ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Economics, Volume 156〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zia Wadud, Phani Kumar Chintakayala〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Personal carbon trading is a downstream version of the cap and trade approaches to mitigating carbon emissions from individual energy use. Although there are studies that investigate the theoretical and implementation issues, there is little evidence over the potential ways people could reduce their emissions when subject to a PCT policy. Especially little is understood about how people make tradeoff between or complement reducing emissions from transport and in-home energy use. This paper addresses this gap by reporting the findings of a questionnaire survey of stated intentions under the policy. Results show that, more people (53.6%) preferred to reduce their emissions from both transport and in-home energy use compared to from only one of these. This shows the flexibility offered by a cap including transport and in-home energy use is more efficient compared to a PCT covering either of these separately. Nearly three-fourths (76.2%) opted to reduce their emissions following a PCT policy. However, among those with above-budget initial emissions, a large share (79.6%) still could not reduce their emissions to below the budget and opted to purchase at least some permits to cover their emissions, indicating the difficulty in reducing emissions at the personal and household level.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Complexity〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Robert J. Kunsch, Erich Novak, Daniel Rudolf〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We compute the integral of a function or the expectation of a random variable with minimal cost and use, for our new algorithm and for upper bounds of the complexity, i.i.d. samples. Under certain assumptions it is possible to select a sample size based on a variance estimation, or – more generally – based on an estimation of a (central absolute) 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline" overflow="scroll" altimg="si1.gif"〉〈mi〉p〈/mi〉〈/math〉-moment. That way one can guarantee a small absolute error with high probability, the problem is thus called solvable. The expected cost of the method depends on the 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline" overflow="scroll" altimg="si1.gif"〉〈mi〉p〈/mi〉〈/math〉-moment of the random variable, which can be arbitrarily large. In order to prove the optimality of our algorithm we also provide lower bounds. These bounds apply not only to methods based on i.i.d. samples but also to general randomized algorithms. They show that – up to constants – the cost of the algorithm is optimal in terms of accuracy, confidence level, and norm of the particular input random variable. Since the considered classes of random variables or integrands are very large, the worst case cost would be infinite. Nevertheless one can define adaptive stopping rules such that for each input the expected cost is finite. We contrast these positive results with examples of integration problems that are not solvable.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xing-Wei Xiang, Jin-Xing Xiao, Yu-Fang Zhou, Bin Zheng, Zheng-Shun Wen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The black seabream (〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉) is an economically pivotal aquaculture species cultured in China and Southeast Asian countries. To understand the molecular immune mechanisms underlying the response to 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus〈/em〉, a comparative gene transcription analysis were performed with utilized fresh livers of 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉-immunized 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 with a control group through RNA-Seq technology. A total of 256663 contigs were obtained after excluded the low-quality sequences and assembly. The average length of contigs collected from this research is 1066.93 bp. Furthermore, blast analysis indicates 30747 contigs were annotated based on homology with matches in the NT, NR, gene, and string databases. A gene ontology analysis was employed to classify 21598 genes according to three major functional categories: molecular function, cellular component, and biological process. A total of 14470 genes were discovered in 303 KEGG pathways. RSEM and EdgeR were introduced to estimate 3841 genes significantly different expressed (False Discovery Rate〈0.001) which includes 4072 up-regulated genes and 3771 down-regulated genes. A significant enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes and isogenes were conducted to reveal the major immune-related pathways which refer to the toll-like receptor, complement, coagulation cascades, and chemokine signaling pathways. In addition, 92175 potential simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 121912 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and identified sequencely in the 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 liver transcriptome. This research characterized a gene expression pattern for normal and the 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 -immunized 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 for the first time and not only sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 interaction but contribute to facilitate future studies on 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 gene expression and functional genomics.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yi-Hong Chen, Jian-Guo He〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The shrimp aquaculture industry is plagued by disease. Due to the lack of deep understanding of the relationship between innate immune mechanism and environmental adaptation mechanism, it is difficult to prevent and control the diseases of shrimp. The shrimp innate immune system has received much recent attention, and the functions of the humoral immune response and the cellular immune response have been preliminarily characterized. The role of environmental stress in shrimp disease has also been investigated recently, attempting to clarify the interactions among the innate immune response, the environmental stress response, and disease. Both the innate immune response and the environmental stress response have a complex relationship with shrimp diseases. Although these systems are important safeguards, allowing shrimp to adapt to adverse environments and resist infection, some pathogens, such as white spot syndrome virus, hijack these host systems. As shrimp lack an adaptive immune system, immunization therapy cannot be used to prevent and control shrimp disease. However, shrimp diseases can be controlled using ecological techniques. These techniques, which are based on the innate immune response and the environmental stress response, significantly reduce the impact of shrimp diseases. The object of this review is to summarize the recent research on shrimp environmental adaptation mechanisms, innate immune response mechanisms, and the relationship between these systems. We also suggest some directions for future research.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yinnan Mu, Shimin Zhou, Ning Ding, Jingqun Ao, Xinhua Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chemokines are a superfamily of structurally related chemotactic cytokines exerting significant roles in regulating cell migration and activation. Currently, five subgroups of fish specific CXC chemokines, named CXCL_F1-CXCL_F5, have been identified in teleost fish. However, understanding of the functions of these fish specific CXC chemokines is still limited. Here, a new member of fish specific CXC chemokines, 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6, was cloned from large yellow croaker 〈em〉Larimichthys crocea〈/em〉. Its open reading frame (ORF) is 369 nucleotides long, encoding a peptide of 122 amino acids (aa). The deduced 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 protein contains a 19-aa signal peptide and a 103-aa mature polypeptide, which has four conserved cysteine residues (C〈sup〉28〈/sup〉, C〈sup〉30〈/sup〉, C〈sup〉56〈/sup〉, and C〈sup〉72〈/sup〉), as found in other known CXC chemokines. Phylogenetic analysis showed 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 formed a separate clade with sequences from other fish species, tentatively named CXCL_F6, distinct from the clades formed by fish CXCL_F1-5 and mammalian CXC chemokines. The 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 transcripts were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues and significantly up-regulated in the spleen and head kidney tissues by poly (I:C) and 〈em〉Vibrio alginolyticus〈/em〉. Its transcripts were also detected in primary head kidney leukocytes (HKLs), peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs), and large yellow croaker head kidney (LYCK) cell line, and significantly up-regulated by poly(I:C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and peptidoglycan (PGN) in HKLs. Recombinant 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 protein (r〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6) could not only chemotactically attract monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes from PBLs, but also enhance NO release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and CXCL8) in monocytes/macrophages. These results indicate that 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 plays a role in mediating the inflammatory response.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Omega〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shih-Sian (Sherwin) Jhang, Joseph P. Ogden, Nallan C. Suresh〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper develops and tests a stylized model of a manufacturing firm's operational and financial configuration that integrates the effects of market competition and integration abilities of firms. Market power is predicted to drive trade credit balances of suppliers and customers, capital structure, and firm value. These predicted relationships are tested using data for publicly traded U.S. manufacturing firms for the period 1984–2014. A two-step procedure is adopted wherein, in the first step, the model variables of profitability, asset turnover, inventory, and cash are subjected to a factor analysis to determine the existence of a common factor based on theoretical arguments. In the second step, scores of the major factor (MPscore) are used in regressions with accounts receivable, accounts payable, market leverage, and Tobin's 〈em〉Q〈/em〉 as alternative dependent variables. Evidence from cross-sectional and time series analyses provides strong support for the hypothesized relationships. Market power is not otherwise explained by firm size and asset tangibility. Additional results indicate that U.S. manufacturers generally increased their market power over this timeframe. We also find that firms with high market power tend to have higher survival rates.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers in Industry, Volume 104〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jacques Bahi, Wiem Elghazel, Christophe Guyeux, Mourad Hakem, Kamal Medjaher, Noureddine Zerhouni〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Monitoring activities in industry may require the use of wireless sensor networks, for instance due to difficult access or hostile environment. But it is well known that this type of networks has various limitations like the amount of disposable energy. Indeed, once a sensor node exhausts its resources, it will be dropped from the network, stopping so to forward information about maybe relevant features towards the sink. This will result in broken links and data loss which impacts the diagnostic accuracy at the sink level. It is therefore important to keep the network's monitoring service as long as possible by preserving the energy held by the nodes. As packet transfer consumes the highest amount of energy comparing to other activities in the network, various topologies are usually implemented in wireless sensor networks to increase the network lifetime. In this paper, we emphasize that it is more difficult to perform a good diagnostic when data are gathered by a wireless sensor network instead of a wired one, due to broken links and data loss on the one hand, and deployed network topologies on the other hand. Three strategies are considered to reduce packet transfers: (1) sensor nodes send directly their data to the sink, (2) nodes are divided by clusters, and the cluster heads send the average of their clusters directly to the sink, and (3) averaged data are sent from cluster heads to cluster heads in a hop-by-hop mode, leading to an avalanche of averages. Their impact on the diagnostic accuracy is then evaluated. We show that the use of random forests is relevant for diagnostics when data are aggregated through the network and when sensors stop to transmit their values when their batteries are emptied. This relevance is discussed qualitatively and evaluated numerically by comparing the random forests performance to state-of-the-art PHM approaches, namely: basic bagging of decision trees, support vector machine, multinomial naive Bayes, AdaBoost, and Gradient Boosting. Finally, a way to couple the two best methods, namely the random forests and the gradient boosting, is proposed by finding the best hyperparameters of the former by using the latter.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 31 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 European Journal of Operational Research〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Alexandre M. Florio, Richard F. Hartl, Stefan Minner〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We present a model for the single-vehicle routing problem with stochastic demands (SVRPSD) with optimal restocking. The model is derived from a characterization of the SVRPSD as a Markov decision process (MDP) controlled by a certain class of policies, and is valid for general discrete demand probability distributions. We transform this MDP into an equivalent mixed-integer linear model, which is then used to solve small instances to optimality. By doing so, we are able to quantify the drawbacks associated with the detour-to-depot restocking policy, an assumption of many exact approaches for the (multivehicle) VRPSD. We also examine the tradeoff between the deterministic a priori cost and the stochastic restocking cost for varying route load scenarios. Finally, a wait-and-see model for the SVRPSD is proposed, and is used within a parallel heuristic to solve larger literature instances with up to 150 nodes and Poisson distributed demands. Computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the heuristic approach, and also indicate under which circumstances near-optimal solutions can be obtained by the myopic strategy of a priori route cost minimization.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pablo Quero García, Javier García Sanabria, Juan Adolfo Chica Ruiz〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In recent years the European Union has firmly committed itself to energy from oceans as a means of decarbonising the European energy system. Despite a favourable political landscape, the development of offshore renewables still faces economic and technological barriers, which are coupled with the inherent difficulties of an increasingly industrialised marine environment, such as complex evolving regulation, lack of knowledge regarding the possible environmental impact of such an activity, as well as spatial conflicts with other traditional and emerging uses. Most of the coastal Member States have adopted Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as a fundamental tool for integrated and sustainable management of human activities in the marine environment. MSP is capable of definitively driving the use of offshore renewable facilities. Its proper application supports decision making, simplifies and accelerates the process of obtaining permits, improves compatibility of uses, integrates stakeholders in planning, prevents environmental deterioration of sensitive areas, enhances the availability of information and promotes cross-border co-operation. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of maritime spatial planning processes on the advance of blue energy within the framework of the European Union. The results show positive relationships between MSP and the development of offshore renewable energy in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0308597X1830304X-fx1.jpg" width="477" alt="fx1" title="fx1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 16 April 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 European Journal of Operational Research, Volume 274, Issue 2〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Damiano Brigo, Marco Francischello, Andrea Pallavicini〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Since the 2008 global financial crisis, the banking industry has been using valuation adjustments to account for default risk and funding costs. These adjustments are computed separately and added together by practitioners as if the valuation equations were linear. This assumption is too strong and does not allow to model market features such as different borrowing and lending rates and replacement default closeout. Hence we argue that the full valuation equations are nonlinear, and this paper is devoted to studying the nonlinear valuation equations introduced in Pallavicini et al (2011).〈/p〉 〈p〉We illustrate all the cash flows exchanged by the parties involved in a derivative contract, in presence of default risk, collateralisation with re-hypothecation and funding costs. Then we show how to obtain semi-linear PDEs or Forward Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (FBSDEs) from present-valuing said cash flows in an arbitrage-free setup, and we study the well-posedness of these PDEs and FBSDEs in a viscosity and classical sense.〈/p〉 〈p〉Moreover, from a financial perspective, we discuss cases where classical valuation adjustments (XVA) can be disentangled. We show how funding costs are offset by treasury valuation adjustments when one takes a whole-bank perspective in the valuation, while the same costs are not offset by such adjustments when taking a shareholder perspective. We show that although we use a risk-neutral valuation framework based on a locally risk-free bank account, our final valuation equations do not depend on the risk-free rate. Finally, we show how to consistently derive a netting set valuation from a portfolio level one.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bong-Tae Kim, Christopher L. Brown, Do-Hoon Kim〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We assess the vulnerability to climate change of Korean aquaculture based on predicted changes in seawater temperature and salinity in adjacent sea areas of the Korean Peninsula according to representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios. Unlike previous studies that have been conducted mostly on a national scale, we classify 14 farming species in major production regions of the Republic of Korea, and assess their vulnerability for each region, using the indicator-based method and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's definition of vulnerability in order to overcome limitations in developing specific adaptation strategies within a country. First, for each exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, specific and proper indicators are selected. Subsequently, these indicators are estimated and weighted to analyze vulnerability to climate change. The results show that the absolute level of vulnerability is high in a long-term period of RCP8.5 in which exposure becomes severe, whereas the relative vulnerability is similar among farming species and regions. Specifically, vulnerability is at the highest level in seaweed, such as laver and sea mustard, while fish, shrimp, and abalone are relatively less vulnerable to climate change.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Volume 128〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): J.M. Kranabetter〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Forest floor carbon (C) sequestration has been negatively correlated with manganese (Mn) availability, possibly due to reduced efficacy of Mn-peridoxase enzymes produced by Agaricomycete fungi. I examined a soil C and Mn dataset from a podzolization gradient, along with fungal sporocarp Mn concentrations, to potentially corroborate this finding. An inverse power relationship between soil C and soil Mn content across temperate rainforests was confirmed, which provides further evidence of a Mn bottleneck in C turnover. Average Mn concentrations of saprotrophic sporocarps were greater than those of ectomycorrhizal fungi, and displayed a similar inverse correlation with increasing soil C. The absence or limited effectiveness of select saprotrophic fungi across Mn-depleted forest soils may be one mechanism behind impeded turnover of recalcitrant organic matter.