bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Constituents in Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee and Their Effect on the Risk of Depression—A Comparative Constituent Analysis Study
Authors: Hall Susan , Yuen John W. , Grant Gary D.
Published: November 2018

Coffee, a popular beverage throughout the world, has been shown to have numerous beneficial health effects, including reducing the risk of developing depression. This effect has only been shown with the consumption of caffeinated coffee and not decaffeinated coffee or caffeine alone and one of many hypotheses attributes this to the loss of key constituents during the decaffeination process. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any of the key bioactive coffee constituents with known anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are lost during the decaffeination process. The analysis of nine caffeinated and nine decaffeinated samples of various brands and batches of commonly consumed coffee in Australia using HPLC analysis found that, with the exception of caffeine, there were no significant differences in the quantity of other key bioactive coffee constituents in caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. These results suggest that there may be an alternative explanation for the observed inverse correlation between caffeinated coffee consumption and the risk of developing depression.
Influence of Various Drying Conditions on Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Carrot Peel
Authors: Nguyen Van Tang , Le Minh Duong
Published: November 2018

(1) Background: Drying is an important process in the research of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to identify an optimal condition to dry carrot peel. (2) Methods: In this study, various drying conditions including hot-air (50 °C and 100 °C), vacuum (50 °C and 100 °C), microwave (600 W and 1200 W) and freeze dying (−45 °C) were applied, and the phytochemical yield and antioxidant activity of carrot peel were then assessed. (3) Results: The results showed that the highest amount of phytochemical compounds was achieved by microwave drying at 1200 W, followed by microwave drying at 600 W and freeze drying at −45 °C. In contrast, hot-air drying resulted in the lowest level of phytochemical compounds. Regarding the antioxidant activity of carrot peel, microwave drying at 1200 W was an optimal condition as it possessed the best antioxidant activity whereas hot-air, vacuum and freeze drying were not effective methods for retaining antioxidant activity. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from this study, microwave drying at 1200 W is recommended to dry carrot peel for potential application in the nutraceutical, beverage and/or functional food industries.
Comparative Study of Phenolic Profile and Content in Infusions and Concentrated Infusions of Buddleja Scordioides Treated by High-Intensity Pulsed Electric Fields (HiPEF)
Authors: Díaz-Rivas Jesús Omar , Gallegos-Infante José Alberto , Valdez-Fragoso Aurora , Rocha-Guzmán Nuria Elizabeth , González-Laredo Rubén Francisco , Rodríguez-Ramírez Alfredo , Gamboa-Gómez Claudia Ivette , Moreno-Jiménez Martha Rocío
Published: November 2018

The effect of high-intensity pulsed electric fields (HiPEF) has been reported on the microbial resistance of fruit juices and beverages. However, the influence of HiPEF on bioactive compounds in herbal infusions is still limited. The objective of the present work was to evaluate chemical stability of polyphenols of infusions from Buddleja scordioides or Salvilla under thermal processing (concentrates) followed by HiPEF treatments. Buddleja infusions were prepared at 1% w/v of salvilla, heated, filtered and concentrated in a thin falling film evaporator. Three different HiPEF treatments were applied to Buddleja scordioides concentrated beverages. The percentage of pulse rate was 25 and 90%; output temperature, 18.3 ± 1 °C; and the frequency range, 100, 300 and 400 Hz. The feed flow was 0.5 L/h. DPPH radical scavenging assay, inhibition of Nitric Oxide activity and analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS were determined. ANOVA one-way analysis and Tukey test (p < 0.05) were used to analyze results. Concentration process increases the amount of flavonols; however, the use of HiPEF produces a minor reduction on antioxidant capacity. The use of HiPEF at 1000 kJ/kg and 1100 kJ/kg displays a similar profile on phenolic acids between HiPEF-treated beverages and concentrates, showing that the use of HiPEF may be a promissory technology in the processing practices of herbal infusions.
Cellular Plasticity of Mammary Epithelial Cells Underlies Heterogeneity of Breast Cancer
Authors: Rodilla Verónica , Fre Silvia
Published: November 2018

The hierarchical relationships between stem cells, lineage-committed progenitors, and differentiated cells remain unclear in several tissues, due to a high degree of cell plasticity, allowing cells to switch between different cell states. The mouse mammary gland, similarly to other tissues such as the prostate, the sweat gland, and the respiratory tract airways, consists of an epithelium exclusively maintained by unipotent progenitors throughout adulthood. Such unipotent progenitors, however, retain a remarkable cellular plasticity, as they can revert to multipotency during epithelial regeneration as well as upon oncogene activation. Here, we revise the current knowledge on mammary cell hierarchies in light of the most recent lineage tracing studies performed in the mammary gland and highlight how stem cell differentiation or reversion to multipotency are at the base of tumor development and progression. In addition, we will discuss the current knowledge about the interplay between tumor cells of origin and defined genetic mutations, leading to different tumor types, and its implications in choosing specific therapeutic protocols for breast cancer patients.
Applications of Nanomaterials for Immunosensing
Authors: Lara Sandra , Perez-Potti André
Published: November 2018

