bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyde the Hero: Changing the Role of the Modern-Day Monster
Authors: McCrystal Erica
Published: March 2018

Robert Louis Stevenson's novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gives birth to a villain who fits the image of a barbaric monster. Mr. Hyde illustrates the terrifying potential for the beast within to emerge and reflects the Victorian society's fears of the possibility of human degeneration. Adaptations of Hyde's character, including Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's comic book series The Incredible Hulk (1962–), Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's neo-Victorian comic book series The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (1999–2009), Steven Moffat's television miniseries Jekyll (2007), and Charlie Higson's television series Jekyll and Hyde (2015), have transformed Hyde into a monster hero. These versions of Hyde use their passion, impulse, and volatility to save society from larger threats. Thus, adaptations of Hyde demonstrate the ways in which monstrosity can be repurposed for good and how it becomes necessary to combat true evil.
The Mathematics of Monstrosity: Vampire Demography in Richard Matheson'sI Am Legend
Authors: Koenig-Woodyard Chris
Published: March 2018

Richard Matheson explores the demography of vampirism in a hybridic last human on earth and vampire apocalypse novella, I Am Legend (1954). The survivor Robert Neville explores the legend and science of vampirism, grappling with the rhizomatic ontology of the gothic creatures; in turn, Matheson offers a dual portrait of monstrosity of the predator vampires and of Neville as a gothic hunter and slayer of vampires. Narratively, imagistically, and thematically, Matheson presents a Malthusian demographic dynamic (and struggle) as Neville deepens his understanding of vampirism, allowing him to refine his vampire-slaying techniques.
Thermal stability of Nb–Cr–Mo alloy
Authors: Deng Liping , Lu Shiqiang , Tang Binbing , Yu Wen
Published: March 2018

The thermal stability of Nb–Cr–Mo alloy with the composition Nb-22.5Cr-2.5Mo (at.%), was studied by thermal exposure experiments in vacuum conditions at 1200 °C for 30 h, 50 h, and 100 h. The phase composition consists of Nb and C15 NbCr2, and the vast majority of alloying element Mo is found in the Nb matrix not in NbCr2 particles. The grain size of Nb matrix exhibits a certain degree of growth during the thermal exposure process, while the grain size of NbCr2 has no obvious change due to its high thermal stability. After thermal exposure at 1200 °C for 100 h, the alloy keeps its higher strength by the solid solution strengthening effect of Mo and the dispersion strengthening of NbCr2 particles. At the same time, it has good plasticity due to dislocation slip in the Nb matrix and the emergence of stacking faults, twins and partial dislocations in NbCr2 particles.
Structure and corrosion resistance of titanium oxide layers produced on NiTi alloy in low-temperature plasma
Authors: Kaminski Janusz , Witkowska Justyna , Plocinski Tomasz , Tarnowski Michal , Wierzchon Tadeusz
Published: March 2018

The paper presents comparative results of NiTi corrosion resistance tests of the alloy in initial state and after oxidizing and oxynitriding in low temperature plasma. These processes allow obtaining TiO2 or composite TiO2 + TiN layers with a titanium nitride (TiN) interlayer. Corrosion resistance tests of diffusion layers produced on NiTi were carried out via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the potentiodynamic method in Ringer's solution at 37 °C. The results were complemented with analysis of the alloy's structure, surface topography, and elemental distribution in the layers. The results showed an increase in corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy both after glow-discharge oxidation and oxynitriding. Significant shortening of the passive range of oxynitrided layers may result both from differences in surface topography and the thickness of the oxide layers.
Towards Providing Culturally Aware Nutritional Care for Transgender People: Key Issues and Considerations
Authors: Fergusson Pamela , Greenspan Nicole , Maitland Lukas , Huberdeau Rémy
Published: March 2018

Transgender people are an important group for whom access to healthcare is often problematic. Dietitians need to be aware of key issues in transgender health to provide culturally competent clinical nutritional care. This article serves as a primer, clarifying key terms and concepts, exploring the impact of stigma and discrimination on health and nutrition for people from transgender communities, and offering practical advice for nutritional and other related issues. Education for dietitians both pre- and postqualification is an important part of improving care and building skills and awareness of cultural humility. Transgender people may be at increased nutritional risk due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, HIV, body image issues, and food insecurity. This risk profile, along with the history of trauma both outside and related to the medical community means that there is an urgent need for dietitians to develop practice tools for assessment, care, and referral to improve the nutritional status and well-being of this client group.
Physical therapy in patients with disorders of consciousness: Impact on spasticity and muscle contracture
Authors: Thibaut A. , Wannez S. , Deltombe T. , Martens G. , Laureys S. , Chatelle C.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Spasticity is a frequent complication after severe brain injury, which may prevent the rehabilitation process and worsen the patients’ quality of life.

OBJECTIVES:

In this study, we investigated the correlation between spasticity, muscle contracture, and the frequency of physical therapy (PT) in subacute and chronic patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC).

