bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Democracia y Desacuerdos Fácticos: ¿Procesarlos o Eliminarlos? Una aproximación desde el ‘Acontecimiento INDEC’
Authors: Avaro Dante
Published: November 2017

Los hechos y los desacuerdos fácticos juegan un rol preponderante en la democracia. Presento la situación en que una democracia funciona manipulando hechos. Y describo cómo esa situación produce una transformación en la capacidad de presentar y procesar los desacuerdos fácticos.
TEORÍAS DE LA DEMOCRACIA: DEBATES ACTUALES
Authors: Baños Jessica
Published: November 2017

El artículo aborda algunos debates actuales dentro de la Teoría de la Democracia poniendo de relieve elementos distintivos de los modelos de democracia liberal, participativa, deliberativa y radical, pero no con la intención de mostrarlos como modelos alternativos a la democracia liberal, sino como modelos que sirvan a la reflexión sobre cómo complementar y mejorar las deficiencias de nuestras democracias actuales.
APROXIMACIÓN EPISTEMOLÓGICA AL CONCEPTO DE CIENCIA: UNA PROPUESTA BÁSICA A PARTIR DE KUHN, POPPER, LAKATOS Y FEYERABEND
Authors: García Jiménez Leonarda
Published: November 2017

En el siguiente artículo, se propone una aproximación al concepto de ciencia, aproximación que resulta valedera para el ámbito de lo social, históricamente menos desarrollado que el natural. Es probable que esta situación se deba, en parte, al menor grado de consenso que los científicos sociales han alcanzado en cuestiones epistemológicas fundamentales. Por ello, es el objetivo principal de este artículo desarrollar una propuesta básica para esbozar una definición conceptual genérica a partir de los su- puestos defendidos por algunos filósofos de la ciencia, concretamente, por Karl R. Popper, Thomas Kuhn, Imre Lakatos y Paul Feyerabend.
¿HACIA DÓNDE VA LA CIUDADANÍA SOCIAL? (DE MARSHALL A SEN)
Authors: Freijeiro Varela Marcos
Published: November 2017

La noción de ciudadanía social, tal y como fue formulada por Marshall a mediados del siglo pasado, se encuentra en una situación de crisis cuya señal más evidente es el impacto de las políticas privatizadoras iniciadas por los gobiernos neoliberales en 1980. En el presente trabajo, se plantea la necesidad de abrir un espacio de debate sobre su futuro, que va ligado a la revisión de lo que entendemos por bienestar. En la obra del economista Amartya Sen, es posible encontrar patrones que permiten ir en esta dirección para preguntarse, en última instancia, si ha llegado el momento de pasar de hablar de un bienestar orientado a cubrir necesidades a otro cuyo objetivo sea la creación de capacidades.
POLÍTICA Y MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN EN ARGENTINA. KIRCHNER, CLARÍN Y LA LEY
Authors: Repoll Jerónimo
Published: November 2017

El presente artículo pretende comprender las complejas relaciones entre política y medios de comunicación en Argentina, tomando como punto de partida la aprobación de la Ley de Ser- vicios de Comunicación Audiovisual el 10 de octubre de 2009. Por otro lado, se analiza la relación del Grupo Clarín con los dos últimos gobiernos nacionales presididos por Néstor Kirchner y Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, respectivamente. En el marco de estas relaciones, medios-política y Kirchner-Clarín, se describe, por una parte, el constante intento gubernamental de controlar a los medios y, por otra, la parcialidad del ejercicio periodístico y su impacto sobre la vida democrática en la República Argentina.
EL MOVIMIENTO SOCIAL DE ATENCO: EXPERIENCIA Y CONSTRUCCIÓN DE SENTIDO
Authors: Kuri Pineda Edith
Published: November 2017

En octubre de 2001, el gobierno federal emitió diecinueve decretos expropiatorios con el propósito de construir un nuevo aeropuerto en la zona de Texcoco, estado de México. A esta decisión gubernamental se opuso un grupo de ejidatarios y residentes que erigieron el movimiento social de Atenco. En este artículo se analiza la dimensión interpretativa de la lucha atenquense, así como la importancia de la experiencia en el proceso constitutivo de este actor colectivo. Para tal efecto, se retoman algunas coordenadas heurísticas del historiador marxista E. P. Thompson, de Barrington Moore y de la denominada teoría del enmarcado.
Los desechados del mundo. Imágenes del paria
Authors: Varikas Eléni
Published: November 2017

No Aplica
Ciudadanía digital y sociedad de la información en la Unión Europea. Un análisis crítico
Authors: Sierra Caballero Francisco
Published: November 2017

