Inverse modelling in estimating soil hydraulic functions: a Genetic Algorithm approach

The practical application of simulation models in the field is sometimes hindered by the difficulty of deriving the soil hydraulic properties of the study area. The procedure so-called inverse modelling has been investigated in many studies to address the problem where most of the studies were limited to hypothetical soil profile and soil core samples in the laboratory. Often, the numerical approach called forward-backward simulation is employed to generate synthetic data then added with random errors to mimic the real-world condition. Inverse modelling is used to backtrack the expected values of the parameters. This study explored the potential of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to estimate inversely the soil hydraulic functions in the unsaturated zone. Lysimeter data from a wheat experiment in India were used in the analysis. Two cases were considered: (1) a numerical case where the forward-backward approach was employed and (2) the experimental case where the real data from the lysimeter experiment were used. Concurrently, the use of soil water, evapotranspiration (ET) and the combination of both were investigated as criteria in the inverse modelling. Results showed that using soil water as a criterion provides more accurate parameter estimates than using ET. However, from a practical point of view, ET is more attractive as it can be obtained with reasonable accuracy on a regional scale from remote sensing observations. The experimental study proved that the forward-backward approach does not take into account the effects of model errors. The formulation of the problem is found to be critical for a successful parameter estimation. The sensitivity of parameters to the objective function and their zone of influence in the soil column are major determinants in the solution. Generally, their effects sometimes lead to non-uniqueness in the solution but to some extent are partly handled by GA. Overall, it was concluded that the GA approach is promising to the inverse problem in the unsaturated zone.</p> <p style='line-height: 20px;'><b>Keywords. </b>Genetic Algorithm, inverse modelling, Mualem-Van Genuchten parameters, unsaturated zone, evapotranspiration, soil wate

CCD photometric search for peculiar stars in open clusters VIII. King 21, NGC 3293, NGC 5999, NGC 6802, NGC 6830, Ruprecht 44, Ruprecht 115, and Ruprecht 120

Context. We continue our survey of magnetic chemically peculiar (CP2) stars in galactic open clusters to shed more light on their origin and evolution. Aims. To study the group of CP2 stars, it is essential to find these objects in different galactic environments and at a wide range of evolutionary stages. The knowledge of open cluster ages and metallicities can help for finding a correlation between these parameters and the (non-)presence of peculiarities, which has to be taken into account in stellar evolution models. Methods. The intermediate band Δa photometric system samples the depth of the 5200 Å flux depression by comparing the flux at the centre with the adjacent regions with bandwidths of 110 A to 230 A. It is capable of detecting magnetic CP2 and CP4 stars with high efficiency, but also the groups of (metal-weak) λBootis and classical Be/shell stars can be successfully investigated. In addition, it allows the age, reddening, and distance modulus to be determined with appropriate accuracy by fitting isochrones. Results. From the 1677 observed members of the eight open clusters, one Ae and twenty-five CP2 stars were identified. Furthermore nineteen deviating stars are designated as questionable for several reasons. The estimated age, reddening, and distance for the programme clusters were compared with published values of the literature and discussed in this context. Conclusions. The current paper shows that CP2 stars are continuously present in very young (7 Myr) to intermediate age (500 Myr) open clusters at distances greater than 2 kpc from the Sun. © ESO 2007.Fil: Netopil, M.. Universidad de Viena; AustriaFil: Paunzen, E.. Universidad de Viena; AustriaFil: Maitzen, H.M.. Universidad de Viena; AustriaFil: Pintado, Olga Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo. Departamento de Geología. Cátedra Geología Estructural. Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan. Complejo Astronómico "El Leoncito". Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Complejo Astronómico "El Leoncito". Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Complejo Astronómico "El Leoncito". Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Complejo Astronómico "El Leoncito"; ArgentinaFil: Claret, A.. Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía - Csic;Fil: Miranda, L.F.. Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía - Csic;Fil: Hiev, I.Kh.. National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen; BulgariaFil: Casanova, V.. Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía - Csic

Casimir interaction between plane and spherical metallic surfaces

We give an exact series expansion of the Casimir force between plane and spherical metallic surfaces in the non trivial situation where the sphere radius $R$, the plane-sphere distance $L$ and the plasma wavelength $\lambda_\P$ have arbitrary relative values. We then present numerical evaluation of this expansion for not too small values of $L/R$. For metallic nanospheres where $R, L$ and $\lambda_\P$ have comparable values, we interpret our results in terms of a correlation between the effects of geometry beyond the proximity force approximation (PFA) and of finite reflectivity due to material properties. We also discuss the interest of our results for the current Casimir experiments performed with spheres of large radius $R\gg L$.Comment: 4 pages, new presentation (highlighting the novelty of the results) and added references. To appear in Physical Review Letter

