bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
k-Same-Net: k-Anonymity with Generative Deep Neural Networks for Face Deidentification
Authors: Meden Blaž , Emeršič Žiga , Štruc Vitomir , Peer Peter
Published: January 2018

Image and video data are today being shared between government entities and other relevant stakeholders on a regular basis and require careful handling of the personal information contained therein. A popular approach to ensure privacy protection in such data is the use of deidentification techniques, which aim at concealing the identity of individuals in the imagery while still preserving certain aspects of the data after deidentification. In this work, we propose a novel approach towards face deidentification, called k-Same-Net, which combines recent Generative Neural Networks (GNNs) with the well-known k-Anonymitymechanism and provides formal guarantees regarding privacy protection on a closed set of identities. Our GNN is able to generate synthetic surrogate face images for deidentification by seamlessly combining features of identities used to train the GNN model. Furthermore, it allows us to control the image-generation process with a small set of appearance-related parameters that can be used to alter specific aspects (e.g., facial expressions, age, gender) of the synthesized surrogate images. We demonstrate the feasibility of k-Same-Net in comprehensive experiments on the XM2VTS and CK+ datasets. We evaluate the efficacy of the proposed approach through reidentification experiments with recent recognition models and compare our results with competing deidentification techniques from the literature. We also present facial expression recognition experiments to demonstrate the utility-preservation capabilities of k-Same-Net. Our experimental results suggest that k-Same-Net is a viable option for facial deidentification that exhibits several desirable characteristics when compared to existing solutions in this area.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Entropy in 2017
Authors:   Entropy Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Entropy maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
‘Sometimes They Are Fun and Sometimes They Are Not’: Concept Mapping with English Language Acquisition (ELA) and Gifted/Talented (GT) Elementary Students Learning Science and Sustainability
Authors: Marzetta Katrina , Mason Hillary , Wee Bryan
Published: January 2018

This study presents an ‘education for sustainability’ curricular model which promotes science learning in an elementary classroom through equity pedagogy. A total of 25 fourth-grade students from an urban, public school in Denver, Colorado participated in this mixed-methods study where concept maps were used as a tool for describing and assessing students’ understanding of ecosystem interactions. Concept maps provide a more holistic, systems-based assessment of science learning in a sustainability curriculum. The concept maps were scored and analyzed using SPSS to investigate potential differences in learning gains of English Language Acquisition (ELA) and Gifted/Talented (GT) students. Interviews were conducted after the concept maps were administered, then transcribed and inductively coded to generate themes related to science learning. Interviews also encouraged students to explain their drawings and provided a more accurate interpretation of the concept maps. Findings revealed the difference between pre- and post-concept map scores for ELA and GT learners were not statistically significant. Students also demonstrated an increased knowledge of ecosystem interactions during interviews. Concept maps, as part of an education for sustainability curriculum, can promote equity by providing diverse learners with different—yet equally valid—outlets to express their scientific knowledge.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Electronics in 2017
Authors: Office Electronics
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Electronics maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
Impact of Electric Vehicle Charging Station Load on Distribution Network
Authors: Deb Sanchari , Tammi Kari , Kalita Karuna , Mahanta Pinakeshwar
Published: January 2018

Recent concerns about environmental pollution and escalating energy consumption accompanied by the advancements in battery technology have initiated the electrification of the transportation sector. With the universal resurgence of Electric Vehicles (EVs) the adverse impact of the EV charging loads on the operating parameters of the power system has been noticed. The detrimental impact of EV charging station loads on the electricity distribution network cannot be neglected. The high charging loads of the fast charging stations results in increased peak load demand, reduced reserve margins, voltage instability, and reliability problems. Further, the penalty paid by the utility for the degrading performance of the power system cannot be neglected. This work aims to investigate the impact of the EV charging station loads on the voltage stability, power losses, reliability indices, as well as economic losses of the distribution network. The entire analysis is performed on the IEEE 33 bus test system representing a standard radial distribution network for six different cases of EV charging station placement. It is observed that the system can withstand placement of fast charging stations at the strong buses up to a certain level, but the placement of fast charging stations at the weak buses of the system hampers the smooth operation of the power system. Further, a strategy for the placement of the EV charging stations on the distribution network is proposed based on a novel Voltage stability, Reliability, and Power loss (VRP) index. The results obtained indicate the efficacy of the VRP index.
Performance Estimation and Fault Diagnosis Based on Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm for a Turbofan Engine
Authors: Lu Junjie , Lu Feng , Huang Jinquan
Published: January 2018