La noción de Sociedad del Conocimiento define, en nuestro tiempo, un nuevo marco lógico de mediación social que incide directamente en el proceso general de desarrollo. Desde hace una década, la Unión Europea (UE) viene proponiendo, por ello, impulsar a escala local nuevas formas de gobernanza basadas en las nuevas tecnologías de la información. En el presente artículo, se analizan algunas experiencias comunitarias y se discute la visión estratégica de la Agenda de Lisboa, a fin de explorar los límites que, hoy por hoy, determinan los procesos de apropiación social de las nuevas tecnologías, así como el discurso público sobre eGobierno implementado por la Comisión Europea a partir de los resultados obtenidos en el último lustro.
Travesías de un pensar constante. La formulación de América Latina como objeto de conocimiento
Authors: López Nájera Verónica Renata
Published: November 2017

En este artículo propongo una caracterización en dos momentos de la trayectoria del pensamiento crítico latinoamericano. En el primero, se reconoce el paso del pensamiento hacia la teoría, y sus rasgos característicos, a partir de los paradigmas que la propia reflexión genera. El segundo momento es consecuencia de las modificaciones que implica para la reflexión social el periodo de dictaduras militares en la región. Esta nueva etapa se caracteriza por la centralidad de la perspectiva decolonial.  También reviso la propuesta del patrón de dominación modernocolonial a la luz de las nuevas tendencias del pensamiento crítico. Finalmente, señalo la importancia de los movimientos sociales como generadores de conocimiento.
Aproximaciones teóricas y conceptuales para una definición del estado del arte de la comunicación de los destinos turísticos
Authors: Vela Jordi de San Eugenio
Published: November 2017

El presente artículo pretende poner de relieve el cambio de registro experimentado por la comunicación de los destinos turísticos en los últimos diez años. Las posibilidades ofrecidas por las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC ), en consonancia con un uso renovado de la estrategia comunicativa, señalan la necesidad de definir un nuevo estado del arte para el binomio comunicación y turismo. En efecto, el uso de soportes meramente informativos y/o promocionales ha evolucionado hacia nuevas lógicas de producción, más propias del ámbito corporativo, situando al turista en el centro de la estrategia de comunicación. Así las cosas, los términos “persuasión” y “emoción” pasan a definir las nuevas coordenadas de trabajo para la comunicación de los destinos turísticos.
Heart Failure Study: Profile of Heart Failure Admissions in Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Regmi Shyam Raj , Maskey Arun , Dubey Laxman
Published: November 2017

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. In developed countries because of aging population and increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, heart failure has attained epidemic proportions, whereas, in developing countries like Nepal, rheumatic heart dissease is still the commonest cause of HF admission in medical intensive care unit (MICU). A retrospective study analysing registered data of HF admissions in MICU of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre (SGNHC) from August 2002 to OCtober 2008. Among these, 1771 patients were admitted for management of HF and were included in this study. Mean age was 45.07 Å} 35.09 (ranges from 11 years to 95 years). 836 (47%) were male and 935 (53%) were female. Rheumatic heart disease causing valvular cardiac lesion leading to HF was found in 791 (45%) patients. Dilated cardiomyopathy in 424 (24%), Ischemic heart disease in 378 (1%), hypertensive heart failure in 101 (6%) and HG due to congenital heart disease was found in 43 (2%) patients, Though, HF due to COPD / Cor-pulmonale is usually discouraged to be admitted in this heart centre, still 34(2%) patients were admitted for the management of HF due to COPD/cor-pulmonale. Rheumatic heart disease causing valvular cardiac lesion leading to HF admission was still the commonest cause of HF admission in MICU in our heart centre. Despite ACC/AHA guideline suggesting use of beta-blocking agent in patients with heart failure, only 22% of our patients received that agent. Thus, many patients were not being managed fully in accordance with international evidence based guidelines.
Measuring the Presence of Roman Rhetoric: An Intertextual Analysis of Augustine’sDe Doctrina Christiana IV
Authors: Diddams A. Caitlin , Gawley James
Published: November 2017

This article examines the intertextual relationship between Augustine’s De Doctrina Christiana IV and Cicero’s Orator. We use quantitative methods to compare Augustine’s level of engagement with Orator against his engagement with other handbooks of classical Latin rhetoric. Our results inform a close reading of the text as body metaphor in DDC 4.13. Augustine incorporates Ciceronian colometry into his presentation of the epistles to demonstrate Paul’s eloquence. We argue that Augustine’s comparatively heavy use of Cicero is an attempt to justify the use of rhetoric in Christian teaching while adapting that rhetoric to Christian purposes.
Voice and swallowing outcomes following reoperative anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a 2-team surgical approach
Authors: Erwood Matthew S. , Walters Beverly C. , Connolly Timothy M. , Gordon Amber S. , Carroll William R. , Agee Bonita S. , Carn Bradley R. , Hadley Mark N.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Dysphagia and vocal cord palsy (VCP) are common complications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The reported incidence rates for dysphagia and VCP are variable. When videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) is performed to assess vocal cord function after ACDF procedures, the incidence of VCP is reported to be as high as 22%. The incidence of dysphagia ranges widely, with estimates up to 71%. However, to the authors’ knowledge, there are no prospective studies that demonstrate the rates of VCP and dysphagia for reoperative ACDF. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of voice and swallowing disturbances before and after reoperative ACDF using a 2-team operative approach with comprehensive pre- and postoperative assessment of swallowing, direct vocal cord visualization, and clinical neurosurgical outcomes.

