bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ sulfur loading in graphene-like nano-cell by template-free method for Li–S batteries
Authors: Du Huiwei , Gui Xuchun , Yang Rongliang , Lin Zhiqiang , Liang Binghao , Chen Wenjun , Zheng Yongjia , Zhu Hai , Chen Jun
Published: January 2018

Hollow graphene-like nano-cells were prepared as the host with high in situ sulfur loading via a template-free method for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries.
Dipole-moment-driven diesel soot oxidation in the presence of alkali metal chlorides
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Yexin , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2018

The dipole moments of alkali metal chlorides drive the oxidation of soot by promoting electron transfer, justifying their excellent activities despite their poor redox abilities.
Graphene oxide‐based radiofrequency identification wearable sensor for breath monitoring
Authors: Caccami Maria Cristina , Mulla Mohammad Y.S. , Di Natale Corrado , Marrocco Gaetano
Published: January 2018

The monitoring of the breathing dynamic characteristics, including the presence of biomarkers in exhaled breath, is of growing interest in non‐invasive diagnosis of diseases. The authors describe a wearable radiofrequency identification device hosting a flexible antenna suitable for integration into a facemask and a sensor made of graphene oxide sensitive to the humidity variations. The resulting sensor tag was characterised in reference conditions while its communication performance was estimated by electromagnetic simulations as well as measurements over a simplified model of the human head. Finally, the whole system was tested on a volunteer and was experimentally demonstrated to be capable of detecting the inhalation/exhalation cycles and abnormal patterns of respiration like the apnea by measuring the changes in graphene oxide resistance.
Adaptive fuzzy hysteresis band current control for reducing switching losses of hybrid active power filter
Authors: Durna Emre
Published: January 2018

Although hysteresis band current control is an easy to implement and robust control method for industrial power electronics converters, it has also some disadvantages like variable and high switching frequency causing high switching losses. In this study, a novel adaptive fuzzy hysteresis band current control system is proposed by making use of fuzzy expressions of both hybrid active power filter (HAPF) current and integral of its harmonic components to reduce the switching losses of three‐phase three‐wire two‐level HAPF. To reach this aim, a relation between switching frequency and integral of filter current harmonic components is formulised and used for defining a fuzzy hysteresis band. Moreover, the magnitude of the instantaneous current switched is also correlated to the switching losses; in this way, its fuzzy expression is also used for defining hysteresis band. Those fuzzy expressions are then utilised to constitute a dynamically changing hysteresis bandwidth. The proposed control system is finally optimised using EMTDC/PSCAD simulation environment and implemented in the field. The implemented HAPF system has been shown to successfully suppress all the interharmonic and harmonic current components produced by a steel melting facility occupying three induction melting furnaces and it has provided around 9% reduction in overall losses.
Detecting, modeling and quantifying differences in terms meaning, in BIM environment
Authors: Sůra Miroslav
Published: January 2018

Professional tasks in BIM involve sharing information among many participants, and require the use of the most precise terms to meet the following conditions. First, the user (reader) must not hesitate over the meaning. Second, various users should understand them alike, or better – in the same way. Less vague expressions provide more reliable basis for decision analysis and decision making, and for a joint, seamless, unquestionable consensus. Formal definitions of terms are used for that purpose where necessary, e.g. for logical or computer processing, but other terms remain or need to remain without such precise formal definitions. The principles for comparing difference in understanding the meaning of a term by different subjects are examined. We specify principles for measuring and calculating difference in, and vagueness of, meaning. Then, variables and scaling methods are proposed to measure the difference in and vagueness of meaning. The presented measuring scales can be applied for example in the process of refinement, unifying or splitting BIM terms, or group consistency in understanding a BIM-oriented terms can be assessed using the concept of vagueness.
Building defects and methodology of partial risk assessment as a step towards improving quality
Authors: Synek Jaroslav , Popenková Miloslava
Published: January 2018

This article deals with the assessment of partial risks in construction projects. Partial risks compromise the quality of the construction during preparation, implementation and use. They are the cause of defects associated with individual parts of construction and supply. These risks are also a source of increased repair costs. We need to identify partial risks and suppress them at all stages of the construction project to improve quality and reduce construction costs. The article defines the sub-risk and its impact on the complexity of buildings. It deals with the methodology of evaluation and use of analytical results for the prevention of building defects. The article also presents the benefits of applying the sub-risk assessment and the resulting preventive measures.
Application of recycled plastic in flat roofs
Authors: Smolka Radim , Sobotka Jindřich
Published: January 2018

