bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Enterprise Competitive Intelligence System Based on Data Mining
Authors: Li Xiao Guang , Gao Zhan Jun
Published: March 2014

In knowledge economy era, data and information become important economy resources. Drawing valuable information quickly from great amount of datum and reacting immediately, will become the key of corporation success. The paper introduces Competitive Intelligence and Corporation Competitive Intelligence System (CIS) firstly. Then, the paper gives the concept of Data Mining and general process. Furthermore, the paper gives a model of Corporation Competitive Intelligence System based on data mining and its relevant process.
Application Research of Growth Management System of Plant
Authors: Shi Wei , Liu Xu Ning
Published: March 2014

In order to improve the decision performance and dynamic prediction function of expert system, then the simulation model and knowledge technology are proposed. The paper explores growth model of plant, firstly the architecture and functional modules of system are introduced, then the expert system and growth model of plant are combined to carry out decision-making on the growth of plant, and the real-time decision making is proposed according to changing conditions. The result has shown that the system can achieve desired goal, and can provide suggestion for the growth management of plant.
Summary Design and Detailed Design on Sports Equipment Information System
Authors: Pan Jian
Published: March 2014

Most of the current college sports equipment still using the traditional manual management methods, has all sorts of malpractices, the establishment of sports equipment information system, computer-round management is the future direction of development. The key problems in the system development, this paper carries on the summary design and detailed design. The summary design part design is composed of the module hierarchy structure, which are 1 main control module, the 9 secondary modules, 34 three level module; detailed design of two main modules as an example to design, the use of procedure flow chart to "borrowing information input" module design, the use of IPO chart for "return information input" module design. Results of this study for the development of sports equipment and information systems laid the foundation for the promotion of college sports equipment information management will play a profound impact.
Application and Realization of Temperature Compensation Circuit in Ultrasonic Guide Instrument
Authors: Liu Hong Mei , Qu Ai Ling
Published: March 2014

An ultrasonic guide instrument with temperature compensation circuit has been designed. How to realize and design hardware and software of the circuit has been illustrated. The effect from temperature compensation on the instruments ranging accuracy has been verified, Results show that the instrument can operate steadily under a great temperature difference. This is a practical method.
Simple Combined Industrial Manipulator for Mechanical Processing
Authors: Zhang Yong Fei , Zheng Wei
Published: March 2014

Based on the in-depth investigation, analysis and summary of our current domestic dedicated manipulators advantages and disadvantages, this paper applies the concept of "combination" in research process of industrial manipulator. With the principle of functional principle implementing combination, combine part features as module units, so as to form the combined industrial manipulator which would not only satisfy the specificity use requirement, but can realize the design of seriation, standardization, and generalization. The article introduces combination principles, characteristics and various structure forms of simple combined industrial manipulator in detail, and it is believed to have certain reference effect on relevant researches.
The Partial Discharge Test of Transformer Using Frequency Modulation Type Series Resonance Method
Authors: Su Yang , Wang Qing Hao , Liu Bo , Su Hai Nan , Huang Yan Hai , Xu Jian Guo , Wu Yun Guo , Bei Li Jie , Xie Xin Nan , Liu Xiao
Published: March 2014

Traditional frequency power and test equipment cannot meet the requirements. This paper discusses in detail the composition of FM type series resonance test device, technical principles, characteristics and advantages. And also introduces wiring method, test methods, test standard. The instance proves that discharge test of large transformer using the FM series resonance device is convenient and accurate.
Design and Research of Electromagnetic Drive Pulley Type Downhole Blowout Preventer
Authors: Yang Xian Hai , Pan Rong Rong , Shang Chun Xiang
Published: March 2014

A new electromagnetic drive rope and pulley type downhole blowout preventer is proposed. The moment equilibrium equation of downhole blowout preventer is established. The structural dimensions of the valve plate connecting position of blowout preventer and pulley rope location are optimized. The dynamic simulation of pulley type downhole blowout preventer is carried out to improve the parameters of this new blowout preventer and to improve its motion performance and mechanical properties.
Research and Application of SVC Technology in Grid
Authors: Dong Jun , Xu Jian Guo , Zhang Hao , Pei Yu Jie , Li Xian Feng
Published: March 2014

The cause serious deterioration in power quality problems for the growing impact and nonlinear load capacity, introduced SVC device in the role of modern power systems and applications. According to the lack of adequate regional dynamic reactive power regulation means to cause voltage fluctuations, harmonics exceeded the actual situation, through analysis and simulation of the existing 66kV grid power quality conditions, refers to the necessity of application of SVC, the compensation capacity for SVC, filter capacitor system parameters and control strategies were designed, the results show improved 220kV SVC reactive power flow distribution system, reducing the system once or twice a net loss, reducing the impact and harmonic interference voltage caused by nonlinear loads, system security, economic operation of great significance.
Design for Remote Monitoring System of Digital Radio and Television Transmitter
Authors: Dang Hong She , Wang Gang , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2014

