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Check dam structures are used widely in preventing debris flow. To provides practical information on check dam design and appropriate location selection for debris flow mitigation. In this study, we conducted the performance evaluation of check dams built at different locations along the flow path, considering various evaluation factors (check dam storage capacity, front velocity, kinetic energy, and impact force) through a small-scale flume channel and numerical analysis. A series of experiments using a large vane rheometer and a small-scale flume test device was performed to investigate the rheological properties and behavior of debris flow with and without check dams, respectively. The interaction of debris flow with the check dam in the flume test was simulated the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method. The results of numerical and experimental analyses indicated that the position of the check dam had a significant effect on the dynamic characteristics of flow. The dual barrier system installed at the upstream channel performs better than that at the downstream region in terms of sediment storage capacity and dynamic factors of debris flow. Furthermore, the effectiveness of check dams is obvious in reducing the magnitude of debris flow and deposition volume of sediments on the fan area compared to that of debris flow without a check dam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the rigor stage (pre or post) and previous high-pressure processing (HPP; 450 and 550 MPa for 3 min) was checked during the storage on ice of farmed palm ruff (Seriolella violacea). Fish processed in pre-rigor conditions led to higher and lower levels (p < 0.05) of moisture and lipid contents in chilled fish, respectively, when compared to their counterpart samples processed in the post-rigor stage. Pre-rigor fish showed a higher (p < 0.05) quality level than post-rigor samples according to the assessment of the K value (59.0–92.1 and 70.3–96.3 ranges, respectively), fluorescent compounds (0.29–1.11 and 0.37–1.90 ranges, respectively), free fatty acids (FFA) (15.1–188.0 and 33.8–232.5 g·kg−1 lipids ranges, respectively), and total volatile amines (216.3–387.6 and 217.7–412.2 g·kg−1 muscle ranges, respectively). Pressure-treated fish showed higher (p < 0.05) quality retention than non-treated samples according to the formation of fluorescent compounds (0.29–0.86 and 0.85–1.90 ranges, respectively), FFA (15.1–50.6 and 58.9–223.5 g·kg−1 lipids ranges, respectively), and total volatile amines (216.3–250.3 and 351.1–412.2 g·kg−1 muscle ranges, respectively) and the evolution of the K value (59.0–77.2 and 86.9–96.3 ranges, respectively). The use of pre-rigor fish and previous HPP is recommended for the commercialisation of the current species as a fresh product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study envisaged the effect of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification on rye starch. Different properties (amylose content, swelling, and solubility) of rye starch before and after OSA modifications were evaluated. The swelling capacity of starch increased from 12.96 to 21.72 after OSA modification. Amylose content and solubility of rye starch decreased from 21.48%–15.39% and 18.69%–11.64%, respectively. Further, as an application, plum fruits (uncoated and coated with native and OSA‐modified starch) were selected to check the effect of storage duration on their weight and phenolic content. The result showed that native and OSA‐modified rye starch was capable enough to retard weight loss and maintain freshness in plum fruit during storage. During the present study, untreated plums lost 21.95% of weight after 21 days of storage. The weight loss percentage observed in plum coated with native rye and OSA‐modified starch (pH‐4, pH‐6, pH‐8) was 8.09% and 5.42%–7.39%. OSA‐modified starch at pH‐8 was more effective in preventing the quality deterioration of plum fruit. The starch coating on plums resulted in increased fruit TPC and antioxidant properties; however, the storage period negatively affects the TPC and antioxidant properties. The experimental observations from the present work valorise the potential of rye starch to be used as an alternate edible source for the coating of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the preparation process, fabrication technique, and characterization of spark plasma sintered (SPS) MXene–Ti3C2Tx–polypyrrole (MX–PPy) nanocomposites for energy storage applications are presented. The investigation of the electrical conductivity, elemental mapping, surface morphology, particle size, structural analysis, thermal stability, chemical features, and specific capacity of SPS MX–PPy nanocomposite was examined by electrical conductivity measuring equipment (ECME), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction analyzer (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The as-prepared MXene (MX), through an electrochemical process, was SPS with polypyrrole (PPy) with different MX loading at the temperature of 280 °C, the heating rate of 100 degrees/mins and pressure of 50 MPa. The fabricated MX–PPy nanocomposites showed different electrical conductivities, with the sintered nanocomposite at 0.5 mass fraction of MX showing the optimal electrical conductivity of 352.69 S/m and a total weight loss of approximately 0.9% at 450 °C. More so, the particle size of each nanocomposite ranges from 50 to 200 nm as evident in the TEM analysis. Also, the morphological studies on the nanocomposites showed the intercalation of PPy in-between the MX nanosheets for MX inclusion at 0.5 mass fraction. Finally, the specific capacity of the sintered nanocomposite with 0.5 mass fraction of MX, is 271 mAh/g, as calculated from CV test, which suggests such material to be a viable electrode for energy storage applications.Please check and confirm the author names and initials are correct. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.The author names and initials are correct, including the details in the metadata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, daily precipitation depths in the period 2000–2018 were used in the 13 weather stations located in northern Iran. Three meteorological drought-related characteristics including severity (Sd), magnitude (Md), and duration (Ld) were evaluated. The data were converted to the monthly scale by summation of the daily records for a given month. Five distinct truncation levels (TL) were selected. The maximum values of Sd, Md, and Ld were calculated for each of the stations. Then, using the annual scale, the observed Sd and Md series were subjected to frequency analysis. Regional droughts were analyzed using the cumulative annual precipitation depths in the stations. In each year, the area faced with drought was measured. In a monthly scale, after choosing the mean monthly precipitation ( x ¯ ) as a TL, the observed maximum value of Ld was less than 15 months. As the return period (Tr) increases, each of the drought characteristics increased as well. When the mean annual precipitation (MAP) was selected as a TL, the ratio of Sd in a 10-year to 2-year return period varied between 2.39 and 3.82, among stations. Similarly, in the case of Md, this ratio varied in the stations between 1.88 and 3.75. Larger values of Sd and Md were observed in western parts of the region. In the years 2008, 2010, and 2017, the study area experienced very severe regional droughts. The findings of this study may help decision-makers in better management of water in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma was compared with existing decontamination methods for improving the quality and shelf life of apples. The samples were stored in two different storage conditions (ambient, 27 ± 3 °C; and cold, 10 ± 1 °C) to check the effect of storage temperature on their shelf life. The microbial load on the apples was reduced after all the treatments, and samples stored at 10 ℃ showed a higher reduction in microbial load with increased shelf life. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activities showed a significant reduction after cold plasma treatment; however, peroxidase (POD) activity showed a lower reduction than PPO and PAL enzymes. Color changes evaluated using L*, a*, and b* values showed higher retention for the red color in the treated samples compared to control samples, and the firmness of all treated samples was maintained throughout the storage period. The total phenolic content (TPC) increased after cold plasma treatment and carotenoid content was retained in the treated samples. In addition, the present study demonstrated that the novel cold plasma decontamination method was more effective in reducing the pesticides (Malathion, Fenthion, and Chlorpyrifos) from the apple surfaces than the conventional methods. Cold plasma can be a better alternative for decontaminating apples; however, other hurdles may be required to increase their shelf life further. • Cold plasma treatment improved quality parameters of apples during storage. • Cold plasma treatment effectively reduced microbial count and enzyme activity. • Cold plasma treatment improved colour and enhanced total phenolic content. • Shelf life of apples (13 days in ambient) increased to 41 days in cold conditions after cold plasma treatment. • Cold plasma treatment was efficient in removing organophosphate pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal Of Sichuan University (Natural Sciences Division) / Sichuan Daxue Xuebao-Ziran Kexueban is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Sichuan University Natural Science Edition and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Petroleum Refinery Engineering is the property of Petroleum Refinery Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cloud auditing model was attractive for the cloud storage system to check the integrity of the stored user files. Hence, to maximize the security concern, federated learning and the blockchain were introduced. But, in some cases, security issues arose because of the extensive unstructured data and attack vulnerability. So, to avoid security problems and offer better protection in a cloud environment, a novel Optimized Buffalo-based Homomorphic SHA Blockchain (OBHSB) is proposed. In this model for accessing the cloud storage data with the critical matching method, if any of the unauthenticated users are trying to access the file initially, the system checks the key matching parameter. The proposed model was developed to provide better security in big data presented in the cloud environment. Hence, federated learning was adopted to create the cloud auditing phase in the distributed cloud environment. Therefore, it gives flexibility in training all data types: audio, text, and images. Moreover, the prime performance parameters were calculated and compared with other traditional approaches to justify the efficiency of the proposed model. The attack was considered an event in this research. The performance rate of the proposed model was validated in the performance analysis. Subsequently, the case study was developed in this research to explain the working procedure of the proposed design, and the result of the proposed model was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Historical inversion of the formation time