In biomedical science among several other growing fields, the detection of specific biological agents or biomolecular markers, from biological samples is crucial for early diagnosis and decision-making in terms of appropriate treatment, influencing survival rates. In this regard, immunosensors are based on specific antibody-antigen interactions, forming a stable immune complex. The antigen-specific detection antibodies (i.e., biomolecular recognition element) are generally immobilized on the nanomaterial surfaces and their interaction with the biomolecular markers or antigens produces a physico-chemical response that modulates the signal readout. Lowering the detection limits for particular biomolecules is one of the key parameters when designing immunosensors. Thus, their design by combining the specificity and versatility of antibodies with the intrinsic properties of nanomaterials offers a plethora of opportunities for clinical diagnosis. In this review, we show a comprehensive set of recent developments in the field of nanoimmunosensors and how they are progressing the detection and validation for a wide range of different biomarkers in multiple diseases and what are some drawbacks and considerations of the uses of such devices and their expansion.
The Duration of Emotional Image Exposure Does Not Impact Anticipatory Postural Adjustments during Gait Initiation
Authors: Gélat Thierry , Coudrat Laure , Ferrel-Chapus Carole , Vernazza-Martin Sylvie
Published: November 2018

Previous studies have reported that anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) associated with gait initiation are affected by emotion-eliciting images. This study examined the effect of the duration of exposure to emotional images on the APAs along the progression axis. From a standing posture, 39 young adults had to reach a table by walking (several steps) toward pleasant or unpleasant images, under two sets of conditions. In the short condition, the word “go” appeared on the image 500 ms after image onset and participants were instructed to initiate gait as soon as possible after the word go appeared. In the long condition, the same procedure was used but the word “go” appeared 3000 ms after image onset. Results demonstrated that the APAs were longer and larger for pleasant images than unpleasant ones, regardless of the condition (i.e., the duration of exposure to the images). In the same way, the peak of forward velocity of the centre of body mass (reached at the end of the first step) followed the same tendency. These results emphasized that APAs depended on image valence but not on the duration of images exposure and were consistent with those of previous studies and the motivational direction hypothesis.
Immunoliposomes with Simvastatin as a Potential Therapeutic in Treatment of Breast Cancer Cells Overexpressing HER2—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Matusewicz Lucyna , Podkalicka Joanna , Sikorski Aleksander F.
Published: November 2018

Lipophilic statins are promising candidates for breast cancer treatment. However, anticancer therapy requires much higher doses of statins than can be delivered orally, and such high doses are known to exert more adverse effects. The main objective of our study was to design a targeted, therapeutic liposomal carrier of simvastatin characterised by high stability and specificity towards breast cancer cells. We chose SKBR3, the cell line that showed the highest sensitivity for simvastatin and liposomal simvastatin treatment. Additionally, SKBR3 has a notably high expression level of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which we used as a target for our immunoliposomes. To do so we attached humanized anti-HER2 antibody to the envelope of liposomes. We tested the stability and selectivity of the proposed formulation along with the toxicity, ability to induce apoptosis and the effect on signalling pathways involving Akt and Erk kinases. The immunoliposomal formulation of simvastatin is characterized by long-term stability, high selectivity towards HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, low non-specific cytotoxicity and effective inhibition of the growth of target cells, presumably by inhibition of signalling pathways and induction of apoptosis. Hence, for the first time, we propose the use of immunoliposomes with simvastatin, targeted directly towards breast cancer cells overexpressing HER2. The prepared immunoliposomes may become a proof of concept in developing new anticancer therapy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Tetramethyl Tantalum(V) Complex
Authors: Dey Raju , Mohandas Janet C. , Samantaray Manoja K. , Hamieh Ali , Kavitake Santosh , Chen Yin , Abou-Hamad Edy , Cavallo Luigi , Poater Albert , Basset Jean-Marie
Published: November 2018

A novel method for the synthesis of the homogeneous homoleptic cationic tantalum(V)tetramethyl complex [(TaMe4)+ MeB(C6F5)3−] from neutral tantalumpentamethyl (TaMe5) has been described, by direct demethylation using B(C6F5)3 reagent. The aforesaid higher valent cationic tantalum complex was characterized precisely by liquid state 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 1H-13C-NMR correlation spectroscopy.
Change in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Following Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Treatment for Children with Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation: A Prospective Study
Authors: Hasmun Noren , Lawson Jennifer , Vettore Mario V. , Elcock Claire , Zaitoun Halla , Rodd Helen
Published: November 2018

