bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Consumption Model for Sensor Nodes Based on LoRa and LoRaWAN
Authors: Bouguera Taoufik , Diouris Jean-François , Chaillout Jean-Jacques , Jaouadi Randa , Andrieux Guillaume
Published: July 2018

Energy efficiency is the key requirement to maximize sensor node lifetime. Sensor nodes are typically powered by a battery source that has finite lifetime. Most Internet of Thing (IoT) applications require sensor nodes to operate reliably for an extended period of time. To design an autonomous sensor node, it is important to model its energy consumption for different tasks. Each task consumes a power consumption amount for a period of time. To optimize the consumed energy of the sensor node and have long communication range, Low Power Wide Area Network technology is considered. This paper describes an energy consumption model based on LoRa and LoRaWAN, which allows estimating the consumed power of each sensor node element. The definition of the different node units is first introduced. Then, a full energy model for communicating sensors is proposed. This model can be used to compare different LoRaWAN modes to find the best sensor node design to achieve its energy autonomy.
Smooth 3D Dubins Curves Based Mobile Data Gathering in Sparse Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Cai Wenyu , Zhang Meiyan
Published: July 2018

Sensory data collection is one of the most important concerns in underwater sensor networks (USNs). Because full connectivity cannot be guaranteed, mobile data gathering with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is widely used in sparse three-dimensional (3D) USNs to solve energy-imbalance problems between different sensor nodes. AUVs with relatively abundant energy and storage can collect sensory data from one sensor node to transmit to another node, so as to avoid energy-intensive multi-hop transmission. As a result, movement control strategy and data collecting path planning for AUVs are very crucial for the performance of data acquisition. This paper proposes a smooth 3D Dubins curves based mobile data gathering mechanism to overcome the kinematic nonholonomic constraints of AUVs. The objective of our proposed method is to collect sensory data along smooth 3D Dubins paths, which are interpolated by continuous Bezier curves in the Z-axis from 2D Dubins curves. Extensive simulation results verify that the proposed method has a more efficient performance in terms of path smoothness and energy consumption; thus it is very suitable for mobile data collection in 3D underwater sensor networks.
Access Control Model Based on Time Synchronization Trust in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Zhaobin , Ma Qiang , Liu Wenzhi , Sheng Victor S. , Zhang Liang , Liu Gang
Published: July 2018

Internal reliability and external safety of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) data transmission have become increasingly outstanding issues with the wide applications of WSN. This paper proposes a new method for access control and mitigation of interfering noise in time synchronization environments. First, a formal definition is given regarding the impact interference noise has on the clock skew and clock offset of each node. The degree of node interference behavior is estimated dynamically from the perspective of time-stamp changes caused by the interference noise. Secondly, a general access control model is proposed to resist invasion of noise interference. A prediction model is constructed using the Bayesian method for calculating the reliability of neighbor node behavior in the proposed model. Interference noise, which attacks the time synchronization, is regarded as the key factor for probability estimation of the reliability. The result of the calculations determines whether it is necessary to initiate synchronization filtering. Finally, a division of trust levels with bilinear definition is employed to lower interference noise and improve the quality of interference detection. Experimental results show that this model has advantages in system overhead, energy consumption and testing errors, compared to its counterparts. When the disturbance intensity of a WSN increases, the proposed optimized algorithm converges faster with a lower network communication load.
Experiments on MEMS Integration in 0.25 μm CMOS Process
Authors: Michalik Piotr , Fernández Daniel , Wietstruck Matthias , Kaynak Mehmet , Madrenas Jordi
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we share our practical experience gained during the development of CMOS-MEMS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices in IHP SG25 technology. The experimental prototyping process is illustrated with examples of three CMOS-MEMS chips and starts from rough process exploration and characterization, followed by the definition of the useful MEMS design space to finally reach CMOS-MEMS devices with inertial mass up to 4.3 μg and resonance frequency down to 4.35 kHz. Furthermore, the presented design techniques help to avoid several structural and reliability issues such as layer delamination, device stiction, passivation fracture or device cracking due to stress.
A Simplified Analysis Method for the Piezo Jet Dispenser with a Diamond Amplifier
Authors: Deng Guiling , Wang Na , Zhou Can , Li Junhui
Published: July 2018

Diamond amplifiers have been widely applied in Nano actuators and Robots. In order to study the dynamic characteristics of the diamond amplifier system which is used in the piezo jet dispenser, it is simplified as a spring-mass-damper system. The dynamic characteristics of the jet dispenser system are analyzed with the simplified method. The characteristics are also tested. The results agree with the simulation, which proves the method is feasible. It will provide a simplified and intuitive representation of the movement of the amplifier, and also provide reliable simulation and experimental platforms for jet dispensing analysis.
Managing Pervasive Sensing Campaigns via an Experimentation-as-a-Service Platform for Smart Cities
Authors: Amaxilatis Dimitrios , Mylonas Georgios , Diez Luis , Theodoridis Evangelos , Gutiérrez Verónica , Muñoz Luis
Published: July 2018