Establishing the schemes of accurate and computationally efficient performance estimation and fault diagnosis for turbofan engines has become a new research focus and challenges. It is able to increase reliability and stability of turbofan engine and reduce the life cycle costs. Accurate estimation of turbofan engine performance counts on thoroughly understanding the components’ performance, which is described by component characteristic maps and the fault of each component can be regarded as the change of characteristic maps. In this paper, a novel method based on a Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm is proposed to enhance the fidelity of the performance estimation and the credibility of the fault diagnosis for the turbofan engine. The presented method utilizes the LM algorithm to figure out the operating point in the characteristic maps, preparing for performance estimation and fault diagnosis. The accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated for estimating performance parameters in the transient case with Rayleigh process noise and Gaussian measurement noise. The comparison among the extended Kalman filter (EKF) method, the particle filter (PF) method and the proposed method is implemented in the abrupt fault case and the gradual degeneration case and it has been shown that the proposed method has the capability to lead to more accurate result for performance estimation and fault diagnosis of turbofan engine than current popular EKF and PF diagnosis methods.
Real-Power Rescheduling of Generators for Congestion Management Using a Novel Satin Bowerbird Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chintam Jagadeeswar , Daniel Mary
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an efficient meta-heuristic satin bowerbird optimization (SBO) algorithm is presented for congestion management (CM) in the deregulated power system. The main objective of CM is to relieve congestion in the transmission lines using a generation rescheduling-based approach, while satisfying all the constraints with minimum congestion cost. The SBO is a nature-inspired algorithm, developed based on the ‘male-attracts-the-female for breeding’ principle of the specialized stick structure mechanism of satin birds. The proposed approach is effectively tested on small and large test systems, namely, modified IEEE 30-bus, modified IEEE 57-bus, and IEEE 118-bus test systems. The constraints like line loading, line limits, generator limits, and bus voltage impact, etc., are incorporated into this study. The proposed technique gives superior results with regards to congestion cost and losses compared with various recent optimization algorithms.
Time-Section Fusion Pattern Classification Based Day-Ahead Solar Irradiance Ensemble Forecasting Model Using Mutual Iterative Optimization
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhen Zhao , Liu Chun , Mi Zengqiang , Shafie-khah Miadreza , Catalão João
Published: January 2018

Accurate solar PV power forecasting can provide expected future PV output power so as to help the system operator to dispatch traditional power plants to maintain the balance between supply and demand sides. However, under non-stationary weather conditions, such as cloudy or partly cloudy days, the variability of solar irradiance makes the accurate PV power forecasting a very hard task. Ensemble forecasting based on multiple models established by different theory has been proved as an effective means on improving forecasting accuracy. Classification modeling according to different patterns could reduce the complexity and difficulty of intro-class data fitting so as to improve the forecasting accuracy as well. When combining the two above points and focusing on the different fusion pattern specifically in terms of hourly time dimension, a time-section fusion pattern classification based day-ahead solar irradiance ensemble forecasting model using mutual iterative optimization is proposed, which contains multiple forecasting models based on wavelet decomposition (WD), fusion pattern classification model, and fusion models corresponding to each fusion pattern. First, the solar irradiance is forecasted using WD based models at different WD level. Second, the fusion pattern classification recognition model is trained and then applied to recognize the different fusion pattern at each hourly time section. At last, the final forecasting result is obtained using the optimal fusion model corresponding to the data fusion pattern. In addition, a mutual iterative optimization framework for the pattern classification and data fusion models is also proposed to improve the model’s performance. Simulations show that the mutual iterative optimization framework can effectively enhance the performance and coordination of pattern classification and data fusion models. The accuracy of the proposed solar irradiance day-ahead ensemble forecasting model is verified when compared with a standard Artificial Neural Network (ANN) forecasting model, five WD based models and a single ensemble forecasting model without time-section fusion classification.
Feature Reduction for Power System Transient Stability Assessment Based on Neighborhood Rough Set and Discernibility Matrix
Authors: Li Bingyang , Xiao Jianmei , Wang Xihuai
Published: January 2018

In machine learning-based transient stability assessment (TSA) problems, the characteristics of the selected features have a significant impact on the performance of classifiers. Due to the high dimensionality of TSA problems, redundancies usually exist in the original feature space, which will deteriorate the performance of classification. To effectively eliminate redundancies and obtain the optimal feature set, a new feature reduction method based on neighborhood rough set and discernibility matrix is proposed in this paper. First, 32 features are selected to structure the initial feature set based on system principle. An evaluation index based on neighborhood rough set theory is used to characterize the separability of classification problems in the specified feature space. By constructing the discernibility matrix of input features, a feature selection strategy is designed to find the optimal feature set. Finally, comparative experiments based on the proposed feature reduction method and several common feature reduction techniques used in TSA are applied to the New England 39 bus system and Australian simplified 14 generators system. The experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed feature reduction method.
An Efficient Demand Side Management System with a New Optimized Home Energy Management Controller in Smart Grid
Authors: Hussain Hafiz , Javaid Nadeem , Iqbal Sohail , Hasan Qadeer , Aurangzeb Khursheed , Alhussein Musaed
Published: January 2018

