bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy efficiency determination of loading-back system of electric traction machines
Authors: Afanasov A. M. , Drubetskiy A. Ye. , Arpul S. V. , Khvorostyankina A. P.
Published: April 2015

Purpose.Acceptance post-repair testsof electric traction machinesare conducted onloading-backstandsthat reducethe overall power costsfor the tests.Currentlya numberof possiblecircuit designs of loading-backsystems of electric machines are known, but there is nomethod of determiningtheir energy efficiency. This in turn makes difficult the choiceof rationaloptions. The purpose of the article is the development of the corresponding methodo-logy to make easier this process. Methodology. Expressions for determining theenergy efficiency ofa stand for testingof electric traction machineswere obtained using the generalizedscheme analysisof energy transformationsin the loading-backsystems of universal structure. Findings.Thetechnique wasoffered and the analytical expressions for determining the energy efficiency of loading-backsystemsof electric traction machines wereobtained. Energy efficiency coefficientofloading-backsystemisproposed to consider as the ratio of the total actionenergy of the mechanical and electromotive forces, providing anchors rotation and flowof currents in electric machines, which are being tested,to the total energy, consumed during the test from the external network. Originality. The concept was introduced and the analytical determination method of the energy efficiency of loading-backsystem in electric traction machines was offered. It differs by efficiency availability of power sources and converters, as well as energy efficiency factors of indirect methods of loss compensation. Practical value. The proposed technique of energy efficiency estimation of a loading-backsystemcan be used in solving the problem of rational options choice of schematics stands decisions for electric traction machines acceptance tests of main line and industrial transport.
Determination of friction performance influence in the system "body–bogie" on the freight car dynamics
Authors: Myamlin S. V. , Neduzha L. O. , Shvets A. O.
Published: April 2015

Purpose. The main requirements for the design of a new generation of cars, according to the Program of rolling stock renovation, are the requirements reducing the operating costs and increasing the cost-effectiveness of their use, taking into account the achievements of scientific and technical thought. Due to the urgency of this subject the paper is devoted to the study of the friction coefficient influence in the bearing connection «center plate – center bowl – bearers»of freight cars on their main dynamic parameters – coefficients of horizontal and vertical dynamics, body acceleration, frame strength, derailment stability factor. Methodology. The study was conducted by numerical integration and mathematical modeling of the freight car dynamic loading using the software package «Dynamics of Rail Vehicles» («DYNRAIL»). Findings. Investigations have shown that the safety movement parameters are influenced by both the friction parameters in bearing connection «center plate – center bowl – bearers» of freight cars in empty and loaded state with bogies TSNII-X3 (model 18-100). Effect have other components of freight car dynamics, namely: radii of curved track sections, height of outer rail, etc. Originality. The author investigated the friction influence on the car dynamic loading using new approaches to solving the problem of predicting the rolling stock dynamics. Prediction was carried out on the basis of significantly updated theoretical material that covers all history of the friction theory and includes the results of recent experimental studies because of the speed on the straights and curves of small-and medium-range sections of the road.Practical value. The obtained results have practical orientation. During the research and after modeling with the improved method of accounting of friction processes dependencies of main dynamic parameters of a four-freight gondola on the value of the friction coefficient in the "body – bogie" with regard to speed were obtained. The results of scientific studies have found their scientific use in a number of author publications in the special scientific and popular publications.
Professional risk assessment during performing official duties of station dis-patchers on prydniprovsk railway
Authors: Nykyforova O. A. , Sydorenko H. H.
Published: April 2015

Purpose. To substantiate the importance of psychophysiological selection for the traffic safety prevention, increase of the human factor reliability on the basis of erroneous actions analysis of the Prydniprovsk railway workers of operator type and literature data. Methodology. Studies have been conducted among operation personnel (station dispatchers) (n = 62), 32 − women, 30 − men. The method of social survey, psychological techniques using the personal, «NPN-A» (neuropsychic instability − accentuations), individual and typological questionnaire were used. Findings. Typical mistakes of Prydniprovsk railway workers of operator type were analyzed. It was found out that a large group of errors is connected with the failure of staff job descriptions and requirements of labor protection instructions, negligence and carelessness, irresponsible attitude to their duties, inadequate personnel training. Originality. The necessity of new approaches development to the systematic analysis on a quantitative basis of management and assessment of the human factor reliability, which can be provided by professional psychophysiological selection of persons related to traffic safety was grounded. Practical value. The obtained results can be the basis for the development of new methods of physiological investigations concerning occupational selection of railway workers of leading professions. It would accurately predict the performance and reliability of the operators and would provide an opportunity to identify contraindications to the professional activity.
Globally important agricultural heritage systems (giahs) of china: the challenge of complexity in research
Authors: Fuller Anthony M. , Min Qingwen , Jiao Wenjun , Bai Yanying
Published: April 2015