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Volume 128〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Charles R. Warren〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Phospholipids are isolated from crude lipid extracts by silica solid phase extraction (SPE), but for soils we don't know if phospholipids are the only fatty acid-based lipids present in the polar lipid fraction. Lipids extracted from three soils were fractionated with a silica SPE protocol commonly used for soils, with “neutrals” eluted by chloroform, “glycolipids” eluted by acetone, and “phospholipids” eluted by methanol. Fatty acid-based lipids were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Phospholipids were recovered in the methanol fraction, but this fraction also included betaine lipids. In two soils the methanol fraction was 3–6% betaine lipid while in one soil betaine lipids accounted for 48% of lipids in the methanol fraction. Clearly the fraction obtained by eluting lipids from silica with methanol is not purely phospholipid but can contain significant amounts of other polar lipids.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Radiation Measurements, Volume 119〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Alessio Parisi, Luana de Freitas Nascimento, Olivier Van Hoey, Patrice Mégret, Hisashi Kitamura, Satoshi Kodaira, Filip Vanhavere〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Lithium fluoride thermoluminescent radiation detectors with different dopant concentrations (〈sup〉7〈/sup〉LiF:Mg,Ti and 〈sup〉7〈/sup〉LiF:Mg,Cu,P) were exposed to 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉H and 〈sup〉4〈/sup〉He ions at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) in order to investigate their response to energetic light charged particles. Computer simulations with the Monte Carlo code PHITS were performed for a better interpretation of the experimental data. The results were compared with literature efficiency data and with the results of a recently developed microdosimetric efficiency model. In case of the main peak signal of 〈sup〉7〈/sup〉LiF:Mg,Ti detectors, the determined efficiency values are in good agreement with previous investigations. Discrepancies in the efficiency of high temperature signal due to well-known non-linearity effects are reported. For 〈sup〉7〈/sup〉LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors, an anomalous thermoluminescence behavior in the low temperature part of the signal was found and discussed. Depending on the light quantification process, differences up to 30% in the dose assessment can be obtained, affecting also the relative efficiency determination process. An explanation of this phenomenon as a consequence of local migration of the charged carriers between the low temperature peaks and the main peak is presented. The implications of these findings on the use of LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors in radiation environments characterized by the presence of 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉H and 〈sup〉4〈/sup〉He ions (i.e. space and proton therapy) are discussed. In order to avoid the occurrence of this anomalous behavior, it is advised to pre-heat the detectors after energetic light particle exposures.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guoping Chen, Xiong Song, Suqing Wang, Xinzhi Chen, Haihui Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Lithium-sulfur (Li〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉S) batteries are attractive candidates for advanced energy storage devices. However, the low utilization of sulfur and the severe “shuttle effect” hinder the commercialization of Li〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉S batteries. Herein, we design an ultra-thin and lightweight two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum nitride nanosheets layer to modify Celgard (denoted as MoN〈sub〉x〈/sub〉/Celgard) separator to promote the electrochemical performance of Li〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉S batteries. Benefiting from the 2D polar molybdenum nitride nanosheets, the obtained molybdenum nitride layer can effectively suppress the shuttle effect via the synergistic effect of structural confinement and chemical absorption. Meanwhile, molybdenum nitride nanosheets layer possesses metallic and catalytic characteristics, which are beneficial for high sulfur utilization. Therefore, the Li〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉S batteries using MoN〈sub〉x〈/sub〉/Celgard separator with multifunction exhibit high capacity and outstanding cycling performance. It delivers a high discharge capacity of 1298 mA h g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 at 0.1C and sustain a capacity of 566 mA h g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 after 500 cycles at 0.5C, corresponding with the capacity fading rate of only 0.063% per cycle.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Geoderma, Volume 337〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): R. Calvelo Pereira, M. Camps Arbestain, F.M. Kelliher, B.K.G. Theng, S.R. McNally, F. Macías, F. Guitián〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We have investigated the effect of supercritical drying (SD) on the porosity and the BET-N〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 specific surface area (SSA) of five allophane-rich and three non-allophanic topsoils. The contribution of organic matter (OM) and short-range ordered (SRO) constituents to the nanoscale porosity (〈100 nm size) and SSA was also evaluated following chemical treatments to oxidise OM and then remove the SRO phase. The average pore volume and SSA of the soils, measured after SD, are greater than the values obtained after air drying. For soils that are rich in SRO constituents, oxidation of OM leads to an increase in SSA. This observation is attributed to the unblocking of pore necks previously covered by OM, while the subsequent removal of SRO constituents causes a sharp decrease in SSA. The SRO constituents containing oxalate-extractable Al, are the major contributors to the SSA of the inorganic fraction. Besides confirming that SD can help preserve the nanoscale porosity of allophane-rich soils, the results highlight the contribution of SRO constituents to the SSA of soils and their ability to accumulate OM.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Economics, Volume 78〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xiwen Bai, Jasmine Siu Lee Lam〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) trade shows an increasing trend but is under-researched. This paper focuses on the LPG market and aims to model the dependence dynamics among LPG freight rates, crude oil price and propane location arbitrage. Conditional copula-GARCH model is applied to estimate dependencies. Different types of copulas with both time-invariant and time-varying dependence structures are fitted and their suitability has been compared. The findings suggest that firstly, Baltic LPG (BLPG) freight rate and the arbitrage between propane Far East and Middle East prices have conditional time-varying dependence and the dependence is higher in market downturns. Furthermore, BLPG and the arbitrage between Far East and US propane prices, have symmetric dependence and such a relationship has strengthened since 2013. Secondly, Middle East propane price is found to have the strongest correlation with crude oil prices compared to Far East and US propane prices, indicating higher sensitivity to crude oil price changes. Last but not least, the relationship between crude oil and BLPG is relatively weak and mostly positive.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Economics, Volume 78〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Gernot Müller, Armin Seibert〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We develop a Bayesian estimation procedure for the electricity spot price model in Benth et al. (2014). This model incorporates a trend and seasonality component, a stable CARMA process for the price spikes, and an additional Lévy process for mid-range price level changes. Our MCMC algorithm has two advantages over the existing stepwise estimation procedure presented in Benth et al. (2014): First, since our algorithm produces samples from the full posterior distribution over all parameters, we can estimate the parameters much more accurately, which is shown in simulation studies. Second, we can provide accuracy measures as credibility intervals in addition to the point estimates. The approach is quite general, so that it can be adapted also to other similar pricing models. For illustration, we analyse spot and future prices from the EEX using the new Bayesian method and provide estimates for the risk premium together with credibility regions.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Soil and Tillage Research, Volume 186〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Márcio R. Nunes, Eloy A. Pauletto, José E. Denardin, Luis E.A. S. Suzuki, Harold M. van Es〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Tillage and no-tillage result in different soil mechanical responses which in turn may affect crop growth. Better understanding of soil compressive behavior, therefore, is relevant for the assessment of tillage practices in agricultural systems. We studied the change in soil compressive properties and their relationship with soil physical attributes and plant growth through a chisel tillage chronosequence in a Nitisol where soil was untilled after chiseling for 24 months, 18 months, 12 months, 6 months, and zero months, and was under continuous (12-year) NT. The effects were measured for three soil depth layers: 0 to 7-cm, 7 to 17-cm and 20 to 30-cm. Mechanical chiseling was found to reduce both the degree of compactness and the pre-compression pressure compared to continuous NT, but made the soil more susceptible to new compaction. The effects of chisel tillage generally persisted for a period of 12–24 months. The degree of compactness and soil pre-compression pressure were found to be strongly correlated, and were strongly correlated with other soil physical attributes (soil penetration resistance, soil macroporosity, and soil aggregate stability). They were negatively correlated with root length, root density, and root volume, as well as stalk diameter, linking soil structure indicators to plant growth. Our results also showed that soil compressive parameter values can be estimated based on other soil physical properties that influence plant growth. These findings have potential for studies of crop response to soil structure and soil compaction and could be used to aid in choosing optimal soil management practices, in order to reduce the risk of soil compaction, linking soil compressive behavior and soil physical conditions to plant growth.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 379〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Takashi Shiroto, Naofumi Ohnishi, Yasuhiko Sentoku〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉For more than half a century, most of the plasma scientists have encountered a violation of the conservation laws of charge, momentum, and energy whenever they have numerically solved the first-principle equations of kinetic plasmas, such as the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system. This fatal problem is brought by the fact that both the Vlasov and Maxwell equations are indirectly associated with the conservation laws by means of some mathematical manipulations. Here we propose a quadratic conservative scheme, which can strictly maintain the conservation laws by discretizing the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system. A discrete product rule and summation-by-parts are the key players in the construction of the quadratic conservative scheme. Numerical experiments of the relativistic two-stream instability and relativistic Weibel instability prove the validity of our computational theory, and the proposed strategy will open the doors to the first-principle studies of mesoscopic and macroscopic plasma physics.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jinghua Chen, Lu Zhang, Ning Yang, Mengyu Tian, Qiang Fu, Fenghua Tan, Chao Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Galectins are a family of galactoside-binding proteins with an affinity for β-galactosides, involved in mediating fundamental processes including development, inflammation, cell migration and apoptosis. Galectin-4 is a member of tendem-repeat galectins, plays vital roles in intestinal epithelial barrier. Here, one galectin-4 gene was captured in turbot (〈em〉Sm〈/em〉Lgals4) contains a 1197 bp open reading frame (ORF). In comparison to other species, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉Lgals4 showed the highest similarity and identity both to large yellow croaker. The genomic structure analysis showed that 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉Lgals4 had conserved exons in the CRD domains compared to other vertebrate species. The syntenic analysis revealed that galectin-4 had the same neighboring genes across all the selected species, which suggested the synteny encompassing galectin-4 region during vertebrate evolution. Subsequently, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉Lgals4 was widely expressed in all the examined tissues, with the highest expression level in intestine and the lowest expression level in skin. In addition, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉Lgals4 was significantly down-regulated in intestine following both Gram-negative bacteria 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉, and Gram-positive bacteria 〈em〉Streptococcus iniae〈/em〉 immersion challenge. Finally, the 〈em〉rSm〈/em〉Lgals4 showed strong binding ability to all the examined microbial ligands. Taken together, our results suggested 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉Lgals4 plays vital roles in fish intestinal immune responses against infection, but the detailed roles of galectin-4 in teleost are still lacking, further studies are needed to be carried out to characterize whether galectin-4 plays similar roles in teleost intestinal immunity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yanxiu Mo, Yunpeng Fan, Wen Fu, Wenting Xu, Shujuan Chen, Yuanhui Wen, Shaojun Liu, Liangyue Peng, Yamei Xiao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Previous research has indicated that the small compound, SP600125, could induce polyploidy of fish cells, and has established a stable tetraploid cell line from diploid fish cells. In order to explore how fish cells maintain homeostasis under SP600125-stress 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉, this study investigates impacts of SP600125-stress on intracellular pathways, as well as on regulation of the cellular homeostasis feedback in fish cells. Transcriptomes are obtained from the SP600125-treated cells. Compared with unigenes expressed in control group (crucial carp fin cells), a total of 2670 and 1846 unigenes are significantly upregulated and downregulated in these cells, respectively. Differentially expressed genes are found, which are involved in innate defense, inflammatory pathways and cell adhesion molecules-related pathways. The SP600125-stress enhances cell-mediated immunity, characterized by significantly increasing expression of multiple immune genes. These enhanced immune genes include the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-ɑ, IL-6R), the adaptor signal transducers (STAT, IκBɑ), and the integrins (ɑ2β1, ɑMβ2). Furthermore, mitochondria are contributed to the cellular homeostasis regulation upon the SP600125-stress. The results show that acute inflammation is an adaptive and controlled response to the SP600125-stress, which is beneficial for alleviating toxicity by SP600125. They provide a potential way of breeding fish polyploidy induced by SP600125 in the future research.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Geoforum, Volume 97〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rebecca Sandover, Samuel Kinsley, Stephen Hinchliffe〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Geographers and other social scientists have for some time been interested in how scientific and environmental controversies emerge and become public or collective issues. Social media are now key platforms through which these issues are publically raised and through which groups or publics can organise themselves. As media that generate data and traces of networking activity, these platforms also provide an opportunity for scholars to study the character and constitution of those groupings. In this paper we lay out a method for studying these ‘issue publics’: emergent groupings involved in publicising an issue. We focus on the controversy surrounding the state-sanctioned cull of wild badgers in England as a contested means of disease management in cattle. We analyse two overlapping groupings to demonstrate how online issue publics function in a variety of ways – from the ‘echo chambers’ of online sharing of information, to the marshalling of agreements on strategies for action, to more dialogic patterns of debate. We demonstrate the ways in which digital media platforms are themselves performative in the formation of issue publics and that, while this creates issues, we should not retreat into debates around the ‘proper object’ of research but rather engage with the productive complications of mapping social media data into knowledge (Whatmore, 2009). In turn, we argue that online issue publics are not homogeneous and that the lines of heterogeneity are neither simple or to be expected and merit study as a means to understand the suite of processes and novel contexts involved in the emergence of a public.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Maciej Woźny, Kazimierz Obremski, Piotr Hliwa, Piotr Gomułka, Rafał Różyński, Paweł Wojtacha, Maciej Florczyk, Helmut Segner, Paweł Brzuzan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉To investigate the effects of feed contamination with zearalenone (ZEN) at the current European Commission (EC) guidance value (2 mg⋅kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 feed) on the growth and health of rainbow trout, we performed a long-term feeding trial under aquaculture conditions. It started with the external feeding of the fish larvae, and continued for 96 weeks, at which point the fish had reached market size. To assess the growth of fish and their feeding efficiency throughout this period, the fish were regularly weighed and measured, and their feed consumption was monitored. Additionally, to investigate potential health effects, after 72 weeks of the exposure to ZEN, the fishes' blood was analyzed for major hematological and biochemical indices, and their head kidney, spleen, and liver were examined for morphological, histopathological, cytological, and molecular changes. Finally, to gain insight into the metabolism and distribution of ZEN in fish, the content of free and glucuronidated forms of ZEN and its major metabolites was measured in the intestine, liver, and muscles of the exposed fish. The feed-borne exposure of rainbow trout to ZEN at a dose of 2 mg⋅kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 feed resulted in higher feeding efficiency and growth rate, most probably due to the anabolic properties of the ZEN metabolite. Importantly for the consumers of fish, despite absorption and metabolism of ZEN in the digestive system of the fish that had been exposed for 72 weeks, the residuals of ZEN were not transferred to the fishes’ muscles, which rules out a potential risk to human health related to the consumption of fish meat. However, the increased growth of fish fed with the contaminated feed may come at some cost, as the exposure to ZEN was associated with modulation of key components of the adaptive and innate immune systems. Moreover, the trunk kidney of ZEN-fed fish showed massive inflammation that was likely caused by pathogen infection. These findings raise concerns about fish health under the current recommended EC guidance values.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Volume 118〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Qian-Wen Guo, Shumin Chen, Paul Schonfeld, Zhongfei Li〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We address optimal rail transit investment issues considering time-inconsistent preferences and population uncertainty. Instead of adopting the typical real options approach which assumes that authorities possess a constant discount rate over time, we propose an extension of real options analysis by modeling authorities’ intertemporal choices with a quasi-hyperbolic discount function. Depending on the assumption about the strategies guiding the behaviors of future authorities, we consider three types of authorities, namely time-consistent authority, naïve authority and sophisticated authority, of which the latter two are time-inconsistent. First, an optimal transit investment timing model is proposed. Then, solutions for the above three types of authorities are derived and compared. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed model by conducting numerical tests and applying it to Dalian, China. Main findings include: (1) an authority with time-inconsistent preferences makes decisions earlier than a standard, time-consistent authority; (2) the sophisticated authority invests earlier than the naïve authority. Other implications of considering time-inconsistent preferences are also identified.