The traditional power grid is inadequate to overcome modern day challenges. As the modern era demands the traditional power grid to be more reliable, resilient, and cost-effective, the concept of smart grid evolves and various methods have been developed to overcome these demands which make the smart grid superior over the traditional power grid. One of the essential components of the smart grid, home energy management system (HEMS) enhances the energy efficiency of electricity infrastructure in a residential area. In this aspect, we propose an efficient home energy management controller (EHEMC) based on genetic harmony search algorithm (GHSA) to reduce electricity expense, peak to average ratio (PAR), and maximize user comfort. We consider EHEMC for a single home and multiple homes with real-time electricity pricing (RTEP) and critical peak pricing (CPP) tariffs. In particular, for multiple homes, we classify modes of operation for the appliances according to their energy consumption with varying operation time slots. The constrained optimization problem is solved using heuristic algorithms: wind-driven optimization (WDO), harmony search algorithm (HSA), genetic algorithm (GA), and proposed algorithm GHSA. The proposed algorithm GHSA shows higher search efficiency and dynamic capability to attain optimal solutions as compared to existing algorithms. Simulation results also show that the proposed algorithm GHSA outperforms the existing algorithms in terms of reduction in electricity cost, PAR, and maximize user comfort.
Design and Experimental Verification of a 72/48 Switched Reluctance Motor for Low-Speed Direct-Drive Mining Applications
Authors: Elhomdy Esmail , Li Guofeng , Liu Jiang , Bukhari Syed abid , Cao Wen-Ping
Published: January 2018

Typically, a geared drive system is used to connect an induction motor of 1500 rpm with a Raymond Pulverizer of 105 rpm in mining applications. This system suffers from low efficiency and a heavy motor drive. This paper proposes a novel design of a 75 kW, 72/48 switched reluctance motor (SRM) for a low-speed direct-drive as for mining applications. The paper is focused on the design and comparative evaluation of the proposed machine in order to replace a geared drive system whilst providing a high torque low-speed and direct-drive solution. The machine performance is studied and the switching angle configuration of the machine is also optimised. The efficiency of the whole drive system is found to be as high as 90.19%, whereas the geared induction motor drive provides only an efficiency of 59.32% under similar operating conditions. An SRM prototype was built and experimentally tested. Simulation and experimental results show that the drive system has better performance to substitute the induction motor option in mining applications.
Stochastic Model Predictive Fault Tolerant Control Based on Conditional Value at Risk for Wind Energy Conversion System
Authors: Shi Yun-Tao , Xiang Xiang , Wang Li , Zhang Yuan , Sun De-Hui
Published: January 2018

Wind energy has been drawing considerable attention in recent years. However, due to the random nature of wind and high failure rate of wind energy conversion systems (WECSs), how to implement fault-tolerant WECS control is becoming a significant issue. This paper addresses the fault-tolerant control problem of a WECS with a probable actuator fault. A new stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) fault-tolerant controller with the Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) objective function is proposed in this paper. First, the Markov jump linear model is used to describe the WECS dynamics, which are affected by many stochastic factors, like the wind. The Markov jump linear model can precisely model the random WECS properties. Second, the scenario-based SMPC is used as the controller to address the control problem of the WECS. With this controller, all the possible realizations of the disturbance in prediction horizon are enumerated by scenario trees so that an uncertain SMPC problem can be transformed into a deterministic model predictive control (MPC) problem. Finally, the CVaR object function is adopted to improve the fault-tolerant control performance of the SMPC controller. CVaR can provide a balance between the performance and random failure risks of the system. The Min-Max performance index is introduced to compare the fault-tolerant control performance with the proposed controller. The comparison results show that the proposed method has better fault-tolerant control performance.
Optimal Scheduling of an Regional Integrated Energy System with Energy Storage Systems for Service Regulation
Authors: Ma Hengrui , Wang Bo , Gao Wenzhong , Liu Dichen , Sun Yong , Liu Zhijun
Published: January 2018

Ancillary services are critical to maintaining the safe and stable operation of power systems that contain a high penetration level of renewable energy resources. As a high-quality regulation resource, the regional integrated energy system (RIES) with energy storage system (ESS) can effectively adjust the non-negligible frequency offset caused by the renewable energy integration into the power system, and help solve the problem of power system frequency stability. In this paper, the optimization model aiming at regional integrated energy system as a participant in the regulation market based on pay-for-performance is established. Meanwhile YALMIP + CPLEX is used to simulate and analyze the total operating cost under different dispatch modes. This paper uses the actual operation model of the PJM regulation market to guide the optimal allocation of regulation resource in the regional integrated energy system, and provides a balance between the power trading revenue and regulation market revenue in order to achieve the maximum profit.
Optimal Operation of Interdependent Power Systems and Electrified Transportation Networks
Authors: Amini M. , Karabasoglu Orkun
Published: January 2018

