bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast analysis of large-scale problems by modified multilevel compressed block decomposition combined with high order hierarchical basis functions
Authors: Jiang Zhaoneng , Zhang Qingchun , Zha Liping , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2017

For the electrically large problems, the discrete unknowns of surface integral equation are very large, resulting in the matrix condition is relatively poor. The high order hierarchical basis functions are utilized to reduce the discrete unknowns, thereby reducing the memory consumption and computation time. Meanwhile, modified multilevel compressed block decomposition (MMLCBD) is applied to accelerate the matrix-vector multiplication operations, which utilizes novel technique to improve the solving efficiency by combining a less accurate truncating threshold in MLCBD with a rapid and cheap iterative refinement process. Combining the high order hierarchical basis functions with MMLCBD can make good use of their respective advantages to analyze the large-scale electromagnetic problems efficiently. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method is much more efficient than conventional MLCBD for analyzing the large-scale electromagnetic problems.
A method for electromagneto-thermo- mechanical direct coupling analysis and its application to Tokamak structures
Authors: Yuan Hongwei , Li Xudong , Wang Kaiqiang , Pei Cuixiang , Chen Zhenmao , Pan Yudong
Published: July 2017

In this work, a numerical method using a direct coupling algorithm is proposed for electromagneto-thermo-mechanical (EMTM) coupling analysis of structures in strong magnetic and thermal field. Both the electromagneto-mechanical (EMM) coupling effect and thermal effect are considered in the structural dynamical analysis. To realize this algorithm, a direct coupling element including degrees of freedom of displacement, temperature and electromagnetic fields is developed on the platform of the ANSYS user programmable features and verified by the comparison between the experimental data and simulation results of a typical EMTM problem. Finally, the EMTM dynamic response of a simplified model of the HL-2M vacuum vessel during plasma vertical disruption events is simulated. According to the simulation results, the EMTM coupling effect is found significant and necessary to be considered for the design and safety evaluation of Tokamak structures.
Optimization of the pole piece in coaxial magnetic gears for transfer torque ripple improvement
Authors: Kim Sung-Jin , Park Eui-Jong , Jung Sang-Yong , Kim Yong-Jae
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the Box-Behnken design (BBD), which is a response surface method (RSM), was used to deduce a pole piece form that is able to effectively reduce the transfer torque ripple of a coaxial magnetic gear. A 2-D numerical analysis based non-linear finite element method (FEM) was used for the analysis between the response variables and the designed variables selected by the BBD. In addition, the reaction variable estimation equation based on the design variables was determined through a multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The characteristics of the initial model and optimum model deduced through a response surface analysis were compared to prove the validity of the optimized design.
Dynamic response analysis of closed crack in metal plate with the electromagnetic ultrasonic surface wave
Authors: Zhang Chuang , Pang Wenying , Liu Suzhen , Li Fubiao , Yang Qingxin
Published: July 2017

As one of the most common fatigue damage, the detection of the closed crack using regular ultrasonic technique always failed because of the contact state of its interface. Nonlinear ultrasonic method had been employed to improve the detecting precision. The electromagnetic acoustic method based on high pulse stimulation is studied in this paper. In order to get the accuracy information, a closed crack model based on the modified virtual spring function is proposed. The finite element (FE) model of the electromagnetic ultrasonic propagation in the aluminium plate with closed crack was developed, followed by a look at the simulation results and analysis. An experimental setting which is coincident with the FE model is set up. By comparing of the simulation and experimental results, it is concluded that the tension and compression of the crack will cause the sound wave distortion and the ultrasonic nonlinear effect will be produced. The second harmonics is the typical feature of the nonlinearity. The propagation characteristic of surface wave in aluminium plate containing a closed crack is further analysed, which lays a foundation for the nonlinear detection of closed cracks.
Alteration in Lipid Profile Levels in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Ferduosi S , Haque R , Hoque N , Rahman MM , Rahman MH
Published: July 2017

Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating energy balance and metabolism of glucose and lipids. A relationship between dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis is well established in clinical hypothyroidism. Whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with lipid profile alteration, is the main concept behind the study. SCH is defined as an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH>5mIU/l) and normal free thyroxine level (FT4 9.5- 25.0 pmol/l). It is highly prevalent in elderly subjects, especially in women but it is frequently overlooked. We examined 40 women with SCH and 50 healthy controls (TSH 0.5-5.0 mIU/l and FT4 9.5- 25.0 pmol/l). None of the patients had been previously treated with thyroxine. In all participants we measured blood pressure, BMI, TSH, FT4 and fasting serum lipid profile. We conclude that SCH in middle aged women is associated with hypertension and significant increase of TC (p<0.001), LDL-C (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001) and decreased level of HDLC p<0.001) in comparison to euthyroid Controls. SCH patients showed significant positive correlation between TSH and total cholesterol (r=.492, p<0.01), LDL-C (r=.355, p<0.05) and TG (r=.274, p<0.05) and negative but nonsignificant corelationship with HDL-C (r = - .058,p=0.361). Dyslipidemia is one of the established risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study indicates that monitoring of lipid level in SCH patients would be helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2015; 8(1): 10-15
Association of Serum Calcium with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chowdhury SN , Sultana N , Chowdhury AH , Mazumder P , Sharmin N , Rahman T
Published: July 2017

