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Permanent magnets are widely employed in levitation-based vibration harvesters and sensors, but their operational range does not span ultra-low frequencies unless a mechanical resonator is added. In this work, an algorithm based on analytical equations has been implemented to design magnetic springs in resonant vibration energy harvesters operating at very low frequencies and the results have been comparatively checked and refined using 3D FEA (Finite Element Analysis). Particularly, a prototype based on a fixed ferrite and a mobile rare-earth magnet is designed, where the semi-analytical optimum solution was properly modified via FEA. The experimental induced pick-up voltage is characterized for ultralow vibrations (resonant frequency 1.7 Hz). • An algorithm has been implemented to design vibration energy harvesters. • An ultra-low frequency (1.7 Hz) magnetic levitation harvester is designed. • A prototype based on ferrite magnets is manufactured to harvest vertical vibrations • Maximum harvested energy at frequencies 1–3 Hz (4.4 mW average @ 1.7 Hz 0.5 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A wide gap Hybrid thrust magnetic bearing (HTMB) with passive and active restoring axial forces is presented. • The proposed HTMB features a biconical iron rotor and a U shaped stator core containing the coil and PMs. • The proposed HTMB has linear axial force-current characteristics. • The undesired radial force is almost uncoupled from the windings current in the proposed HTMB. Abstract Active thrust magnetic bearings provide an axial force to balance the moving parts of machines. However, most devices produce null or unbalancing passive forces. Furthermore, reported designs usually feature very small axial and radial gaps. This paper presents a thrust actuator for wide axial gaps that produces both passive and active restoring axial forces. It features a long biconical rotor and a stator housing a single winding and two permanent magnets. Simulations are done using finite-element-analysis (FEA) and compared to magnetic circuit analysis and experimental results from a prototype with a diameter of 48 mm and 20 mm axial displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Non-contact position technology based on Giant Magnetoimpedance effect. • Sensitivity analysis in terms of the magnetic field gradient. • Optimum sensitivity is achieved in shorter soft magnetic wires. • Closure domain structure at wire’s ends plays a dominant role. • Micrometric sensitivity is achieved, suitable for agronomic sensing purposes. Abstract In this work a sensitive micrometric non-contact position sensor based on the Giant MagnetoImpedance effect (GMI) is analyzed. A nearly zero magnetostrictive CoFeSiBCr wire was employed as sensor nucleus. The sensing principle is based on the changes in the high frequency electric impedance, Z , of the soft magnetic element as a function of the relative position of a permanent magnet generating a non-uniform magnetic field along the wirés axis. The sensor sensitivity is analyzed in terms of the magnetic field gradient and wire’s length. The comparison between the sensing response of a single wire element and a long wire (12 cm in length) with different voltage contacts along its axis is performed. Higher micrometric sensitivities are achieved in wires with a certain critical length. A slight enhancement of the sensor sensitivity is found under the single wire configuration below the critical wire length. These results are interpreted as the contribution of the characteristic closure domain structure at the sample ends in these soft magnetic wires. Finally, the application of the sensor for the detection of the daily micrometric trunk shrinkage variations in a lemon tree is presented. The results indicate that this type of magnetic sensors can be easily implemented in the agricultural sector, providing a low cost and sensitive detection technique regarding water monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect was explored as a highly sensitive sensing technology in 3D-printed magnetic encoded systems. Magnetic nanoparticles with low (magnetite, Fe 3 O 4) and high (Co ferrite, Co 0.7 Fe 2.3 O 4) magnetic remanence were embedded (10 wt%) in a polymeric matrix of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and extruded in magnetic filaments to be 3D printed by the Fused Deposition Modelling technique (FDM). Two different geometries were constructed namely, individual magnetic strips and fixed barcoded pieces. The stray magnetic fields generated by the magnetic nanoparticles were detected through the non-linear (second harmonic) GMI voltage using a soft magnetic CoFeSiB wire as the nucleus sensor. The decoding response was analyzed as a function of the magnetization remanence of the nanoparticles, the distance between the individual magnetic strips, and the position (height) of the GMI decoding sensor. It has been shown that modification of the net magnetization direction of each individual fixed strip within the barcode geometry is possible through the application of local external magnetic fields. This possibility improves the