The article describes and verifies the possibility of applying secondary plastic materials to construction details such as flat roofs. The created element is a placement considered both in the area and in the finishing detail. The secure connection of the embedded element with the waterproofing layer is an integral part of the detail functionality. This is verified by a peeling resistance test at joints. Peel resistance is the tensile force required to completely separate the prepared joints. During testing, the test piece is pulled at constant speed until complete separation.
Facade renovation - replacement and restoration of the panels in a monument protected object
Authors: Novotný Michal , Nečasová Barbora
Published: January 2018

The article deals with problems of reconstruction of the facade and the associated problem of replacement or repair of the panels. In conventional buildings it is a smooth operation, but it is problematic in monument-protected objects. In the case of a common building, it is possible to choose any modern panels and simply replace them, but for historical objects we have to follow the claims and the rules of monument protection. In practice, it usually means the impossibility of use of modern panels, but at least a combination of old and modern technologies. Another possible solution to the problem is renovation, or repairs to the original state of the existing panels, of course with respect to the functionality of panels. The implementation of such repairs must always be based on the technical and historical survey of the condition of the object and the repairs must be professionally designed. Subsequently, corrections are made, during which it is necessary to pay particular attention to observance of the technological procedures, rules and instructions particularly in terms of monument protection. However, the functionality of the works or elements made with regard to the quality of the environment within the building is not negligible. A common problem is the lack of control of technical requirements and functional requirements. Underestimation of the problems then leads to difficult repairs. The article points to the mistakes and problems of one such construction project on a historically protected chateau building.
Numerical Analysis Of Viscous Wall Dampers On Steel Frame
Authors: Hidayaty Effy , Setio Herlien D. , Surahman Adang , Moestopo Muslinang
Published: January 2018

The structure is designed to minimize component damaged, one of them is using a damping system. Viscous Wall Damper is one of the damping systems, using high viscosity liquids as dampers. The viscous wall damper is represented by an Exponential Maxwell Damper model. Much of the literature shows the ability of viscous wall damper by experimental studies, but few of them had discussed numerically. This article will present an analytical model of the viscous wall damper, add viscous wall damper element to an existing frame and numerical analysis. The analysis was performed by a computer application on a steel space frame that excited a combination of three earthquake types. The influence of Viscous Wall Damper showed that a significant decrement of displacement u1 at the structure with Viscous Wall Damper in X & Y direction (50,78%) and with Viscous Wall Damper in Y direction (23,96%). The decrement displacement happened in all structure. At the end of the analysis shows the reduced of the structure periods, the structure response (displacement, velocity, and acceleration). All these results conclude that the structural components damaged due to loads can be greatly reduced.
Pedestrian Perception about Facility of Pedestrian Crossings
Authors: Muhammad Mulyadi Agah
Published: January 2018

Pedestrians are vulnerable road user which have potential conflicts with vehicles, especially when pedestrians crossing the road. The number of accidents which was involving pedestrians crossing on the roads were relatively high. Data showed that accidents which were involving pedestrians in Indonesia were 3878 events1. The purpose of this study is to determine the needs of pedestrians on the crossing facility and how pedestians desired types of crossing facilities. Data were collected by questionnaire distribution and interviews to the pedestrians. Collecting data and information were conducted in Bandung. Perception of comfort on each type of crossing facility, the majority of respondents choose pelican crossing and crossings with creative road marking with the highest comfort 50% and 51% respectively. Respondents' perception on the secure of each types of crossing facility is to assume that overpass/underpass has the highest secure pedestrian crossing by 48%. In addition, the recommendation of types of pedestrian crossing on Jalan Asia Africa Rd and Aceh Rd are pelican crossing on weekday and overpass/underpas at the weekend based on PV2 formula.
Study of the Relation between Sediment Characteristics and Multiphase Flow to the Presence of Sediment Oxygen Demand (SOD) in Open Channels
Authors: Dwinandha Dhimas , Satriyo Tomo Haryo
Published: January 2018

A laboratory study was conducted with the aim to determine the correlation between sediment characteristics and multiphase flow analysis of carrier fluid to the presence of SOD. Six sediment samples were tested on their physical and chemical characteristics along with particle size distribution of sediments to find the indication of oxygen consumption and to classify the soil sediment class. For multiphase flow analysis, there were two transition velocities calculated: the transition between a pseudo-homogenous flow and a heterogeneous flow and the limit deposit velocities at the onset of solid particle bed. The SOD test was done in laboratory-scale by using a 600-mL reactor. According to tests, the amount of organic carbon content (TOC) in the samples were ranging from 34.58 to 81.27%, with the sediments’ textures categorised as silt loam, silty clay loam, and sand. In the channels, heterogeneous flow occurred in two channel segments, while the other segments’ regime was classified as homogeneous flow. The obtained SOD values were varied from 0.2427 to 0.8487 g/m2/day with K3 values obtained ranged from 8.6537 to 12.4028 m-1. Based on all analysis, the organic characteristic of sediment holds a key role in the presence of SOD value.
Study on Water Resources Allocation for Kertajati, Jatitujuh, and Ligung Sub-Districts to Support the Development of West Java International Airport (BIJB) and Kertajati Aerocity Area
Authors: Suryadi Yadi , Chrysanti Asrini , Nurnadiati Febya , Adityawan Mohammad Bagus , Kuntoro Arno Adi
Published: January 2018