In order to achieve the remote monitoring of transmitter running status, a transmitter architecture of remote monitoring system based on a three-layer C/S architecture is proposed, and the overall design of the system is presented. Compared with the traditional two layers structure, the function of the client data processing is separated for implementing alone, which is treated as a middle layer called business logic layer. LabVIEW is used for the software development of the system. Communication of the local monitoring system is achieved by the Ethernet network based on TCP/IP protocol. SQL Server database is adopted to store and manage the run data and log data. The result shows that the system has good flexibility and extensibility, it also has higher application value and popularization value.
Research on the Construction Materials with the Construction Planning of Modern Industry Region in the Historic Cities: Taking the Luoyang in Henan Province as Example
Authors: Zhao Xiao Pei
Published: March 2014

As our country speeds up the proceedings of industrialization after the establishment of China, some historic cities are become the key projects of construction planning of modern industry. Luoyang adopts another way to build their new region of industry, which is selecting new area far from the old one, and finally become a city with several different centers of functions. At the same time, the industry region of Luoyang uses the construction material that is good at protecting historic site and reflecting the characteristic of the historic and culture. This method not only protects the historical site, but also establishes the new region of modern industry, and the successful experience can be used to conduct the planning of other historic cities.
Effect of Na2WO4 Content on the Crystallization Temperature of NaCl-KCl-Na2WO4 Molten Salt System
Authors: Li Jie , Pei Yang , Liu Ya Bin , Li Yun Gang
Published: March 2014

The Liquidus Temperature of Molten Salt Nacl-Kcl-Na2WO4 System was Measured by Differential Thermal Analysis. the Results Show that, in the Molten Salt System, when XNa2WO4≤0.7 Eutectic Temperature is 555 °C and a Phase Transition Temperature is 512.8 °C, Eutectic Composition Become XNaCl= 0.35, XKCl= 0.35, XNa2WO4= 0.3; when XNa2WO4>0.7, Eutectic Temperature and a Phase Transition Temperature are Respectively 613 °C and 574.4 °C, Eutectic Composition Become XNaCl= 0.1, XKCl= 0.1, XNa2WO4= 0.8.
Study on the Conditions of Oxidation of Nitrogen Dioxide and Nitrite by Manganese Dioxide
Authors: Huang Zhao Long , Feng Shao Ping , Yin Su Yan , Hui Li Zen , He Ying , Jiang Yan
Published: March 2014

The conditions of oxidation of nitrite by manganese dioxide in the solution was studied, with sodium nitrite was used as the sample, respectively. Experiment results showed that the stronger oxidation to nitrite in strong acid, but nitrous acid is instable, escaping NO2out from the solution. When pH=3.5, the oxidation rate of nitrite with manganese dioxide was better. The concentration of nitrite tended forward to be stable after 30min. After reaction, the oxidizing power of manganese dioxide which was treated by dilute sulfuric acid wasn't enhanced. The manganese dioxide treated by acid reacted with fresh nitrite solution and the effect wasn't good. The process of oxidation could be go on and the concentration of nitrite would decrease obviously when fresh manganese dioxide used to react the same original nitrite. Maybe some active sites exist at the surface of manganese dioxide. When the reaction equilibrium was reached, the active point at the surface of manganese dioxide would probably have disappeared. The property of oxidation of manganese dioxide to nitrite could be used in treat NO2and nitrite. Combining the two methods which absorption of NO2by base and oxidation of NO2or nitrite by manganese dioxide, NO2would be treated completely and treatment cost would be lower.
Study on the Vortex Ring State of Helicopter and Flight Training Operation
Authors: Qian Yu , Xiang Xiao Jun , Yang Jun Li
Published: March 2014

Vortex ring state (VRS) is an inherently unsteady aerodynamic phenomenon. For rotor operations in the VRS, an inherent unsteadiness is a characteristic of the flow state, which is reflected by the waves and knots produced on the tip vortex filaments. Operationally, entry into the VRS manifests as rotor thrust fluctuations and also an increase in the average rotor shaft torque, the latter which is necessary to overcome the higher induced aerodynamic losses associated with rotor operations inside its own wake. Arming to the flight safety, the VRS development is discussed, the VRS models are summarized, and the operations for flight out VRS are given at the end of this paper. It is helpful to helicopter flight and training.
Research on Environmental Protection and Environmental Analysis of Travel Mode Choice under the Guidance of Environmental Protection Ideas
Authors: Liu Xu Shuai , Pan Rui
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Green travel has rich connotation, which refers to all kinds of ways that can save energy, reduce pollution, do good to heath and improve efficiency. At the same time, green travel can reduce the citizens’ demand for urban roads, parking facilities, reduce the construction and maintenance costs, reduce the transportation and fuel consumption directly, and reduce the operating costs of the whole city. In addition, green travel can also reduce the use of the car that can reduce air pollution, and help to create livable urban environment. Therefore, the research of green travel mode choice is of great value.The transport industry must foster the mind of sustainable development, and must take account of environmental protection.
Design of Multifunction GPS/GPRS Vehicle Terminal
Authors: Xiao Ying
Published: March 2014

