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The complete classification of the finite simple groups that are (2, 3)-generated is a problem which is still open only for orthogonal groups. Here, we construct (2, 3)-generators for the finite odd-dimensional orthogonal groups Ω2k+1(q), k ≥ 4. As a byproduct, we also obtain (2, 3)-generators for Ω+4k(q) with k ≥ 3 and q odd, and for Ω± 4k+2(q) with k ≥ 4 and q ≡ ±1 (mod 4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a molecular phylogeny for the subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) based on three plastid (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnQ-rps16) and two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) markers. The results of the phylogenetic reconstruction were utilised as a topological constraint for a subsequent divergence dating analysis and ancestral range reconstructions. We sampled 41 species and 40 genera (72%) of Ecliptinae and two species of Montanoa (as outgroups) to elucidate the generic relationships between the genera of this subtribe. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses were performed for the combined molecular dataset. The divergence dating analysis was performed using a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock with BEAST v1.8.4 and calibrated using a single secondary calibration point from a recently published chronogram for the family. The ancestral range reconstructions focusing on continents (i.e., South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) and biomes (Dry forests, Altitudinal grasslands, Savannas, and Rainforests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the genera of Ecliptinae are grouped into five clades, informally named the Monactis, Oblivia, Blainvillea, Wedelia, and Melanthera clades. The most recent, common ancestor of Ecliptinae was widespread in the North and South American dry forests at 8.16 Ma and mainly radiated in these regions up to the Pleistocene. At least eight dispersal events to South America and four dispersal events from North America to Africa, Asia, and Oceania took place during this period in all five informal clades of Ecliptinae. At least 13 biome shifts from dry forests to rainforests were evidenced, in addition to ten biome shifts from dry forests to altitudinal grasslands and savannas. These results corroborate the mid-late Miocene to early Pleistocene radiation of Ecliptinae in tropical dry forests. Future studies should aim to sample the remaining 14 unsampled genera of Ecliptinae to position them in one of the five informal clades proposed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentation is the natural process of sediment transportation and deposition in quiescent water conditions. Sedimentation can affect the functionality of ports, harbours and navigation channels by reducing water depth, making navigation difficult, if not impossible. Different solutions are available to guarantee infrastructure functionality against sedimentation, with maintenance dredging being the most widely adopted. Alternative technologies for dredging have been developed and tested to reduce the environmental concerns related to dredging operations. Among other solutions, applying a sediment by-pass system based on a jet pump emerged as one of the most promising. While the existing literature covers the techno-economic aspects of sediment by-pass systems, the environmental impacts must be better evaluated and assessed. This paper aims to resolve this gap by evaluating, through the ReCiPe2016 life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, the environmental impact of an innovative sediment by-pass system called an "ejectors plant". The LCA results are based on the demonstrator established in Cervia Harbour in Italy, which was extensively monitored for 15 months during its operation. This paper shows how energy consumption during the operation phase highly affects the considered midpoint and endpoint categories. For example, the GWP100 of the ejectors plant, considering the Italian electricity mix, equals 1.75 million tons of equivalent CO2 over 20 years, while under a low-carbon scenario, it is reduced to 0.17. In that case, material consumption in the construction phase becomes dominant, thus highlighting the importance of eco-innovation of ejectors plants to minimise oxidant formation. Finally, this paper compares the ejectors plant and traditional dredging through environmental LCA. The ejectors plant had a lower impact in all categories except for GWP-related categories. The sensitivity analysis showed how such a conclusion may be mitigated by considering different electricity mixes and maintenance dredging working cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]