Numerical Implementation of a Critical State Model for Soft Rocks

This paper details the basic tasks for the numerical implementation of a simple elasto-plastic critical state model for bonded materials (i.e. soft rocks-hard soils) into the finite element program SNAC developed at the University of Newcastle in Australia. The first task described focusses on the derivation of the incremental constitutive relationships used to represent the mechanical response of a bonded/cemented material under saturated conditions. The second task presents how these stress-strain relations can be numerically integrated using an explicit substepping scheme with automatic error control. The third task concentrates on the verification of the substepping algorithm proposed. The model used to represent the saturated mechanical response of a bonded material combines the modified Cam clay with the constitutive relationships for cemented materials proposed in Gens & Nova (1993), but incorporates some flexibility on the degradation law adopted. The role of suction and other relevant aspects of unsaturated behaviour are also discussed at the end of the paper

Optical and magnetic properties of ZnCoO thin films synthesized by electrodeposition

Ternary Zn1−xCoxO crystalline films with different compositions were grown by electrodeposition. The Co content in the final compound is linked to the initial Co/Zn ratio in the starting solution. X-ray diffraction reveals a wurtzite structure for the Zn1−xCoxO films. Transmittance spectra show two effects proportional to Co content, a redshift of the absorption edge and three absorption bands, which are both interpreted to be due to the Co incorporated into the ZnO lattice. The amount of deposited charge was used to get a precise control of the film thickness. Magnetic measurements point out that Co(II) ions are isolated from each other, and consequently the films are [email protected]

Green network protocols and algorithms

Lloret, J.; Ghafoor, KZ.; Rawat, DB.; Nasser, Y. (2015). Green network protocols and algorithms. Journal of Network and Computer Applications. 58:192-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnca.2015.11.004S1921935

Sensor Network Proposal for Greenhouse Automation placed at the South of Algeria

[EN] The south of Algeria has a very hard climate. In summer, it is very hot and dry with a very violent sand wind and in winter very cold and dry, from where several plants cannot be cultivated in an open field. With rapid population growth, the production of fruits and vegetables cannot be sufficient. To solve these two major problems, we propose in this paper a new mechanism for the control of the climate inside a greenhouse. The objective of this work is to propose a new design for the greenhouse that can be managed and controlled automatically. The management and the control of this greenhouse are done because of our new proposed algorithms, and the use of new technologies such as sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and the Internet of things to facilitate the tasks of farmers in the south of Algeria, and to improve the productiveness of the agriculture. We present the results of applying our proposal in a greenhouse during a short period of time and the changes on the environmental parameters inside the greenhouse.This work has also been partially supported by the European Union through the ERANETMED (Euromediterranean Cooperation through ERANET joint activities and beyond) project ERANETMED3-227 SMARTWATIR.Achouak, T.; Khelifa, B.; García-García, L.; Parra-Boronat, L.; Lloret, J.; Fateh, B. (2018). Sensor Network Proposal for Greenhouse Automation placed at the South of Algeria. Network Protocols and Algorithms. 10(4):53-69. https://doi.org/10.5296/npa.v10i4.14155S536910

Serological evidence of exposure to Rickettsia, Bartonella and Ehrlichia spp. in healthy or Leishmania infantum infected dogs from Barcelona

Fifty dogs from the area around Barcelona, Spain, were evaluated for serologic evidence of exposure to vector-borne pathogens. Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichiacanis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Leishmania infantum, Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffi, and Rickettsia rickettsii antigens were used for testing purposes. Seroreactivity was determined in 3 different groups of dogs that were categorized based upon their L infantum infection status: uninfected healthy dogs (group 1), L infantum-infected healthy dogs (group 2), and L infantum-infected dogs with clinical manifestations consistent with leishmaniasis (group 3). Of the 50 dogs included in this study, 49 had serologic evidence of exposure to at least 1 organism for which testing was performed

Imminent Communication Technologies for Smart Communities: Part 2

[EN] The six articles in this special section focus on the concept of immient communications for smart communities. While walking on the streets, we can identify hundreds of devices connected to the network in many ways, and this is not the end. As per many recent statistics and predictions, we will have billions of devices connected to the Internet and we will be able to reshape the entire living standards and styles of cities through such connectivity. In such a connected environment, one can easily expect a large amount of data to be generated, collected, and analyzed to provide a variety of services, including smart logistics, health care, agricultural reforming, and Smart Grid, with an ultimate goal of improving the consumer¿s experience. Collectively, we name these services as a step toward Smart Communities, and in this special section, these articles propose very interesting solutions and architectures for the futuristic smarter communities and citiesAhmed, SH.; Guizani, M.; Lloret, J.; Rawat, DB.; Guibene, W.; Zhong, Z. (2018). Imminent Communication Technologies for Smart Communities: Part 2. IEEE Communications Magazine. 56(7):80-81. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.2018.8419183808156