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Radiation Measurements, Volume 119〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chen Wang, Shi-Lun Guo, Zhi-Yuan Chang, Guo-Rong Liu, Yong-Gang Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Two parameter approach –a new technique has been devised and tested to identify and distinguish Pu–bearing particles from U-bearing particles. This technique can be used to select rare and microscopic Pu-bearing particles from environmental samples, such as in soil, water, air (aerosol) and swipe samples from the wall of buildings and surfaces of machines in nuclear factories. Some amount of Pu and U standard reference materials were respectively added to cellulose nitrate (CN) solution and dropped some quantity of the solution on mica plates and dried to from CN sheets. CR-39 track detectors were used to record tracks of α particles emitted from the Pu or U particles in CN sheets. After etching of CR-39 plates, α track stars were developed and can be seen under optical microscope. Tracks shapes of α particles in the stars were investigated. We found that at certain interval of etching time, the tip part of α tracks of Pu was very sharp, but the tip part of α tracks of U was blunted with spherical tips. The ratio Rt/Ro of the diameter (Rt) of tip point to the diameter (Ro) of the round track in center area of star is a superior parameter to identify Pu from U particles. The Rt/Ro measurements should be carried at a certain distance from the center point. The two parameter approach has been using in nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensics to analyze isotopic compositions and age of Pu samples.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yilan Wu, Xin Fan, Rohit Ranaganathan Gaddam, Qinglan Zhao, Dongfang Yang, Xiaoming Sun, Chao Wang, X.S. Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sodium-ion capacitors with unique characteristics such as higher energy density than electrical double-layer capacitors, higher power density than rechargeable batteries, and abundant sodium resources represent current research trend in developing large-scale electrical energy storage technology. One of the key challenges presently facing the development of this technology is the imbalanced kinetics between the sluggish Faradaic sodium insertion in the anode and the fast capacitive ion adsorption on the cathode. Here we demonstrate the sol-gel synthesis of a novel, high-rate, stable composite anode material for sodium-ion capacitors (NICs). The composite consisted of Nb〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix (denoted by m-Nb〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉/C). Sodium-ion capacitors employing the m-Nb〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉/C anode and a commercial activated carbon as the cathode showed an admirable performance, delivering high energy densities in a wide range of power densities (73 Wh kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉@250 W kg-1 and 16.8 Wh kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉@20 kW kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). These favourable cell characteristics are attributed to the properties of the m-Nb〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉/C anode: the mesoporous structure that facilitates electron and ion transport, the presence of the niobium carbide interlayer between the Nb〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 nanoparticles and the surrounding graphitic carbon that additionally improves the electron conductivity, and the predominant capacitive charge storage mechanism.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0378775318311881-fx1.jpg" width="302" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yuyan Zhang, Pei Tian, Kexun Li, Yi Liu, Zhaohui Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A highly active electrocatalyst is synthesized by employing melamine assisted metal-organic framework as the precursor. By pyrolyzing the hybrid at 350–800 °C, the precursor can be easily transferred into abundant iron and nitrogen co-doped carbon skeleton. The microbial fuel cell doped with the above treated sample at 600 °C achieves the maximum power density 2229 ± 10 mW m〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉, 257% and 36.6% higher than that of activated carbon and the control sample. The total resistance decreases by 53.8% from 18.16 Ω (activated carbon) to 8.39 Ω. The reaction process is testified to be four-electron transfer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy prove the coexistence of divalent copper and C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and the incorporation of nitrogen into the network formed active sites. Thus, the ideal results make the pyrolyzed hybrid at 600 °C a promising catalyst in microbial fuel cell.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers & Geosciences, Volume 122〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hassan Talebi, Ute Mueller, Raimon Tolosana-Delgado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Ore deposits usually consist of ore materials with different discrete (e.g. rock and alteration types) and continuous (e.g. geochemical and mineral composition) features. Financial feasibility studies are highly dependent on the modelling of these features and their associated joint uncertainties. Few geostatistical techniques have been developed for the joint modelling of high-dimensional mixed data (continuous and categorical) or constrained data, such as compositional data. The compositional nature of the mineral and geochemical data induces several challenges for multivariate geostatistical techniques, because such data carry relative information and are known for spurious statistical and spatial correlation effects. This paper investigates the application of the direct sampling algorithm for joint modelling of compositional and categorical data. In some mining projects the amount of available data may be enormous in some parts of the deposit and if the density of measurements is sufficient, multivariate geospatial patterns can be derived from that data and be simulated (without model inference) at other undersampled areas of the deposit with similar characteristics. In this context, the direct sampling multiple-point simulation method can be implemented for this reconstruction process. The compositional nature of the data is addressed via implementing an isometric log-ratio transformation. The approach is illustrated through two case studies, one synthetic and one real. The accuracy of the results is checked against a set of validation data, revealing the potential of the proposed methodology for joint modelling of compositional and categorical information. The direct sampling technique can be considered as a smart move to assess the future risk and uncertainty of a resource by making use of all the information hidden within the early data.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Geoderma, Volume 337〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongfei Liu, Yang Wu, Zemin Ai, Jiaoyang Zhang, Chao Zhang, Sha Xue, Guobin Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉DOM is the most bioavailable organic pool in the soil. The restoration of vegetation on abandoned cropland has a major impact on the concentration and composition of the DOM and thus affects the biodegradability of the soil DOM. Understanding the response of the microbial degradation of the DOM to temperature is important to maintain soil bioavailable organic matter in the field. We conducted a laboratory DOM solution incubation experiment to examine the temporal dynamics of DOM concentrations at temperatures of 4 °C (low), 20 °C (medium), and 35 °C (high) for four types of land uses: sloped cropland, grassland, shrub land, and woodland. Ultraviolet–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to determine the structural complexity of the DOM. The conversion of the sloped cropland to shrub land and woodland significantly increased contents of DOC, DON, and recalcitrant substances in DOM soilution, such as humic-like material and fulvic acid, and stabilised the DOC pool, and reduced the decomposition of the DOC at 20 °C and 35 °C. The conversion of the sloped cropland to woodland dramatically reduced TDN decomposition. The DON loss after 60-day incubation significantly correlated with the initial content of tryptophan-like material. The biodegradability of the DON was higher and more sensitive to temperature than that of the DOC. Rising temperature initially promotes the decomposition of tryptophan-like material, and later promotes the degradation of more recalcitrant substances, such as humic-like material and fulvic acid, which enhanced the decomposition of the DOC and DON. The results suggest that the conversion of sloped cropland to shrubland and woodland not only promoted the accumulation of DOC, TDN, and recalcitrant substances in DOM solution, and decreased their biodegradability but also decreased the temperature sensitivity of the decomposition of the DOC and DON. Therefore, shrubland and woodland were the optimal choices for revegetation in the Loess Plateau of China.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0016706117316403-ga1.jpg" width="301" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Volume 264〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Antonio D. del Campo, María González-Sanchis, Alberto García-Prats, Carlos J. Ceacero, Cristina Lull〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Marginal semi-arid forests in areas currently affected by climate change are a challenge to forest management, which has to focus on key functional traits that can effectively contribute to resistance under extreme drought. We studied the effects of thinning in a marginal forest by quantifying functional responses relating to growth, carbon and water fluxes. Two experimental plots were established, one thinned in 2012 and the other one left as a control. The environmental conditions varied substantially during the 4-year study period, although dry years predominated. There were signs of dieback in the control with a decreasing inter-annual trend in LAI, as opposed to the treated plots, where LAI by the end of the study almost reached pre-thinning levels. Sap flow and transpiration were greatly enhanced by the treatment, with thinned trees transpiring 22.4 l tree〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 day〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in the growing season, about twice the control figures. The seasonal patterns of transpiration and soil moisture were uncoupled, indicating a contribution of deep groundwater to the former flux. In the control, limitations to water and carbon dynamics (canopy conductance) occurred at soil moisture values below 16%, whereas in the thinned trees these limitations appeared when soil moisture dropped below 10%. Overall, oaks’ transpiration was enhanced with thinning to the point that stand-water use surpassed that of the control by the second half of the study period, averaging 24% of gross rainfall in both plots. Soil evaporation increased from 12 to 20% of gross rainfall after treatment in the overall period. The treatment had a profound watering effect in this marginal forest, led by fewer trees using the same amount of water as those in the untreated overstocked plot. This research may provide guidelines for ecohydrology-oriented silviculture in stands experiencing tree encroachment and transformation into shrublands that are more prone to global change-induced disturbances.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 281〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yuan Chen, Xue-Rui Wei, Ru Sun, Yu-Jie Xu, Jian-Feng Ge〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Five cyanine dyes (〈strong〉1a-e〈/strong〉) with azonia unit have been prepared by the reaction of pyrido[1,2−a]pyrimidinium ions and suitable aldehydes. Before further research, their photo and thermal stabilities were determined in the first place. At least 88% absorption remained after 5 h irradiating illustrated all of these dyes had excellent photo stability. Meanwhile, the decomposition temperature of dyes was around 200 °C which demonstrated they had good thermal stability. Therefore, the good photo and thermal stability made them possible to be probes. Subsequently, the optical properties of probes toward nucleic acids had been measured. TheirOFF–ON fluorescent responses (〈strong〉1a〈/strong〉-〈strong〉d〈/strong〉) towards nucleic acids were investigated. In addition, confocal microscopy imaging of probe 〈strong〉1a〈/strong〉 in live HeLa cells indicated that probe 〈strong〉1a〈/strong〉 could image mitochondrial nucleic acid.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0925400518319233-ga1.jpg" width="398" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 281〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): S. Pimenta, S. Cardoso, E.M.S. Castanheira, G. Minas〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper presents a CMOS optical microsystem with a 4 × 4 photodiodes array and their readout electronics, based on 16 light-to-frequency converters, and 16 high selective optical filters, for spectrophotometric measurement of diffuse reflectance and fluorescence signals, applied to the detection of gastrointestinal dysplasia. The photodiodes array is based on n+/p-epilayer junction silicon photodiodes. Their readout electronics outputs a digital signal, with a frequency proportional to the photodiode current, featuring a sensitivity of 26 Hz/nA at 550 nm, a spectral resolution of 9 MHz and a power consumption of 1 mW. The optical filters are based on 16 thin-film narrow-band 〈em〉Fabry-Perot〈/em〉 resonators, in which dielectric mirrors are used. They feature high transmittances and low full-width-half-maximum. Experimental measurements, using phantoms representative of the main absorbing, scattering and fluorescence properties of gastrointestinal tissues, proved the viability of the CMOS optical microsystem with the optical filters to extract those signals, when comparing the obtained results with commercial equipment. The implemented apparatus is ready to be used as a portable system on a surgery room to verify the total removing of gastrointestinal cancer tissue. Moreover, the developed approach is a step forward in the implementation of a gastrointestinal dysplasia detection miniaturized tool.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 281〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xueli Yang, Sufang Zhang, Qi yu, Liupeng Zhao, Peng Sun, Tianshuang Wang, Fangmeng Liu, Xu Yan, Yuan Gao, Xishuang Liang, Sumei Zhang, Geyu Lu〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work, a novel branched heterostructural composite composed of nanorods ZnO backbone and SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 branches was prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and component of the SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/ZnO composite was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and elemental mapping analysis. The evolution process of the SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/ZnO composite was observed by SEM that the SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 branches gradually grow on ZnO backbones. The composite with novel heterostructure was applied as the sensing material for the fabrication of gas sensor, and their gas sensing properties were tested for response to various gases. Compared to pure ZnO gas sensors the branched SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/ZnO gas sensor exhibited enhanced gas sensing properties toward ethanol, giving a response of 18.1–100 ppm.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 281〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Qian Ma, Pin Li, Zhiqiang Gao, Sam Fong Yau Li〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A simple fluorescence biosensor for rapid and sensitive target microRNA (miRNA) quantification by branched rolling circle amplification (BRCA) is developed in this work. Target miRNA functions as primer to recognize and hybridize with a circle DNA template, initiating rolling circle amplification (RCA) by Phi29 DNA polymerase. The introduction of reverse primers complementary to the RCA products enables isothermal BRCA, in which a large amount of deoxynucleotide (dNTP) were consumed and same number of pyrophosphates (PPi) were produced. In this study, a simple and non-expensively synthesized terpyridine-based Zn(II) complex is utilized as fluorescent probe for selective detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) over dNTP. The PPi generated in this isothermal amplification process efficiently chelates to this terpyridine-Zn(II) complex, forming a highly fluorescent complex, terpyridine-Zn(II)-PPi, whose fluorescence intensity is closely related with the initial target miRNA concentration. The utilization of the isothermal BRCA amplification and direct monitoring of the DNA polymerization by-product, i.e. PPi, for non-label fluorescence detection of miRNA greatly simplify this sensor procedure. This sensor shows a linear response between the fluorescence intensity and the target miRNA concentration from 50 to 500 fM with a detection limit of 25 fM. This much-simplified sensor offers a sensitive and easy-to-use platform for miRNA quantification, and hence may significantly enhance the utilisation of miRNAs as biomarkers in drug discovery, clinical diagnosis and life science research.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S092540051831918X-ga1.jpg" width="245" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Volume 264〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ren Li, Lin Zhao, Tonghua Wu, Qinxue Wang, Yongjian Ding, Jimin Yao, Xiaodong Wu, Guojie Hu, Yao Xiao, Yizhen Du, Xiaofan Zhu, Yanhui Qin, Shuhua Yang, Rui Bai, Erji Du, Guangyue Liu, Defu Zou, Yongping Qiao, Jianzong Shi〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Soil thermal conductivity (〈em〉λ〈/em〉) is one of the essential parameters relating to heat exchange, and it also plays a key role in verifying soil thermal hydrodynamics in permafrost regions. In this paper, the characteristic of in situ 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 was analyzed based on data measured from June 2004 to December 2008 at Tanggula district on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The result showed that diurnal 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 strongly influenced by variation of soil moisture content. The daily 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 exhibited distinct seasonal variation; on average, the largest value of 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 occurred in summer, followed by the autumn and spring season, while the smallest value occurred in winter. As a whole, 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 values in the unfrozen state were larger than those in the frozen state. Unsaturated soil and the huge difference in soil moisture content between the unfrozen state and initial freeze resulted in the lower 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 in the frozen state. For the study area, the critical value of local soil saturation degree was about 0.37, the corresponding critical soil moisture content was about 0.195 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉. And soil moisture content was the main factor controlling in situ 〈em〉λ〈/em〉. Finally, an empirically-derived model was proposed for predicting daily 〈em〉λ〈/em〉, and which showed good performance in the study area.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Volume 264〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Baoqing Zhang, Amir AghaKouchak, Yuting Yang, Jiahua Wei, Guangqian Wang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Different categories of droughts (e.g., meteorological, agricultural, hydrological), and their multi-scalar features often make description of drought onset, persistence, and termination challenging and often subjective. Here we show that a water-energy balance based indicator, named Standardized Moisture Anomaly Index (SZI), better captures multiple categories of droughts and their multi-scalar features. We globally evaluate and compare the performance of SZI with existing drought indicators that use potential evapotranspiration (PET) as a measure of atmospheric water demand including the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI). We show that while 〈em〉PET〈/em〉 is a good indicator for characterizing the climate aridity, using it as a measure of atmospheric water demand for drought analysis leads to misrepresentation of droughts, especially over water-limited (non-humid) regions where the actual evapotranspiration is primarily dominated by water availability rather than energy (or PET). The main advantage of SZI is that, instead of PET, it uses a variable termed climatically appropriate precipitation for existing conditions (〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si2.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mover accent="true"〉〈mi〉P〈/mi〉〈mo〉ˆ〈/mo〉〈/mover〉〈/math〉) as the atmospheric water demand metric. Investigating droughts over 32 large basins across the globe, we show that the SZI can better represent meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural droughts compared to SPEI (especially in non-humid basins; 18 out of 32 basins) and scPDSI at multiple time scales. Given that SZI is physically more reasonable in reflecting surface water-energy balance over both humid and non-humid regions, it enables better characterization of different types of droughts in different climatic regions.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xin Cai, Chengbin Gao, Huanhuan Song, Ning Yang, Qiang Fu, Fenghua Tan, Chao Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cathepsin Z (CTSZ) is a lysosomal cysteine protease of the papain superfamily. It participates in the host immune defense via phagocytosis, signal transduction, cell-cell communication, proliferation, and migration of immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In this study, we reported the identification of 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ, a CTSZ homolog from turbot (〈em〉Scophthalmus maximus〈/em〉 L.). 