decision support for achieving waterbird conservation goals in the valley and to inform Central Valley Joint Venture's regional conservation planning.
Influence of the Active Layer Thickness on Non-Fullerene Polymer Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Ning Jun , Bao Ming Ming , Hong Lian , Hasichaolu Hasichaolu , Altan Bolag , Tegus Ojin , Hexig Alata
Published: January 2018

Research on polymer solar cells has attracted increasing attention in the past few decades due to the advantages such as low cost of fabrication, ease of processing, mechanical flexibility, etc. In recent years, non-fullerene polymer solar cells are extensively studied, because of the reduced voltage losses, and the tunability of absorption spectra and molecular energy level of non-fullerene acceptors. In this work, polymer solar cells based on conjugated polymer (PBDB-T: poly [(2,6-(4,8-bis (5-(2-ethylhexyl) thiophen-2-yl)-benzo [1,2-b:4,5-b’] dithiophene))-alt-(5,5-(1’,3’-di-2-thienyl-5’,7’-bis (2-ethylhexyl) benzo [1’,2’-c:4’,5’-c’] dithiophene-4,8-dione))]) and non-fullerene electron acceptor (ITIC: 3,9-bis (2-methylene-(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-indanone)) -5,5,11,11-tetrakis (4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno [2,3-d:2’,3’-d’]-s-indaceno [1,2-b:5,6-b’] dithiophene) were prepared by means of spin-coating method, and the influence of the active layer thickness on the device performance was investigated. PBDB-T: ITIC active layers with different thickness were prepared through varying spin coating speed. It was found that the solar cell performance is best when the active layer thickness is 100 nm, corresponding to the spin coating speed of 2000 rpm. Maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.25% with fill factor of 65%, open circuit voltage of 0.85 V and short circuit current density of 13.02 Am/cm2 was obtained.
Magnetic Properties of Nd3Fe27.7-xNixTi1.3 Compounds
Authors: Ning Jun , Mandahu Gerile , Li Kai , Chaolu Hasi , Tegus Ojin , Bao Fu Quan
Published: January 2018

The structure and magnetic properties of the Nd3Fe27.7-xNixTi1.3 compounds prepared by arc-melting method have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurement. It was found that all the compounds crystallized in Nd3(Fe, Ti)29-type structure with monoclinic symmetry and A2/m space group in concentration range 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 1.2. The unit cell volume decreased slightly with increasing Ni content. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the magnetically aligned samples showed that all compounds investigated had planar anisotropy. The Spin reorientation phenomena occurred in all the compounds. As the increase of Ni content, the Curie temperature TC monotonously increased, but the spin reorientation temperature Tsr did not obviously change. The saturation magnetization Ms of the compounds decreased monotonously with increasing Ni content at 5 K, 105 K, 205 K, and 305 K. The anisotropy fields Ba at 5 K, 305 K and anisotropy constant K2 at 305K appeared as a minimum, but the anisotropy constant K1 at 305 K appeared as a maximum on x = 0.6.
Atomic Force Microscopy and EDX Analysis for Investigation Photoconductive LT-GaAs Terahertz Antennas
Authors: Nomoev Sergey , Vasilevskii Ivan , Khartaeva Erzhena
Published: January 2018

We investigate the influence of the surface properties of a low-temperature-grown GaAs photoconductive antenna on the terahertz (THz) response power. A comparison to the surface roughness which is extracted from an atomic force microscope is given. We used energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements to determine the Ga/As compositional ratio in the LT-GaAs.
Short-Range Order and Static Displacements in Polycrystalline Ni-13.1at. %W Alloy
Authors: Enkhtor Lhkamsuren , Galbadrakh Ragchaa , Silonov Valentin
Published: January 2018

A methodology accounting for the contributions of static displacements of atoms to X-ray diffuse scattering by binary solid solutions with a face-centered cubic lattice was proposed. By microscopic accounting of static displacements of the atoms on the particular shell, we identified short- range order parameters on the first eight shells of Ni-13.1at. %W alloy from the intensity of X-ray diffuse scattering. The Fourier transform of static displacement of the atoms on every considered shell was calculated with the De Launay model using expressions of elements of dynamical matrix and Fourier transforms of quasi elastic forces, which are calculated by the pseudopotential method.
Privacy-Preserving Collaborative Blind Macro-Calibration of Environmental Sensors in Participatory Sensing
Authors: Markert Jan-Frederic , Budde Matthias , Schindler Gregor , Klug Markus , Beigl Michael
Published: January 2018