versatility of the 3D binary encoding system by adding an additional state (0 without nanoparticles, 1 or −1 depending on the relative orientation of the net magnetization along the strips) during the codifying procedure. [Display omitted] • Low & high remnant 3D printed bar magnets detected by non-linear GMI decoder. • Co ferrite particles detectable at larger heights sensor-piece. • Fe 3 O 4 particles allow better localized detection & simpler magnetization reversal. • Implementation of extra coded state "− 1" related to strip magnetization direction. • Control of the strip's direction allows reuse and magnetic reprogramming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a magnetoelastic sensor to detect the micrometer diameter variations of cylindrical elements is analyzed. A nearly zero magnetostrictive amorphous ribbon with nominal composition (Co 0.93 Fe 0.07 ) 75 Si 12.5 B 12.5 was selected as sensor nucleus. The sensor, based on Giant Stress-Impedance (GSI), is attached (glued) along the external perimeter of the cylindrical element. Changes in the cylindrical diameter, D M , induce effective tensile stresses, σ S , on the ribbon, giving rise to sensitive changes in the high frequency impedance, Z. The sensor response is analyzed in terms of the relationship between the induced strains and the diameter variations, where the effect of geometrical factors (cylinder diameter and sample length) is taken into account. The results indicate that although the maximum GSI ratio depends on the pre-induced bending stresses associated to the cylindrical configuration, the sample length plays the dominant role in the sensor sensitivity. The proposed device enables to monitor the micrometric diameter variation in cylindrical elements, with a maximum strain gauge factor (GF ≈ −80) for low induced strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have optimized a synthetic method for the preparation of water soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs), capped with glutathione (GSH) molecules, chemically bound to the nanoparticle surface (GSH-CdTe QDs). These QDs have been prepared by a co-precipitation reaction, in the presence of GSH. Modulating the temperature (from 90 to 145 °C) and the heating time (from 1 to 9 hours) we have obtained QDs of different sizes with a narrow size distribution, high water solubility and a fluorescent emission of a relatively high quantum yield (QY). Absorption and position of the fluorescent emission band show a strong dependence on QD size. The percentage of GSH linked to the QD surface has been estimated from chemical analysis and confirmed by thermogravimetry. The capping using this peptide, via the thiol group, converts these QDs in powerful tools as biomarkers for selective, fast and sensitive imaging in Biomedicine. The ability of these QDs to be biofunctionalized with a protein (a fundamental step for their use as biological probes) has been demonstrated. Surface functionalization of QDs is the fundamental aspect in the design of QDs for biomedical applications. In this work, the GSH-CdTe QDs have been efficiently bioconjugated with a protein extract from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus . We have demonstrated that the GSH capping is a valuable means for subsequent protein crosslinking. Based on our results, we can conclude that proteins from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus can be linked to GSH-CdTe QDs terminal groups. These results reveal that these GSH-capped QD probes, with high fluorescent intensity and a well functionalized surface that can be crosslinked to proteins, can have potential applications in targeted cell imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the feasibility of a magnetic binary encoding system using 3D printing technology is analyzed. The study has a double interest, that is, the possibility of printing a 3D piece that contains the codified information and the development of a system for its decoding. For this purpose, magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite Fe 3 O 4) were embedded in a polymeric matrix of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL). Similar to a conventional barcode, a rectangular piece with an alternating pattern of strips with absence (only polymer) and a 5 wt% of embedded magnetic nanoparticles was 3D printed employing the Fused Deposition Modelling technique (FDM). The information was decoded by means of a Giant Magnetoimpedance (GMI) sensor-based prototype, by scanning the surface of the piece and measuring the changes in the magnetic field. As sensor nucleus, an amorphous soft magnetic wire of nominal composition (Co 0.94 Fe 0.06) 72.5 Si 12.5 B 15 was employed. The decoding prototype incorporates a homemade electronic sensor interface that permits, at the time, the GMI sensor excitation and the subsequent signal conditioning to optimize its response. The output signal enables the detection of the magnetite nanoparticles and the magnetic decoding of the encoded information ("1" and "0", presence or absence of the magnetic nanoparticles, respectively). [Display omitted] • Fabrication of 3D printable filaments with embedded magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4). • 3D printing of a functional piece with encoded information (barcode). • Decoding of hidden (no visible) codes using low-cost GMI-based decoder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper electrical models of magneto-impedance (MI) sensors based on a continued fractions is introduced. The models can be easily applied to cylindrical and planar magnetic structures via the proper mapping of Bessel and coth functions to an approximated passive linear RL network, respectively. This is done representing those functions as continued fractions and identifying the topology and the passive lineal electrical elements as Cauer’s type 2 networks. The equivalent circuits can be conveniently exploited for conditioning electronic purposes, or the characterization of the basis of the MI effect through the estimation of the sensor effective magnetic permeability. Simulation vs measurement results are presented to validate and demonstrate the scope of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new diesel combustion modes characterized by low combustion temperatures, to minimize the NO x emissions, has caused a noticeable change in the diesel spray’s structure and in the NO x chemistry, gaining relevance the N 2 O and the prompt routes in detriment of the thermal mechanism. Therefore, to accurately predict the NO x emissions, the detailed chemistry and physics must be taken into account, with the consequence of increasing the computational cost. The authors propose in the current study a new predictive methodology associated to low computational cost, where detailed chemistry and simplified physics are considered. To diminish even more the computational cost, the chemistry was tabulated as a function of temperature and oxygen excess mass fraction (parameter which effectively couples the equivalence ratio and the EGR rate). This tool has been developed with the objective of being applicable in continuously varying temperature and mixture fraction conditions (the diffusion diesel spray context) and was validated with the Two-Stage Lagrangian model (TSL-model) and with real engine measurements. The results in both validation scenarios reflect a high degree of accuracy making it applicable, at least, to perform qualitative predictions. By extension, it is expected to perform similarly in continuously varying temperature conditions (i.e.: homogenous charge compression ignition diesel combustion modes) which are less demanding computationally speaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of geometry on Giant Magnetoimpedance effect (GMI) in a meander structure composed of three amorphous magnetic ribbons ((Co 0.94 Fe 0.06) 72,5 Si 12.5 B 15 ; 20 mm length) connected electrically in series is analyzed. The impedance behavior under the meander configuration is compared with the sum configuration, namely, the sum of the impedance of each ribbon measured individually. The geometry effect in GMI response is examined by changing the distance, D = 0.5, 1 and 2 cm, between ribbons in the meander. The highest GMI ratio is found for D = 0.5 cm, with a gradual decrease for increasing distances. The lowest ratio corresponds to the sum configuration. The analysis of the results shows that this behavior of the GMI ratio, dominated by inductance, is determined by the overall negative contribution of the mutual inductance established between ribbons, and not by any intrinsic modification of the GMI effect in the meander structure. [Display omitted] • Influence of geometry on the GMI response of meanders made with the same samples. • Smaller sample distances in meander produce lower reactance and thus, larger GMI. • Decrease of reactance is caused by the net negative effect of mutual inductance. • The enhancement of GMI ratio in a meander structure is purely a numerical effect. • There is no intrinsic improvement in GMI meanders with respect to single samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The NO–NO2 process is influenced by temperature and followed by oxygen mass content. [•] Cooling effects enhance the NO–NO2 conversion process increasing the NO2 formation. [•] For CDC conditions, the major contributor to NO2/NO x =10% is the dilution effect. [•] For LTC conditions, the expansion stroke and dilution effects contribute to NO2 increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent research activities in the field of diesel engines have shown the potential to reduce pollutant emissions and improve the thermal efficiency by controlling the fuel reactivity. However, understanding the impact of blending fuels with different physical and especially chemical properties on diesel-like spray mixing and combustion processes is still a challenge. Since the experimental techniques are still far from providing detailed temporal and spatial information about local spray conditions, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling tools have become the key source of information for investigating the characteristics of these dual-fuel sprays. In this frame, the present research focuses on modeling a dual-fuel spray in diesel-like conditions, comparing different