The Bandarudara Internasional Jawa Barat (BIJB) and Kertajati Aerocity are under construction and expected to be a center of economic activity supported by potential of natural resources and agriculture. They later will act as a driver of economic growth in West Java, especially for surrounding area such as Kertajati, Jatitujuh and Ligung Sub-districts. As an affect of the the development of BIJB and Kertajati Aerocity, the water demand of surrounding area will increase. Therefore an analysis of water demand and availability is needed. This research supports by analyzing the water balance, water demand, and also water allocation using WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planing) software tool. Water balance of Cimanuk-Tomo, Cimanuk-Monjot, and Cilutung-Dam Kamun river are analyzed, water demand of the three sub-districts are also projected and become the inputs of the water allocation model. The result of WEAP model simulation shows that the Cimanuk River can meet the water demand of the three sub-districts until 2040.
The Diurnal and Semidiurnal Patterns of Rainfall and its Correlation to the Stream Flow Characteristic in the Ciliwung Watershed, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Riawan Edi , Hadi Tri Wahyu , Kardhana Hadi , Mihardja Dadang K. , Sapiie Benyamin
Published: January 2018

Based on the data analysis of 16 years of TMPA dataset, the common patterns of rainfall over the Ciliwung River Basin are diurnal and semidiurnal. Those patterns can be associated by a stationary or moving rainstorm with different magnitude and direction. Based on hydrological model simulations, both the pattern and movement have a significant role to the discharge. At the downstream area, the discharge that triggered by semidiurnal pattern of rainfall can produces higher peak discharge and longer flood duration than diurnal pattern. This result open possibility to improve our prediction on design discharge.
Development of audit technology approach for performance improvement of faecal sludge treatment plant (IPLT) (Case study: IPLT Bawang in Tangerang City and IPLT Pecuk in Indramayu District)
Authors: Riyana Agustien Rydha , Soewondo Prayatni , Sudradjat Arief
Published: January 2018

One of the infrastructure to support the achievement of the 100% sanitation target is IPLT. The development of audit technology approach needed for performance improvement of IPLT. The objectives of this research are to determine the weight of components technology priority that have affect to IPLT, assessing the achievement of performance in IPLT Bawang and IPLT Pecuk, and to determine the priority of performance improvement strategy in study area. This research consist of descriptive analysis about public sanitation condition in the study area by distributing questionnaires, scoring method analysis of IPLT technology components using pairwise comparison method to determine main priority of technology component, performance analysis of IPLT Bawang and IPLT Pecuk using audit technology approach, and determining strategy of IPLT performance improvement. The weight of technology components that affect the performance of IPLT are humanware with weight 0,35, orgaware with weight 0,29, technoware with weights 0,24 and infoware with weight 0,13. The value of performance achievement IPLT Pecuk is 60,2% and IPLT Bawang is 58,1%. The priority of performance improvement strategy in IPLT Bawang are improvement strategies of humanware, technoware, infoware and orgaware, meanwhile in IPLT Pecuk are improvement strategies of technoware component, humanware, orgaware and infoware.
Screening The Effect of Cu, Mn, and Mg on Ethanol Formation in Degradation Process of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) under Anaerobic Condition Using Two-Level Factorial Design Method
Authors: Widya Puteri Tia , Syafila Mindriany
Published: January 2018

Anaerobic digestion can be used for the treatment of POME to reduce organic content and generate some substances, such as volatile acids, ethanol, and various gasses. During anaerobic fermentation process, microorganism requires the presence of trace elements for growth to improve their performance. This research will be carried out as a study of the presence of trace elements, such as metals (Cu2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+) that has significant effects on ethanol formation. Circulating Bed Reactor was used and operated in a batch system for 48 hours. Metal ions were screened and analyzed by using two-level factorial design method whether there is any correlation effect between the addition of Cu2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+ and ethanol formation. Several parameters which consists of Total Volatile Acids (TVA), dissolved Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODs), Volatile Suspended Solid (VSS), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and ethanol were measured every sampling. Mn metal is proven statistically affect both TVA and ethanol formation while Mg metal only affect TVA formation. Cu2+ and Mg2+ metals combination affect ethanol formation with largest detected ethanol concentration is 7,483.07 mg/L. The result from this study had identified the metal ions which has significant effect as a foundation for optimization ethanol formation.
Effect of Aeration Rates on Removals of Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in Small Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (Johkasou)
Authors: Aldilla Fajri Joni , Fujisawa Tomonari , Trianda Yenni , Ishiguro Yasushi , Cui Guangyu , Li Fusheng , Yamada Toshiro
Published: January 2018