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a common enamel condition, presenting with incisor opacities, which may be of psychosocial concern to children. This clinical study sought to determine whether minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve incisor aesthetics, would also improve children’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). 111 MIH patients, aged 7–16 years, referred to a UK Dental Hospital, were invited to complete the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (C-OHIP-SF19) prior to any intervention (T0) and again at one-month following the intervention (T1) for MIH. Treatment regimens included one or more of the following: Microabrasion; resin infiltration; tooth whitening; resin composite restoration. Data were obtained for 93 children with a mean age of 11 years. Mean total C-OHIP-SF19 score at T0 was 47.00 (SD = 9.29; range = 0–76) and this increased significantly at T1 to 58.24 (SD = 9.42; range = 0–76; p < 0.001, paired t-test), indicating a marked improvement in self-reported OHRQoL. There were no statistically significant differences according to gender. This is the first study to show that simple, minimally invasive dental treatment, to reduce the visibility of enamel opacities, in MIH, can have a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.
Maximum Configuration Principle for Driven Systems with Arbitrary Driving
Authors: Hanel Rudolf , Thurner Stefan
Published: November 2018

Depending on context, the term entropy is used for a thermodynamic quantity, a measure of available choice, a quantity to measure information, or, in the context of statistical inference, a maximum configuration predictor. For systems in equilibrium or processes without memory, the mathematical expression for these different concepts of entropy appears to be the so-called Boltzmann–Gibbs–Shannon entropy, H. For processes with memory, such as driven- or self- reinforcing-processes, this is no longer true: the different entropy concepts lead to distinct functionals that generally differ from H. Here we focus on the maximum configuration entropy (that predicts empirical distribution functions) in the context of driven dissipative systems. We develop the corresponding framework and derive the entropy functional that describes the distribution of observable states as a function of the details of the driving process. We do this for sample space reducing (SSR) processes, which provide an analytically tractable model for driven dissipative systems with controllable driving. The fact that a consistent framework for a maximum configuration entropy exists for arbitrarily driven non-equilibrium systems opens the possibility of deriving a full statistical theory of driven dissipative systems of this kind. This provides us with the technical means needed to derive a thermodynamic theory of driven processes based on a statistical theory. We discuss the Legendre structure for driven systems.
Single-Phase Bidirectional On-Board Charger Using Starter Generator System in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kim Seok-Min , Kang Ho-Sung , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the design and control methods of a single-phase bidirectional on-board charger (OBC) using a hybrid starter generator (HSG) and an inverter in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In an HEV, there are a number of components, including the combustion engine, transmission, traction motor, motor controller, OBC, and HSG system. The proposed design reconfigures the HSG system to provide battery-charging capability instead of a conventional OBC based on the use of additional power relays. As a result, the number of power converters is effectively reduced through the replacement of the conventional OBC, and, thus, the power density is increased. This paper also proposes a control method for enabling not only battery charging but also a reactive power support depending on the grid command. Compared with a conventional reactive power compensation method, the proposed method has an advantage because it is located near the principal reactive power source. The simulation and experimental results verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed bidirectional OBC design and its control methods.
Open Circuit Fault Diagnosis and Fault Tolerance of Three-Phase Bridgeless Rectifier
Authors: Cheng Hong , Chen Wenbo , Wang Cong , Deng Jiaqing
Published: November 2018

Bridgeless rectifiers are widely used in many applications due to a unity power factor, lower conduction loss and high efficiency, which does not need bidirectional energy transmission. In this case, the potential failures are threatening the reliability of these converters in critical applications such as power supply and electric motor driver. In this paper, open circuit fault is analyzed, taking a three-phase bridgeless as an example. Interference on both the input and output side are considered. Then, the fault diagnosis method including detection and location, and fault tolerance through additional switches are proposed. At last, simulation and experiments based on the hardware in loop technology are used to validate the feasibility of fault diagnosis and fault tolerance methodology.
Joint Elasticity Effect on the Failure Behaviours of Rock Masses using a Discrete Element Model
Authors: Yuan Yong , Zhou Changtai , Wang Zhihe , Du Jifang
Published: November 2018

It is widely accepted that the mechanical properties and failure behaviours of a rock mass are largely dependent upon the geometrical and mechanical properties of discontinuities. The effect of joint elasticity on the failure behaviours of rock masses is investigated using a discrete element model, namely, the synthetic rock mass model. Here, uniaxial compression tests of the numerical model are carried out for the rock mass model with a persistent joint to analyse the role of joint elasticity in the failure process with various joint orientations, β. A strong correlation between the joint elasticity and failure strength is found from the simulation results: a positive relationship when the joint orientation β < φ j ; a negative relationship when the joint orientation φ j < β < 90 ° ; and a very limited effect when the joint orientation β = 90 ° . Additionally, it is shown that the joint elasticity is the governing factor in the transition of failure modes, especially from the sliding failure mode along the joint to the mixed sliding-tensile failure mode.
Short-Term Wind Speed Forecasting Based on Signal Decomposing Algorithm and Hybrid Linear/Nonlinear Models
Authors: Han Qinkai , Wu Hao , Hu Tao , Chu Fulei
Published: November 2018

