Search

The models proposed for the positive long air gap electrical discharge can be considered to be either engineering or physical in their approach. In this work, we make a general review of the available models and use two of them for a comparison with experimental data. Common underlying assumptions were found in most of the models analyzed. The comparison with the experimental data revealed that the results obtained from the models were a good representation of the physical situation when the leader potential distribution and the leader-corona region evolution were described with certain physical assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Aimed to identify global susceptible regions to smooth cordgrass invasion. • Characterized climatic niche dynamics at spatial and temporal scales. • Observed significant climatic niche expansion with a short lag period. • Future range expansion predicted with marginal climate change. • Mangroves and protected areas are at risk to ongoing and future invasions. Introduction and spread of the halophyte Spartina alterniflora is one of the largest continental-scale biological invasion events in Asia and the Americas. Rapid globalization and broad environmental tolerance of the species increase the chance of novel invasions. Thus, we aimed to identify susceptible regions to inform prevention and control activities. A comprehensive global occurrence dataset and corresponding bioclimatic variables were used to characterize the species' climatic niche and predict current and future potential distributions. Conservatism of climatic niche between native and non-native ranges was tested, and climatic niche dynamics were analysed at spatial and temporal scales. The ensemble of eight species distribution models and eight climate change models was used to map the potential distribution of S. alterniflora under current and future climate conditions. We investigated the susceptibility of threatened ecosystems like mangroves and protected areas to S. alterniflora invasion to better inform management decisions. Our study revealed wide climatic tolerance and significant niche expansion of the species from humid regions of its native range to dry and arid environments of its non-native range with a very short lag period. With a marginal increase in temperature and precipitation in the future, range expansion was predicted towards higher latitude and more inland areas. The mangroves area, salt marshes, and protected areas that are at risk of ongoing and future invasions were identified. Given the invasion potential of S. alterniflora , the areas identified as climatically susceptible for the species' establishment, both in current and future climates, should be prioritized for management actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human activities have caused the degeneration of the natural habitats of medicinal plants. Mentha pulegium L. is one of the most common medicinal plants in Tunisia that features high economic and ecological values. Predicting species' suitable habitats, through modeling, has evolved as a useful tool for the assessment of resource conservation to protect medicinal plants. Herein, we used MaxEnt model to predict current and future distributions of M. pulegium under two representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) for the years 2050 and 2070. MaxEnt modeling was in the "Excellent" category since all the AUCs were above 0.9. Results showed that high and moderate suitable habitats for the current distribution of M. pulegium encompassed ca. 9929 km2 and 16,423 km2, respectively. These areas are mainly located in North Tunisia. Precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) was identified as the most critical factor shaping M. pulegium distribution. Compared to the current distribution, the highly and moderately suitable areas for M. pulegium under the two RCPs (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) would decrease in the 2050s and 2070s. The model projected a shift of the suitable area from Northeastward to Center-eastward. These results may provide a useful tool for developing adaptive management strategies to enhance M. pulegium protection and sustainable utilization in the context of global climate change. • Maxent modeling was used to predict current and future distributions of Mentha pulegium L. in Tunisia. • Precipitation of the coldest quarter was the most critical factor shaping M. pulegium distribution. • The most suitable areas for M. pulegium are mainly located in North Tunisia. • The predicted suitable area will decrease in the 2050s and 2070s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasion science lacks standardised measures of invasion success that would provide effective prioritisation of invasive species and invaded areas management. Prevalence (area of occupancy) of invasive species is often used as proxy of their success but this metric ignores the extent to which a species fills its potential distribution. This study aims to estimate the performance of invasive tree species by computing the ratio between the compressed canopy area (CCA), assessed through remote sensing, and their potential distribution, estimated using invasive species distribution modelling. This index of ‘range filling’ (RF) has applicability to a broad set of invasive plant species in any biome. A case study is provided using the invasive African tulip tree Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) on three small tropical oceanic islands (South Pacific) exhibiting different invasion levels to test for differences between CCA and RF. The results show that the RF of Spathodea campanulata varied within islands depending on elevation but not proportionally to the CCA of the species. Another key result was that the RF of the species and its CCA provided different between-island perspectives on the invasions and lead to distinct ranking among islands to prioritise for management. Therefore, managers should disregard species’ prevalence as a measure of success and rather weight it with potential distribution to quantify how an invader is performing in a given environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study carried out a numerical simulation of electrostatic potential distribution in the cylindrical oil tank, focusing on spatial distribution of electrostatic potential and the variation tendency of the potential in the filling operation. Electrostatic potential distribution of stationary oil was illustrated, and the relationship between the electrostatic potential distribution and some parameters of the tank and oil was analyzed as well. Dynamic electrostatic distribution was studied when charged oil is filling into the tank, and ESD prevention measures’ effects on electrostatic potential distribution were simulated. Finally, calculation results of two other types of oil tanks were presented in brief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The montane cloud forest (MCF) is one of the most threatened ecosystems, in spite of its high strategic value for sustainable development, the role it plays in the hydrological cycle maintenance, and as reservoir of endemic biodiversity. For Mexico, this forest is considered the most threatened terrestrial ecosystem at national level because of land-use changes and the effects of global climate change. To