Mutual Validation Research Articles

Evaluation of regional water resources carrying capacity based on binary index method and reduction index method

Based on the regional water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) evaluation principles and evaluation index system in the National Technical Outline of Water Resources Carrying Capacity Monitoring and Early Warning (hereafter referred to as the Technical Outline), this paper elaborates on the collection and sorting of the basic data of water resources conditions, water resources development and utilization status, social and economic development in basins, analysis and examination of integrity, consistency, normativeness, and rationality of the basic data, and the necessity of WRCC evaluation. This paper also describes the technique of evaluating the WRCC in prefecture-level cities and city-level administrative divisions in the District of the Taihu Lake Basin, which is composed of the Taihu Lake Basin and the Southeastern River Basin. The evaluation process combines the binary index evaluation method and reduction index evaluation method. The former, recommended by the Technical Outline, uses the total water use and the amount of exploited groundwater as evaluation indices, showing stronger operability, while the latter is developed by simplifying and optimizing the comprehensive index system with greater systematicness and completeness. The mutual validation and adjustment of the results of the above-mentioned two evaluation methods indicate that the WRCC of the District of the Taihu Lake Basin is overloaded in general because some prefecture-level cities and city-level administrative divisions in the Taihu Lake Basin and the Southeastern River Basin are in a severely overloaded state. In order to explain this conclusion, this paper analyzes the causes of WRCC overloading from the aspects of basin water environment, water resources development and utilization, water resources regulation and control ability, water resources utilization efficiency, and water resources management.

Simulation of Thermal Ablation Process using ANSYS Software

An ablation process during the Pyrolysis of an insulating layer used in a thermal protection system is simulated using the commercial software ANSYS in the present work. Two different methods are proposed and established for mutual validation. Both the methods estimate the ablation by successive eliminations of the regions exposed to melting point temperature from a transient thermal analysis with suggested mesh quality and time increments satisfying the convergence of results. Two-dimensional plane models are solved and the effect of burning time and load pattern on ablation is analyzed. The proposed methodology can be used to predict the thermal ablation in thermal protection systems of various space applications.

The effect of stroboscopic effect on human health indicators

The stroboscopic effect from LED light sources can become considerable in working environments. Therefore, this study aims to explore the short-term health effect of a temporal light artefact. The experiment was carried out featuring 10 university students. Three frequencies and three modulation depths were assessed. Psychological reaction was evaluated through subjective scales, while physiological parameters were also collected for mutual validation and analysis. It was found that when the conditions are in the high-risk zone defined by IEEE Standard 1789-2015, subjects considered these conditions to be unacceptable and reported discrete spatial movement and higher visual fatigue levels. Supported by psychological and physiological evidence, it is suggested that such fatigue is caused by a higher chance of flicker. Invisible flicker also significantly affected alpha and beta wave power density, suggesting that a strobe of low frequency could potentially decrease drowsiness and increase cortical arousal. Some limitations to the work performance of this study are also discussed.

Genetic associations as indices for assessing nitrogen transformation processes in co-composting of cattle manure and rice straw

In this study, mechanism of nitrogen transformation was investigated in terms of genetic associations (nitrogen-related gene groups) in co-composting of cattle manure and rice straw. Mutual validation among KEGG, Pearson correlation, stepwise regression, and Path analyses indicated that the functional genes synergistically affected on nitrogen transformation in composting process. NxrA/qnorB (0.9419 ± 0.0334) and (amoA + anammox)/Bacteria (0.7187 ± 0.0334) were the key functional gene groups mediating NH4+-N transformation. AmoA/(narG + napA) (−0.8400 ± 0.0129), amoA/bacteria (0.8692 ± 0.0273), and (nirK + nirS)/nosZ (1.1652 ± 0.0089) determined NO3−-N, NO2−-N and N2O transformation, respectively. AmoA/(napA + narG) mediated both NO3−-N and NO2−-N transformation. AmoA/anammox (−0.7172 ± 0.0591) and (nirK + nirS)/nosZ (−0.6626 ± 0.0825) served as predominant factors for total nitrogen removal. These results provided a molecular-level insight that nitrification, anaerobic ammonia oxidation and denitrification (SNAD) might simultaneously contribute to nitrogen transformation during composting, rather than sequentially.

