bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Blended Cement Hydration in the Reactive Powder Concrete with Increasing Levels of Silica Fume Addition
Authors: Bach Quoc Si
Published: March 2019

Hydration is a chemical reaction in which the major compounds in cement form chemical bonds with water molecules and become hydration products. By the process of hydration Portland cement mixed with sand, gravel and water produces the synthetic rock we call concrete. The Therefore, the concrete properties always accompanies with the hydration degree of cement. This paper presents some experimental test results on how silica fume affects the cement hydration in cement pastes of the Reactive Powder Concrete as increasing levels of silica fume addition with the content from 0% to 30% of cement mass. The hydration process of cement/silica fume paste was followed from the estimation of heat of hydration, rate of heat evolution, of binder pastes obtained by isothermal calorimetry (TAM-Air). In addition, the portlandite content, the hydration degree of pure cement, reaction degree of binder paste as well as reaction degree of silica fume were investigated. The quantitative assessment on these characteristics are due to the simulation of the hydration of Portland cement pastes containing silica fume.
Modeling Energy Harvesting Devices with Non-Uniformly Polarized Piezoceramic Materials
Authors: Soloviev Arkady N. , Duong Le Van , Oganesyan P.A. , Kirillova E.V.
Published: March 2019

Non-uniformly polarized piezoceramic materials can be used in effective energy harvesting devices. Axisymmetric and plane models of electro elastic bodies were studied using applied theory and finite element method (FEM). Applied theory for devices made of parts with longitudinal and transverse polarization was developed. It was based on bending of electro elastic plates models. Numerical experiments for FEM models were performed in ACELAN package. Comparison of applied theory and FEM results showed satisfactory accuracy. First model consists of three parts: transversally polarized part and two parts with opposite longitudinal polarization. It was compared with uniformly polarized model of the same size. Both electro-mechanical coupling coefficient and output voltage produced by forced oscillations were greater in case of non-uniform polarization. Geometrical parameters – such as relative size of parts, electrode positioning and thickness of the device - were varied in series of numerical experiments to determine range of applicability for developed models and to perform initial analyses of most effective set of parameters. Model was analyzed for different boundary conditions. Automation tools for applied theory computations were developed. Second model is a disk with transvers polarization in the central part and opposite longitudinal polarization in two layers of outer part. It also showed output voltage growth. Appling polarization to the device is an important part of manufacturing process. In some cases, parts can be polarized with imperfections as incomplete polarization of deviation of polarization direction. Polarization process for predefined model geometry and electrode scheme can be performed in ACELAN package. Vector field of the polarization were transferred to finite element meshes and used for solving problems with non-uniform polarization. Difference between simplified block model presented in applied theory and full model solved with FEM was estimated. Some problems can be reduced from full to simplified model without significant accuracy loss. Described programs, models and techniques are developed for advanced analysis of non-uniformly polarized energy storage devices.
Design and Optimization of a New Hollow Circular Flexure Hinge for Precision Mechanisms
Authors: Nguyen Van Khien , Tuong Duy Luong , Pham Huy Tuan , Pham Huy Hoang
Published: March 2019

Flexure hinges have been used in many precision mechanisms where repeatable, friction free motion and high precision are required. Many kinds of flexure profiles have been proposed during the past decade. This paper presents a new type of flexure hinge which combines circular longitudinal axis beams to form hollow joint. This novel design will help to improve the range of motion, reduce stress level and increase the maximum load before yielding. Due to its special design, the cavity inside the hinge can also be filled with an elastomeric filler material to provide vibration damping. In order to synthesis this hinge, shape optimization integrating genetic algorithm and response surface methodology is used. The optimization procedure is programmed in MATLAB whereas finite element analysis in ANSYS is also embedded into the codes to enhance the calculation process. The new flexure hollow hinge is compared to the conventional straight-axis solid hinges (circular, elliptical and corner-filleted flexure hinges) in terms of stiffness, rotational precision and stress levels. It is also supposed that this new design would increase the precision of the mechanism due to reducing the parasitic motion. Finite element analysis in ANSYS is used to verify for the viability of the design before it can be fabricated and tested.
Hysteresis Identification of Bidirectional Magneto-Rheological Actuators Employing Preisach Model
Authors: Diep Bao Tri , Vo N.Y.P. , Le Thanh Danh
Published: March 2019