Accurate wind speed forecasting is a significant factor in grid load management and system operation. The aim of this study is to propose a framework for more precise short-term wind speed forecasting based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and hybrid linear/nonlinear models. Original wind speed series is decomposed into a finite number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and residuals by using the EMD. Several popular linear and nonlinear models, including autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), artificial neural network with back propagation (BP), extreme learning machines (ELM) and convolutional neural network (CNN), are utilized to study IMFs and residuals, respectively. An ensemble forecast for the original wind speed series is then obtained. Various experiments were conducted on real wind speed series at four wind sites in China. The performance and robustness of various hybrid linear/nonlinear models at two time intervals (10 min and 1 h) are compared comprehensively. It is shown that the EMD based hybrid linear/nonlinear models have better accuracy and more robust performance than the single models with/without EMD. Among the five hybrid models, EMD-ARIMA-RF has the best accuracy on the whole for 10 min data, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is less than 0.04. However, for the 1 h data, no model can always perform well on the four datasets, and the MAPE is around 0.15.
Research on Flow-Induced Vibration and Energy Harvesting of Three Circular Cylinders with Roughness Strips in Tandem
Authors: Ding Lin , Zou Qunfeng , Zhang Li , Wang Haibo
Published: November 2018

The flow-induced vibration (FIV) of multiple cylinders is a common phenomenon in industry and nature. The FIV and energy harvesting of three circular cylinders in tandem are numerically studied by 2D-URANS simulations in Reynolds number range of 30,000 < Re < 105,000. Simulation results match well with experiments in the tested cases. Four branches of FIV are clearly captured in the amplitude and frequency ratio curves of the three cylinders with roughness, including initial branch of vortex-induced vibration (VIV), VIV upper branch, transition from VIV to galloping, and galloping. It is shown that the vortices from downstream cylinder are strongly disrupted and modified by vortices of upstream cylinder. The third cylinder is almost suppressed in VIV initial branch. The 2P vortex pattern is observed for the first cylinder in the VIV upper branch. For Re = 90,000 in the transition regime, the vortex patterns of the first and second cylinders are 2P + 4S and 2P + 2S, respectively. In the galloping branch, the shear layer motion is in synchronization with the motion of the cylinder, and the maximum amplitude of 2.8D is reached by the first cylinder. The total converted power of the three cylinders increases with U*water both in the simulation and experiment. For the three cylinders, the maximum power reaches up to 85.26 W with the increase of Reynolds number. The energy conversion efficiency is stable and higher than 35% in the starting region of VIV upper branch, and the maximum value of 40.41% is obtained when Re = 40,000.
Probabilistic Forecasting Model of Solar Power Outputs Based on the Naïve Bayes Classifier and Kriging Models
Authors: Nam Seungbeom , Hur Jin
Published: November 2018

Solar power’s variability makes managing power system planning and operation difficult. Facilitating a high level of integration of solar power resources into a grid requires maintaining the fundamental power system so that it is stable when interconnected. Accurate and reliable forecasting helps to maintain the system safely given large-scale solar power resources; this paper therefore proposes a probabilistic forecasting approach to solar resources using the R statistics program, applying a hybrid model that considers spatio-temporal peculiarities. Information on how the weather varies at sites of interest is often unavailable, so we use a spatial modeling procedure called kriging to estimate precise data at the solar power plants. The kriging method implements interpolation with geographical property data. In this paper, we perform day-ahead forecasts of solar power based on the probability in one-hour intervals by using a Naïve Bayes Classifier model, which is a classification algorithm. We augment forecasting by taking into account the overall data distribution and applying the Gaussian probability distribution. To validate the proposed hybrid forecasting model, we perform a comparison of the proposed model with a persistence model using the normalized mean absolute error (NMAE). Furthermore, we use empirical data from South Korea’s meteorological towers (MET) to interpolate weather variables at points of interest.
Decomposition and Forecasting of CO2 Emissions in China’s Power Sector Based on STIRPAT Model with Selected PLS Model and a Novel Hybrid PLS-Grey-Markov Model
Authors: Cui Herui , Wu Ruirui , Zhao Tian
Published: November 2018