The challenge of researching Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) as complex systems forms the subject matter of this study. Complex adaptive systems are those that combine natural ecological processes with human interactions to produce a mutually supportive agro‐ecological system. In China, these highly varied systems have the added dimension of long historical time, in that they have evolved over many centuries and thus add a historical dimension to the natural and human dimensions of complexity. In preparing research on GIAHS, it is clear that seeing GIAHS sites as whole systems is an essential starting and ending point. Examining the adaptive capacity of a GIAHS with its multiple scales and complex interdependencies is a major challenge for researchers accustomed to specialized disciplinary thinking. A GIAHS represents a mature agro‐ecological system with human agency as a central component that has been honed over many centuries, and has already adapted to many perturbations and changes. The beauty of the GIAHS is in the integration of custom, knowledge, and practice, and it should be studied for its “wholeness” as well as for its resilience and capacity for “self organization.” The agro‐ecological approach opens the possibility of researching a system as a whole and of taking its complexity seriously. This study reviews the essential features of the GIAHS as a complex adaptive system where uncertainty is normal and surprise is welcome and, in a case study of Qingtian rice–fish culture system, focuses on new perturbations, namely loss of young people and the introduction of tourism.
Guide to a Waulsortian Buildup
Authors: Kirkby Kent C. , Hunt Dave , Toni Simo J. A.
Published: April 2015

Muleshoe Mound is a composite Waulsortian buildup that forms a distinctive promontory along the western escarpment of the Sacramento Mountains (New Mexico, U.S.A.). Excellent exposures allow detailed study of the mound's fades, paleontology, geometry, internal architecture, and off mound stratal relationships. Recent work suggests that many Waulsortian mounds may have originated and grown in more agitated, shallower water environments than previously thought. The previously 'enigmatic' character of these Lower Carboniferous buildups may largely be due to differences in basin stratification, oxygen and possibly nutrient levels.

Muleshoe Mound can be separated into at least five distinct stratal packages or 'growth phases'. Successive growth phases differ in fades, geometry, and symmetry, reflecting different environmental conditions (energy, carbonate production, oxygenation and accommodation space). Intervening surfaces represent periods of hiatus and erosion. The architecture of this mound growth phase pattern strongly suggests that accommodation space was a critical control on mound growth.

Field study, serial slabbing, and petrographic examination of the mound facies indicate that Muleshoe grew in appreciable currents and intermittent high energy. Much of the micrite in the buildup originated as a microbial precipitation within an organic (algal?) host, rather than as depositional carbonate mud. This process of microbial precipitation, combined with extensive marine cementation, built the mounds' depositional relief and created a relatively rigid growth framework.

These features appear to conflict with the common interpretation of Waulsortian mounds as deep, quiet water buildups and Muleshoe may have formed in depths and energy conditions not dissimilar to many modern reefs. These features are not unique to Muleshoe, but occur in many Waulsortian mound suites. Differences between these ancient buildups and modern reefs suggest the modern ocean is an imperfect model for Early Carboniferous seas.
Multigeneration Index in the Within‐Progenies Bulk Method for Breeding of Self‐pollinated Plants
Authors: de Resende Marcos D.V. , Ramalho Magno A.P. , Guilherme Scheila R. , de F.B. Abreu Ângela
Published: April 2015

This study proposes a strategy for improving the bulk method within progenies in self‐pollinated plants. The proposal focuses on the use of a multigeneration index, which considers the whole information across generations and the covariance among successive generations with a view toward identification of the best progenies. The results of the simulation and analysis of field data from common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were concordant and showed that the estimates of the accuracies were near 85% using the multigeneration index and 70% for the traditional methodology based on comparisons among progeny means of the generation F3:6 or of the last generation evaluated. Another advantage of the index is mitigation of the effect of the genotype × environment interaction, because it considers all the generations of assessment, thus involving interaction of the progenies with the sowing times. When selection is performed using only the information from the last generation assessed, performance of the progenies is inflated by this interaction. The efficiency of the strategy proposed leads to a 12% gain in relation to that which is normally used. This gain is considerable and equivalent in most cases to that which would be obtained through one additional selection cycle. It should be highlighted that this increase is obtained without any additional cost on experimentation, but simply through changing the procedure of identification of the best progenies after successive generations.
The joint acute effect of tetracycline, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole on acetoclastic methanogens
Authors: Aydın Sevcan , Ince Bahar , Ince Orhan
Published: April 2015

In this study, we aimed to develop an understanding of the triple effects of sulfamethoxazole–erythromycin–tetracycline (ETS) and the dual effects of sulfamethoxazole–tetracycline (ST), erythromycin–sulfamethoxazole (ES) and erythromycin–tetracycline (ET) on the anaerobic treatment of pharmaceutical industry wastewater throughout a year of operation. Concentrations of the antibiotics in the influent were gradually increased until the metabolic collapse of the anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), which corresponded to ETS (40 + 3 + 3 mg/L) and ST (25 + 2.5 mg/L), ET (4 + 4 mg/L) and ES (3 + 40 mg/L). Acetate accumulation in the anaerobic SBRs, acetoclastic activity of the anaerobic sludge taken from different antibiotic feeding stages and also expression of acetyl-coA synthetase from the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway on the mRNA level were assessed. The results indicated that, while acetate accumulation and decrease of acetoclastic activity were observed after stage 3 in the ST and ES reactors, and stage 7 in the ETS and ET reactors, the expression of acetyl-coA synthetase was mostly decreased in the last stages in all SBRs, in which antibiotic mixture feeding was terminated. It might be speculated that acetoclastic methanogens have an important role in acetate degradation by expressing acetyl-coA synthetase.
Wineries wastewater treatment by constructed wetlands: a review
Authors: Masi F. , Rochereau J. , Troesch S. , Ruiz I. , Soto M.
Published: April 2015