METHODS

A convenience sample of sequential patients who were identified as requiring reoperative ACDF by the senior spinal neurosurgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized study during the period from May 2010 until July 2014. Sixty-seven patients undergoing revision ACDF were enrolled using a 2-team approach with neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Dysphagia was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), whereas VCP was assessed using direct visualization with VLS.

RESULTS

Five patients (7.5%) developed a new postoperative temporary VCP after reoperative ACDF. All of these cases resolved by 2 months postoperatively. There were no new instances of permanent VCP. Twenty-five patients had a new swallowing disturbance detected on FEES compared with their baseline assessment, with most being mild and requiring no intervention. Nearly 60% of patients showed a decrease in their postoperative MDADI scores, particularly within the physical subset.

CONCLUSIONS

A 2-team approach to reoperative ACDF was safe and effective, with no new cases of VCP on postoperative VLS. Dysphagia rates as assessed through the MDADI scale and FEES were consistent with other published reports.
Preoperative skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone-iodine: a prospective analysis of 6959 consecutive spinal surgery patients
Authors: Ghobrial George M. , Wang Michael Y. , Green Barth A. , Levene Howard B. , Manzano Glen , Vanni Steven , Starke Robert M. , Jimsheleishvili George , Crandall Kenneth M. , Dididze Marina , Levi Allan D.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of 2 common preoperative surgical skin antiseptic agents, ChloraPrep and Betadine, in the reduction of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) in spinal surgery procedures.

METHODS

Two preoperative surgical skin antiseptic agents—ChloraPrep (2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol) and Betadine (7.5% povidone-iodine solution)—were prospectively compared across 2 consecutive time periods for all consecutive adult neurosurgical spine patients. The primary end point was the incidence of SSI.

RESULTS

A total of 6959 consecutive spinal surgery patients were identified from July 1, 2011, through August 31, 2015, with 4495 (64.6%) and 2464 (35.4%) patients treated at facilities 1 and 2, respectively. Sixty-nine (0.992%) SSIs were observed. There was no significant difference in the incidence of infection between patients prepared with Betadine (33 [1.036%] of 3185) and those prepared with ChloraPrep (36 [0.954%] of 3774; p = 0.728). Neither was there a significant difference in the incidence of infection in the patients treated at facility 1 (52 [1.157%] of 4495) versus facility 2 (17 [0.690%] of 2464; p = 0.06). Among the patients with SSI, the most common indication was degenerative disease (48 [69.6%] of 69). Fifty-one (74%) patients with SSI had undergone instrumented fusions in the index operation, and 38 (55%) patients with SSI had undergone revision surgeries. The incidence of SSI for minimally invasive and open surgery was 0.226% (2 of 885 cases) and 1.103% (67 of 6074 cases), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of either ChloraPrep or Betadine for preoperative skin antisepsis in spinal surgery had no significant impact on the incidence of postoperative SSI.
A quantitative approach to influential factors in One Day International cricket: Analysis based on Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Jahidur Rahman , Biswas Raaj Kishore , Kabir Enamul
Published: November 2017

The Bangladesh Cricket Team has performed well in the recent past with steady traits of improvement. Apart from the players’ performance, some external factors are associated with the outcome of a cricket match. This paper investigates prematch toss, batting sequence, match time, opposition team’s origin and time (in years) as independent factors influencing the performance of the Bangladesh team. Outcomes of 314 One Day International (ODI) matches were fitted with a typical logistic regression model and modified Poisson model to explore the association of these factors with match results. Both models showed consistency, although the logistic model outcomes were extreme with wider confidence intervals for odds ratios, compared to the risk ratios of the modified Poisson regression model. Bangladesh, a country where cricket reflects nationalism, has shown significant improvement over time. They tend to perform better in day matches, play superior cricket against non-Asian teams and take full home advantage.
Therapy and rehabilitation of mild brain injury/concussion: Systematic review
Authors: Thomas Roger E. , Alves Jorge , Vaska Mlis Marcus M. , Magalhaes Rosana
Published: November 2017

Background:

Assessment of therapies for the key consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion is required.

Objective:

Identify all RCTs of mTBI/concussion therapy, risks of bias, and therapies with significant positive results.

Methods:

17 electronic, 9 grey-literature databases searched without language/date restrictions; independent assessment of 1450 Abstracts/titles, 141 fulltext articles, 14 included RCTs.