Based on the study of GSM/GPRS, the research works from special practicality and provides a set of automobiles GPS terminal system. This paper mainly introduces the design of software and hardware. The paper analyzes the correspondence of terminal system and the control center and gives the correspondence rules. It also introduces two display modes, LCD and Graph Matrix Display. The solution for new kind of automobiles terminal system based GPS is provided.
A Time Delay Compensation Algorithm for Transfer Alignment of Strap-Down Inertial Navigation System
Authors: Zhong Run Wu , Chen Shuai , Wang Yu Kun
Published: March 2014

When SINS (slave strapdown inertial navigation system) got the MINS (Master Inertial Navigation System) data, the time reference was unified to the moment corresponding to the MINS data, and the data was processed by K'alman filter,which effects convergence speed and precision of airborne navigation system.In order to improve the precision of transfer alignment for airborne navigation system ,a compensation algorithm for information transmission time delay[1] is proposed to estimate the delay time and use relevant data to compensate the errors caused by time delay.A method using velocity and measurement misalignment angle information for processing the time delay was derived.A simulation system was made to validate the calculation.And the simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of this compensation algorithm.
A Transparent Communication System in Distributed Systems
Authors: Zhang Zhi Chun , Lu Song Yan , Xu Kun , Xiong Zhuang , He Yun
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a communication system in order to facilitate the development of communication for distributed systems based on TCP/IP network. The system provides real-time communication service based on UDP, subnetting network, broadcast and multi-NIC(Network Interface Card) configuration in the same host. It also provides reliable communication service based on TCP. These services are some application programming interfaces (APIs) that can be called in client applications with IHBs (Information Harbors) to identify the communication end-points. An IHB is a name defined in a network configuration file (NCF) to make network transparent so that all network concepts are invisible to the users. The NCF is the same for all client applications to guarantee the communication end-points identical. The system is general that can be applied in any network without any source codes needing to be modified and the use is very easy. To apply it to a new network, all of the work is to provide a NCF. The uses in many flight simulators show that the system is more efficient to implement communications.
Orthogonal Design Research on K Charge Jet Forming Factors
Authors: Xu Hao Ming , Gu Wen Bin , Hu Ya Feng , Wang Zhen Xiong , Huang He
Published: March 2014

In this paper, Aim at a certain charge diameter and initiation method,using finite element software ANSYS/AUTODYN analyzed four kinds of parameters of the K shaped charge jet, such as the liner thickness, the distance between explosion-proof body and liner, the radius and cone angle of explosion-proof body. On this basis, combined with the K charge characteristics, used orthogonal design method to optimize the structure. Four factors relationship of primary and secondary on jet forming process were analyzed, and compared the optimized jet with the former. The simulation result shows the optimized jet had better performance than the former, and the liner thickness is the most important factor on jet forming.
Effect of WO3 Content on the Liquidus Temperature of NaCl-KCl-NaF-WO3 Molten Salt System
Authors: Li Jie , Pei Yang , Liu Ya Bin , Li Yun Gang
Published: March 2014

The liquidus temperature of molten salt NaCl-KCl-NaF-WO3 system was measured by differential thermal analysis. The results show that in the molten salt system when 0.1379 eutectic temperature is 616.5 °C, eutectic composition is =0.3846, =0.3846, =0.1923, =0.0385; when >0.1379, eutectic temperature is 628.9 °C, eutectic composition is = 0.3390, = 0.3390, =0.1695, = 0.1525.
Effects of Forming Temperature on Structure and Chemical Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Lou Ching Wen , Chang Yung Yu , Sie Ming Chun , Chen Wen Cheng , Lin Jia Horng
Published: March 2014

With similar components to human bone, hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been commonly used in dental and orthopedics practice. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) can be made into porous HAp scaffolds through reaction; therefore, this study aims to examine how reaction temperatures influence CPC. CPC powder and NaCl are blended, and after diammonium phosphate (DAP) is added, they are infused into a mold for a hydration reaction under a saturated vapor pressure to form CPC scaffolds. XRD and FTIR are used to determine the influence of reaction temperatures on crystallization and functional groups. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) observes the structures of the CPC scaffolds. Test results show that when the temperature of a saturated vapor pressure is 70 °C, the CPC scaffolds have significant crystalline conversion and functional group peaks. SEM observation indicates that the temperature of a saturated vapor pressure does not affect the formation of the CPC scaffolds structure.
Processing Technique and Impact Resistance of Kevlar/FPET/LPET Protective Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Lou Ching Wen , Huang Shih Yu , Lin Jia Horng
Published: March 2014

Nonwoven fabric technique has been extensively used because nonwoven fabrics can uses both filaments and staple fibers and have ease of processing, a wide range of raw material sources, and a short production. This study makes protective nonwoven fabrics with Kevlar fibers, flame retardant polyester (FPET) fibers, and low-melting-point polyester (LPET) fibers. The number of lamination layers of the nonwoven fabric is varied and examined to determine their influence on the mechanical properties of the protective nonwoven fabrics. The results of test show that tensile strength and bursting strength of the protective nonwoven fabrics increase as a result of the increased number of lamination layer.
Using a Hollow Braiding Technique to Prepare 316L Stainless Steel Braids as Coronary Stents
Authors: Lin Jia Horng , Wen Shih Peng , Lou Ching Wen , Ueng Kwo Chang
Published: March 2014