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ was 317 residues in length and contains a Pept-C1 domain. In multiple species comparison, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ shared 65–93% overall sequence identities with the CTSZ counterparts from human, rat, and several fish species. In the phylogenetic analysis, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ showed the closest relationship to 〈em〉Cynoglossus semilaevis〈/em〉. The syntenic analysis revealed the similar neighboring genes of CTSZ across all the selected species, which suggested the synteny encompassing CTSZ region during vertebrate evolution. Subsequently, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ was constitutively expressed in various tissues, with the lowest and highest levels in brain and intestine respectively. In addition, 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ was significantly up-regulated in intestine following both Gram-negative bacteria 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉, and Gram-positive bacteria 〈em〉Streptococcus iniae〈/em〉 immersion challenge. Finally, the 〈em〉rSm〈/em〉CTSZ showed strong binding ability to all the examined microbial ligands, and the agglutination effect to different bacteria. Taken together, these results indicated 〈em〉Sm〈/em〉CTSZ could play important roles in mucosal immune response in the event of bacterial infection in teleost. However, the knowledge of CTSZ are still limited in teleost species, further studies should be carried out to better characterize its detailed roles in teleost mucosal immunity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 14 August 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mehdi Samiee, Mohsen Zayernouri, Mark M. Meerschaert〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We present the stability and error analysis of the unified Petrov–Galerkin spectral method, developed in [1], for linear fractional partial differential equations with two-sided derivatives and constant coefficients in any (〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈/math〉)-dimensional space-time hypercube, 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si2.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉3〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mo〉⋯〈/mo〉〈/math〉, subject to homogeneous Dirichlet initial/boundary conditions. Specifically, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the weak form and perform the corresponding stability and error analysis of the proposed method. Finally, we perform several numerical simulations to compare the theoretical and computational rates of convergence.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Giovanni Soligo, Alessio Roccon, Alfredo Soldati〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work, we propose and test the validity of a modified Phase Field Method (PFM), which is specifically developed for large scale simulations of turbulent flows with large and deformable surfactant-laden droplets. The time evolution of the phase field, 〈em〉ϕ〈/em〉, and of the surfactant concentration field, 〈em〉ψ〈/em〉, are obtained from two Cahn–Hilliard-like equations together with a two-order-parameter Time-Dependent Ginzburg–Landau (TDGL) free energy functional. The modifications introduced circumvent existing limitations of current approaches based on PFM and improve the well-posedness of the model. The effect of surfactant on surface tension is modeled via an Equation Of State (EOS), further improving the flexibility of the approach. This method can efficiently handle topological changes, i.e. breakup and coalescence, and describe adsorption/desorption of surfactant. The capabilities of the proposed approach are tested in this paper against previous experimental results on the effects of surfactant on the deformation of a single droplet and on the interactions between two droplets. Finally, to appreciate the performances of the model on a large scale complex simulation, a qualitative analysis of the behavior of surfactant-laden droplets in a turbulent channel flow is presented and discussed.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sergii V. Siryk〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We provide a careful Fourier analysis of the Guermond–Pasquetti mass lumping correction technique (Guermond and Pasquetti, 2013 [11]) applied to pure transport and convection–diffusion problems. In particular, it is found that increasing the number of corrections reduces the accuracy for problems with diffusion; however all the corrected schemes are more accurate than the consistent Galerkin formulation in this case. For the pure transport problems the situation is the opposite. We also investigate the differences between two numerical solutions – the consistent solution and the corrected ones, and show that increasing the number of corrections makes solutions of the corrected schemes closer to the consistent solution in all cases.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Adam S. Jermyn〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Tensors are a natural way to express correlations among many physical variables, but storing tensors in a computer naively requires memory which scales exponentially in the rank of the tensor. This is not optimal, as the required memory is actually set not by the rank but by the mutual information amongst the variables in question. Representations such as the tensor tree perform near-optimally when the tree decomposition is chosen to reflect the correlation structure in question, but making such a choice is non-trivial and good heuristics remain highly context-specific. In this work I present two new algorithms for choosing efficient tree decompositions, independent of the physical context of the tensor. The first is a brute-force algorithm which produces optimal decompositions up to truncation error but is generally impractical for high-rank tensors, as the number of possible choices grows exponentially in rank. The second is a greedy algorithm, and while it is not optimal it performs extremely well in numerical experiments while having runtime which makes it practical even for tensors of very high rank.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lam H. Nguyen, Dominik Schillinger〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We describe a local iterative corrector scheme that significantly improves the accuracy of the multiscale finite element method (MsFEM). Our technique is based on the definition of a local corrector problem for each multiscale basis function that is driven by the residual of the previous multiscale solution. Each corrector problem results in a local corrector solution that improves the accuracy of the corresponding multiscale basis function at element interfaces. We cast the strategy of residual-driven correction in an iterative scheme that is straightforward to implement and, due to the locality of corrector problems, well-suited for parallel computing. We show that the iterative scheme converges to the best possible fine-mesh solution. Finally, we illustrate the effectiveness of our approach with multiscale benchmarks characterized by missing scale separation, including the microCT-based stress analysis of a vertebra with trabecular microstructure.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Radiation Measurements, Volume 119〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Larisa Grigorjeva, Aleksejs Zolotarjovs, Donats Millers, Krisjanis Smits, Peter Krug, Johannes Stollenwerk, Alan Osman, Thomas Tenostendarp〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉For many years doped α-Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 has attracted interest as a dosimeter for personal, environment monitoring and food control. The alumina single crystal growth is a difficult process; however, materials in form of powders, ceramics and coating are possible to obtain. In this study for the first time Cr doped α-Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 powders were prepared by DC reactive magnetron sputtering followed by milling and oxidation. The morphology and phase analysis was performed; content of residual impurities was determined and thermostimulated glow curves were measured after different x-ray irradiation times (radiation doses). The prepared powder shows the dosimetry properties up to 20 kGy dose.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Brody Bassett, Brian Kiedrowski〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method is applied to the steady-state and 〈em〉k〈/em〉-eigenvalue neutron transport equations, which are discretized in energy using the multigroup approximation and in angle using the discrete ordinates approximation. To prevent oscillations in the neutron flux, the MLPG transport equation is stabilized by the streamline upwind Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) method. Global neutron conservation is enforced by using moving least squares basis and weight functions and appropriate SUPG parameters. The cross sections in the transport equation are approximated in accordance with global particle balance and without constraint on their spatial dependence or the location of the basis and weight functions. The equations for the strong-form meshless collocation approach are derived for comparison to the MLPG equations. The method of manufactured solutions is used to verify the resulting MLPG method in one, two and three dimensions. Results for realistic problems, including two-dimensional pincells, a reflected ellipsoid and a three-dimensional problem with voids, are verified by comparison to Monte Carlo simulations.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 28 May 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Frederic Gibou, David Hyde, Ron Fedkiw〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We present a review on numerical methods for simulating multiphase and free surface flows. We focus in particular on numerical methods that seek to preserve the discontinuous nature of the solutions across the interface between phases. We provide a discussion on the Ghost-Fluid and Voronoi Interface methods, on the treatment of surface tension forces that avoid stringent time step restrictions, on adaptive grid refinement techniques for improved efficiency and on parallel computing approaches. We present the results of some simulations obtained with these treatments in two and three spatial dimensions. We also provide a discussion of Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques in the context of multiphase flows and propose several future potential research thrusts for using deep learning to enhance the study and simulation of multiphase flows.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0021999118303371-gr001.jpg" width="500" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 26 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xiaodong Liu, Jiguang Sun〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Inverse scattering has been an active research area for the past thirty years. While very successful in many cases, progress has lagged when only 〈em〉limited-aperture〈/em〉 measurement is available. In this paper, we perform some elementary study to recover data that can not be measured directly. In particular, we aim at recovering the 〈em〉full-aperture〈/em〉 far field data from 〈em〉limited-aperture〈/em〉 measurement. Due to the reciprocity relation, the multi-static response matrix (MSR) has a symmetric structure. Using the Green's formula and single layer potential, we propose two schemes to recover 〈em〉full-aperture〈/em〉 MSR. The recovered data is tested by a recently proposed direct sampling method and the factorization method. Numerical results show that it is possible to, at least, partially recover the missing data and consequently improve the reconstruction of the scatterer.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): D. Reiser, J. Romazanov, Ch. Linsmeier〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The problem of constructing Monte-Carlo solutions of drift-diffusion systems corresponding to Fokker–Planck equations with sources and sinks is revisited. Firstly, a compact formalism is introduced for the specific problem of stationary solutions. This leads to identification of the dwell time as the key quantity to characterize the system and to obtain a proper normalization for statistical analysis of numerical results. Secondly, the question of appropriate track length estimators for drift-diffusion systems is discussed for a 1D model system. It is found that a simple track length estimator can be given only for pure drift motion without diffusion. The stochastic nature of the diffusive part cannot be appropriately described by the path length of simulation particles. Further analysis of the usual situation with inhomogeneous drift and diffusion coefficients leads to an error estimate based on particle trajectories. The result for limits in grid cell size and time step used for the construction of Monte-Carlo trajectories resembles the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy and von Neumann conditions for explicit methods.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dinshaw S. Balsara, Roger Käppeli〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The time-dependent equations of computational electrodynamics (CED) are evolved consistent with the divergence constraints on the electric displacement and magnetic induction vector fields. Respecting these constraints has proved to be very useful in the classic finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) schemes. As a result, there has been a recent effort to design finite volume time domain (FVTD) and discontinuous Galerkin time domain (DGTD) schemes that satisfy the same constraints and, nevertheless, draw on recent advances in higher order Godunov methods. This paper catalogues the first step in the design of globally constraint-preserving DGTD schemes. The algorithms presented here are based on a novel DG-like method that is applied to a Yee-type staggering of the electromagnetic field variables in the faces of the mesh. The other two novel building blocks of the method include constraint-preserving reconstruction of the electromagnetic fields and multidimensional Riemann solvers; both of which have been developed in recent years by the first author.〈/p〉 〈p〉The resulting DGTD scheme is linear, at least when limiters are not applied to the DG scheme. As a result, it is possible to carry out a von Neumann stability analysis of the entire suite of DGTD schemes for CED at orders of accuracy ranging from second to fourth. The analysis requires some simplifications in order to make it analytically tractable, however, it proves to be extremely instructive. A von Neumann stability analysis is a necessary precursor to the design of a full DGTD scheme for CED. It gives us the maximal CFL numbers that can be sustained by the DGTD schemes presented here at all orders. It also enables us to understand the wave propagation characteristics of the schemes in various directions on a Cartesian mesh. We find that constraint-preserving DGTD schemes permit CFL numbers that are competitive with conventional DG schemes. However, like conventional DG schemes, the CFL of DGTD schemes decreases with increasing order. To counteract that, we also present constraint-preserving PNPM schemes for CED. We find that the third and fourth order constraint-preserving DGTD and P1PM schemes have some extremely attractive properties when it comes to low-dispersion, low-dissipation propagation of electromagnetic waves in multidimensions. Numerical accuracy tests are also provided to support the von Neumann stability analysis. We expect these methods to play a role in those problems of engineering CED where exceptional precision must be achieved at any cost.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yinghe Qi, Jiacai Lu, Ruben Scardovelli, Stéphane Zaleski, Grétar Tryggvason〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In spite of considerable progress, computing curvature in Volume of Fluid (VOF) methods continues to be a challenge. The goal is to develop a function or a subroutine that returns the curvature in computational cells containing an interface separating two immiscible fluids, given the volume fraction in the cell and the adjacent cells. Currently, the most accurate approach is to fit a curve (2D), or a surface (3D), matching the volume fractions and finding the curvature by differentiation. Here, a different approach is examined. A synthetic data set, relating curvature to volume fractions, is generated using well-defined shapes where the curvature and volume fractions are easily found and then machine learning is used to fit the data (training). The resulting function is used to find the curvature for shapes not used for the training and implemented into a code to track moving interfaces. The results suggest that using machine learning to generate the relationship is a viable approach that results in reasonably accurate predictions.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mani Razi, Robert M. Kirby, Akil Narayan〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for the construction of multi-fidelity surrogate models with “discrete” fidelity levels. The notion of a discrete level of fidelity is in contrast to a mathematical model, for which the notion of refinement towards a high-fidelity model is relevant to sending a discretization parameter toward zero in a continuous way. Our notion of discrete fidelity levels encompasses cases for which there is no notion of convergence in terms of a fidelity parameter that can be sent to zero or infinity. The particular choice of how levels of fidelity are defined in this framework paves the way for using models that may have no apparent physical or mathematical relationship to the target high-fidelity model. However, our approach requires that models can produce results with a common set of parameters in the target model. Hence, fidelity level in this work is not directly representative of the degree of similarity of a low-fidelity model to a target high-fidelity model. In particular, we show that our approach is applicable to competitive ecological systems with different numbers of species, discrete-state Markov chains with a different number of states, polymer networks with a different number of connections, and nano-particle plasmonic arrays with a different number of scatterers. The results of this study demonstrate that our procedure boasts computational efficiency and accuracy for a wide variety of models and engineering systems.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hasan Almanasreh〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work we will treat the spurious eigenvalues obstacle that appears in the computation of the radial Dirac eigenvalue problem using numerical methods. The treatment of the spurious solution is based on applying Petrov–Galerkin finite element method. The significance of this work is the employment of just continuous basis functions, thus the need of a continuous function which has a continuous first derivative as a basis, as in [2], [3], is no longer required. The Petrov–Galerkin finite element method for the Dirac eigenvalue problem strongly depends on a stability parameter, 〈em〉τ〈/em〉, that controls the size of the diffusion terms added to the finite element formulation for the problem. The mesh-dependent parameter 〈em〉τ〈/em〉 is derived based on the given problem with the particular basis functions.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): S.B. Adrian, F.P. Andriulli, T.F. Eibert〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We present a Calderón preconditioner for the electric field integral equation (EFIE), which does not require a barycentric refinement of the mesh and which yields a Hermitian, positive definite (HPD) system matrix allowing for the usage of the conjugate gradient (CG) solver. The resulting discrete equation system is immune to the low-frequency and the dense-discretization breakdown and, in contrast to existing Calderón preconditioners, no second discretization of the EFIE operator with Buffa–Christiansen (BC) functions is necessary. This preconditioner is obtained by leveraging on spectral equivalences between (scalar) integral operators, namely the single layer and the hypersingular operator known from electrostatics, on the one hand, and the Laplace–Beltrami operator on the other hand. Since our approach incorporates Helmholtz projectors, there is no search for global loops necessary and thus our method remains stable on multiply connected geometries. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for both canonical and realistic (multi-scale) problems.