Line Separation Research Articles

Toe white line separation associated with the notch (crena marginalis) on the distal phalanges in Thoroughbred yearling horses.

The shape of the white line of the hoof is closely related to the shape of the notch on the dorsal distal bearing border of the distal phalanx (P3). In this study, a radiographic survey of the P3 of both forelimbs of 163 Thoroughbred yearling horses was conducted. The correlation of the depth and width of the notch were analyzed with the toe white line separation grades (0 to 3). As a result, the toe white line separation grade increased, the depth and the width of the notch also increased significantly. Radiographic examination of the P3 of the forelimbs might be useful for deciding whether to implement hoof care to prevent onset of toe white line separation.

Isotopic analysis and plasma diagnostics for lithium detection using combined laser ablation–tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) enables rapid stand-off measurements of potentially hazardous material which is particularly favourable for applications in the nuclear industry. Isotopic characterisation with LIBS remains challenging because of the narrow separation of isotopic emission lines, which demands large, high resolution spectrometers. To address this, laser ablation (LA)-Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) has been combined with LIBS to analyse laser-produced plasma of lithium. Isotope ratio calculations were performed by fitting multiple peaks to the Li absorption spectra, achieving a relative error of 13% at later delay times after line broadening had reduced. Double-pulsed laser ablation resulted in narrower absorption peaks but more noise in the absorption spectra. LIBS and LA-TDLAS spectra were used simultaneously to calculate plasma temperature and electron density for both single- and double-pulsed laser ablation. The Doppler broadening of absorption peaks from LA-TDLAS was used to calculate the plasma temperature after long time delays of 200 μs and the temperature followed an exponential decay which was extrapolated back to early delay times in order to predict the temperature throughout the plasma lifecycle. The electron density was calculated using the Stark broadening of emission peaks from the LIBS spectra, which were temperature-corrected by accounting for the Doppler broadening. Both single- and double-pulsed-laser ablation plasmas exhibited maximum electron densities of around 1016 to 1017 cm−3, although the decay rate was reduced by around a factor of 2 using DP-laser ablation. We have shown that the combination of emission and absorption spectroscopy with LIBS and LA-TDLAS is useful for isotopic analysis and calculating laser ablation plasma properties. We have demonstrated that double pulsed laser ablation has the potential to enable more isotopic pairs to be analysed due to the narrower absorption linewidth.

Homonymous and tautological rhymes in K. Simonov’s poetry

The article explores homonymous and tautological rhymes in K. Simonovs poetry as a form of language game. The study of rhymes in the authors poetry, as well as the appeal to the categories of play-element poetics in connection with his work, is realized for the first time. The term polysemantic rhyme is introduced to denote the transitional case between the two types of rhymes which is often found in Simonovs poetry. The dynamics of rhyme preferences and their functions throughout Simonovs work is revealed. In the early poems, he actively uses homonymous rhymes, that have a characterizing and world-modeling function. Rhyme becomes part of a more complex game and is reinforced by repetitions of similar-root and similar-sounding words, that create a dense semantic grid of important to Simonov concepts. In mature creativity, the poet often turns to polysemantic rhyme, and if he puts homonyms at the end of the line, they does not always rhyme with each other. While maintaining the previous functions, traditional humorous and compositional ones are added to them, the latter is associated with the separation of lines as independent aphorisms.

Influence of Laser Texturing on Microstructure, Surface and Corrosion Properties of Ti-6Al-4V

We present the modification of Ti-6Al-4V surfaces with a diode end-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser by varying the distance between laser-produced micro(μ)-channels. We analyzed the influence of laser texturing on the morphology, microstructure, surface and corrosion properties of Ti-6Al-4V. SEM imaging reveals a characteristic μ-channel pattern with different scan line separations, while electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) indicates that laser texturing with the current parameters influences the microstructure up to 2 µm deep with the most significant influence at the tips, where melting and rapid solidification occur. The Vickers hardness test indicates a surface hardening effect of the laser-textured compared to the as-received Ti-6Al-4V surfaces. The XPS analysis showed that the oxide layer on the laser-textured samples was considerably thicker compared to the as-received sample, at 20 and 7 nm, respectively. We observed that the wettability was strongly correlated with the scan line separation. The results show increased hydrophobicity with increased scan line separation. The corrosion resistance was improved for laser-textured surfaces compared to the as-received surface and increased with the scan line separation.