This study proposes a novel manufacturing method, a hollow braiding technique, to make reticular tubes. Coronary stents for coronary arteries have to have a size equal to the size of the arteries, and as a result, material and diameter of stents are both critical designed parameters. By using a hollow braiding technique and a braiding machine, 316L stainless steel fibers are made into coronary stents with an internal diameter of 3 mm, which meets the requirement of coronary arteries. The experiment results show that the hollow braiding technique can effectively braid reticular tubes with an internal diameter of 3 mm. In addition, variation in tooth number on the take-up gear can influence the braiding angle but does not influence the stability of the braiding structure and metal cover rate. In this study, the hollow braiding technique successfully produces coronary stents in the form of reticular tubes with a size equal to coronary arteries.
Research on Mechanical Manufacturing with Programming of PMC Axis Control Module for Multi-Function Vertical Grinder
Authors: Shi Ya Bei , Ren Yan , Wang Ji Chang
Published: March 2014

The multi-function vertical grinder MK8080a can be used for grinding through modular function. It provides to user the menu-driven style and workpiece process parameter interface. Secondary development based on CNC system, it can meet the individual needs of the multi-function vertical grinder. Programming of PMC axis control module for multi-function vertical grinder under FANUC108i-MB is introduced in this paper.
Research on Manufacturing Engineering with Facility Layout’s Modeling and Simulation Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lu Jun , Dai Peng Dan
Published: March 2014

The facility layout problem has great influence on the production cost and manufacturing engineering.This paper puts forward a method to solve the facility layout problem based on Genetic Algorithm,using eM-plant to build the model and to carry on the analysis.At last, it uses an example to verify this method’s feasibility.
Defense the Green Position of Graphic Communications Industry and Find Ways to Make it Greener
Authors: Cheng Chang Xian
Published: March 2014

Graphic communications industry, or printing industry, has a tradition of more than one thousand years. Putting ink on paper, or on some other substrates, is the basic form of printing, although the industry has been modernizing by the up-to-date science and technology such as internet communication and digital printing, etc., since the info-tech revolution of recent decades. Printing jobs are still in much need today and printing presses everywhere are keeping busy with a steady influx of orders everyday. As a professor working in the graphic communications field, facing some perception and confusions among everyone from government and corporations to environmental groups and mums and dads that paper and print is 'bad' for the environment and that printed communications aren't effective, we have responsibilities to study the present situation of this industry in the environment-oriented world and try as much as possible to find ways to make our industry become greener. Firstly, we need to answer if the printing communication is not a green medium comparing to other methods of communication. If the answer is positive, we need to defense the green position of the graphic communications industry. Secondly, to troubleshoot the pollution problems of the printing production processes, so that, thirdly, to find ways to make the industry become an environment-friendly one.
Co3O4 Nanoparticles Prepared by Precipitation
Authors: Li Ming Tian , Fu Qing Shan , Yang Rui Song , Wang Hong
Published: March 2014

The Co3O4 nanoparticles were obtained from the precursor precipitated by CoCl2 and NaHCO3 via precipitation method, and were characterized by IR, XRD. The firing system of precursor was detected by TG-DSC, and the effects of temperature on grain size were investigated.
Strong and Bioactive Tri-Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds with Tube-Like Macropores
Authors: Zheng Wei , Liu Gang , Yan Cheng , Xiao Yin , Miao Xi Geng
Published: March 2014

Calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds have been widely investigated for bone tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradation. Unfortunately, they have low mechanical properties, which inversely restrict their wide applications in load-bearing bone tissue engineering. In this study, porous Si-doped tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) ceramics with a high porosity (~65%) and with interconnected macrotubes (~0.8mm in diameter) and micropores (5-100 μm) were prepared by firing hydroxyapatite (HA)/ bioactive glass-impregnated acrylontrile butadiene styrene (ABS) templates at 1400 °C. Results indicated that the cylindrical scaffolds had a higher compressive strength than the cubic scaffolds and the smallest cylindrical scaffold had a highest compressive strength (14.68+0.2MPa). Additional studies of cell attachment and MTT cytotoxicity assay proved the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the Si-doped TCP scaffolds.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic Study of Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticle
Authors: Singh Lakshmi K. , Karlo Tado , Pandey Arvind
Published: March 2014

Anatase nanocrystalline TiO2is of specific interest for many applications such as Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), lithium ion batteries, sensors and photocatalysis. In the present work, we have studied the electrochemical properties of TiO2nanoparticles using Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) to evaluate bulk and grain boundary effects which affects the transport properties of DSSCs. We also report and discuss here the results of XRD and TEM of this compound.
Quenching of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Thanikaivalan E. , Jothilakshmi R.
Published: March 2014