Results:

Four RCTs used American Congress of Rehabilitation TBI definition, others used unique definitions. Risk of bias: 43% low risk randomization; 14% concealed assignments; 21% blinded participants/personnel; 57% blinded assessors; 64% low risk attrition; 100% no selective reporting. Eleven RCTs included only mTBI. Ten significant positive results: six cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), three videotape, pagers or personal digital assistants, and one physical therapy. One of referrals to health professionals no significant positive results. Three RCTs included both mTBI and moderate TBI. We wished to assess if authors proved using same interventions with both groups is appropriate. Two used CBT, one used pagers. All three RCTs significant positive results but results for their mild and moderate TBI patients were not separated. Two RCTs assessed return to work and no differences between intervention.

Conclusion:

Of 14 RCTs, six CBT, four digital assistants or videotape feedback and one physical therapy all had significant positive results. One referred patients to consultants and no significant positive results. Two assessed return to employment and no differences between interventions. Limitations are: (1) only four RCTs used the same concussion definition; (2) average age 38 (except for one study of adolescents, (3) all studies used unique interventions; (4) most authors used multiple interventions and effects could not be separated; (5) substantial attrition from eligibles to randomization, (4) only 64% at low risk from randomization, (5) 80 different outcome measures and meta-analysis was not possible, (6) only two studies assessed return to work.
Politico-Somatic Projects: Polygamy and the Construction of the Normative, Monogamous Body
Authors: Alexopoulos Tasia
Published: November 2017

The Canadian legal system engenders and polices embodiment by writing into the law what a normative Canadian body looks like and does. Analysing the constitutional reference question, Reference re: Section 293 of the Criminal Code, this article attempts to link why and how monogamous bodies are produced as normative and natural in the ways scientific objectivity is valorised as the most legitimate form of knowledge production. Supplementing Suzanne Lenon's palimpsestic reading of the Polygamy Reference with a somatechnical emphasis on embodiment and epistemology via Jasbir Puar's articulation of assemblage, this article argues that the normative monogamous body has and continues to operate as a marker of Canadian identity and as part of the perpetual processes of nation building.
A Comparative Exergoeconomic Evaluation of the Synthesis Routes for Methanol Production from Natural Gas
Authors: Blumberg Timo , Morosuk Tatiana , Tsatsaronis George
Published: November 2017

Methanol is one of the most important feedstocks for the chemical, petrochemical, and energy industries. Abundant and widely distributed resources as well as a relative low price level make natural gas the predominant feedstock for methanol production. Indirect synthesis routes via reforming of methane suppress production from bio resources and other renewable alternatives. However, the conventional technology for the conversion of natural gas to methanol is energy intensive and costly in investment and operation. Three design cases with different reforming technologies in conjunction with an isothermal methanol reactor are investigated. Case I is equipped with steam methane reforming for a capacity of 2200 metric tons per day (MTPD). For a higher production capacity, a serial combination of steam reforming and autothermal reforming is used in Case II, while Case III deals with a parallel configuration of CO2 and steam reforming. A sensitivity analysis shows that the syngas composition significantly affects the thermodynamic performance of the plant. The design cases have exergetic efficiencies of 28.2%, 55.6% and 41.0%, respectively. The plants for higher capacity can produce at a competitive price, while the design in Case I is hardly economically feasible. An exergoeconomic analysis reveals a high cost impact of the reforming unit, air and syngas compressors.
Investigation of Heat Loss from the Finned Housing of the Electric Motor of a Vacuum Pump
Authors: Wernik Jacek
Published: November 2017

Investigation of the heat transfer by conduction and convection through a finned housing of an electric motor rated 373 W operated in the drive unit of a vacuum pump was carried out. As the speed is changed, so is the velocity of air flow, and consequently, the coefficient of heat transfer across the housing surface is changed too. To predict the values of the average heat transfer coefficient and to determine the heat flow that was dissipated at variable motor speed is a complex task, for which no reliable tools can be found in the literature. Using finite element approximation, the heat transfer was numerically simulated and the temperature distribution on the housing surface was determined. In order to validate the simulation model, an experimental set-up was assembled, including the vacuum pump complete with its driving unit, that is, electrical motor and frequency converter, and FLIR SC7600 thermovision camera. Using the validated simulation model, the heat flux transferred through the housing to the environment and the share of heat dissipation in the power consumed by the vacuum pump drive was determined. The combination of numerical simulation and thermographic measurements is an effective tool.
Recent Advances on Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Yang Yongtao , Chen Yun , Leng Fan , Huang Li , Wang Zijian , Tian Weiqun
Published: November 2017

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are natural occurring mineral clay nanotubes that have excellent application potential in different fields. However, HNTs are heterogeneous in size, surface charge, and formation of surfacial hydrogen bond, which lead to weak affinity and aggregation at a certain extent. It is very important to modify the HNTs’ surface to expand its applications. In this review, the structural characteristics, performance, and the related applications of surface-modified HNTs are reviewed. We focus on the surface-modified variation of HNTs, the effects of surface modification on the materials and related applications in various regions. In addition, future prospects and the meaning of surface modification were also discussed in HNTs studies. This review provides a reference for the application of HNTs modifications in the field of new nanomaterials.
Effect of Various Silica Nanofluids: Reduction of Fines Migrations and Surface Modification of Berea Sandstone
Authors: Abhishek Rockey , Hamouda Aly A.
Published: November 2017