Energetic structure–property relationships in thermochemistry of halogenosubstituted benzoic acids

Experimental thermodynamic properties of halogenosubstituted benzoic acids have been evaluated with the help of complementary in silico methods. The study encompassed benzoic acids with fluoro, chloro-, bromo-, and iodo-substituents in the 2-, 3-, and 4-position in the benzene ring, as well as a series of methyl-substituted bromobenzoic acids and dibromobenzoic acids. The high-level quantum-chemical composite method G4 was additionally used for mutual validation of the theoretical and experimental gaseous standard molar enthalpies of formation. A simple group contribution procedure has been developed for a quick appraisal of the gas-phase and liquid-phase enthalpies of formation as well as of vaporization enthalpies of halogenosubstituted benzoic acids and their poly-methyl or poly-halogen-substituted derivatives. The system of group-additivity parameters developed in this work can help in the evaluation of new experimental results or for validation of already available data compiled in comprehensive databases. Moreover, the reliable additive estimates are essential for material sciences or for assessment of chemicals fate in environment and in atmosphere.

Linking narratives and energy system modelling in transport scenarios: A participatory perspective from Denmark

In energy and transport policy research, the creative process of building narrative storylines allows investigating future structures of the system under analysis, thus interpreting causal relations and interdependencies. Quantitative tools instead model the deterministic structure of the system, thus enhancing the validity of input assumptions and presenting long-term implications of policies. However, the process of integrating narratives and modelling remains an intricate phase for deriving robust policy recommendations. The present paper investigates the iterative and participatory application of driving forces in bridging qualitative and quantitative methods in transport scenarios, presenting the case of the Danish transport sector. Stakeholders generate key driving forces and narratives of transport futures as a collective action. Subsequently, a structured prioritization, translation and quantification of the driving forces and qualitative storylines yields the generation of quantitative scenarios in the energy system model TIMES-DK. We discuss the opportunities and challenges of our approach, underlining that the use of multiple driving forces is a critical aspect for the creation of coherent storylines. The communication among actors has a central role in the iterative process for increasing mutual enrichment and validation. The existing gap between modelling results and the future evolution of the transport sector can be overcome by reinforcing a constant dialogue, as to both embrace stakeholders’ perspectives, and to secure an impact on transport policy making.

Investigation on acoustic reflection logging of LWD using a flexible finite difference technique

ABSTRACTAcoustic reflection logging while drilling (LWD) measurement has overwhelming advantages in detecting reflectors outside the borehole, making it a prominent technology in geosteering during LWD operations. This paper carries out a comprehensive numerical investigation into the acoustic reflection logging responses in LWD environments by combining the analytical real axis integration (RAI) solution and an exquisitely improved finite difference method (FDM). Mutual validation of these two methods using typical and well-known cases ensures the reliability of the modelling methodology. Numerical studies on LWD and wireline acoustic reflection logging reveal that a ring source rather than four azimuthally orthogonal point sources can excite acoustic LWD monopole waves without interference from higher order wave modes. Lower order spatial differential operators are more efficient for FDM simulations of LWD cases when variance in the medium is obvious. Compared with the wireline monopole case, LWD monopole reflection acoustic logging can obtain higher quality reflected waves and has a superior ability to identify the azimuth of a geological reflector away from the borehole.