Silver nanoparticles of different sizes have been prepared. Absorption spectroscopy reveals the formation of ground state complex. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been used to study the signatures of fluorescence quenching. Properties of N-(2-methylthiophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldimine (NMTHN) on silver nanoparticles has been investigated using optical absorption and fluorescence emission techniques. Quenching of fluorescence of N-(2-methylthiophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldimine has been found to decrease with increase in the size of the silver nanoparticles. The results of the quenching experiments were analyzed through Stern Volmer plot.
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings on Titanium Formed with Microsecond Current Pulses
Authors: Gnedenkov Sergey V. , Sinebryukhov Sergey L. , Puz' Artyom М. , Gnedenkov Andrey S. , Vyaliy Igor E. , Mashtalyar Dmitry V. , Egorkin Vladimir
Published: March 2014

The effects of shape and duration of the current pulses on the physico-chemical properties of the oxide layers on titanium formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation were examined. It was shown that in the investigated conditions transistor power source possess an advantage in comparison with thyristor one. Electrochemical properties of the heterooxide structures were examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization methods.
Synthesis and Micromorphology Transformation of Monoclinic α-Gd2(MoO4)3
Authors: Gavrilova T.A. , Andreeva O.P. , Atuchin V.V. , Korolkov I.V. , Soldatenkov I.S.
Published: March 2014

α-Gd2(MoO4)3, space group C2/c, molybdate has been prepared by chemical precipitation in water-based solution at 24°C and subsequent calcination at 800°C followed by slow cooling. Micromorphology of the oxide products has been evaluated by SEM. Phase purity of final oxide product and structural parameters of α-Gd2(MoO4)3 have been defined by XRD analysis.
High Anionic Conductivity of Solids with Different Structure
Authors: Podgorbunsky Anatoly B. , Sinebryukhov Sergey , Gnedenkov Sergey
Published: March 2014

Impedance spectroscopy data for a several materials with high ionic conductivity at the intermediate temperature range (296-473 K) were obtained and analyzed. Investigated systems including pure CsSb2F7, KSb2F7, related solid solutions Cs(1-x)KxSb2F7 (0.1≤x≤0.65) and some ionic materials with fluorite structure PbF2-BiF3-K[Na]F were studied. The values of the dc conductivity and activation energies are estimated from the analysis of the conductivity spectra. The role of cation substitution influencing on conductivity values, phase transitions and activation energies in the given systems have been discussed.
Theoretical Study of the Lithium Diffusion in the Crystalline and Amorphous Silicon as well as on its Surface
Authors: Fedorov Aleksandr S. , Kuzubov Aleksandr A. , Eliseeva Natalya S. , Popov Zakhar I. , Visotin Maxim A. , Galkin Nikolay G.
Published: March 2014

Using the PAW DFT-GGA method and numerical solving of master equation the diffusion rates of lithium atoms inside both crystal and amorphous silicon of LixSi (x= 0..0.5) composition have been calculated for different temperatures. It is shown the diffusion rate for amorphous silicon is ~10 times greater than that for the crystal silicon. For both structures the rate is increased by 1.5-2 orders of magnitude while the lithium concentration is increased up to 0.5 value. This should result in that the LixSi/Si interface will be sharp. This fact has been further confirmed using molecular dynamic calculations based on Angular Dependent Potential (ADP) model. Also binding energies of Li atoms lying on different sites of Si (001) surface as well as the potential barriers for the atom jumps both along the surface and in the subsurface layers have been calculated. The data show the Li atoms move along the surface very easily but their jumps into subsurface layers are very difficult due to the high potential barrier values.
Association between Lung Function and Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Insulin in Japanese Men and Women
Authors: Yamamoto Yayoi , Oya Junko , Nakagami Tomoko , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: March 2014

Purpose

We examined the cross-sectional association between lung function and metabolic syndrome (MetS), independent of fasting immunoreactive insulin (F-IRI).

Methods

A total of 3,072 middle-aged, apparently healthy subjects who participated in a general health check-up were included. Lung function, which was expressed as forced vital capacity (%FVC predicted) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1% predicted) was examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between lung function and MetS.

Results

Men with the lowest quartile of FVC% predicted, or those with the lowest quartile of FEV1% predicted, had a 3.5-fold or 2.6-fold increased risk of MetS, respectively, compared with those with the highest quartile of FVC% predicted or FEV1% predicted. F-IRI had a positive, significant, and independent association with MetS in both sexes.