Electrified transportation and power systems are mutually coupled networks. In this paper, a novel framework is developed for interdependent power and transportation networks. Our approach constitutes solving an iterative least cost vehicle routing process, which utilizes the communication of electrified vehicles (EVs) with competing charging stations, to exchange data such as electricity price, energy demand, and time of arrival. The EV routing problem is solved to minimize the total cost of travel using the Dijkstra algorithm with the input from EVs battery management system, electricity price from charging stations, powertrain component efficiencies and transportation network traffic conditions. Through the bidirectional communication of EVs with competing charging stations, EVs’ charging demand estimation is done much more accurately. Then the optimal power flow problem is solved for the power system, to find the locational marginal price at load buses where charging stations are connected. Finally, the electricity prices were communicated from the charging stations to the EVs, and the loop is closed. Locational electricity price acts as the shared parameter between the two optimization problems, i.e., optimal power flow and optimal routing problem. Electricity price depends on the power demand, which is affected by the charging of EVs. On the other hand, location of EV charging stations and their different pricing strategies might affect the routing decisions of the EVs. Our novel approach that combines the electrified transportation with power system operation, holds tremendous potential for solving electrified transportation issues and reducing energy costs. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated using Shanghai transportation network and IEEE 9-bus test system. The results verify the cost-savings for both power system and transportation networks.
The Prospect for an Australian–Asian Power Grid: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Halawa Edward , James Geoffrey , Shi Xunpeng , Sari Novieta , Nepal Rabindra
Published: January 2018

Australia is an energy net self-sufficient country rich in energy resources, from fossil-based to renewable energy. Australia, a huge continent with low population density, has witnessed impressive reduction in energy consumption in various sectors of activity in recent years. Currently, coal and natural gas are two of Australia’s major export earners, yet its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and tidal, are still underutilized. The majority of Asian countries, on the other hand, are in the middle of economic expansion, with increasing energy consumption and lack of energy resources or lack of energy exploration capability becoming a serious challenge. Electricity interconnection linking two or more independent grids within a country or at cross-border or regional levels has found its way into electricity markets worldwide. This concept allows for electricity exchanges that lead to optimized use and sharing of electricity generated from different sources. The interconnection also enables the long distance exploitation of renewable energy which would otherwise be physically impossible. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and other regional groupings in Asia have initiated a number of interconnections to gain economic benefits. Asian’s hunger for energy for its economic development, climate change that has become a global and urgent issue to be solved, and Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources have all prompted increasing interest in a super-grid interconnection linking Australia to Asian grids, the Australian–Asian (Power) Grid (AAG). This paper overviews the existing grid interconnections as well as current initiatives at domestic, sub-regional, and regional levels worldwide, with a particular focus on Asia. The paper concludes with a critical appraisal on the benefits, potential, challenges and issues to be encountered by the AAG initiative.
Design and Control of a 13.2 kV/10 kVA Single-Phase Solid-State-Transformer with 1.7 kV SiC Devices
Authors: Lim Jeong-Woo , Cho Younghoon , Lee Han-Sol , Cho Kwan-Yuhl
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the power stage design, control, and performance evaluation of a 13.2 kV/10 kVA solid-state-transformer (SST) for a power distribution system. The proposed SST consists of 10 modules where each individual module contains a unidirectional three-level power factor correction (PFC) converter for the active-front-end (AFE) stage and an LLC resonant converter for the isolated DC-DC stage. The operating principles of the converters are analyzed and the modulation and the control schemes for the entire module are described in detail. The DC-link voltage imbalance is also less than other SST topologies due to the low number of uncontrollable switching states. In order to simplify the control of the power stage, a modulation strategy for the AFE stage is proposed, and the modulation frequency of the LLC converter is also fixed. In addition, a compensation algorithm is suggested to eliminate the current measurement offset in the AFE stage. The proposed SST achieves the unity power factor at the input AC current regardless of the reactive or nonlinear load and a low voltage regulation at the AC output. In order to verify the effectiveness of the SST, the 13.2 kV/10 kV SST prototype is built and tested. Both the simulation and the experimental results under actual 13.2 kV line show the excellent performance of the proposed SST scheme.
Optimization of Pure-Component LNG Cascade Processes with Heat Integration
Authors: Eiksund Oddmar , Brodal Eivind , Jackson Steven
Published: January 2018