METHODS:

109 patients with subacute and chronic disorders of consciousness (Vegetative state/Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome – VS/UWS; minimally conscious state – MCS and patients who emerged from MCS – EMCS) were included in the study (39 female; mean age: 40±13.5y; 60 with traumatic etiology; 35 VS/UWS, 68 MCS, 6 EMCS; time since insult: 38±42months). The number of PT sessions (i.e., 20 to 30 minutes of conventional stretching of the four limbs) was collected based on patients’ medical record and varied between 0 to 6 times per week (low PT = 0–3 and high PT = 4–6 sessions per week). Spasticity was measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) on every segment for both upper (UL) and lower limbs (LL). The presence of muscle contracture was assessed in every joint. We tested the relationship between spasticity and muscle contracture with the frequency of PT as well as other potential confounders such as time since injury or anti-spastic medication intake.

RESULTS:

We identified a negative correlation between the frequency of PT and MAS scores as well as the presence of muscle contracture. We also identified that patients who received less than four sessions per week were more likely to be spastic and suffer from muscle contracture than patients receiving 4 sessions or more. When separating subacute (3 to 12 months post-insult) and chronic (>12months post-insult) patients, these negative correlations were only observed in chronic patients. A logit regression model showed that frequency of PT influenced spasticity, whereas neither time since insult nor medication had a significant impact on the presence of spasticity. On the other hand, PT, time since injury and medication seemed to be associated with the presence of muscle contracture.

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that, in subacute and chronic patients with DOC, PT could have an impact on patients’ spasticity and muscles contractures. Beside PT, other factors such as time since onset and medication seem to influence the development of muscle contractures. These findings support the need for frequent PT sessions and regular re-evaluation of the overall spastic treatment for patients with DOC.
Treadmill training in Parkinson’s patients after deep brain stimulation: Effects on gait kinematic
Authors: Luna N.M.S. , Lucareli P.R.G. , Sales V.C. , Speciali D. , Alonso A.C. , Peterson M.D. , Rodrigues R.B.M. , Fonoffc E.T. , Barbosac E.R. , Teixeira M.J. , Greve J.M.D.A.
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of treadmill training with body weight support on gait kinematics parameters in patients with PD using DBS.

DESIGN:

Twelve patients completed the protocols (age: 60.9±10.6 years; disease duration: 20±7 years; and time since DBS surgery: 20±4 months). The same set of patients underwent two trainings protocols and four gait analyses (before and after each training). They received eight weeks of treadmill training without body weight support (16 sessions) in conjunction with physiotherapy program followed by six weeks of wash out period, followed by eight weeks of body-weight-supported treadmill training in conjunction with a same physiotherapy program. The Gait Kinematic Analysis involved eight infrared cameras that detected 19 reflective spherical markers attached in limb lower of patients. Statistical analysis used the Wilcoxon test ( p≤0.05).

RESULTS:

Both the training no showed significant differences in linear variables. As the angular variables, only training with support showed significant increase of ranges of motion: pelvis tilt, obliquity and rotation amplitude; hip adduction-abduction and rotation amplitude; percentage of peak flexion in swing phase; foot progression amplitude.

CONCLUSION:

The body weight supported treadmill training may promote increase of mobility of lower limbs during gait and it could be a targeted intervention for PD patients treated with DBS.
Damage of the Bone-Cement Interface in Finite Element Analyses of Cemented Orthopaedic Implants
Authors: Bousnane Toufik , Benbarek Smail , Sahli Abderahmen , Serier Boualem , Bachir Bouiadjra Bel Abbes
Published: March 2018

In orthopedic surgery and particularly in total hip arthroplasty, fixation of femoral implant is generally made by the surgical cement. Bone–cement interface has long been implicated in failure of cemented total hip replacement (THA), it is actually a critical site that affect the long-term stability and survival of prosthetic implants after implantation. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cement penetration into the bone on damage scenario at the interface. Previously most researchers have been performed to study damage accumulation in the cement mantle for different amount of cement penetration. In this work, bone–cement interface integrity has been studied for different mechanical properties. Cohesive traction separation law is used to detect contact damage between cement and bone. Results showed that a larger debonded area was predicted proximally and distally. Adhesion between bone and cement is affected mainly by cement penetration into the bone. Higher cement penetration into the bone leads to a good load transfer. A lower strength of the bone–cement interface due to a lower mechanical property results in faster interface damage. So we advise surgeons to well perpetrate the bone for long-term durability of cemented THA.
War, Exilic Pilgrimage and Mission: South Africa's Dutch Reformed Church in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Müller Retief
Published: March 2018