This work is aimed at addressing surface modification of berea sandstone by silica nanofluids (NFs). Three types of nanofluids were used: silica/deionized water (DIW), silica in DIW with a stabilizer fluid (3-Mercaptopropyl Trimethoxysilane) and sulfonate-functionalized silica in DIW. Core flood studies showed that application of silica nanoparticles (NPs) improved water injectivity in sandstone. The change in the measured zeta potential indicated surface modification of sandstone by application of NPs. Computation of the surface forces showed that the modified berea sandstone has net attractive potential with fines (obtained from water/rock interaction) leading to reduction of fines migration, hence improvement of water injectivity. It was also observed that the silica NPs have greater affinity to adhere/adsorb on quartz surfaces than kaolinite in berea core. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscope imaging and isothermal static adsorption tests. Although the stabilizing of NFs almost did not reduce the fine migration, as was qualitatively indicated by the pressure drop, it enhanced the NPs adsorption on the minerals as obtained by isothermal static adsorption tests. The reduction of fines migration due surface modification by silica NP suggests that NPs can be utilized to overcome the problem of formation damage induced during low salinity flooding in sandstones.
Exploring the Effects of Pitch Layout on Learning a New Musical Instrument
Authors: MacRitchie Jennifer , Milne Andrew
Published: November 2017

Although isomorphic pitch layouts are proposed to afford various advantages for musicians playing new musical instruments, this paper details the first substantive set of empirical tests on how two fundamental aspects of isomorphic pitch layouts affect motor learning: shear, which makes the pitch axis vertical, and the adjacency (or nonadjacency) of pitches a major second apart. After receiving audio-visual training tasks for a scale and arpeggios, performance accuracies of 24 experienced musicians were assessed in immediate retention tasks (same as the training tasks, but without the audio-visual guidance) and in a transfer task (performance of a previously untrained nursery rhyme). Each participant performed the same tasks with three different pitch layouts and, in total, four different layouts were tested. Results show that, so long as the performance ceiling has not already been reached (due to ease of the task or repeated practice), adjacency strongly improves performance accuracy in the training and retention tasks. They also show that shearing the layout, to make the pitch axis vertical, worsens performance accuracy for the training tasks but, crucially, it strongly improves performance accuracy in the transfer task when the participant needs to perform a new, but related, task. These results can inform the design of pitch layouts in new musical instruments.
Demonstrating the Effect of Forage Source on the Carbon Footprint of a Canadian Dairy Farm Using Whole-Systems Analysis and the Holos Model: Alfalfa Silage vs. Corn Silage
Authors: Little Shannan , Benchaar Chaouki , Janzen H. , Kröbel Roland , McGeough Emma , Beauchemin Karen
Published: November 2017

Before recommending a feeding strategy for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, it is important to conduct a holistic assessment of all related emissions, including from those arising from feed production, digestion of these feeds, managing the resulting manure, and other on-farm production processes and inputs. Using a whole-systems approach, the Holos model, and experimentally measured data, this study compares the effects of alfalfa silage- versus corn silage-based diets on GHG estimates in a simulated Canadian dairy production system. When all emissions and sources are accounted for, the differences between the two forage systems in terms of overall net GHG emissions were minimal. Utilizing the functional units of milk, meat, and total energy in food products generated by the system, the comparison demonstrates very little difference between the two silage production systems. However, the corn silage system generated 8% fewer emissions per kg of protein in food products as compared to the alfalfa silage system. Exploratory analysis of the impact of the two silage systems on soil carbon showed alfalfa silage has greater potential to store carbon in the soil. This study reinforces the need to utilize a whole-systems approach to investigate the interrelated effects of management choices. Reported GHG reduction factors cannot be simply combined additively because the interwoven effects of management choices cascade through the entire system, sometimes with counter-intuitive outcomes. It is necessary to apply this whole-systems approach before implementing changes in management intended to reduce GHG emissions and improve sustainability.
Characterization of the Inlet Port Flow under Steady-State Conditions Using PIV and POD
Authors: El-Adawy Mohammed , Heikal Morgan , A. Aziz A. , Siddiqui Muhammad , Munir Shahzad
Published: November 2017

The current study demonstrates an experimental investigation of the tumble flow structures using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) under steady-state conditions considering the central vertical tumble plane. The experiments were carried out on a four-valve, pent-roof Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine head at different valve lifts and with a pressure difference of 150 mmH2O across the intake valves. Furthermore, the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) analytical technique was applied to PIV-measured velocity vector maps to characterize the flow structures at various valve lifts, and hence the different rig tumble values. The results show that at low valve lifts (1 to 5 mm), 48.9 to 46.6% of the flow energy is concentrated in the large (mode 1) eddies with only 8.4 to 11.46% in mode 2 and 7.2 to 7.5 in mode 3. At high valve lifts, it can be clearly seen that some of the energy in the large eddies of mode 1 is transferred to the smaller flow structures of modes 2 and 3. This can be clearly seen at valve lift 10 mm where the values of the flow energy were 40.6%, 17.3%, and 8.0% for modes 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
Are Developed Regions in China Achieving Their CO2 Emissions Reduction Targets on Their Own?—Case of Beijing
Authors: Wen Wen , Wang Qi
Published: November 2017