The adoption of technologies like the IoT in urban environments, together with the intensive use of smartphones, is driving transformation towards smart cities. Under this perspective, Experimentation-as-a-Service within OrganiCity aims to create an experimental facility with technologies, services, and applications that simplify innovation within urban ecosystems. We discuss here tools that facilitate experimentation, implementing ways to organize, execute, and administer experimentation campaigns in a smart city context. We discuss the benefits of our framework, presenting some preliminary results. This is the first time such tools are paired with large-scale smart city infrastructures, enabling both city-scale experimentation and cross-site experimentation.
Islamic Trauma Healing: Initial Feasibility and Pilot Data
Authors: Zoellner Lori , Graham Belinda , Marks Elizabeth , Feeny Norah , Bentley Jacob , Franklin Anna , Lang Duniya
Published: July 2018

Effective interventions for trauma-related psychopathology exist but there are considerable barriers to access and uptake by refugee groups. There is a clear need for culturally appropriate and accessible interventions designed in collaboration with refugee groups. Islamic Trauma Healing is a lay led, group intervention specifically targeting healing the mental wounds of trauma within local mosques. Using Prophet stories and turning to Allah about traumatic experiences, this program incorporates cognitive and exposure principles into an Islamic-informed intervention. In Study 1, following a community event describing the program, 39 Somali participants completed a brief trauma screening and interest measure. In Study 2, pre- to post-group pilot data related to PTSD, depression, somatic symptoms, well-being, and satisfaction was examined for men’s and women’s groups (N = 13). Qualitative analysis of group and leader feedback was conducted. Both studies suggest a strong perceived need and match with the Islamic faith for the intervention, with large effects from the pre- to post-group (g = 0.76 to 3.22). Qualitative analysis identified themes of community, faith integration, healing, and growth. The program was well-received by participants and offers a promising model for the delivery of trauma-focused intervention to Muslim refugee communities.
Subway Opening, Traffic Accessibility, and Housing Prices: A Quantile Hedonic Analysis in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Wen Haizhen , Gui Zaiyuan , Tian Chuanhao , Xiao Yue , Fang Li
Published: July 2018

Most existing studies empirically investigated the impact of rail transit on housing prices using the traditional hedonic price model, which is based on ordinary least squares (OLS). This method can estimate only the average implicit prices of housing characteristics and may ignore possible heterogeneous impacts of rail transit at different housing price levels. As a useful supplement to OLS regression, quantile regression can measure how implicit prices of explanatory variables vary across different price levels, thereby providing a comprehensive picture of the relationship between housing characteristics and prices. By using Hangzhou, China as an example, this study adopts the traditional hedonic price model and quantile regression model to investigate the capitalization effect of a new subway line on housing prices. Empirical results suggest the significant impacts of accessibility to subway stations. The average housing price within 2 km of the station is 2.1% to 6.1% higher than those outside. We also find that the impacts of the subway differ significantly across the distribution of housing prices, wherein the absolute value of estimated coefficients increased from 0.023 for the 15th quantile to 0.086 for the 95th quantile. The subway opening strengthens the capitalization effect of traffic accessibility. The absolute value of price elasticity increases from 0.044 to 0.053, and the range of influence is expanded from 1500 m to 2000 m.
CO2 Payoff of Extensive Green Roofs with Different Vegetation Species
Authors: Kuronuma Takanori , Watanabe Hitoshi , Ishihara Tatsuaki , Kou Daitoku , Toushima Kazunari , Ando Masaya , Shindo Satoshi
Published: July 2018

Green roofs are considered effective in the reduction of atmospheric CO2 because of their ability to reduce energy consumption of buildings and sequester carbon in plants and substrates. However, green roof system components (substrate, water proofing membrane, etc.) may cause CO2 emissions during their life cycle. Therefore, to assess the CO2-payoff for extensive green roofs, we calculated CO2 payback time it takes their CO2 sequestration and reduction to offset the CO2 emitted during its production process and maintenance practices. The amount of CO2 emitted during the production of a modular green roof system was found to be 25.2 kg-CO2·m−2. The annual CO2 emission from the maintenance of green roofs was 0.33 kg-CO2·m−2·yr−1. Annual CO2 sequestration by three grass species with irrigation treatment was about 2.5 kg-CO2·m−2·yr−1, which was higher than that of Sedum aizoon. In the hypothetical green roofs, annual CO2 reduction due to saved energy was between 1.703 and 1.889 kg-CO2·m−2·yr−1. From these results, we concluded that the CO2 payback time of the extensive green roofs was between 5.8 and 15.9 years, which indicates that extensive green roofs contribute to CO2 reduction within their lifespan.
Low-Input Herbicide Management: Effects on Rapeseed Production and Profitability
Authors: Deligios Paola A. , Carboni Gianluca , Farci Roberta , Solinas Stefania , Ledda Luigi
Published: July 2018