China faces significant challenges related to global warming caused by CO2 emissions, and the power industry is a large CO2 emitter. The decomposition and accurate forecasting of CO2 emissions in China’s power sector are thus crucial for low-carbon outcomes. This paper selects seven socio-economic and technological drivers related to the power sector, and decomposes CO2 emissions based on two models: the extended stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence and technology (STIRPAT) model and the partial least square (PLS) model. Distinguished from previous research, our study first compares the effects of eliminating the multicollinearity of the PLS model with stepwise regression and ridge regression, finding that PLS is superior. Further, the decomposition results show the factors’ absolute elasticity coefficients are population (2.58) > line loss rate (1.112) > GDP per capita (0.669) > generation structure (0.522) > the urbanization level (0.512) > electricity intensity (0.310) > industrial structure (0.060). Meanwhile, a novel hybrid PLS-Grey-Markov model is proposed, and is verified to have better precision for the CO2 emissions of the power sector compared to the selected models, such as ridge regression-Grey-Markov, PLS-Grey-Markov, PLS-Grey and PLS-BP (Back propagation neutral network model). The forecast results suggest that CO2 emissions of the power sector will increase to 5102.9 Mt by 2025. Consequently, policy recommendations are proposed to achieve low-carbon development in aspects of population, technology, and economy.
Research on Battery Energy Storage as Backup Power in the Operation Optimization of a Regional Integrated Energy System
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Niu Dongxiao , Wu Ming , Wang Yongli , Li Fang , Dong Huanran
Published: November 2018

Recently, integrated energy systems have become a new type of energy supply model. It is clear that integrated energy systems can improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. However, the use of a battery energy storage system (BESS) as a backup power source will affect the operating costs of a regional integrated energy system (RIES) in different situations. In this paper, a regional integrated energy system including wind turbines, photovoltaics, gas turbines and battery energy storage was introduced. In order to obtain the minimum operation cost, an operation optimization model was built. The schedule plans of each unit were optimized by a moth flame optimization (MFO) algorithm. Finally, three different scenarios were proposed for the simulation optimization. The simulation optimization results show that when the BESS is used as a backup power source, the operating cost of the system and the resulting pollutant emissions are less than the diesel generator (DG) set. Therefore, it is worthwhile to use BESS instead of DG as the backup power source in RIES.
Improving the Thermal Efficiency of the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine by Using Various Combustion Patterns
Authors: Wu Yuh-Yih , Wang James H. , Mir Faizan Mushtaq
Published: November 2018

The efficiency of an internal combustion engine (ICE) is essential for automobiles and motorcycles. Several studies have demonstrated that the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) is a promising technology for realizing engines with high efficiency and low emissions. This study investigated the combustion characteristics of the HCCI using a 125 cc motorcycle engine with n-heptane fuel. The engine performance, combustion characteristics, and thermal efficiency were analyzed from experimental data. The results revealed that a leaner air–fuel mixture led to higher engine efficiency and output. The improvement of engine output is contradictory to the general trend. Energy balance analysis revealed that lower heat loss, due to the low cylinder gas temperature of lean combustion, contributed to higher efficiency. A double-Wiebe function provided excellent simulation of the mass fraction burned (MFB) of the HCCI. Air cycle simulation with the MFB, provided by the double-Wiebe function, was executed to investigate this phenomenon. The results indicated that a better combustion pattern led to higher thermal efficiency, and thus the engine output and thermal efficiency do not require a fast combustion rate in an HCCI engine. A better combustion pattern can be achieved by adjusting air–fuel ratio (AFR) and the rates of dual fuel and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
Wind Turbulence Intensity at La Ventosa, Mexico: A Comparative Study with the IEC61400 Standards
Authors: Lopez-Villalobos C. A. , Rodriguez-Hernandez O. , Campos-Amezcua R. , Hernandez-Cruz Guillermo , Jaramillo O. A. , Mendoza J. L.
Published: November 2018

Wind speed turbulence intensity is a crucial parameter in designing the structure of wind turbines. The IEC61400 considers the Normal Turbulence Model (NTM) as a reference for fatigue load calculations for small and large wind turbines. La Ventosa is a relevant region for the development of the wind power sector in Mexico. However, in the literature, there are no studies on this important parameter in this zone. Therefore, we present an analysis of the turbulence intensity to improve the understanding of local winds and contribute to the development of reliable technical solutions. In this work, we experimentally estimate the turbulence intensity of the region and the wind shear exponent in terms of atmospheric stability to analyze the relation of these design parameters with the recommended standard for large and small wind turbines. The results showed that the atmosphere is strongly convective and stable in most of the eleven months studied. The turbulence intensity analysis showed that for a range of wind speeds between 2 and 24 m/s, some values of the variable measured were greater than those recommended by the standard, which corresponds to 388 hours of turbulence intensity being underestimated. This may lead to fatigue loads and cause structural damage to the technologies installed in the zone if they were not designed to operate in these wind speed conditions.
Solid Fuel Production from Semi-Natural Grassland Biomass—Results from a Commercial-Scale IFBB Plant
Authors: Joseph Ben , Hensgen Frank , Bühle Lutz , Wachendorf Michael
Published: November 2018