of a siltation body produced by erosion; • The siltation body formed by the check dam significantly reduced SOC mineralization; • The direct and interactive effects of factors on SOC mineralization were quantitatively analyzed; • During the 58 years of the check dam operation, the total mineralization and net storage of SOC was 41.56 kg, 1603.16 kg, respectively. The construction of check dams on the Loess Plateau has altered the landscape through the creation of a large erosive siltation volume. Understanding the mechanisms that drive biogeochemical cycling within this unique, high-volume carbon pool is crucial for accurate assessments of global organic carbon dynamics. Understanding the time-scale effects of soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization during the formation of siltation bodies is critical for a mechanistic understanding of these dynamics and for estimating the carbon storage potential of check dams. Through nuclear tracer elements (137Cs, 210Pb) analyze combining with the precipitation data during the operation of the check dam, we analyzed the siltation profiles formed by these dams to determine the year of formation and to classify the silt stages. We also observed SOC mineralization in different siltation stages with an average of 2.83 mg·kg−1·d-1, using field sampling and indoor incubation experiments, while the maximum value appeared in ST-4 (4.64 mg·kg−1·d-1). We found that the SOC mineralization in the initial (ST-1) and mid-term (ST-2) stages decreased, while mineralization in the late (ST-3) and terminal (ST-4) stages first increased before decreasing. In ST-3, mineralization lagged significantly and increased more slowly compared to ST-4 (ST-4: 26.78 % > ST-3: 9.60 %). There were significant differences in the type of carbon source utilized by soil microorganisms, and the degree of utilization gradually increased with siltation stage. The factors limiting SOC mineralization also varied across stages, and we quantified the direct and interactive contributions of each factor to mineralization. The direct effect of factors on SOC mineralization was significantly higher than the interaction between factors at all stages of siltation (ST-4:0.82＞0.17; ST-3:0.94＞0.05; ST-2:0.93＞0.06; ST-1:0.96＞0.04). We also calculated the amount of SOC fixed and released at each stage. During the 58 years the check dam has been operating, 41.56 kg of SOC has been mineralized and 1644.77 kg has been deposited to net 1603.16 kg of net SOC storage. Ultimately, we conclude that siltation bodies formed by check dams can significantly reduce SOC mineralization and play a positive role in the net storage of SOC. Thus, these mechanisms ought to contribute to the creation of a cohesive theory about the SOC pool evolution in check dams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provable data possession (PDP) protocol is a mechanism that guarantees the integrity of user's cloud data, and many efficient protocols have been proposed. Many of them ignore data's privacy against the third-party auditor (TPA) and also suffer from intricate management of certificates, which heavily relies on the public key infrastructure (PKI). In order to overcome the two shortcomings, Li et al. recently proposed an "identity-based" (IB) PDP protocol with the privacy-preserving property (IEEE Syst J, https://doi.org/10.1109/JSYST.2020.2978146). However, we find out that (1) their protocol has great communication overhead, (2) a PKI-based signature scheme is used as a building block, which results in their protocol is not completely identity-based. Hence, in this paper, we try to improve the performance of this protocol. Concretely, by adopting flexible data-splitting and tag-aggregating techniques, we can greatly reduce its communication overhead. A concrete example shows that the total communication overhead can be reduced over 99%. Moreover, by replacing with an identity-based signature, we can twist this protocol into a complete IB-PDP protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a survey on the Chern–Ricci flow, a parabolic flow of Hermitian metrics on complex manifolds. We emphasize open problems and new directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study some properties of the torsion function with Robin boundary conditions. Here we write the shape derivative of the L∞ and Lp norms, for p ≥ 1, of the torsion function, seen as a functional on a bounded simply connected open set Ω Rn, and prove that the balls are critical shapes for these functionals, when the volume of Ω is preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compute the rational cohomology groups of the smooth Brill–Noether varieties Grd (C ), parametrizing linear series of degree d and dimension exactly r on a general curve C. As an application, we determine the whole intersection cohomology of the singular Brill–Noether loci Wrd (C), parametrizing complete linear series on C of degree d and dimension at least r. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider an anisotropic Robin problem driven by the p.x/- Laplacian and a superlinear reaction. Applying variational tools along with truncation and comparison techniques as well as critical groups, we prove that the problem has at least five nontrivial smooth solutions to be ordered and with sign information: two positive, two negative, and the fifth nodal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the provisions for specific types of entries provided under the National Automated Clearing House Association (Nacha) rules. It mentions that Automated Clearing House Entry as a single entry debit originated based on an Eligible Source Document provided to an originator.