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 21 February 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mehdi Samiee, Mohsen Zayernouri, Mark M. Meerschaert〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We develop a unified Petrov–Galerkin spectral method for a class of fractional partial differential equations with two-sided derivatives and constant coefficients of the form 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mmultiscripts〉〈mrow〉〈mi mathvariant="script"〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈none〉〈/none〉〈none〉〈/none〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mi〉τ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mprescripts〉〈/mprescripts〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈none〉〈/none〉〈/mmultiscripts〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈msubsup〉〈mrow〉〈mo〉∑〈/mo〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msubsup〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉[〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉c〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉l〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉a〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈msubsup〉〈mrow〉〈mi mathvariant="script"〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉x〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉μ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msubsup〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉c〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉r〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉x〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈msubsup〉〈mrow〉〈mi mathvariant="script"〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉b〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉μ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msubsup〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉]〈/mo〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈mi〉γ〈/mi〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈msubsup〉〈mrow〉〈mo〉∑〈/mo〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msubsup〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉[〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉κ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉l〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉a〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈msubsup〉〈mrow〉〈mi mathvariant="script"〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉x〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉ν〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msubsup〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉κ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉r〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉x〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈msubsup〉〈mrow〉〈mi mathvariant="script"〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉b〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉ν〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/mrow〉〈/msubsup〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉]〈/mo〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈mi〉f〈/mi〉〈/math〉, where 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si2.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mi〉τ〈/mi〉〈mo〉∈〈/mo〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉, 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si3.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mi〉τ〈/mi〉〈mo〉≠〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈/math〉, 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si4.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉μ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo〉∈〈/mo〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉 and 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si5.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉ν〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo〉∈〈/mo〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉, in a (〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si6.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈/math〉)-dimensional 〈em〉space–time〈/em〉 hypercube, 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si7.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉3〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mo〉⋯〈/mo〉〈/math〉, subject to homogeneous Dirichlet initial/boundary conditions. We employ the eigenfunctions of the fractional Sturm–Liouville eigen-problems of the first kind in [1], called 〈em〉Jacobi poly-fractonomial〈/em〉s, as temporal bases, and the eigen-functions of the boundary-value problem of the second kind as temporal test functions. Next, we construct our spatial basis/test functions using Legendre polynomials, yielding mass matrices being independent of the spatial fractional orders (〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si8.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉μ〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉ν〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mi〉i〈/mi〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mi〉j〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mo〉⋯〈/mo〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈/math〉). Furthermore, we formulate a novel unified fast linear solver for the resulting high-dimensional linear system based on the solution of generalized eigen-problem of spatial mass matrices with respect to the corresponding stiffness matrices, hence, making the complexity of the problem optimal, i.e., 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si9.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi mathvariant="script"〉O〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉N〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉. We carry out several numerical test cases to examine the CPU time and convergence rate of the method. The corresponding stability and error analysis of the Petrov–Galerkin method are carried out in [2].〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ruilian Du, Yubin Yan, Zongqi Liang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A new high-order finite difference scheme to approximate the Caputo fractional derivative 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mfrac〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/mfrac〉〈mo stretchy="true" maxsize="2.4ex" minsize="2.4ex"〉(〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mmultiscripts〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉α〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mprescripts〉〈/mprescripts〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉C〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/mmultiscripts〉〈mi〉f〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉k〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.2em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mmultiscripts〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉D〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉α〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mprescripts〉〈/mprescripts〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉C〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/mmultiscripts〉〈mi〉f〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉k〈/mi〉〈mo〉−〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈mo stretchy="true" maxsize="2.4ex" minsize="2.4ex"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉, 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si2.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi〉k〈/mi〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mo〉…〈/mo〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mi〉N〈/mi〉〈/math〉, with the convergence order 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si160.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi〉O〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈mi mathvariant="normal"〉Δ〈/mi〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉4〈/mn〉〈mo〉−〈/mo〉〈mi〉α〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉, 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si4.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi〉α〈/mi〉〈mo〉∈〈/mo〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈mn〉1〈/mn〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉 is obtained when 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si123.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉f〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mo〉‴〈/mo〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈mo〉=〈/mo〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/math〉, where Δ〈em〉t〈/em〉 denotes the time step size. Based on this scheme we introduce a finite difference method for solving fractional diffusion wave equation with the convergence order 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si6.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi〉O〈/mi〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉(〈/mo〉〈mi mathvariant="normal"〉Δ〈/mi〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉4〈/mn〉〈mo〉−〈/mo〉〈mi〉α〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo〉+〈/mo〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉h〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo stretchy="false"〉)〈/mo〉〈/math〉, where 〈em〉h〈/em〉 denotes the space step size. Numerical examples are given to show that the numerical results are consistent with the theoretical results.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jie Du, Yang Yang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) methods are popular for convection-diffusion equations. In LDG methods, we introduce an auxiliary variable 〈em〉p〈/em〉 to represent the derivative of the primary variable 〈em〉u〈/em〉, and solve them on the same mesh. It is well known that the maximum-principle-preserving (MPP) LDG method is only available up to second-order accuracy. Recently, we introduced a new algorithm, and solve 〈em〉u〈/em〉 and 〈em〉p〈/em〉 on different meshes, and obtained stability and optimal error estimates. In this paper, we will continue this approach and construct MPP third-order LDG methods for convection-diffusion equations on overlapping meshes. The new algorithm is more flexible and does not increase any computational cost. Numerical evidence will be given to demonstrate the accuracy and good performance of the third-order MPP LDG method.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 376〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yunchang Seol, Yu-Hau Tseng, Yongsam Kim, Ming-Chih Lai〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this paper, a two-dimensional immersed boundary method is developed to simulate the dynamics of Newtonian vesicle in viscoelastic Oldroyd-B fluid under shear flow. The viscoelasticity effect of extra stress is well incorporated into the immersed boundary formulation using the indicator function. Our numerical methodology is first validated in comparison with theoretical results in purely Newtonian fluid, and then a series of numerical experiments is conducted to study the effects of different dimensionless parameters on the vesicle motions. Although the tank-treading (TT) motion of Newtonian vesicle in Oldroyd-B fluid under shear flow can be observed just like in Newtonian fluid, it is surprising to find that the stationary inclination angle can be negative without the transition to tumbling (TB) motion. Moreover, the inertia effect plays a significant role that is able to turn the vesicle back to positive inclination angle through TT-TB-TT transition as the Reynolds number increases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first numerical work for the detailed investigations of Newtonian vesicle dynamics suspended in viscoelastic Oldroyd-B fluid. We believe that our numerical results can be used to motivate further studies in theory and experiments for such coupling vesicle problems.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Forest Ecology and Management, Volume 433〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Matthew E. Hane, Andrew J. Kroll, Aaron Springford, Jack Giovanini, Mike Rochelle, Edward B. Arnett〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Structural enrichment in commercial tree plantations is a potential tool to increase snag numbers but relatively little information is available about how species, size, and spatial distribution of created snags are associated with longevity of these structures. We created 1197 snags in 31 harvest units from 1997 to 1999 in the Cascade and Coast Ranges, Oregon, USA, by topping live trees with harvesting equipment. We used an experimental design to distribute created snags at three densities and as either single or clumped created snags. We fit Weibull and log-logistic Accelerated Failure Time models and found that the median failure time was insensitive to the choice of distribution. We found a small positive effect of diameter at breast height (DBH) and a slight negative effect of increasing distance between created snags on survival. Assuming Weibull and log-logistic distributions at mean observed values of DBH and distance between snags, median survival times for Douglas-fir (〈em〉Pseudotsuga menziesii〈/em〉) were 21.0 (95% confidence interval: 19.3, 22.8) years and 21.2 (19.7, 22.8) years, respectively. For western hemlock (〈em〉Tsuga heterophylla〈/em〉), median survival times were 13.0 (11.9, 14.2) years and 12.5 (11.4, 13.7) years, respectively. Although the two failure distributions had similar median failure times, the log-logistic implies a higher survival probability over time for snags that remained standing at the end of the study period. Created snags can be a useful supplement for harvest units rotated at ∼45 years and Douglas-fir will be available for longer as standing structures. For example, under the log-logistic model, a predicted 5% of Douglas-fir snags are retained to rotation age, so that 40 snags per hectare would be required at harvest to maintain 2 snags per hectare through stand rotation. Snags created from western hemlock will provide an early rotation pulse but are unlikely to last longer than 20 years. Our results suggest that longevity can be increased by maximizing the snag size within the safety constraints of harvesting equipment. Scattering of snags may have a slightly negative effect on snag survival but this outcome should be weighed against potential ecological benefits of variation in snag distributions.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Forest Ecology and Management, Volume 433〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hilman T. Sukma, Julian Di Stefano, Matthew Swan, Holly Sitters〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Enhanced understanding of relationships between functional diversity (FD) and environmental gradients is crucial given accelerating rates of land-cover change and disturbance worldwide. Functional diversity measures the abundance, range and distribution of traits in a community, and links species diversity with ecosystem function. Several studies have related bird or invertebrate FD to environmental gradients, but information on the responses of mammal FD to vegetation structural diversity at scales of management relevance is scarce. We addressed this knowledge gap by examining responses of ground-dwelling mammal FD to vegetation structural complexity in wet (high-productivity) and dry (low-productivity) eucalypt forest in the Otway Ranges, southeast Australia. In dry forest, we expected a positive relationship between FD and vegetation structural complexity because more resources should enable species with a greater diversity of traits to co-exist. We expected negative correlations in wet forest, where competitive dominance may drive a decrease in FD as structural complexity increases. Ground-dwelling mammals were surveyed using camera traps, and we used five traits to construct four FD indices (richness, evenness, divergence, and dispersion). Six vegetation structure variables were used to calculate two indices of vegetation structure, and we used linear mixed models to relate functional diversity and species richness to vegetation structural complexity (the total abundance of structural attributes) and heterogeneity (the level of contrast or patchiness in structure), in wet and dry forest. Camera traps detected ten native ground-dwelling mammal species. All FD indices were positively correlated with vegetation structural complexity, but only functional dispersion responded to structural heterogeneity. Contrary to expectations, relationships between FD and structural complexity were consistent in both forest types, and we suggest that low levels of functional niche occupancy prevented competitive dominance in wet forest. Species richness did not respond to any predictor variables, and is unlikely to be a useful surrogate of ground-dwelling mammal FD. Our results indicate that forest managers may sustain ecosystem functions performed by ground-dwelling mammals by conserving structurally complex vegetation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Forest Ecology and Management, Volume 433〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Gustavo Mariano Rezende, Daniel Luis Mascia Vieira〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Forest regeneration in abandoned pastures in Amazonia has been well studied, but active restoration of non-resilient pastures has not. In this work, we evaluated large-scale active restoration of intensively used pastures in southern Amazonia, where the highest deforestation rates are observed. With the construction of the Jirau Dam in the Madeira river (state of Rondônia, Brazil), a 3000-ha forest buffer zone has been established. This area was previously covered by African pasture grasses for cattle ranching. Eight mixed-species planting sites with variable grass management and ranging from 6 to 60 months post-planting were measured three times over 2.5 years. We also tested a gradient of restoration intensity in an experimental planting: (i) no intervention (control), (ii) harrowing and herbicides to control grasses, and (iii) harrowing and herbicides plus tree planting. Our goals were to understand the initial trajectory of actively restored sites, the role of harrowing and herbicide application in triggering natural regeneration, and the role of seedling planting on the initial vegetation structure. All tree species ≥30 cm in height were sampled in five circular 10-m-radius plots per site. Plant cover was also monitored using the step-point method. At 18 months, stem density ranged from 2500 to 14,490 ind·ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, demonstrating that density increased suddenly in most sites through colonization, although this was highly variable. Tree cover reached 81% in five years, virtually eliminating grass cover after 36 months. Recruits contributed more to basal area than planted seedlings. Although 17 species, on average, were planted in restoration sites, the number of species at the sites steadily increased over time, at a rate of 7 species·yr〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 per 1570 m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉. 〈em〉Cecropia〈/em〉 spp. and 〈em〉Trema micrantha〈/em〉 recruits had the highest stem densities and basal areas. Harrowing and grass control were enough to trigger succession in sites where natural regeneration was not taking place, shifting these sites to the highly resilient route of early secondary forest succession in the Amazon. Future restoration efforts should use a combination of methods, first evaluating the potential for natural regeneration and then gradually eliminating barriers.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Volume 264〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ravshan Eshonkulov, Arne Poyda, Joachim Ingwersen, Alim Pulatov, Thilo Streck〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Turbulent fluxes at the land surface measured by the Eddy Covariance (EC) technique are typically considerably less than the difference between net radiation and ground heat flux. This is known as the energy balance closure (EBC) problem. It is crucial for validating land surface models as it provokes substantial uncertainty to the magnitude and partitioning of energy fluxes. The gap in the energy balance calls for searching for additional energy terms in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. To evaluate the contribution of these minor storage terms to the measured EBC, we conducted an experimental study to evaluate the contribution of these minor storage terms to measured EBC in the Kraichgau region in southwest Germany over two consecutive growing seasons (2015 and 2016). The measured and calculated minor storage terms comprised the enthalpy change in the plant canopy (〈em〉S〈sub〉c〈/sub〉〈/em〉), the air enthalpy change (〈em〉S〈sub〉a〈/sub〉〈/em〉), the energy consumption and release by photosynthesis and respiration (〈em〉S〈sub〉p〈/sub〉〈/em〉), and the atmospheric moisture change (〈em〉S〈sub〉q〈/sub〉〈/em〉). Furthermore, the soil heat storage (〈em〉S〈sub〉g〈/sub〉〈/em〉) was determined at different locations within the EC footprint and compared to the single point measurements of 〈em〉S〈sub〉g〈/sub〉〈/em〉 at the EC station. Calorimetric and harmonic analysis were performed to compute ground heat flux. 〈em〉S〈sub〉p〈/sub〉〈/em〉 had the strongest effect in improving EBC due to the high net CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 uptake during the productive phase of plant growth. In 2015, all minor storage terms together increased EBC by 5.0% on average, with a maximum value of 7.4% in May, while the improvement in 2016 was 6.8% on average and 8.4% in May. Ground heat flux computed with the harmonic analysis based on plate data narrowed the EBC by 3% more than the calorimetric method. In summary, a better EBC can be achieved by considering minor storage terms and applying a harmonic analysis to ground heat flux data. Regarding future research, we recommend to focus on year-round measurements of energy terms because energy stored during the growing season might be lost from the system during the rest of the year. Nonetheless, the significant contribution of minor energy terms to EBC indicates that turbulent energy fluxes are most likely overestimated when all the missing energy is assumed to be turbulent–the typical approach when fluxes are corrected by the Bowen ratio post-closure method for instance.