Control Method of Buses and Lines Using Reinforcement Learning for Short Circuit Current Reduction

This paper proposes a reinforcement learning-based approach that optimises bus and line control methods to solve the problem of short circuit currents in power systems. Expansion of power grids leads to concentrated power output and more lines for large-scale transmission, thereby increasing short circuit currents. The short circuit currents must be managed systematically by controlling the buses and lines such as separating, merging, and moving a bus, line, or transformer. However, there are countless possible control schemes in an actual grid. Moreover, to ensure compliance with power system reliability standards, no bus should exceed breaker capacity nor should lines or transformers be overloaded. For this reason, examining and selecting a plan requires extensive time and effort. To solve these problems, this paper introduces reinforcement learning to optimise control methods. By providing appropriate rewards for each control action, a policy is set, and the optimal control method is obtained through a maximising value method. In addition, a technique is presented that systematically defines the bus and line separation measures, limits the range of measures to those with actual power grid applicability, and reduces the optimisation time while increasing the convergence probability and enabling use in actual power grid operation. In the future, this technique will contribute significantly to establishing power grid operation plans based on short circuit currents.

How Does the Melting Impact Charge Separation in Squall Line? A Bin Microphysics Simulation Study

AbstractA new electrification and discharge model was developed based on a two‐moment bin microphysical scheme coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Based on the electrical model, the role of the noninductive charging mechanism associated with the melting processes of both snow and graupel (rimed particles) in the charge structure formation in the stratiform region of an organized convective system was examined. Our results showed that the snow melting charging mechanism forms a substantial positive charge layer near and below 0°C isotherm in the stratiform region of a squall line. It was also found that the graupel melting charging process mostly enhanced the positive charge layer in the convective region with little impact in the stratiform region. The in situ charging of noninductive collisional and melting processes and the charge transportation from the convective core all contribute to the charge structure formation in the stratiform region of a squall line.

An integrated use of induced polarization and electrical resistivity imaging methods to delineate zones of potential gold mineralization in the Phitshane Molopo area, Southeast Botswana

We used 2D and pseudo-3D induced polarization (IP) in conjunction with electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) data inversion to identify and characterize potential zones of gold mineralization in Phitshane Molopo area. Reports on historic exploration suggest that gold mineralization is associated with quartz and/or carbonate veins that cut across the banded iron formations. The 2D IP/ERI measurements were acquired along ten 300 m long profiles trending northeast southwest, with 15 m line separation and 7.5 m electrode spacing. Thereafter, we inverted the data using the standard Gauss-Newton optimization method to produce 2D and 3D models. Based on a combination of IP and resistivity results, we identified distinct lithological units comprising the mineralized and non-mineralized zones. High chargeability (≥6.86 mV/V) and high resistivity (≥641 Ωm) anomalies were attributed to the presence of disseminated sulfides or gold-bearing quartz and/or carbonate veins that obliquely crosscut (east west trend) the banded iron formation (BIF) units and the intensely silicified BIF units, respectively. Zones exhibiting a combination of low to intermediate chargeability (1.0–6.86 mV/V) and low to intermediate resistivity (1.4–641 Ωm) are likely non-sulfidized zones with little/no gold mineralization in the study area. The integrated use of IP and ERI methods was successful in delineating zones that are likely to be hosting disseminated sulphides and/or potentially gold-rich zones in the Phitshane Molopo area, Kraaipan Greenstone Belt.

Near to long-term forecasts in x-ray and gamma-ray bands: Are we entering the era of dark matter astronomy?