Onsite application of oxygen supply in domestic wastewater system may be influenced by several factors that can inhibit the oxidation and nitrification processes. In this study, the influence of aeration rate on the Johkasou performance was focused using two Johkasou facilities serving up to five persons household. In the Johkasou A (JO-A) system, we increased the aeration rate from 30 to 63 L.min-1 whereas, in the Johkasou B (JO-B), it was decreased from 59 to 34 L.min-1. Water and sludge samples were collected from the anaerobic-anoxic-oxic zones before and after adjustment of the aeration rate measured for organic matters and nitrogen parameters. Increasing the aeration rate in JO-A resulted in a high removal of organic matter (82.5%) and nitrogen (60.3%) compared to decreasing of aeration rate in JO-B (52.0% and 33.0%, respectively). Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) exhibited a maximum percentage when the aeration rate was increased compared to decreasing of aeration rate. These results indicate that application of a high aeration rate increases removal of organic matter and nitrogen and enhances ammonia transformation. It is therefore recommended to apply high aeration rates in Johkasou system.
Development of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Standard for Producing the Risk Based Structural Work Safety Plan Of Building
Authors: Elsye Vania , Latief Yusuf , Sagita Leni
Published: January 2018

A construction project is inseparable from a series of tasks in the form of activities. Activities that take place on a project can be disrupted due to various reasons, one of the causes of the disruption of project activities are accidents on construction projects. The risk of workplace accidents can be prevented with early identification and analysis of the potential danger that exist in every activity contained in the project’s WBS. The need for a standardized WBS in preventing the risk of workplace accidents is very important because it would present a risk assessment, impact and frequency arising from workplace accidents. The aim of this study is to develop a risk-based WBS standard particularly for structural work, by using a qualitative approach. The results of this research are WBS standard for building, source of potentially dangerous risk at structural work, and the development of safety plan using a risk-based WBS that has been standardized, as a form of prevention, reduction or even nullify the risk of workplace accidents (to obtain zero accidents) during construction project implementation.
Probabilistic Analysis of Cut-Slope Stability for Tropical Red Clay of Depok, West Java as an Effect of Rainfall Duration and Intensity
Authors: Hakim Sagitaningrum Fathiyah , Adi Prakoso Widjojo , Bahsan Erly
Published: January 2018

Landslide in Indonesia, specifically in Java island, occurs during rainy seasons. In Java island, it is known that the tropical red clay has the ability to stand at steep angles, while in stability analysis due to rainfall, practitioners only consider the rise of groundwater table. Previous studies states that one of the factor affecting factor of safety (FS) for tropical red clay slopes is the formation of saturated zones due to matric suction. This research studies the effect of rainfall intensity and duration to FS of cut-slopes as parametric study with probabilistic analysis for different height of 10m, 20m, and 30m also slope angles of 27°, 45°, 55°, and 70°. Rainfall parameter are taken from FTUI rainfall station for advanced pattern and three-days duration of rain. Analysis of seepage uses SEEP/W and slope stability uses SLOPE/W. It is known that the significant increase of probability of failure due to the three-days rainfall is achieved at the 10m height and 70°-angled slope. Increase of the probability of failure is mainly due to rainfall infiltration which saturates the surface and pore water pressure increase until certain time where infiltration stops and turn into surface run-off.
Assessment of Bridge Substructure in Java Island
Authors: Panji Pringga Satria , Ilyas Tommy , Bahsan Erly
Published: January 2018