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers & Geosciences, Volume 122〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Seth Goodman, Ariel BenYishay, Zhonghui Lv, Daniel Runfola〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Interdisciplinary use of geospatial data requires the integration of data from a breadth of sources, and frequently involves the harmonization of different methods of sampling, measurement, and technical data types. These integrative efforts are often inhibited by fundamental geocomputational challenges, including a lack of memory efficient or parallel processing approaches to traditional methods such as zonal statistics. GeoQuery (〈a href="http://geoquery.org/" target="_blank"〉geoquery.org〈/a〉) is a dynamic web application which utilizes a High Performance Computing cluster and novel parallel geospatial data processing methods to overcome these challenges. Through an online interface, GeoQuery users can request geospatial data - which spans categories including geophysical, environmental and social measurements - to be aggregated to user-selected units of analysis (e.g., subnational administrative boundaries). Once a request has been processed, users are provided with permanent links to access their customized data and documentation. Datasets made available through GeoQuery are reviewed, prepared, and provisioned by geospatial data specialists, with processing routines tailored for each dataset. The code used and steps taken while preparing datasets and processing user requests are publicly available, ensuring transparency and replicability of all data and processes. By mediating the complexities of working with geospatial data, GeoQuery reduces the barriers to entry and the related costs of incorporating geospatial data into research across disciplines. This paper presents the technology and methods used by GeoQuery to process and manage geospatial data and user requests.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers & Geosciences, Volume 123〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pouyan Pirnia, François Duhaime, Yannic Ethier, Jean-Sébastien Dubé〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The thermal, mechanical and hydrodynamic behaviour of porous media in geoscience applications is usually modelled through the finite-element (FEM) or finite-difference methods. These continuum models tend to perform poorly when modelling phenomena that are essentially dependent on behaviour at the particle scale or phenomena that are not accurately described by partial differential equations (PDE), such as internal erosion and filtration. The discrete nature of granular materials can be modelled through the discrete-element method (DEM). However, in some instances, DEM models would benefit from an interface with continuum models to solve coupled PDEs or to model phenomena that occur at a different scale. This paper introduces ICY, an interface between COMSOL Multiphysics, a commercial finite-element engine, and YADE, an open-source discrete-element code. The interface is centred on a JAVA class. It was verified using the simple example of a sphere falling in water according to Stokes’ law. For this example, the drag force was calculated in COMSOL and body forces (gravity, buoyancy and drag) on the sphere were summed in YADE. The paper also presents an application example for the interface based on the modelling of internal erosion tests.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0098300417313213-fx1.jpg" width="334" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Geoderma, Volume 337〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yang Ou, Alain N. Rousseau, Lixia Wang, Baixing Yan, Thiago Gumiere, Hui Zhu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In China, most riparian wetlands have undergone degradation and shrinkage, due to severe droughts or low hydrological connectivity. There are considerable studies focusing on the impact of water level on wetland vegetation; however, changes in the soil components, such as the microbial community, of wetlands following flooding remains unclear. Here, we verified the effects of an extreme flooding event on the soil physicochemical conditions, enzyme activities and soil microbial composition. Overall, we observed that the flooding event impacted the soil properties and modified the enzyme activities. Also, the flooding affected more the biomass than the composition of the soil microbial community. We observed that after the flooding event, manganese (Mn) replaced total nitrogen (TN) as one of the major governing factors of soil enzyme activities. Soil organic carbon (SOC), and pH were also correlated with soil enzyme activities before and after the flooding event. Soil conductivity (EC), C/N ratio, and iron (Fe) contents had a large influence on microbial communities. Nevertheless, the soil C/N ratio was the dominant governing factor of the microbial structure. Therefore, edaphic factors were remarkably related to microbial organisms as flooding was deemed a key driving factor to the linkage between them. The antecedent long-term drought provoked by human disturbance, and subsequent flooding (i.e., re-inundating) may thus damage the soil dynamics of riparian wetlands, and hence, altering the carbon storage capacity. The results of this study suggest that rehabilitating hydrological connectivity and promoting primary succession of vegetation could become effective practices for improving the soil ecosystem of riparian wetlands.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Volume 264〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Adrià Barbeta, J. Julio Camarero, Gabriel Sangüesa-Barreda, Lena Muffler, Josep Peñuelas〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The performance and persistence of rear-edge tree populations are relevant issues for conserving biodiversity because these stands harbor high intraspecific biodiversity and play a key role during periods of climate change. The occurrence of these populations is associated with the influence of heterogeneous topography, creating suitable refugia with regionally rare environmental conditions. Climate is changing at a global-scale, but little is known about the long-term impact on local climatic singularities and the associated taxa. We analyzed tree-ring growth chronologies of the two species (〈em〉Fagus sylvatica〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Quercus ilex〈/em〉) forming the evergreen-deciduous forest ecotone, constitutive of the rear-edge of 〈em〉F. sylvatica〈/em〉 distribution. The study area is a coastal range with frequent fog immersion, which has been hypothesized to favor the persistence of 〈em〉F. sylvatica〈/em〉 in Mediterranean peninsulas. We analyzed the long-term effect of fog on tree growth along a topographical gradient and the sensitivity of growth to rainfall and temperature. The annual number of foggy days has decreased by 62% over the last four decades, concomitant with increasing temperatures. Fog frequency was a relevant factor determining tree growth; fog during summer had positive effects on 〈em〉F. sylvatica〈/em〉 growth mainly through a temperature buffering effect. The positive effect of fog on the growth of 〈em〉Q. ilex〈/em〉, however, was likely caused by a collinearity with rainfall. 〈em〉Q. ilex〈/em〉 growth was less sensitive to climate than 〈em〉F. sylvatica〈/em〉, but growth of both species was enhanced by a positive early-summer water balance. Our results indicate that a decrease in fog frequency and an increase in temperature may generally benefit 〈em〉Q. ilex〈/em〉 in this forest ecotone. Although future changes in rainfall and temperature matter most for the fate of rear-edge tree populations, local climatic singularities such as fog should also be considered. Those can have complementary effects that can swing the balance in ecotones and rear-edge tree populations such as those studied here.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0168192318303447-ga1.jpg" width="269" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Suhyun Jung, Stephen Polasky〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Environmental protection, even with strong environmental laws on the books, often fails in developing countries because of limited government ability to monitor and enforce environmental laws. An alternative route to government monitoring and enforcement involves partnerships with private firms and non-governmental organizations. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of the Responsible Soy Project, a partnership between Cargill and The Nature Conservancy, to curb deforestation following the opening of a new soybean export facility in the Brazilian Amazon. We find that the project significantly decreased deforestation rates in properties enrolled in the project, despite its late arrival two years after the opening of the export facility. Theoretical predictions and empirical results show that the impacts of the project were greater on smaller properties that are more likely to be credit-constrained, and on properties initially not in compliance with Brazil's Forest Code that faced binding constraints on deforestation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 2 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Omega〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Robert W. Hanks, Brian J. Lunday, Jeffery D. Weir〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Robust goal programming (RGP) is a recently developed, powerful new optimization modeling technique that conjoins two widely accepted operations research disciplines: robust optimization (RO) and goal programming (GP). In lieu of applying a probability distribution over possible outcomes, an approach considered by stochastic programming, RO utilizes uncertainty sets to account for data uncertainty. This characteristic of RO is an important attribute because identifying such a probability distribution is challenging, at best. Given this RO context, RGP additionally incorporates GP, traditionally a deterministic procedure, to address optimization problems having multiple objectives. As such, RGP has potential to help address a wide array of data-driven applications, ranging from financial management to engineering design.〈/p〉 〈p〉As a motivating use case for the utility of an RGP approach, this paper demonstrates the applicability of RGP by way of the data-driven United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) liner rate setting problem. USTRANSCOM is responsible for the technical direction and supervision of over $7 billion [1] of annual passenger, cargo, mobility, and personal property movements in support of the Department of Defense (DoD). Transporting people and material with both organic and contracted assets, USTRANSCOM supports DoD organizations and agencies on a reimbursable basis, annually setting and charging rates for air and liner (i.e., sea) transport for their customers and reimbursing the transportation providers accordingly. The Cost Recovery Branch within TCJ8, the Financial Management and Program Analysis staff organization for USTRANSCOM, annually sets liner shipping rates specific to each combination of origin, destination, commodity type, booking terms, and container size for the upcoming fiscal year (FY). As a government entity, USTRANSCOM seeks to neither make a profit nor operate at a loss in any given FY. The current rate setting methodology assumes existing data is deterministic, resulting in process inaccuracies that contribute to unexpected surpluses or deficits each FY. Moreover, the current method fails to consider an additional USTRANSCOM objective: meeting customer's expectations that liner rates will change annually in accordance with industry-specific inflation. Considering the different goals and inherent parametric variance, the use case herein incorporates a decision maker's risk preference regarding parametric variability via 〈em〉a priori〈/em〉 analysis to inform RGP techniques and improve the USTRANSCOM liner rate setting process.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Production Economics, Volume 207〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xin Wen, Tsan-Ming Choi, Sai-Ho Chung〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Over the past decades, we have witnessed the rapid development of giant fashion brands in the retail market which inspires a lot of operational research (OR) studies in fashion retail supply chains (FRSCs). In fact, FRSCs are highly consumer-demand driven and face many operational challenges coming from high demand and supply side uncertainties. Realizing the significance of fashion retail supply chain management (FRSCM) and a lack of comprehensive review on the topic, we develop this paper which examines the operational models on FRSCM in the mainstream OR literature. We organize this review systematically with respect to the core functional areas of FRSCs, namely the manufacturer, retailer, consumer, and fashion retail supply chain system. In each functional area, insights regarding the related studies as well as the specific OR model features and assumptions are generated. Finally, we conclude the review by summarizing the major findings and proposing promising future research areas (from both OR modeling and practical perspectives).〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhi Zhou, Zhaoqun Liu, Lingui Wang, Jian Luo, Hailang Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Giant clams are one of the most important animals in coral reef ecosystem, and its growth and reproduction are being threatened by heat stress due to global warming. In the present study, the symbiont density, the crucial enzyme activities and the transcriptome were investigated in the outer mantle of giant clam 〈em〉Tridacna crocea〈/em〉 after the acute exposure of high temperature. The density of symbiotic zooxanthellae decreased significantly during 12–24 h, with the minimum level (7.75 × 10〈sup〉5〈/sup〉 cell cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05) at 12 h after heat stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase in the heat stress group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 24 h after heat stress, while no significant change in the activities of catalase was observed during the entire stress process. The activation level of caspase3 began to increase significantly at 12 h (1.22-fold, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05), and reached the highest level at 24 h (1.38-fold, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05) after heat stress. Six paired-end libraries were sequenced in two groups, including the heat stress and control group at 12 h after heat stress. Through the assembling of 187,116,632 paired-end reads with lengths of 2 × 150 bp, a total of 26,676 genes were obtained which derived from giant clam. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 47 significantly upregulated and 88 significantly downregulated genes at 12 h after the treatment. There were 12 overrepresented GO terms for significantly upregulated genes, mostly related to unfolded protein binding and ATP binding, whereas no GO term was overrepresented for significantly downregulated genes. These results collectively suggest high temperature could induce excessive oxidative stress through the repressed antioxidant ability, the apoptosis activated by the unfolded protein response, and further the collapse of the symbiosis between host and symbiont, which has been threatening the growth and reproduction of the giant clam 〈em〉T. crocea〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhi-qiang Du, Yue Wang, Hong-yu Ma, Xiu-li Shen, Kai Wang, Jie Du, Xiao-dong Yu, Wen-hong Fang, Xin-cang Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Crustins play important roles in defending against bacteria in the innate immunity system of crustaceans. In present study, we identified a crustin gene in 〈em〉Scylla paramamosain〈/em〉, which was named as 〈em〉SpCrus6〈/em〉. The ORF of 〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 possessed a signal peptide sequence (SPS) at the N-terminus and a WAP domain at the C-terminus. And there were 5 Proline residues, 5 Glycine and 4 Cysteine residues between SPS and WAP domain in 〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6. These features indicated that 〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 was a new member of crustin family. The 〈em〉SpCrus6〈/em〉 mRNA transcripts were up-regulated obviously after bacteria or virus challenge. These changes showed that 〈em〉SpCrus6〈/em〉 was involved in the antimicrobial and antiviral responses of 〈em〉Scylla paramamosain〈/em〉. Recombinant 〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 (r〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6) showed strong inhibitory abilities against Gram-positive bacteria (〈em〉Bacillus megaterium〈/em〉, 〈em〉Staphylococcus aureus〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉). But the inhibitory abilities against four Gram-negative bacteria (〈em〉Vibrio parahemolyticus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Vibrio alginolyticus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Vibrio harveyi〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Escherichia coli〈/em〉) and two fungi (〈em〉Pichia pastoris〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Candida albicans〈/em〉) were not strong enough. Besides, r〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 could strongly bind to two Gram-positive bacteria (〈em〉B〈/em〉. 〈em〉subtilis〈/em〉 and 〈em〉B〈/em〉. 〈em〉megaterium〈/em〉) and three Gram-negative bacteria (〈em〉V〈/em〉. 〈em〉alginolyticus〈/em〉, 〈em〉V〈/em〉. 〈em〉parahemolyticus〈/em〉, and 〈em〉V〈/em〉. 〈em〉harveyi〈/em〉). And the binding levels to 〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 and two fungi (〈em〉P〈/em〉. 〈em〉pastoris〈/em〉 and 〈em〉C〈/em〉. 〈em〉albicans〈/em〉) were weak. The polysaccharides binding assays’ results showed r〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 had superior binding activities to LPS, LTA, PGN and 〈em〉β〈/em〉-glucan. Through agglutinating assays, we found r〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 could agglutinate well three Gram-positive bacteria (〈em〉S〈/em〉. 〈em〉aureus〈/em〉, 〈em〉B〈/em〉. 〈em〉subtilis〈/em〉 and 〈em〉B〈/em〉. 〈em〉megaterium〈/em〉). And the agglutinating activities to Gram-negative bacteria and fungi were not found. In the aspect of antiviral functions, r〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 could bind specifically to the recombinant envelop protein 26 (rVP26) of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) but not to recombinant envelop protein 28 (rVP28), whereas GST protein could not bind to rVP26 or rVP28. Besides, r〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 could suppress WSSV reproduction to some extent. Taken together, 〈em〉Sp〈/em〉Crus6 was a multifunctional immunity effector in the innate immunity defending response of 〈em〉S〈/em〉. 〈em〉paramamosain〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yunkun Li, Jiayu Wu, Dong Li, Anqi Huang, Guixian Bu, Fengyan Meng, Fanli Kong, Xiaohan Cao, Xingfa Han, Xiaofu Pan, Wei Fan, Shiyong Yang, Xianyin Zeng, Xiaogang Du〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Schizothorax prenanti〈/em〉 (〈em〉S. prenanti〈/em〉), an important species of economical fish in Southwest China, is susceptible to 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 (Ah). To understand the immune response to Ah, the transcriptome profiling of spleen of 〈em〉S. prenanti〈/em〉 was analyzed after Ah infection. A total of 6, 213 different expression genes (DEGs) were obtained, including 3, 066 up-regulated DEGs and 3, 147 down-regulated DEGs. These DEGs were annotated by KEGG and GO databases, so that the immune-related DEGs (IRDs) can be identified and classified. Then, the interesting IRDs were screened to build heat map, and the reliability of the transcriptome data was validated by qPCR. In order to clarify the mechanism of signal transduction in the anti-bacterial immunity, the signaling pathway initiated by TLRs was predicted. In this pathway, TLR25 and TLR5 mediate the NF-κB and AP-1 signals via MyD88-dependent pathway. Meanwhile, the type I IFN (IFNα/β) induced by IRF1 and IRF3/7 may play an important role in the anti-bacterial immunity. In conclusion, this study preliminarily provides insights into the mechanism of signal transduction after Ah infection in 〈em〉S. prenanti〈/em〉, which contributes to exploring the complex anti-bacterial immunity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongye Jiang, Qing Bian, Weiwei Zeng, Pengli Ren, Hengchang Sun, Zhipeng Lin, Zeli Tang, Xinyi Zhou, Qing Wang, Yingying Wang, Yensheng Wang, Mei X. Wu, Xuerong Li, Xinbing Yu, Yan Huang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Grass carp (〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idellus〈/em〉) hemorrhagic disease (GCHD), caused by grass carp reovirus (GCRV), has given rise to an enormous loss in grass carp industry during the past years. Up to date, vaccination remained to be the most effective way to protect grass carp from GCHD. Oral vaccination is of major interest due to its advantages of noninvasive, time-saving, and easily-operated. The introduction of oral vaccination has profound impact on aquaculture industry because of its feasibility of extensive application for fish in various size and age. However, the main challenge in developing oral vaccine is that antigens are easily degraded and are easy to induce tolerance. 