compare and assess the environmental vulnerability in the MCF we measured two physiological traits (stomatal conductance and leaf water potential), four climate variables (air temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, vapor pressure deficit, water availability) and the potential geographic distribution of eleven tree species from this forest. We evaluated stomatal conductance responses using the envelope function method (EFM), and after analyzing these responses we developed a vulnerability index that allowed us to compare the environmental vulnerability among species. We proposed the EFM as a useful tool to assess regional environmental vulnerability by comparing species. Our results showed differential species responses to all the studied variables; however, the vulnerability index allowed us to conclude that the most vulnerable species was Liquidambar styraciflua , and the least vulnerable Persea longipes . We also found that temperatures above 34 °C, and vapor pressure deficit above 2.9 kPa with relative humidity below 30% jeopardized the stomatal conductance performance of all species. We also found leaf water potential as the most influential variable over the studied species followed by vapor pressure deficit, showing that even in the MCF water is a determinant factor for species’ development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parallel plate cell facilitating controlled flow in a rectangular channel and capable of incorporating a wide range of electrode materials is important in studies of electrode reactions prior to process development and scale-up. The FM01-LC, a versatile laboratory-scale, plane parallel filter-press type electrochemical cell (having a projected electrode area of 64 cm 2 ) which is based on the larger FM21-SP electrolyser (2100 cm 2 area). Many laboratories have used this type of reactor to quantify the importance of reaction environment in fundamental studies and to prepare for industrial applications. A number of papers have concerned the experimental characterization and computational modelling of its reaction environment but the experimental and computational data has become dispersed. The cell has been used in a diverse range of synthesis and processing applications which require controlled flow and known reaction environment. In a previous review, the cell construction and reaction environment was summarised followed by the illustration of its use for a range of applications that include organic and inorganic electrosynthesis, metal ion removal, energy storage, environmental remediation (e.g., metal recycling or anodic destruction of organics) and drinking water treatment. This complementary review considers the characteristics of the FM01-LC electrolyser as an example of a well-engineered flow cell facilitating cell scale-up and provides a rigorous analysis of its reaction environment. Particular aspects include the influence of electrolyte velocity on mass transport rates, flow dispersion and current distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a rotating electro-osmotic flow (EOF) of an incompressible third grade fluid between micro-parallel plates is considered. The analysis is based upon the modified Navier–Stokes (N–S) equation for a transport electrolyte in a rotating frame of reference. Within the framework of linearized Poisson–Boltzmann (P–B) equation, exact solutions of the electric potential distribution are given. The approximate analytical solutions of the velocity and the flow rate are achieved by using perturbation techniques under the assumption of small non-Newtonian parameter Λ . In addition, the finite difference method is used to obtain the numerical solutions. We compare the analytical solutions with the numerical solutions within admissible parameter range, and obtain a good agreement between these solutions. The influences of the Reynolds number Re , the dimensionless non-Newtonian parameter Λ , the dimensionless electro-kinetic width K on the rotating EOF velocity profiles and volume flow rate are investigated in detail. With the increasing Reynolds number Re and non-Newtonian parameter Λ , the velocity is decreasing. The large angular velocity has an obvious effect near the center core of the micro-channel and causes a reversal in the velocity direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3-D), transient, nonisothermal model of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) is developed by rigorously accounting for the electrochemical reactions of four types of vanadium ions (V 2+ , V 3+ , VO 2+ , and VO 2 + ) and the resulting mass and heat transport processes. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing various heat generation mechanisms, including irreversible and reversible heat generation due to vanadium redox reactions and joule heating arising from the solid electrode and electrolyte ionic resistances. The 3-D model is validated against voltage evolution curves measured under charging and discharging processes. The model predictions compare well with the experimental data over a wide range of state of charge (SOCs), and further reveal key electrochemical and transport phenomena inside VRFBs through multidimensional contours of solid electrode/electrolyte potentials, species concentrations, and temperatures. This full 3-D comprehensive VRFB model can be applied to realistic multicell stacks to determine the optimal design and operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we provide numerical results for the electrostatic potential profile of a soft charged particle with a charged core and pH-dependent charge density. The present study serves as a useful platform for better quantification of the electrostatic potential profile of the MS2 bacteriophage virus. In this context, this work improves the analysis of a similar recent study [Phan et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139 (2013) 244908] in two aspects. First, as compared to the previous study, we provide numerical rather than analytical results for the electrostatic potential profile. This is important because the analytical treatment forbids the investigation of cases with intermediate to large charge density, relative to the bulk charge density of the electrolyte, of the viral surface. Second, the consideration of pH-dependent charge density in the electrostatic potential profile is a more credible representation of the electrostatics of the virus, which is known to demonstrate pH-dependent variation in the electrophoretic mobility. In fact, we establish that the various predictions on the electrostatic potential profile made in the previous study are substantially modified when the effect of pH is considered, and the result must now be described in terms of the difference pH − p K a , where K a refers to the ionization constant of the acid that produces the PEL ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical model for the potential distribution of a p-n-i-n tunneling field effect transistor (TFET). Using the potential distribution, the tunneling drain current is derived analytically by integrating the band-to-band tunneling generation rate over the device volume. According to our knowledge, there is no analytical analysis for this structure in the literature, and this is the first analytical model proposed for a p-n-i-n TFET structure. The