Fast algorithms for determining (generalized) core groups in social networks

The structure of a large network (graph) can often be revealed by partitioning it into smaller and possibly more dense sub-networks that are easier to handle. One of such decompositions is based on ??k-cores??, proposed in 1983 by Seidman. Together with connectivity components, cores are one among few concepts that provide efficient decompositions of large graphs and networks. In this paper we propose an efficient algorithm for determining the cores decomposition of a given network with complexity ${\mathcal{O}(m)}$ , where m is the number of lines (edges or arcs). In the second part of the paper the classical concept of k-core is generalized in a way that uses a vertex property function instead of degree of a vertex. For local monotone vertex property functions the corresponding generalized cores can be determined in ${\mathcal{O}(m\cdot\max(\Delta,\log{n}))}$ time, where n is the number of vertices and ?? is the maximum degree. Finally the proposed algorithms are illustrated by the analysis of a collaboration network in the field of computational geometry.     

Crossover and valence band Kβ X-rays of chromium oxides

Kβ X-ray spectra of chromium metal and selected chromium oxides were measured twice using medium resolution flat crystal spectrometer and high resolution spectrometer employing Johansson geometry after excitation with 2 MeV proton beams. The positions and intensities of crossover (Kβ″) and valence (Kβ_2,5) band X-rays relative to the primary Kβ X-ray components were extracted in a consistent way. The results were compared with the existing data obtained by proton and photon induced ionization mechanisms and theoretical predictions. The obtained results in peak relative positions and intensities were analyzed in order to study dependence on the chromium oxidation states and chromium-oxygen bond lengths in selected chromium oxides. Our results obtained by both spectrometers confirm that the linear trend observed for the valence peak relative energy shift as a function of chromium oxidation number does not depend on the experimental resolution. Experimental results for normalized intensities (i.e. relative intensities divided with the number of chromium-oxygen pairs) of crossover and valence band X-rays obtained by both spectrometers are in very good agreement, and follow exponential relationship with the average Cr―O bond lengths in corresponding chromium oxides. The observed trends in crossover and valence X-rays normalized intensities could be used to measure the average chromium-oxygen bond length in various chromium oxides, with the sum of both crossover and valence X-ray normalized intensities being the most sensitive measure.     

Investigation of the Dissociation and Dimerization of Cyclamic Acid in Aqueous Solutions by Means of a Conductometric Method

The electrical conductivity of aqueous cyclamic acid was studied in the concentration range (0.0004<c/mol⋅dm⁻³<0.14) at temperatures ranging from 278.15 to 303.15 K. Conductivities were measured by a precise method and examined by applying extended conductivity equations taking into account dimerization and incomplete electrolyte dissociation. Limiting molar electrolyte and ionic conductivities, dissociation and dimerization constants, and thermodynamic functions associated with dissociation and dimerization of cyclamic acid are discussed.     

Reporting gamma-ray spectrometric measurement results near the natural limit: primary measurement results,best estimates calculated with the Bayesian posterior and best estimates calculated with the probability density distribution resembling shifting

When reporting best estimates as measurement results, systematic influences near the natural limit are introduced that originate not only in the possible inconsistency of the analytical procedure but also in the conversion of the primary measurement results to best estimates. It has been shown that the probability density distribution resembling shifting of values observed in the unfeasible region to the limit of the feasible range (the natural limit) introduces a smaller systematic influence than the Bayesian posterior, resembling censoring with repetition of the measurements that result in observed values in the unfeasible region. The drawback that the uncertainty intervals calculated with the Bayesian posterior do not encompass the natural limit and may not encompass the observed value, although it lies within the feasible region, is avoided by using the probability density distribution resembling shifting. Therefore, such best estimates introduce a smaller systematic influence into the measurement results and are better suited as inputs for subsequent analyses.     

A rheological study of cationic micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose: quaternization reaction optimization and fibril characteristic effects

Driven by the demand for various cationic biopolymers in recent years, the quaternization of cellulose nanofibers was carefully investigated to have tight control over their final characteristics. The addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the reaction mixture is crucial as it catalyzes the conversion of alcohol groups of cellulose into more reactive alcoholate groups. On the other hand, excessive concentration proves to inhibit the reactivity of hydroxyl groups. The addition of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) increases the yield of the trimethylammonium chloride content (TMAC) reaction, while in excess it affects the rheological properties of the quaternizated cellulose nanofibers. The effects of NaOH and GTMAC on the TMAC content and rheological properties have been investigated in detail and mathematically evaluated. Furthermore, a comparison of the viscoelastic behavior and shear thinning character of commercial cationic micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose is presented. The research allows to extend the possibility of using cellulose in many applications of cationic biopolymers.

     

The influence of hard-baking temperature applied for SU8 sensor layer on the sensitivity of capacitive chemical sensor

SU8, the near-UV photosensitive epoxy-based polymer was used as a sensor layer in the capacitive chemical sensor, ready for integration with a generic double-metal CMOS technology. It was observed that the response of the sensor slowly increases with the temperature applied in hard-baking process as long as it remains below 300°C. At this temperature the response of the sensor abruptly increases and becomes almost threefold. It was shown that fully crosslinked structure of the sensor layer becomes opened and disordered when the sensor is hard-baked at temperatures between 300°C and 320°C, that is, still well below the degradation temperature of the polymer. These changes in chemical structure were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The temperature-dependent changes of the sensor layer structure enable one to prepare a combination of capacitive chemical sensors with good discrimination between some volatile organic compounds.     

Elimination of spiral waves in excitable media by magnetic induction

Nonlinear Dynamics - The formation of spiral waves in excitable media is a fascinating example of the beauty of nonlinear dynamics in spatiotemporal systems. Apart from the beauty of the patterns,...     

Complexes of Eu(III), Tb(III) and Cu(II) with proton transfer compound between 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and 2-aminobenzothiazole: characterization of the structures and physical properties

A proton transfer compound, (ABTH)⁺(PydcH)^? (1), obtained from 2-aminobenzothiazole (ABT) and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (Pydc) as well as its Eu(III), Tb(III), and Cu(II) complexes (ABT)₃[Eu(Pydc)₃]·5H₂O (2), (ABT)₃[Tb(Pydc)₃]·5H₂O (3), and (ABT)[Cu(Pydc)(PydcH)]·3H₂O (4) were obtained under ambient conditions and structurally verified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and magnetic measurements. Compounds 2–4 are the first known solids containing complex anions with Pydc ligands, 2-aminobenzothiazole cations (ABT), and solvate water molecules. During the synthesis of 3, a secondary phase with the formula ABTCl?H₂O was obtained and characterized by elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The asymmetric unit of 5 consists of six symmetry independent ABT cations, six chlorides, and six water molecules. The two lanthanide complexes showed characteristic emissions of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions. The good solubilities of these complexes in water and their luminescence properties make them attractive luminescent labels of biological molecules.