pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the Thermodependant Viscohyperelastic Behavior of Polyethylene Terephthalate Near the Glass Transition Temperature: Prediction of the Self-Heating During Biaxial Tension Test

The poly ethylene terephthalate near the glass transition temperature highlights a strongly non linear elastic and viscous behaviour when biaxially stretched at high strain rates representative of the injection stretch blow moulding process. A non linear visco-hyperelastic model, where characteristics are coupled to the temperature, has already been identified from equi-biaxial tension experimental results. The weak form of the mechanical part of the model is presented and implemented into a finite element code developed in the Matlab environment and validated by comparing numerical simulation of equibiaxial testing with the analytical solution in the isothermal case. Considering the thermal aspects, an experimental study, where PETsheets are heated using infrared (IR for short) lamps is also presented. The modeling of the IR radiation of the sheet helps to identify the thermal properties of the PET. The thermal model is then implemented in the finite element code, coupled to the 2D viscoelasticmodel. A discussion ismade to justify the accuracy of the assumption made on homogeneity of the temperature field through the thickness. The simulation of the 2D plane stress equibiaxial test shows the important influence of the thermal aspects and the coupled thermo-mechanical  software is used to quantify the selfheating phenomenon in the case of the biaxial elongations of PET sheets at high strain rates. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2683–2695, 2013. ª2013 Society of Plastics Engineer
Measurement of the optical absorption of bulk silicon at cryogenic temperature and the implication for the Einstein Telescope

International audienceWe report in this article on the measurement of the optical absorption of moderately doped crystalline silicon samples at 1550 nm, which is a candidate material for the main optics of the low temperature interferometer of the Einstein Telescope (ET). We observe a nearly constant absorption from room temperature down to cryogenic temperatures for two silicon samples presenting an optical absorption of 0.029 cm −1 and 780 ppm cm −1 , both crystals doped with boron. This is in contradiction to what was assumed previously—a negligible optical absorption at low temperature due to the carrier freezeout. As the main consequence, if the silicon intrinsic absorption can not be lowered , the cross section of the mirror suspension of the ET must be increased to be able to carry away the excess heat generated by the partially absorbed laser beam during the operation of the interferometer
A Green Chemical Approach for the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: Characterization and Mechanistic Aspect

This IRCSET-EMPOWER (Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology Postdoctoral Research Grant) project aims to improve current methodology for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The development of efficient methodology for metal nanomaterials synthesis is an economical and environmental challenge. While the current methods for NPs synthesis are often energy-intensive and involve toxic chemicals, NPs biosynthesis can be carried on at circumneutral pH and mild temperature, resulting in low cost and environmental impact. Nanomaterial biosynthesis has been already observed in magnetotactic bacteria, diatoms, and S-layer bacteria, however, controlled NPs biosynthesis is a relatively new area of research with considerable potential for development. A thorough understanding of the biochemical mechanism involved in NPs biosynthesis is needed, before biosynthetic methods can be economically competitive. The analysis and identification of active species in the nucleation and growth of metal NPs is a daunting task, due to the complexity of the microbial system. This project work focuses on the controlled biosynthesis of gold NPs by fungal microorganisms and aims to determine the biochemical mechanism involved in nucleation and growth of the particles
Real-time control-oriented quality modelling in combined urban drainage networks

© <year>. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Urban drainage networks (UDN) carry urban wastewater to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in order to regenerate it before releasing it to the environment. Combined UDN (CUDN) carry both rain and wastewater together, which can overload the UDN and produce combined sewer overflows (CSO) that pollute the environment. Management of CUDN is receiving increasing attention from both researchers and water managers, in order to meet the high quality standards required for water and environment according to EU Water Framework Directive. Due to the complex dynamics of water quality, integrated control of CUDN and WWTP considering both flows and quality of the conveyed wastewater is a difficult problem. In order to design a real-time control (RTC) taking into account hydraulic and quality variables, the use of conceptual quality models is considered as a suitable option. This paper mainly presents a simplified conceptual quality modelling approach to represent the dynamics of suspended solid in sewers of CUDN oriented to real-time control. A sewer simulator implemented in SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) integrated with a lumped conceptual model for total suspended solid (TSS) is used for calibration and validation. A real example of Perinot sewer network is used as a case study. Discussions about RTC implementation in CUDN are also provided in this paper, where Model Predictive Control (MPC) is proposed as the suitable method to control the integrated water and quality models in CUDN as future motivation.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft
Light intensity enhancement by diffracting structures in solar cells