The extensive and close economic linkages among different regions of China have effects not only on regional economic growth, but also on CO2 emissions and carbon leakage among regions. Taking Beijing as a study case, we constructed MRIO models for China’s 30 provinces and municipalities for 2002, 2007 and 2010, to measure the embodied CO2 emissions in the interregional trade of China on regional and industrial levels to explore their changes over time, and to analyze the driving forces of the final demand-induced interregional CO2 emissions through an SDA model. Results showed that Beijing was a surplus region for embodied carbon and the net input embodied CO2 emissions were in industries with high CO2 emission coefficients, while the net output embodied carbon was in industries with low carbon-emission coefficients. Beijing’s trade with non-Beijing areas led to an increase in the total CO2 emissions in China and a composite effect of Beijing and the efficiency effect of non-Beijing areas were the main effects behind the reduction of Beijing’s input embodied carbon. The results have yielded important implications for China’s CO2 emissions control: first, the embodied CO2 need be taken into consideration when formulating CO2 emissions control measures; second, CO2 emission reduction requirements should be reasonably distributed across the provinces to reduce carbon leakage in interprovincial trade; third, the consumption structure in the production chain needs to be moderately adjusted; and last but not least, financial and technical support for CO2 emissions control in the central and western provinces should be strengthened.
Energy-Efficient Subcarrier Pairing and Power Allocation for DF Relay Networks with an Eavesdropper
Authors: Singh Keshav , Ku Meng-Lin , Biswas Sudip , Ratnarajah Tharmalingam
Published: November 2017

Algorithms for joint subcarrier pairing and power allocation are investigated in order to maximize the worst-case energy efficiency (EE) in dual-hop decode-and-forward (DF) relay networks in the presence of an active eavesdropper. Accordingly, we study the impact of number of subcarriers on the trade-off in performance between the EE and the spectrum efficiency (SE). The formulated EE optimization problem is the ratio of the secure SE over the entire power consumption in the network, subject to the constraints of total transmit power and subcarrier pairing. A near-optimal iterative algorithm is proposed to perform the subcarrier pairing and power allocation for achieving the maximum EE in the networks. Furthermore, a suboptimal algorithm is proposed with two-step resource allocation. By considering the subcarrier channel quality of the source-to-relay and relay-to-destination links, the subcarrier pairing is first performed, followed by an energy-efficient iterative power allocation scheme to maximize the EE. Numerical results validate the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed algorithms.
Perforated Thermal Mass Shading: An Approach to Winter Solar Shading and Energy, Shading and Daylighting Performance
Authors: Huang Lingjiang , Zhao Shuangping
Published: November 2017

Direct solar irradiance may cause thermal discomfort, even in winter when the ambient temperature is low and especially for high-altitude locations with a high intensity of solar radiation. Thus winter solar shading might be required and, if used, must achieve a balance between the prevention of the transmittance of solar irradiance, the utilization of passive solar heat and the supply of adequate natural daylighting. These considerations render conventional solutions of solar shading inapplicable in the winter. In this paper, a novel approach to perforated thermal mass shading for winter is reported and examined. The impacts of the perforated percentage and the opening positions of this shading device on energy, shading and daylighting performance were assessed for south- and west-facing orientations. A range of perforated percentages and vertical and horizontal positions were tested using simulations by Energyplus and Daysim. Our results indicate that the proposed perforated thermal mass shading is efficient for the integrated performance of shading, daylighting and energy savings in the south-facing orientation, while it achieves acceptable performance in shading and daylighting in the west-facing orientation for a high-altitude cold climate.
Sliding Mode Controller and Lyapunov Redesign Controller to Improve Microgrid Stability: A Comparative Analysis with CPL Power Variation
Authors: Hossain Eklas , Perez Ron , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Blaabjerg Frede , Ramachandaramurthy Vigna K.
Published: November 2017

To mitigate the microgrid instability despite the presence of dense Constant Power Load (CPL) loads in the system, a number of compensation techniques have already been gone through extensive research, proposed, and implemented around the world. In this paper, a storage based load side compensation technique is used to enhance stability of microgrids. Besides adopting this technique here, Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) and Lyapunov Redesign Controller (LRC), two of the most prominent nonlinear control techniques, are individually implemented to control microgrid system stability with desired robustness. CPL power is then varied to compare robustness of these two control techniques. This investigation revealed the better performance of the LRC system compared to SMC to retain stability in microgrid with dense CPL load. All the necessary results are simulated in Matlab/Simulink platform for authentic verification. Reasons behind inferior SMC performance and ways to mitigate that are also discussed. Finally, the effectiveness of SMC and LRC systems to attain stability in real microgrids is verified by numerical analysis.
Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical Modeling of Water Leak-Off Process during Hydraulic Fracturing in Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Baoman , Zhang Yichi , Zhang Shicheng
Published: November 2017