As known, the aim of this paper is to present the field hysteresis behavior of a BMR actuator via identifying the hysteresis model. In order to realize this purpose, firstly, a BMR actuator is manufactured. The feature of this actuator has two disks which are rotated in opposite direction at the same speed and two coils are placed directly on each side of the housing. The two input signals consisting of velocity and current are applied to the BMR actuator to investigate the characteristic of this actuator. Secondly, a proper Preisach hysteresis model is built with two inputs and one output to estimate the torque of the actuator. Finally, the accuracy and the effectiveness of the model are demonstrated by the errors comparison between the constructed hysteretic curves and the experimental ones
Effects of Using Nitrile Rubber Foam and Solar Panels on Cover for Cooling Outdoor Sparking Car
Authors: Nguyen The Luong
Published: March 2019

In the summer, the cars are exposed to strong sun when it is parked outdoor without the sunscreen, it has had accelerated the auto parts, interior aging and damage. In order to prevent that exposure, the solutions showed such as car awning, car sunshade and car sunscreen etc…, the above devices showed low effectivity for car sun protection. This paper will study effects of cooling system for outdoor sparking car using solar panels cover. A new covering car with multi-layers structure attaching flexible solar panels were designed to increase effectively sun protection, the nitrile rubber foam divided the light and heat radiation of the sun, the flexible solar panel converted solar energy into electric energy and supplied for the air conditioner to regulate inside car temperature. The results showed that, at nitrile rubber foam layer thickness of 4mm, the car maximum temperature of 41.5°C was observed for solar panel-awning-nitrile rubber cover which is much lower than it is exposed directly by sun radiation and commercial cover. The six solar panels (100W) were adapted on car cover, the solar electric energy supplied enough for a mini air conditioner of 340W. Performance of cooling system using solar panels was also investigated and it showed that the temperature inside car could be down to 24°C.
Numerical Investigations of Aerodynamics Characteristics of Main Rotors in Helicopter UAV Used for Pesticide Spraying in Agriculture
Authors: Tran Ngoc Khanh , Dao Van Quang , Nguyen Phu Khanh , Hoang Thi Kim Dung , Nguyen Van Khang
Published: March 2019

In the last several decades past, Helicopters UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have quickly developed and day by day, they play an important role in human life. As it is well-known, helicopters UAV make some outstanding characteristics such as light weight, flexibility and particularly automatically controlled. By applying these characteristics, we research and manufacture Helicopter UAV using for spraying pesticide in agriculture. One of the most important components is main rotor because main rotor generated thrust, drag and momentum. Helicopters UAV efficient changed depending on main rotor. The research works focus on aerodynamics characterization of main rotor in helicopter UAV. This work uses CFD tool in ANSYS CFX software to calculate the aerodynamics parameters generated by main rotor using in UAV. The aim is to characterize the aerodynamics characteristics such as thrust, drag, pressure, aerodynamics quality on the different flight modes (hover, vertical and forward flight). Firstly, the simulations are carried out in hover flight mode with different blade pitch angles. The results are compared to experiment date in another research to validate numerical results. Then, the simulations are carried out in vertical flight mode and forward flight mode. The results showed that thrust and drag coefficient creased with increasing blade pitch angle. When blade pitch angle started from 1800, thrust coefficient decreased but drag coefficient increased sharply. The rotor performance was measured by aerodynamics quality and numerical results showed that the best rotor performance was at 900. In the vertical flight mode, the thrust and drag coefficient decreased with increasing vertical velocity but rotor performance increased slightly. The best vertical velocity for vertical flight is around 2 m/s and 3 m/s. Finally, in forward flight mode, the aerodynamics characterizations of rotors depended on azimuthal angular position of blade or time. Our helicopter operates in environment with light gust. The results showed the change of aerodynamics coefficient to time. Both thrust and drag coefficient changed but the rotor performance did not change much.
An Approach to Improve on Stiffness for Aerostatics Bearing
Authors: Nguyen Anh Van Ha , Dang Thien Ngon
Published: March 2019