A simplified three-dimensional study is presented of the light confinement, that is, of the enhancement of the Poynting vector of the electromagnetic radiation of the light inside a solar cell absorbing the light weakly when diffracting structures are used. The model is based on the theory of periodic radiation arrays and is easily applied to one- and two-dimensional diffraction gratings. Realistically wide illumination bundles are considered. The extended nature of illumination severely limits the enhancement capabilities of diffraction structures. Results are compared to those of the more widely used Lambertian light confinement
Evaluation of the potential index model to predict habitat\ud
suitability of forest species: the potential distribution\ud
of mountain pine (Pinus uncinata) in the Iberian peninsula

Characterization of the suitability or potentiality of a territory for forest tree species is an important source of information for forest planning and managing. In this study, we compared a relatively simple methodology to generate potential habitat distribution areas that has been traditionally used in Spain (the potential index model) with a statistical modelling approach (generalized linear model). We modelled the potential distribution of mountain pine (Pinus uncinata) in the Iberian peninsula as a working example. The potential index model generated a map of habitat suitability according to the values of an index of potentiality, whose distribution has usually divided into four categories based on quartiles (from optimum to low suitability). Considering all values of the index of potentiality as presences of mountain pine resulted in a low to moderate degree of agreement between the potential index model and the generalized linear model according to the kappa coefficient. Using the cut-off value of the index of potentiality that maximized the degree of agreement between both modelling approaches resulted in a substantial similarity between the maps of the predicted distribution of mountain pine. This cut-off value did lie in the upper-third quartile of the potential index distribution (high suitability category), and roughly coincided with the upper 30th percentile. The use of statistical techniques, which have proved to be powerful and versatile for species distribution modelling, is recommended. However, the potential index model, together with the adjustments proposed here, could be a reasonably simple methodology to predict the potential distribution of forest tree species that forest managers should take into account when evaluating forestation and afforestation projects
Reduced order modeling of some fluid flows of industrial interest

Some basic ideas are presented for the construction of robust, computationally efficient reduced order models amenable to be used in industrial environments, combined with somewhat rough computational fluid dynamics solvers. These ideas result from a critical review of the basic principles of proper orthogonal decomposition-based reduced order modeling of both steady and unsteady fluid flows. In particular, the extent to which some artifacts of the computational fluid dynamics solvers can be ignored is addressed, which opens up the possibility of obtaining quite flexible reduced order models. The methods are illustrated with the steady aerodynamic flow around a horizontal tail plane of a commercial aircraft in transonic conditions, and the unsteady lid-driven cavity problem. In both cases, the approximations are fairly good, thus reducing the computational cost by a significant factor
Feasibility assessment of the interactive use of a Monte Carlo algorithm in treatment planning for intraoperative electron radiation therapy

This work analysed the feasibility of using a fast, customized Monte Carlo (MC) method to perform accurate computation of dose distributions during pre- and intraplanning of intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) procedures. The MC method that was implemented, which has been integrated into a specific innovative simulation and planning tool, is able to simulate the fate of thousands of particles per second, and it was the aim of this work to determine the level of interactivity that could be achieved. The planning workflow enabled calibration of the imaging and treatment equipment, as well as manipulation of the surgical frame and insertion of the protection shields around the organs at risk and other beam modifiers. In this way, the multidisciplinary team involved in IOERT has all the tools necessary to perform complex MC dosage simulations adapted to their equipment in an efficient and transparent way. To assess the accuracy and reliability of this MC technique, dose distributions for a monoenergetic source were compared with those obtained using a general-purpose software package used widely in medical physics applications. Once accuracy of the underlying simulator was confirmed, a clinical accelerator was modelled and experimental measurements in water were conducted. A comparison was made with the output from the simulator to identify the conditions under which accurate dose estimations could be obtained in less than 3 min, which is the threshold imposed to allow for interactive use of the tool in treatment planning. Finally, a clinically relevant scenario, namely early-stage breast cancer treatment, was simulated with pre- and intraoperative volumes to verify that it was feasible to use the MC tool intraoperatively and to adjust dose delivery based on the simulation output, without compromising accuracy. The workflow provided a satisfactory model of the treatment head and the imaging system, enabling proper configuration of the treatment planning system and providing good accuracy in the dosage simulation
Corporate social responsibility in portfolio selection: A "goal games" against nature approach

