Large-scale clustering measurements with photometric redshifts: comparing the dark matter haloes of X-ray AGN, star-forming and passive galaxies at z ≈ 1

We combine multi-wavelength data in the AEGIS-XD and C-COSMOS surveys to measure the typical dark matter halo mass of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei (AGN) [L_X(2–10 keV) > 10^42 erg s^− 1] in comparison with far-infrared selected star-forming galaxies detected in the Herschel/PEP survey (PACS Evolutionary Probe; L_IR > 10^11 L_⊙) and quiescent systems at z ≈ 1. We develop a novel method to measure the clustering of extragalactic populations that uses photometric redshift probability distribution functions in addition to any spectroscopy. This is advantageous in that all sources in the sample are used in the clustering analysis, not just the subset with secure spectroscopy. The method works best for large samples. The loss of accuracy because of the lack of spectroscopy is balanced by increasing the number of sources used to measure the clustering. We find that X-ray AGN, far-infrared selected star-forming galaxies and passive systems in the redshift interval 0.6 < z < 1.4 are found in haloes of similar mass, log M_DMH/(M_⊙ h^−1) ≈ 13.0. We argue that this is because the galaxies in all three samples (AGN, star-forming, passive) have similar stellar mass distributions, approximated by the J-band luminosity. Therefore, all galaxies that can potentially host X-ray AGN, because they have stellar masses in the appropriate range, live in dark matter haloes of log M_DMH/(M_⊙ h^−1) ≈ 13.0 independent of their star formation rates. This suggests that the stellar mass of X-ray AGN hosts is driving the observed clustering properties of this population. We also speculate that trends between AGN properties (e.g. luminosity, level of obscuration) and large-scale environment may be related to differences in the stellar mass of the host galaxies.

Evaluation of semi-passive treatment technologies for septic lagoon capacity expansion

In Canada, increases in rural development has led to a growing need to effectively manage the resulting municipal and city sewage without the addition of significant cost- and energy- expending infrastructure. Storring Septic Service Limited is a family-owned, licensed wastewater treatment facility located in eastern Ontario. It makes use of a passive waste stabilization pond system to treat and dispose of waste and wastewater in an environmentally responsible manner. Storring Septic, like many other similar small-scale wastewater treatment facilities across Canada, has the potential to act as a sustainable eco-engineered facility that municipalities and service providers could utilize to manage and dispose of their wastewater. However, it is of concern that the substantial inclusion of third party material could be detrimental to the stability and robustness of the pond system. In order to augment the capacity of the current facility, and ensure it remains a self-sustaining system with the capacity to safely accept septage from other sewage haulers, it was hypothesized that pond effluent treatment could be further enhanced through the incorporation of one of three different technology solutions, which would allow the reduction of wastewater quality parameters below existing regulatory effluent discharge limits put in place by Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). Two of these solutions make use of biofilm technologies in order to enhance the removal of wastewater parameters of interest, and the third utilizes the natural water filtration capabilities of zebra mussels. Pilot-scale testing investigated the effects of each of these technologies on treatment performance under both cold and warm weather operation. This research aimed to understand the important mechanisms behind biological filtration methods in order to choose and optimize the best treatment strategy for full-scale testing and implementation. In doing so, a recommendation matrix was elaborated provided with the potential to be used as a universal operational strategy for wastewater treatment facilities located in environments of similar climate and ecology.

The EU cannot remain a passive observer of the Karabakh conflict. EPC Commentary, 7 April 2016

When Federica Mogherini visited the South Caucasus in March, she was quoted as saying that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was a top priority for the EU. Facts, however, do not seem to match the words of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. As violent clashes in the conflict zone unfolded over the past week, the EU was a passive observer, with few visible signs of engagement apart from a cursory phone call urging Armenia and Azerbaijan to show restraint. The escalation has shown how quickly and dangerously the situation can develop, and the unassailable nature of the Line of Contact (LoC). If the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict show no progress, a repetition is very probable. Furthermore, it is likely the next incident will be more devastating in human and material costs than this recent one, and may not be contained so quickly. The EU needs to be part of the renewed diplomatic effort.

Numerical and experimental investigation of structural stiffness influence on ratcheting convection cell in granular soils under cyclic loading

Lateral cyclic loaded structures in granular soils can lead to an accumulation of irreversible strains by changing their mechanical response (densification) and forming a closed convective cell in the upper layer of the bedding. In the present thesis the convective cell dimension, formation and grain migration inside this closed volume have been studied and presented in relation to structural stiffness and different loads. This relation was experimentally investigated by applying a cyclic lateral force to a scaled flexible vertical element embedded in dry granular soil. The model was monitored with a camera in order to derive the displacement field by means of the PIV technique. Modelling large soil deformation turns out to be difficult, using mesh-based methods. Consequently, a mesh-free approach (DEM) was chosen in order to investigate the granular flow with the aim of extracting interesting micromechanical information. In both the numerical and experimental analyses the effect of different loading magnitudes and different dimensions of the vertical element were considered. The main results regarded the different development, shape and dimensions of the convection cell and the surface settlements. Moreover, the Discrete Element Method has proven to give satisfactory results in the modelling of large deformation phenomena such as the ratcheting convective cell.

Application of active and passive suspension techniques to improve high speed ground vehicle performance - phase II. Final report.

Transportation Department, Office of University Research, Washington, D.C.

Evaluation of passive belts for different size occupants. Final report supplement.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Public attitudes toward passive restraint systems. Summary report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

The effects of restraining boundaries on the passive resistance of sand; results of a series of tests with a medium-scale testing apparatus. Report submitted to the Office of Naval Research, Dept. of the Navy,

"Project No. Nr-081-117. Contract No. Nonr-100 9(00)"

Public attitudes toward passive restraints. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Enhancements to passive warning devices at railroad-highway grade crossings.

Texas Department of Transportation, Austin