The oilseed rape conventional system can be moved to a more sustainable one by reducing herbicide application whilst ensuring at the same time effective weed control, maintaining oilseed rape yield, and quality and increasing profitability. Over three growing season periods, two field experiments at two different Southern Italy locations were carried out. In both sites, a conventional weed-control management system (recommended label dose), four alternative low-herbicide treatments, and an untreated control were compared. We monitored weeds and crop response to herbicide treatments, and calculated the net economic return, within site and year, for each treatment. In experiment 1, a half dose of herbicide did not show any significant difference in seed yield with respect to conventional treatment in two of three growing seasons. In experiment 2, compared with the conventional system, weedy control and the lowest applied herbicide dose treatment (25% of the recommended label dose) did not underline significant differences with regard to yield level. Net returns from the half dose of metazachlor herbicide were not significantly lower than net returns from conventional treatment in experiment 1 (on a three-year average 748 vs. 812 € ha−1, respectively). Our findings suggest that the herbicide dose might be cut by at least 50% in order not to jeopardize negative effects on production and economic performances.
Seasonal Spatial Activity Patterns of Visitors with a Mobile Exercise Application at Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
Authors: Kim Jinwon , Thapa Brijesh , Jang Seongsoo , Yang Eunjung
Published: July 2018

Visitors’ behavior in national parks can be influenced by seasonal variations in climate and preferred activities. Seasonality can produce different space consumption patterns, and impact visitor experience and natural resource use. The purpose of this study was to explore the seasonal spatial patterns of visitors’ activities using a mobile exercise application within the context of Seoraksan National Park in South Korea. A dataset composed of 5142 starting and ending points of 2639 activities (hiking and walking) created by 1206 mobile exercise application users (January–December 2015) were collected from a leading mobile exercise application operator. GIS-based spatial analytical techniques were used to analyze the spatial patterns of activity points across seasons and days (weekdays/weekends). Results indicated considerable seasonal and daily variations in activity distribution and hot spots (i.e., locations of potential congestion or crowding). The findings enable park managers to mitigate negative impacts to natural resources as well as enhance visitors’ experiences. Also, it allows potential visitors to decide when to visit certain sites via mobile application to ensure optimal conditions. Furthermore, the GPS-based exercise mobile application can be used as a new methodological approach to understand spatio-temporal patterns of visitors’ behavior within national parks and other natural protected areas.
Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 1: Physicochemical Characterisation
Authors: López-Cano Inés , Cayuela María L. , Mondini Claudio , Takaya Chibi A. , Ross Andrew B. , Sánchez-Monedero Miguel A.
Published: July 2018

Biochar is traditionally made from clean lignocellulosic or waste materials that create no competition for land use. In this paper, the suitability of alternative feedstocks of agricultural and urban origins are explored. A range of biochars was produced from holm oak and a selection of organic wastes, such as greenhouse wastes, greenwastes, a cellulosic urban waste, municipal press cake and pig manure. They were characterized and assessed for their potential agricultural use. The physicochemical properties of biochars were mainly driven by the characteristics of feedstocks and the pyrolysis temperature. The use of pre-treated lignocellulosic residues led to biochars with a high concentration of ash, macro and micronutrients, whereas raw lignocellulosic residues produced biochars with characteristics similar to traditional wood biochars. All biochars were found to be suitable for agricultural use according to the international standards for the use of biochars as soil amendments, with the exception of a biochar from urban origin, which presented high levels of Cr and Pb. The use of these biochars as soil amendments requires a thorough agronomical evaluation to assess their impact on soil biogeochemical cycles and plant growth.
Responses to Potassium Application and Economic Optimum K Rate of Maize under Different Soil Indigenous K Supply
Authors: Jiang Wenting , Liu Xiaohu , Wang Ying , Zhang Yu , Qi Wen
Published: July 2018

Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient for maintaining crop productivity, but the economic benefit of K fertilizer often has been neglected. We collected a database from 60 maize field experimental sites in Northeast China between 2005 and 2012 to study the impacts of potassium (K) application rates on yield, K concentrations in grain and straw, plant K uptake, and to evaluate the economic optimum K rate (EOKR) for maize under different levels of soil indigenous K supply (IKS). The results showed that the average maize yield in Krec treatment (the recommended K rate) was highest and was 32.1% higher than that in K0 treatment (no K fertilization). Compared to K0, the application of K did not significantly increase grain K concentration, whereas it significantly increased K concentration in the straw. Plant K uptake in K150 treatment (150% of the recommended K rate) was higher than that in Krec treatment, but grain yield was lower than that in Krec treatment. Thus, the result indicates that luxury K absorption occurred in K150% treatment due to excessive K application. Thus, the application rate of K should be further optimized. Based on the modified Mitscherlich model, the average economic optimum K rate (EONR) was 135.24, 124.27, and 96.54 kg K2O/ha for the low, medium, and high levels of soil indigenous K supply (IKS), respectively. The average economic optimum yield (EOY) at a high IKS level was similar to the average yield in Krec treatment, whereas the EOKR could reduce by a K rate of 37.9–63.7 kg K2O/ha compared to Krec treatment. This study highlights the importance of K application to improve grain yield and provides a promising fertilizer recommendation method for minimizing fertilizer inputs and optimizing maize production.
Multi-Regional Delta-Tracking Method for Neutron Transport Tracking in Monte Carlo Criticality Calculation
Authors: Guo Qian , Chen Zhenping
Published: July 2018