We assess Galactic Dark Matter (DM) sensitivities to photons from annihilation and decay using the spatial and kinematic information determined by state-of-the-art simulations in the Latte suite of Feedback In Realistic Environments (FIRE-2). For kinematic information, we study the energy shift pattern of DM narrow emission lines predicted in FIRE-2 and discuss its potential as DM-signal diagnosis, showing for the first time the power of symmetric observations around $l=0^{\circ}$. We find that the exposures needed to resolve the line separation of DM to gas by XRISM at $5\sigma$ to be large, $\gtrsim 4$ Ms, while exposures are smaller for Athena ($\lesssim 50$ ks) and Lynx ($\lesssim 100$ ks). We find that large field-of-view exposures remain the most sensitive methods for detection of DM annihilation or decay by the luminosity of signals in the field of view dominating velocity information. The $\sim$4 sr view of the Galactic Center region by the Wide Field Monitor (WFM) aboard the eXTP mission will be highly sensitive to DM signals, with a prospect of $\sim 10^5$ to $10^6$ events from the 3.5 keV line in a 100 ks exposure, with the range dependent on photon acceptance in WFM's field of view. We also investigate detailed all-sky luminosity maps for both DM annihilation and decay signals - evaluating the signal-to-noise for a DM detection with realistic X-ray and gamma-ray backgrounds - as a guideline for what could be a forthcoming era of DM astronomy.

Modeling adult skeletal stem cell response to laser-machined topographies through deep learning

The response of adult human bone marrow stromal stem cells to surface topographies generated through femtosecond laser machining can be predicted by a deep neural network. The network is capable of predicting cell response to a statistically significant level, including positioning predictions with a probability P < 0.001, and therefore can be used as a model to determine the minimum line separation required for cell alignment, with implications for tissue structure development and tissue engineering. The application of a deep neural network, as a model, reduces the amount of experimental cell culture required to develop an enhanced understanding of cell behavior to topographical cues and, critically, provides rapid prediction of the effects of novel surface structures on tissue fabrication and cell signaling.

Seasonal variation in bait uptake and seropositivity during a multi-year biannual oral rabies fox vaccination programme in Kosovo (2010–2015)

The European Union supported programmes for rabies control in Kosovo between 2010 and 2015, including spring and autumn biannual oral vaccination campaigns targeting foxes. Throughout the programmes foxes were obtained to provide samples for monitoring the campaigns. This paper explores the seasonal pattern of bait uptake and seropositivity in the fox population. Bait uptake varied by season and by the phase of the project supporting the programme (the main differences between phases being the number of baits distributed and flight line separation). Seropositivity varied by season and by titre of the vaccine used in the preceding campaign. The analyses also suggested a negative effect of higher daytime temperature on bait uptake, and possible association between geographic location of sampling and concordance between bait uptake and seropositivity, but the dataset was too unbalanced to support robust conclusions on these detailed aspects. Descriptive summaries of the data and the multilevel analyses showed that the proportion of sampled foxes that were positive for bait uptake and the proportion seropositive were both high through winter, following the autumn campaigns, and declined through spring and summer, with a low point in samples collected during the time when juvenile foxes are typically dispersing from their birth dens. The percentage of foxes positive for bait uptake was below 30 % (first project phase) and 40 % (second project phase) from mid-July to mid-October following a spring campaign, compared with around 70 % (first project phase) and 80 % (second project phase) in the periods between autumn and the following spring campaigns. As could be expected, the percent of samples that were seropositive followed a similar seasonal pattern, with some additional variation associated with the titre of vaccine used. This seasonal pattern is likely because the population sampled in the late summer months includes increasing numbers of young foxes that could not have been effectively exposed to the spring vaccination campaign, and would have lost any possible maternal immunity by late summer.The main finding of high levels of bait uptake and seroprevalence through winter, following the autumn campaigns, declining through summer despite the implementation of spring campaigns, supports advice that countries lacking financial resources to support biannual campaigns should focus resources on once per year vaccination in late autumn or early winter. This pattern also indicates that a fox population may rapidly become naïve after cessation of vaccination programmes, therefore strongly coordinated regional programmes and good surveillance will be needed.