The application of wetland systems for the treatment of wineries wastewater started in the early 1990s in the USA followed a few years later by France, Italy, Germany and Spain. Various studies demonstrated the efficiency of constructed wetlands (CWs) as a low cost, low maintenance and energy-saving technology for the treatment of wineries wastewater. Several of these experiences have also shown lessons to be learnt, such as some limits in the tolerance of the horizontal subsurface flow and vertical subsurface flow classic CWs to the strength of the wineries wastewater, especially in the first stage for the multistage systems. This paper is presenting an overview of all the reported experiences at worldwide level during the last 15 years, giving particular attention and provision of details to those systems that have proven to get reliable and constant performances in the long-term period and that have been designed and realized as optimized solutions for the application of CW technology to this particular kind of wastewater. The organic loading rates (OLRs) applied to the examined 13 CW systems ranged from about 30 up to about 5,000 gCOD/m2 d (COD: chemical oxygen demand), with the 80th percentile of the reported values being below 297 gCOD/m2 d and the median at 164 gCOD/m2 d; the highest OLR values have in all cases been measured during the peak season (vintage) and often have been linked to lower surface removal rates (SRRs) in comparison to the other periods of the year. With such OLRs the SRRs have ranged from a minimum of 15 up to 4,700 gCOD/m2 d, with the 80th percentile of the reported values being below 308 gCOD/m2 d and the median at 112 gCOD/m2 d.
Fat, oil and grease waste from municipal wastewater: characterization, activation and sustainable conversion into biofuel
Authors: Pastore Carlo , Pagano Michele , Lopez Antonio , Mininni Giuseppe , Mascolo Giuseppe
Published: April 2015

Fat, oil and grease (FOG) recovered by the oil/water separator of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were sampled, characterized, activated and converted into biofuel. Free acids (50–55%) and fatty soaps (26–32%) not only composed the main components, but they were also easily separable from the starting waste. The respective free fatty acid profiles were gas-chromatographically evaluated, interestingly verifying that free acids had a different profile (mainly oleic acid) with respect to the soapy fraction (saturated fatty acids were dominant). The inorganic composition was also determined for soaps, confirming that calcium is the most commonly present metal. The chemical activation of this fatty waste was made possible by converting the starting soaps into the respective free fatty acids by using formic acid as activator, coproducing the relevant formates. The activated fatty matter was then converted into biofuel through direct esterification under very mild conditions (345 K, atmospheric pressure) and obtaining thermodynamic conversion in less than 2 h. The process was easily scaled up, isolating at the end pure biodiesel (purity > 96%) through distillation under vacuum, providing a final product conformed to commercial purposes.
Performance of a pilot showcase of different wetland systems in an urban setting in Singapore
Authors: Quek B. S. , He Q. H. , Sim C. H.
Published: April 2015

The Alexandra Wetlands, part of PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, showcase a surface flow wetland, an aquatic pond and a sub-surface flow wetland on a 200 m deck built over an urban drainage canal. Water from the canal is pumped to a sedimentation basin, before flowing in parallel to the three wetlands. Water quality monitoring was carried out monthly from April 2011 to December 2012. The order of removal efficiency is sub-surface flow (81.3%) >aquatic pond (58.5%) >surface flow (50.7%) for total suspended solids (TSS); sub-surface (44.9%) >surface flow (31.9%) >aquatic pond (22.0%) for total nitrogen (TN); and surface flow (56.7%) >aquatic pond (39.8%) >sub-surface flow (5.4%) for total phosphorus (TP). All three wetlands achieved the Singapore stormwater treatment objectives (STO) for TP removal, but only the sub-surface flow wetland met the STO for TSS, and none met the STO for TN. Challenges in achieving satisfactory performance include inconsistent feed water quality, undesirable behaviour such as fishing, release of pets and feeding of animals in the wetlands, and canal dredging during part of the monitoring period. As a pilot showcase, the Alexandra Wetlands provide useful lessons for implementing multi-objective wetlands in an urban setting.
Modelling of moving bed biofilm membrane reactors (MBBMR) for on-site greywater treatment
Authors: Jabornig Simon , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