The main subject of inquiry here is the interrelationship between war, mission and exile in South Africa's Dutch Reformed Church at the turn of the twentieth century. The first setting of note is the Anglo—Boer War (1899–1902) when a group of Boer soldiers decided to form the Commando's Dank Zending Vereniging (Commando's Thanksgiving Mission Society) after visiting a Swiss missionary station in the northern Transvaal. Next follows Boer experiences of exile on the islands of St Helena, Ceylon and elsewhere as prisoners of war. A number of these POWs were evangelised and recruited for mission through revivalist sermons preached by their chaplains. After their return, a substantial number of ex-POWs signed up for the DRC's missionary enterprise into wider Africa, most prominently Nyasaland. The missionary experience itself often lasted for several decades. These missionaries did not refer to their life contexts as pilgrimages as such, but they often described the mission field as a place of danger and adventure populated by wild and dangerous people and animals. This article therefore suggests that the missionary careers of the Anglo—Boer War recruits approximate voluntary sacred exile, which in having originated from their forced exile as POWs acquires a pilgrimage-like character.
Infusion Reactions Associated with the Medical Application of Monoclonal Antibodies: The Role of Complement Activation and Possibility of Inhibition by Factor H
Authors: Fülöp Tamás , Mészáros Tamás , Kozma Gergely , Szebeni János , Józsi Mihály
Published: March 2018

Human application of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), enzymes, as well as contrast media and many other particulate drugs and agents referred to as “nanomedicines”, can initiate pseudoallergic hypersensitivity reactions, also known as infusion reactions. These may in part be mediated by the activation of the complement system, a major humoral defense system of innate immunity. In this review, we provide a brief outline of complement activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA) in general, and then focus on the reactions caused by mAb therapy. Because the alternative pathway of complement activation may amplify such adverse reactions, we highlight the potential use of complement factor H as an inhibitor of CARPA.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis by Elastic Measurement of Liver Using Magnetic Resonance Tagging Images
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Zhou Xiangrong , Hara Takeshi , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

To date, the measurement of the stiffness of liver requires a special vibrational tool that limits its application in many hospitals. In this study, we developed a novel method for automatically assessing the elasticity of the liver without any use of contrast agents or mechanical devices. By calculating the non-rigid deformation of the liver from magnetic resonance (MR) tagging images, the stiffness was quantified as the displacement of grids on the liver image during a forced exhalation cycle. Our methods include two major processes: (1) quantification of the non-rigid deformation as the bending energy (BE) based on the thin-plate spline method in the spatial domain and (2) calculation of the difference in the power spectrum from the tagging images, by using fast Fourier transform in the frequency domain. By considering 34 cases (17 normal and 17 abnormal liver cases), a remarkable difference between the two groups was found by both methods. The elasticity of the liver was finally analyzed by combining the bending energy and power spectral features obtained through MR tagging images. The result showed that only one abnormal case was misclassified in our dataset, which implied our method for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis has the potential to reduce the traditional liver biopsy.
A Tunable CW Orange Laser Based on a Cascaded MgO:PPLN Single-Pass Sum-Frequency Generation Module
Authors: Choge Dismas , Chen Huai-Xi , Tian Bao-Lu , Xu Yi-Bin , Li Guang-Wei , Liang Wan-Guo
Published: March 2018

We report an all-solid-state continuous wave (CW) tunable orange laser based on cascaded single-pass sum-frequency generation with fundamental wavelengths at 1545.7 and 975.2 nm using two quasi-phase-matched (QPM) MgO-doped periodically poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) crystals. Up to 10 mW of orange laser is generated in the cascaded module corresponding to a 10.4%/W nonlinear conversion efficiency. The orange output showed a temperature tuning rate of ~0.05 nm/°C, and the beam quality (M2) value of the orange laser was about 2.0. We use this technique to combine the high efficiency offered by uniformly poled crystals and the broad input wavelength acceptance characteristic of step-chirped structures.
Microstructure-Based Prediction of the Elastic Behaviour of Hydrating Cement Pastes
Authors: Mazaheripour Hadi , Faria Rui , Ye Guang , Schlangen Erik , Granja José , Azenha Miguel
Published: March 2018

The development of the elastic properties of a hardening cement paste results from the microstructural evolution due to cement hydration. The elastic behaviour of cement paste can be predicted by a combination of the hydration model and micromechanical analysis, which originates from a microstructural representative volume where the elastic behaviour of different hydrating cement products can be recognised. In this paper, the formation of the microstructural volume is simulated with the computational code HYMOSTRUC3D for cement hydration. The obtained microstructure is an input for a micromechanical modelling. A 3D regular lattice model is proposed to predict the elastic modulus of the microstructure, considering a water-to-cement (w/c) ratio within the range [0.30–0.50]. In addition, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to compare and validate the results from the lattice model. Predictions from these two modelling approaches are then compared to the experimental results provided by the EMM-ARM (Elasticity Modulus Measurement through Ambient Response Method) testing technique, the latter allowing measurement of the elastic modulus of hydrating cement pastes. Finally, the above-referred numerical models are used to evaluate the influence of the following features: the particle size distribution of the cement grains, the microstructure discretisation refinement and the elastic modulus of the C-S-H cement hydration product.
Recent Progress on Aberration Compensation and Coherent Noise Suppression in Digital Holography
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Zhao , Huang Junhui
Published: March 2018