Kinesthesia: An extended critical overview and a beginning phenomenology of learning

This paper takes five different perspectives on kinesthesia, beginning with its evolution across animate life and its biological distinction from, and relationship to proprioception. It proceeds to document the historical derivation of “the muscle sense,” showing in the process how analytic philosophers bypass the import of kinesthesia by way of “enaction,” for example, and by redefinitions of “tactical deception.” The article then gives prominence to a further occlusion of kinesthesia and its subduction by proprioception, these practices being those of well-known phenomenologists, practices that exemplify an adultist perspective supported in large part by the writings of Merleau-Ponty. Following this extended critical review, the article shows how Husserl’s phenomenology enlightens us about kinesthesia and in doing so offers us substantive clues to the phenomenology of learning as it takes place in the development and acquisition of skillful movement. It shows further how phenomenological methodology contrasts markedly with existential analysis, most significantly in its recognition of, and its ability to set forth a developmental history, a veritable genetic phenomenology that is basically a phenomenology of learning anchored in kinesthesia. After showing how that phenomenology of learning finds mutual validation in a classic empirical study of infant movement, the article ends by highlighting how human “I cans” are grounded in “I move,” specifically, in the pan-human ability to learn one’s body and learn to move oneself.

Elastic Wave Modulation in Hollow Metamaterial Beam With Acoustic Black Hole

We propose and discuss the elastic wave attenuation of hollow metamaterial beam embedded acoustic black hole. More abundant physical phenomena are given by modal analysis, shows that the band gap of three-dimensional acoustic black hole metamaterial is different from two-dimensional one. Lateral flexural vibrations occurs and make the original first two-dimensional band gap be compressed, and the opening of first three-dimensional band gap are caused by coupling effect between the longitudinal and lateral flexural vibrations. Below 1200Hz, only two band gaps exist, the geometric parameter m1 and angle $\gamma $ could affect the band structure a lot, while the effect of geometric parameter m0 is a little less. Mutual validation of transmission spectra of vibration test and finite element analysis calculation and band gaps, illustrating its validity of the structure design, corresponding results could stimulate the realizations of three-dimensional acoustic black hole structure, particularly paves the way for the bridge from the corresponding theory of low frequency vibration and noise reduction to the practical application.

Review—Quantification of Hydrogen Peroxide by Electrochemical Methods and Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exhibit different spatial and temporal distributions as well as concentrations in- and outside the cell, thereby functioning as signaling or pathogen-destroying molecules. Especially the ROS H2O2 is important for the patho/physiological status of an organism. Electrochemistry (EM) and electron spin resonance (ESR)-based techniques allow quantification of H2O2 in artificial and living systems, coping a concentration range from low nM up to mM. Working electrodes for EM are optimized by diverse modifications and, additionally, redox mediators are used. Ultramicroelectrodes allow scanning of single cells to spatially resolve and quantify extracellular H2O2 in real-time. With ESR spectroscopy, •O2¯, but not H2O2, can be directly determined by spin probes in- and outside of cells in suspensions. Monitoring H2O2 requires formation of intermediate radicals, detectable with spin probes. Low μM [H2O2] can thus be assessed specifically. Using suitable spin traps, in-vivo ESR and immuno-spin trapping can visualize different radicals at their respective production sites in small animals, organs and tissues. Here, the redox reaction cascades may interfere with cell metabolism. Optimization of all methods established for H2O2 determination would be favorable to finally combine them for mutual validation. Thus, a deeper insight into cellular ROS metabolism can be obtained.

Membrane-Assisted Crystallization: A Molecular View of NaCl Nucleation and Growth