The study evaluates with a mechanistic model the pilot plant results of a combined moving bed biofilm process and membrane filtration (MBBMR) treating single household greywater. It mainly includes the simulation of reactor hydraulics, degradation of pollutants, development of biomass and settlement of sludge. Iterative calibration was made with steady-state results of a 10-month pilot test. The model shows good predictions of readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand and ammonium removal, as well as biomass concentration on carriers and in suspension. Also, a sensitivity analysis was made which calculates the relative significance factor of each model coefficient and by this provides comparability with other studies. Simulation data and actually measured parameters show that the suggested process was rather independent of ambient temperatures and short-term load fluctuations. Obtained datasets and model structure could be of use for future designers, as well as sellers and users of this process for on-site greywater reclamation.
Long-term performance of side-stream deammonification in a continuous flow granular-activated sludge process for nitrogen removal from high ammonium wastewater
Authors: Rezania Babak , Mavinic Donald S. , Kelly Harlan G.
Published: April 2015

An innovative granular sludge deammonification system was incorporated into a conventional-activated sludge process. The process incorporated an internal baffle in the bioreactor for continuous separation of granular biomass from flocculent biomass, which allowed for controlling the solids retention time of flocculent sludge. The process was evaluated for ammonium removal from municipal digested sludge dewatering centrate under various operating conditions lasting over 450 days. The process successfully removed, on average, 90% of the ammonium from centrate at various ammonium loading reaching 1.4 kg/m3d at 20 hours hydraulic retention time. Controlling the retention time of the flocculent biomass and maintaining low nitrite concentration were both found to be effective for nitrite oxidizing bacteria management, resulting in a low nitrate concentration (below 50 mg/L) over a wide range of flocculent biomass concentration in the bioreactor.
The heterotrophic-combined-with-autotrophic denitrification process: performance and interaction mechanisms
Authors: Xu Guihua , Feng Cuijie , Fang Fang , Chen Shaohua , Xu Yuanjian , Wang Xingzu
Published: April 2015

In this work, the interaction mechanisms between an autotrophic denitrification (AD) and heterotrophic denitrification (HD) process in a heterotrophic-autotrophic denitrification (HAD) system were investigated, and the performance of the HAD system under different S/Ac− molar ratios was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the heterotrophic-combined-with-autotrophic denitrification process is a promising technology which can remove chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulfide and nitrate simultaneously. The reduction rate of NO3− to NO2− by the HD process was much faster than that of reducing NO2− to N2, while the reduction rate of NO3− to NO2− by the AD process was slower than that of NO2− to N2. Therefore, the AD process could use the surplus NO2− produced by the HD process. This could alleviate the NO2−–N accumulation and increase the denitrification rate. In addition, the inhibition effects of acetate on AD bacteria and sulfide on HD were observed, and the inhibition was compensated by the promotion effects on NO2−. Therefore, the processes of AD and HD seem to react in parallel, without disturbing each other, in our HAD system.
Factorized difference scheme for 2D fractional in time diffusion equation
Authors: Hodzic Sandra
Published: April 2015

A factorized finite-difference scheme for numerical approximation of
initial-boundary value problem for two-dimensional fractional in time
diffusion equation is proposed. Its stability is investigated and a
convergence rate estimate is obtained.
Influence of Self-Controlled Feedback on Learning a Serial Motor Skill
Authors: Lim Soowoen , Ali Asif , Kim Wonchan , Kim Jingu , Choi Sungmook , Radlo Steven J.
Published: April 2015

Self-controlled feedback on a variety of tasks are well established as effective means of facilitating motor skill learning. This study assessed the effects of self-controlled feedback on the performance of a serial motor skill. The task was to learn the sequence of 18 movements that make up the Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk first, which is the first beginner's practice form learned in this martial art. Twenty-four novice female participants ( M age = 27.2 yr., SD = 1.8) were divided into two groups. All participants performed 16 trials in 4 blocks of the acquisition phase and 20 hr. later, 8 trials in 2 blocks of the retention phase. The self-controlled feedback group had significantly higher performance compared to the yoked-feedback group with regard to acquisition and retention. The results of this study may contribute to the literature regarding feedback by extending the usefulness of self-controlled feedback for learning a serial skill.
Effects of Audio-Visual Aids on Foreign Language Test Anxiety, Reading and Listening Comprehension, and Retention in EFL Learners
Authors: Lee Shu-Ping , Lee Shin-Da , Liao Yuan-Lin , Wang An-Chi
Published: April 2015

This study examined the effects of audio-visual aids on anxiety, comprehension test scores, and retention in reading and listening to short stories in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. Reading and listening tests, general and test anxiety, and retention were measured in English-major college students in an experimental group with audio-visual aids ( n = 83) and a control group without audio-visual aids ( n = 94) with similar general English proficiency. Lower reading test anxiety, unchanged reading comprehension scores, and better reading short-term and long-term retention after four weeks were evident in the audiovisual group relative to the control group. In addition, lower listening test anxiety, higher listening comprehension scores, and unchanged short-term and long-term retention were found in the audiovisual group relative to the control group after the intervention. Audio-visual aids may help to reduce EFL learners' listening test anxiety and enhance their listening comprehension scores without facilitating retention of such materials. Although audio-visual aids did not increase reading comprehension scores, they helped reduce EFL learners' reading test anxiety and facilitated retention of reading materials.
A Multi-Zone Model of the Combustion Process in an Si Engine as an External Cylinder of the Gt-Power Simulation Tool
Authors: Hvězda Jiří
Published: April 2015

Shrnutí

Příspěvek představuje obecnou proceduru týkající se implementace uživatelského modelu jako externího válce simulačního nástroje GT-Power.