gasoline and diesel blends in terms of ignition characteristics and flame structure. The results confirm the suitability of the state of the art computational CFD modeling tools for reproducing the complex phenomena associated to dual-fuel sprays. Moreover, the important benefits provided by dual-fuel blends, considering the expected reduction in pollutant emissions as a consequence of the differences observed in terms of flame structure, are confirmed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a new unit hydrograph (UH) method is proposed and analysed. The method represents the watershed as a cascade of reservoirs, which in turn are determined from watershed morphology. This cascade can be obtained in two different ways: (i) from the sub-watershed network structured along the drainage network and (ii) by areas limited by iso-distance curves to the outlet point. The two most important characteristics of the UH model are: (a) it explicitly includes the watershed morphology in its formulation and and (b) it depends on only one uncertain parameter. The model has been applied to a small 169ha agricultural watershed located in Central Navarre (Spain), where rainfall and runoff data were available. Model analysis focused mainly on two aspects: a sensitivity analysis of the uncertain parameter, and the influence of the watershed division procedure and detail level in watershed division. Results showed that the model response was similar when using the two above-mentioned approaches. Also, when considering different detail levels in watershed division, there were no differences in model response once a threshold value was exceeded. The model was sensitive to variations in the value of the uncertain parameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ephemeral gullies are important features of soil erosion, yielding large amounts of sediment and dissecting the landscape. In spite of their agricultural and environmental importance, gully erosion is not usually considered in routine schemes for predicting soil loss. An event-oriented process-based model for stream degradation has been adapted for the description of ephemeral gully erosion. The initial channel is considered as prismatic, formed in a uniform soil profile, defined by the watershed swale, and receives upstream and lateral runoff. The resulting gradually varied flow is computed by the standard step method, whereas the erosion, assumed transport-limited, is attributed first to bed erosion, and the remainder is dedicated to the bank erosion. At the end of each time step, channel shape is redefined accordingly with the computed erosion in each reach. A sensitivity analysis revealed that particle density, particle size and roughness coefficient are the key parameters. A calibration of the model simulating the incision of an ephemeral gully in a small watershed with highly erodible soil allowed a proper estimation of soil loss and the gully cross-section shapes along the channel with realistic values of the calibrated parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In view of the increasing restrictions for CO 2 mitigation, the evaluation of alternative fuels to ensure sustainability of transportation is becoming increasingly important. Since some of these alternatives can be refined from renewable sources, they are interesting from the perspective of both: the use of the current power-plants and the CO 2 emission. In this sense, natural gas arises as an interesting propellant to substitute fossil fuels. Therefore, combining this fuel with specific combustion strategies can help to decrease the environmental footprint of transportation in the broadest sense. In this paper, an evaluation of the possible advantages of this combination has been conducted. The investigation has been carried out in a port fueled turbocharged spark-ignition engine, using compressed natural gas (CNG) and a passive pre-chamber ignition system. The effects of the CNG fuel properties on combustion have been analyzed and the global impact of using CNG for transportation has been appraised by means of the life cycle assessment. Results show that combustion of CNG refined by different renewable sources not only reduces the global CO 2 emission but also can contribute to remove the existent pollution. In addition, they show an increase of the engine thermal efficiency when combining CNG and the pre-chamber ignition concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in urban runoff brought about by a rise in impermeable surfaces has triggered the alteration and pollution of many aquatic systems. The overall goal of this research was to design a 'Sustainable Urban Drainage System' (SUDS) for the retention of heavy metals from a car park consisting of mixing autochthonous soil (70%) with sand (30%) to improve the hydrological conductivity and adsorption capacity. To quantify the retention of metals we characterize the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of the soil mixture and perform dynamic experiments. The proposed methodology allowed us to work out the amount of heavy metal retention by the adsorbent and the retention mechanisms. The retention capacity of