The ubiquity of ever-connected smartphones has lead to new sensing paradigms that promise environmental monitoring in unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Everyday people may use low-cost sensors to collect environmental data. However, measurement errors increase over time, especially with low-cost air quality sensors. Therefore, regular calibration is important. On a larger scale and in participatory sensing, this needs be done in-situ. Since for this step, personal sensor data, time and location need to be exchanged, privacy implications arise. This paper presents a novel privacy-preserving multi-hop sensor calibration scheme, that combines Private Proximity Testing and an anonymizing MIX network with cross-sensor calibration based on rendezvous. Our evaluation with simulated ozone measurements and real-world taxicab mobility traces shows that our scheme provides privacy protection while maintaining competitive overall data quality in dense participatory sensing networks.
Almost Sure Well-Posedness of Fractional Schrödinger Equations with Hartree Nonlinearity
Authors: Hwang Gyeongha
Published: January 2018

We consider a Cauchy problem of an energy-critical fractional Schrödinger equation with Hartree nonlinearity below the energy space. Using randomization of functions on

\mathbb R^d

associated with the Wiener decomposition, we prove that the Cauchy problem is almost surely locally well posed. Our result includes the Hartree Schrödinger equation (

\alpha= 2

).
A Quantum Version of the Algebra of Distributions of SL$_2$
Authors: Angiono Iván Ezequiel
Published: January 2018

Let

\lambda

be a primitive root of unity of order

\ell

. We introduce a family of finite-dimensional algebras

\{\mathcal{D}_{\lambda, N}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}\}_{N\in\mathbb N_0}

over the complex numbers, such that

\mathcal{D}_{\lambda, N}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}

is a subalgebra of

\mathcal{D}_{\lambda,M}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}

if

N < M

, and

\mathcal{D}_{\lambda, N-1}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}\subset \mathcal{D}_{\lambda, N}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}

is a

\mathfrak u_{\lambda}(\mathfrak{sl}_2)

-cleft extension.

The simple

\mathcal{D}_{\lambda,N}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}

-modules

(\mathcal{L}_{N}{p})_{0\le p<\ell^{N+1}}

are highest weight modules, which admit a tensor product decomposition: the first factor is a simple

\mathfrak u_{\lambda}(\mathfrak{sl}_2)

-module and the second factor is a simple

\mathcal{D}_{\lambda,N-1}{\mathfrak{sl}_2}

-module. This factorization resembles the corresponding Steinberg decomposition, and the family of algebras resembles the presentation of the algebra of distributions of SL

_2

as a filtration by finite-dimensional subalgebras.
La profesionalización de los youtubers: el caso de Verdeliss y las marcas
Authors: Elorriaga Illera Angeriñe , Monge Benito Sergio
Published: January 2018

Gracias a la plataforma YouTube, personas previamente desconocidas pueden llegar a generar una comunidad tan grande que muchas marcas que se ven seducidas para colaborar con ellos mediante una nueva forma de publicidad y product placement. Nos centramos en el caso de Verdeliss, una jóven madre española de seis hijos que ha profesionalizado así su actividad en YouTube. Metodología. Se ha realizado un análisis de contenido 606 videos publicados en el canal de YouTube de Verdeliss verificando la presencia (espontánea o pagada) de las marcas y su evolución. Resultados. Se establecen 4 fases diferenciadas en su producción de contenido, cada una con diferentes características. La última fase de su producción corresponde la colaboración permanente con marcas comerciales. Conclusiones. Este nuevo perfil profesional de influencer está obligando a las marcas a reinventar su comunicación para continuar conectando con sus consumidores.
History and development of ABCDEFG: a data standard for geosciences
Authors: Petersen Mareike , Glöckler Falko , Kiessling Wolfgang , Döring Markus , Fichtmüller David , Laphakorn Lertsutham , Baltruschat Brian , Hoffmann Jana
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Museums and their collections have specially customized databases in order to optimally gather and record their contents and associated metadata associated with their specimens. To share, exchange, and publish data, an appropriate data standard is essential. ABCD (Access to Biological Collection Data) is a standard for biological collection units, including living and preserved specimen, together with field observation data. Its extension, EFG (Extension for Geoscience), enables sharing and publishing data related to paleontological, mineralogical, and petrological objects. The standard is very granular and allows detailed descriptions, including information about the collection event itself, the holding institution, stratigraphy, chemical analysis, and host rock. The standard extension was developed in 2006 and has been used since then by different initiatives and applied for the publication of collection-related data in domain-specific and interdisciplinary portals.
A multilayer approach and its application in modeling QGNSea V1.0: a local gravmetric quasi-geoid model over the North Sea
Authors: Wu Yihao , Luo Zhicai , Zhong Bo , Xu Chuang
Published: January 2018