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a topographic measurement technique that permits full-field, nondestructive, dynamic, quantitative amplitude, and phase-contrast imaging. The technique may realize the lateral resolution with submicron scale and the longitudinal resolution with subnanometer scale, respectively. Improving imaging quality has always been the research focus in DHM since it has a direct effect on the precise topographic measurement. In this paper, the recent progress on phase aberration compensation and coherent noise suppression is reviewed. Included in this review are the hologram spectrum’s centering judgment methods of side band in tilt phase error compensation, the physical and numerical compensation methods in phase aberration compensation, and the single-shot digital process methods in coherent noise suppression. The summaries and analyses for these approaches can contribute to improving the imaging quality and reducing the measurement error of DHM, which will further promote the wider applications of DHM in the topographic measurement fields, such as biology and micro-electro mechanical systems.
A Multiple-Model Particle Filter Fusion Algorithm for GNSS/DR Slide Error Detection and Compensation
Authors: Toledo-Moreo Rafael , Colodro-Conde Carlos , Toledo-Moreo Javier
Published: March 2018

Continuous accurate positioning is a key element for the deployment of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle navigation. To achieve the necessary performance, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) must be combined with other technologies. A common onboard sensor-set that allows keeping the cost low, features the GNSS unit, odometry, and inertial sensors, such as a gyro. Odometry and inertial sensors compensate for GNSS flaws in many situations and, in normal conditions, their errors can be easily characterized, thus making the whole solution not only more accurate but also with more integrity. However, odometers do not behave properly when friction conditions make the tires slide. If not properly considered, the positioning perception will not be sound. This article introduces a hybridization approach that takes into consideration the sliding situations by means of a multiple model particle filter (MMPF). Tests with real datasets show the goodness of the proposal.
Approaches to Outdoor Thermal Comfort Thresholds through Public Space Design: A Review
Authors: Santos Nouri Andre , Costa João , Santamouris Mattheos , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: March 2018

Based on the Köppen Geiger (KG) classification system, this review article examines existing studies and projects that have endeavoured to address local outdoor thermal comfort thresholds through Public Space Design (PSD). The review is divided into two sequential stages, whereby (1) overall existing approaches to pedestrian thermal comfort thresholds are reviewed within both quantitative and qualitative spectrums; and (2) the different techniques and measures are reviewed and framed into four Measure Review Frameworks (MRFs), in which each type of PSD measure is presented alongside its respective local scale urban specificities/conditions and their resulting thermal attenuation outcomes. The result of this review article is the assessment of how current practices of PSD within three specific subcategories of the KG ‘Temperate’ group have addressed microclimatic aggravations such as elevated urban temperatures and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. Based upon a bottom-up approach, the interdisciplinary practice of PSD is hence approached as a means to address existing and future thermal risk factors within the urban public realm in an era of potential climate change.
A Methodology for Integrated Refurbishment Actions in School Buildings
Authors: Österreicher Doris
Published: March 2018

Educational buildings could play leading roles in increasing high-performance building refurbishments across Europe. The city of Vienna has substantially modernized its schools in the last decade, however mostly single refurbishment measures have been undertaken. This is missing the potential of comprehensive and more energy-efficient actions as well as functional adaptations, which become ever more important as school and learning systems are changing. Institutional framework conditions, budget constraints as well as the lack of a coherent methodology have been identified as the main barriers in this context. The research question addresses how qualitative aspects, such as architecture and function, as well as quantitative aspects, such as energy consumption, could be combined in a methodology that can be easily applied by relevant stakeholders. What would a methodology that actively supports stakeholders in their decision-making process for more comprehensive school refurbishments look like? This paper describes a potential approach and its application in a case study. The proposed methodology supports the development of energy- and functionally optimized refurbishment concepts, with a focus on the synergies between energy-related optimizations and state-of-the-art functional room concepts in order to do justice to the changing learning requirements in schools.
Waste into Fuel—Catalyst and Process Development for MSW Valorisation
Authors: Pieta Izabela , Epling William , Kazmierczuk Alicja , Lisowski Pawel , Nowakowski Robert , Serwicka Ewa
Published: March 2018

The present review paper highlights recent progress in the processing of potential municipal solid waste (MSW) derived fuels. These wastes come from the sieved fraction (∅ < 40 mm), which, after sorting, can differ in biodegradable fraction content ranging from 5–60%. The fuels obtained from these wastes possess volumetric energy densities in the range of 15.6–26.8 MJL−1 and are composed mainly of methanol, ethanol, butanol, and carboxylic acids. Although these waste streams are a cheap and abundant source (and decrease the fraction going to landfills), syngas produced from MSW contains various impurities such as organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulfur, and chlorine components. These limit its use for advanced electricity generation especially for heat and power generation units based on high temperature fuel cells such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) or molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC). In this paper, we review recent research developments in the continuous MSW processing for syngas production specifically concentrating on dry reforming and the catalytic sorbent effects on effluent and process efficiency. A particular emphasis is placed on waste derived biofuels, which are currently a primary candidate for a sustainable biofuel of tomorrow, catalysts/catalytic sorbents with decreased amounts of noble metals, their long term activity, and poison resistance, and novel nano-sorbent materials. In this review, future prospects for waste to fuels or chemicals and the needed research to further process technologies are discussed.
Highly Active and Selective Supported Rhenium Catalysts for Aerobic Oxidation of n-Hexane and n-Heptane
Authors: Mishra Gopal , Alegria Elisabete , Pombeiro Armando , Martins Luísa
Published: March 2018