Liquefaction of natural gas is an energy-intensive process in which the energy efficiency depends on the number of compressors stages and the heat integration scheme. The aim of the study is to systematically evaluate process performance of pure component cascade processes, present optimized designs for all relevant numbers of compression stages and compare energy consumption between processes with differing levels of complexity. An original method for the evaluation of process performance is developed that utilizes as little human interaction as possible, making it suitable for optimization. This study shows that a pure-component cascade process using the three refrigerants R290, R1150 and R50 must have at least 11 stages to equal the energy efficiency of the best mixed refrigerant process. An optimized configuration for an 11-stage process scheme operating at 20 ∘ C ambient temperature is described in detail.
Stable Operation and Small-Signal Analysis of Multiple Parallel DG Inverters Based on a Virtual Synchronous Generator Scheme
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yan Xiangwu , Li Dongxue , Zhang Xueyuan , Han Jinzuo , Xiao Xiangning
Published: January 2018

For a high penetration level of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the grid, virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control is applied to the power electronic converters to mimic the rotating mass and damping property of a conventional synchronous generator (SG), which can support virtual inertia and damping for the power system. For VSG control, a phase locked loop (PLL) is needed to estimate the angular frequency of the point of common coupling (PCC); however, the deviation of PLL will affect the accuracy of the active power reference, and even the VSG stability control. From this perspective, an enhanced active power controller without PLL was proposed for VSG control. Furthermore, an accurate small-signal model of the multiple parallel VSGs system that considers the dynamic characteristics and the changing of a steady state operation point was derived for system analysis and parameter design. Based on this model, the influence rules of the eigenvalues by droop and virtual inertia were acquired. The simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed active power controller and parameter design rules.
Steam Gasification of Sawdust Biochar Influenced by Chemical Speciation of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metallic Species
Authors: Feng Dongdong , Zhao Yijun , Zhang Yu , Sun Shaozeng , Gao Jianmin
Published: January 2018

The effect of chemical speciation (H2O/NH4Ac/HCl-soluble and insoluble) of alkali and alkaline earth metallic species on the steam gasification of sawdust biochar was investigated in a lab-scale, fixed-bed reactor, with the method of chemical fractionation analysis. The changes in biochar structures and the evolution of biochar reactivity are discussed, with a focus on the contributions of the chemical speciation of alkali and alkaline earth metallic species (AAEMs) on the steam gasification of biochar. The results indicate that H2O/NH4Ac/HCl-soluble AAEMs have a significant effect on biochar gasification rates. The release of K occurs mainly in the form of inorganic salts and hydrated ions, while that of Ca occurs mainly as organic ones. The sp3-rich or sp2-sp3 structures and different chemical-speciation AAEMs function together as the preferred active sites during steam gasification. H2O/HCl-soluble AAEMs could promote the transformation of biochar surface functional groups, from ether/alkene C-O-C to carboxylate COO− in biochar, while they may both be improved by NH4Ac-soluble AAEMs. H2O-soluble AAEMs play a crucial catalytic role in biochar reactivity. The effect of NH4Ac-soluble AAEMs is mainly concentrated in the high-conversion stage (biochar conversion >30%), while that of HCl-soluble AAEMs is reflected in the whole activity-testing stage.
Coordinated Engine-Start Control of Single-Motor P2 Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Respect to Different Driving Situations
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Wu Xiaoxiao , Jordan Mick , Dong Peng , Liu Yang
Published: January 2018

To cut down the costs caused by the additional starter, single-motor P2 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) make use of the driving motor to propel the vehicle as well as start the engine, and accordingly the engine-start control becomes more difficult. To satisfy the passengers’ demands, this paper developed different coordinated engine-start control strategies with respect to different situations. First, a detailed model for the single-motor P2 HEVs system was built and related parameters were presented. Then, the coordinated engine-start control architecture for the internal combustion engine (ICE), engine disconnect clutch (EDC), electric motor (EM) and 8-speed automatic transmission (AT) was analyzed. Considering with the different driving situations, soft start strategy and dynamical start strategy are individually proposed. Through the simulation, the above control strategies were validated in accordance with their control objectives. Last, to optimize the trade-off between driving performance and riding comfort, some key parameters were further discussed. This work not only decreases the difficulty of engine-start control in the single-motor P2 HEVs but also is helpful to improve the quality of engine-start.
Ash Dieback on Sample Points of the National Forest Inventory in South-Western Germany
Authors: Enderle Rasmus , Metzler Berthold , Riemer Uli , Kändler Gerald
Published: January 2018