Konkrétně, vyvinutý vícezónový model vysokotlaké části termodynamického cyklu čtyřdobého spalovacího motoru je zde použit jako přizpůsobený simulační kód pro zajištění výpočtů souvisejících s chemickou transformací spalování, přestupem tepla a odpovídajícími stavovými veličinami.

Jsou zde prezentovány vybrané technické podrobnosti a výsledky tohoto propojení
Lagrangian modelling of frazil ice in the ocean
Authors: Matsumura Yoshimasa , Ohshima Kay I.
Published: April 2015

A new modelling framework using Lagrangian particle tracking has been developed to assess dynamic and thermodynamic effects of underwater frazil ice. This frazil-ice model treats a Lagrangian particle as a bulk cluster of many frazil crystals, and calculates the thermodynamic growth of each particle and the corresponding budget of latent heat and fresh water. The effective density and viscosity of sea water depend on the mass fraction of underwater frazil ice, and hence affect ocean convection. An idealized experiment using our model successfully reproduces the formation of underwater frazil ice and its transition to grease ice at the surface. Because underwater frazil ice does not reduce the atmosphere/ocean heat exchange, surface heat flux and net sea-ice production in the experiment with frazil ice are relatively high compared with the experiment where surface cooling directly leads to columnar growth of a solid ice cover which effectively insulates the heat flux. These results suggest that large-scale sea-ice models which do not take account of the effects of frazil ice might underestimate atmosphere/ocean heat exchange, particularly at times of active new ice formation.
Isolation and screening of multifunctional rhizobacteria from the selected sites of Madhupur, Narshingdi and Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Asha Moonmoon Nahar , Rahman Atiqur , Quadir Quazi Forhad , Islam Md Shahinur
Published: April 2015

A laboratory experiment was performed to isolate some native rhizobacteria that could be used as bioinoculants for sustainable crop production. A total of 43 rhizobacteria were isolated from undisturbed plant rhizosphere soils of three different locations of Bangladesh and evaluated their plant growth promoting traits, both direct and indirect. The study has screened out isolates on the basis of their phosphorous solubilization and nitrogen (N) fixation. The phosphate solubilization assay in National Botanical Research Institute of Phosphate (NBRIP) medium revealed that 12 bacterial isolates were able to solubilize tricalcium phosphate and the rhizobacteria M25 showed best performance with a PSI of 3.33 at 5 day. Exactly 47% (20 isolates) of the isolated rhizobacteria were able to grow in N-free Winogradskys medium, which is an indication of potential N2-fixers. Among the 20 potential N-fixers, 15 were able to grow within 24 hours of incubation indicating that they are more efficient in Nfixation. The present study successfully isolated and characterized 43 rhizobacteria. Some of these isolated rhizobacteria have potential plant growth promoting traits and are potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) candidate. Considering all plant growth promoting traits, the isolate F37 was the best followed by M6. However, further experiments are needed to determine the effectiveness of these isolates under in vitro and different field conditions to understand the nature of interaction with the plant and environment.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(1): 1-8, April 2015
An understanding on the feasibility of aquaponics in intensive aquaculture pond
Authors: Das Partha Sarathi , Haque M Mahfujul , Alam M Mehedi , Akter Shamima , Amin M Ruhul
Published: April 2015

The study was conducted in a peri-urban village named, Panchpy under Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh district with stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis ) and carps ponds to produce aquaponics vegetable kolmi (water spinach, Ipomoea aquatica ) towards using waste substances of intensive stinging catfish ponds. Aquaponic plant (water spinach, Ipomoea aquatica ) was grown in floating trays in the selected ponds. The water quality parameters including, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrite and ammonia were measured during study period.The level of ammonia was higher in catfish pond compared to carps pond water. Inversely, the dissolved oxygen content of catfish pond water was lower than that of carps pond. In the stinging catfish pond, the mean value (± SE) of plant length, weight, number of branches and leaves were recorded at 27.67 ± 1.76, 62.67 ± 2.03, 13.00 ± 1.15 and 55.33 ± 3.18, respectively. The corresponding values 19.33 ± 1.45, 46.67 ± 1.86, 9.33 ± 1.45 and 43.00 ± 2.88, respectively in carps pond, were significantly lower than that of catfish pond. Overall the percent weight gain of kolmi was higher in catfish pond. A positive correlation was found between the length and weight of kolmi produced in both catfish and carp ponds, however R2 value of that relationship was higher for catfish pond due to higher level of available waste nutrients in water. This indicates that the potential of aquaponics research and development in intensively feed catfish aquaculture ponds at the farmer level that can feed the growing population in both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(1): 143-150, April 2015
Comparative study on growth of supermale tilapia and monosex tilapia in earthen mini pond
Authors: Ahmed Gias Uddin , Aktar Habiba , Chakma Sudristi , Hasan Neaz Al , Shamsuddin Mohammad
Published: April 2015