The Monte Carlo method has been widely used as a standard method to perform neutron transport simulations in reactor physics. In conventional Monte Carlo codes corresponding to the neutron transport tracking with ray-tracing method, the distances to material boundaries must be computed frequently when the neutron changes its kinetic energy or moving into new material regions to determine the neutron transport length. However, if the neutron’s mean free path length, to some extent, is greater than the macro size of the model, a huge amount of distances need to be computed. As a result, the computational efficiency of the neutron transport tracking will be degraded. An improved multi-regional delta-tracking method based on domain decomposition was introduced to solve this problem, in which the original heterogeneous model would be decomposed into many sub-regions and each sub-region was tracked using a local delta-tracking method. Consequently, the computational efficiency of the neutron transport tracking can be improved theoretically without the unnecessary distance calculations. The improved multi-regional delta-tracking method was incorporated into the MOSRT system, which is a multi-objective modeling and simulation platform for radiation transport system. Finally, the method was validated using the criticality benchmarks and its accuracy and efficiency were demonstrated in Monte Carlo criticality calculation. The results indicated that the new method was consistent with the conventional methods, but with a more competitive run-time performance.
Operator Dermal Exposure to Pesticides in Tomato and Strawberry Greenhouses from Hand-Held Sprayers
Authors: Cerruto Emanuele , Manetto Giuseppe , Santoro Francesco , Pascuzzi Simone
Published: July 2018

Protection of greenhouse crops in southern Italy usually requires 15–20 phytosanitary treatments per year, with volume rates in the range of 1000–2000 L ha−1, depending on the plant growth stage. The most widespread sprayers are hand-held, high-pressure devices, which may expose operators to high levels of pesticides. This paper, also with the aim to lead toward a more sustainable use of greenhouses in agricultural productions, including some aspects of workers’ safety, reports the results of experimental tests aimed at measuring the amount of the mixture deposited on the worker’s body (potential dermal exposure, PDE) during pesticide applications to tomato and strawberry plants in a protected environment. Experimental tests on tomatoes were carried out taking into account two plant growth stages (flowering and senescence), two types of spray lance, two working pressures (1 and 2 MPa), and two walking directions (forwards and backwards). Those on the strawberries were carried out at the maturity of the fruit growth stage, comparing two hand-held sprayers (a standard spray gun and a short hand-held spray boom equipped with two nozzles) and working according to the common practice: forwards movement of the operator and high pressure (2 MPa). The results showed that with the tomato plants, the most important factor in reducing the deposit on the operator was the walking direction: on average, the PDE was 718 mL per 1000 L of the sprayed mixture (0.72‰) while walking forwards and 133 mL (0.13‰) while walking backwards. The reduction factor ranged from 3.0 at the flowering growth stage to 7.2 at the senescence growth stage. With respect to the strawberry plants, the PDE was significantly higher when the operator used the short hand-held spray boom (887 mL per 1000 L of the sprayed mixture, equivalent to 0.89‰), rather than the spray gun (344 mL, 0.34‰). In both cases, the most exposed body parts were the lower limbs, which accounted for 89–94% of the total PDE.
Modeling and Forecasting Passenger Car Ownership Based on Symbolic Regression
Authors: Lian Lian , Tian Wen , Xu Hongfeng , Zheng Menglan
Published: July 2018

Numerous functions, especially the Gompertz function, have been predetermined to analyze the growth in vehicle ownership. This study utilizes the data-driven symbolic regression to automatically find a generalized function, named as new equation by symbolic regression (NE-SR), for passenger car ownership in six representative countries including Japan, England, USA, Finland, Poland and Australia. Then the new proposed function is applied for forecasting the passenger car ownership in China up to the year 2060. The experimental results indicate that the NE-SR, as an extension of the Gompertz function, fits better than the classical Gompertz function for car ownership growth. In NE-SR function, three scenarios can be realized by the variation of parameter signs, which are represented by the patterns of Japan, USA and Australia, respectively. The predicted results based on the NE-SR also show that the Chinese car ownership still has a potential to increase after 2060 in the pattern of Japan and Australia, but grows until around 2057 in the pattern of USA. The results can be used to further predict the energy demand and carbon emissions of passenger cars, which can provide a basis for the policymaker to propose transportation and environmental strategies.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Operational Inefficiency: A Dynamic Approach
Authors: Guillamon-Saorin Encarna , Kapelko Magdalena , Stefanou Spiro E.
Published: July 2018