A series of derivative C-scorpionate rhenium complexes, i.e., [ReCl2{NNC(O)C6H5}(Hpz)(PPh3)2] (A) (where Hpz is pyrazole), [ReCl2{NNC(O)C6H5}(Hpz)2(PPh3)] (B), [ReClF{NNC(O)C6H5}(Hpz)2(PPh3)] (C), and their precursor [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] (D), immobilized on 3-aminopropyl-functionalized silica have been prepared and used for neat O2 oxidation of n-hexane and n-heptane mainly to the corresponding alcohols and, in lower amounts, ketones. The supported catalyst C, with fluoro- and diazenido-ligands, exhibits the highest activity for both alkanes (overall turnover numbers (TONs) up to 3.8 × 103 and 2.5 × 103, for n-hexane and n-heptane, respectively) and can be reused in consecutive catalytic cycles. Improved conversion was observed after addition of hetero-carboxylate co-catalysts. A free-radical-based mechanism is proposed to explain the product formation.
Solvent-Free Mizoroki-Heck Reaction Applied to the Synthesis of Abscisic Acid and Some Derivatives
Authors: Dumonteil Geoffrey , Hiebel Marie-Aude , Berteina-Raboin Sabine
Published: March 2018

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a natural product, which is a well-known phytohormone. However, this molecule has recently exhibited interesting biological activities, emphasizing the need for a simple and direct access to new analogues based on the ABA framework. Our strategy relies on a pallado-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling as key reaction performed in solvent and ligand free conditions. After a careful optimization, we succeeded in accessing various (E/Z)-dienes and (E/E/Z)-trienes in moderate to good yields without isomerization and applied the same approach to the synthesis of ABA in an environmentally sound manner.
An Efficient Stator Inter-Turn Fault Diagnosis Tool for Induction Motors
Authors: Maraaba Luqman , Al-Hamouz Zakariya , Abido Mohammad
Published: March 2018

Induction motors constitute the largest proportion of motors in industry. This type of motor experiences different types of failures, such as broken bars, eccentricity, and inter-turn failure. Stator winding faults account for approximately 36% of these failures. As such, condition monitoring is used to protect motors from sudden breakdowns. This paper proposes the use of neural networks as an efficient diagnostic tool for estimating the percentage of stator winding shorted turns in three-phase induction motors. A MATLAB-based model was developed and simulated under different fault-load combination cases for different sizes of motors. The motor’s developed electromechanical torque was selected as a fault indicator. For the design and training of the neural network, the mean, variance, max, min, and F120 time based on statistical and frequency-related features were found to be very distinct for correlating the captured electromechanical torque with its corresponding percentage of shorted turns. In the training phase of the neural network, five different motors were used and are referred to as seen motors. On the other hand, for testing the efficiency of the developed diagnostic tool, the electromechanical torque under different fault-load combination cases, previously never seen from the first five motors and those of two new motors (referred to as unseen), was used. Testing results revealed accuracy in the range of 88–99%.
Real-Time Framework for Energy Management System of a Smart Microgrid Using Multiagent Systems
Authors: Netto Roberto , Ramalho Guilherme , Bonatto Benedito , Carpinteiro Otavio , Zambroni de Souza A. , Oliveira Denisson , Braga Rodrigo
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a framework to analyze the problem of real-time management of Smart Grids. For this purpose, the energy management is integrated with the power system through a telecommunication system. The use of Multiagent Systems (MAS) leads the proposed algorithm to find the best-integrated solution, taking into consideration the operating scenario and the system characteristics. With this framework it was possible to evaluate the design of the energy management and the impact of the algorithm developed in the MAS. In the same way, the data sent from the power system to be used for energy management have a direct impact on his behavior. The proposed framework is tested with the help of a microgrid, so the results may be replicated.
On-Line Detection of Coil Inter-Turn Short Circuit Faults in Dual-Redundancy Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Chen Yiguang , Chen Xuemin , Shen Yonghuan
Published: March 2018

In the aerospace and military fields, with high reliability requirements, the dual-redundancy permanent magnet synchronous motor (DRPMSM) with weak thermal coupling and no electromagnetic coupling is needed. A common fault in the DRPMSM is the inter-turn short circuit fault (ISCF). However, research on how to diagnose ISCF and the set of faulty windings in the DRPMSM is lacking. In this paper, the structure of the DRPMSM is analyzed and mathematical models of the motor under normal and faulty conditions are established. Then an on-line ISCF detection scheme, which depends on the running modes of the DRPMSM and the average values for the difference of the d-axis voltages between two sets of windings in the latest 20 sampling periods, is proposed. The main contributions of this paper are to analyze the calculation for the inductance of each part of the stator windings and propose the on-line diagnosis method of the ISCF under various operating conditions. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can quickly and effectively diagnose ISCF and determine the set of faulty windings of the DRPMSM.
A New Analytical Wake Model for Yawed Wind Turbines
Authors: Qian Guo-Wei , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: March 2018