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The incidence of AMI is dependent on certain traditional predisposing risk factors. In addition to the traditional risk factors, raised serum calcium level is also being considered as an associated factor for AMI. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of serum calcium level with acute myocardial infarction in a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh. This case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2013 to December 2013. In this study, 50 diagnosed cases of AMI and 50 age and sex matched apparently healthy subjects were selected from DMCH purposively according to the selection criteria. Blood pressure, height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Biochemical parameters- serum calcium and fasting blood glucose in two groups were estimated in mmol/l. Then serum calcium was compared between two groups to observe the association with AMI. Results were analyzed statistically in SPSS version 17.0. Unpaired student's 't'-test and Spearman correlation analysis was done. All the results were expressed as mean ±SD and p value <0.05 was accepted as level of significance. Present study showed that serum calcium level was significantly higher(p=.001) in cases (2.61±.15 mmol/l) when compared with that of controls (2.13±.15mmol/l). Serum calcium also showed a significant positive correlation with AMI (rho=0.858, p=0.001).Findings of study concludes that increased serum calcium is associated with AMI.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2015; 8(1): 16-20
Urinary Iodine Level in Healthy Pregnant Women and its Correlation with Serum TSH & FT4
Authors: Saha PR , Maleque R , Biswas S , Haque R , Khondker F , Arslan MI
Published: July 2017

Pregnancy is accompanied by profound alteration of thyroid economy and relative iodine deficiency. Sub-optimal thyroid function in pregnancy is associated with impaired neuro intellectual development. Urinary iodine concentration is increased during pregnancy. The aims of this study were to evaluate urinary iodine level in pregnant women and also to elucidate its correlation with thyroid parameters (TSH&FT4) in pregnancy. This was a case control study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, jointly with the Antenatal and Thyroid Clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, during the period of July 2003 to June 2004. Urinary iodine excretion was measured in 100 subjects of age range 20-35 years. Among them 60 were pregnant at first trimester and primi gravid. Rest 40 were non-pregnant women who were taken as control. Urinary iodine was measured by Wet digestion based on Sandell-Kolthoff principle. Thyroid Stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (FT4) were measured by the AxSYM (Abbott -USA) by applying Micro particle Enzyme Immune Assay (MEIA) principle. The data was reported as Mean± SE; the mean age of the pregnant and nonpregnant women were 25.03±0.48 yrs and 25.20±0.60 yrs respectively. No significant difference was found regarding age. The median urinary iodine of pregnant women was 438.13µg/l (range240.50-490.0) and that non pregnant women was 412.50µg/l (range 240.0-473.75µgl). Mean serum TSH were 1.29±0.15 and 1.97±0.18 mIU/L and mean serum FT4 were 14.51±0.41 and 16.30 ±0.41pmol/L in pregnant and non pregnant women respectively. Urinary iodine level was significantly increased in pregnant women compared to that of the non pregnant group (p<0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between urinary iodine and serum TSH (p<0.01) whereas a positive correlation between urinary iodine and serum FT4 level is p<0.05 in pregnant and p<0.01 in non pregnant group. Urinary iodine excretion is increased in pregnancy than that in non pregnant women. Clinically and biochemically all the subjects were euthyroid and excretion rate of iodine in all subjects were above the normal range.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2015; 8(1): 21-26
Lipoprotein(a) and LDL-Cholesterol Status in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Microvascular Complications
Authors: Jhuma KA , Giasuddin ASM , Haq AMM
Published: July 2017

The present study was conducted to investigate lipid profile in T2DM patients with microvascular complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Case-control observational study in Medical Research Unit (MRU), of Medical and Health Wealfare Trust (MHWT), Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2013 to December 2014; A total of 150 T2DM (Group-B) patients (male: 90, female: 60, age range: 25-65 years) with 30 patients in each sub-group, i.e. without complications (B1), with nephropathy (B2), with retinopathy (B3), with neuropathy (B4) and with multiple complications (B5) and 30 normal controls (male: 18, female: 12, age range: 28-60 years)(Group-A) were included in the study. The lipid profile i.e. triglyceride (TG,) total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C and Lp(a) were quantitatively measured by standard clinical laboratory methods. The findings were compared statistically among patients and controls. Serum lipids i.e. TG, TC, LDL-C and Lp(a) were elevated and HDL-C was decreased in patients (Group -B) compared to controls (Group-A) significantly [Group-A vs Group-B: TG (mg/dl) - 93.7±18.9, 184.4±36.5; TC (mg/dl) - 141.9±25.5, 237.7±69.5; LDL-C (mg/dl) - 85.8±22.1, 165.1±26.3; HDL-C (mg/dl) -47.4±17.4, 35.5±6.6; Lp(a) (mg/l) - 29.1±14.2, 73.5±23.4] (P< 0.001). Among microvascular complications, T2DM-patients with nephropathy (Group-B2) had the highest elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and Lp(a) and maximally decreased level of HDL-C (P< 0.001); Our findings suggest that reduction of all cholesterol-bearing lipoproteins that contain apoprotein B would be important in T2DM with microvascular complications. Possibly Lp(a) reduction and induction of HDL-C are most relevant in this regard.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2015; 8(2): 66-73
Passive Sampling and Analysis of Naphthalene in Internal Combustion Engine Exhaust with Retracted SPME Device and GC-MS
Authors: Baimatova Nassiba , Koziel Jacek , Kenessov Bulat
Published: July 2017