Nowadays, there is an uprising social pressure on big companies to incorporate into their decision-making process elements of the so-called social responsibility. Among the many implications of this fact, one relevant one is the need to include this new element in classic portfolio selection models. This paper meets this challenge by formulating a model that combines goal programming with "goal games" against nature in a scenario where the social responsibility is defined through the introduction of a battery of sustainability indicators amalgamated into a synthetic index. In this way, we have obtained an efficient model that only implies solving a small number of linear programming problems. The proposed approach has been tested and illustrated by using a case study related to the selection of securities in international markets
Molecular structure and charge density analysis of p-methoxybenzoic acid (anisic acid)

A concerted X-ray and ab initio SCF-MO study of the structure and charge density of p-methoxybenzoic acid (anisic acid) is reported. An extensive X-ray data set (7401 reflections) was measured on a single crystal using Mo Kα radiation and the structure refined with 2121 unique reflections, leading to a final R(F)-factor of 0.047 calculated for reflections with I>2σ. The molecular geometry of crystalline anisic acid, where the molecules dimerize via a moderately strong CO–H⋯O hydrogen bond, is compared with that of the isolated molecule, resulting from SCF-MO ab initio calculations. A topological analysis of the molecular charge density was performed using Bader's method to gain insight into the dominant intra- and intermolecular interactions in this compound. In particular, the effects of the substituents on the observed distortions of the benzene ring were investigated as well as the internal rotation of the methyl group
Security Assessment of the Spanish Contactless Identity Card

The theft of personal information to assume the identity of a person is a common threat.
Individual criminals, terrorists, or crime rings normally do it to commit fraud or other felonies.
Recently, the Spanish identity card, which provides enough information to hire on-line products such as mortgages or loans, was updated to incorporate a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip as electronic passports do. This contactless interface brings a new attack vector for these criminals, who might take advantage of the RFID communication to secretly steal personal information. In this paper, we assess the security of contactless Spanish identity card against identity theft. In particular, we evaluated the resistance of one of the contactless access protocol against brute-force attacks and found that no defenses were incorporated. We suggest how to avoid brute-force attacks. Furthermore, we also analyzed the pseudo-random number generator within the card, which passed all performed tests with good results.MINECO CyCriSec (TIN2014-58457-R).University of Zaragoza and Centro Universitario de la Defensa UZCUD2016-TEC-06.Project TEC2015-69665-R (MINECO/FEDER, UE)
Computations in Large N Matrix Mechanics

The algebraic formulation of Large N matrix mechanics recently developed by Halpern and Schwartz leads to a practical method of numerical computation for both action and Hamiltonian problems. The new technique posits a boundary condition on the planar connected parts X_w, namely that they should decrease rapidly with increasing order. This leads to algebraic/variational schemes of computation which show remarkably rapid convergence in numerical tests on some many- matrix models. The method allows the calculation of all moments of the ground state, in a sequence of approximations, and excited states can be determined as well. There are two unexpected findings: a large d expansion and a new selection rule for certain types of interaction
Awards Unbundled: Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment

Organizations often use non-monetary awards to incentivize performance. Awards may affect behavior through several mechanisms: by conferring employer recognition, by enhancing social visibility, and by facilitating social comparison. In a nationwide health worker training program in Zambia, we design a field experiment to unbundle these mechanisms. We find that employer recognition and social visibility increase performance while social comparison reduces it, especially for low-ability trainees. These effects appear when treatments are announced and persist through training. The findings are consistent with a model of optimal expectations in which low-ability individuals exert low effort in order to avoid information about their relative ability
Application of multireﬂection grazing incidence method for stress measurements in polished Al–Mg alloy and CrN coating

Multi-reﬂection grazing incidence geometry, referred to as MGIXD, characterized by a small and constant incidence angle, was applied to measure low surface stresses in very thin layers of Al–Mg alloy and CrN coating. These two materials were selected in order to deal with the low and high levels of residual stress, respectively. The inﬂuence of different mechanical treatments on residual stresses was studied for Al–Mg samples. It was found that both rolling and mechanical polishing inﬂuence the distribution and amplitude of residual stress in surface layers. In the case of CrN coating, a very high compressive stress was generated during the deposition process. The stress distributions determined by the MGIXD method is in good agreement with the classic sin2 technique results for all studied samples. In performing stress measurements for a powder sample, it was found that the application of the Göbel mirror in the incident beam strongly reduces statistical and misalignment errors. Additionally, the root mean square values of the third order lattice strain within diffracting grains were determined
BPA qualtitative and quantitative assessment associated with orthodontic bonding in vivo