Correction: On 29th April 2015 the page numbers of this article were changed from 167-173 to 169-175An investigation was conducted to determine the comparative growth study of supermale tilapia and monosex tilapia in earthen mini ponds from May-July 2012. Four treatments were considered having two replicates. For supermale tilapia treatments were named as ST1 and ST2 and for monosex tilapia were MT1 and MT2. All the fish were of same age group having mean body weight of 1.4 g. Feeding frequency in all the treatments were two times a day. Fish were fed diet at a rate of 30% of their body weight for the first thirty days that was gradually reduced to 15% for the next thirty days and 5% till the termination of the experiment. Final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, % weight gain and production of supermale tilapia were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of monosex tilapia. But SGR (% day), FCR and survival rate of supermale tilapia were not significantly (p>0.05) varied. However, the result of the present study showed that the best weight gain of 124.85 g was observed in ST1 after 90 days culture period. Average weight gain (g) were 1.39, 1.16, 1.14 and 1.05, SGR (per day) were 2.17, 2.09, 2.08 and 2.04%, FCR were 2.98, 2.65, 2.84 and 2.57, survival rate were 96, 94.50, 95 and 91% and fish production were 5053.92, 8926.10, 4108.07 and 7821.41 kg/ha in ST1, ST2, MT1 and MT2 respectively. The present research findings suggested that supermale tilapia has significantly high growth potential compare to monosex tilapia under mini ponds culture condition.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(1): 169-175, April 2015
More Letters by John Millington Synge
Authors: Saddlemyer Ann
Published: April 2015

In May 1905 John Millington Synge received a request from C.P. Scott, editor of the Manchester Guardian, to tour the Congested Districts in the west of Ireland, and send his observations as a series of personal letters to the paper. Doubtless urged by their common friend John Masefield, Scott suggested that Jack Butler Yeats might join the playwright as illustrator. Four letters from Synge to Scott concerning the arrangements were not included in The Collected Letters of John Millington Synge when first published in 1968–9. This omission is finally repaired here.
Down South with O'Casey's Later Work
Authors: O'Casey Shivaun
Published: April 2015

Sean O'Casey's later plays, written between the 1930s and the early 1960s, are at the centre of Shivaun O'Casey's intimate memory of the theatrical family's life, their cultural influences, daring, professional triumphs, and disappointments. Grounded in her own experiences and her work as a producer and director, the vagaries of theatrical production, performance, and reception of the late work are vividly evoked, while those key figures who recognized and committed themselves to the later plays constitute an international roll-call of theatrical genius.
Playing the Monster on Stage
Authors: Kilroy Thomas
Published: April 2015

This essay explores theatre's power to take an audience beyond the veil of civilization into an encounter with the human as monstrous. Through the mythology and theatre of the Greeks, through Shakespeare, and into contemporary plays and productions by Bond, Albee, Osborne, and Bejart, the figure of the ‘overreacher’ emerges as a common thread. In extraordinary performances in his own Talbot’s Box and Double Cross, Kilroy traces the role of the actor in exteriorizing the disturbing paradox of the monster as violation and as beauty.
Roundtable: ‘Re-imagining Twentieth-Century Irish Theatre’
Authors: Walsh Ian R. , Trench Rhona , Pilkington Lionel , Jordan Eamonn , Reynolds Paige
Published: April 2015

Following on from a roundtable discussion that took place at the 2013 Conference of the Irish Society of Theatre Research at the University of London, Birkbeck, this essay presents reflections on the developments in scholarship on twentieth-century Irish theatre and possible new directions or approaches to the subject by four eminent theatre scholars: Rhona Trench, Lionel Pilkington, Eamonn Jordan, and Paige Reynolds. The participants were asked to respond to Christopher Murray's influential 1997 publication Twentieth Century Irish Theatre: Mirror up to Nation as a prompt to organize the discussion.
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Quantification of Receptor Pharmacology
Authors: Fang Ye
Published: April 2015

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy has been widely used as a single molecule imaging technique to study various fundamental aspects of cell biology, owing to its ability to selectively excite a very thin fluorescent volume immediately above the substrate on which the cells are grown. However, TIRF microscopy has found little use in high content screening due to its complexity in instrumental setup and experimental procedures. Inspired by the recent demonstration of label-free evanescent wave biosensors for cell phenotypic profiling and drug screening with high throughput, we had hypothesized and demonstrated that TIRF imaging is also amenable to receptor pharmacology profiling. This paper reviews key considerations and recent applications of TIRF imaging for pharmacology profiling.
Perspectives of Feedstock Supply for Biomass-Based Energy Plant Development in India: Views from an Expert Survey
Authors: Hassan Md. , Natarajan Karthikeyan , Pelkonen Paavo , Zyadin Anas , Pappinen Ari
Published: April 2015