The pocketed orifice structure for the air-nozzles of an aerostatic bearing is usually a particular pocketed orifice. This structure can not help the shaft to reach high stiffness in working process, so the applicability of the aerostatic bearing in machines with large centrifugal or horizontal force is not focused. A common pocketed orifice structure for the air-nozzles of the aerostatic bearing to meet the demand of high stiffness of the journal shaft has been developed.. Experimental results show that the stiffness of the aerostatic bearing increases, the eccentricity is only about 0.03 mm at a pressure of 2 to 2.5 bar compared to the structure of particular pocketed orifice. Besides operating at high pressure, a common pocketed orifice structure does not suffer from air congestion (blockage) as in a particular pocketed orifice structure. This results in reducing vibration and avoiding damage inside the aerostatic bearing.
Machining Based Geometric Error Estimation Method for 3-Axis CNC Machine
Authors: Hoang Trung Kien , Ta Nguyen Minh Duc
Published: March 2019

Computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool plays an extremely significant role in any manufacturing industry due to its automation and high accuracy. Keeping the CNC machine tool at its highest performance to meet the demand of high accuracy machining is always significant. To maintain the accuracy of a machine tool over the time, it is important to measure and compensate the geometric error, one of the main error source of machine tool, especially when the machine get old. There are totally 21 geometrical errors in a 3-axis machine tool including three translational errors and three rotational errors for each axis and three perpendicular error (Squareness) within three axes of the machine. This paper presents an economical and simple method for measuring the geometric error of a 3-axis CNC machine tool based on the machining of actual samples. Three samples for each axis will be machined following a design cutting path. The samples will then be measured using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The collect data will be used for estimating the geometric errors. The volumetric errors will be then computed and verified through machining of 3D geometries.
Development of Magnetorheological Brake with Tooth-Shaped Disc for Small Size Motorcycle
Authors: Le Duc Thang , Nguyen Ngoc Diep , Le Duy Tuan , Nguyen Ngoc Tuyen , Pham Van Vinh , Nguyen Quoc Hung
Published: March 2019

In this research, a new type of magneto-rheological brake (MRB) is proposed for small size motorcycle. The proposed MRB consists of a rotor with multiple trapezoidal teeth acting at multiple magnetic poles of the brake. In order to generate a magnetic field for controlling braking torque, a magnetic coil is placed on each side-housing of the brake. The inner face of each side-housing also has trapezoidal shape mating with the trapezoidal teeth of the rotor via MRF layer. By applying countercurrents to the coils, a magnetic fluid is generated with some magnetic flux going across the MRF layer (MRF duct) between the rotor teeth and their mating poles on the housing. By using multiple poles with trapezoidal shape, a high braking torque of the brake is expected while the size of the brake is still kept to be compacted. After an introduction about the development of MRBs in automotive engineering, the configuration of the proposed MRB is presented and its braking torque is derived based on Bingham rheological model of MRF. The proposed MRB is then optimally designed based on finite element analysis (FEA). Its optimized MRB is then manufactured and its braking performance is experimentally investigated. The MRB is then installed in a prototype motorcycle and the field test of this prototype motorcycle integrated with the MRB is then conducted.
The Influence of Alumina Filler on Mechanical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Bulk Moulding Compounds (BMCs) Composite
Authors: Le Thai Hung , Nguyen Hien Trang
Published: March 2019

