1,391 research outputs found
Identification of functional information subgraphs in complex networks
We present a general information theoretic approach for identifying
functional subgraphs in complex networks where the dynamics of each node are
observable. We show that the uncertainty in the state of each node can be
expressed as a sum of information quantities involving a growing number of
correlated variables at other nodes. We demonstrate that each term in this sum
is generated by successively conditioning mutual informations on new measured
variables, in a way analogous to a discrete differential calculus. The analogy
to a Taylor series suggests efficient search algorithms for determining the
state of a target variable in terms of functional groups of other degrees of
freedom. We apply this methodology to electrophysiological recordings of
networks of cortical neurons grown it in vitro. Despite strong stochasticity,
we show that each cell's patterns of firing are generally explained by the
activity of a small number of other neurons. We identify these neuronal
subgraphs in terms of their mutually redundant or synergetic character and
reconstruct neuronal circuits that account for the state of each target cell.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Trace ions rejection tunning in NF by selecting solution composition: Ion permeances estimation
Nanofiltration (NF) is suggested to selectively remove ionic species in aqueous process streams taking benefit of both membrane and aqueous solution composition. The importance of predicting and optimizing selective ion rejections by NF not only of major compounds (e.g. NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, MgSO4) but also of minor ones such as ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), bromide (Br-), iodide (I-) typically present in natural and industrial process streams is crucial. The current work explores ion rejection patterns and membrane ion permeances using the phenomenological Solution-Electro-Diffusion-Film (SEDF) model. It makes possible rapid calculations that account for the effects of spontaneously arising electric fields on rejections. Experimental ion rejection data of several inorganic ions species at various transmembrane pressures and at fixed cross-flow velocity have been obtained with NF270 membrane. A number of trace ions (Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, Br-and I-) have been used in combination with various dominant salts (NaCl, MgCl2, MgSO4) as model feed solutions. Results showed that dominant salts were moderately (NaCl) and highly (MgCl2, MgSO4) rejected when some ions are divalent, while trace ions exhibited quite variable rejection, including negative ones mainly at low transmembrane volume flows. The electric field of membrane potential can accelerate or retard the ion flows to the permeate, so negative or unexpectedly high rejections could be observed. Ions transport was shown to be affected by the membrane chemistry (e.g. acid-base properties of the un-crosslinked carboxylic and amine groups) and the dielectric exclusion phenomena. From the modelling procedure, ionic membrane permeances were determined for various multi-ion systems studied. Results showed that nature of dominant salt composition can be used to control the rejection of minor components.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft
Selectrodialysis and bipolar membrane electrodialysis combination for industrial process brines treatment: Monovalent-divalent ions separation and acid and base production
Chemical industries generate large amounts of wastewater rich in different chemical constituents. Amongst these, salts at high concentrations are of major concern, making necessary the treatment of saline effluents before discharge. Because most of these rejected streams comprise a combination of more than one salt at high concentration, it is reasonable to try to separate and revalorize them to promote circular economy at industry site level. For this reason, ion-exchange membranes based technologies were integrated in this study: selectrodialysis (SED) and electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBM). Different process brines composed by Na2SO4 and NaCl at different concentrations were treated first by SED to separate each salt, and then by EDBM to produce base (NaOH) and acids (HCl and H2SO4) from each salt. The optimum of both electrolyte nature and concentration of the SED stack streams was evaluated. Results indicated that it was possible to separate Cl- and SO42- depending on the anionic membrane, initial electrolytes and concentrations of each stream. Pure NaOH and a mixture of HCl and H2SO4 with different purities could be obtained. Energy consumption evolutions were plotted and an optimal zone work was found where the consumption values were acceptable.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft
ResĂduos de exploração em areeiros de Trás-os-Montes Oriental: potencialidades como matĂ©ria prima para a indĂşstria cerâmica de construção
A exploração de sedimentos cenozĂłicos, para produção de inertes (areia e seixo), efectuada em areeiros da regiĂŁo de Trás-os-Montes Oriental, Ă© geradora de resĂduos (fracção dos sedimentos <70µm), aos quais estĂŁo associados impactes vários. Neste trabalho apresentam-se parte dos resultados do estudo mineralĂłgico, quĂmico, granulomĂ©trico e tecnolĂłgico dos resĂduos. Os resĂduos possuem caracterĂsticas que os permitem considerar como Argilas Comuns, com apetĂŞncia para a produção de cerâmicos de construção, nomeadamente tijolo alveolado e maciço, sendo no entanto necessária a beneficiação de algumas das suas caracterĂsticas.The Cenozoic sediments of Eastern Trás-os-Montes region are extracted for the production of sand and gravel, used as row materials in the construction industry. This extraction produce a large amount of waste mud, generating several environmental impacts. The waste mud was submitted to mineralogical, chemical and granulometric analysis. Tecnological tests were also performed with these materials. These studies allowed the classification of the waste mud as common clay, and showed their suitability for aplication in the bricks production, although some technological properties corrections should be made.Fundação para a CiĂŞncia Tecnologia - POCTI/CTA/38659/2001
Orthography and rhyme judgement: the interplay between phonology and orthography on rhyme judgement
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