the adsorbent mixture was as follows: Cr3+ ≈ Cu2+ ≫ Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+. Chromium and copper ions were mainly retained by precipitation, whereas zinc, nickel and cadmium were retained by ionic exchange with calcium ions that saturate the soil colloids. The soil mixture buffered pH was found to change when fed with an acid solution of metallic ions. Unlabelled Image • Adsorption kinetics and isotherms of Cr3+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ were obtained. • Dynamic column experiments identified the mechanisms of retention of heavy metals. • Cr3+ and Cu2+ were retained by precipitation; Cd2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ by ionic exchange. • A laboratory method was developed to evaluate the retention of heavy metals in SUDS. • A mixture of soil and sand showed a high potential for heavy metal retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet wrap therapy ( WWT) consists of topical steroids administered under a layer of wet cotton bandages or garments. Several trials with WWT have reported promising results in atopic dermatitis ( AD). However, no systematic review and meta-analysis on its efficacy and safety has been published. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on WWT in AD to assess its efficacy and safety. We included randomized controlled trials among patients of all ages with a diagnosis of AD based on predefined criteria or made by a dermatologist. Electronic searches were performed from 1970 to 30 March 2016 in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry. Selection of studies and data extraction were performed independently by two researchers, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Six trials comparing WWT with topical steroids in children or adults with AD were included. Sample sizes ranged from 19 to 51 patients. Results on clinical severity and quality of life were reported incompletely and proved heterogeneous across studies. A nonsignificant tendency to increased risk of mild skin infections was observed in those treated with WWT (pooled relative risk 6·35, 95% confidence interval 0·83-48·55). The overall grade of quality of evidence for the efficacy and safety outcomes was low. In conclusion, the evidence that WWT is more effective than conventional treatment with topical steroids in AD is of low quality. Further clinical trials should establish the efficacy of WWT in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light Absorption and Scattering technique (LAS) has been applied for the measurement of fuel vapor distribution in diesel-type sprays. This technique is usually limited to fuels with relatively high absorptivity, which are sometimes not commonly used as surrogate fuels. In the present paper, a comparison of fuels with very different absorptive properties has been made to determine the range of application of the methodology. A calibration procedure has been applied to n -decane (DEC), a binary blend of n -decane and n -hexadecane (50DEC) and three blends of n -heptane with a highly-absorpting fuel (HEPB1, HEPB2 and HEPB3). This methodology enables the in-situ quantification of absorption coefficients at high pressure and temperature by creating a uniform mixture inside the cylinder. Results have been later applied for the quantification of fuel vapor distribution in sprays for DEC, 50DEC and HEPB3. Results obtained with these range of fuels have enabled to establish the limit in terms of absorption coefficient needed to get consistent results with the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study on the ignition and combustion of diesel-type sprays using n -heptane, iso -octane and four intermediate blends is presented. The choice of components was done in order to represent the transition from conventional diesel fuel ( n -heptane) to a gasoline-like one ( iso -octane) in terms of ignition behavior. The experiments have been carried out in a high pressure high temperature vessel using specifications from the Engine Combustion Network (ECN). Parametric variations of oxygen concentration and air temperature have been performed for each fuel. In order to investigate the spray development, schlieren imaging for the quantification of spray penetration and ignition delay, OH ∗ chemiluminescence imaging for the lift-off length, and broadband radiation imaging for the soot intensity and flame length have been applied. The results show the large effect of mixture reactivity on the ignition times and lift-off length values. Regarding the effect of the octane number of the blends on the ignition delay times, a linear effect has been found in the lower half of the blend range, while an exponential trend is evident in the top one. On the other hand, a scaling law for the stabilized flame length based upon momentum-controlled assumptions has shown that results are comparable to those obtained in the literature. Finally, the applicability of the results obtained on the performance and efficiency in real engines is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Myerson''s models on partial cooperation have been studied extensively [SIAM J. Discrete Math. 5 (1992) 305; Math. Methods Operations Res. 2 (1977) 225; Int. J. Game Theory 19 (1980) 421; 20 (1992) 255]. In [Game Econ. Behav. 