Biomass-based energy accounts for a notable share of renewable heat and electricity generation in Germany. Due to limited alternative uses, biomass obtained from management of semi-natural grasslands is a potential feedstock. Technical and environmental limitations exist in using this biomass for combustion, due to the presence of harmful elements. Converting biomass using integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass system (IFBB) produces a solid fuel with lower concentrations of harmful elements and a press liquid usable for biogas generation. In this study, solid fuel generation with a commercial scale IFBB unit was investigated. The concentration of harmful elements such as N, S, Cl, and K in the solid fuel was significantly reduced compared to the original biomass silage. Emissions during combustion of the solid fuel briquettes were below German legal thresholds. Elemental concentration of solid fuel obtained from commercial scale process had a significant improvement in removal rate of harmful elements than the prototype. Hence, the limitations of using semi-natural grassland biomass as an energy source were overcome. The commercial scale IFBB plant could be used in practice to handle large volumes of green residual biomass by converting it into a solid fuel with favorable fuel properties.
Development of Demand Response Energy Management Optimization at Building and District Levels Using Genetic Algorithm and Artificial Neural Network Modelling Power Predictions
Authors: Kampelis Nikos , Tsekeri Elisavet , Kolokotsa Dionysia , Kalaitzakis Kostas , Isidori Daniela , Cristalli Cristina
Published: November 2018

Demand Response (DR) is a fundamental aspect of the smart grid concept, as it refers to the necessary open and transparent market framework linking energy costs to the actual grid operations. DR allows consumers to directly or indirectly participate in the markets where energy is being exchanged. One of the main challenges for engaging in DR is associated with the initial assessment of the potential rewards and risks under a given pricing scheme. In this paper, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimisation model, using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) power predictions for day-ahead energy management at the building and district levels, is proposed. Individual building and building group analysis is conducted to evaluate ANN predictions and GA-generated solutions. ANN-based short term electric power forecasting is exploited in predicting day-ahead demand, and form a baseline scenario. GA optimisation is conducted to provide balanced load shifting and cost-of-energy solutions based on two alternate pricing schemes. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for assessing DR load shifting options based on a Time of Use pricing scheme. Through the analysis of the results, the practical benefits and limitations of the proposed approach are addressed.
Analysis of the Methodologic Assumptions of the NOM-020-ENER-2011—Mexican Residential Building Standard
Authors: Martin-Dominguez Ignacio R. , Rodriguez-Muñoz Norma A. , Romero-Perez Claudia K. , Najera-Trejo Mario , Ortega-Avila Naghelli
Published: November 2018

In Mexico, residents of low income housing mainly achieve thermal comfort through mechanical ventilation and electrical air conditioning systems. Though government and private efforts have risen to meet an increasing demand for social housing, the average construction quality and thermal comfort of new housing stock has decreased over the years. Various programs and regulations have been implemented to address these concerns, including the 2011 residential building standard NOM-020-ENER-2011. This standard attempts to limit heat gains in residential buildings, in order to reduce the energy consumption required from cooling systems, and was intended to be applied throughout Mexico. NOM-020-ENER-2011, however, divides the country into just four climatic zones and only considers the energy use of cooling systems, disregarding heating costs. The recommendations of this policy are thus inadequate for the many regions in Mexico that have mild to moderate winters. This study discusses the assumptions and calculations that underlie NOM-020-ENER-2011, identifying several problems and recommending specific changes to the standard that would lead to greater comfort and lower energy use throughout Mexico.
Mean-Field Type Games between Two Players Driven by Backward Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Aurell Alexander
Published: November 2018

In this paper, mean-field type games between two players with backward stochastic dynamics are defined and studied. They make up a class of non-zero-sum, non-cooperating, differential games where the players’ state dynamics solve backward stochastic differential equations (BSDE) that depend on the marginal distributions of player states. Players try to minimize their individual cost functionals, also depending on the marginal state distributions. Under some regularity conditions, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of Nash equilibria. Player behavior is illustrated by numerical examples, and is compared to a centrally planned solution where the social cost, the sum of player costs, is minimized. The inefficiency of a Nash equilibrium, compared to socially optimal behavior, is quantified by the so-called price of anarchy. Numerical simulations of the price of anarchy indicate how the improvement in social cost achievable by a central planner depends on problem parameters.
A Review of the Theory of Galactic Winds Driven by Stellar Feedback
Authors: Zhang Dong
Published: November 2018

Galactic winds from star-forming galaxies are crucial to the process of galaxy formation and evolution, regulating star formation, shaping the stellar mass function and the mass-metallicity relation, and enriching the intergalactic medium with metals. Galactic winds associated with stellar feedback may be driven by overlapping supernova explosions, radiation pressure of starlight on dust grains, and cosmic rays. Galactic winds are multiphase, the growing observations of emission and absorption of cold molecular, cool atomic, ionized warm and hot outflowing gas in a large number of galaxies have not been completely understood. In this review article, I summarize the possible mechanisms associated with stars to launch galactic winds, and review the multidimensional hydrodynamic, radiation hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic simulations of winds based on various algorithms. I also briefly discuss the theoretical challenges and possible future research directions.
Charles Olson’s ‘Projective Verse’ and the Inscription of the Breath
Authors: Gillott Brendan C.
Published: November 2018