It is yet to be determined whether the firms’ operational inefficiency is reflected on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) engagement approach. This paper aims to examine this association and specifically analyzes to which of the dimensions of CSR operational inefficiency is more closely related. Operational inefficiency is assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) via dynamic inefficiency approach that accounts for the confounding role of adjustment costs related with firms’ investments. Using a sample of U.S. firms in a variety of sectors from 2004 to 2015, we find that lower dynamic inefficiency occurs in firms with a higher commitment to CSR activities. We also find that dynamic inefficiency is negatively related to firms’ engagement in social and corporate governance dimensions of CSR, whereas it is positively associated with the environmental dimension of CSR. In addition, dynamically inefficient companies have higher level of CSR concerns and lower of CSR strengths. The results are robust to endogeneity issues.
Complex Fuzzy Geometric Aggregation Operators
Authors: Bi Lvqing , Dai Songsong , Hu Bo
Published: July 2018

A complex fuzzy set is an extension of the traditional fuzzy set, where traditional [0,1]-valued membership grade is extended to the complex unit disk. The aggregation operator plays an important role in many fields, and this paper presents several complex fuzzy geometric aggregation operators. We show that these operators possess the properties of rotational invariance and reflectional invariance. These operators are also closed on the upper-right quadrant of the complex unit disk. Based on the relationship between Pythagorean membership grades and complex numbers, these operators can be applied to the Pythagorean fuzzy environment.
Joint Adaptive Coding and Reversible Data Hiding for AMBTC Compressed Images
Authors: Hong Wien , Zhou Xiaoyu , Weng Shaowei
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a joint coding and reversible data hiding method for absolute moment block truncation coding (AMBTC) compressed images. Existing methods use a predictor to predict the quantization levels of AMBTC codes. Equal-length indicators, secret bits and prediction errors are concatenated to construct the output code stream. However, the quantization levels might not highly correlate with their neighbors for predictive coding, and the use of equal-length indicators might impede the coding efficiency. The proposed method uses reversible integer transform to represent the quantization levels by their means and differences, which is advantageous for predictive coding. Moreover, the prediction errors are better classified into symmetrical encoding cases using the adaptive classification technique. The length of indicators and the bits representing the prediction errors are properly assigned according to the classified results. Experiments show that the proposed method offers the lowest bitrate for a variety of images when compared with the existing state-of-the-art works.
Interaction of Viral Capsid-Derived Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) with the Innate Immune System
Authors: Mohsen Mona O. , Gomes Ariane C. , Vogel Monique , Bachmann Martin F.
Published: July 2018

Virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from viral nucleocapsids are an important class of nanoparticles. The structure, uniformity, stability, and function of these VLPs have attracted scientists in utilizing them as a unique tool in various applications in biomedical fields. Their interaction with the innate immune system is of major importance for the adaptive immune response they induce. The innate immune cells and molecules recognize and interact with VLPs on the basis of two major characteristics: size and surface geometry. This review discusses the interaction of viral capsid-derived VLPs with the innate immune system.
The Immunity Gap Challenge: Protection against a Recent Florida Clade 2 Equine Influenza Strain
Authors: Paillot Romain , Garrett Dion , Lopez-Alvarez Maria R. , Birand Ihlan , Montesso Fernando , Horspool Linda
Published: July 2018

Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for limiting the impact of equine influenza (EI). The humoral immunity established following a primary vaccination course can decrease significantly between the second (V2) and third immunisations (V3), leaving some horses insufficiently protected for several weeks. This so-called “immunity gap” poses a challenge to all EI vaccines. During this period, the EI infection of vaccinated animals may be followed by marked clinical signs and virus shedding. However, several EI vaccines have been shown to stimulate equine influenza virus (EIV)-specific cell-mediated immunity, which is likely to play a role in protection against EIV infection and/or mitigate the clinical and virological signs of EI. Reducing the interval between V2 and V3 has been shown to be counterproductive to longer-term immunity. Further research is needed to define and address the “immunity gap” in horses. This study aimed to measure the level of protection induced by a whole inactivated, ISCOMatrix adjuvanted, EI and tetanus vaccine (Equilis Prequenza-Te) when challenged during the immunity gap (i.e., immediately before the recommended boost immunisation, more than 5 months after V2) using infection with a recent heterologous Florida Clade 2 (FC2) equine influenza virus (EIV) strain. This vaccine was tested in a Welsh mountain pony model. A group of seven ponies was vaccinated twice, 4 weeks apart. The protective antibody response was measured and ponies were challenged, along with 5 unvaccinated control ponies, by experimental infection with the FC2 A/eq/Northamptonshire/1/13 EIV strain, 158 days (around 5.2 months) after V2 and their clinical signs and virus shedding were monitored. EI serology was measured by single radial haemolysis (SRH) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI). Clinical signs and virus shedding (measured by qRT-PCR and hen’s egg titration) were compared with controls. All vaccinates had detectable, low SRH antibody titres and most had detectable, low HI titres. Significant clinical and virological protection was observed in vaccinates (p < 0.05), supporting the good performance of this vaccine against a recent EIV strain. In this study, the impact of the immunity gap in ponies was limited after primary vaccination with this whole inactivated, ISCOMatrix adjuvanted EI and tetanus vaccine (Equilis Prequenza-Te) when infected several months after V2 with a recent FC2 strain, which is representative of EIV circulating in the EU.
Cooling Water Sufficiency in a Warming World: Projection Using an Integrated Assessment Model and a Global Hydrological Model
Authors: Zhou Qian , Hanasaki Naota , Fujimori Shinichiro , Yoshikawa Sayaka , Kanae Shinjiro , Okadera Tomohiro
Published: July 2018