Airborne Electromagnetic, Magnetic, and Radiometric Surveys at the German North Sea Coast Applied to Groundwater and Soil Investigations

The knowledge of the subsurface down to about one hundred meters is fundamental for a variety of economic, ecological, and geoscientific tasks, particularly in coastal zones. Marine and terrestrial processes influence coastal zones and both seawater intrusion and submarine freshwater discharges may occur. The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) conducted airborne geophysical surveys in the coastal region of the German Bight between 2000 and 2014. The helicopter-borne system used simultaneously collected electromagnetic (HEM), magnetic (HMG), and radiometric (HRD) data. An area of about 5900 km2 was covered with parallel flight lines at 250 m line separation and additional tie-lines at larger separations. In total, about 25,000 km of data at sampling distances of 4 m (HEM, HMG) and 40 m (HRD) were acquired. The electrical resistivity (HEM), the anomalies of the magnetic field (HMG), and the exposure rate (HRD) are the resulting geophysical parameters derived from the data. The results are displayed as maps of the geophysical parameters as well as vertical resistivity sections (only HEM). Both data and products are publicly available via BGR’s product center. The airborne geophysical results helped to outline the fresh–saline groundwater interface, freshwater lenses on islands, submarine groundwater discharges, buried tunnel valleys, mires, and ancient landscapes.

Rapid Separation and Screening of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Mycophenolic Acid with a Novel (Vinyl Ester) Resin Molecular Imprinted Monolithic Column

We introduced a new molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) monolithic column of Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for HPLC. The monolithic column was prepared using MMF as the template molecule, methcrylic acid (MAA) as the functional monomer, vinyl ester resin as the crosslinking agent and AIBN as the initiator. HPLC was used to study the binding and separation performance of MIPs for template MMF and its cleavage product Mycophenolic acid (MPA). For chromatographic analysis the effects on the separation, mobile phase composition, flowrate and pH value were discussed respectively. Under the selected chromatographic conditions, MMF and MPA could achieve base line separation within 4 min with a separation degree of 2.68. Moreover, the linearity of the calibration plot was evaluated of seven spiked samples (2.0–100.0 µg·mL−1) in plasma, and the limit of detection (LOD) for MMF in plasma and the stability of the monolithic column were also studied. Twelve-hour pharmacokinetic profile of both MMF and MPA for a renal transplant recipient receiving oral dosing of 1000 mg MMF was investigated. Results indicated that this method could be applied for separation and screening of MMF and MPA, It provided a simple and fast method for assaying this drug in plasma sample.

O uso da robótica na perspectiva da educação matemática inventiva

Ao abordarmos a problemática voltada a maneira como os estagiários de um Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática desenvolveram e aplicaram algumas propostas educacionais de matemática com o uso da robótica, emergiu de nossa pesquisa de doutorado o que denominamos como Educação Matemática Inventiva. Neste contexto, revelamos no presente artigo, como os estagiários desenvolveram coletivamente algumas propostas educacionais de matemática, segundo a perspectiva da Educação Matemática Inventiva, a partir da construção e programação de três robôs, denominados como: Robô Seguidor de Linha, Robô Empilhadeira e Robô Separador. Durante a pesquisa os estagiários fizeram uso destes robôs com o propósito de desenvolverem propostas educacionais de matemática e aplicá-las em duas escolas-campo de estágio da rede pública de ensino. As propostas educacionais de matemática foram desenvolvidas coletivamente pelos estagiários com o uso da robótica a partir das necessidades específicas de aprendizagem de cada turma de alunos, posteriormente foram aplicadas nas escolas-campo de estágio. Constatamos durante as experiências ocorridas no espaço-tempo do estágio-docência, que a robótica foi utilizada pelos estagiários de forma inventiva durante a produção e aplicação de suas propostas educacionais de matemática. O uso da robótica pelos estagiários foi significativo para o desenvolvimento de ações e práticas de Educação Matemática Inventiva.

The Influence of Typography on Algorithms that Predict the Speed and Comfort of Reading.