Conclusion

Impaired lung function increased the risk of MetS, independent of F-IRI and smoking in men, but not in women.
Article Commentary: An Assistance-as-Needed Control Paradigm for Robot-Assisted Ankle Rehabilitation
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Davies T. Claire , Nandakumar Anoop , Xie Shane
Published: March 2014

Robots have been developed for treatment and rehabilitation of ankle injuries. Two reviews have been conducted involving the effectiveness of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation and ankle assessment techniques respectively to investigate what the optimal therapy is. This study proposes an assistance-as-needed (AAN) control paradigm for potential use in robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation based on the review results. This AAN control strategy will consider real-time ankle assessment and make rehabilitation more effective.
Sexual risk behavior and HIV infection among adolescents in secondary schools in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: John C , Okolo SN , Isichei C
Published: March 2014

Background: In adolescents sexual risk behaviours are believed to enhance the transmission of HIV infection. This study, therefore aims to examine prevalent sexual risk behaviours of adolescents in secondary schools in a town in northern Nigeria and its relation to HIV infection.Method: A total of 883 subjects drawn from 10 schools out of 37, were recruited for the study. Structured self administered questionnaire was given to each subject. Consenting subjects received group pretest counseling and had HIV screening using Determine HIV test kits. HIV positive subjects had confirmatory test using Unigold test kit.Result: Males accounted for 42.5% (374) out of the 883 students studied. Of this, 169 (19.2%) were sexually active. Mean age at sexual debut was 13.8±2.9 years; 13.3±2.7 years for males and 14.6±3.2 years for females, p=0.006. Males 101 (27%) were more sexually experienced as against 13.4% of the females, p<0.0001. Among the sexually active37.6% had two or more sex partners, and 63.9% of them never used condoms. In the sexually active, 54 (42.5%) had nonconsensual sex (NCS), with more of NCS occurring in younger subjects p<0.0001, more females p<0.0001, associated with less condom use (p=0.02). Nine (eight females and one male) of the 883 subjects tested HIV positive. among the sexually active subjects, only four tested HIV positive. Condom use among the sexually active, HIV positive subjects was 25%.Conclusion: Prevalent sexual risk behaviors noted were early sexual debut, nonconsensual sex, unprotected sex and multiple sex partners.Key words: Adolescents, Sexual risk behavior, HIV infection, Jos
Water rights between social activism and social enterprise
Authors: Morgan Bronwen , Seshadri Sarika
Published: March 2014