Thermoelectric power plants in inland regions use primarily riverine water for cooling. The future availability of riverine water will be affected by climatic change. Power generation is expected to grow throughout the 21st century, accompanied by growth in cooling water demand. We estimated cooling water sufficiency globally under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2 scenario with and without climate mitigation throughout the 21st century (2006–2099) at a spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5°. We used the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model Computable General Equilibrium Model (AIM/CGE) to project future thermoelectric cooling-water requirements in 17 global regions with no hydrological constraint on water availability, and the H08 global hydrological model to assess whether consumptive water requirements could be met under particular spatiotemporal and hydrological constraints. The results show that cooling water sufficiency will decrease by 7.9% and 11.4% in 2040–2069 (11.3% and 18.6% in 2070–2099) with and without climate mitigation, respectively. A distinct difference was found between with and without climate mitigation in the Middle East and Africa. The predicted insufficiency was attributable primarily to changes in river flow regimes, particularly a general decrease in low flow levels, and to increased water requirements for thermoelectric power generation and other sectors. The results imply that the growing water demand projected by AIM/CGE will not be fulfilled sustainably in many parts of the world, hence considerable additional efforts of reducing water consumption will be required to secure electric power supply. This confirms the importance of coupling integrated assessment models and global hydrological models for consistent water-energy nexus analyses.
Inlet Water Quality Forecasting of Wastewater Treatment Based on Kernel Principal Component Analysis and an Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Yu Tingting , Yang Shuai , Bai Yun , Gao Xu , Li Chuan
Published: July 2018

The stable operation of sewage treatment is of great significance to controlling regional water environment pollution. It is also important to forecast the inlet water quality accurately, which may ensure the purification efficiency of sewage treatment at a low cost. In this paper, a combined kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) model is established to forecast the inlet water quality of sewage treatment. Specifically, KPCA is employed for feature extraction and dimensionality reduction of the inlet wastewater quality and ELM is utilized for the future inlet water quality forecasting. The experimental results indicated that the KPCA-ELM model has a higher accuracy than the other comparison PCA-ELM model, ELM model, and back propagation neural network (BPNN) model for forecasting COD and BOD concentration of the inlet wastewater, with mean absolute error (MAE) values of 2.322 mg/L and 1.125 mg/L, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of 1.223% and 1.321%, and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 3.108 and 1.340, respectively. It is recommended from this research that the method may provide a reliable and effective reference for forecasting the water quality of sewage treatment.
The Effect Evaluation of Comprehensive Treatment for Groundwater Overdraft in Quzhou County, China
Authors: Xu Ting , Yan Dengming , Weng Baisha , Bi Wuxia , Do Pierre , Liu Fang , Wang Ying , Ma Jun
Published: July 2018

In recent years, land subsidence in the plain areas of Hebei Province has caused a tremendous potential safety hazard, and has seriously hindered the social and economic development of Hebei Province. Therefore, the relevant ministries and commissions of China decided to implement comprehensive treatments to restore and protect groundwater in Hebei Province from 2014. This paper evaluates the effect of the comprehensive treatments implemented at Quzhou County in 2014 and 2015. Based on socio-economic and surface and groundwater data, the study converted “electricity to water amount” to obtain the actual amount of agricultural groundwater exploitation, and then drew the effective precipitation and agricultural groundwater exploitation amount (P-W) curve. Finally, the study calculated the restriction amount of agricultural groundwater exploitation and validated the groundwater exploitation restriction effect by the variation of groundwater depth. The restriction amounts of agricultural groundwater exploitation of the projects (including water conservancy projects, agricultural projects, and forestry projects) implemented in 2014 and 2015 were 10.54 million m3 and 5.65 million m3, respectively. The target completion ratios were 79.1% in 2014 and 100.8% in 2015, respectively. The groundwater depths of the project regions and the county have restored to some extent. Therefore, this study illustrated that the comprehensive treatments have played an effective role in groundwater recovery and the restriction of groundwater exploitation has not caused the reduction of grain production. The results of this study can also provide effective references and technical supports of the comprehensive treatments of groundwater overdraft for other similar regions.
Streamflow Simulation Using Bayesian Regression with Multivariate Linear Spline to Estimate Future Changes
Authors: Das Bhowmik Rajarshi , Seo Seung Beom , Sahoo Saswata
Published: July 2018