Membrane-assisted crystallization, aiming to induce supersaturation in a solution, has been successfully tested in the crystallization of ionic salts, low molecular organic acids, and proteins. Membrane crystallization is an emerging membrane process with the capability to simultaneously extract fresh water and valuable components from various streams. Successful application of crystallization for produced water treatment, seawater desalination, and salt recovery has been demonstrated. Recently, membrane crystallization has been developed to recover valuable minerals from highly concentrated solutions, since the recovery of high-quality minerals is expected to impact agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and household activities. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the crystal nucleation and growth of sodium chloride in bulk and with hydrophobic polymer surfaces of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polypropylene (PP) at a supersaturated concentration of salt. In parallel, membrane crystallization experiments were performed utilizing the same polymeric membranes in order to compare the experimental results with the computational ones. Moreover, the comparison in terms of nucleation time between the crystallization of sodium chloride (NaCl) using the traditional evaporation process and the membrane-assisted crystallization process was performed. Here, with an integrated experimental–computational approach, we demonstrate that the PVDF and PP membranes assist the crystal growth for NaCl, speeding up crystal nucleation in comparison to the bulk solution and leading to smaller and regularly structured face-centered cubic lattice NaCl crystals. This results in a mutual validation between theoretical data and experimental findings and provides the stimuli to investigate other mono and bivalent crystals with a new class of materials in advanced membrane separations.

Evidential split-and-merge: Application to object-based image analysis

This paper addresses the difficult problem of segmenting objects in a scene and simultaneously estimating their material class. Focusing on the case where, individually, no dataset can achieve such a task, multiple sensor datasets are considered, including some images for retrieving the spatial information. The proposed approach is based on mutual validation between class decision (using the most relevant dataset) and segmentation (derived from image data). The main originality lies in the ability to make these two modules (classification and segmentation) interactive. Specifically, our application focuses on object-level material labeling using classic RGB images, laser profilometer images and a NIR spectral sensor. Starting from a superpixel segmentation, the relevant data are introduced as constraints modifying the initial segmentation in a split-and-merge process, which interacts with the material labeling process. In this work, we use the belief function framework to model the information extracted from each kind of data and to transfer it from one processing module to another. In particular we show the relevance of evidential conflict measure to drive the split process and to control the merge one.Experiments have been performed on actual scenes with stacked objects and difficult cases of material such as transparent polymers. They allow us to assess the performance of the proposed approach both in terms of material labeling and object segmentation as well as to illustrate some borderline cases.

How much different are thermochemical properties of enantiomers and their racemates? Thermochemical properties of enantiopure and racemate of methyl- and butyl lactates.

This work is a contribution to the molecular understanding of the thermodynamic properties of the chiral compounds. A comprehensive thermochemical study of the liquid enantiopure and racemate pairs of optically active alkyl lactates has been performed. Vapor pressures of DL-(±)-, L-(-)-methyl-, and DL-(±)-, L-(-)-n-butyl esters of lactic acid were measured by the transpiration method. The liquid phase standard molar enthalpies of formation of these esters were measured by using the high-precision combustion calorimetry. The standard molar enthalpies of vaporization of alkyl lactates at 298.15 K were derived from vapor pressure temperature dependencies. Thermochemical data of these compounds were collected, evaluated, and tested for internal and external consistency. The high-level G4 quantum-chemical method was used for mutual validation of the experimental and theoretical gas phase enthalpies of formation of alkyl lactates. A critical review of the available thermochemical data for the liquid and crystalline enantiopure and racemate pairs of optically active compounds has been performed. Useful general trends in energetics of sublimation, vaporization, and formation of optically active compounds have been revealed. This knowledge is required for evaluation of new and already available experimental data for the chiral compounds, and it can be helpful to assess volatility or feasibility of processes to separate enantiomers.

Why Kinesthesia, Tactility and Affectivity Matter: Critical and Constructive Perspectives

This article offers critical and constructive perspectives essential to understanding living bodies, and, in effect, to showing that kinesthesia, tactility and affectivity matter because they are central to animate life. Critical perspectives focus on practices that distance us from the lived realities of animate nature, on insights into those realities, and on ways in which language is intimately related to those realities. Constructive perspectives focus on ontogenetic studies that empirically testify to our being animate organisms from the start. The studies validate Husserl’s insight into the developmental progression from ‘I move’ to ‘I do’ to ‘I can’. On the basis of these perspectives, concluding observations focus on the mutual validation of empirical and phenomenological research, on the distinction between movement and objects in motion, on the distinction between perceiving and feeling one’s body, and on the distinction between having a body and being a body.