Water rights involve an amalgam of property rights and socio-economic rights that possess an inescapable regulatory dimension. The resulting uneasy mix of public responsibilities and private property regimes means that the details of the legal entity structure involved are central to the viability and effectiveness of implementing water rights on the ground. Small-scale social enterprise structures offer a fascinating site for exploring the tensions endemic to the field of water rights. This article explores the ways in which the entrepreneurial energies of business approaches to the implementation of water rights articulate with the impetus for structural change embedded in practices of social activism. Our main purpose is to interrogate too easy an assumption of uni-dimensional or static relationships between social activism and social enterprise. We argue that there are multiple diverse relationships possible between them, including oppositional, evolutionary, complementary, and dialectical relations. We illustrate these shifts empirically with examples from India and Bolivia. The article stresses the ambiguous potential of both empowerment and oppression when business methods are used to secure social outcomes, including those promised by the guarantee of a human right to water.
Carbon balance of China constrained by CONTRAIL aircraft CO2 measurements
Authors: Jiang F. , Wang H. M. , Chen J. M. , Machida T. , Zhou L. X. , Ju W. M. , Matsueda H. , Sawa Y.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Terrestrial CO2 flux estimates in China using atmospheric inversion method are beset with considerable uncertainties because very few atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements are available. In order to improve these estimates, nested atmospheric CO2 inversion during 2002–2008 is performed in this study using passenger aircraft-based CO2 measurements over Eurasia from the Comprehensive Observation Network for Trace gases by Airliner (CONTRAIL) project. The inversion system includes 43 regions with a focus on China, and is based on the Bayesian synthesis approach and the TM5 transport model. The terrestrial ecosystem carbon flux modeled by the BEPS model and the ocean exchange simulated by the OPA-PISCES-T model are considered as the prior fluxes. The impacts of CONTRAIL CO2 data on inverted China terrestrial carbon fluxes are quantified, the improvement of the inverted fluxes after adding CONTRAIL CO2 data are rationed against climate factors and evaluated by comparing the simulated atmospheric CO2 concentrations with three independent surface CO2 measurements in China. Results show that with the addition of CONTRAIL CO2 data, the inverted carbon sink in China increases while those in South and Southeast Asia decrease. Meanwhile, the posterior uncertainties over these regions are all reduced. CONTRAIL CO2 data also have a large effect on the inter-annual variation of carbon sinks in China, leading to a better correlation between the carbon sink and the annual mean climate factors. Evaluations against the CO2 measurements at three sites in China also show that the CONTRAIL CO2 measurements have improved the inversion results.
Aerosol and dynamic effects on the formation and evolution of pyro-clouds
Authors: Chang D. , Cheng Y. , Reutter P. , Trentmann J. , Burrows S. , Nordmann S. , Andreae M. O. , Pöschl U. , Su H.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. A recent parcel model study (Reutter et al., 2009) showed three deterministic regimes of initial cloud droplet formation, characterized by different ratios of aerosol concentrations (NCN) to updraft velocities. This analysis, however, did not reveal how these regimes evolve during the subsequent cloud development. To address this issue, we employed the Active Tracer High Resolution Atmospheric Model (ATHAM) with full microphysics and extended the model simulation from the cloud base to the entire column of a single pyro-convective mixed-phase cloud. A series of 2-D simulations (over 1000) were performed over a wide range of NCN and dynamic conditions. The integrated concentration of hydrometeors over the full spatial and temporal scales was used to evaluate the aerosol and dynamic effects. The results show that: (1) the three regimes for cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation in the parcel model (namely aerosol-limited, updraft-limited, and transitional regimes) still exist within our simulations, but net production of raindrops and frozen particles occurs mostly within the updraft-limited regime. (2) Generally, elevated aerosols enhance the formation of cloud droplets and frozen particles. The response of raindrops and precipitation to aerosols is more complex and can be either positive or negative as a function of aerosol concentrations. The most negative effect was found for values of NCN of ∼1000 to 3000 cm−3. (3) The involvement of nonlinear (dynamic and microphysical) processes leads to a more complicated and unstable response of clouds to aerosol perturbation compared with the parcel model results. Therefore, conclusions drawn from limited case studies might require caveats regarding their representativeness, and high-resolution sensitivity studies over a wide range of aerosol concentrations and updraft velocities are strongly recommended.
Comparison of HONO budgets for two measurement heights at a field station within the boreal forest (SMEAR II – HUMPPA-COPEC 2010)
Authors: Oswald R. , Ermel M. , Hens K. , Novelli A. , Ouwersloot H. G. , Paasonen P. , Petäjä T. , Sipilä M. , Keronen P. , Bäck J. , Königstedt R. , Hosaynali Beygi Z. , Fischer H. , Bohn B. , Kubistin D. , Harder H. , Martinez M. , Williams J. , Hoffmann T. , Trebs I. , Sörgel M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric concentrations of nitrous acid (HONO), one of the major precursors of the hydroxyl radical (OH) in the troposphere, normally exceed by far the values predicted by the assumption of a photostationary state (PSS) during daytime. Therefore, additional sources of HONO were intensively investigated in the last decades. Here, we present budget calculations of HONO based on simultaneous measurements of all relevant species including HONO and OH at two different measurement heights, i.e. 1 m above ground and about 2 to 3 m above canopy (24 m above ground), conducted in boreal forest environment. We observed mean HONO concentrations during daytime of about 6.5 × 108 molecules cm−3 (26 ppt), more than twenty times higher than expected from the PSS, 0.2 × 108 molecules cm−3 (1 ppt). To close the budgets in both heights a strong additional source term during daytime is required. This unidentified source is maximal at noon (up to 1.1 × 106 molecules cm−3 s−1, 160 ppt h−1) and in general up to 2.3 times stronger above the canopy than close to the ground. The insignificance of known gas phase reactions and also other processes like dry deposition or advection compared to the photolytic decomposition of HONO at this measurement site was an ideal prerequisite to study possible correlations of this unknown term to proposed HONO sources. But neither the proposed emissions from soils nor the proposed photolysis of adsorbed HNO3 contributed substantially to the unknown source. However, the unknown source was found to be perfectly correlated to the unbalanced photolytic loss of HONO.
The effects of energy paths and emission controls and standards on future trends in China's emissions of primary air pollutants