The alien invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus causes large-scale decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). We assessed ash dieback in Germany and identified factors that were associated with this disease. Our assessment was based on a 2015 sampling of national forest inventory plots that represent a supra-regional area. In the time from 2012 to 2015, the number of regrown ash trees corresponded to only 42% of the number of trees that had been harvested or died. Severe defoliation was recorded for almost 40% of the living trees in 2015, and more than half of the crowns mainly consisted of epicormic shoots. Necroses were present in 24% of root collars. A total of 14% of the trees were in sound condition, which sum up to only 7% of the timber volume. On average, trees of a higher social status or with a larger diameter at breast height were healthier. Collar necroses were less prevalent at sites with a higher inclination of terrain, but there was no evidence for an influence of climatic variables on collar necroses. The disease was less severe at sites with smaller proportions of the basal area of ash compared to the total basal area of all trees and in the north-eastern part of the area of investigation. The regeneration of ash decreased drastically.
Nutrient Uptake and Utilization by Fragrant Rosewood (Dalbergia odorifera) Seedlings Cultured with Oligosaccharide Addition under Different Lighting Spectra
Authors: Li Xiao-Wen , Chen Qiu-Xia , Lei Hai-Qing , Wang Jin-Wang , Yang Sheng , Wei Hong-Xu
Published: January 2018

Fragrant rosewood (Dalbergia odorifera T.C. Chen) is a highly-valued species suffering from vulnerability due to over-development for wood and medicine. In this study, Fragrant rosewood seedlings were cultured with chitosan oligosaccharide (CO) addition at rates of 0 and 1/800 (v/v) under artificial lightings by 200-W high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps and 280-W light-emitting diode (LED) panels for a 15 h daily photoperiod and a natural illumination as the control. The LEDs were designed to emit lights in 85% of red (600–700 nm), 15% of green(500–600 nm), and 5% of blue (400–500 nm). The height of artificial lightings was elevated every five to seven days to keep the mean photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 72–73 µmol m−2 s−1 of artificial lighting at shoot-tips. Seedlings under LED lighting with CO addition had the greatest diameter growth and leaf biomass, as well as the highest nutrient utilization and evaluated quality, while those under HPS lighting had a higher stem sugar concentration but unchanged shoot growth and biomass compared to the control. In conclusion, we recommend Fragrant rosewood seedlings to be cultured with CO addition under LED lighting to efficiently promote synthetic quality and nutrient utilization.
A New Method for Characterizing Bark Microrelief Using 3D Vision Systems
Authors: Sioma Andrzej , Socha Jarosław , Klamerus-Iwan Anna
Published: January 2018

Bark microrelief (BM), or the spatial patterning of bark texture, is an important bark characteristic shown to significantly affect the ecophysiological functioning of forest ecosystems. BM influences bark micrometeorological conditions and stemflow generation which, in turn, impacts epiphytic vegetation and microbial community patterns, as well as insect foraging behavior. Thus, an objective method to quantify BM is important to understand and model hydro-biogeochemical processes in forest canopy ecosystems. The aim of this study was to develop a method for fast and automated imaging of bark surface morphology. Three-dimensional imaging methods using laser triangulation were used to describe BM. An automated system was developed and applied to calculate three new BM indices for samples collected from five trees representing species common throughout Poland (and Northern Europe): common oak, European ash, trembling aspen, Scots pine, and black alder. These new BM indices may be useful for characterizing and quantitatively relating BM to forest canopy ecophysiological functions.
Citizen Science as a Tool in Biological Recording—A Case Study of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle
Authors: Sladonja Barbara , Poljuha Danijela
Published: January 2018

Non-native invasive species frequently appear in urban and non-urban ecosystems and may become a threat to biodiversity. Some of these newcomers are introduced accidentally, and others are introduced through a sequence of events caused by conscious human decisions. Involving the general public in biodiversity preservation activities could prevent the negative consequences of these actions. Accurate and reliable data collecting is the first step in invasive species management, and citizen science can be a useful tool to collect data and engage the public in science. We present a case study of biological recording of tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) using a participatory citizen model. The first goal in this case study was to develop a cheap, widely accessible, and effective inventory method, and to test it by mapping tree of heaven in Croatia. A total of 90.61 km of roads and trails was mapped; 20 single plants and 19 multi-plant clusters (mapped as polygons) were detected. The total infested area was 2610 m2. The second goal was to educate citizens and raise awareness of this invasive species. The developed tool and suggested approach aided in improving invasive risk management in accordance with citizen science principles and can be applied to other species or areas.
Nearest Neighborhood Characteristics of a Tropical Mixed Broadleaved Forest Stand
Authors: Nguyen Hong , Erfanifard Yousef , Petritan Ion
Published: January 2018