Exhaust gases from internal combustion engines are the main source of urban air pollution. Quantification of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the exhaust gases is needed for emissions monitoring, enforcement, development, and testing of control technologies. The objective was to develop quantification of gaseous naphthalene in diesel engine exhaust based on diffusion-controlled extraction onto a retracted solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber coating and analysis on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Extraction of naphthalene with retracted fibers followed Fick’s law of diffusion. Extracted mass of naphthalene was proportional to Cg, t, Dg, T and inversely proportional to Z. Method detection limit (p = 0.95) was 11.5 ppb (0.06 mg·m−3) at t = 9 h, Z = 10 mm and T = 40 °C, respectively. It was found that the % mass extracted of naphthalene by SPME needle assembly depended on the type of fiber. Storage time at different temperatures did not affect analyte losses extracted by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 100 µm fiber. The developed method was tested on exhaust gases from idling pickup truck and tractor, and compared side-by-side with a direct injection of sampled exhaust gas method. Time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of naphthalene in exhaust gases from idling pickup truck and a tractor ranged from 0.08 to 0.3 mg·m−3 (15.3–53.7 ppb).
The Impact of Planting Trees on NOx Concentrations: The Case of the Plaza de la Cruz Neighborhood in Pamplona (Spain)
Authors: Santiago Jose-Luis , Rivas Esther , Sanchez Beatriz , Buccolieri Riccardo , Martin Fernando
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the role of trees on airborne pollutant dispersion in a real neighborhood in Pamplona (Spain) is discussed. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is employed and evaluated against concentrations measured during the last part of winter season at a monitoring station located in the study area. Aerodynamic and deposition effects of trees are jointly considered, which has only been done in few recent studies. Specifically, the impact on NOx concentration of: (a) tree-foliage; and (b) introducing new vegetation in a tree-free street is analyzed considering several deposition velocities and Leaf Area Densities (LAD) to model deciduous and evergreen vegetation. Results show that the higher the LAD, the higher the deposition (concentration reduction) and the blocking aerodynamic effect (concentration increase). Regardless of foliage or deposition rates, results suggest the predominance of aerodynamic effects which induce concentration increases up to a maximum of 7.2%, while deposition induces concentration decreases up to a maximum of 6.9%. The inclusion of new trees in one street modifies the distribution of pollutant, not only in that street, but also in nearby locations with concentration increase or decrease. This finding suggests that planting trees in street with traffic as an air pollution reduction strategy seems to be not appropriate in general, highlighting the necessity of ad hoc studies for each particular case to select the suitable location of new vegetation.
Regional Economic Convergence in Turkey: Does the Government Really Matter for?
Authors: Gömleksiz Mustafa , Şahbaz Ahmet , Mercan Birol
Published: July 2017

Solow (1956) has made an essential contribution to the Neo-classical growth approach through the economic convergence hypothesis. It assumes that poorer countries’ or regions’ per capita incomes tend to grow at faster rates than the richer ones. Convergence could occur either among a group of economies with the same steady states or within regions in which their fundamental dynamics differ, and thus they exhibit multiple steady states. This study aims to investigate convergence with respect to GDP per capita across NUTS 2 regions in Turkey for the time period 2004–2014. In the convergence process, we also inquire into role of government in terms of regional government investments and fixed investment incentives. All the empirical results confirm the validity of the convergence hypothesis at a regional level. Also, in the context of the convergence process, it is possible to conclude that the role of government is likely to be decisive in solving regional economic disparities.
Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Resistance to Late Blight in Tomato
Authors: Panthee Dilip , Piotrowski Ann , Ibrahem Ragy
Published: July 2017