Mutual validation between different modal analysis techniques for dynamic identification of the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica, Rome

The dynamic identification by ambient vibration data is widely used to supply information on the global health of structures through the investigation of changes in their modal parameters. It can be used even for verification of the state of damage of structures after hazardous threats, for example seismic activity. Therefore, it can play a crucial role to integrate and support conservation strategies for historic architectural assets. Sometimes, in historic constructions only a limited number of positions are accessible or usable to install sensors, and so modal analysis must be based on data from few measurement points. Moreover, they might not be the optimal positions for the studied structure, so the obtained results would need further verification. In such circumstances, the mutual validation between different modal analysis techniques can be useful to assess the reliability of results. In the present paper a case study of application to the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica, Rome, is described. Ambient vibration data were acquired in four rowing acquisition sessions carried out from July 2016 to July 2017, which is a timespan usable to assess the impact of the recent Central Italy seismic sequence. For problems related to the installation of the scaffolding only few points were available for instruments positioning. A variety of techniques were applied, including FRF, FDD, EFDD, SSI, HVSR and complex modal models. The variance of the modal parameters obtained by each different technique was utilized to provide indications on the reliability of the average values.

Asymmetric injection and distribution of space charges in propylene carbonate under impulse voltage

Space charge can distort the electric field in high voltage stressed liquid dielectrics and lead to breakdown. Observing the evolution of space charge in real time and determining the influencing factors are of considerable significance. The spatio-temporal evolution of space charge in propylene carbonate, which is very complex under impulse voltage, was measured in this study through the time-continuous Kerr electro-optic field mapping measurement. We found that the injection charge from a brass electrode displayed an asymmetric effect; that is, the negative charge injection near the cathode lags behind the positive charge injection near the anode. Physical mechanisms, including charge generation and drift, are analyzed, and a voltage-dependent saturated drift rectification model was established to explain the interesting phenomena. Mutual validation of models and our measurement data indicated that a barrier layer, which is similar to metal-semiconductor contact, was formed in the contact interface between the electrode and propylene carbonate and played an important role in the space charge injection.

Health assessment and ambient vibration testing of the “Ponte delle Torri” of Spoleto during the 2016–2017 Central Italy seismic sequence

The Ponte delle Torri is a large medieval masonry bridge, one of the main architectural heritage of Spoleto, Italy. The location of the bridge is less than 50 km from the main epicenters of the recent Central Italy earthquakes (Mw > 5.0) that occurred between August 2016 and February 2017. In addition, some minor quakes of the sequence (Mw between 3.0 and 4.0) occurred within 10 km from the bridge, causing some damages and fear among the population around Spoleto. In this context, the present paper aims at contributing to understand the effects on the structural health of the bridge by analyzing the ambient vibration data acquired before, during and after the seismic sequence, as changes in the dynamic behavior of the structure might indicate the evolution of the state of damage of the monument. In particular, vibration data were processed by modal analysis techniques for mutual validation of the extracted modal parameters. Environmental and vibration data were simultaneously acquired to take into account the seasonal effects on the dynamic behavior. Through a preliminary finite-element model (FEM) the modal shapes were obtained to choose the positions where to locate the sensors for the vibration spot acquisition session of June 2015. The same positions were acquired in October 2016 and at the end of May 2017. Subsequently, a more detailed FEM was produced based on a 3D reconstruction by structure-from-motion stereo-photogrammetry technique with high-resolution photos from unmanned aerial vehicle of the bridge. The model was validated through comparison with the damage pattern experienced by the bridge and then used for assessing the seismic safety by means of both, nonlinear dynamic and static push-over analyses.