Structural complexity and local biodiversity of species-rich tropical forests can be characterized by their spatial patterns, which contribute to species intra- and interspecific interactions. Aiming to describe spatial patterns of species at fine spatial scales, we applied the quantitative analyses based on the relationships of nearest neighbors of conspecific and heterospecific trees. In a two-hectare plot of a tropical broadleaved forest stand in central Vietnam with minimal human influence, all tree individuals with diameter at breast height ≥ 2.5 cm were mapped and their characteristics were recorded. We applied two different types of analyses: (1) Intraspecific structural characteristics using nearest neighbor statistics; (2) overall interspecific associations through a classification scheme based on bivariate nearest neighbor distribution function D12(r) and Ripley’s K function K12(r). The findings showed that: (1) Most of studied species in the forest were highly mixed with other species, while conspecifics were regular to aggregated distribution at small spatial scales. Tree individuals with different diameter values were surrounded by heterospecific trees; (2) The majority of 306 species-species pairs showed spatial independence (66.7%), whereas 29.8% of all species showed an overall positive association and negative association consisted only a small percentage (3.5%) up to spatial scales of 50 m. We found significant evidences of the main ecological theories such as dispersal limitation, Neutral theory, Janzen-Connell hypothesis, and other effects like the stochastic dilution. We suggest using both the bivariate distribution of the structural parameters and the spatial point pattern analysis based on nearest neighbor distance as advantageous approaches for further understanding of population structure, as well as discovering and protecting biodiversity in the future.
Groundwater Depth and Soil Properties Are Associated with Variation in Vegetation of a Desert Riparian Ecosystem in an Arid Area of China
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Guan Tianyu , Zhou Jihua , Cai Wentao , Gao Nannan , Du Hui , Jiang Lianhe , Lai Liming , Zheng Yuanrun
Published: January 2018

Groundwater is a major driving force for plant community distribution in arid areas worldwide. Although it is well known that groundwater has a significant impact on soil and vegetation, there is little information on how groundwater depth affects soil and vegetation in an arid inland basin desert riparian ecosystem. Therefore, quantitative analysis of the relationships among groundwater depth, soil properties and plant community distribution is necessary. A desert riparian ecosystem in the lower reaches of the Heihe River in an arid area of Northwest China was used to determine quantitative relationships among groundwater depth, soil and vegetation. Groundwater depth significantly increased with increased distance from the river. Soil and vegetation characteristics showed a significant trend with increasing groundwater depth. With increasing groundwater depth, soil water content, soil total nitrogen, soil total carbon, soil available phosphorus and soil available potassium decreased, while the soil bulk density and soil carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio increased. Soil pH and soil electrical conductivity followed quadratic function relationships with groundwater depth. Species richness, aboveground biomass, community coverage, community height, foliage projective cover and leaf area index all significantly decreased with increased groundwater depth. Groundwater depth and soil were associated with vegetation variance, explaining 85.8% of the vegetation variance. Groundwater depth was more important in explaining vegetation variance than soil properties (soil bulk density) and soil pH. Our observations indicate that changes in groundwater depth would have a significant influence on desert riparian forest vegetation, and that maintaining appropriate groundwater depth is necessary to preserve the riparian ecosystem.
A Decision Framework for Choosing Telecommunication Technologies in Limited-Resource Settings
Authors: Brown Suzana , Mickelson Alan
Published: January 2018

Remote areas with sparse population, disaster areas in the aftermath, and refugee camps all require communication that is not forthcoming from commercial vendors. Numerous communication system options are available, but with widely varying cost and efficacy. The goal of this work is to discuss a framework in which to consider appropriate telecommunications technology. The framework approaches sustainable development as a business, under the assumption that social/technical/environmental sustainability requires economic sustainability. The framework incorporates well known and accepted business canvas as a roadmap. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) interventions are then considered in terms of their value proposition, markets, and perhaps most important for the realm of sustainable development, the key partners. To illustrate how the framework applies, we consider three case studies and then apply the resultant principles to the consideration of these ICT projects. The case studies are chosen for their diversity. Furthermore, after verifying the decision framework, recommendations are made for three ongoing intervention projects in limited-resource settings.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Fibers in 2017
Authors:   Fibers Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Fibers maintains high quality standards for its published papers[...]
Absorption and Metabolism of Phenolics from Digests of Polyphenol-Rich Potato Extracts Using the Caco-2/HepG2 Co-Culture System
Authors: Sadeghi Ekbatan Shima , Iskandar Michele , Sleno Lekha , Sabally Kebba , Khairallah Joelle , Prakash Satya , Kubow Stan
Published: January 2018