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Montagne, Bary) is a devastating disease of tomato worldwide. There are three known major genes, Ph-1, Ph-2, and Ph-3, conferring resistance to late blight. In addition to these three genes, it is also believed that there are additional factors or quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance to late blight. Precise molecular mapping of all those major genes and potential QTL is important in the development of suitable molecular markers and hence, marker-assisted selection (MAS). The objective of the present study was to map the genes and QTL associated with late blight resistance in a tomato population derived from intra-specific crosses. To achieve this objective, a population, derived from the crossings of NC 1CELBR × Fla. 7775, consisting of 250 individuals at F2 and F2-derived families, were evaluated in replicated trials. These were conducted at Mountain Horticultural Crops Reseach & Extension Center (MHCREC) at Mills River, NC, and Mountain Research Staion (MRS) at Waynesville, NC in 2011, 2014, and 2015. There were two major QTL associated with late blight resistance located on chromosomes 9 and 10 with likelihood of odd (LOD) scores of more than 42 and 6, explaining 67% and 14% of the total phenotypic variation, respectively. The major QTLs are probably caused by the Ph-2 and Ph-3 genes. Furthermore, there was a minor QTL on chromosomes 12, which has not been reported before. This minor QTL may be novel and may be worth investigating further. Source of resistance to Ph-2, Ph-3, and this minor QTL traces back to line L3707, or Richter’s Wild Tomato. The combination of major genes and minor QTL may provide a durable resistance to late blight in tomato.
The Microstructures and Tensile Properties of As-Extruded Mg–4Sm–xZn–0.5Zr (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt %) Alloys
Authors: Che Chaojie , Cai Zhongyi , Cheng Liren , Meng Fanxing , Yang Zhen
Published: July 2017

The microstructures and tensile properties of as-cast and as-extruded Mg–4Sm–xZn–0.5Zr (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt %) alloys were systematically investigated by optical microscope, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Numerous nanoscale dynamic precipitates could be observed in the as-extruded alloys containing high content of Zn, and the nanoscale particles were termed as (Mg,Zn)3Sm phase. Some basal disc-like precipitates were observed in as-extruded Mg–4Sm–4Zn–0.5Zr alloy, which were proposed to have a hexagonal structure with a = 0.556 nm. The dynamic precipitates effectively pinned the motions of DRXed (dynamic recrystallized) grain boundaries leading to an obvious reduction of DRXed grain size, and the tensile yield strength of as-extruded alloy was improved. The as-extruded Mg–4Sm–4Zn–0.5Zr alloy exhibits the best comprehensive mechanical properties at room temperature among all the alloys, and the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation are about 246 MPa, 273 MPa and 21% respectively.
Highly Efficient Near Infrared Photothermal Conversion Properties of Reduced Tungsten Oxide/Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Chala Tolesa , Wu Chang-Mou , Chou Min-Hui , Gebeyehu Molla , Cheng Kuo-Bing
Published: July 2017

In this work, novel WO3-x/polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were prepared by ball milling followed by stirring using a planetary mixer/de-aerator. The effects of phase transformation (WO3 → WO2.8 → WO2.72) and different weight fractions of tungsten oxide on the optical performance, photothermal conversion, and thermal properties of the prepared nanocomposites were examined. It was found that the nanocomposites exhibited strong photoabsorption in the entire near-infrared (NIR) region of 780–2500 nm and excellent photothermal conversion properties. This is because the particle size of WO3-x was greatly reduced by ball milling and they were well-dispersed in the polyurethane matrix. The higher concentration of oxygen vacancies in WO3-x contribute to the efficient absorption of NIR light and its conversion into thermal energy. In particular, WO2.72/PU nanocomposites showed strong NIR light absorption of ca. 92%, high photothermal conversion, and better thermal conductivity and absorptivity than other WO3/PU nanocomposites. Furthermore, when the nanocomposite with 7 wt % concentration of WO2.72 nanoparticles was irradiated with infrared light, the temperature of the nanocomposite increased rapidly and stabilized at 120 °C after 5 min. This temperature is 52 °C higher than that achieved by pure PU. These nanocomposites are suitable functional materials for solar collectors, smart coatings, and energy-saving applications.
The Role of AOPP in Age-Related Bone Loss and the Potential Benefits of Berry Anthocyanins
Authors: Melough Melissa , Sun Xin , Chun Ock
Published: July 2017

Age-related bone loss is a major factor in osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures among the elderly. Because bone homeostasis involves a balance between bone formation and resorption, multiple mechanisms may induce age-dependent changes in bone. Oxidative stress is one such factor that contributes to the pathology of aging-associated osteoporosis (AAO). Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are a biomarker of oxidant-mediated protein damage, and can also act to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby perpetuating oxidative damage. AOPP is a relatively novel marker of oxidative stress, and its role in bone aging has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, it has been theorized that dietary antioxidants may decrease AOPP levels, thereby reducing AAO risk, but a limited number of studies have been specifically targeted at addressing this hypothesis. Therefore, the objective of this review is to examine the findings of existing research on the role of AOPP in age-related bone loss, and the potential use of dietary antioxidants to mitigate the effects of AAOP on age-related bone loss. Cross-sectional studies have delivered mixed results, showing that AOPP levels are inconsistently associated with bone loss and aging. However, in vitro studies have documented multiple mechanisms by which AOPP may lead to bone loss, including upregulation of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathways as well as increasing expression of sclerostin and of receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL). Studies also indicate that antioxidants—especially berry anthocyanins—may be an effective dietary agent to prevent aging-associated bone deterioration by inhibiting the formation of AOPP and ROS. However, the understanding of these pathways in AAO has largely been based on in vitro studies, and should be examined in further animal and human studies in order to inform recommendations regarding dietary anthocyanin use for the prevention of AAO.
Canadian Potential Healthcare and Societal Cost Savings from Consumption of Pulses: A Cost-Of-Illness Analysis
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad , Marinangeli Christopher , Jones Peter , Carlberg Jared
Published: July 2017