The moment calculation in a truncated multivariate normal distribution is a long-standing problem in statistical computation. Recently, Kan and Robotti (2017) developed an algorithm able to calculate all orders of moment under different types of truncation. This result was implemented in an R package MomTrunc by Galarza et al. (2021); however, it is difficult to use the package in practical statistical problems because the computational burden increases exponentially as the order of the moment or the dimension of the random vector increases. Meanwhile, Lee (2021) presented an efficient numerical method in both accuracy and computational burden using Gauss-Hermit quadrature. This article introduces trunmnt implementation of Lee’s work as an R package. The Package is believed to be useful for moment calculations in most practical statistical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to find efficient solutions to a multi-objective optimization problem (MP) with convex polynomial data. To this end, a hybrid method, which allows us to transform problem (MP) into a scalar convex polynomial optimization problem (P z) and does not destroy the properties of convexity, is considered. First, we show an existence result for efficient solutions to problem (MP) under some mild assumption. Then, for problem (P z) , we establish two kinds of representations of non-negativity of convex polynomials over convex semi-algebraic sets, and propose two kinds of finite convergence results of the Lasserre-type hierarchy of semidefinite programming relaxations for problem (P z) under suitable assumptions. Finally, we show that finding efficient solutions to problem (MP) can be achieved successfully by solving hierarchies of semidefinite programming relaxations and checking a flat truncation condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement in the performance characteristics of the asphalt binders mixed with soybean derived materials (SDM) was established in recent years. In this research, the effect of adding SDM at 5% by weight of binder to commercial asphalt binders was studied. The rheological characteristics of unmodified and SDM modified asphalt binders were evaluated using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) and Rotational Viscometer (RV) tests. The changes in the rheological characteristics of unmodified and SDM modified asphalt binders were assessed using performance grading (PG), temperature-frequency sweep and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) testing. The SDM and asphalt binders' compatibility was checked through the storage stability tests. The Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) was used to study the effects of SDM mixing on the chemical compositions and ageing characteristics of asphalt binders. The testing results were analysed by Superpave, black space & Cole–Cole diagrams, master curve and the viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) model. The results showed that the SDM modified asphalt binders improved fatigue and rutting performance parameters by 67% and 45%. FTIR-ATR results revealed a new ester carbonyl functional group of triglycerides at wavenumber 1744 cm−1 in asphalt binders mixed with soybean oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the specifications for data acceptance by Automated Clearing House (ACH) operators. It mentions that data acceptance criteria within this appendix two apply to files, batches, or entries transmitted by sending points or ACH operators. It discusses that ACH operator's entry detail error condition criteria.

The article outlines the requirements for processing electronic transmissions and addresses the sequence of Records in an Automated Clearing House (ACH) file. It mentions that file header record designates file characteristics and identifies the immediate origin and destination of the entries contained within the file or within the transmitted batched data.