Bridges play important roles in transportation system. Hazard to substructure of bridges become amplified. Based on previous year data, at least one-third of total bridges in Indonesia are damaged in certain level of defect. The performance of existing bridges shall be in-check everytime. Substructure of bridge itself is prone to hazards such as ground displacement, slope instability, seismic-related hazard and scour. Traffic data and soil investigation data will be used to analyse ground displacement and slope instability where the bridge located. Local geological and seismic data will be used to assess seismic-related hazard. Quantitative data is technical information and analyses from geotechnical aspects. Qualitative data is an expert system collected from bridge expert and local goverment. The expert system will have a rating system for each aspect. Fuzzy-based method is an effective tool for modeling some vague datas and this ease the decision-making process. Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) will be used to analyses geotechnical aspect and expert system. Hazard identification, risk rating, risk analysis, and risk assessment are steps conducted in FAHP method. Classification and rating of risk can be done with proposed method. This assessment can be a tool or recommendation for local government where the bridge located.
Surface structure evolution in a homologous series of ionic liquids
Authors: Haddad Julia , Pontoni Diego , Murphy Bridget M. , Festersen Sven , Runge Benjamin , Magnussen Olaf M. , Steinrück Hans-Georg , Reichert Harald , Ocko Benjamin M. , Deutsch Moshe
Published: January 2018

Significance

This high-resolution X-ray study resolves the liquid–air interface structure for a long homologous series of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). RTILs are intensely studied for many potential “green” applications and for their intriguingly complex and rare combination of intermolecular interactions. Varying their cation’s alkyl chain length provides, therefore, an opportunity to tune the main interaction from mostly long-range electrostatic to mostly short-range van der Waals. This variation is found here to drive the interface structure from simple, to layered, to liquid crystalline. The quantitative results obtained constitute an accurate yardstick for testing simulations and theory, impact the bulk–surface structure relations in general, and provide currently scarce data for many RTIL applications, like batteries and supercapacitors.
Aberration-corrected cryoimmersion light microscopy
Authors: Faoro Raffaele , Bassu Margherita , Mejia Yara X. , Stephan Till , Dudani Nikunj , Boeker Christian , Jakobs Stefan , Burg Thomas P.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Cryofluorescence imaging is of great interest in biological microscopy because vitrified samples (i.e., frozen without ice crystallization) are free from fixation artifacts, are highly photostable, and allow direct correlation with electron cryomicroscopy. Here, we show a concept for conducting cryo-light microscopy in immersion that provides a twofold to fivefold increase in image brightness and higher resolution than are attainable with air objectives. Spherical aberration at an imaging temperature below the glass transition of water (−135 °C) is corrected by our approach.
Prediction of inherited genomic susceptibility to 20 common cancer types by a supervised machine-learning method
Authors: Kim Byung-Ju , Kim Sung-Hou
Published: January 2018

Significance

Prevention and early diagnosis of cancer are the most effective ways of avoiding psychological, physical, and financial suffering from cancer. We present a machine-learning method for statistically predicting individuals’ inherited susceptibility (and environmental/lifestyle factors by inference) for acquiring the most likely type among a panel of 20 major common cancer types plus 1 “healthy” type. The results show that, depending on the type, about 33–88% of a cancer cohort have acquired its cancer type primarily due to inherited genomic susceptibility factors and that the rest are primarily due to environmental/lifestyle factors. These personal genomic susceptibilities with associated probabilities may provide practical information for individuals, heath professionals, and health policymakers related to prevention and/or early intervention of cancer.
The dominance of foreign capital and its impact on indigenous technology development in the production of liquefied natural gas in Nigeria
Authors: Albert Okorie
Published: January 2018

The briefing argues that the Nigerian economy is foreign capital driven and that the rentier character of the state has facilitated dominance of foreign capital in the gas sector. Furthermore, that the control of the sector and consequent reliance on foreign technology have distorted and stagnated local initiatives toward development of indigenous technology in the production of liquefied natural gas.
Changes in hospital bond ratings after the transition to a new electronic health record
Authors: McEvoy Dustin , Barnett Michael L , Sittig Dean F , Aaron Skye , Mehrotra Ateev , Wright Adam
Published: January 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of electronic health record (EHR) implementation on hospital finances.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the impact of EHR implementation on bond ratings and net income from service to patients (NISP) at 32 hospitals that recently implemented a new EHR and a set of controls.

Results

After implementing an EHR, 7 hospitals had a bond downgrade, 7 had a bond upgrade, and 18 had no changes. There was no difference in the likelihood of bond rating changes or in changes to NISP following EHR go-live when compared to control hospitals.

Discussion

Most hospitals in our analysis saw no change in bond ratings following EHR go-live, with no significant differences observed between EHR implementation and control hospitals. There was also no apparent difference in NISP.