Consumption of dietary pulses, including beans, peas and lentils, is recommended by health authorities across jurisdictions for their nutritional value and effectiveness in helping to prevent and manage major diet-related illnesses of significant socioeconomic burden. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential annual healthcare and societal cost savings relevant to rates of reduction in complications from type 2 diabetes (T2D) and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) following a low glycemic index (GI) or high fiber diet that includes pulses, or 100 g/day pulse intake in Canada, respectively. A four-step cost-of-illness analysis was conducted to: (1) estimate the proportions of individuals who are likely to consume pulses; (2) evaluate the reductions in established risk factors for T2D and CVD; (3) assess the percent reduction in incidences or complications of the diseases of interest; and (4) calculate the potential annual savings in relevant healthcare and related costs. A low GI or high fiber diet that includes pulses and 100 g/day pulse intake were shown to potentially yield Can$6.2 (95% CI $2.6–$9.9) to Can$62.4 (95% CI $26–$98.8) and Can$31.6 (95% CI $11.1–$52) to Can$315.5 (95% CI $110.6–$520.4) million in savings on annual healthcare and related costs of T2D and CVD, respectively. Specific provincial/territorial analyses suggested annual T2D and CVD related cost savings that ranged from up to Can$0.2 million in some provinces to up to Can$135 million in others. In conclusion, with regular consumption of pulse crops, there is a potential opportunity to facilitate T2D and CVD related socioeconomic cost savings that could be applied to Canadian healthcare or re-assigned to other priority domains. Whether these potential cost savings will be offset by other healthcare costs associated with longevity and diseases of the elderly is to be investigated over the long term.
Public Perceptions and Practices of Solid Waste Recycling in the City of Laramie in Wyoming, U.S.A.
Authors: Bom Upendra , Belbase Shashidhar , Bibriven Lila Reni
Published: July 2017

Managing household solid waste is a growing challenge for many cities. To tackle this problem, cities are turning to recycling, which is an effective tool for solid waste management. This research seeks to understand the public perceptions and practices of recycling in the City of Laramie, Wyoming. Recycling in Laramie began in 1983 with the establishment of the Ark Recycling Center. Laramie officially started its curbside recycling services in September 2011, and in April 2012 the city declared its long-term goal to achieve a 40% diversion rate by 2030. The study involved a mail-back survey to understand the public participation landscape and the factors affecting recycling behaviors and attitudes of residents in Laramie. The quantitative results of the survey responses were used to create a civic engagement score, a recycling importance score, and recycling satisfaction and recycling behavior scores to measure residents’ perceptions of the recycling program. In addition, three key informant interviews were conducted to explore the efforts of the city, the University of Wyoming, and Ark Regional Services. The results show that more than 80% of the survey respondents indicated that environmental concern was the major motivation to recycle, which was related to a high level of recycling importance and satisfaction. The study further indicated that Laramie should develop an aggressive educational policy, incentive policies, and a Master Plan to encourage stronger public participation to meet its 40% waste diversion rate by 2030 goal.
A Novel Method to Reconstruct Overhead High-Voltage Power Lines Using Cable Inspection Robot LiDAR Data
Authors: Qin Xinyan , Wu Gongping , Ye Xuhui , Huang Le , Lei Jin
Published: July 2017

Overhead high-voltage power lines are key components of power transmission and their monitoring has a very significant influence on security and reliability of power system. Advanced laser scanning techniques have been widely used to capture three-dimensional (3D) point clouds of power system scenes. Nevertheless, power line corridors are found in increasingly complex environments (e.g., mountains and forests), and the multi-loop structure on the same power line tower raises great challenges to process light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. This paper addresses these challenges by constructing a new collection mode of LiDAR data for power lines using cable inspection robot (CIR). A novel method is proposed to extract and reconstruct power line using CIR LiDAR data, which has two advantages: (1) rapidly extracts power line point by position and orientation system (POS) extraction model; and (2) better solves pseudo-line during reconstruction of power line by structured partition. The proposed method mainly includes four steps: CIR LiDAR data generation, POS-based crude extraction, voxel-based accurate extraction and power line reconstruction. The feasibility and validity of the proposed method are verified by test site experiment and actual line experiment, demonstrating a fast and reliable solution to accurately reconstruct power line.
Passive Radar Array Processing with Non-Uniform Linear Arrays for Ground Target’s Detection and Localization
Authors: Del-Rey-Maestre Nerea , Mata-Moya David , Jarabo-Amores Maria-Pilar , Gómez-del-Hoyo Pedro-Jose , Bárcena-Humanes Jose-Luis , Rosado-Sanz Javier
Published: July 2017

