Search results for "Processes"
showing 10 items of 3831 documents
Relations between structure and estimators in networks of dynamical systems
2011
The article main focus is on the identification of a graphical model from time series data associated with different interconnected entities. The time series are modeled as realizations of stochastic processes (representing nodes of a graph) linked together via transfer functions (representing the edges of the graph). Both the cases of non-causal and causal links are considered. By using only the measurements of the node outputs and without assuming any prior knowledge of the network topology, a method is provided to estimate the graph connectivity. In particular, it is proven that the method determines links to be present only between a node and its “kins”, where kins of a node consist of …
The influence of strain rate and presence of dispersed second phases on the deformation behaviour of polycrystalline D2O ice
2018
ABSTRACTThis contribution discusses results obtained from 3-D neutron diffraction and 2-D fabric analyser in situ deformation experiments on laboratory-prepared polycrystalline deuterated ice and ice containing a second phase. The two-phase samples used in the experiments are composed of an ice matrix with (1) air bubbles, (2) rigid, rhombohedral-shaped calcite and (3) rheologically soft, platy graphite. Samples were tested at 10°C below the melting point of deuterated ice at ambient pressures, and two strain rates of 1 × 10−5 s−1 (fast) and 2.5 × 10−6 s−1 (medium). Nature and distribution of the second phase controlled the rheological behaviour of the ice by pinning grain boundary migratio…
A distributed agro-hydrological model for irrigation water demand assessment
2008
Abstract The actual irrigation water demand in a district in Sicily (Italy) was assessed by the spatially distributed agro-hydrological model SIMODIS (SImulation and Management of On-Demand Irrigation Systems) . For each element with homogeneous crop and soil conditions, in which the considered area can be divided, the model numerically solves the one-dimensional water flow equation with vegetation parameters derived from Earth Observation data. In SIMODIS, the irrigation scheduling is set by means of two parameters: the threshold value of soil water pressure head in the root zone, h m , and the fraction of soil water deficit to be re-filled, Δ . This study investigated the possibility of i…
A review of health assessment techniques for distribution transformers in smart distribution grids
2020
Due to the large number of distribution transformers in the distribution grid, the status of distribution transformers plays an important role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the these grids. To evaluate the distribution transformer health, many assessment techniques have been studied and developed. These tools will support the transformer operators in predicting the status of the distribution transformer and responding effectively. This paper will review the literature in the area, analyze the latest techniques as well as highlight the advantages and disadvantages of current methodologies.
EFFECT OF A FLUCTUATING ELECTRIC FIELD ON ELECTRON SPIN DEPHASING TIME IN III–V SEMICONDUCTORS
2012
We investigate the electron spin dephasing in low n-doped GaAs semiconductor bulks driven by a correlated fluctuating electric field. The electron dynamics is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure which keeps into account all the possible scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium and includes the evolution of spin polarization. Spin relaxation times are computed through the D’yakonov–Perel process, which is the only relevant relaxation mechanism in zinc-blende semiconductors. The decay of initial spin polarization of conduction electrons is calculated for different values of field strength, noise intensity and noise correlation time. For values of noise correlation time compara…
Plural Paths for Interweaving Diversity in Palermo
2008
The most recent ethnic movements and cultural contacts are modifying the city nature all over the world, and in these years even the most fringe European areas are witnessing an increase in cultural and social mixité. Currently we can assert that the city is not an unitary system any more, instead is composed of multiple (often non-homogeneous) groups which express new forms and demands of space use. In this context of fast changes, the various ethnic groups coming to European cities are not the only stakeholders of diversity. There are also cultural groups which have remained separate until now, each one rooted in a restricted part of the city, according to models that are obsolete nowaday…
Effects of acute social stress on the conditioned place preference induced by MDMA in adolescent and adult mice
2014
Exposure to social defeat stress increases the rewarding effects of psychostimulants in animal models, but its effect on 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) reward has received little attention. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of social defeat on the rewarding effects of MDMA in adolescent [postnatal day (PND) 29-40] and adult (PND 50-61) male mice using the conditioned place preference paradigm. Experimental mice were exposed to social defeat in an agonistic encounter before each session of conditioning with 1.25 or 10 mg/kg of MDMA. The effects of social defeat on corticosterone levels and the motor or the anxiogenic effects of MDMA were also evaluated. Mice expose…
Rewarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“Ecstasy”) in dominant and subordinate OF-1 mice in the place preference conditioning paradigm
2006
We tested the ability of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) in dominant and subordinate OF-1 mice subjected to cohabitation and repeated sessions of agonistic confrontation, as well as in non-confronted mice. We selected doses of MDMA (2, 6, 10 mg/kg) previously reported to induce CPP in mice and we measured expression of c-Fos evoked by the treatments in non-confronted mice. MDMA induced c-Fos protein in several corticolimbic regions involved in drug-induced reward. Mice were exposed to brief sessions of agonistic confrontation on 5 consecutive days. Determinations of circulating hormones and drug conditioning tests were carried out on com…
Cognitive and behavioural effects induced by social stress plus MDMA administration in mice
2017
Adverse life experiences such as social stress may make an individual more vulnerable to drug addiction and mental disorders associated with drug consumption. The present work aimed to evaluate the effects of stress induced by acute social defeat combined with the administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on depression-like behaviour, memory function and motor response to drug in late adolescent male mice. Two groups of mice were exposed to social defeat (SD) during four encounters with an aggressive co-specific, which took place on alternate days. Immediately after defeat, animals were treated with saline or MDMA 10mg/kg (SD+SAL and SD+MDMA). In control groups, mice were p…
Evidence of superatom electronic shells in ligand-stabilized aluminum clusters
2011
Ligand-stabilized aluminum clusters are investigated by density functional theory calculations. Analysis of Kohn-Sham molecular orbitals and projected density of states uncovers an electronic shell structure that adheres to the superatom complex model for ligand-stabilized aluminum clusters. In this current study, we explain how the superatom complex electron-counting rule is influenced by the electron-withdrawing ligand and a dopant atom in the metallic core. The results may guide the prediction of new stable ligand-stabilized (superatom) complexes, regardless of core and electron-withdrawing ligand composition.