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉 (〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉) spores would be an ideal oral vaccine delivery system for their robust specialty, gene operability, safety and adjuvant property. VP4 protein is the major outer capsid protein encoded by GCRV segment 6 (S6), which plays an important role in viral invasion and replication. In this study, we used 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 spores as the oral delivery system and successfully constructed the 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 CotC-VP4 recombinant spores (CotC-VP4 spores) to evaluate its protective efficacy in grass carp. Grass carp orally immunized with CotC-VP4 spores showed a survival rate of 57% and the relative percent survival (RPS) of 47% after the viral challenge. Further, the specific IgM levels in serum and the specific IgZ levels in intestinal mucus were significantly higher in the CotC-VP4 group than those in the Naive group. The immune-related genes including three innate immune-related genes (IL-4/13A, IL-4/13B, CSF1R), four adaptive immune-related genes (BAFF, CD4L, MHC-II, CD8), three inflammation-related genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β) and interferon type I (IFN-I) related signaling pathway genes were significantly up-regulated in the CotC-VP4 group. The study demonstrated that the CotC-VP4 spores produced protection in grass carp against GCRV infection, and triggered both innate and adaptive immunity post oral immunization. This work highlighted that 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉 spores were powerful platforms for oral vaccine delivery, and the combination of 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉 spores with GCRV VP4 protein was a promising oral vaccine.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers & Operations Research〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): P.A. Grossman, M. Brazil, J.H. Rubinstein, D.A. Thomas〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Given a binary rooted tree in which each edge has an associated value and an associated discount factor, the problem addressed here is to determine which nodes should be visited and in what order so as to maximise the net present value calculated from the values and discount factors of the traversed edges. A process for determining which nodes to exclude is identified, some key properties of the solution are established, and an algorithm for generating an optimal sequence of nodes is presented. A key concept is the priority of a sequence of nodes, which is a certain function of the values and discount factors that determines whether the order of adjacent nodes in the sequence should be swapped. The problem was motivated by the need to determine an optimal sequence in which the network of access tunnels in an underground mine should be developed and the resources extracted when there is a limit on the equipment available.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers & Operations Research, Volume 103〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhenzhen Zhang, Brenda Cheang, Chongshou Li, Andrew Lim〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study addresses a multi-commodity many-to-many vehicle routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery (M-M-VRPSPD) for a fast fashion retailer in Singapore. Different from other widely studied pickup and delivery problems, the unique characteristics are: (1) collected products from customers are encouraged to be reallocated to fulfill demands of other customers; (2) it is multi-commodity and the number of involved commodities can be over 10,000. To solve this problem, we provide a nonvehicle-index arc-flow formulation and some strengthening strategies. Moreover, for large-scale instances, an adaptive memory programming based algorithm combined with techniques such as the regret insertion method for initializing the solution pool, the segment-based evaluation scheme, and advanced pool management method, is proposed. We test our algorithm on 66 real-world and 96 newly generated instances, and provide the results for future-use comparisons. The experiments on small-scale instances show that the proposed algorithm can quickly reach the optimality obtained by solving the mathematical formulation. In addition, the proposed algorithm is shown to perform well and stably on medium and large scale instances. Finally, we analyze some features of this problem, and find that relocation of commodities increases their utilization.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Y.W. Bakker, J. de Koning, J. van Tatenhove〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Between 2010 and 2016, the Orkney Islands Council, Highland Council and Marine Scotland have collaborated to develop a pilot Marine Spatial Plan for the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters in Scotland. This paper explores the challenges of marine spatial planning processes by looking at the possibilities for fisheries communities to mobilize their social capital – in the form of bonding, bridging or linking – in order to re-position and to empower themselves in these processes. This paper aims to uncover the resilience of local communities that deploy social capital in order to influence MSP processes and safeguard their own interests. For this article ten weeks of qualitative fieldwork in the form of in-depth interviews and participant observation with stakeholders of the pilot marine spatial plan were conducted on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. The strong bonding social capital among fishermen in Orkney has resulted in a resilient community identity which allows for collaboration and self-organization, but also creates a defensive mentality which does not favor linking. Furthermore, a lack of trust in governmental authorities inhibits the mobilization of linking social capital among fishermen, obstructing the ability to access power through cross-scale connections. In response the fisheries community uses bridging social capital outside governance arenas to access networks and mobilize resources to strengthen its socio-economic and political position in support of future linking social capital. Researching this complex interrelation and functioning of social capital uncovers some of the social dimensions and socio-institutional constraints for fisheries engagement with and power in marine spatial planning.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Economics, Volume 156〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sara Latorre, Antonio Malo-Larrea〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Over the last five decades the discursive debate on sustainability has reached prominence as the socio-ecological impacts of the human presence on Earth have grown rapidly. Nature discourses are interwoven with those of sustainability. Within this discursive field, a diverse set of competing discourses have emerged. Among the most radical ones, the discourse of Buen Vivir has recently gained relevance in Latin America. This position aims to depart from modern western ideologies, mainly those of nature-society dualism and Eurocentric universalism. In this study, the social perspectives about nature-society of subnational policy makers and other social actors involved in territorial planning in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador are examined. Four main social discourses are identified, which instead of breaking away from the society-nature divide, embrace it. Therefore, the case of Cuenca suggests that Ecuadorian citizens (including policy-makers) are still captured by the same discourses on nature-society belonging to the discursive field of modernity and its more contemporary corollaries: development and sustainable development. Hence, relational ontologies promoted by the discourse of Buen Vivir still do not resonate among Ecuadorian policy-related actors.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, Volumes 270–271〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Camilla Lemming, Astrid Oberson, Jakob Magid, Sander Bruun, Charlotte Scheutz, Emmanuel Frossard, Lars Stoumann Jensen〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Phosphorus (P) accumulated in soil after surplus P applications can potentially serve as a P source for subsequent crop production. This study investigated residual P availability after long-term surplus P application with different organic waste products. Topsoil samples from a long-term field trial treated with different types of organic wastes were subjected to P characterization, including determination of total P, water-soluble P, and isotopically exchangeable P pools. The waste products were applied for 12 years before sampling, at rates according to crop nitrogen demand and thus typically in excess of crop P requirements. Residual waste P in soil was determined based on the difference between total soil P measured in the different specific waste-treated plots and a balanced reference treatment. After 12 years of surplus P balance (inputs – crop offtake) of 79–598 kg P ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 yr〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 with waste, significant amounts of P (636–4177 kg ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) had accumulated in the soil as residual P. The average fraction of residual waste P which could be recovered as rapidly exchangeable P (within 1 min) followed the order: composted household waste P (2.1%) 〈 sewage sludge P (5.1%) 〈 cattle manure P (10.9%), indicating that type of waste has an impact on residual P availability after long-term surplus P application. Unaccounted P (surplus P balance – residual P, i.e., P potentially lost from the topsoil) followed the same order, so compost P was better retained in the soil, but with a less clear difference between sewage sludge and cattle manure. For the latter two wastes, approximately half the surplus P balance could not be accounted for in the topsoil and was assumed to be transported down the soil profile. Three years after waste application was terminated, the fraction of rapidly exchangeable residual P had not declined significantly, suggesting sustained availability of residual P in the soil after long-term application of organic waste. Overall, the availability and mobility of residual P after applying composted household waste to soil was significantly lower than that of residual P from sewage sludge and cattle manure.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guang-hua Wang, Jing-jing Wang, Bin Yue, Xue Du, He-he Du, Min Zhang, Yong-hua Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉High-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) is a non-histone chromosomal protein that involved diverse functions such as transcriptional regulation and innate immune responses in mammalian. In teleost, very limited studies on HMGB2 proteins have been documented. Black rockfish (〈em〉Sebastes schlegelii〈/em〉) is an economic fish species and cultured worldwide. However, the study of black rockfish about immunology is very scarce. In the present study, a HMGB2 homologue gene (〈em〉SsHMGB2〈/em〉) was identified and characterized in black rockfish. The open reading frame of 〈em〉SsHMGB2〈/em〉 is 648 bp, and the deduced amino acid sequence of 〈em〉SsHMGB2〈/em〉 shares 74.4%–91.2% overall sequence identities with the HMGB2 proteins of several fish species. In silico analysis identified several conserved features, including two basic HMG boxes and an acidic C-terminal tail composed of 24 Asp/Glu residues. Expression of 〈em〉SsHMGB2〈/em〉 occurred in multiple tissues and was upregulated during pathogens infection. Recombinant SsHMGB2 (rSsHMGB2) exhibited apparent binding activities against DNA. 〈em〉In vivo〈/em〉 studies showed that the expressions of multiple immune-related genes in head kidney were significantly enhanced when black rockfish were treated with rSsHMGB2. Furthermore, rSsHMGB2 reduced pathogen dissemination and replication in fish kidney and spleen. Taken together, these results suggest that SsHMGB2 possesses apparent immunoregulatory properties and played a role in fighting bacterial infection.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guiping Ren, Yuan Sun, Anhuai Lu, Yan Li, Hongrui Ding〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Anode electron transfer efficiency is one of the main bottlenecks in determining the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Here, we report for the first time a novel design of a silicon solar cell equipped MFC with one-dimensional TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 photoanode and conventional bioanode to overcome the constraints of using traditional anodes. The novel MFC has the maximum power density of 638.3 mW m〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉, which is nearly 7.6 times higher than that of general MFCs (84.2 mW m〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉). In addition, the novel MFC achieves 90.9% removal of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) with concentration of 50 ppm within 13.5 h, and this rate is significantly high at 3.67 g m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. Efficient microbial oxidation and photoelectrocatalysis are realized after constructing the SSC with double-anode MFC, thereafter leading to enhanced electron transfer to the external circuit. In addition, the electrons are driven by the built-in electric field in silicon solar cell, in which system barriers are resolved at the same time. Power output and Cr(VI) reduction efficiency are both remarkably enhanced. Such a novel MFC strategy provides new directions for designing new systems that can increase the efficiency of MFCs by utilizing solar energy economically, which further suggest great potential in environmental remediation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0378775318311893-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xiumei Guo, Nana Bai, Yan Tian, Ligang Gai〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors with specific energy higher than 1 mW h cm〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 after long-term cycles remain a hot research topic in energy storage systems. In this paper, free-standing reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole films are produced at the ice/ethanol interface following by hydrogen iodide reduction. The reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole films are featured with high specific surface area, three-dimensional porosity, and tunable thickness and electronic conductivity. The typical flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor based on reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole films exhibits a high volumetric specific capacitance of 17.3 F cm〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 and a high specific energy of 2.40 mW h cm〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 with corresponding specific power of 136.1 mW cm〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 at a current density of 3 mA cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 (ca. 10 A g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). After 10,000 cycles at 3 mA cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉, the capacitance retention of the typical flexible supercapacitor retains 73.2%. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the flexible supercapacitors are attributed to the high specific surface area, three-dimensional porosity, and the synergistic effect between reduced graphene oxide and polypyrrole with respect to the composite films.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0378775318311911-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 378〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Oscar P. Bruno, Martín Maas〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper introduces a fast algorithm, applicable throughout the electromagnetic spectrum, for the numerical solution of problems of scattering by periodic surfaces in two-dimensional space. The proposed algorithm remains highly accurate and efficient for challenging configurations including randomly rough surfaces, deep corrugations, large periods, near grazing incidences, and, importantly, Wood-anomaly resonant frequencies. The proposed approach is based on use of certain “shifted equivalent sources” which enable FFT acceleration of a Wood-anomaly-capable quasi-periodic Green function introduced recently (Bruno and Delourme (2014) [4]). The Green-function strategy additionally incorporates an exponentially convergent shifted version of the classical 〈em〉spectral〈/em〉 series for the Green function. While the computing-cost asymptotics depend on the asymptotic configuration assumed, the computing costs rise at most linearly with the size of the problem for a number of important rough-surface cases we consider. In practice, single-core runs in computing times ranging from a fraction of a second to a few seconds suffice for the proposed algorithm to produce highly-accurate solutions in some of the most challenging contexts arising in applications.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 379〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Denis S. Grebenkov, Sergey D. Traytak〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The generalized method of separation of variables (GMSV) is applied to solve boundary value problems for the Laplace operator in three-dimensional domains with disconnected spherical boundaries (e.g., an arbitrary configuration of non-overlapping partially reactive spherical sinks or obstacles). We consider both exterior and interior problems and all most common boundary conditions: Dirichlet, Neumann, Robin, and conjugate one. Using the translational addition theorems for solid harmonics to switch between the local spherical coordinates, we obtain a semi-analytical expression of the Green function as a linear combination of partial solutions whose coefficients are fixed by boundary conditions. Although the numerical computation of the coefficients involves series truncation and solution of a system of linear algebraic equations, the use of the solid harmonics as basis functions naturally adapted to the intrinsic symmetries of the problem makes the GMSV particularly efficient, especially for exterior problems. The obtained Green function is the key ingredient to solve boundary value problems and to determine various characteristics of stationary diffusion such as reaction rate, escape probability, harmonic measure, residence time, and mean first passage time, to name but a few. The relevant aspects of the numerical implementation and potential applications in chemical physics, heat transfer, electrostatics, and hydrodynamics are discussed.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Economics, Volume 156〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yau-Huo (Jimmy) Shr, Richard Ready, Brian Orland, Stuart Echols〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This article provides new evidence on how images influence survey responses, using a split-sample choice experiment. Our results suggest that, when respondents are presented with both images and text, they exhibit stronger preferences for attributes with high visual salience than when presented with either images or text alone. Furthermore, respondents are less likely to ignore individual attributes when both images and text are provided. However, the provision of images makes responses more random, i.e., respondents' preferences for attributes are less consistent across choice questions.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 31 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Geoderma〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Talita R. Ferreira, Luiz F. Pires, Dorthe Wildenschild, André M. Brinatti, Jaqueline A.R. Borges, André C. Auler, Aline M.H. dos Reis〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The hierarchical organization of aggregates in soil is responsible for the presence of inter and intra-aggregate pores. This research aimed to investigate effects of soil surface liming, considering lime rates of 0, 10 and 15 t ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, on the intra-aggregate porous system of soil aggregates with equivalent diameters of 2–4 and 1–2 mm, from 0 to 10 (A) and 10 to 20 cm (B) soil layers. These aggregates were selected by the wet sieving method carried out for determination of the mean weight diameter. Synchrotron-based computed microtomography (μCT) of aggregates was analyzed in terms of porosity, connectivity, tortuosity, and fractal dimension. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence was used to evaluate the elemental composition of the soil aggregates. All liming effects were concentrated at layer A, where calcium percentage was elevated in aggregates from 1–2 mm class as compared to those from 2–4 mm class. Accordingly, the physical parameters studied were generally more affected in the case of smaller aggregates (1–2 mm). Liming decreased total porosity, increased tortuosity of pores, and decreased fractal dimension for 1–2 mm aggregates, which was in line with the fact that larger pores were replaced by smaller ones in 1–2 mm aggregates, as found 〈em〉via〈/em〉 both quantitative and qualitative analyses. On the other hand, liming did not affect pore connectivity under any of the circumstances.