Comparative analysis of large scale scenario-based landslides hazard zonation maps. A case study in Iasi City, Romania

Large-scale landslides hazard analysis is based, among other methods, on the numerical evaluation of the safety factor using physical and mechanical parameters measured in the field. The safety factor is determined as the ratio between the forces acting in the favor of sliding phenomenon and the resistance of the earthen massive. The main purpose of the paper is to create two bi-dimensional models of landslides hazard assessment based on the estimation of the stability factor, under different degrees of soil saturation and considering different scenarios of seismic acceleration. Slope stability analysis allows the simultaneity of two exceptional loads such as saturation and earthquake. The first model follows the methodology provided by the national law. In this case, the safety factor is determined by applying limit equilibrium methods using specific geotechnical engineering software. The second model aims to create a deterministic model for safety factor assessment implemented in a GIS system. This one is based on the infinite slope model. The secondary objectives of the paper are: providing theoretical principles, attaining the comparative analysis between the methodologies mentioned above, identifying the critical points of the created models and the reciprocal validation of the results. The study area is a hilly area located in the NorthWestern part of the Iasi City, Romania. The geotechnical parameters were obtained from the laboratory tests carried out on samples taken from 22 boreholes. The geomorphological parameters resulted from the high quality digital elevation model with 1m resolution. The final maps representing the spatial distribution of the safety factor values are reclassified using a common scale. Similarity analysis of the results indicates a good mutual validation.

How to analyse the spatiotemporal tumour samples needed to investigate cancer evolution: A case study using paired primary and recurrent glioblastoma.

Many traits of cancer progression (e.g., development of metastases or resistance to therapy) are facilitated by tumour evolution: Darwinian selection of subclones with distinct genotypes or phenotypes that enable such progression. Characterising these subclones provide an opportunity to develop drugs to better target their specific properties but requires the accurate identification of somatic mutations shared across multiple spatiotemporal tumours from the same patient. Current best practices for calling somatic mutations are optimised for single samples, and risk being too conservative to identify shared mutations with low prevalence in some samples. We reasoned that datasets from multiple matched tumours can be used for mutual validation and thus propose an adapted two-stage approach: (1) low-stringency mutation calling to identify mutations shared across samples irrespective of the weight of evidence in a single sample; (2) high-stringency mutation calling to further characterise mutations present in a single sample. We applied our approach to three-independent cohorts of paired primary and recurrent glioblastoma tumours, two of which have previously been analysed using existing approaches, and found that it significantly increased the amount of biologically relevant shared somatic mutations identified. We also found that duplicate removal was detrimental when identifying shared somatic mutations. Our approach is also applicable when multiple datasets e.g. DNA and RNA are available for the same tumour.

Renewable platform chemicals: Thermochemical study of levulinic acid esters

Abtract Equilibrium of the levulinic acid esterification with methanol, ethanol, and 1-butanol was studied in a broad temperature range (323 K–473 K) for reactions catalyzed by the enzyme Novozym 435 as well as for uncatalysed reaction systems. Thermodynamic equilibrium constants were derived with help of activity coefficients of reaction participants, which were predicted with the equation of state PC-SAFT. The liquid phase standard molar enthalpies of formation of methyl-, ethyl-, and n-butyl-esters of levulinic acid were measured by using the high-precision combustion calorimetry. Vapor pressures of these esters were measured by using the transpiration method. The standard molar enthalpies of vaporization of alkyl levulinates at 298.15 K were derived from vapor pressure temperature dependencies. Thermochemical data of alkyl levulinates were collected, evaluated, and tested for internal consistency. The high-level G4 quantum-chemical method was used for mutual validation of the experimental and theoretical gas phase enthalpies of formation of studied esters. Thermodynamic analysis of the levulinic acid esterification has been performed. Using the levulinic acid esterification with alcohols as the model reaction for an industrial processing of biomass conversion to fuels and useful platform chemicals, we have shown that qualitatively correct agreement between results from equilibrium study, from thermochemical data (combustion and transpiration), and from G4 calculations was observed. Reasonable combination of the quantum-chemical methods and of PC-SAFT modelling with empirical methods could serve to reduce experimental efforts for assessment of feasibility of the chemical processes of utilization of renewable feedstocks.