The bioactivity of dietary polyphenols depends upon gastrointestinal and hepatic metabolism of secondary microbial phenolic metabolites generated via colonic microbiota-mediated biotransformation. A polyphenol-rich potato extract (PRPE) containing chlorogenic, caffeic, and ferulic acids and rutin was digested in a dynamic multi-reactor gastrointestinal simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (GI model). Simulated digestion showed extensive degradation of the parent compounds and the generation of microbial phenolic metabolites. To characterize the transport and metabolism of microbial phenolic metabolites following digestion, a co-culture of intestinal Caco-2 and hepatic HepG2 cells was exposed to the PRPE-derived digests obtained from the colonic vessels. Following a 2 h incubation of the digesta with the Caco-2/HepG2 co-cultures, approximately 10–15% of ferulic, dihydrocaffeic, and dihydroferulic acids and 3–5% of 3-hydroxybenzoic, 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic, and coumaric acids were observed in the basolateral side, whereas 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, phenylpropanoic acid, and cinnamic acid were not detected. Subsequent HepG2 cellular metabolism led to major increases in ferulic, dihydrocaffeic, 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic, and coumaric acids ranging from 160–370%. These findings highlight the importance of hepatic metabolism towards the generation of secondary metabolites of polyphenols despite low selective Caco-2 cellular uptake of microbial phenolic metabolites.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Games in 2017
Authors:   Games Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

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Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Galaxies in 2017
Authors:   Galaxies Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Galaxies maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...]
Determining the Jet Poloidal B Field and Black-Hole Rotation Directions in AGNs
Authors: Gabuzda Denise
Published: January 2018

It is theoretically expected that active galactic nucleus (AGN) jets should carry helical magnetic (B) fields, which arise due to the rotation of the central black hole and accretion disk combined with the jet outflow. The direction of the toroidal component of the helical B field B φ is determined by the direction of the poloidal component B p of the initial seed field that is “wound up” and the direction of rotation of the central black hole and accretion disk. The presence of the jet’s helical B field can be manifest both through the presence of Faraday rotation gradients across the jet, and the presence of appreciable circular polarization, which comes about when linearly polarized emission from the far side of the jet is partially converted to circularly polarized emission as it passes through the magnetized plasma at the front side of the jet on its way towards the observer. When both of these properties are manifest, they can be used jointly with the jet linear polarization structure to uniquely determine both the direction of B p and the direction of the central rotation. This technique has been applied to 12 AGNs. The results indicate statistically equal numbers of outward and inward B p and of clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) rotations of the central black holes on the sky. However, they suggest that the directions of B p and of the central rotation are coupled: CW/CCW central rotation is preferentially associated with inward/outward poloidal B field. This leads to a preferred orientation for the toroidal B-field component corresponding to inward current along the jet.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Genealogy in 2017
Authors:   Genealogy Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Genealogy maintains high quality standards for its published papers. In 2017, a total of 19 papers were published in the journal.[...]
Scaffolding for Repair: Understanding Molecular Functions of the SMC5/6 Complex
Authors: Diaz Mariana , Pecinka Ales
Published: January 2018

Chromosome organization, dynamics and stability are required for successful passage through cellular generations and transmission of genetic information to offspring. The key components involved are Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes. Cohesin complex ensures proper chromatid alignment, condensin complex chromosome condensation and the SMC5/6 complex is specialized in the maintenance of genome stability. Here we summarize recent knowledge on the composition and molecular functions of SMC5/6 complex. SMC5/6 complex was originally identified based on the sensitivity of its mutants to genotoxic stress but there is increasing number of studies demonstrating its roles in the control of DNA replication, sister chromatid resolution and genomic location-dependent promotion or suppression of homologous recombination. Some of these functions appear to be due to a very dynamic interaction with cohesin or other repair complexes. Studies in Arabidopsis indicate that, besides its canonical function in repair of damaged DNA, the SMC5/6 complex plays important roles in regulating plant development, abiotic stress responses, suppression of autoimmune responses and sexual reproduction.
Realistic Paleobathymetry of the Cenomanian–Turonian (94 Ma) Boundary Global Ocean
Authors: Goswami Arghya , Hinnov Linda , Gnanadesikan Anand , Young Taylor
Published: January 2018

At present, global paleoclimate simulations are prepared with bathtub-like, flat, featureless and steep walled ocean bathymetry, which is neither realistic nor suitable. In this article, we present the first enhanced version of a reconstructed paleobathymetry for Cenomanian–Turonian (94 Ma) time in a 0.1° × 0.1° resolution, that is both realistic and suitable for use in paleo-climate studies. This reconstruction is an extrapolation of a parameterized modern ocean bathymetry that combines simple geophysical models (standard plate cooling model for the oceanic lithosphere) based on ocean crustal age, global modern oceanic sediment thicknesses, and generalized shelf-slope-rise structures calibrated from a published global relief model of the modern world (ETOPO1) at active and passive continental margins. The base version of this Cenomanian–Turonian paleobathymetry reconstruction is then updated with known submarine large igneous provinces, plateaus, and seamounts to minimize the difference between the reconstructed paleobathymetry and the real bathymetry that once existed.