Charles Olson’s hugely influential essay-manifesto ‘Projective Verse’ is usually understood as proposing a close - and a necessary—link between poetry and body. Some account of Olson’s as a ‘poetics of embodiment’ or a ‘breath-poetics’ is almost ubiquitous in the extant criticism, yet what this might actually mean or imply for poetry and poetry-reading remains unclear. ‘Projective Verse’ is deeply ambivalent about print, seeing in it the ‘closed verse’ Olson looked to replace, while simultaneously idealising the typed-and-printed page as the only medium for the supposed immediacy of the poet’s breath. This essay contends that Olson’s lionisation of the typewriter is accompanied by a suppressed inscriptional register—a concern with carving and engraving—and asks what the substrate hosting this inscription might be. The aims of the piece are twofold: to demonstrate that ‘Projective Verse’ contains a logic of inscription which has gone severely underappreciated; and to argue that this logic runs up against the much better-documented logic of poetic embodiment via the breath in such a way as to deeply trouble criticism’s rather murky understanding of what that latter logic implies, both in Olson’s specific case and for poetry more generally.
Fresh and Recirculated Submarine Groundwater Discharge Evaluated by Geochemical Tracers and a Seepage Meter at Two Sites in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Nakajima Toshimi , Sugimoto Ryo , Tominaga Osamu , Takeuchi Masaru , Honda Hisami , Shoji Jun , Taniguchi Makoto
Published: November 2018

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) consists of fresh submarine groundwater discharge (FSGD) and recirculated submarine groundwater discharge (RSGD). In this study, we conducted simultaneous 25-hour time-series measurements of short-lived 222Rn and 224Ra activities at two sites with differing SGD rates in the central Seto Inland Sea of Japan to evaluate SGD rates and their constituents. At both sites, we also quantified the total SGD, FSGD, and RSGD using a seepage meter to verify the water fluxes estimated with 222Rn and 224Ra. SGD rates estimated using 222Rn and 224Ra at the site with significant SGD approximated the total SGD and RSGD measured by the seepage meter. However, SGD rates derived using 222Rn at the site with minor SGD were overestimated, since 222Rn activity at the nearshore mooring site was lower than that in the offshore area. These results suggest that the coupling of short-lived 222Rn and 224Ra is a powerful tool for quantification of FSGD and RSGD, although it is important to confirm that tracer activities in coastal areas are higher than those in offshore.
An Exploratory Model of Psychosocial Factors and Healthy Habits in University Students of Physical Education Depending on Gender
Authors: Chacón-Cuberos Ramón , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Olmedo-Moreno Eva María , Padial-Ruz Rosario , Castro-Sánchez Manuel
Published: November 2018

(1) Background: Several researches have shown the relationship between healthy habits and physical and mental health. Thus, it is essential to study how some psychosocial factors can promote positive behaviours in university students, specifically in those who will be teachers of Physical Education. (2) Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted on 775 university students of Physical Education from Spain. This study aims to develop an explanatory model for the relationships between motivational climate, healthy habits (Mediterranean Diet (MD), Physical Activity (PA) and substance consumption) and some indicators of physical health (oxygen consumption (VO2MAX)) and mental health (self-concept) according to gender, using structural equations analysis. (3) Results: The motivational climate was positively associated with PA, showing a stronger relationship for ego-oriented climate in women. The adherence to MD showed a positive association with PA and self-concept, while it is negative for the consumption of tobacco in men. Likewise, PA was directly related to VO2MAX with a higher regression weight for women. The ego-oriented motivational climate was negatively related to tobacco consumption in women. (4) Conclusions: Task-oriented goals are related to more positive and healthy behaviours such as PA, although it was no association was found with MD. Therefore, we can conclude the importance of promoting task-oriented goals in educational contexts linked to Physical Education in order to avoid negative behaviours.
Modeling of Trace Metal Migration and Accumulation Processes in a Soil-Wheat System in Lihe Watershed, China
Authors: Tong Guijie , Wu shaohua , Yuan Yujie , Li Fufu , Chen Lian , Yan Daohao
Published: November 2018

Samples of wheat and soil were collected in the Lihe watershed in East China, the migration and accumulation processes of four common trace metals (Cu, Pb, Cd and Ni) in each part of the wheat plant (root, stem, leaf and grain) were analyzed, and a mechanistic model was proposed to simulate these processes based on wheat growth techniques. Model results show that Cu and Cd migrate more easily with wheat grains, while most Pb and Ni accumulate in roots. Modeling results were shown to be relatively good, with an error of 25.29% in value and 26.38% in fluctuation, and had smaller dispersion degree than actual measurement results. Monte Carlo simulation results also match quite well with actual measurement results, and modeling results are slightly smaller in the simulation of Leaf-Cu, Grain-Cu and Leaf-Ni. Trace metal pollution risk in wheat is evaluated based on this model; our results show that the northwest and northeast parts in the research area are not suitable for growing wheat. In general, this model is relatively accurate, and can evaluate the wheat pollution risk before seeding wheat, providing scientific references for the early selection of wheat safety sowing areas.
Microalgae Characterization for Consolidated and New Application in Human Food, Animal Feed and Nutraceuticals
Authors: Molino Antonio , Iovine Angela , Casella Patrizia , Mehariya Sanjeet , Chianese Simeone , Cerbone Antonietta , Rimauro Juri , Musmarra Dino
Published: November 2018