1. The speed with which text can be read is determined in part by the spatial regularity and similarity of vertical letter strokes as assessed by the height of the first peak in the horizontal autocorrelation of the text. The height of this peak was determined for two passages in 20 fonts. The peak was unaffected by the size of the text or its content but was influenced by the font design. Sans serif fonts usually had a lower peak than serif fonts because the presence of serifs usually (but not invariably) resulted in a more even spacing of letter strokes. There were small effects of justification and font-dependent effects of font expansion and compression. 2. The visual comfort of images can be estimated from the extent to which the Fourier amplitude spectrum conforms to 1/f. Students were asked to adjust iBooks to obtain their preferred settings of font and layout. The preference was predicted by the extent to which the Fourier amplitude spectrum approximated 1/f, which in turn was jointly affected by the design of the font, its weight and the ratio of x-height to line separation. Two algorithms based on the autocorrelation and Fourier transformation of text can be usefully applied to any orthography to estimate likely speed and comfort of reading.

On the genre and performance peculiarities of J. S. Bach’s choral fugue (on the example of comparative analysis of BWV 131 and BWV 131a)

On the genre and performance peculiarities of J. S. Bach’s choral fugue (on the example of comparative analysis of BWV 131 and BWV 131a)

Parametric study of seakeeping of a trimaran in regular oblique waves

ABSTRACT This paper presents the impact of different geometrical parameters on the seakeeping of a trimaran in regular oblique waves. Experimental tests for eight different arrangements of outriggers were conducted for a range of wave frequencies where a constant wave heading, and wave height was maintained. It was found that the position of outriggers and the hull shape have significant impacts on dynamic performance of the model. Roll motions reduce with an increase in longitudinal spacing of main and demi hulls transoms, separation of outrigger centre lines and buoyancy fraction of outriggers, while heave motion and resistance are increased, and pitch motions are slightly influenced. It was concluded that positioning of outriggers can reduce the roll motions peak amplitude by 80%. This is due to the trimaran geometry and the effect of reflected waves between the hulls. In configurations with minimum roll motion, the added resistance peak is maximised when compared with other configurations.

Оценка влияния упругих свойств подшипников скольжения дейдвудного устройства судна на значение коэффициента жесткости

The article considers the ship shaft line as a complex dynamic system influencing the operation of the ship. There has been given a diagram of the shaft line with one stern bearing and one remote bearing of the propeller shaft. The shaft line service life depends on the material of the slide bearing of the stern gear (lignum vitae, babbitt, textolite, caprolon, bronze, polyurethanes, rubber). The analysis of the research of static and dynamic calculations of ship shafting has been carried out. The design scheme of the ship shafting on elastic point supports is presented. It has been referred to consider feasibility of the elastic and mechanical properties of stern bearings at the stage of designing a ship shaft line. The method of calculating the transverse vibrations of the shaft line is studied, the purpose of which is to determine the natural frequency. The formula for calculating the lowest natural frequency of bending vibrations is given. The results of experimental studies at the KMV-200 stand based on uneven distribution of loads along the stern bearings are considered. It has been suggested that the greater the wear, the lower the stiffness coefficient. At a certain degree of wear of stern bearings, a resonance phenomenon occurs at the lowest operating frequencies. The value of the stiffness coefficient is studied depending on the modulus of elasticity of the stern bearing material. Static analysis of the ship shaft line was made taking into account the stiffness coefficient of the stern bearing. The universal equation of the curved axis of the beam is used according to the initial parameters method. As it has been found, the greater the deflection at the propeller attachment point, the lower the natural frequency of the transverse vibrations of the shaft line. In calculations it is necessary to take into account the separation of the shaft line from the stern bearing, since it helps to reduce the natural frequency and the appearing resonance during transverse vibrations.