Conclusions

Implementation of an EHR did not appear to have an impact on bond ratings at the hospitals in our analysis.
Climatic effects on turnover of lowland forest bird communities across a precipitation gradient
Authors: Gomez Juan Pablo , Ponciano José Miguel , Robinson Scott K.
Published: January 2018

One of the main goals of community ecology is to understand the influence of the abiotic environment on the abundance and distribution of species. It has been hypothesized that dry forests are harsher environments than wet forests, which leads to the prediction that environmental filtering should be a more important determinant of patterns of species abundance and composition than in wet forest, where biotic interactions or random assembly should be more important. We attempt to understand the influence of rainfall on the abundance and distribution of bird species along a steep precipitation gradient in an inter-Andean valley in Colombia. We gathered data on species distributions, abundance, morphological traits and phylogenetic relationships to determine the influence of rainfall on the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic turnover of species along the Magdalena Valley. We demonstrate that there is a strong turnover of community composition at the limit of the dry forest. The taxonomic turnover is steeper than the phylogenetic turnover, suggesting that replacement of closely related species accounts for a disproportionate number of changes along the gradient. We found evidence for environmental filtering in dry forest as species tend to be more tolerant of higher temperature ranges, stronger rainfall seasonality and lower minimum rainfall. On the other hand, wet forest species tend to compete actively for nest space but not for the resources associated with the axes we measured. Our results suggest that rainfall is a strong determinant of community composition when comparing localities above and below the 2400 mm rainfall isocline.
Parameter estimation of UAV from flight data using neural network
Authors: R. Dhayalan , Saderla Subrahmanyam , Ghosh Ajoy Kanti
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the application of the neural-based estimation method, Neural-Gauss-Newton (NGN), using the real flight data of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Design/methodology/approach

The UAVs in general are lighter in weight and their flight is usually influenced by the atmospheric winds because of their relatively lower cruise speeds. During the presence of the atmospheric winds, the aerodynamic forces and moments get modified significantly and the accurate mathematical modelling of the same is highly challenging. This modelling inaccuracy during parameter estimation is routinely treated as the process noise. Furthermore, because of the limited dimensions of the small UAVs, the measurements are usually influenced by the disturbances caused by other subsystems. To handle these measurement and process noises, the estimation methods based on neural networks have been found reliable in the manned aircrafts.

Findings

Six sets of compatible longitudinal flight data of the designed UAV have been chosen to estimate the parameters using the NGN method. The consistency in the estimates is verified from the obtained mean and the standard deviation and the same has been validated by the proof-of-match exercise. It is evident from the results that the NGN method was able to perform on a par with the conventional maximum likelihood method.

Originality/value

This is a partial outcome of the research carried out in estimating parameters from the UAVs.
Stability analysis of aircraft’s sudden damage process with ROA overlapping
Authors: Chen Jie , Ma Cunbao , Song Dong
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a stability analysis method based on region-of-attraction (ROA) overlapping to evaluate the flight stability of the possible sudden damage process and guarantee flight safety in extreme cases.

Design/methodology/approach

First, according to the two flight conditions before and after damage which the aircraft may encounter, flight dynamical models are built and fitted by polynomial equation for subsequent ROA analysis. And then, the ROA overlapping estimation method based on V-s iteration is presented to complete the stability analysis of such airplane sudden damage process.

Findings

Finally, in the presence of control surface damage, case aircraft flight stability is analyzed and simulated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Practical implications

The proposed method can be used for stability check during the aircraft control law design, or for further completing the design of the emergency stable controller design.

Originality/value

Compared with previous studies on sudden damage process of aircraft, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the pioneer studies in which the ROA and ROA overlapping concept has been introduced. This study on stability analysis of aircraft sudden damage process could further develop the theory of emergency stable control.
Application of reverse processing in SINS initial alignment and SINS/GPS integrated navigation
Authors: Liu Haiying , Jiang Xin , Yue Yazhou , Gao Guangen
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The study aims to propose reverse processing solution to improve the performance of strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) initial alignment and SINS-/global positioning system- (GPS) integrated navigation. The proposed scheme can be well applied in the fields of aircraft and aerospace navigation.

Design/methodology/approach

For the SINS alignment phase, a fast initial alignment scheme is proposed: the initial value of reverse filter is determined by the final result of forward filter, and then, the reverse filter is carried out using the stored data. Multiple iterations are performed until the accuracy is satisfied. For the SINS-/GPS-integrated phase, a forward–reverse navigation algorithm is proposed: first, the standard forward filter is used, and then, the reverse filter is carried out using the initial value determined by the forward filter, and the final fusion results are achieved by the weighted smoothing of the forward and reverse filtering results.

Findings

The simulation and the actual test results show that in the initial alignment stage, the proposed reverse processing method can obviously shorten the SINS alignment time and improve the alignment accuracy. In the SINS-/GPS-integrated navigation data fusion stage, the proposed forward–reverse data fusion processing can, obviously, improve the performance of the navigation solution.

Practical implications

The proposed reverse processing technology has an important application in improving the accuracy of navigation and evaluating the performance of real-time navigation. The proposed scheme can be not only used for SINS-/GPS-integrated system but also applied to other integrated systems for general aviation aircraft.