Imminent Communication Technologies for Smart Communities: Part 1

[EN] The articles in this special section focus on new information and communication technologies for smart communities. In the 21st century, we have witnessed a rapid and revolutionary growth in the ICT industry. Also, we can easily identify a variety of challenges that today¿s cities around the world are facing. In developing countries, with rapid population and economic growth, energy demand in urban areas is increasing. In developed countries, challenges are due to declining birth rates, aging societies demanding better health care services, and the deterioration of the physical infrastructure such as buildings, roads, water supplies and sewage systems, and the power grid. Moreover, internationally, global warming caused by increasing carbon dioxide emissions and frequent natural disasters are urgent issues. In our Feature Topic, we would like to see how communication technologies can play a vital role in assisting or solving some of the aforementioned issuesAhmed, SH.; Guizani, M.; Lloret, J.; Rawat, DB.; Guibene, W.; Zhong, Z. (2018). Imminent Communication Technologies for Smart Communities: Part 1. IEEE Communications Magazine. 56(1):76-76. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.2018.8255741S767656

Little “We’s”: how common identities improve behavior differently for ethnic majority and minority children

This field experiment tested whether inducing common inclusive representations (i.e., one group, dual identity) during contact influences intergroup relations differently for ethnic majority and minority children by changing their metaperceptions and intergroup emotions differently. White (N = 113) and Black (N = 111) 8- to 10-year-old children were exposed to interactive mixed-ethnicity sessions in schools emphasizing either categorization as one group (national group), dual identity (national group with ethnic subgroups), or two ethnic groups. Overall, as predicted, for White children, one-group, but not dual-identity perceptions, improved behavioral intentions by influencing metaperceptions. For Black children, dual-identity, but not one-group, perceptions improved behavioral intentions through metaperceptions. Contrary to the expected, both dual-identity and one-group perceptions were associated with White and Black children’s intergroup emotions.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Decoding the CO2 Reduction Mechanism of a Highly Active Organometallic Manganese Electrocatalyst: Direct Observation of a Hydride Intermediate and Its Implications

A detailed mechanistic study of the electrochemical CO2 reduction catalyzed by the fac-[Mn-I(CO)(3)(bis-(NHC)-N-Me)MeCN](+) complex (1-MeCN+ ) is reported herein by combining in situFTIR spectroelectrochemistry(SEC), synthesis and characterization of catalytic intermediates,and DFT calculations. Under low proton concentrations, 1-MeCN+ efficiently catalyzes CO2 electroreductionwith long catalyst durability and selectivity toward CO (ca. 100%). The [Mn-I(CO)(3)(bis-(NHC)-N-Me)](-) anion (1(-) ) and the tetracarbonyl [Mn-I(CO)(4)(bis-(NHC)-N-Me)](+) complex (1-CO+ )are key intermediates of the catalytic CO2-to-CO mechanismdue to their impact on the selectivity and the reaction rate, respectively.Increasing the proton concentration increases formate production (upto 15% FE), although CO remains the major product. The origin of formateis ascribed to the competitive protonation of 1(-) to form a Mn(I) hydride (1-H), detected by SECin the absence of CO2. 1-H was also synthesizedand thoroughly characterized, including by X-ray diffraction analysis.Stoichiometric reactivity studies of 1-H with CO2 and labeled (CO2)-C-13 indicate a fast formationof the corresponding neutral Mn(I) formate species (1-OCOH) at room temperature. DFT modeling confirms the intrinsic capabilityof 1-H to undergo hydride transfer to CO2 dueto the strong & sigma;-donor properties of the bis-(Me)NHCmoiety. However, the large potential required for the HCOO- release from 1-OCOH limits the overall catalytic CO2-to-HCOO- cycle. Moreover, the experimentallyobserved preferential selectivity for CO over formate is dictatedby the shallow kinetic barrier for CO2 binding to 1(-) compared to the Mn-H bond formation.The detailed mechanistic study highlights the reduction potential,pK (a), and hydricity of the metal hydrideintermediate as crucial factors affecting the CO2RR selectivityin molecular systems