Background: Muntingia calabura (Panama berry), is a wholesome fruit borne to a multipurpose tree. It is one of the tropical fruits native to Mexico and Central America. Muntingia calabura plant is being widely cultivated in India, South Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. This tropical fruit, is known for its nutritional, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, but lacks commercial value. The objective of the present study was to formulate, standardize and analyse a processed product, squash from Panama berry. Methods: Squash was developed with 100% M.calabura (M.C) and in combination with mausambi and apple in different ratios. Different combinations of developed squash were assessed for acceptability by sensory panel members. The most acceptable combination of squash along with control was assessed for storage stability by storing in air tight bottles. The squashes were checked for their storage stability for a period of three months with a periodic evaluation of 15 day interval. Conclusion: Sensory analysis showed that 100% M.C squash was as acceptable as other squashes. The squash developed with 100% M.C and M.C and mausambi (75: 25) were more acceptable than M.C with apple. Sensory analysis of the squash proved its acceptability up to 3 months. An increase in TSS, total sugars and reducing sugar content of squash was observed. The present study proves that widely available, untapped nutritious Muntingia calabura fruit can be used for developing healthy preserve and can also be promoted in large scale processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the Earth's secular variation have blossomed in recent decades, due to the availability of brand‐new satellite data. In particular, flow inversions at the core surface that incorporate the effects of rapid rotation a priori have been able to provide new insight into flows with time scales as short as a few years. These models have been mostly developed in a cylindrical representation, while core inversion methods are based on a spherical surface representation of the flow. This technical brief links band‐limited expressions for the flow coefficients in a cylindrical representation and those in a spherical surface representation and demonstrates that these also remain band limited, with equal degrees of freedom. Correct regularity conditions on the stream function ensure a regular representation of these flows on the spherical surface. A triangular truncation rule for the cylindrical representation that is applicable for "isotropic resolution" is also presented. The equations we derive will be of use in future data‐assimilation work employing this cylindrical flow representation and may prove helpful for conventional core‐inversion strategies. Key Points: We present an exact band‐limited relationship between a cylindrical flow representation and its spherical surface counterpart [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Checking is a recurring problem in the dry cereal products industry which involves hydromechanical and thermomechanical phenomena. This study focuses on the hydromechanical problem at constant temperature. The objective is to develop a model giving access to stress and the resulting strain fields in a rusk undergoing moisture equilibration during a 7‐day storage period in closed packaging to understand how checking occurs. A model was developed and implemented with Comsol Multiphysics. The effect of cells and the shape of the rusk on the stress field is investigated. Set‐ups were designed to determine the model parameters. Simulations showed that the rusks undergo shrinkage caused by moisture equilibration. Stresses reached maximal values around the cells of the matrix. The stress field varied significantly with the shape of the rusk. Practical Applications: Checking in dry cereal products is a recurrent problem that has not yet been solved for many products, as it depends on the formulation of the latter and the processes used. Rusks, in particular, are subject to this phenomenon. This work provides elements for understanding the checking mechanism. It provides guidance to manufacturers on how to modify their processes to reduce the proportion of rusks that crack during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sample collection, processing, storage and isolation methods constitute pre-analytic factors that can influence the quality of samples used in research and clinical practice. With regard to biobanking practices, a critical point in the sample's life chain is storage, particularly long-term storage. Since most studies examine the influence of different temperatures (4°C, room temperature) or delays in sample processing on sample quality, there is only little information on the effects of long-term storage at ultra-low (vapor phase of liquid nitrogen) temperatures on biomarker levels. Among these biomarkers, circulating miRNAs hold great potential for diagnosis or prognosis for a variety of diseases, like cancer, infections and chronic diseases, and are thus of high interest in several scientific questions. We therefore investigated the influence of long-term storage on levels of eight circulating miRNAs (miR-103a-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-30c-5p, miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-33b-5p) from 10 participants from the population-based cohort study KORA. Sample collection took place during the baseline survey S4 and the follow-up surveys F4 and FF4, over a time period spanning from 1999 to 2014. The influence of freeze-thaw (f/t) cycles on miRNA stability was also investigated using samples from volunteers (n = 6). Obtained plasma samples were profiled using Exiqon's miRCURYTM real-time PCR profiling system, and repeated measures ANOVA was used to check for storage or f/t effects. Our results show that detected levels of most of the studied miRNAs showed no statistically significant changes due to storage at ultra-low temperatures for up to 17 years; miR-451a