proposed analytical model is validated via numerical results obtained from device simulations based on non-local band-to-band tunneling model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the position of the counter electrode on the behaviour of a cylindrical electrochemical reactor with a three-dimensional electrode in flow-by configuration is analysed. Experimental results of the potential distribution are compared with theoretical predictions obtaining a close agreement between them. The best performance was observed for the arrangement with an outer counter electrode, where the largest bed thickness is obtained for a given potential difference in the three-dimensional structure; which, under limiting current conditions, tolerates a higher current increasing the conversion per pass. The reactor was also checked for the removal of copper from dilute solutions and the experimental results coincide with the theoretical predictions. The morphology of the electrodeposited copper is discussed as a function of the radial position inside the three-dimensional structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main characteristics of Hall Effect Sensors, based on “silicon-on-insulator” (SOI) structure in the ideal design features, are evaluated by performing three-dimensional physical simulations. A particular Hall shape reproducing an XFAB SOI XI10 integration process is analyzed in details. In order to assess the performance of the considered Hall cell, the Hall voltage, absolute sensitivity and input resistance were extracted through simulations. Electrostatic potential distribution and Hall mobility were also produced through simulations for the considered SOI Hall Basic cell. A comparison between the performance of the same Hall cell manufactured in regular bulk and SOI CMOS technology respectively is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale landslides in the Himalaya are defined as huge, deep-seated landslide masses that occurred in the geological past. They are widely distributed in the Nepal Himalaya. The steep topography and high local relief provide high potential for such failures, whereas the dynamic geology and adverse climatic conditions play a key role in the occurrence and reactivation of such landslides. The major geoscientific problems related with such large-scale landslides are 1) difficulties in their identification and delineation, 2) sources of small-scale failures, and 3) reactivation. Only a few scientific publications have been published concerning large-scale landslides in Nepal. In this context, the identification and quantification of large-scale landslides and their potential distribution are crucial. Therefore, this study explores the distribution of large-scale landslides in the Lesser Himalaya. It provides simple guidelines to identify large-scale landslides based on their typical characteristics and using a 3D schematic diagram. Based on the spatial distribution of landslides, geomorphological/geological parameters and logistic regression, an equation of large-scale landslide distribution is also derived. The equation is validated by applying it to another area. For the new area, the area under the receiver operating curve of the landslide distribution probability in the new area is 0.699, and a distribution probability value could explain > 65% of existing landslides. Therefore, the regression equation can be applied to areas of the Lesser Himalaya of central Nepal with similar geological and geomorphological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model for combined electroosmotic and pressure driven flow in a rectangular microchannel at high zeta potential and overlapping electrical double-layer is presented. The potential distribution is solved numerically without Debye–Hückel approximation using site dissociation model. The corresponding hydrodynamic analysis along with the associated heat transfer problem was performed. For wall potential of 120 mv, the centerline potential could be 95% of wall potential at non-dimensional channel height κa = 0.3 and it was 90% for κa = 1.0, where κ −1 is Debye length and a is half height of the channel. Centerline potential was 84% of wall potential at pH 5.5 and beyond pH 6.5, centerline potential was close to zero, even at lower value of κa (=0.3). Centerline velocity decreases by 16% as κa decreases from 1 to 0.5, when both pressure driven flow and electroosmotic flow are equally dominant, for non-dimensional zeta potential α = 3 (77 mV). For ratio of Joule heating to surface cooling beyond 5, the non-dimensional temperature in the channel is always positive. In absence of Joule heating ( G = 0), Nusselt number decreases by 28% as κa decreases from 1 to 0.5. Nusselt number also decreases by 34% with increase in non-dimensional wall zeta potential from 3 to 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien plants pose a threat to biodiversity worldwide, and the costs of control are ever-escalating. Early detection and prediction of areas potentially at risk is crucial to minimise ecological and socio-economic costs. Maxent was used to predict the area within which Ageratina adenophora can potentially naturalise and spread in South Africa. The model was set up with 1020 occurrence records (10 replicates, 70% of records for calibration:30% for validation), and four climatic predictor variables. Background data were selected using Köppen–Geiger (vegetation-based) climate classification zones. All model replicates performed better than random in both binomial tests of omission and ROC analysis. The model was statistically significant and its mean AUC was 94%. The modeled prevalence was 0.21 and the sensitivity was 0.99. The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces have climatic conditions indicative of a high potential for invasion by A. adenophora, followed by parts of the Western Cape, North West and Limpopo provinces. The model predicted areas beyond the current distribution, suggesting that A. adenophora has potential for further spread, and that searches for it need to be made beyond its currently known distribution. On the other hand it appears not to have spread into some climatically suitable areas near its current occupancy sites, such as throughout the KwaZulu-Natal mist belt, suggesting that unknown biotic (including human) or abiotic factors are also limiting its naturalization and require further study to be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We solve analytically a three-dimensional Poisson equation for the potential produced by two coaxial metallic contacts at the edges of the Corbino disk. It is assumed that there is a finite tangential current, while the radial current is absent. This solution is compared with a solution of the two-dimensional problem for conducting Corbino disk. We calculate the magnetic dipole moment of Corbino disk and compare our results with the case of two-dimensional Coulomb distribution of the potential which is realized in Corbino disk in the presence of the radial current. We also discuss the application of torque magnetometry to study metal–insulator transition, in particular, in the quantum Hall regime. [Display omitted] • Radially insulating Corbino disk. • Two-dimensional vs three-dimensional Coulomb potential. • Magnetic moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The multilevel