26 (1999) 565], Hamiache proposes a new solution concept for communication situations. In this work, we analyze this value making some deficiencies clear and generalize this value to union stable cooperation structures emphasizing the differences in the extension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Unit Hydrograph (UH) technique is widely used for runoff estimation, especially for determining peak discharges. In this paper, a geomorphologically based UH has been applied. Its most remarkable characteristic is that it includes the watershed structure in its formulation. This is defined from the drainage network, each subwatershed being considered as a linear reservoir. In this method, the fact of considering this reservoir sequence according to the drainage network leads to the formulation of the model only depending on a single parameter. The Geomorphological Unit Hydrograph of Reservoirs (GUHR), proposed in this paper, is compared with Nash''s Instantaneous Unit Hydrograph (Nash''s IUH), by applying the two methods to the Aixola watershed. This 4.7-km2 watershed is located in Gipuzkoa (Northern Spain). It is characteristic of the headwaters watersheds of the area. Most of them are forested and have steep slopes. Annual rainfall is over 1500 mm and many intense rainfall events are observed, among which 18 were selected for this study. Both UH techniques were applied to the rainstorms. The resulting hydrographs were plotted against registered data and the best fits were determined. According to these results, the GUHR model behaved similarly to Nash''s IUH. However, the GUHR method seemed able to reproduce a wider range of rainstorms than Nash''s IUH. While analyzing the UHs calculated, seasonal behavior was observed in runoff generation, and different average UHs were proposed for two different periods. This variability was also observed in values adopted by the GUHR model parameter, providing some information about the watershed time response. The dynamic character of the only uncertain parameter, and the model formulation, in which the watershed morphology is reflected, together with the model''s simplicity, leads us to consider GUHR as being a promising UH model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract The influence of mechanically-induced defects on the magnetostructural properties is analyzed in a Ni-Co-Mn-Sn alloy subjected to soft milling and subsequent annealing treatments. It is found that, opposite to what occurs in Ni-Mn-Sn ternary alloys, the annealing treatment affects the magnetic properties in a different way in martensite and in austenite. In particular, the saturation magnetization significantly increases in martensite after annealing whereas just a very slight variation is observed in austenite. This leads to the interesting fact that the presence of microstructural defects, far for worsening, makes the magnetocaloric effect to be higher in the as-milled state than after annealing. This behavior is explained as the result of the combination of the effect of defects on the Mn-Mn distance, the effect of Co on the magnetic exchange coupling between Mn atoms, and the effect of defects on the vibrational entropy change at the martensitic transformation. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Saturation magnetization increases in martensite but not in austenite after annealing. • Local atomic disorder linked to defects hinders ferromagnetic coupling in martensite. • Microstructural defects makes the magnetocaloric effect to be higher before annealing. • Higher attainable magnetically-induced entropy change in the as-milled state. • Stronger influence of induced defects on the vibrational entropy of the austenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Structural, magnetic and hyperthermia studies of Co x Zn 1− x Fe 2 O 4 nanoparticles. • Maximum magnetization values for x = 0.5 associated to cation distribution. • Decrease in Curie point and magnetocrystalline anisotropy with Zn content. • Occurrence of canted spin arrangement (Y-K angle). • Optimum self-controlled temperature hyperthermia agents. Abstract A comparative study of the magnetic properties (magnetic moment, magnetocrystalline anisotropy) and hyperthermia response in Co-Zn spinel nanoparticles is presented. The Co x Zn 1− x Fe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (x = 1, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2 and 0.1) were synthesized by co-precipitated method and the morphology and mean crystallite size (around 10 nm) of the nanoparticles were analysed by TEM Microscopy. Regarding the magnetic characterization (SQUID magnetometry), Co-Zn nanoparticles display at room temperature anhysteretic magnetization curves, characteristic of the superparamagnetic behavior. A decrease in the blocking temperature, T B , with Zn content is experimentally detected that can be ascribed to the reduction in the mean nanoparticle size as x decreases. Furthermore, the reduction in the magnetocrystalline anisotropy with Zn inclusion is confirmed through the analysis of