levels were altered due to contamination during sampling. Freeze-thawing of one to four cycles showed an effect only on miR-30c-5p. Our results highlight the robustness of this set of circulating miRNAs for decades of storage at ultra-low temperatures and several freeze-thaw cycles, which makes our findings increasingly relevant for research conducted with biobanked samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By analogy with continued fractions, the angular domain of convergence of branched continued fraction of a special form is established. The truncation error bound for branched continued fractions of the special form is established. For this we have used the estimates for continued fractions obtained by J. Jensen, W. Gragg, D. Warner, the multidimensional analogue of the van Vleck Theorem, the analytic theory of continued fractions and branched continued fractions and elements of the theory of stability under perturbations. In comparison with already known results, in the paper, isolation conditions from zero for elements of branched continued fractions of the special form are weakened, but there are some requirements for the elements' rate of tending to zero. The obtained result is a multidimensional analogue of estimates for van Vleck continued fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic truncation of the correlation consistent basis sets has been investigated in first and second row atoms and molecules to better understand basis set requirements for density functional theory, particularly the need for high angular momentum functions, as well as to understand possible computational cost savings that could be achieved by using reduced basis sets. The truncation scheme employed follows that recently introduced for ab initio methods [B. Mintz et al., J. Chem. Phys. 121, 5629 (2004)]. Properties examined in the current study include geometries, ionization potentials, electron affinities, and dissociation energies. In general, this investigation shows that a degree of truncation of higher angular momentum functions is possible with limited impact upon energetic properties, and does result in useful CPU time savings. However, not all properties investigated have the same level of dependence upon high angular momentum functions, and, thus, careful selection of truncated basis sets should be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources of error in electronic structure calculations arising from the truncation of the one-particle and n-particle expansions are examined with very large correlation consistent basis sets, in some cases up through valence 10-ζ quality, and coupled cluster methods, up through connected quadruple excitations. A limited number of full configuration interaction corrections are also considered. For cases where full configuration interaction calculations were unavailable or prohibitively expensive, a continued fraction approximation was used. In addition, errors arising from core/valence and relativistic corrections are also probed for a number of small chemical systems. The accuracies of several formulas for estimating total energies and atomization energies in the complete basis set limit are compared in light of the present large basis set findings. In agreement with previous work, the CCSD(T) method is found to provide results that are closer to the CCSDTQ and full configuration-interaction results than the less approximate CCSDT method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest advances in the field of supercapacitors (SCs) have made them a feasible alternative to be used in hybrid, energy storage systems. Sizing SCs in such systems is not obvious, especially in the case of banks comprising several series-parallel configurations. In this paper, a new algorithm for sizing a SC bank in high fluctuating power demand applications is proposed. The algorithm utilizes the expected discharge power profile, usually obtained from measurement campaigns, and a set of resistance (R) and capacitance (C) values of the equivalent circuit of the SC, which are provided by the manufacturer. Instead of yielding specific values for R and C , the method determines the RC limit curve which identifies the area of the RC-plane where the range of acceptable solutions can be found for a particular application. Thus, the internal resistance can be easily included in the design process. The validity of different cell combinations, including those not regarding each series-connected element as a sole cell, can be directly checked with this method, enabling the selection of the most suitable solution from an economic point of view. • The method is not restricted to the use of single cells in series combination but to any shunt association. • The method is valid for the most general case of charge and discharge processes. • The algorithm allows easily the designer of the storage system to check the current values. • Physical connections can be considered in the SC design to verify if it is valid at different temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the application of a B-splines Finite Element Method (FEM) to time-harmonic scattering acoustic problems. The infinite space is truncated by a fictitious boundary and second-order Absorbing Boundary Conditions (ABCs) are applied. The truncation error is included in the exact solution so that the reported error is an indicator of the performance of the numerical method, in particular of the size of the pollution error. Numerical results performed with high-order basis functions (third or fourth order) showed no visible pollution error even for very high frequencies. To prove the ability of the method to increase its accuracy in the high frequency regime, we show how to implement a high-order Padé-type ABC on the fictitious outer boundary. The above-mentioned properties combined with exact geometrical representation make B-Spline FEM a very promising platform to solve high-frequency acoustic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]