A new analytical wake model for wind turbines, considering ambient turbulence intensity, thrust coefficient and yaw angle effects, is proposed from numerical and analytical studies. First, eight simulations by the Reynolds Stress Model are conducted for different thrust coefficients, yaw angles and ambient turbulence intensities. The wake deflection, mean velocity and turbulence intensity in the wakes are systematically investigated. A new wake deflection model is then proposed to analytically predict the wake center trajectory in the yawed condition. Finally, the effects of yaw angle are incorporated in the Gaussian-based wake model. The wake deflection, velocity deficit and added turbulence intensity in the wake predicted by the proposed model show good agreement with the numerical results. The model parameters are determined as the function of ambient turbulence intensity and thrust coefficient, which enables the model to have good applicability under various conditions.
Building Automation and Control Systems and Electrical Distribution Grids: A Study on the Effects of Loads Control Logics on Power Losses and Peaks
Authors: Favuzza Salvatore , Ippolito Mariano , Massaro Fabio , Musca Rossano , Riva Sanseverino Eleonora , Schillaci Giuseppe , Zizzo Gaetano
Published: March 2018

Growing home comfort is causing increasing energy consumption in residential buildings and a consequent stress in urban medium and low voltage distribution networks. Therefore, distribution system operators are obliged to manage problems related to the reliability of the electricity system and, above all, they must consider investments for enhancing the electrical infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is to assess how the reduction of building electricity consumption and the modification of the building load profile, due to load automation, combined with suitable load control programs, can improve network reliability and distribution efficiency. This paper proposes an extensive study on this issue, considering various operating scenarios with four load control programs with different purposes, the presence/absence of local generation connected to the buildings and different external thermal conditions. The study also highlights how different climatic conditions can influence the effects of the load control logics.
Progress and Challenges of Protecting North American Ash Trees from the Emerald Ash Borer Using Biological Control
Authors: Duan Jian , Bauer Leah , Van Driesche Roy , Gould Juli
Published: March 2018

After emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, was discovered in the United States, a classical biological control program was initiated against this destructive pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). This biocontrol program began in 2007 after federal regulatory agencies and the state of Michigan approved release of three EAB parasitoid species from China: Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Eulophidae), Spathius agrili Yang (Braconidae), and Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Encyrtidae). A fourth EAB parasitoid, Spathius galinae Belokobylskij (Braconidae) from Russia, was approved for release in 2015. We review the rationale and ecological premises of the EAB biocontrol program, and then report on progress in North American ash recovery in southern Michigan, where the parasitoids were first released. We also identify challenges to conserving native Fraxinus using biocontrol in the aftermath of the EAB invasion, and provide suggestions for program improvements as EAB spreads throughout North America. We conclude that more work is needed to: (1) evaluate the establishment and impact of biocontrol agents in different climate zones; (2) determine the combined effect of EAB biocontrol and host plant resistance or tolerance on the regeneration of North American ash species; and (3) expand foreign exploration for EAB natural enemies throughout Asia.
Lanthanides and Actinides in Humic Acids of Soils and Paleosols of Forest-Steppe Conditions in the Southern Urals
Authors: Dergacheva Maria , Nekrasova Olga , Rikhvanov Leonid , Zdanovich Dmitry
Published: March 2018

This article analyzes the lanthanum, cerium, samarium, europium, terbium, ytterbium, lutetium, uranium, and thorium content in humic acids within soil and paleosol surface horizons from the southern steppe in the Southern Urals. Research demonstrates similar accumulation levels of these elements in paleosols isolated from both the active medium between 3.6 and 3.3 thousand years ago and in recent background soils. Despite the lack of significant differences, research has shown a growing content among the rarest metals in the series “the buried paleosols–man-modified paleosols of settlement–recent background soils”. Research has detected the lowest content of La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, and Th in preparations of humic acids of recent background soils. This reveals a close content to most elements in humic acids of paleosols buried under barrows and ancient settlement paleosols. Additionally, it indicates the virtual absence of anthropogenic impact on binding lanthanides and actinides by humic acids in ancient times. The contribution of humic acids into the common pool for each element was evaluated using a special approach. Research showed that there was less than half the share of elements associated by humic acids of paleosols than in the recent background chernozems in the total pool of lanthanides and actinides. This article considers the prospects of using humic acids of recent and ancient soils in identifying behavioral patterns of metal complexes through time.
Integrated Investigation of Built Heritage Monuments: The Case Study of Paphos Harbour Castle, Cyprus
Authors: Lysandrou Vasiliki , Agapiou Athos , Ioannides Manolis , Kantiranis Nikolaos , Charalambous Eleftherios , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: March 2018