resistive switching effect in Pt/HfxAl1−xOy/TiN stacks has been studied by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). Atomic layer deposition was used to grow HfxAl1−xOy films with graded Al depth profile, where the engineered Al concentration across the film facilitates the desired oxygen vacancies' profile. The method to derive the electrical potential profile across dielectric from the HAXPES spectra is proposed. By combining the information on the chemical state at both interfaces with the extracted potential distribution, a qualitative model for the resistive switching effect in the Pt/HfxAl1−xOy/TiN metal–insulator–metal stack is proposed. According to this model, the conductive filaments controlling the resistivity are formed by the electric field driven condensation of the charged oxygen vacancies in the oxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a microfluidic flow cell activity pattern can occur along a thin band electrode due to the potential distribution in the cell. For quantitative characterization of the pattern formation exclusively due to electric effect and for elimination of interactions of reaction sites from concentration distribution along the flow channel, a partial differential equation model is formulated for the spatiotemporal variation of electrode potential with Butler-Volmer kinetics limited by mass transfer. At constant applied circuit voltage, with increase of the electrode size a limiting current is achieved because of the spatial pattern formation. The limiting current arises due to the formation of high activity at the downstream edge, and low (nearly open circuit potential) activity at the upstream edge. The spatial pattern (e.g., ratio of active vs. inactive region) depends on the electrode size, the applied voltage, the conductivity of the electrolyte, and the distance from the downstream electrode edge to the reservoir. It is also shown that by placing equally spaced insulating stripes on the electrode much of the activity can be retained and the current does not decrease significantly due to the lessened surface area (as long as the surface area of the insulating stripes is less than about 50% of the entire electrode area). The model simulations are interpreted with a coupled ordinary differential equation model of segmented electrodes and the occurrence of the strong edge effects is confirmed with experiments of a four-electrode electrode array in a microfluidic flow cell with ferrocyanide oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is wide-spread in pig populations globally. In many regions of Europe with intensive pig production and high herd densities, the virus is endemic and can cause disease and production losses. This fuels discussion about the feasibility and sustainability of virus elimination from larger geographic regions. The implementation of a program aiming at virus elimination for areas with high pig density is unprecedented and its potential success is unknown. The objective of this work was to approach pig population data with a simple method that could support assessing the feasibility of a sustainable regional PRRSV elimination. Based on known risk factors such as pig herd structure and neighborhood conditions, an index characterizing individual herds’ potential for endemic virus circulation and reinfection was designed. This index was subsequently used to compare data of all pig herds in two regions with different pig- and herd-densities in Lower Saxony (North-West Germany) where PRRSV is endemic. Distribution of the indexed herds was displayed using GIS. Clusters of high herd index densities forming potential risk hot spots were identified which could represent key target areas for surveillance and biosecurity measures under a control program aimed at virus elimination. In an additional step, for the study region with the higher pig density (2463 pigs/km2 farmland), the potential distribution of PRRSV-free and non-free herds during the implementation of a national control program aiming at national virus elimination was modeled. Complex herd and trade network structures suggest that PRRSV elimination in regions with intensive pig farming like that of middle Europe would have to involve legal regulation and be accompanied by important trade and animal movement restrictions. The proposed methodology of risk index mapping could be adapted to areas varying in size, herd structure and density. Interpreted in the regional context, this could help to classify the density of risk and to accordingly target resources and measures for elimination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Species distribution modelling, as a central issue in freshwater ecology, is an important tool for conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems. The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a sensitive species which reacts to habitat changes induced by human impacts. Therefore, the identification of suitable habitats is essential. This study explores the potential distribution of brown trout by a species distribution modelling approach for Iran. Furthermore, modelling results are compared to the distribution described in the literature. Areas outside the currently known distribution which may offer potential habitats for brown trout are identified. The species distribution modelling was based on five different modelling techniques: Generalised Linear Model, Generalised Additive Model, Generalised Boosting Model, Classification Tree Analysis and Random Forests, which are finally summarised in an ensemble forecasting approach. We considered four environmental descriptors at the local scale (slope, bankfull width, wetted width, and elevation) and three climatic parameters (mean air temperature, range of air temperature and annual precipitation) which were extracted on three different spatial extents (1/5/10km). The performance of all models was excellent (≥0.8) according to the TSS (True Skill Statistic) criterion. Slope, mean and range of air temperature were the most important variables in predicting brown trout occurrence. Presented results deepen the knowledge about distribution patterns of brown trout in Iran. Moreover, this study gives a basic background for the future development of assessment methods for riverine ecosystems in Iran. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Effect of cold rolling on pitting of 17-4 PH stainless steel is investigated. [•] Cold rolling facilitates the transition from metastable to stale pitting. [•] The frequency of metastable pitting decreases with increasing cold working. [•] Cold working does not change pitting potential distribution significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information and data on the distribution of wildlife species become important when strategizing the management and conservation of the species. Species distribution models have increasingly been used as a predictive tool in wildlife conservation planning and management. This research assessed the distribution of the sun bear and identified the relevant distribution descriptive variables in the Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang, Malaysia using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA). Marginality and specialization factors showed that the sun bear habitat is very specific compared to the entire study area and its niche breadth was slightly narrow. Among all the habitat suitability algorithms available in Biomapper software package, median with the extreme optimum algorithm was found to have the best predictive capabilities by means of a continuous Boyce index. Results showed that sun bear can rarely be found in high altitudes, prefers lowland Dipterocarp, and avoids Mountain Ericaceous and Mixed Hill Dipterocarp forests. It also prefers to live nearby rivers, tends to avoid villages and prefers regions with fine silty-clay and loamy textures soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Interfaces of FS welded Al/Cu joint was characterized by OM, SEM, AFM and SKPFM. [•] A eutectic phase mainly consisting of CuAl2 IMC and an Al-rich phase was detected. [•] Severe mechanical deformation caused a concurrent depletion/enrichment mechanism. [•] A correlation between phases and their Volta potential distribution is found. [•] Corrosion initiated from sites with relatively higher absolute Volta potentials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of tetraethyl orthosilicate to modify carbon xerogel materials results in the formation of silica oxide and carboxylic functional groups at the carbon's surface. Voltammetric characterization indicates that the potential of zero charge (PZC) of the modified samples was positively shifted to the extent affected by dip-coating repetitions. Cycling tests were performed at 1.2V for 15cycles in a flow-through cell with ~4mM deaerated NaCl. The average charge efficiency of the cell was significantly enhanced from ~60% to ~86% when the modified electrode served as the cathode. This increase in efficiency was mainly attributed to the shifting of the PZC at the cathode towards the cell short-circuit potential, thereby reducing co-ion repulsion at the cathode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Develop a numerical model to simulate potential and current density at defects. [•] Determine the potential distribution inside the defect under cathodic protection. [•] Evaluate effectiveness of cathodic protection at defects on pipelines. [•] Derive empirical equations for corrosion defect assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to increasing pressure on the marine environment there is a growing need to understand species–environment relationships. To provide background for prioritising among variables (predictors) for use in distribution models, the relevance of predictors for benthic species was reviewed using the coastal Baltic Sea as a case-study area. Significant relationships for three response groups (fish, macroinvertebrates, macrovegetation) and six predictor categories (bottom topography, biotic features, hydrography, wave exposure, substrate and spatiotemporal variability) were extracted from 145 queried peer-reviewed field-studies covering three decades and six subregions. In addition, the occurrence of interaction among predictors was analysed. Hydrography was most often found in significant relationships, had low level of interaction with other predictors, but also had the most non-significant relationships. Depth and wave exposure were important in all subregions and are readily available, increasing their applicability for cross-regional modelling efforts. Otherwise, effort to model species distributions may prove challenging at larger scale as the relevance of predictors differed among both response groups and regions. Fish and hard bottom macrovegetation have the largest modelling potential, as they are structured by a set of predictors that at the same time are accurately mapped. A general importance of biotic features implies that these need to be accounted for in distribution modelling, but the mapping of most biotic features is challenging, which currently lowers the applicability. The presence of interactions suggests that predictive methods allowing for interactive effects are preferable. Detailing these complexities is important for future distribution modelling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] More uniform potential distribution for diagonal grid configuration vs. others. [•] Optimized diagonal grid configuration enhances current collecting ability. [•] Numerical modeling, a fast and inexpensive method for grid optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied the impact of voltage difference engineering in a silicon-on-insulator metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (SOI-MOSFET) and compared the performance to that of a conventional SOI-MOSFET (C-SOI). Our structure, called a SIG-SOI MOSFET, includes main and side gates with an optimum voltage difference between them. The voltage difference leads to an inverted channel as an electrical drain extension under the side gate. This channel creates a stepped potential distribution along the channel that it cannot be seen in the C-SOI MOSFETs. The voltage difference controls the channel properly and two-dimensional two-carrier device simulations revealed lower threshold voltage variations, larger breakdown voltage, higher voltage gain, lower hot carrier effects, improved drain-induced barrier lowering, lower drain conductance, higher unilateral power gain, and lower leakage current compared to a C-SOI device. Thus, our proposed structure has higher performance than a typical C-SOI structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Work function study based on the onset method (WFS) is a surface technique used for investigation of the adsorption and deposition processes. When applied using scanning electron beam, it can be used for surface mapping of the work function with the lateral resolution presumably comparable to that of primary beam spot size. Such experimental arrangement is known as Work Function Microscopy (WFM). In the case of a non-uniform surface distribution of the work function, a contact potential is established between areas having different work function. The corresponding electrical field, known as patch field, influences work function study using the retarding field potential. Although this influence should be also present when using the onset method, this problem has not been tackled so far in these measurements. In this work we calculate the potential distribution above a single low work function patch on a high work function substrate. The potential distribution is evaluated in the presence of the external field, which is a common situation in WFS and WFM measurements. We show that WFS and WFM results may be strongly influenced by the patch field. Their interpretation depends on the external field and the size of areas (patches) having uniform local work function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) (Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive insect pest that has established populations in Worcester County, Massachusetts as of 2008. ALB predominantly targets red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), which are prominent in New England hardwood forests, and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), which was planted in built environments as street trees in response to severe weather and invasive insect and pathogen disturbances. Mahalanobis Typicality models related presence locations of ALB presence-only locations in Worcester County towns from 2008 to 2012 to biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic variables to predict the potential distribution of ALB and to determine locations most characteristic of infestation. k-fold cross-validation and a continuous Boyce Index were employed to validate model performance and to identify threshold values at which continuous models of typicality could be reclassified into categorical maps. Distance-to-roads (r 2 = 0.19) and probability of maple presence (r 2 = 0.13) were the most important predictor variables in the ALB model. Locations that were most consistently susceptible to ALB infestation had significant high maple presence (p < 0.001) and significant low distance-to-roads (p < 0.001) compared to the whole study area, suggesting that ALB in Worcester County, MA, prefers maple-dominant edge habitats at the current stage of invasion. The localized ALB potential distribution model was consistently accurate (Boyce Continuous Index = 0.84) despite the lack of absence locations and incomplete knowledge of ALB niche breadth in both native and invaded ranges. The results from this study could be used as a baseline for effective adaptive management policies that could help prioritize the need for early detection/eradication measures and address the potential ecological and social ramifications of the current ALB outbreak in Worcester County. It is hoped that the model employed could be further tested for future outbreaks as they are discovered in the USA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) has been proposed and developed to visualize the distribution of the antibody–antigen bindings on the silicon based sensing plate without any labels and/or markers on the antibody. The sensing plate can emit the terahertz pulses by femtosecond laser pulses and the amplitude of the terahertz pulses can be related to the chemical or electric potential of the sensing plate surface at where the laser pulses are irradiated. Thus the potential distribution can be visualized as the map of the terahertz pulses amplitude. As the first demonstration of the label free immune assay, the mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) was immobilized on the half part of the sensing plate and the mouse anti-IgG was combined with the IgG. The terahertz pulses were enhanced at where anti-IgG was combined with IgG on the sensing plate and the distributions of the IgG and anti-IgG bindings on the sensing plate were clearly seen as the TCM images. The amplitude of terahertz pulses as a function of the concentration of anti-IgG was also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Predicted potential distribution of cork oak in Italy using GARP and MaxEnt. [•] Evaluation of models and comparison with a deductive one at regional scale. [•] Assessment of the areas to be intended as reliable for cork oak diffusion. [•] Ecological niche modelling for conservation, reforestation and forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The charge density distribution of the surface leader has never been measured before. Because the surface leader usually covers a long distance, and the surface potential caused by leader discharge is usually very high, this creates difficulties in measuring the potential distribution of the surface leader. In this paper, with a feedback type electrostatic probe based on a field-nullify technique, a charge density distribution scanning system is developed. A two-layer structure pipe is designed to lower the surface potential after discharge. In this way, the surface potential distribution caused by the residual charge of the leader discharge under the application voltage as high as to 40 kV can be measured. The surface charge density distribution including the leader and streamer is perfectly measured, which is in good agreement with the photograph. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to determine the degree of correlation between the electrostatic potential distribution on the surface of non-woven fabrics and the material structure as obtained by optical means. The potential distribution on the material surface was monitored for several samples of two types of fabrics that were electrically charged using corona discharge. The results show that the charge distribution on the samples surface significantly correlates with the spreading and the third centered moment of the gray-scale pictures of the samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We calculate one-loop contributions to the Kähler potential in 4D effective theory of 5D gauged supergravity (SUGRA) on with a generic form of the prepotential and arbitrary boundary terms. Our result is applicable to a wide class of 5D SUGRA models. The derivation is systematically performed by means of an superfield formalism based on the superconformal formulation of 5D SUGRA. As an illustrative example, we provide an explicit expression of the Kähler potential in the case of 5D flat spacetime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Global bioclimatic datasets are being widely used in ecological research to estimate the potential distribution of species using Climate Envelope Models (CEMs). These datasets are easily available and offer high resolution information for all land areas globally. However, they have not been tested rigorously in smaller regions, and their use in regional CEM studies may pose problems derived from their poor representation of local climate features. Moreover, these problems may be enhanced when using CEMs for future climate projections—a topic of current active research—due to the uncertainty derived from the future altered climate scenarios. In this paper we use distributional data of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in Northern Iberian Peninsula to analyze the discrepancies of the CEMs (predictive skill, variable importance and consistency using different predictor subsets) resulting from three alternative public, high-resolution climate datasets: a benchmarking regional climate dataset developed for the area of study (UC), the University of Barcelona Atlas for the Iberian Peninsula (UAB) and the worldwide WorldClim bioclimatic dataset (WC). The same CEM techniques (multiple logistic regression and multivariate adaptive regression splines) were applied to the different datasets, showing that the quality of the baseline climate has a great impact on the resulting models, as manifested by the different contributions of the bioclimatic predictors to the resulting models. Artifactual bioclimatic variables were found in some datasets, representing topographical features and spatial gradients, rather than true climatic patterns, thus significantly contributing to the models, although not for the right reasons. This causes a misleading model interpretation and problems for extrapolation in future climate conditions, as evidenced analyzing the future projections obtained using state-of-the-art regional climate projections from the ENSEMBLES project. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The vibrational spectra of coumarin and 6-methylcoumarin clusters were measured by THz-TDS system. • The vibrational modes of the clusters were analyzed based on DFT calculations. • The origins of the vibrational spectra were explained by potential energy distribution of electrostatic and vdW. The terahertz (THz) absorption spectra of coumarin and 6-methylcoumarin have been investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system in the frequency range from 0.4 to 2.8 THz. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, both with and without London force dispersion corrections, have been used for the assignment of the experimental THz spectra. To thoroughly interpret the spectrum information, we used potential energy distribution (PED) method to assign the vibrational modes of the absorption peaks, and identify the origin of the absorption peaks by electrostatic potential (ESP) and van der Waals (vdW) potential distribution analysis method. The results show that absorption peaks both for coumarin and 6-methylcoumarin are caused by electrostatic interaction in the lower frequency range, while vdW interaction in the higher frequency. Moreover, the potential energy distribution of electrostatic and vdW between them is basically the same, and it led to the similarity of THz spectra between coumarin and 6-MC. This work has demonstrated that using THz spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations is an effective way to analysis of intermolecular weak interactions and biomolecules with similar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The climate suitability of cotton distribution is mapped using MaxEnt model. • The areas of improved climatic suitability comprised 38.08 % of the entire country. • Cotton production moved northward and expanded westward. • Consistency between climate suitability and production showed a decreasing trend. Understanding the varying distribution of climate-suitable areas of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) can greatly aid in optimizing distribution of cotton production and sustainable production. Based on occurrence records, national meteorological data and the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model (a species distribution model), we investigated for the first time the interdecadal variations in climate-suitable areas of cotton with changing climate in China from 1961 to 2017. Then, the gravity center and concentration index were employed to investigate the spatial-temporal variations of cotton production. The results revealed the dominant meteorological predictors affecting climate suitability of cotton to be ≥ 28℃ accumulated maximum temperature from April to October, average temperature in the warmest month, continuous days with daily average temperature ≥15 ℃ and annual precipitation days. The climate optimum areas were generally distributed in the eastern and northern parts of the Huanghe Valley and Northwest Inland cotton regions, respectively. The climatic suitability of cotton has increased in China in recent decades. In particular, the areas of improved climatic suitability of cotton encompassed 38.08 % of the whole country from the 1960s to 2010s. This increase was concentrated in the Huanghe Valley and Northwest Inland cotton regions. The distribution of climate-suitable areas moved northward and expanded westward. Meanwhile, the gravity center of the cotton production moved to the northwest at a distance of approximately 1283 km from 1985 to 2015. Although both the production and distribution of climate-suitable areas of cotton shifted towards the northwest, the proportions of inconsistency between planting areas and climate-suitable areas increased from 22.76 % in the 1980s to 32.38 % in the 2010s. The increasing planting acreage in areas of low climate suitability may pose a risk to cotton production, especially in emerging major planting areas of the Northwest Inland cotton region. The results of the present study can provide a theoretical reference for the optimization of planting distribution and ensure the sustainable production of the cotton industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The potential distribution of leishmaniasis vectors responds dynamically to the effects of el niño–southern oscillation (ENSO) cycle. • Climatic information derived from remotely sensed data facilitates the development of distribution models at short timescales compatible to the duration of the ENSO cycle episodes. • The occurrence of el niño and la niña episodes modifies the potential distributions of ACL vectors, reducing their extension compared to the neutral conditions. The potential distribution of four American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis vectors under average conditions during Neutral (in between episodes), El Niño, and La Niña episodes from 2000 to 2018 were constructed through ecological niche modeling. The potential distribution in El Niño and La Niña were compared with the Neutral distribution. The four vector species (Lutzomyia gomezi, Lutzomyia ovallesi, Lutzomyia panamensis, and Lutzomyia trapidoi) decreased the potential distribution with the occurrence of El Niño and La Niña episodes. During El Niño, the reduction was concentrated over the dry ecosystems, while with the occurrence of La Niña, the potential distribution decreased over most of the Neotropic, leaving areas of climatic suitability concentrated in the Andean and Amazon areas, along with some scattered patches. We found evidence that the occurrence of the climatic anomalies has an effect on the potential distribution of this vector species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyomma mixtum is a Neotropical generalist tick of medical and veterinary importance which is widely distributed from United States of America to Ecuador. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the geographic projections of the ecological niche models of A. mixtum in climate change scenarios in America. We constructed a database of published scientific publications, personal collections, personal communications, and online databases. Ecological niche modelling was performed with 15 Bioclimatic variables using kuenm in R and was projected to three time periods (Last Glacial Maximum, Current and 2050) for America. Our model indicated a wide distribution for A. mixtum, with higher probability of occurrence along the Gulf of Mexico and occurring in a lesser proportion in the Pacific states, Central America, and the northern part of South America. The areas of new invasion are located mainly on the border of Mexico with Guatemala and Belize, some regions of Central America and Colombia. We conclude that the ecological niche modelling are effective tools to infer the potential distribution of A. mixtum in America, in addition to helping to propose future measures of epidemiological control and surveillance in the new potential areas of invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A compact expression for the resistance of a rectangular multilayer system, measured on the top surface by linear four points is given. This expression has no approximation when contacts approach the sample borders. The determinants method is avoided to calculate the potential distribution on the top surface. On the other hand, this solution, which is a double series, is arranged into two parts: the first called the “resistivities” part, decreases to zero exponentially when the layer thickness increases. The second called the “geometric” part, depends only on the sample width and length, contacts position and the top surface layer resistivity. The “geometric” part is a slowly converging series that the convergence depends strongly on contacts dimensions. It