Originality/value

Compared with the common forward filtering algorithm, the proposed reverse scheme can not only shorten alignment time and improve alignment accuracy but also improve the performance of the integrated navigation.
Effect of momentum flux distribution on multiple round jets
Authors: B.T. Kannan , N.R. Panchapakesan
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of nozzle momentum flux distribution on the flow field characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The nozzle configuration consists of a central nozzle surrounded by four nozzles. All nozzles have the same diameter and constant separation between nozzles. OpenFOAM® is used for simulating the jet flow. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are solved iteratively with a first-order closure for turbulence. Pitot-static tube with differential pressure transducer is used for mean velocity measurements. The comparison of computed results with experimental data shows similar trend and acceptable validation.

Findings

According to the results, the momentum flux distribution significantly alters the near field of multiple turbulent round jets. Highly non-linear decay region in the near field is found for the cases having higher momentum in the outer jets. As a result of merging, increased positive pressure is found in the mixing region. Higher secondary flows and wider mixing region are reported as a result of momentum transfer from axial to lateral directions by Reynolds stresses.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is limited to isothermal flow of air jet in air medium.

Social implications

Optimum momentum flux distribution in multijet injector of a combustor can reap better mixing leading to better efficiency and lesser environmental pollution.

Originality/value

As summary, the contributions of this paper in the field of turbulent jets are following: simulations for various momentum distribution cases have been performed. In all the cases, the flow at the nozzle exit is subsonic along with constant velocity profile. To simulate proper flow field, a large cylinder-type domain with structured grid is used with refinements toward the nozzle exit and jet axis. The results show that the non-linearity increases with increase in momentum of outer jets. Longer merging zones are reported for cases with higher momentum in outer nozzles using area-averaged turbulent kinetic energy. Similarly, wider mixing regions are reported using secondary flow parameter and visualizations.
Evaluating financial stress and performance of beginning farmers during the agricultural downturn
Authors: Katchova Ani L. , Dinterman Robert
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the financial performance and stress of beginning farmers in the USA with emphasis on the agricultural downturn experienced since 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data, probit models are estimated to study the personal and farm characteristics that affect whether or not the financial ratios fall into critical zones as defined by the Farm Financial Standards Council. The financial ratios involve liquidity, solvency, profitability, efficiency, and repayment capacity.

Findings

Beginning farmers are at a greater risk of financial stress on average, with higher likelihood of financial stress in liquidity and efficiency. Further, the recent agricultural downturn has negatively affected liquidity, solvency, and profitability for farmers while repayment capacity does not appear to be affected. During the downturn, beginning farmers are better positioned than the general farming population with respect to liquidity and repayment capacity.

Originality/value

This paper applies current lending practices to a nationally representative sample of farms over a time of changing economic conditions for the agricultural sector.
Comparing life cycle cost and environmental impact optimizations of a low voltage dry type distribution transformer
Authors: Delinchant Benoit , Mandil Guillaume , Wurtz Frédéric
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is more and more used in the context of electromagnetic product design. But it is often used to check a design solution regarding environmental impacts after technical and economical choices. This paper aims to investigate life cycle impact optimization (LCIO) and compare it with the classical life cycle cost optimization (LCCO).

Design/methodology/approach

First, a model of a dry-type transformer using different materials for windings and the magnetic core is presented. LCCO, which is a mixed continuous-discrete, multi-objective technico-economic optimization, is done using both deterministic and genetic algorithms. LCCO results and optimization performances are analyzed, and an LCA is presented for a set of optimal solutions. The final part is dedicated to LCIO, where the paper shows that these optimal solutions are close to those obtained with LCCO.

Findings

This paper investigated LCIO using an environmental impacts model that has been introduced in the optimization framework Component Architecture for the Design of Engineering Systems. The paper shows how a mixed continuous-discrete, multi-objective technico-economic optimization can be done using an efficient deterministic optimization algorithm such as Sequential Quadratic Programming. Thanks to the technico-economic-environmental model and the efficient optimization algorithm, both LCCO and LCIO were performed separately and together. It has been shown that optimal solutions are similar, leading to the conclusion that only one modeling is required (economic or environmental) but on the life cycle.

Originality/value

The classical sequential methodology of design is improved here by the use of a model of calculation of the environmental impacts allowing the optimization. This original optimization allowed the authors to show that an analysis of the life cycle from an economic point of view or from an environmental point of view led to quasi-equivalent technical solutions. The key is to take into account the life cycle of the product.
Green product deletion decisions
Authors: Bai Chunguang , Shah Purvi , Zhu Qingyun , Sarkis Joseph
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify how organizations can evaluate the green product deletion decision within an environmentally sustainable consumption and production environment through a hybrid multistage multiple criteria evaluation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a decision-making model by integrating “soft computation” using neighborhood rough set theory, fuzzy cluster means, and cumulative prospect theory. Literature is used to identify various factors for the decision environment. An illustrative problem provides insights into the methodology and application.