Bulk moulding compounds (BMCs) are composite materials of thermosetting polymer matrix reinforced by short glass fibers. BMCs have known as the alternative of the traditional materials thanks to their optimal properties such as lightweight, durability, corrosion under certain environment, formable, high electrical resistance... The previous study mentioned the process of manufacturing composite materials BMCs from unsaturated polyester resin reinforced with short glass fiber and CaCO3 filler by Z axis mixer and applying in the circuit breaker bottom, [1, 2]. To improve the thermal resistance of BMCs under high temperature condition in the industry, in this research, alumina filler was added to investigate the influence of alumina with the different content of 15wt.% and 20wt.% on the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of BMCs. Specimens manufactured with and without alumina filler content were compared. The results show clearly that adding alumina could improve the thermal properties whereas this might decrease the tensile strength of BMCs. The experimental results also indicated the influence of mass fraction of alumina filler content on properties of BMCs.
Study the Effect of Chemical Treatment on Substrate Surface on the Formation Nanodots Array and its Optical Properties
Authors: Phuc Truong Duc , Masahiko Yoshino
Published: March 2019

In this research, an effective method to fabricate various metallic nanoand micro structure patterns is developed by combination of chemical stamping and selective peeling off technique. The feasibility of the process is experimentally studied and demonstrated. In this paper, the authors present the effects of the chemical treatment on the substrate surface on the formation of the nanodots array and its absorbance property. The results show that the chemical treatment by dropping Acetone solution on the quartz glass substrate strongly affects the morphology and absorbance property of the nanodots array. With the Acetone treatment on the substrate, the nanodots become smaller and more uniform in size through thermal dewetting process. Simultaneously, it results in blue shifted of the absorbance peak and enhancement of the absorbance peak intensity. The improvement of the optical property of the nanodots array is useful for plasmonic solarcell and bio sensing applications.
Levodopa-Induced Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Parkinson'S Disease and Severe Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ng Chen Fei , Tiau Patrick WJ , Tan Hui Jan , Norlinah MI
Published: March 2019

Levodopa is the most effective medical treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) to date. As dopamine is known to increase cardiac inotropism and vasomotor tone, peripheral dopamine decarboxylase inhibitor is coadministered to suppress the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine. Levodopa poses potential cardiovascular risks, thus its use in patients with existing coronary artery disease needs to be carefully monitored. We report a case of an elderly male with newly diagnosed PD who developed non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction following levodopa (Madopar) initiation.
Respiratory Medicine in Iraq – from the Primitive to the Advanced
Authors: Al-khairalla Mudher , Qaraghulli Mwaffaq , Alwan Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Healthcare in Iraq has seen significant decline over the past few decades. Political instability coupled with austerity due to conflict and war has become a major obstacle in the transition needed to restore acceptable healthcare standards.

Respiratory medicine had remained under developed despite the potential benefit it could offer to many people suffering diseases of high prevalence.

A dedicated team of experts carried out a feasibility study to create a specialist respiratory centre, ThiQar lung diseases (TQLD). Equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment, a paperless hospital information system and staff trained by specialists from the UK, the centre has reduced a significant healthcare gap. It now serves a large population catchment area and has helped offer people an alternative to seeking healthcare abroad.
Occupational Therapy Can Benefit From an Interprofessional Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System
Authors: Fasoli Susan E. , Ferraro Mary K. , Lin Susan H.
Published: March 2019