Authors: Zhao Y. , Zhang J. , Nielsen C. P.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. To examine the efficacy of China's actions to control atmospheric pollution, three levels of growth of energy consumption and three levels of implementation of emission controls are estimated, generating a total of nine combined activity-emission control scenarios that are then used to estimate trends of national emissions of primary air pollutants through 2030. The emission control strategies are expected to have more effects than the energy paths on the future emission trends for all the concerned pollutants. As recently promulgated national action plans of air pollution prevention and control (NAPAPPC) are implemented, China's anthropogenic pollutant emissions should decline. For example, the emissions of SO2, NOx, total primary particulate matter (PM), PM10, and PM2.5 are estimated to decline 7%, 20%, 41%, 34%, and 31% from 2010 to 2030, respectively, in the "best guess" scenario that includes national commitment of energy saving policy and partial implementation of NAPAPPC. Should the issued/proposed emission standards be fully achieved, a less likely scenario, annual emissions would be further reduced, ranging from 17% (for primary PM2.5) to 29% (for NOx) declines in 2015, and the analogue numbers would be 12% and 24% in 2030. The uncertainties of emission projections result mainly from the uncertain operational conditions of swiftly proliferating air pollutant control devices and lack of detailed information about emission control plans by region. The predicted emission trends by sector and chemical species raise concerns about current pollution control strategies: the potential for emissions abatement in key sectors may be declining due to the near saturation of emission control devices use; risks of ecosystem acidification could rise because emissions of alkaline base cations may be declining faster than those of SO2; and radiative forcing could rise because emissions of positive-forcing carbonaceous aerosols may decline more slowly than those of SO2 emissions and thereby concentrations of negative-forcing sulfate particles. Expanded control of emissions of fine particles and carbonaceous aerosols from small industrial and residential sources is recommended, and a more comprehensive emission control strategy targeting a wider range of pollutants and taking account of more diverse environmental impacts is also urgently needed.
Socio-hydrologic modeling to understand and mediate the competition for water between agriculture development and environmental health: Murrumbidgee River Basin, Australia
Authors: van Emmerik T. H. M. , Li Z. , Sivapalan M. , Pande S. , Kandasamy J. , Savenije H. H. G. , Chanan A. , Vigneswaran S.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Competition for water between humans and ecosystems is set to become a flash point in the coming decades in many parts of the world. An entirely new and comprehensive quantitative framework is needed to establish a holistic understanding of that competition, thereby enabling the development of effective mediation strategies. This paper presents a modeling study centered on the Murrumbidgee River Basin (MRB). The MRB has witnessed a unique system dynamics over the last 100 years as a result of interactions between patterns of water management and climate driven hydrological variability. Data analysis has revealed a pendulum swing between agricultural development and restoration of environmental health and ecosystem services over different stages of basin scale water resource development. A parsimonious, stylized, quasi-distributed coupled socio-hydrologic system model that simulates the two-way coupling between human and hydrological systems of the MRB is used to mimic dominant features of the pendulum swing. The model consists of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations that describe the interaction between five state variables that govern the co-evolution: reservoir storage, irrigated area, human population, ecosystem health, and a measure of environmental awareness. The model simulations track the propagation of the external climatic and socio-economic drivers through this coupled, complex system to the emergence of the pendulum swing. The model results point to a competition between human "productive" and environmental "restorative" forces that underpin the pendulum swing. Both the forces are endogenous, i.e., generated by the system dynamics in response to external drivers and mediated by humans through technology change and environmental awareness, respectively. We propose this as a generalizable modeling framework for coupled human hydrological systems that is potentially transferable to systems in different climatic and socio-economic settings.
Sea surface temperature patterns in Tropical Atlantic: principal component analysis and nonlinear principal component analysis
Authors: Kenfack S. C. , Mkankam K. F. , Alory G. , du Penhoat Y. , Hounkonnou N. M. , Vondou D. A. , Bawe G. N.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is one of the popular statistical methods for feature extraction. The neural network model has been performed on the PCA to obtain nonlinear principal component analysis (NLPCA), which allows the extraction of nonlinear features in the dataset missed by the PCA. NLPCA is applied to the monthly Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data from the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean (29° W–21° E, 25° S–7° N) for the period 1982–2005. The focus is on the differences between SST inter-annual variability patterns; either extracted through traditional PCA or the NLPCA methods.The first mode of NLPCA explains 45.5% of the total variance of SST anomaly compared to 42% explained by the first PCA. Results from previous studies that detected the Atlantic cold tongue (ACT) as the main mode are confirmed. It is observed that the maximum signal in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG) is located along coastal Angola. In agreement with composite analysis, NLPCA exhibits two types of ACT, referred to as weak and strong Atlantic cold tongues. These two events are not totally symmetrical. NLPCA thus explains the results given by both PCA and composite analysis. A particular area observed along the northern boundary between 13 and 5° W vanishes in the strong ACT case and reaches maximum extension to the west in the weak ACT case. It is also observed that the original SST data correlates well with NLPCA and PCA, but with a stronger correlation on ACT area for NLPCA and southwest in the case of PCA.
Incidence and reflection of internal waves and wave-induced currents at a jump in buoyancy frequency
Authors: McHugh J. P.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Weakly nonlinear internal gravity waves are treated in a two-layer fluid with a set of nonlinear Schrodinger equations. The layers have a sharp interface with a jump in buoyance frequency approximately modelling the tropopause. The waves are periodic in the horizontal but modulated in the vertical and Boussinesq flow is assumed. The equation governing the incident wave packet is directly coupled to the equation for the reflected packet, while the equation governing transmitted waves is only coupled at the interface. Solutions are obtained numerically. The results indicate that the waves create a mean flow that is strong near and underneath the interface, and discontinuous at the interface. Furthermore, the mean flow has an oscillatory component with a vertical wavelength that decreases as the wave packet interacts with the interface.
Evaluation of the snow regime in dynamic vegetation land surface models using field measurements
Authors: Kantzas E. , Quegan S. , Lomas M. , Zakharova E.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated significant climatic and ecological changes occurring in the northern latitudes over the past decades. As coupled Earth-system models attempt to describe and simulate the dynamics and complex feedbacks of the Arctic environment, it is important to reduce their uncertainties in short-term predictions by improving the description of both system processes and its initial state. This study focuses on snow-related variables and makes extensive use of a historical data set (1966–1996) of field snow measurements acquired across the extent of the former Soviet Union to evaluate a range of simulated snow metrics produced by several land surface models, most of them embedded in IPCC-standard climate models. We reveal model-specific failings in simulating snowpack properties such as magnitude, inter-annual variability, timings of snow water equivalent and evolution of snow density. We develop novel and model-independent methodologies that use the field snow measurements to extract the values of fresh snow density and snowpack sublimation, and exploit them to assess model outputs. By directly forcing the surface heat exchange formulation of a land surface model with field data on snow depth and snow density, we evaluate how inaccuracies in simulating snow metrics affect soil temperature, thaw depth and soil carbon decomposition. We also show how field data can be assimilated into models using optimization techniques in order to identify model defects and improve model performance.