Utilization of renewable energy resources is imperative due to energy access, energy security, and energy sustainability coupled with the rising environmental concern. India is one of the largest land mass countries in the world and amply bestowed with biomass resources. Investigations on biomass supply potential, socio-economic challenges, local people attitudes, current bioenergy markets, and technologies are prerequisite while seeking to develop sustainable energy plants. The study aimed to assess expert attitudes on wood-based energy development in India. This assessment was based on the opinions of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers who are involved in managing wood-based biomass resources in different parts of the country. The study gave emphasis to the advantages, problems, and directions of the biomass based energy development in the country. The results showed that the development of biomass-based energy plants involves a number of challenges both locally and nationally. In addition, the study also highlighted the possible benefits of developing biomass based energy plants at local and national levels. The outcomes of this study provide useful information to the policy decision makers, energy entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the development of biomass based energy in India.
Optimized Adaptive Perturb and Observe Maximum Power Point Tracking Control for Photovoltaic Generation
Authors: Piegari Luigi , Rizzo Renato , Spina Ivan , Tricoli Pietro
Published: April 2015

The power extracted from PV arrays is usually maximized using maximum power point tracking algorithms. One of the most widely used techniques is the perturb & observe algorithm, which periodically perturbs the operating point of the PV array, sometime with an adaptive perturbation step, and compares the PV power before and after the perturbation. This paper analyses the most suitable perturbation step to optimize maximum power point tracking performance and suggests a design criterion to select the parameters of the controller. Using this proposed adaptive step, the MPPT perturb & observe algorithm achieves an excellent dynamic response by adapting the perturbation step to the actual operating conditions of the PV array. The proposed algorithm has been validated and tested in a laboratory using a dual input inductor push-pull converter. This particular converter topology is an efficient interface to boost the low voltage of PV arrays and effectively control the power flow when input or output voltages are variable. The experimental results have proved the superiority of the proposed algorithm in comparison of traditional perturb & observe and incremental conductance techniques.
China’s Low-Carbon Scenario Analysis of CO2 Mitigation Measures towards 2050 Using a Hybrid AIM/CGE Model
Authors: Li Wei , Li Hao , Sun Shuang
Published: April 2015

China’s emissions continue to rise rapidly in line with its mounting energy consumption, which puts considerable pressure on China to meet its emission reduction commitments. This paper assesses the impacts of CO2 mitigation measures in China during the period from 2010 to 2050 by using a computable general equilibrium method, called AIM/CGE. Results show that renewable energy makes a critical difference in abating emissions during the period from 2010 to 2020. The scenarios with emission trading would drive more emission reductions, whereby the emission-cutting commitment for 2020 would be achieved and emission reductions in 2050 would be more than 57.90%. Meanwhile, the share of non-fossil energy increases significantly and would be more than doubled in 2050 compared with the BAU scenario. A carbon tax would result in a significant decline in emissions in the short term, but would have an adverse effect on economic growth and energy structure improvements. It is also observed that the integrated measures would not only substantially decrease the total emissions, but also improve the energy structure.
Correction: Gravely, S., et al. Awareness, Trial, and Current Use of Electronic Cigarettes in 10 Countries: Findings from the ITC Project. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11, 11691–11704
Authors: Gravely Shannon , Fong Geoffrey , Cummings K. , Yan Mi , Quah Anne , Borland Ron , Yong Hua-Hie , Hitchman Sara , McNeill Ann , Hammond David , Thrasher James , Willemsen Marc , Seo Hong , Jiang Yuan , Cavalcante Tania , Perez Cristina , Omar Maizurah , Hummel Karin
Published: April 2015

The authors wish to make the following amendments to their paper published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [1]. [...]
One-Step Formation of WO3-Loaded TiO2 Nanotubes Composite Film for High Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Lee Wai , Lai Chin , Hamid Sharifah
Published: April 2015

High aspect ratio of WO3-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays have been successfully synthesized using the electrochemical anodization method in an ethylene glycol electrolyte containing 0.5 wt% ammonium fluoride in a range of applied voltage of 10–40 V for 30 min. The novelty of this research works in the one-step formation of WO3-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays composite film by using tungsten as the cathode material instead of the conventionally used platinum electrode. As compared with platinum, tungsten metal has lower stability, forming dissolved ions (W6+) in the electrolyte. The W6+ ions then move towards the titanium foil and form a coherent deposit on titanium foil. By controlling the oxidation rate and chemical dissolution rate of TiO2 during the electrochemical anodization, the nanotubular structure of TiO2 film could be achieved. In the present study, nanotube arrays were characterized using FESEM, EDAX, XRD, as well as Raman spectroscopy. Based on the results obtained, nanotube arrays with average pore diameter of up to 74 nm and length of 1.6 µm were produced. EDAX confirmed the presence of tungsten element within the nanotube arrays which varied in content from 1.06 at% to 3.29 at%. The photocatalytic activity of the nanotube arrays was then investigated using methyl orange degradation under TUV 96W UV-B Germicidal light irradiation. The nanotube with the highest aspect ratio, geometric surface area factor and at% of tungsten exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity due to more photo-induced electron-hole pairs generated by the larger surface area and because WO3 improves charge separation, reduces charge carrier recombination and increases charge carrier lifetime via accumulation of electrons and holes in the two different metal oxide semiconductor components.
Preclinical Validation of the Heparin-Reactive Peptide p5+14 as a Molecular Imaging Agent for Visceral Amyloidosis
Authors: Wall Jonathan , Martin Emily , Richey Tina , Stuckey Alan , Macy Sallie , Wooliver Craig , Williams Angela , Foster James , McWilliams-Koeppen Penney , Uberbacher Ed , Cheng Xiaolin , Kennel Stephen
Published: April 2015