To advance evidence-based practice across rehabilitation professions, clinicians, and researchers could benefit from a structured way to clearly describe the treatment interventions used by their discipline. Development of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System is an interprofessional effort to use a theory-driven and systematic approach to define, specify, and quantify the complex nature of rehabilitation treatments. In this article, we introduce this novel approach and provide a case example that illustrates application to clinical practice. We invite occupational therapy practitioners to consider how clear specification of the content and process of their interventions could benefit practice, research, and education.
Unravelling the microphysics of polar mesospheric cloud formation
Authors: Duft Denis , Nachbar Mario , Leisner Thomas
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Polar mesospheric clouds are the highest water ice clouds
occurring in the terrestrial atmosphere. They form in the polar summer
mesopause, the coldest region in the atmosphere. It has long been assumed
that these clouds form by heterogeneous nucleation on meteoric smoke
particles which are the remnants of material ablated from meteoroids in the
upper atmosphere. However, until now little was known about the properties
of these nanometre-sized particles and application of the classical theory for
heterogeneous ice nucleation was impacted by large uncertainties. In this
work, we performed laboratory measurements on the heterogeneous ice
formation process at mesopause conditions on small (r=1 to 3 nm)
iron silicate nanoparticles serving as meteoric smoke analogues. We observe
that ice growth on these particles sets in for saturation ratios with
respect to hexagonal ice below Sh=50, a value that is commonly
exceeded during the polar mesospheric cloud season, affirming meteoric smoke
particles as likely nuclei for heterogeneous ice formation in mesospheric
clouds. We present a simple ice-activation model based on the Kelvin–Thomson equation that takes into account the water coverage of iron silicates of
various compositions. The activation model reproduces the experimental data
very well using bulk properties of compact amorphous solid water. This is in
line with the finding from our previous study that ice formation on
iron silicate nanoparticles occurs by condensation of amorphous solid water
rather than by nucleation of crystalline ice at mesopause conditions. Using
the activation model, we also show that for iron silicate particles with dry
radius larger than r=0.6 nm the nanoparticle charge has no significant
effect on the ice-activation threshold.
Collection of large benthic invertebrates in sediment traps in the
Amundsen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Kim Minkyoung , Yang Eun Jin , Kim Hyung Jeek , Kim Dongseon , Kim Tae-Wan , La Hyoung Sul , Lee SangHoon , Hwang Jeomshik
Published: March 2019