The problem of ground target detection with passive radars is considered. The design of an antenna array based on commercial elements is presented, based on a non-uniform linear array optimized according to sidelobe level requirements. Array processing techniques are applied in the cross-ambiguity function domain to exploit integration gain, system resolution and the sparsity of targets in this domain. A modified two-stage detection scheme is described, which is based on a previously-published one by other authors. All of these contributions are validated in a real semiurban scenario, proving the capabilities of detection, the direction of arrival estimation and the tracking of ground targets in the presence of big buildings that generate strong clutter returns. Detection performance is validated through the probability of false alarm and the probability of detection estimation with specified estimation errors.
Ku-, X- and C-Band Microwave Backscatter Indices from Saline Snow Covers on Arctic First-Year Sea Ice
Authors: Nandan Vishnu , Geldsetzer Torsten , Mahmud Mallik , Yackel John , Ramjan Saroat
Published: July 2017

In this study, we inter-compared observed Ku-, X- and C-band microwave backscatter from saline 14 cm, 8 cm, and 4 cm snow covers on smooth first-year sea ice. A Ku-, X- and C-band surface-borne polarimetric microwave scatterometer system was used to measure fully-polarimetric backscatter from the three snow covers, near-coincident with corresponding in situ snow thermophysical measurements. The study investigated differences in co-polarized backscatter observations from the scatterometer system for all three frequencies, modeled penetration depths, utilized co-pol ratios, and introduced dual-frequency ratios to discriminate dominant polarization-dependent frequencies from these snow covers. Results demonstrate that the measured co-polarized backscatter magnitude increased with decreasing snow thickness for all three frequencies, owing to stronger gradients in snow salinity within thinner snow covers. The innovative dual-frequency ratios suggest greater sensitivity of Ku-band microwaves to snow grain size as snow thickness increases and X-band microwaves to snow salinity changes as snow thickness decreases. C-band demonstrated minimal sensitivity to changes in snow salinities. Our results demonstrate the influence of salinity associated dielectric loss, throughout all layers of the three snow covers, as the governing factor affecting microwave backscatter and penetration from all three frequencies. Our “plot-scale” observations using co-polarized backscatter, co-pol ratios and dual-frequency ratios suggest the future potential to up-scale our multi-frequency approach to a “satellite-scale” approach, towards effective development of snow geophysical and thermodynamic retrieval algorithms on smooth first-year sea ice.
Eco-Friendly Brands to Drive Sustainable Development: Replication and Extension of the Brand Experience Scale in a Cross-National Context
Authors: Saari Ulla , Baumgartner Rupert , Mäkinen Saku
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to explore how consumers perceive eco-friendliness in their brand experiences and how this can be measured cross-nationally. This is a replication-extension study based on an existing brand experience scale. Data were collected in India and Finland from smartphone users (N = 1008). The fitness of the brand experience model is validated cross-nationally with structural equation modeling. The empirical data consisting of consumers’ responses on the Apple, Samsung, and Nokia brands confirm that there is a unique dimension of eco-friendliness in the general brand experiences of consumers, and it is generalizable cross-nationally in India and Finland. The study presents a consumer-focused measure of sustainable development that could be used to track how consumers perceive the eco-friendliness of brands. The paper links consumer experiences that guide sustainable consumption behavior to the macro-level management of sustainable development. This paper extends previous research on brand experience measurement by testing cross-nationally a scale including a dimension for measuring eco-friendliness. The brand experience measurement scale could aid companies in tracking the success of their sustainable development initiatives on the brand level.
An Examination of Soil Moisture Estimation Using Ground Penetrating Radar in Desert Steppe
Authors: Lu Yizhu , Song Wenlong , Lu Jingxuan , Wang Xuefeng , Tan Yanan
Published: July 2017

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a new technique of rapid soil moisture measurement, which is an important approach to measure soil moisture at the intermediate scale. To test the applicability of GPR method for soil moisture in desert steppe, we used the common-mid point (CMP) method and fixed offset (FO) method to evaluate the influence factors and the accuracy of GPR measurement with gravimetric soil moisture measurements. The experiments showed that Topp’s equation is more suitable than Roth’s equation for processing the GPR data in desert steppe and the soil moisture measurements by GPR had high accuracy by either CMP method or FO method. To a certain extent, the vegetation coverage affects the measurement precision and the soil moisture profile. The precipitation can reduce the effective sampling depth of the ground wave from 0.1 m to 0.05 m. The results revealed that GPR has the advantages of high measurement accuracy, easy movement, simple operation, and no damage to the soil layer structure.
Residents' Perceptions of Resettlement for Nature-Based Tourism: A Case Study of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China
Authors: Wang Kai , Moyle Brent D. , Li Zhimiao
Published: July 2017