The state of preservation of built heritage monuments is often evaluated by means of several destructive techniques, which are mainly focused on the analysis of small parts of the monuments’ construction materials. The necessary sampling for the accomplishment of these destructive analyses is usually restricted to confined parts of a monument, since monuments are usually under protective legislation, and therefore only indicative of larger areas. Current research attempts to enhance the results of provided by destructive methods, using non-destructive image processing techniques. Towards this end, the potential use of image processing based on rectified images is examined, along with material sampling and laboratory analyses as part of a multi-disciplinary methodology for the investigation of Paphos (Cyprus) Harbour Castle. This approach has been adopted in order to map the degradation patterns observed on the monument’s masonry walls, minimizing destructive methods and attempting to visualize the results of the monument as a whole. The combination of both analytical and non-destructive techniques resulted in the acquisition of large amounts of information, permitting the evaluation of applied non-destructive techniques for the study of the deterioration present on a monument’s external surfaces. This approach led to the assessment of the overall state of preservation of the masonry walls of the structure in an extended scale covering all external façades in a semi-automatic way.
Evaluation of Regional Vulnerability to Disasters by People of Ishikawa, Japan: A Cross Sectional Study Using National Health Insurance Data
Authors: Fujiu Makoto , Morisaki Yuma , Takayama Junichi , Yanagihara Kiyoko , Nishino Tatsuya , Sagae Masahiko , Hirako Kohei
Published: March 2018

The 2013 Partial Amendment of the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law mandated that a roster of vulnerable persons during disasters be created, and further development of evacuation support is expected. In this study, the number of vulnerable people living in target analytical areas are identified in terms of neighborhood units by using the National Health Insurance Database to create a realistic and efficient evacuation support plan. Later, after considering the “vulnerability” of an area to earthquake disaster damage, a quantitative evaluation of the state of the disaster is performed using a principle component analysis that further divided the analytical target areas into neighborhood units to make a detailed determination of the number of disaster-vulnerable persons, the severity of the disaster, etc. The results of the disaster evaluation performed after considering the vulnerability of an area are that 628 disaster-vulnerable persons live in areas with a relatively higher disaster evaluation value.
Case Study of Airborne Pathogen Dispersion Patterns in Emergency Departments with Different Ventilation and Partition Conditions
Authors: Cheong Chang , Lee Seonhye
Published: March 2018

The prevention of airborne infections in emergency departments is a very important issue. This study investigated the effects of architectural features on airborne pathogen dispersion in emergency departments by using a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation tool. The study included three architectural features as the major variables: increased ventilation rate, inlet and outlet diffuser positions, and partitions between beds. The most effective method for preventing pathogen dispersion and reducing the pathogen concentration was found to be increasing the ventilation rate. Installing partitions between the beds and changing the ventilation system’s inlet and outlet diffuser positions contributed only minimally to reducing the concentration of airborne pathogens.
Fine Resolution Probabilistic Land Cover Classification of Landscapes in the Southeastern United States
Authors: St. Peter Joseph , Hogland John , Anderson Nathaniel , Drake Jason , Medley Paul
Published: March 2018

Land cover classification provides valuable information for prioritizing management and conservation operations across large landscapes. Current regional scale land cover geospatial products within the United States have a spatial resolution that is too coarse to provide the necessary information for operations at the local and project scales. This paper describes a methodology that uses recent advances in spatial analysis software to create a land cover classification over a large region in the southeastern United States at a fine (1 m) spatial resolution. This methodology used image texture metrics and principle components derived from National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) aerial photographic imagery, visually classified locations, and a softmax neural network model. The model efficiently produced classification surfaces at 1 m resolution across roughly 11.6 million hectares (28.8 million acres) with less than 10% average error in modeled probability. The classification surfaces consist of probability estimates of 13 visually distinct classes for each 1 m cell across the study area. This methodology and the tools used in this study constitute a highly flexible fine resolution land cover classification that can be applied across large extents using standard computer hardware, common and open source software and publicly available imagery.
Progressive Amalgamation of Building Clusters for Map Generalization Based on Scaling Subgroups
Authors: He Xianjin , Zhang Xinchang , Yang Jie
Published: March 2018