T B versus the mean volume of the nanoparticles and the law of approach to saturation. Maximum magnetization is achieved for x = 0.5 as a result of the cation distribution between octahedral and tetrahedral spinel sites, analysed by neutron diffraction studies. The occurrence of a canted spin arrangement (Yafet-Kittel angle) is introduced to properly fit the magnetic spinel structures. Finally, the heating capacity of these spinel ferrites is analyzed under ac magnetic field (magnetic hyperthermia). Maximum SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values are achieved for x = 0.5 that should be correlated to the maximum magnetic moment of this composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New procedure for estimate magnetic field values for OHTLs. [•] Flat, Delta, and double circuit transmission line configurations are considered. [•] AG and AG/Sx hybridization are compared againsttheoretical and measured values. [•] The procedure reduces the measurements to define the magnetic profile of a OHTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Culture-independent methods found members of the family Caulobacteraceae to be especially enriched in a soil microcosm perfused 21 days with a 50 mg l−1 solution of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) (Sánchez-Peinado et al., 2010). In this study, bacterial isolates from the same soil microcosm were screened for members of the family Caulobacteraceae. Two strains were identified as Phenylobacterium haematophilum and Caulobacter mirabilis according to their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The two strains were cultured in liquid medium containing LAS (20 and 40 mg l−1), and HPLC analyses of the supernatants showed that they were capable of metabolizing LAS as pure cultures. These data confirm that indeed members of the family Caulobacteraceae were actively metabolizing LAS in the soil as previously reported, and provide with two valuable strains to study the metabolism of LAS in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a new procedure that improves the efficiency of magnetic field measurement protocols for estimating longitudinal and lateral profiles of electromagnetic fields produced by overhead transmission lines (OHTLs). The main difficulty that arises in the application of a measurement protocol to characterize the magnetic environment of an OHTL is the difficulty to have, in the vast majority of cases of spans in urban areas, all the measurements corresponding to the points required in the protocol field. In the conventional procedure, measurements that are not available are replaced by theoretical values calculated using methods which allow having an approximate value of an analytical expression describing the behavior of a highly simplified model, used as a low quality solution. The solution provided in this paper is based on the application of a decoupled structure from artificial neural networks (ANNs) to characterize the magnetic environment of an OHTL, as an alternative to the procedure of direct measurement, expensive equipment and time, or of simple substitution of a value calculated theoretically using analytical procedures that sacrifice the quality of the solution in favor of simplifications in the calculations. To achieve this goal and on the basis of the available measurements (≈106), shows a system (expandable) of four groups of nine ANNs each whose configuration architecture meets the backpropagation (BP) equipped with a procedure to obtain the best solution using Pearson’s linear coefficient correlation as selection and post-processing criteria. The tool has proved to be very useful, in particular for environmental impact assessment procedures regarding new OHTLs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a rule-based approach for the classification of power quality disturbances. The disturbed signal is first characterized using the multi-resolution S-transform, which acts as a feature extraction tool. Then, a simple but robust rule-based classification algorithm is used to identify disturbances. This algorithm uses linear and parabolic rules as pattern classifiers where decision boundaries are established by a heuristic search. The classification algorithm has a modular structure where each module works separately to detect specific disturbances. The most common types of disturbances, including sags, interruptions, swells, harmonics and oscillatory transients, were analyzed. Moreover, complex disturbances consisting of combinations of two simple events (simultaneous or consecutive in the same interval) were also analyzed. In both cases, noise, ranging from 40 to 20dB, was also considered. The tested data set contains power quality signals obtained using mathematical models, power quality events obtained from power network''s simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC and measured signals at electrical installations. Finally, evaluation results verifying the accuracy of the proposed method are presented and compared to those obtained from a classification system based on an artificial neural network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we analyze