is transformed into a quickly converging series with terms decreasing exponentially to zero. The contacts width is taken into account as an additive correction factor, vanishing to zero for very small dimensions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to the use of multiple pH scales in seawater, studies related to the pH of marine environments are unnecessarily complicated and prone to inaccuracy. It is desirable that a standard scale be adopted, and we suggest the free proton pH scale be used. To ensure that the free proton scale is accurate and consistent with primary pH measurements in seawater, we use the Pitzer ion-interaction model to re-evaluate the free scale pH and stoichiometric dissociation constants of HSO 4 − and H 2 CO 3. The Pitzer model is validated over a salinity range of 5 to 45 and temperatures of 0 to 45°C using the measured mean activity coefficient of HCl in artificial seawater. The resulting standard potential and stoichiometric dissociation constants are compared to previous estimates. The validated model results are used to evaluate more accurate values for the pH of equi-molal (m=0.04molkg−1) amine buffers on the free proton concentration scale, which can be used to calibrate free scale pH measurements in natural waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a gas–solid fluidized bed with a newly-designed gas-inlet structure, with gas entering exclusively in the core or annulus zone separately, changes in the hydrodynamic behavior are observed and thus the electrostatic potential distribution is regulated and controlled. From experiments conducted, electropositive potential in the upper particle circulation zone is observed while the bottom part displays electronegative characteristics. Compared to that with a normal gas-inlet condition, the fluidized bed with specific core–annulus gas-inlet structure behaves differently. As the superficial gas velocity is increased, the positively charged zone, as well as the upper circulation zone, expands when the fluidizing gas just enters the core zone; on the contrary, the negatively charged zone expands with the superficial gas velocity when fluidizing gas just enters the annular zone. At lower superficial velocities, the absolute value of the electrostatic potential in the center is less than that at the wall, while the two potential values approach each other when the velocity becomes higher. Moreover, a preliminary mechanism discussion about the effect of the flow pattern on the electrostatic potential distribution has been put forward for understanding the hydrodynamics and the electrostatic field, which is verified with the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The population of the medicinal plant, Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda L.) is shrinking in Dun valley due to habitat fragmentation, invasion by Lantana camara, over-exploitation, and an ever-increasing human population – the most important being the increasing demand on land for agriculture, industries and the urbanization. Predicting potential geographic distribution of the species is important from species and habitat restoration point of view. This paper reports the results of a study carried out in the Lesser Himalayan foothills in India (Dun valley) on potential distribution modeling for Malabar nut using Maxent model. The Worldclim bioclimatic variables, slope, aspect, elevation, and the land use/land cover (based on IRS LISS-III) data and 46 spatially well-dispersed species occurrence points were used to predict the potential distribution of J. adhatoda in ca. 1877km2 study area. Jackknife test was used to evaluate the importance of the environmental variables for predictive modeling. Maxent model was highly accurate with a statistically significant AUC value of 92.3. The approach could be promising in predicting the potential distribution of medicinal plant species and thus, can be an effective tool in species restoration and conservation planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To address some of the fundamental questions regarding the functions of cathodes and anodes (e.g., iron and granular active carbon) and what happens when numerous particles (microscopic galvanic cells) are combined in the widely used and efficient wastewater treatment of an internal microelectrolysis (IME) reactor, we employed a specifically designed dual-cell IME reactor with single-couple electrodes and a narrow cell IME reactor with multi-couple electrodes. The simultaneous removal of 6.36mgL−1 and 2.93mgL−1 of 2,4-dichlorophenol within 30min from the graphite cathode and the iron anode cells, respectively, was observed in the dual-cell reactor. The innovative concept behind this phenomenon is that the anode, which is generally believed to be oxidative, could probably be reductive in an IME reactor. Thus, it is important to understand the unique performance of IME reactors. The group effect, which provides a 45% increase of open-circuit potential with just two additional electrode couples in aqueous solution, was tested and verified in a multi-couple electrode reactor. It suggests a complex potential distribution in the IME reactor and that compounds even with high redox potential could possibly be reduced, which was generally believed to be difficult to accomplish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of highly selective penetrating electrodes yields multi-unit extracellular action potential (AP) recordings of the nerve fibers in the vicinity of the electrode. Accessing the information carried within the neural data stream further requires discrimination and separation of the multi-unit recording into their constituent multiple single unit spike trains. Shape differences in the single fiber action potentials (SFAPs) are typically used as the criteria for unit separation. The present paper explores the origins of the shape differences through analysis of the SFAP in the frequency domain. We present the derivation and computational model predictions of a method to quantitatively analyse changes in the spectral components of SFAPs with an axially located intrafascicular electrode with non-radially symmetrical sensitivity function. A spatial tissue filter relationship was derived using reciprocity equations in the spatial frequency domain and transformed to time frequency. A three dimensional bioelectrical volume conductor finite element model of a recording electrode residing in a nerve fascicle was developed to explore the potential distribution in the nerve fascicle and further derive the electrode–fiber coupling function in the time-frequency domain. It was found that the spectral distribution of the SFAP was multimodal in nature, similar to empirical reported earlier, and could be predicted by taking the single fiber action currents (SFACs) filtered by the electrode–fiber coupling function. This function manifested itself as a low-pass filter of the SFAC, dependent upon the fiber''s location relative to the electrode and conduction velocity. Analysis of the spectral distribution revealed that changes in the landmarks of the distribution could be related to the fiber location and conduction velocity. Moreover, a consistent relationship was found when exploring the distribution of fibers located off the one axis of symmetry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]