The exploration of new food sources and natural products is the result of the increase in world population as well as the need for a healthier diet; in this context, microalgae are undoubtedly an interesting solution. With the intent to enhance their value in new commercial applications, this paper aims to characterize microalgae that have already been recognized as safe or authorized as additives for humans and animals (Chlorella vulgaris, Arthrospira platensis, Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina) as well as those that have not yet been marketed (Scenedesmus almeriensis and Nannocholoropsis sp.). In this scope, the content of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, total dietary fiber, humidity, ash, and carotenoids has been measured via standard methods. In addition, individual carotenoids (beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lutein) as well as individual saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been identified and quantified chromatographically. The results confirm the prerogative of some species to produce certain products such as carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and proteins, but also show how their cellular content is rich and diverse. H. pluvialis green and red phases, and Nannochloropsis sp., in addition to producing astaxanthin and omega-3, contain about 25–33% w/w proteins on a dry basis. D. salina is rich in beta-carotene (3.45% w/w on a dry basis), S. Almeriensis is a source of lutein (0.30% w/w on a dry basis), and the C. vulgaris species is a protein-based microalgae (45% w/w on a dry basis). All, however, can also produce important fatty acids such as palmitic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. Considering their varied composition, these microalgae can find applications in multiple sectors. This is true for microalgae already on the market as well as for promising new sources of bioproducts such as S. almeriensis and Nannochloropsis sp.
Heat-Related Health Impacts under Scenarios of Climate and Population Change
Authors: Morefield Philip E. , Fann Neal , Grambsch Anne , Raich William , Weaver Christopher P.
Published: November 2018

Recent assessments have found that a warming climate, with associated increases in extreme heat events, could profoundly affect human health. This paper describes a new modeling and analysis framework, built around the Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program—Community Edition (BenMAP), for estimating heat-related mortality as a function of changes in key factors that determine the health impacts of extreme heat. This new framework has the flexibility to integrate these factors within health risk assessments, and to sample across the uncertainties in them, to provide a more comprehensive picture of total health risk from climate-driven increases in extreme heat. We illustrate the framework’s potential with an updated set of projected heat-related mortality estimates for the United States. These projections combine downscaled Coupled Modeling Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) climate model simulations for Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)4.5 and RCP8.5, using the new Locating and Selecting Scenarios Online (LASSO) tool to select the most relevant downscaled climate realizations for the study, with new population projections from EPA’s Integrated Climate and Land Use Scenarios (ICLUS) project. Results suggest that future changes in climate could cause approximately from 3000 to more than 16,000 heat-related deaths nationally on an annual basis. This work demonstrates that uncertainties associated with both future population and future climate strongly influence projected heat-related mortality. This framework can be used to systematically evaluate the sensitivity of projected future heat-related mortality to the key driving factors and major sources of methodological uncertainty inherent in such calculations, improving the scientific foundations of risk-based assessments of climate change and human health.
Sunlight Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin in Water Using Fe Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Potential Public Health Applications
Authors: Das Sourav , Ghosh Soumen , Misra Ananyo , Tamhankar Ashok , Mishra Amrita , Lundborg Cecilia , Tripathy Suraj
Published: November 2018

Antibiotic residues in the aquatic environment have the potential to induce resistance in environmental bacteria, which ultimately might get transferred to pathogens making treatment of diseases difficult and poses a serious threat to public health. If antibiotic residues in the environment could be eliminated or reduced, it could contribute to minimizing antibiotic resistance. Towards this objective, water containing ciprofloxacin was treated by sunlight-assisted photocatalysis using Fe- doped ZnO nanoparticles for assessing the degradation potential of this system. Parameters like pH, temperature, catalytic dosage were assessed for the optimum performance of the system. To evaluate degradation of ciprofloxacin, both spectrophotometric as well as microbiological (loss of antibiotic activity) methods were employed. 100 mg/L Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticle catalyst and sunlight intensity of 120,000–135,000 lux system gave optimum performance at pH 9 at 30 °C and 40 °C. Under these conditions spectrophotometric analysis showed complete degradation of ciprofloxacin (10 mg/L) at 210 min. Microbiological studies showed loss of antibacterial activity of the photocatalytically treated ciprofloxacin-containing water against Staphylococcus aureus (108 CFU) in 60 min and for Escherichia coli (108 CFU) in 75 min. The developed system, thus possess a potential for treatment of antibiotic contaminated waters for eliminating/reducing antibiotic residues from environment.