ternary bicooperative games, which are a refinement of the concept of a ternary voting game introduced by Felsenthal and Machover. Furthermore, majority voting rules based on the difference of votes are simple bicooperative games. First, we define the concepts of the defender and detractor swings for a player. Next, we introduce the Banzhaf power index and the normalized Banzhaf power index. The main result of the paper is an axiomatization of the Banzhaf power index for the class of ternary bicooperative games. Moreover, we study ternary bicooperative games with two lists of weights and compute the Banzhaf power index using generating functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: Vibrio populations in the seawater supply and the water of seven exhibition aquaria that simulate various Mediterranean and tropical ecosystems were compared. The similarity of Vibrio populations in the intestine of various fish species, feed and water was examined. Resistance to the antibiotics used in fish health management was analysed for the dominant Vibrio isolates. Methods and Results: Samples were collected for 1 year from seven exhibition tanks reproducing different ecosystems. The diversity and population similarity among vibrios were determined using a miniaturized biochemical phenotyping method. Similar Vibrio populations were found in the water supply and in the water of the Mediterranean ecosystems. However, different Vibrio populations were found in the water of tanks with tropical ecosystems. Vibrio populations in the water seemed to have a greater effect on the composition of intestinal Vibrio populations than those in feed. No resistance to antibiotics was observed, indicating their appropriate use for health management. Conclusions: Water characteristics have a greater impact on the composition of Vibrio populations in aquaria and fish intestinal microbiota than bacteria in feed. Significance and Impact of the Study: The microbiological monitoring water could provide valuable information for managing the health of exhibition aquaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two experimental watersheds, La Tejería (1.69km2) and Latxaga (2.07km2), appointed by the Government of Navarre (Spain) for assessing the effect of agricultural activities on the environment, were monitored during 10 years (1996–2005). Both watersheds are roughly similar with regard to soils, climate (humid sub Mediterranean) and land use (almost completely cultivated with winter grain crops). The first results for both sites on runoff, exported sediment, nitrate and phosphate are presented. Most runoff, sediment, nitrate and phosphate yields were generated during winter, when variability was also the highest of the whole year. La Tejería had much higher sediment concentrations and sediment yield than Latxaga. Nitrate concentrations were also significantly higher at La Tejería, with values constantly over the critical threshold (>50mgNO3 l−1). However, phosphate concentrations were similar in both watersheds and corresponded to water with a significant risk of eutrophication. Differences in watershed behaviour could be mainly due to differences in morphology, topography, and amount of stream channel vegetation between both sites. This is an unprecedented research for the region and the generated dataset is of paramount importance for research issues such as hydrology, erosion and water quality. The results highlight the complexity of Mediterranean agricultural landscapes and the need for further analyses to better ascertain the processes behind them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper introduces bicooperative games and develops some general values on the vector space of these games. First, we define biprobabilistic values for bicooperative games and observe in detail the axioms that characterize such values. Following the work of Weber [R.J. Weber, Probabilistic values for games, in: A.E. Roth (Ed.), The Shapley Value: Essays in Honor of Lloyd S. Shapley Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1988, pp. 101–119], these axioms are sequentially introduced observing the repercussions they have on the value expression. Moreover, compatible-order values are introduced and there is shown the relationship between these values and efficient values such that their components are biprobabilistic values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Shapley–Shubik power index in a voting situation depends on the number of orderings in which each player is pivotal. The Banzhaf power index depends on the number of ways in which each voter can effect a swing. If the input size of the problem is n, then the function which measures the worst case running time for computing these indices is in On2n. We present a method based on generating functions to compute these power indices efficiently for weighted multiple majority games and we study the temporal complexity of the algorithms. Finally, we apply the algorithms obtained with this method to compute the Banzhaf and the Shapley–Shubik indices under the two decision rules adopted in the Nice European Union summit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]