Leading- and next-to-leading-order lateral Casimir force on corrugated surfaces

We derive explicit analytic expressions for the lateral force for two different configurations with corrugations, parallel plates and concentric cylinders. By making use of the multiple scattering formalism, we calculate the force for a scalar field under the influence of a delta-function potential that has sinusoidal dependence in one direction simulating the corrugations. By making a perturbative expansion in the amplitude of the corrugation we find the leading order for the corrugated concentric cylinders and the next-to-leading order for the corrugated parallel plates.Comment: 6 pages. Seventh Alexander Friedmann International Seminar on Gravitation and Cosmolog

Biological observations of the tope shark, Galeorhinus galeus , in the northern Patagonian gulfs of Argentina

During 1994–96, an experimental longline fishery for tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) was carried out in the Nuevo Gulf of northern Patagonia and, in the summers of 2000–2001 and 2002, three boats conducted an exploratory commercial fishery for this species, accompanied by a scientific monitoring program. This paper summarizes the results of these fishing trials, and provides information on the biology of tope shark. Catches were highest from February to April, when tope shark represented 36% of the total fish caught, and elephant fish (Callorhynchus callorhynchus) and argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) accounted for 33% and 23%, respectively. Tope shark arriving in northern Patagonian waters during the summer are primarily mature males, immature and maturing females in their first and second non-gravid year. No gravid females were caught. These fish are part of the South-western Atlantic stock, which shows signs of over-exploitation, so we suggest that any longline fishery in Patagonia should remain on a small scale. We also recommend that an effective management plan is needed for the whole tope stock, establishing agreements on effort control and co-ordinated research between Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.Fil: Elias, Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Rodriguez, A. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Hasan, E.. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Reyna, M. V.. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Amoroso, Ricardo Oscar. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Lipid allocation in late-stage barnacle larvae from subtropical and temperate waters

The transition of planktonic late-stage barnacle larvae to a benthic life requires enough energy to power settlement and metamorphosis, and may be compromised by food limitation during early ontogeny. We carried out a comparative study to better understand the larval physiology of space-monopolizing barnacles exposed to contrasting regimes of primary productivity: Chthamalus bisinuatus under a meso-oligotrophic regime on the southeastern coast of Brazil, and C. montagui under a highly productive regime on the southwestern coast of the British Isles. We used an index based on lipid composition—the triacylglycerol (TAG) to phospholipid (PL) ratio—to characterize lipid allocation (energy/structure) in the tissues of cyprid larvae and anticipated depleted TAG reserves in cyprids from less productive waters. Despite the considerably different levels of primary productivity between subtropical (1.31 ± 0.4 mg chl a m-3) and temperate waters (3.09 ± 1.2 mg chl a m-3), TAG/PL ratio and settlement success were comparable for C. bisinuatus and C. montagui. Lipid allocation of daily cohorts was also comparable for both chthamalids, with cyprids equally storing TAG reserves (≥50% of total lipid content). This points to an energetic threshold below which nauplii cannot develop to a cyprid and/or selection for lipid accumulation under poor trophic conditions. We highlight the challenges of directly relating estimates of primary productivity with food supply and larval physiological status, as lower chl a concentrations do not necessarily indicate food limitation for barnacle nauplii. We propose a conceptual model to clarify the process of lipid allocation (energetic to structural lipids) in the tissues of cyprid larvae

Cost-effectiveness and resource implications of aggressive action on tuberculosis in China, India, and South Africa: a combined analysis of nine models

Background The post-2015 End TB Strategy sets global targets of reducing tuberculosis incidence by 50% and mortality by 75% by 2025. We aimed to assess resource requirements and cost-effectiveness of strategies to achieve these targets in China, India, and South Africa. Methods We examined intervention scenarios developed in consultation with country stakeholders, which scaled up existing interventions to high but feasible coverage by 2025. Nine independent modelling groups collaborated to estimate policy outcomes, and we estimated the cost of each scenario by synthesising service use estimates, empirical cost data, and expert opinion on implementation strategies. We estimated health effects (ie, disability-adjusted life-years averted) and resource implications for 2016–35, including patient-incurred costs. To assess resource requirements and cost-effectiveness, we compared scenarios with a base case representing continued current practice. Findings Incremental tuberculosis service costs differed by scenario and country, and in some cases they more than doubled existing funding needs. In general, expansion of tuberculosis services substantially reduced patient-incurred costs and, in India and China, produced net cost savings for most interventions under a societal perspective. In all three countries, expansion of access to care produced substantial health gains. Compared with current practice and conventional cost-effectiveness thresholds, most intervention approaches seemed highly cost-effective. Interpretation Expansion of tuberculosis services seems cost-effective for high-burden countries and could generate substantial health and economic benefits for patients, although substantial new funding would be required. Further work to determine the optimal intervention mix for each country is necessary

Mutation screening of RAD51C in male breast cancer patients

[No abstract available