Statistical models for hydrologic simulation are a common choice among researchers particularly when catchment information is limited. In this study, we adopt a new statistical approach, namely Bayesian regression with multivariate linear spline (BMLS) for long-term simulation of streamflow on a Hydroclimate Data Network (HCDN) site in the United States. The study aims to: (i) evaluate the performance of the BMLS model; (ii) compare the performance of climate model outputs as predictors in hydrologic simulation; and (iii) estimate the changes in streamflow caused by anthropogenic climate change which is defined as the projected change in precipitation and temperature under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Performance of the BMLS model is compared with climatology for the validation period. Results suggest that the BMLS model forced with observed monthly precipitation and average temperature exhibits information that is not presented in the climatology of the validation period. Later, we consider Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) historical and hindcast runs to simulate streamflow at the HCDN site. The study found that sea-surface temperature-initialized decadal hindcast runs are performing no better than 20th century historical runs regarding hydrologic simulation. Finally, the changes in mean and variability in streamflow at the HCDN site are estimated by forcing the model with CMIP5 future projections for the period 2000–2049.
A New Assessment of Hydrological Change in the Source Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Wu Pan , Liang Sihai , Wang Xu-Sheng , Feng Yuqing , McKenzie Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2018

Hydrological responses to climate change are a widely concerning question, particularly for the source region of the Yellow River (SRYR), which is sensitive to climate change and is widely underlain by frozen ground. In considering climate change impacts on catchment properties, the traditional separation approach based on the Budyko framework was modified to identify and quantify the climatic causes of discharge changes. On the basis of the decomposition method, the traditional separation method and the modified separation method were used to analyse the discharge change in the SRYR. Using the observed annual maximum frozen depth (MFD) to indicate the frozen ground level, the impacts of frozen-ground degradation on the discharge change were further considered using the modified separation method. Our results show that the traditional separation approach underestimated climate-induced discharge change; over the past half-century, the discharge change in the SRYR has been primarily controlled by climate change. Increasing air temperature is generally a negative force on discharge generation; however, it also causes frozen ground to degrade—a positive factor for discharge generation. Such conflicting effects enhance the uncertainty in assessments of hydrological responses to climate change in the sub-basins with widely distributed permafrost.
Removal of Total Dissolved Solids from Reverse Osmosis Concentrates from a Municipal Wastewater Reclamation Plant by Aerobic Granular Sludge
Authors: Kim Do-Hyung , Park Sangjin , Yoon Yeomin , Park Chang Min
Published: July 2018

Reverse osmosis (RO) has been widely utilized in water reclamation plants and produces a concentrated brine (or reject) stream as a by-product. RO concentrates (ROC) contain vast quantities of salts and dissolved organic matter, such as biomass and humic-like substances, which hinder biological wastewater treatment (such as biological nitrogen removal). In this study, we cultivated granular sludge in an aerobic sequencing batch reactor to treat municipal wastewater with an organic loading rate of 2.1–4.3 kgCOD/m3 day at room temperature (25 °C), and remove total dissolved solids (TDS) from ROC by biosorption, with aerobic granular sludge as a novel biosorbent. The results of the kinetic experiments demonstrated that TDS removal by aerobic granular sludge was more rapid than that by other coagulants and adsorbents (i.e., calcium hydroxide, polyaluminum chloride, activated sludge, powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon, and zeolite) under optimal treatment conditions. The biosorption of TDS on the aerobic granular sludge was well-modeled by the Lagergren first-order model, with a maximum biosorption capacity of 1698 mg/g. Thus, aerobic granular sludge could be effective as a regenerable biosorbent for removing the TDS in ROC from municipal wastewater.
PROJECT RISK EVALUATION BY USING A NEW FUZZY MODEL BASED ON ELENA GUIDELINE
Authors: Asadi Pezhman , Zeidi Javad Rezaeian , Mojibi Toraj , Yazdani-Chamzini Abdolreza , Tamošaitienė Jolanta
Published: July 2018

The complexity and dynamics of the executive projects have coped contractors with substantial hazards and losses. Project risk management is a critical tool for authority to improve its performance and secure the success of the organization. However, a number of standards and approaches have been developed to formulate the projects based on their risks. The Elena guideline is a systematic standard developed by Iran Project Management Association. This guideline provides the full cycle of the risk management process. Risk evaluation is the key part of the risk management process. On the other hand, different techniques have been developed to model a risk evaluation problem. Fuzzy inference system is one of the most popular techniques that is capable of handling all types of the uncertainty involved in projects. This paper proposes a three-stage approach based on the fuzzy inference system under the environment of the Elena guideline to cope with the risky projects. Finally, an illustrative example of the risk evaluation is presented to demonstrate the potential application of the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model evaluates the risky projects efficiently and effectively.
Experimental Investigation on Friction Stir Butt Welded Aluminium 6061-T6 Alloy Using Taguchi L9 Experimental Approach
Authors: Maneaih D. , Prahlada Rao K. , Raju K. Brahma
Published: July 2018