Findings

The results indicate that green products can be evaluated from both their relative environmental burdens and benefits. Sustainable consumption and production factors that play a role in this multifactor decision are identified. The results show that a comprehensive evaluation can capture an effective overall picture on which green product(s) to delete.

Research limitations/implications

The opaqueness of the proposed methodology may cause less acceptance by management. The methodology made a number of assumptions related to the data. An actual application of the tool rather than just an illustrative example is needed.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the novel integration of supply chain perspectives, both upstream (supply and production) and downstream (demand/usage), with green product deletion decision making. The hybrid multistage technique has advantages of being able to incorporate many factors that have a variety of quantitative and qualitative characteristics to help managers address green product deletion issues as well as its impact on greening of supply chains and organizational environmental sustainability. This paper adds value to product deletion, supply chain management, and sustainable production and consumption literatures.
Physicians’ accounts of frontline tensions when implementing pilot projects to improve primary care
Authors: Mansfield Elizabeth , Bhattacharyya Onil , Christian Jennifer , Naglie Gary , Steriopoulos Vicky , Webster Fiona
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Canada’s primary care system has been described as “a culture of pilot projects” with little evidence of converting successful initiatives into funded, permanent programs or sharing project outcomes and insights across jurisdictions. Health services pilot projects are advocated as an effective strategy for identifying promising models of care and building integrated care partnerships in local settings. In the qualitative study reported here, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the strengths and challenges of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 primary care physicians who discussed their experiences as pilot project leads. Following thematic analysis methods, broad system issues were captured as well as individual project information.

Findings

While participants often portrayed themselves as advocates for vulnerable patients, mobilizing healthcare organizations and providers to support new models of care was discussed as challenging. Competition between local healthcare providers and initiatives could impact pilot project success. Participants also reported tensions between their clinical, project management and research roles with additional time demands and skill requirements interfering with the work of implementing and evaluating service innovations.

Originality/value

Study findings highlight the complexity of pilot project implementation, which encompasses physician commitment to addressing care for vulnerable populations through to the need for additional skill set requirements and the impact of local project environments. The current pilot project approach could be strengthened by including more multidisciplinary collaboration and providing infrastructure supports to enhance the design, implementation and evaluation of health services improvement initiatives.
Do board characteristics affect bank performance? Evidence from the Bahrain Islamic banks
Authors: Hakimi Abdelaziz , Rachdi Houssem , Ben Selma Mokni Rim , Hssini Houda
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Although most previous studies interested in Islamic banks have focused on quantitative aspects such as performance, risk and stability, this paper aims to deal with the institutional dimension and focus precisely on the link between board characteristics and bank performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a data related to 13 banks in Bahrain observed over the period of 2005-2011, this study investigates the impact of board directors on the level of performance. To this end, the authors have used two empirical approaches. The first one is the panel data analysis with regard to random effect (RE) regression. The second one is the generalized method of moments (GMM) in system, which checked the soundness of the first result.

Findings

The result of RE regression indicates that the board duality is positively and significantly correlated with the bank performance for both ROA (return on assets) and ROE (return on equity). However, the board size exerts a positive and significant impact only when profitability is measured by ROE. The authors find that regression with GMM in system confirms the RE result exclusively for ROE. Findings also indicate that a financial crisis exerts a negative but not significant effect on bank performance.

Practical implications

These findings are relevant to both policymakers and regulators. Islamic banks in Bahrain should grant more importance to the structure and the quality of the board to improve their performance.

Originality/value

This study aims to extend the existing literature by focusing about the role of theShariahboard in bank performance.
Behavioral mediators of financial decision making – a state-of-art literature review
Authors: Nigam Rupali Misra , Srivastava Sumita , Banwet Devinder Kumar
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the insights provided by behavioral finance studies conducted in the last decade (2006-2015) examining behavioral variables in financial decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review assesses 623 qualitative and quantitative studies published in various international refereed journals and identifies possible scope of future work.

Findings

The paper identifies stock market anomalies which contradict rational agents of modern portfolio theory at an aggregate level and behavioral mediators, influencing the financial decision making at an investor level. The paper also attempts to classify different dimensions of risk as professed by the investor.

Originality/value

The authors synthesize the contribution made by behavioral finance studies in extending the knowledge of financial market and investor behavior.