OBJECTIVE\ud
\ud
To assess the in vivo amount of BPA released from a visible light-cured orthodontic adhesive, immediately after bracket bonding.\ud
\ud
METHODS\ud
\ud
20 orthodontic patients were recruited after obtaining informed consent. All patients received 24 orthodontic brackets in both dental arches. In Group A (11 patients), 25 ml of tap water were used for mouth rinsing, whereas in Group B (9 patients) a simulated mouth rinse formulation was used: a mixture of 20 ml de-ionized water plus 5 ml absolute ethanol. Rinsing solutions were collected before, immediately after placing the orthodontic appliances and after washing out the oral cavity and were then stored in glass tubes. Rinsing was performed in a single phase for 60s with the entire volume of each liquid. The BPA analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.\ud
\ud
RESULTS\ud
\ud
An increase in BPA concentration immediately after the 1st post-bonding rinse was observed, for both rinsing media, which was reduced after the 2nd post-bonding rinse. Water exhibited higher levels of BPA concentration than water/ethanol after 1st and 2nd post-bonding rinses. Two-way mixed Repeated Measures ANOVA showed that the primary null hypothesis declaring mean BPA concentration to be equal across rinsing medium and rinsing status was rejected (p-value <0.001). The main effects of the rinsing medium and status, as well as their interaction were found to be statistically significant (p-values 0.048, <0.001 and 0.011 respectively).\ud
\ud
SIGNIFICANCE\ud
\ud
A significant pattern of increase of BPA concentration, followed by a decrease that reached the initial values was observed. The amount of BPA was relatively low and far below the reference limits of tolerable daily intake
Integrated assessment of policy interventions for promoting sustainable irrigation in semi-arid environments: A hydro-economic modeling approach

Sustaining irrigated agriculture to meet food production needs while maintaining aquatic ecosystems is at the heart of many policy debates in various parts of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Researchers and practitioners are increasingly calling for integrated approaches, and policy-makers are progressively supporting the inclusion of ecological and social aspects in water management programs. This paper contributes to this policy debate by providing an integrated economic-hydrologic modeling framework that captures the socio-economic and environmental effects of various policy initiatives and climate variability. This modeling integration includes a risk-based economic optimization model and a hydrologic water management simulation model that have been specified for the Middle Guadiana basin, a vulnerable drought-prone agro-ecological area with highly regulated river systems in southwest Spain. Namely, two key water policy interventions were investigated: the implementation of minimum environmental flows (supported by the European Water Framework Directive, EU WFD), and a reduction in the legal amount of water delivered for irrigation (planned measure included in the new Guadiana River Basin Management Plan, GRBMP, still under discussion). Results indicate that current patterns of excessive water use for irrigation in the basin may put environmental flow demands at risk, jeopardizing the WFD s goal of restoring the ?good ecological status? of water bodies by 2015. Conflicts between environmental and agricultural water uses will be stressed during prolonged dry episodes, and particularly in summer low-flow periods, when there is an important increase of crop irrigation water requirements. Securing minimum stream flows would entail a substantial reduction in irrigation water use for rice cultivation, which might affect the profitability and economic viability of small rice-growing farms located upstream in the river. The new GRBMP could contribute to balance competing water demands in the basin and to increase economic water productivity, but might not be sufficient to ensure the provision of environmental flows as required by the WFD. A thoroughly revision of the basin s water use concession system for irrigation seems to be needed in order to bring the GRBMP in line with the WFD objectives. Furthermore, the study illustrates that social, economic, institutional, and technological factors, in addition to bio-physical conditions, are important issues to be considered for designing and developing water management strategies. The research initiative presented in this paper demonstrates that hydro-economic models can explicitly integrate all these issues, constituting a valuable tool that could assist policy makers for implementing sustainable irrigation policies
The geometric Langlands twist in five and six dimensions

Abelian 6d (2,0) theory has SO(5) R symmetry. We twist this theory by identifying the R symmetry group with the SO(5) subgroup of the SO(1,5) Lorentz group. This twisted theory can be put on any five-manifold M, times R, while preserving one scalar supercharge. We subsequently assume the existence of one unit normalized Killing vector field on M, and we find a corresponding SO(4) twist that preserves two supercharges and is a generalization of the geometric Langlands twist of 4d SYM. We generalize the story to non-Abelian gauge group for the corresponding 5d SYM theories on M. We derive a vanishing theorem for BPS contact instantons by identifying the 6d potential energy and its BPS bound, in the 5d theory. To this end we need to perform a Wick rotation that complexifies the gauge field