Map generalization utilizes transformation operations to derive smaller-scale maps from larger-scale maps, and is a key procedure for the modelling and understanding of geographic space. Studies to date have largely applied a fixed tolerance to aggregate clustered buildings into a single object, resulting in the loss of details that meet cartographic constraints and may be of importance for users. This study aims to develop a method that amalgamates clustered buildings gradually without significant modification of geometry, while preserving the map details as much as possible under cartographic constraints. The amalgamation process consists of three key steps. First, individual buildings are grouped into distinct clusters by using the graph-based spatial clustering application with random forest (GSCARF) method. Second, building clusters are decomposed into scaling subgroups according to homogeneity with regard to the mean distance of subgroups. Thus, hierarchies of building clusters can be derived based on scaling subgroups. Finally, an amalgamation operation is progressively performed from the bottom-level subgroups to the top-level subgroups using the maximum distance of each subgroup as the amalgamating tolerance instead of using a fixed tolerance. As a consequence of this step, generalized intermediate scaling results are available, which can form the multi-scale representation of buildings. The experimental results show that the proposed method can generate amalgams with correct details, statistical area balance and orthogonal shape while satisfying cartographic constraints (e.g., minimum distance and minimum area).
Synthesis and Characterization of Stimuli-Responsive Poly(2-dimethylamino-ethylmethacrylate)-Grafted Chitosan Microcapsule for Controlled Pyraclostrobin Release
Authors: Xu Chunli , Cao Lidong , Zhao Pengyue , Zhou Zhaolu , Cao Chong , Zhu Feng , Li Fengmin , Huang Qiliang
Published: March 2018

Controllable pesticide release in response to environmental stimuli is highly desirable for better efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Combining the merits of natural and synthetic polymers, pH and temperature dual-responsive chitosan copolymer (CS-g-PDMAEMA) was facilely prepared through free radical graft copolymerization with 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl 2-methacrylate (DMAEMA) as the vinyl monomer. An emulsion chemical cross-linking method was used to expediently fabricate pyraclostrobin microcapsules in situ entrapping the pesticide. The loading content and encapsulation efficiency were 18.79% and 64.51%, respectively. The pyraclostrobin-loaded microcapsules showed pH-and thermo responsive release. Microcapsulation can address the inherent limitation of pyraclostrobin that is photo unstable and highly toxic on aquatic organisms. Compared to free pyraclostrobin, microcapsulation could dramatically improve its photostability under ultraviolet light irradiation. Lower acute toxicity against zebra fish on the first day and gradually similar toxicity over time with that of pyraclostrobin technical concentrate were in accordance with the release profiles of pyraclostrobin microcapsules. This stimuli-responsive pesticide delivery system may find promising application potential in sustainable plant protection.
The Amino-Terminal Domain of GRK5 Inhibits Cardiac Hypertrophy through the Regulation of Calcium-Calmodulin Dependent Transcription Factors
Authors: Sorriento Daniela , Santulli Gaetano , Ciccarelli Michele , Maione Angela , Illario Maddalena , Trimarco Bruno , Iaccarino Guido
Published: March 2018

We have recently demonstrated that the amino-terminal domain of G protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) type 5, (GRK5-NT) inhibits NFκB activity in cardiac cells leading to a significant amelioration of LVH. Since GRK5-NT is known to bind calmodulin, this study aimed to evaluate the functional role of GRK5-NT in the regulation of calcium-calmodulin-dependent transcription factors. We found that the overexpression of GRK5-NT in cardiomyoblasts significantly reduced the activation and the nuclear translocation of NFAT and its cofactor GATA-4 in response to phenylephrine (PE). These results were confirmed in vivo in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), in which intramyocardial adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of GRK5-NT reduced both wall thickness and ventricular mass by modulating NFAT and GATA-4 activity. To further verify in vitro the contribution of calmodulin in linking GRK5-NT to the NFAT/GATA-4 pathway, we examined the effects of a mutant of GRK5 (GRK5-NTPB), which is not able to bind calmodulin. When compared to GRK5-NT, GRK5-NTPB did not modify PE-induced NFAT and GATA-4 activation. In conclusion, this study identifies a double effect of GRK5-NT in the inhibition of LVH that is based on the regulation of multiple transcription factors through means of different mechanisms and proposes the amino-terminal sequence of GRK5 as a useful prototype for therapeutic purposes.
Characterization of Multiple Cytokine Combinations and TGF-β on Differentiation and Functions of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Lee Cho-Rong , Lee Wongeun , Cho Steve , Park Sung-Gyoo
Published: March 2018

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) regulate T cell immunity, and this population is a new therapeutic target for immune regulation. A previous study showed that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is involved in controlling MDSC differentiation and immunoregulatory function in vivo. However, the direct effect of TGF-β on MDSCs with various cytokines has not previously been tested. Thus, we examined the effect of various cytokine combinations with TGF-β on MDSCs derived from bone marrow cells. The data show that different cytokine combinations affect the differentiation and immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs in different ways. In the presence of TGF-β, interleukin-6 (IL-6) was the most potent enhancer of MDSC function, whereas granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) was the most potent in the absence of TGF-β. In addition, IL-4 maintained MDSCs in an immature state with an increased expression of arginase 1 (Arg1). However, regardless of the cytokine combinations, TGF-β increased expansion of the monocytic MDSC (Mo-MDSC) population, expression of immunosuppressive molecules by MDSCs, and the ability of MDSCs to suppress CD4+ T cell proliferation. Thus, although different cytokine combinations affected the MDSCs in different ways, TGF-β directly affects monocytic-MDSCs (Mo-MDSCs) expansion and MDSCs functions.