Relocation to accommodate tourism development is a contentious issue, especially surrounding natural and protected areas. Although previous studies have touched on the importance of relocation to ensure the preservation of sites of unique natural and cultural significance, few studies
have explored the impacts on residents. Consequently, this article explores residents' perceptions of the impacts of relocation to three different locations in the World Heritage Listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, in China. To achieve this objective a survey was administered in March 2015. Findings
revealed residents understood the potential of relocation for generating economic benefits, thus limited psychological impacts were evident. All the same, residents' views of relocation policies were predominantly negative, with potential for substantive improvement in the management of the
relocation process. Future research should consider the impact of relocation for nature-based tourism on residents' perceptions on overall quality of life.
An ARDL Approach: How Robust Is Guatemala's International Tourism Demand?
Authors: Vanegas Manuel
Published: July 2017

An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing to cointegration was used to test the robustness of Guatemala's tourism demand from Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and the US. A robustness check was conducted on income, price, and travel
cost variables. The magnitudes of the estimated income elasticity values differ from 1.41 (Panama) to 4.86 (Nicaragua). It is a greater luxury for Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the US than tourists from El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama. In the long run, a 1% steady growth in
income in Canada and El Salvador would lead to an increase in tourist arrivals by 4.33% and 3.28%, respectively, ceteris paribus. Similar results, except for El Salvador and Panama, were found for the price and the cost of travel variables. This findings on the price and cost variables imply
that its statistical significance does not depend on the measures used. The results are robust to the inclusion of a composite price or separated price, and exchange rate, price of oil or price of diesel, and related independent variables in the regression. These results can assist in policy
formulation and management, strategic marketing, product development, and tourism planning.
The Contribution of Tourism Revenue to Financing Protected Area Management in Southern Africa
Authors: Rylance Andrew , Snyman Susan , Spenceley Anna
Published: July 2017

Protected areas (PAs) are one way of conserving biodiversity, and ecosystem services and human well-being and are now recognized as an integral part of sustainable development strategies. Over the past four decades there has been a ten-fold increase in the number of protected areas
globally. Increasingly however, park management agencies do not have sufficient funds to finance their conservation management activities, and most governments do not fund PA budgets fully. Furthermore, efforts to determine how much money is spent or required for PA financing has been hampered
by significant data shortages, especially in the most underfunded countries as many are still unable to quantify the relative adequacy of their levels of conservation finance. This research assesses the extent to which tourism contributes towards biodiversity financing for PA management in
southern African countries. It analyzes Fifth National Country Reports (produced in 2014/2015) submitted to the Convention for Biological Diversity produced for all southern African countries to determine the actual contribution of tourism to overall PA financing. It highlights that although
tourism is a significant revenue source for PA authorities in southern Africa, how it is retained and reinvested back into conservation management remains ambiguous. The incompleteness and inconsistency of national level reporting presents a missed opportunity for justifying greater financing
support.
City Tourism in South Africa: Diversity and Change
Authors: Rogerson Christian M. , Rogerson Jayne M.
Published: July 2017

City tourism is a complex phenomenon and expanding in significance within the international tourism economy. Within the context of a vibrant and challenging global scholarship around cities as tourism destinations this article interrogates the development and trajectories of city tourism
destinations in South Africa. Attention centers on unpacking the differential performance of the country's eight metropolitan areas and its network of 22 secondary cities. This analysis confirms that cities are important multimotivated tourism destinations because people travel to them for
several different purposes including for business, leisure and entertainment, to visit friends and relatives, or for health or religious reasons. It is revealed that the country's 30 cities are key nodes in the national tourism space economy particularly for tourism spend. Evidence is shown
of considerable diversity between city destinations with sharp contrasts between the patterns of tourism observed in the metropolitan areas as opposed to the secondary cities. Further differentiation is demonstrated at the level of individual city destinations in respect of different origins,
purposes of travel, and relative contribution of tourism to local economic development.
A Case Study Into the Preparedness of White-Water Tourism to Severe Climatic Events in Southern Africa
Authors: Giddy Julia K. , Fitchett Jennifer M. , Hoogendoorn Gijsbert
Published: July 2017

Extreme weather events pose a significant threat to outdoor tourism globally, as a result of their rapid onset and challenges in forecasting. These threats are particularly concerning for countries of the global South, due to their reliance on tourism and their relatively low adaptive
capacity. White-water sports are especially vulnerable to climate variability as they are reliant on predictable river patterns. This article is an exploratory investigation into the experiences and perceptions of white-water tourism operators using the case study of South Africa and Namibia
regarding the threats of extreme weather and climate change. It was found that extreme and unpredictable weather patterns are significantly impacting operators in this region. Many operators are thus acutely aware of the impacts of extreme weather and climate change, and have begun to implement
adaptation measures. The current impacts of extreme weather associated with climatic changes and awareness within the white-water tourism sector provide a contribution to future discussions of tourism and climate change.
Violence In Immigrants: Effects On Health, Perception Of Discrimination And Loneliness
Authors: Oliveira Eliany Nazaré , Neto Félix , Lima Gleisson Ferreira
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of violence against Brazilian immigrant women since their arrival in Portugal and to know the consequences of this violence on the women's experience, specifically on health, perception of discrimination and loneliness. Conducted in the first half of 2016, with 682 women over 18 years of age living in Portugal for more than three months. Two types of collection were instituted: online, through the Limasurvey Platform, and in person, at the Consulate General of Brazil in Porto and Lisbon and in the Mais Association, applying the Discrimination Perceptions, Loneliness Scales (ULS-6) and Mental Health Problems. The results suggest that Brazilian women who have been targets of violence in Portugal have a worse perception of their health, a higher perception of discrimination, a higher level of solitude and more mental problems, which indicates that this group of immigrants has some vulnerabilities in the country, since violence has a harmful effect on physical and mental health. It is believed to be crucial to create a policy that aims at transforming actions aimed at strengthening the citizen and collective consciousness of these immigrant women
Illumination Normalization Algorithm Combination Analysis in Face Recognition
Authors: Semėnas Rokas
Published: July 2017