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Economics, Volume 76〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yingzhu Li, Bin Su, Shyamasree Dasgupta〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉While input-output (IO) tables have been widely employed to study energy and environmental issues, Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) which further considers the interactions of the production system, primary factors, households and social institutions in the economy is rarely seen in this field. This paper thus compares the transmission dynamics under an IO framework and a SAM framework with the help of structural path analysis (SPA) technique, which decomposes the IO and SAM analysis results by extracting the interconnections in the economic system. A case study is performed to investigate India's carbon emissions based on its latest publicly available IO and SAM tables. As the fourth largest emitter in the world, India's large population base, fast population growth and huge unmet demand imply a surge of carbon emissions following future economic development. There have been a few studies on India's energy and emission issues using IO tables, but more research from different perspectives is still needed to better support policy making. This is the first study on India's carbon emissions under a SAM framework and using SPA techniques, and also the first study that extends the use of SPA by transmission path to the energy and environmental literature.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications, Volume 98〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ahmed H. Fouad, Ahmed G. Radwan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper theorizes the possibilities of generalizing a memristor based ternary adder circuit, to a memristor based multi-valued logic adder. The proposition tries to achieve the theoretical advantages of processing different numbering systems, increasing the density, and decreasing the processing time, by utilizing the memristor properties and dynamics. This is done using a memristor cell based circuit structure. The memristor is quantized to more levels in order to accommodate more values of logic being processed. Quinary numbering system is used to demonstrate the generalization, then a process of generalization is shown. Circuit modifications can be made to process different numbering systems.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications, Volume 98〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ziqiang Xu, Jiahao Liu, Si Huang, Yuanxun Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A gain-enhanced low profile substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity-backed slot antenna is presented in this paper. By etching three parallel transverse slots on the center and both edges of the rectangular SIW cavity as the radiating elements, higher resonance mode of TE〈sub〉410〈/sub〉 can be excited to achieve gain enhancement. Radiating mechanism and parameter effects of the three radiating slots have been investigated. Using the proposed multi-slot structures, an antenna is designed, fabricated and characterized, respectively. The fabricated antenna demonstrated a gain of 9.2 dBi, a front-to-back ratio of 17 dB, and a maximum cross-polarized radiation level of −19.7 dB at 10 GHz. Furthermore, the proposed antenna constructed using a single-layer printed circuit board (PCB) yields a better radiation performance and configuration advantage over that of the conventional planar antenna by taking advantage of the TE〈sub〉410〈/sub〉 cavity resonance.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 377〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Samar Chehade, Audrey Kamta Djakou, Michel Darmon, Gilles Lebeau〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Non Destructive Examination (NDE) of industrial structures requires the modeling of specimen geometry echoes generated by the surfaces (entry, backwall …) of inspected blocks. For that purpose, the study of plane wave diffraction by a wedge is of great interest. The work presented here is preliminary research to model the case of an elastic wave diffracted by a wedge in the future, for which there exist various modeling approaches but the numerical aspects have only been developed for wedge angles lower than 〈em〉π〈/em〉. The spectral functions method has previously been introduced to solve the 2D diffraction problem of an immersed elastic wedge for angles lower than 〈em〉π〈/em〉. As a first step, the spectral functions method has been developed here for the diffraction on an acoustic wave by a stress-free wedge, in 2D and for any wedge angle, before studying the elastic wave diffraction from a wedge. In this method, the solution to the diffraction problem is expressed in terms of two unknown functions called the spectral functions. These functions are computed semi-analytically, meaning that they are the sum of two terms. One of them is determined exactly and the other is approached numerically, using a collocation method. A successful numerical validation of the method for all wedge angles is proposed, by comparison with the GTD (Geometrical Theory of Diffraction) solution derived from the exact Sommerfeld integral.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ultramicroscopy, Volume 196〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): A. del Moral, J.C. González-Rosillo, A. Gómez, T. Puig, X. Obradors〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Enabling temperature dependent experiments in Atomic Force Microscopy is of great interest to study materials and surface properties at the nanoscale. By studying Curie temperature of multiferroic materials, temperature dependent phase transitions on crystalline structures or resistive switching phenomena are only a few examples of applications. We present an equipment capable of cooling samples using a thermoelectric cooling stage down to −61.4〈code〉 〈/code〉°C in a 15 × 15 mm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 sample plate. The equipment uses a four-unit thermoelectric stack to achieve maximum temperature range, with low electrical and mechanical noise. The equipment is installed into a Keysight 5500LS Atomic Force Microscopy maintaining its compatibility with all Electrical and Mechanical modes of operation. We study the contribution of the liquid cooling pump vibration into the cantilever static deflection noise and the temperature dependence of the cantilever deflection. A La〈sub〉0.7〈/sub〉Sr〈sub〉0.3〈/sub〉MnO〈sub〉3-y〈/sub〉 thin film sample is used to demonstrate the performance of the equipment and its usability by analyzing the resistive switching phenomena associated with this oxide perovskite.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304399118301049-fx1.jpg" width="301" alt="Image, graphical abstract" title="Image, graphical abstract"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Air Transport Management, Volume 74〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tathiana Figueiredo, Rafael Castro〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study examines the passengers perceptions of Tom Jobim International Airport – RIOgaleão branding strategies and its impact to their experiences in light of the airport branding elements proposed by the literature. To achieve these aims it was conducted a semi-structured interview with the airport's branding manager and a questionnaire with the passengers (n = 92). The findings showed that the airport's new management company has been employing tourist branding strategies using a mix of elements, but it is possible that these actions have had the main objective of raising the airport to international service standards, whereby the operation of terminals by large companies is a trend. It was also concluded that some of the airport branding elements (i.e. logos and slogans) are well developed and represent a higher impact on passenger experience, while others (i.e. retail pricing strategies) require further attention and new approaches in order to improve passenger experience in the terminal.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Muhammad Rauf, Jing-Wen Wang, Peixin Zhang, Waheed Iqbal, Junle Qu, Yongliang Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The exploration of cheap and stable electrocatalysts with high activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in the acidic and alkaline medium is a vital activity for large-scale applications of fuel cells. In recent years, one-dimensional nanofibrous electrode materials with high surface area and specific porosities have been drawing great attention in energy conversion devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Nanofibers with a one-dimensional nanostructure can be produced by electrospinning, which has been considered as a particularly low-cost and versatile method. In this review, we summarize the properties of electrospun nanofibers and the recent progress in designing of non-precious nanostructured electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. More importantly, we also highlight the interesting nanostructures, new synthetic approaches, and the electrocatalytic performance including active sites and stability of electrospun-based electrocatalysts. In addition, we describe the research challenges and future developmental perspectives of electrospun materials in energy technology.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yijie Xu, Dustin Bauer, Mechthild Lübke, Thomas E. Ashton, Yun Zong, Jawwad A. Darr〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sodium titanate nanopowder (nominal formula Na〈sub〉1.5〈/sub〉H〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Ti〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉7〈/sub〉) was directly synthesized using a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis process using a relatively low base concentration (4 M NaOH) in process. The as-made titanate nanomaterials were characterised using powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and transmission electron microscopy, and evaluated as potential electrode materials for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Cyclic voltammetry studies on half-cells revealed that the sodium titanate nanomaterial stored charge primarily through a combination of pseudocapacitive and diffusion-limited processes in both systems. Electrochemical cycling tests at a high specific current of 1000 mA g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, revealed that the Li-ion and Na-ion cells retained relatively high specific capacities after 400 cycles of 131 and 87 mAh g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential of CHFS-made sodium titanate nanopower as an anode material for both Li- and Na-ion cell chemistries.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0378775318311406-fx1.jpg" width="428" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 31 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Power Sources, Volume 408〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yannick Garsany, Robert W. Atkinson, Benjamin D. Gould, Karen E. Swider-Lyons〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We present a method for preparing laboratory-scale proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) that have high power and high current densities despite their low platinum loadings. This performance is achieved with membrane electrode assemblies featuring a commercial PtCo catalyst supported on high surface area carbon and a short-side chain, low equivalent weight ionomer binder in the cathode catalyst layer; these are then compressed with dry-laid paper type gas diffusion media. The PEMFCs with a Pt loading of 0.08 mg〈sub〉Pt〈/sub〉 cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 produced comparatively high power to similarly loaded state-of-the-art PEMFCs. This methodology can be used for further research on high performance catalyst layers.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0378775318311819-fx1.jpg" width="341" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sai-Wei Chen, Chun-Hung Liu, Shao-Yang Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Bacteria-induced diseases are a major cause of mortality in aquaculture. Probiotics have commonly been used to replace antibiotics for prophylactic biocontrol in aquaculture. In the present study, 〈em〉Paenibacillus ehimensis〈/em〉 NPUST1 was isolated from a tilapia culture pond. This probiotic has bacteriocin-like activities against 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 and was characterized by biochemical analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing. The physiochemical properties of a crude extract of the bacteriocin-like substance revealed low pH and high thermal tolerance. The substance exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against diverse aquatic pathogens, food spoilage, clinical pathogens, and plant pathogens. The effect of dietary supplementation with 〈em〉P. ehimensis〈/em〉 NPUST1 was evaluated in regard to the growth of Nile tilapia (〈em〉Oreochromis niloticus〈/em〉) and immunity against pathogenic infection. The results showed significantly increased weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency (FE) in Nile tilapia fed 〈em〉P. ehimensis〈/em〉 NPUST1 for 2 months compared with fish fed a control diet. When challenged with 〈em〉A. hydrophila〈/em〉 and 〈em〉S. iniae,〈/em〉 the fish fed 〈em〉P. ehimensis〈/em〉 NPUST1 also exhibited a higher survival rate than fish fed the control diet. The immune parameters revealed that the 〈em〉P. ehimensis〈/em〉 NPUST1-fed fish had significantly higher phagocytic activity, respiratory burst, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the head kidney leukocytes, as well as higher serum lysozyme activity and expression of cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β than the fish fed the control diet. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 〈em〉P. ehimensis〈/em〉 NPUST1 improved the growth performance, immunity, and disease resistance in Nile tilapia.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cheng-cai Zheng, Xin-yi Cai, Meng-meng Huang, Idefonce Mkingule, Cong Sun, Shi-Chao Qian, Zhen-ju Wu, Bing-nan Han, Hui Fei〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Japanese eel (〈em〉Anguilla japonica〈/em〉) has become a commercially important fish species all over the world. High-density aquaculture has led to congestion and contributed to bacterial infection outbreaks that have caused high mortality. Therefore a 56-days feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary 〈em〉Bacillus amyloliquefaciens〈/em〉 (GB-9) and 〈em〉Yarrowia lipolytica〈/em〉 lipase2 (YLL2) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, innate immunity and resistance to pathogens of 〈em〉A. japonica〈/em〉. Fish growth performance was significantly affected by dietary YLL2 supplementation but not by GB-9. Fish fed diets with YLL2 at 2.0 g/kg diet in combination of high and low levels of GB-9 (5.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg) produced the highest growth. For digestive enzyme, lipase and trypsin activities was promoted by dietary containing YLL2, while amylase activities was increased by dietary containing YLL2, GB-9 single or combination. For innate immunity, the mucus lysozyme activity, leukocytes phagocytosis activity and reactive oxygen species level of skin, peroxidase and lysozyme activity of serum were enhanced in fish fed with GB-9 compared to those in control group (p 〈 0.05). The highest resistance to 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 was determined in fish fed with 5.0 g kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 GB-9 + 2.0 g/kg YLL2. This study demonstrated that GB-9 and YLL2 enhanced non-specific immune defense system of 〈em〉A. japonica〈/em〉, providing them with higher resistance to pathogens. The present results suggested that the combination of these supplements could be considered as potential biological additives for aquaculture farmed fish.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xianyong Bu, Xuqiu Lian, Yi Wang, Chengzeng Luo, Shengqiang Tao, Yilu Liao, Jiaming Yang, Aijing Chen, Yuhong Yang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of dietary yeast culture on immune response related to TLR2-MyD88-NF-kβ signaling pathway, antioxidant capability and disease resistance against 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 for Ussuri catfish (〈em〉Pseudobagrus ussuriensis〈/em〉). A total of 240 Ussuri catfish (mean weight of 7.39 ± 0.32 g) were randomly distributed into four groups that fed diets containing 0 (Y0), 10 (Y1), 20 (Y2) and 30 (Y3) g kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 yeast culture for 8 weeks. The results indicated that dietary 10 g kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 yeast culture supplementation significantly down-regulated mRNA levels of TLR2, MyD88, NF-kβ p65, IL-1β and IL-8 in the liver tissue compared with the control group (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Simultaneously, serum lysozyme (LZM) activity, respiratory burst activity (RBA) of phagocytes, plasma alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content were significantly improved in fish fed Y1 diet (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Fish fed Y1 diet had significantly higher serum alternative complement pathway activity (ACH50) and plasma complement 3 (C3) content than the Y3 group (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in plasma acid phosphatase (ACP) activity and complement 4 (C4) content among the groups (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〉 0.05). Fish cumulative mortality rate (CMR) in the Y1 and Y2 groups were significantly lower than that in Y0 and Y3 groups (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05), and the lowest CMR was observed in the Y1 group after challenge by 〈em〉A. hydrophila〈/em〉. The highest hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, total antioxidant capacity and the lowest malondialdehyde content were found in Y1 group, but no significant difference was found in hepatic catalase activity among the groups (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〉 0.05). These results demonstrate that dietary 10 g kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 yeast culture could effectively improve the immunity, antioxidant capability and disease resistance against 〈em〉A. hydrophila〈/em〉 for Ussuri catfish and could down-regulate the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines modulated by TLR2-MyD88-NF-kβ signaling pathway.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tao Wang, Xin Wen, Yadong Hu, Xinyu Zhang, Dan Wang, Shaowu Yin〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) are a new pollutant in aquaculture, representing a hazard to aquatic organisms. We investigated the effects of Cu NPs exposure on oxidative stress, apoptosis and immune response in an economically important model species, 〈em〉Takifugu fasciatus〈/em〉. The juvenile fish were exposed to control, 20 or 100 μg Cu NPs/L for 30 days. The growth of 〈em〉T. fasciatus〈/em〉 was inhibited after Cu NPs exposure. Copper accumulation in liver increased with increasing Cu NPs dose. Oxidative stress indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH)], apoptosis index and activities of caspases (caspase-3, caspase-9) were all increased with the increase of Cu NPs concentration in liver. With an increase in Cu NPs dose, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉-K〈sup〉+〈/sup〉-ATPase as well as cytochrome c (Cyt-c) concentration in mitochondria decreased, accompanied by increased Cyt-c concentration in cytosol. Apoptosis-related gene expressions of 〈em〉p53〈/em〉, 〈em〉caspase-3〈/em〉, 〈em〉caspase-9〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Bax〈/em〉 were increased with the increase of Cu NPs dose. However, the opposite result was found in 〈em〉Bcl2〈/em〉 expression. The physiological indicators of immune response [heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and lysozyme (LZM)] as well as the mRNA levels of 〈em〉HSP70〈/em〉, 〈em〉HSP90〈/em〉, 〈em〉IgM〈/em〉 and 〈em〉C-LZM〈/em〉 were all increased after Cu NPs exposure〈em〉.〈/em〉 Our results will be helpful in understanding the mechanism of Cu NPs toxicity in 〈em〉T. fasciatus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1050464818306867-fx1.jpg" width="278" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 281〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ganesan Muthusankar, Chellakannu Rajkumar, Shen-Ming Chen, Rajendran Karkuzhali, Gopalakrishnan Gopu, Arumugam Sangili, Nallathambi Sengottuvelan, Raman Sankar〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We report a simple preparation of novel nanocomposite for the sensitive determination of riboflavin (RF) in real samples. Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots/SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 (N-CQD/SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) nanocomposite was prepared using sonochemical approach and applied as a voltammetric sensor for the sensitive determination of RF for the first time. The crystallographic phase, functional groups, surface analysis, and elemental distribution were examined using XRD, FT-IR, HR-TEM and EDS spectroscopic techniques respectively. This N-CQD/SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanocomposite-modified electrode shows a fast and sensitive electrochemical response to RF sensing with a good sensitivity (2.496 μA μM〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 cm〈sup〉-2〈/sup〉), wide linear range (0.05–306 μM), low detection limit (8 nM) and excellent anti-interference ability. Furthermore, the developed sensor was investigated in commercial riboflavin tablets and milk powder and obtained results are quite satisfactory.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0925400518319221-ga1.jpg" width="329" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