The water leak-off during hydraulic fracturing in shale gas reservoirs is a complicated transport behavior involving thermal (T), hydrodynamic (H), mechanical (M) and chemical (C) processes. Although many leak-off models have been published, none of the models fully coupled the transient fluid flow modeling with heat transfer, chemical-potential equilibrium and natural-fracture dilation phenomena. In this paper, a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) model based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, thermo-poroelastic rock mechanics, and non-isothermal chemical-potential equations is presented to simulate the water leak-off process in shale gas reservoirs. The THMC model takes into account a triple-porosity medium, which includes hydraulic fractures, natural fractures and shale matrix. The leak-off simulation with the THMC model involves all the important processes in this triple-porosity medium, including: (1) water transport driven by hydraulic, capillary, chemical and thermal osmotic convections; (2) gas transport induced by both hydraulic pressure driven convection and adsorption; (3) heat transport driven by thermal convection and conduction; and (4) natural-fracture dilation considered as a thermo-poroelastic rock deformation. The fluid and heat transport, coupled with rock deformation, are described by a set of partial differential equations resulting from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. The semi-implicit finite-difference algorithm is proposed to solve these equations. The evolution of pressure, temperature, saturation and salinity profiles of hydraulic fractures, natural fractures and matrix is calculated, revealing the multi-field coupled water leak-off process in shale gas reservoirs. The influences of hydraulic pressure, natural-fracture dilation, chemical osmosis and thermal osmosis on water leak-off are investigated. Results from this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the predominant leak-off mechanisms for slickwater fracturing-fluids in hydraulically fractured shale gas reservoirs.
A Novel Acoustic Liquid Level Determination Method for Coal Seam Gas Wells Based on Autocorrelation Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ximing , Fan Jianchun , Wu Shengnan , Liu Di
Published: November 2017

In coal seam gas (CSG) wells, water is periodically removed from the wellbore in order to keep the bottom-hole flowing pressure at low levels, facilitating the desorption of methane gas from the coal bed. In order to calculate gas flow rate and further optimize well performance, it is necessary to accurately monitor the liquid level in real-time. This paper presents a novel method based on autocorrelation function (ACF) analysis for determining the liquid level in CSG wells under intense noise conditions. The method involves the calculation of the acoustic travel time in the annulus and processing the autocorrelation signal in order to extract the weak echo under high background noise. In contrast to previous works, the non-linear dependence of the acoustic velocity on temperature and pressure is taken into account. To locate the liquid level of a coal seam gas well the travel time is computed iteratively with the non-linear velocity model. Afterwards, the proposed method is validated using experimental laboratory investigations that have been developed for liquid level detection under two scenarios, representing the combination of low pressure, weak signal, and intense noise generated by gas flowing and leakage. By adopting an evaluation indicator called Crest Factor, the results have shown the superiority of the ACF-based method compared to Fourier filtering (FFT). In the two scenarios, the maximal measurement error from the proposed method was 0.34% and 0.50%, respectively. The latent periodic characteristic of the reflected signal can be extracted by the ACF-based method even when the noise is larger than 1.42 Pa, which is impossible for FFT-based de-noising. A case study focused on a specific CSG well is presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, and also to demonstrate that signal processing with autocorrelation analysis can improve the sensitivity of the detection system.
A Review of Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines
Authors: Lei Gang , Zhu Jianguo , Guo Youguang , Liu Chengcheng , Ma Bo
Published: November 2017

Electrical machines are the hearts of many appliances, industrial equipment and systems. In the context of global sustainability, they must fulfill various requirements, not only physically and technologically but also environmentally. Therefore, their design optimization process becomes more and more complex as more engineering disciplines/domains and constraints are involved, such as electromagnetics, structural mechanics and heat transfer. This paper aims to present a review of the design optimization methods for electrical machines, including design analysis methods and models, optimization models, algorithms and methods/strategies. Several efficient optimization methods/strategies are highlighted with comments, including surrogate-model based and multi-level optimization methods. In addition, two promising and challenging topics in both academic and industrial communities are discussed, and two novel optimization methods are introduced for advanced design optimization of electrical machines. First, a system-level design optimization method is introduced for the development of advanced electric drive systems. Second, a robust design optimization method based on the design for six-sigma technique is introduced for high-quality manufacturing of electrical machines in production. Meanwhile, a proposal is presented for the development of a robust design optimization service based on industrial big data and cloud computing services. Finally, five future directions are proposed, including smart design optimization method for future intelligent design and production of electrical machines.
Clavine Alkaloids Gene Clusters of Penicillium and Related Fungi: Evolutionary Combination of Prenyltransferases, Monooxygenases and Dioxygenases
Authors: Martín Juan F. , Álvarez-Álvarez Rubén , Liras Paloma
Published: November 2017