Fairness in Allocation of Transmission Losses to Bilateral Contracts with Superposition and Decomposition Techniques

Market mechanism allows the involvement of bilateral contracts in the electricity business competition. However, the participation of bilateral contracts will face various problems, especially the fair allocation of transmission losses. This paper presents the reasonableness share allocation of transmission line losses based on the separation method of current flow in each transmission line from the converging power flow. The methodology is to combine superposition and decomposition techniques in order to produce accurate transmission loss allocation for bilateral parties. The superposition technique formulates the current flow separation in each transmission line, and the decomposition technique defines the allocation of power losses in each transmission line. This technique is called the Combination of the Superposition and Decomposition Method (CSDM). A numerical test has been performed for method validation and compared with the τ-value method. This method has been able to provide a solution for the allocation of reasonable transmission losses. Based on the CSDM, the portion of transmission loss allocation for bilateral contracts compared with the integrated system is 47.9% and 52.1%, respectively. At the same time, the τ-value method provided the proportion of the bilateral contracts compared with the respective integrated system is 80.5% and 19.5%.

The effect of group composition and mineral supplementation during rearing on the behavior and welfare of replacement gilts.

Sow longevity supported by good health and reproductive performance is necessary to optimize sow lifetime performance. In some countries, replacement gilts are reared with finisher pigs destined for slaughter, so they are exposed to sexual and aggressive behaviors performed by males. This is associated with stress and injury. Moreover, diets formulated for finishers are not designed to meet the needs of replacement gilts and may not supply the necessary minerals to promote limb health, optimal reproduction, and, thus, sow longevity. In this 2 × 2 factorial design experiment with 384 animals (32 pens [12 animals per pen]), we investigated the effect of female-only (FEM) or mixed-sex (MIX) rearing, with (SUPP) or without (CON) supplementary minerals (copper, zinc, and manganese) on locomotion, salivary cortisol levels, behavior, body lesions (BL), and hoof health of gilts. The experimental period began at transfer to the finisher stage (day 81.3 ± 0.5 of age; day 0) until breeding age (day 196 ± 0.5 of age; day 115). Locomotion was scored (0–5) biweekly from day 0 until slaughter day 67 or breeding age day 115 for the remaining gilts. Saliva samples were taken monthly from four focal gilts per pen. All counts of aggressive, harmful, sexual, and play behavior were recorded by direct observation 1 d biweekly (5- × 5-min observations/pen/d). BL scores were recorded on focal pigs biweekly from day 1 until day 99 on the back, neck, shoulder, flank, and hind quarter on each side of the body. Hind hooves were scored for eight disorders (heel erosion [HE], heel sole separation [HSS], and white line separation [WLS], dew claw length and dew claw cracks, toe length and both vertical and horizontal toe cracks) by severity, and a total hoof lesion score was calculated by summing individual scores. General linear mixed models were used to analyze cortisol, behavior, BL, and total hoof scores. Generalized linear mixed models were used for locomotion, bursitis and individual hoof disorders. There was less aggression (P < 0.05) and sexual behavior in the FEM compared to the MIX groups with more play behavior in MIX compared to FEM groups (P < 0.01). Gilts in the MIX groups had higher BL scores than gilts in the FEM groups (P < 0.001). Total hoof scores were higher in MIX (8.01 ± 0.15) than FEM (7.70 ± 0.12; P < 0.02) gilts. CON diet gilts had higher HE scores than SUPP gilts (P < 0.05). HSS (P < 0.05) and WLS (P < 0.05) scores were higher in MIX than FEM gilts. Rearing gilts in FEM groups had benefits for hoof health likely mediated through lower levels of activity due to male absence, and minerals helped reduce HE.

Separating Poor Playmates: Untangling Commuter Rail from Freight

North American commuter railroads run their trains largely on tracks shared with freights (and in the northeastern US, often shared with intercity passenger trains). This sharing makes commuter rail relatively affordable to implement. However, as freight traffic grows, so does the potential for delays. If freight and commuter operations affect each other’s performance, it may be necessary to consider separation measures, not adding to the existing shared-track capacity. Temporal separation can work on low-volume operations. Busier lines may require physical separation, which can be implemented in several forms for trunk lines (grade separation at junctions, freight bypass, partial trunk line separation, and full trunk line separation), as well as physical separation in downtown areas. This article identifies these separation options, describes their attributes, presents representative examples, and outlines criteria for evaluation.