Amyloid is a complex pathologic matrix comprised principally of paracrystalline protein fibrils and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Systemic amyloid diseases are rare, thus, routine diagnosis is often challenging. The glycosaminoglycans ubiquitously present in amyloid deposits are biochemically and electrochemically distinct from those found in the healthy tissues due to the high degree of sulfation. We have exploited this unique property and evaluated heparin-reactive peptides, such as p5+14, as novel agents for specifically targeting and imaging amyloid. Herein, we demonstrate that radiolabeled p5+14 effectively bound murine AA amyloid in vivo by using molecular imaging. Biotinylated peptide also reacted with the major forms of human amyloid in tissue sections as evidenced immunohistochemically. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the peptide also binds synthetic amyloid fibrils that lack glycosaminoglycans implying that the dense anionic motif present on heparin is mimicked by the amyloid protein fibril itself. These biochemical and functional data support the translation of radiolabeled peptide p5+14 for the clinical imaging of amyloid in patients.
Endotoxin-Binding Peptides Derived from Casein Glycomacropeptide Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Responses via Blockade of NF-κB activation in macrophages
Authors: Cheng Xue , Gao Dongxiao , Chen Bin , Mao Xueying
Published: April 2015

Systemic low-grade inflammation and increased circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contribute to metabolic dysfunction. The inhibitory effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) hydrolysate on the inflammatory response of LPS-stimulated macrophages were investigated. Results showed that the inhibitory effect of GMP hydrolysates obtained with papain on nitric oxide (NO) production were obviously higher than that of GMP hydrolysates obtained with pepsin, alcalase and trypsin (p < 0.05), and the hydrolysate obtained with papain for 1 h hydrolysis (GHP) exhibited the highest inhibitory effect. Compared with native GMP, GHP markedly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in a dose-dependent manner with decreased mRNA level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). GHP blocked toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation, accompanied by downregulation of LPS-triggered significant upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β gene expression. Furthermore, GHP could neutralize LPS not only by direct binding to LPS, but also by inhibiting the engagement of LPS with the TLR4/MD2 complex, making it a potential LPS inhibitor. In conclusion, these findings suggest that GHP negatively regulates TLR4-mediated inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and therefore may hold potential to ameliorate inflammation-related issues.
Embedded Ultrasonic Transducers for Active and Passive Concrete Monitoring
Authors: Niederleithinger Ernst , Wolf Julia , Mielentz Frank , Wiggenhauser Herbert , Pirskawetz Stephan
Published: April 2015

Recently developed new transducers for ultrasonic transmission, which can be embedded right into concrete, are now used for non-destructive permanent monitoring of concrete. They can be installed during construction or thereafter. Large volumes of concrete can be monitored for changes of material properties by a limited number of transducers. The transducer design, the main properties as well as installation procedures are presented. It is shown that compressional waves with a central frequency of 62 kHz are mainly generated around the transducer’s axis. The transducer can be used as a transmitter or receiver. Application examples demonstrate that the transducers can be used to monitor concrete conditions parameters (stress, temperature, …) as well as damages in an early state or the detection of acoustic events (e.g., crack opening). Besides application in civil engineering our setups can also be used for model studies in geosciences.
Recherches récentes sur le gothique tardif (1350-1550)
Authors: Nußbaum Norbert
Published: April 2015

Il est généralement admis que les deux siècles compris entre 1350 et 1550 désignent l’époque tardive du gothique d’Europe centrale. Mais on est aussi tout à fait en droit d’affirmer que, pendant la même période, l’architecture médiévale s’engagea sur la voie conduisant à l’aube de l’époque moderne. Seul un raisonnement superficiel jugera dichotomiques ces deux visions, car en réalité, elles s’éclairent mutuellement si l’on est prêt à changer de perspective. Pour une part non négligeable, c’est en effet l’indécision du discours portant sur cette question fondamentale qui fournit à la recherche sur les monuments de cette époque et sur leurs conceptions architecturales, la diversité de ses approches et de ses interrogations. C’est pourquoi les travaux des deux dernières décennies portant sur le «gothique tardif allemand » constituent un paradigme de la diversification d’une branche de la médiévistique qui s’efforce d’une part d’appréhender son sujet avec plus d’acuité, en en proposant une description plus dense et plus diversifiée, et d’autre part de redéfinir sa propre position au sein de l’historiographie moderne de l’art.