The clavine alkaloids produced by the fungi of the Aspergillaceae and Arthrodermatacea families differ from the ergot alkaloids produced by Claviceps and Neotyphodium. The clavine alkaloids lack the extensive peptide chain modifications that occur in lysergic acid derived ergot alkaloids. Both clavine and ergot alkaloids arise from the condensation of tryptophan and dimethylallylpyrophosphate by the action of the dimethylallyltryptophan synthase. The first five steps of the biosynthetic pathway that convert tryptophan and dimethylallyl-pyrophosphate (DMA-PP) in chanoclavine-1-aldehyde are common to both clavine and ergot alkaloids. The biosynthesis of ergot alkaloids has been extensively studied and is not considered in this article. We focus this review on recent advances in the gene clusters for clavine alkaloids in the species of Penicillium, Aspergillus (Neosartorya), Arthroderma and Trychophyton and the enzymes encoded by them. The final products of the clavine alkaloids pathways derive from the tetracyclic ergoline ring, which is modified by late enzymes, including a reverse type prenyltransferase, P450 monooxygenases and acetyltransferases. In Aspergillus japonicus, a α-ketoglutarate and Fe2+-dependent dioxygenase is involved in the cyclization of a festuclavine-like unknown type intermediate into cycloclavine. Related dioxygenases occur in the biosynthetic gene clusters of ergot alkaloids in Claviceps purpurea and also in the clavine clusters in Penicillium species. The final products of the clavine alkaloid pathway in these fungi differ from each other depending on the late biosynthetic enzymes involved. An important difference between clavine and ergot alkaloid pathways is that clavine producers lack the enzyme CloA, a P450 monooxygenase, involved in one of the steps of the conversion of chanoclavine-1-aldehyde into lysergic acid. Bioinformatic analysis of the sequenced genomes of the Aspergillaceae and Arthrodermataceae fungi showed the presence of clavine gene clusters in Arthroderma species, Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium commune, Penicillium camemberti, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium steckii and Penicillium griseofulvum. Analysis of the gene clusters in several clavine alkaloid producers indicates that there are gene gains, gene losses and gene rearrangements. These findings may be explained by a divergent evolution of the gene clusters of ergot and clavine alkaloids from a common ancestral progenitor six genes cluster although horizontal gene transfer of some specific genes may have occurred more recently.
Alternative Splicing of L-type CaV1.2 Calcium Channels: Implications in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Hu Zhenyu , Liang Mui Cheng , Soong Tuck Wah
Published: November 2017

L-type CaV1.2 calcium channels are the major pathway for Ca2+ influx to initiate the contraction of smooth and cardiac muscles. Alteration of CaV1.2 channel function has been implicated in multiple cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Alternative splicing is a post-transcriptional mechanism that expands CaV1.2 channel structures to modify function, pharmacological and biophysical property such as calcium/voltage-dependent inactivation (C/VDI), or to influence its post-translational modulation by interacting proteins such as Galectin-1. Alternative splicing has generated functionally diverse CaV1.2 isoforms that can be developmentally regulated in the heart, or under pathophysiological conditions such as in heart failure. More importantly, alternative splicing of certain exons of CaV1.2 has been reported to be regulated by splicing factors such as RNA-binding Fox-1 homolog 1/2 (Rbfox 1/2), polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTBP1) and RNA-binding motif protein 20 (RBM20). Understanding how CaV1.2 channel function is remodelled in disease will provide better information to guide the development of more targeted approaches to discover therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases.
Bullying and Cyberbullying: Their Legal Status and Use in Psychological Assessment
Authors: Samara Muthanna , Burbidge Vicky , El Asam Aiman , Foody Mairéad , Smith Peter , Morsi Hisham
Published: November 2017

Bullying and cyberbullying have severe psychological and legal consequences for those involved. However, it is unclear how or even if previous experience of bullying and cyberbullying is considered in mental health assessments. Furthermore, the relevance and effectiveness of current legal solutions has been debated extensively, resulting in a desire for a specific legislation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological and legal components of bullying and cyberbullying. This is a qualitative research that includes interviews with five practitioner psychologists and four lawyers in the United Kingdom (UK). Thematic analysis revealed three main themes. One theme is related to the definition, characteristics, and impact of bullying and cyberbullying and the need for more discussion among the psychological and legal professions. Another theme is related to current professional procedures and the inclusion of questions about bullying and cyberbullying in psychological risk assessments. The third theme emphasised the importance of intervention through education. Two key messages were highlighted by the lawyers: ample yet problematic legislation exists, and knowledge will ensure legal success. The study recommends the necessity of performing revisions in the clinical psychological practices and assessments, and the legal policies regarding bullying and cyberbullying. In addition to improving legal success, this will reduce bullying prevalence rates, psychological distress, and psychopathology that can be comorbid or emerge as a result of this behaviour.