Abstract. A multilayer approach is set up for local gravity field modeling based on the idea of multi-resolution representation merging heterogeneous gravity data. Different layers of Poisson wavelets' grids are formed to recover the signals at various levels, where the shallow and deep layers mainly capture the short- and long-wavelength signals, respectively. The depths of these layers beneath the topography are linked to the locations that the anomaly sources locate, estimated by the wavelet decomposition and power spectrum analysis. For testing the performance of this approach, a gravimetric quasi-geoid over the North Sea in Europe called QGNSea V1.0 is computed and compared with other existing models. The results show that the multilayer approach outperforms the traditionally used single-layer one in high-frequency bands, and the former fit the gravity data better, especially in regions with a tendency toward topographical variation. The evaluation with GPS/leveling data show the accuracies of QGNSea V1.0 modeled from the multilayer approach are improved by 0.3 cm, 0.6 cm and 0.8 cm in the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Germany, respectively, compared to the original solution computed from the single-layer approach. Further validation with existing models show QGNSea V1.0 has the best quality, which may be beneficial for studying the ocean circulation between the North Sea and neighbouring waters.
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Trends of Precipitation and Their Correlations with Related Meteorological Factors by Two Sets of Reanalysis Data in China
Authors: Huang Jinhui Jeanne , Zhang Nan , Choi Gyewoon , McBean Edward Arthur , Zhang Qian
Published: January 2018

Abstract. This paper investigates the spatial-temporal characteristics of the changes in precipitation for China and the influence of other meteorological factors on precipitation. Two reanalysis datasets at monthly scale, namely, the GLDAS2 phase 2 forcing data 0.5 × 0.5 (1948 ~ 2008) and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) data were employed. The Mann-Kendall trend test identified the annual and seasonal changes in four meteorological factors for precipitation, air temperature, long wave radiation and surface pressure. Confidence levels of 95 % were taken as thresholds to classify the significance of positive and negative trends. The trend analysis was conducted in three storm zones (I-Eastern Monsoon Region, II-Northern Inland Region and III-Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Region) specified by Wang (2002). The findings indicate: 1) Air temperature, specific humidity and downward long wave radiation, have strong correlation with precipitation, especially for the eastern monsoon region of China; while surface pressure has very weak correlation with precipitation. 2) Latent heat shows very strong correlation with precipitation throughout China except for a small, extremely arid area in north China where large portions of the area are deserts. 3) The correlation between the volumetric soil moisture with precipitation and latent heat are controlled by precipitation with the characteristics of high annual precipitation and high correlations. 4) For precipitation, an increasing tendency in precipitation for the southeastern monsoon region and a decreasing tendency for the northeastern monsoon region (the drier region) were observed. 5) Strong increasing tendencies for air temperature and downward long wave radiation, were observed in the northeastern monsoon region and the western area of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. 6) Due to changes in precipitation and air temperature and downward long wave radiation, the scarcity of water resources in northeastern monsoon region and flooding problems in southeastern monsoon region may become more severe. 7) The study shows that agricultural development in China may require a shift between northern and western areas to adapt to the shift in precipitation patterns.
On the similarity and apparent cycles of isotopic variations in East Antarctic snow pits
Authors: Laepple Thomas , Münch Thomas , Casado Mathieu , Hoerhold Maria , Landais Amaelle , Kipfstuhl Sepp
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Stable isotope ratios δ18O and δD in polar ice provide a wealth of information about past climate evolution. Snow-pit studies allow us to relate observed weather and climate conditions to the measured isotope variations in the snow. They therefore offer the possibility to test our understanding of how isotope signals are formed and stored in firn and ice. As δ18O and δD in the snowfall are strongly correlated to air temperature, isotopes in the near-surface snow are thought to record the seasonal cycle at a given site. Accordingly, the number of seasonal cycles observed over a given depth should depend on the accumulation rate of snow. However, snow-pit studies from different accumulation conditions in East Antarctica reported similar isotopic variability and comparable apparent cycles in the δ18O and δD profiles with typical wavelengths of  ∼  20 cm. These observations are unexpected as the accumulation rates strongly differ between the sites, ranging from 20 to 80 mm w. e.  yr−1 ( ∼  6–21 cm of snow per year). Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the isotopic variations individually at each site; however, none of these are consistent with the similarity of the different profiles independent of the local accumulation conditions.Here, we systematically analyse the properties and origins of δ18O and δD variations in high-resolution firn profiles from eight East Antarctic sites. First, we confirm the suggested cycle length (mean distance between peaks) of  ∼  20 cm by counting the isotopic maxima. Spectral analysis further shows a strong similarity between the sites but indicates no dominant periodic features. Furthermore, the apparent cycle length increases with depth for most East Antarctic sites, which is inconsistent with burial and compression of a regular seasonal cycle. We show that these results can be explained by isotopic diffusion acting on a noise-dominated isotope signal. The firn diffusion length is rather stable across the Antarctic Plateau and thus leads to similar power spectral densities of the isotopic variations. This in turn implies a similar distance between isotopic maxima in the firn profiles.Our results explain a large set of observations discussed in the literature, providing a simple explanation for the interpretation of apparent cycles in shallow isotope records, without invoking complex mechanisms. Finally, the results underline previous suggestions that isotope signals in single ice cores from low-accumulation regions have a small signal-to-noise ratio and thus likely do not allow the reconstruction of interannual to decadal climate variations.