Two sheets of aluminium 6061-T6 alloy of size 400×150×3 (mm) is butt welded by the friction stir welding by varying the process parameter such as rotational speed, tilt angle and feed. The ranges of process parameters are rotational speed 560, 900 and 1400 RPM, tilt angle 0, 0.5 and 1 and feed 20, 63 and 100 mm/min. The hexagonal shape of probe is taken to carry out the friction stir welding. The Taguchi L9 experimental approach is used to draw the 9 experimental conditions. The temperature at the weld bead as well as on the probe during the welding is measured by the help of a LASER gun. The hardness at the weld bead and parent metal is measured after the welding. Taguchi L9 approach is used to optimize the process parameters to identify the individual as well as simultaneous effects of the process parameters on the responses temperature and hardness of the weld joint. The optimum conditions for the better fitment of the process parameter and responses are identified through this experimentation.
TEM Analysis of Precipitates in a Low Alloy Wear Resistant Steel and Correlating with its Corrosion Behaviour
Authors: Naseema S. , Gaurav B. , Das G. , Srivatsava V.C. , Rao K. Srinivas , Krishna K. Gopala
Published: July 2018

Wear-resistant low alloy steels containing elements like Cr, Mo, attain their properties due to precipitation of carbides upon heat treatment. These steels are widely used for components in earthmoving and mining equipment. Even though the mechanical properties and wear behaviour of these steels are studied extensively, the studies on nature of carbide precipitation and their influence on corrosion behaviour are very rare. The present work attempts to correlate the microstructure with corrosion properties of low alloy wear resistant steel. After quenching from hot working temperature of about 900 °C, the alloy is subjected to tempering at two different temperatures i.e. 150 °C & 300 °C for durations of 1 h and 4 h. Two competitive process occur simultaneously effecting the hardness of the alloy during tempering i.e. (i) Softening due to transformation of martensite with depleting carbon (ii) Increase in hardness due to formation of carbide precipitates in the matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of as quenched condition revealed fully martensite structure in the alloy. TEM investigation of 150 °C/ 4 h tempering condition, revealed presence of some amount of martensite and fine carbide precipitates in the alloy. TEM micrographs of 300 °C/ 4 h condition revealed relatively coarse carbides in a softer ferrite matrix. The presence of martensite and fine precipitates, resulted in relative improvements in wear and corrosion resistance respectively, for the alloy tempered at 150 °C for 4 h, when compared to the alloy tempered at 300 °C for 4 h.
Effect of Final Rapid Cooling Temperature on Ultra-Fine Carbides of Ti-Mo Ferrite Matrix Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Yu Zhi Chen , Mi Zhen Li , Cai Qing Wu , Guo Jin , Gong Na
Published: July 2018

The size and distribution of nanoscale precipitate particles in Ti-Mo ferrite matrix microalloyed steel under three different final rapid cooling temperatures were studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscope(TEM) and microhardness test. The results show that the interphase precipitation could be weakened by the excessive final rapid cooling temperature. A higher supersaturated solid solubility and high-density dislocation in ferrite matrix can be obtained under a relatively lower final rapid cooling temperature, which makes it easier to precipitate in ferrite. The related thermodynamic analysis indicated that the precipitation behavior was influenced by the final rapid cooling temperature during austenite/ferrite region. It is not conducive to get a large amount of small size precipitates in Ti-Mo ferrite matrix microalloyed steel when the final rapid cooling temperature is too high or low.
miR-155 Modulates Cockroach Allergen– and Oxidative Stress–Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 in Asthma
Authors: Qiu Lipeng , Zhang Yan , Do Danh C. , Ke Xia , Zhang Simin , Lambert Kristin , Kumar Shruthi , Hu Chengping , Zhou Yufeng , Ishmael Faoud T. , Gao Peisong
Published: July 2018

Exposure to cockroach allergen is a strong risk factor for developing asthma. Asthma has been associated with allergen-induced airway epithelial damage and heightened oxidant stress. In this study, we investigated cockroach allergen–induced oxidative stress in airway epithelium and its underlying mechanisms. We found that cockroach extract (CRE) could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, particularly mitochondrial-derived ROS, in human bronchial epithelial cells. We then used the RT2 Profiler PCR array and identified that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was the most significantly upregulated gene related to CRE-induced oxidative stress. miR-155, predicted to target COX-2, was increased in CRE-treated human bronchial epithelial cells, and was showed to regulate COX-2 expression. Moreover, miR-155 can bind COX-2, induce COX-2 reporter activity, and maintain mRNA stability. Furthermore, CRE-treated miR-155−/− mice showed reduced levels of ROS and COX-2 expression in lung tissues and PGE2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with wild-type mice. These miR-155−/− mice also showed reduced lung inflammation and Th2/Th17 cytokines. In contrast, when miR-155−/− mice were transfected with adeno-associated virus carrying miR-155, the phenotypic changes in CRE-treated miR-155−/− mice were remarkably reversed, including ROS, COX-2 expression, lung inflammation, and Th2/Th17 cytokines. Importantly, plasma miR-155 levels were elevated in severe asthmatics when compared with nonasthmatics or mild-to-moderate asthmatics. These increased plasma miR-155 levels were also observed in asthmatics with cockroach allergy compared with those without cockroach allergy. Collectively, these findings suggest that COX-2 is a major gene related to cockroach allergen–induced oxidative stress and highlight a novel role of miR-155 in regulating the ROS–COX-2 axis in asthma.