Face recognition programs have many practical usages in various fields, such as security or entertainment. Existing recognition algorithms must deal with various real life problems – mainly with illumination. In practice, illumination normalization models are often used only for Small-scale futures extraction, ignoring Large-scale features. In this article, new and more direct approach to this problem is offered, used algorithms and test results are given.
Increasing a Resolution of Time to Digital Converter
Authors: Jurgo Marijan , Navickas Romualdas
Published: July 2017

Time to digital converter (TDC) is one of the main blocks of all-digital frequency synthesizer (FS), where it is used as phase detector. The output of TDC is digital, therefore it introduces quantization noise to the output of FS. The resolution of TDC has to be increased, to improve phase noise level at the output of FS. It can be achieved by improving CMOS technology or structure of the TDC. The simplest TDC is based on inverter delay line. Its resolution is inversely proportional to the time interval, which can be measured with such TDC, i.e. delay time of the inverter. Decreasing of this delay is essence of technological increasing of TDC’s resolution. In this work the dependency of inverter delay on technological parameters is shown and its value is calculated in 65 nm CMOS technology. Calculations show, that in this technology delay time of the inverter can vary from 7 ps to 54 ps. If the design is restricted to the usage of specific CMOS technology, in which inverter’s delay does not ensure needed noise level at the output of FS, structure of the TDC needs to be improved. The aim of this improvement is to measure time interval smaller than inverter’s delay. Some of the TDC structures, which can measure sub-inverter delay time, are reviewed in this work: TDC – Vernier delay line, TDC – 2D Vernier plane, stochastic, ring and multistage TDCs.
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (GCMN) - A New Hope for Targeted Therapy?
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Lozev Ilia , Pidakev Ivan , Lotti Torello , Wollina Uwe , Gianfaldoni Serena , Lotti Jacopo , França Katlein , Batashki Atanas , Maximov Georgi Konstantinov , Chokoeva Anastasiya
Published: July 2017

We present a 6-month-old male patient, who was consulted with dermatologist by his parents, because of a pigmented lesion, present since birth, covering almost the all skin of the back and buttocks.  A sharply bordered, unequally coloured congenital pigmented nevus, measuring approximately 21 cm in diameter was observed in the whole body skin examination. The lesion was affecting the lower 2/3 of the skin of the back and the top half of the gluteus area, extending to the lateral part of the tors, forward the abdomen and the upper lateral part of the hips, composed by multiple darker-pigmented nests and several lighter areas, with single depigmented zones, hairy surface, irregularly infiltrated on palpation. Congenital melanocytic nevi are presented in approximately 1% of newborns, while giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are the most uncommon subtype of them; with occurrence rate 1 in 50,000 births. They affect 2% of a total body surface or presenting in a diameter larger than 20 cm in older children. Although not common, the possible malignant transformation remains one of the most important considerations related to them, as the related lifetime risk of melanoma is 4% to 10%. Treatment recommendations include non-surgical methods as dermabrasion only within the first two weeks of life, for prevention the possible melanocytic deeper migration, while serial surgical excisions or tissue expanders could be useful treatment tool even in later stages. Nevertheless, cosmetic result is not always satisfactory, and the risk of malignant changes remains, in cases of previous melanocytic migration in deeper layer. Recent article suggests the potential role in the treatment of GCMN with NRAS inhibitor trametinib, approved for treatment of advanced melanoma, associated with underlying NRAS mutations. Although promising, the drug could be useful in paediatric patients, only with associated NRAS gene mutation. It is still unclear whether it could be helpful, independent of the NRAS status.
Syphilis Such As the Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases Are a Cultural Background of Dermatologist
Authors: Gianfaldoni Serena , Tchernev Georgi , Wollina Uwe , Roccia Maria Grazia , Fioranelli Massimo , Gianfaldoni Roberto , Lotti Torello
Published: July 2017

Syphilis such as the other Sexually transmitted diseases are a cultural background of physician. The authors have presented this case of nodular secondary syphilis for three main reasons. The first one is that, in the last years, syphilis has re-emerged as the problem of public health. The second one is to underline how secondary syphilis, also known as the great imitator, may present itself with numerous manifestations, mimicking different dermatological diseases. Finally, because we want to remember how syphilis and the other sexual transmitted diseases must to be in the cultural background of a dermatologist, and have to be considered in the dermatological differential diagnosis.