Abstract. To study sinking particle sources and dynamics, sediment traps were deployed at three sites in the Amundsen Sea for one year from February/March 2012, and at one site from February 2016 to February 2018. Unexpectedly, large benthic invertebrates were found in three sediment traps deployed 130–567 m above the sea floor. The organisms included long and slender worms, a sea urchin, and juvenile scallops of varying sizes. This is the first reported collection of these benthic invertebrates in sediment traps. The collection of these organisms predominantly during the austral winter, and their intact bodies, suggests they were trapped in anchor ice, incorporated into the overlying sea ice, and subsequently transported by ice rafting. The observations imply that anchor ice forms episodically in the Amundsen Sea and has biological impacts on benthic ecosystems.
Efficiency and robustness in Monte Carlo sampling of 3-D geophysical inversions with Obsidian v0.1.2: Setting up for success
Authors: Scalzo Richard , Kohn David , Olierook Hugo , Houseman Gregory , Chandra Rohitash , Girolami Mark , Cripps Sally
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The rigorous quantification of uncertainty in geophysical inversions is a challenging problem. Inversions are often ill-posed and the likelihood surface may be multimodal; properties of any single mode become inadequate uncertainty measures, and sampling methods become inefficient for irregular posteriors or high-dimensional parameter spaces. We explore the influences of different choices made by the practitioner on the efficiency and accuracy of Bayesian geophysical inversion methods that rely on Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling to assess uncertainty, using a multi-sensor inversion of the three-dimensional structure and composition of a region in the Cooper Basin of South Australia as a case study. The inversion is performed using an updated version of the Obsidian distributed inversion software. We find that the posterior for this inversion has complex local covariance structure, hindering the efficiency of adaptive sampling methods that adjust the proposal based on the chain history. Within the context of a parallel-tempered Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme for exploring high-dimensional multi-modal posteriors, a preconditioned Crank-Nicholson proposal outperforms more conventional forms of random walk. Aspects of the problem setup, such as priors on petrophysics or on 3-D geological structure, affect the shape and separation of posterior modes, influencing sampling performance as well as the inversion results. Use of uninformative priors on sensor noise can improve inversion results by enabling optimal weighting among multiple sensors even if noise levels are uncertain. Efficiency could be further increased by using posterior gradient information within proposals, which Obsidian does not currently support, but which could be emulated using posterior surrogates.
The penultimate deglaciation: protocol for PMIP4 transient numerical simulations between 140 and 127 ka, version 1.0
Authors: Menviel Laurie , Capron Emilie , Govin Aline , Dutton Andrea , Tarasov Lev , Abe-Ouchi Ayako , Drysdale Russell N. , Gibbard Philip L. , Gregoire Lauren , He Feng , Ivanovic Ruza F. , Kageyama Masa , Kawamura Kenji , Landais Amaelle , Otto-Bliesner Bette L. , Oyabu Ikumi , Tzedakis Polychronis C. , Wolff Eric , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The penultimate deglaciation (PDG, ~ 138–128 thousand years before present, hereafter ka) is the transition from the penultimate glacial maximum to the Last Interglacial (LIG, ~ 129–116 ka). The LIG stands out as one of the warmest interglacials of the last 800 ka, with high-latitude temperature warmer than today and global sea level likely higher by at least 6 meters. Considering the transient nature of the Earth system, the LIG climate and ice-sheets evolution were certainly influenced by the changes occurring during the penultimate deglaciation. It is thus important to investigate, with coupled Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs), the climate and environmental response to the large changes in boundary conditions (i.e. orbital configuration, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, ice-sheet geometry, and associated meltwater fluxes) occurring during the penultimate deglaciation. A deglaciation working group has recently been set up as part of the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) phase 4, with a protocol to perform transient simulations of the last deglaciation (19–11 ka; although the protocol covers 26–0 ka). Similar to the last deglaciation, the disintegration of continental ice-sheets during the penultimate deglaciation led to significant changes in the oceanic circulation during Heinrich Stadial 11 (~ 136–129 ka). However, the two deglaciations bear significant differences in magnitude and temporal evolution of climate and environmental changes. Here, as part of the PAGES-PMIP working group on Quaternary Interglacials, we propose a protocol to perform transient simulations of the penultimate deglaciation under the auspices of PMIP4. This design includes time-varying changes in orbital forcing, greenhouse gas concentrations, continental ice-sheets as well as freshwater input from the disintegration of continental ice-sheets. This experiment is designed for AOGCMs to assess the coupled response of the climate system to all forcings. Additional sensitivity experiments are proposed to evaluate the response to each forcing. Finally, a selection of paleo records representing different parts of the climate system is presented, providing an appropriate benchmark for upcoming model-data comparisons across the penultimate deglaciation.
Multimodel assessments of human and climate impacts on mean annual streamflow in China
Authors: Liu Xingcai , Liu Wenfeng , Yang Hong , Tang Qiuhong , Flörke Martina , Masaki Yoshimitsu , Müller Schmied Hannes , Ostberg Sebastian , Pokhrel Yadu , Satoh Yusuke , Wada Yoshihide
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Human activities, as well as climate variability, have
had increasing impacts on natural hydrological systems, particularly
streamflow. However, quantitative assessments of these impacts are lacking
on large scales. In this study, we use the simulations from six global
hydrological models driven by three meteorological forcings to investigate
direct human impact (DHI) and climate impact on streamflow in China. Results
show that, in the sub-periods of 1971–1990 and 1991–2010, one-fifth to
one-third of mean annual streamflow (MAF) was reduced due to DHI in northern
basins, and much smaller (<4 %) MAF was reduced in southern basins.
From 1971–1990 to 1991–2010, total MAF changes range from −13 % to 10 %
across basins wherein the relative contributions of DHI change and climate
variability show distinct spatial patterns. DHI change caused decreases in
MAF in 70 % of river segments, but climate variability dominated the total
MAF changes in 88 % of river segments of China. In most northern basins,
climate variability results in changes of −9 % to 18 % in MAF, while DHI
change results in decreases of 2 % to 8 % in MAF. In contrast with the
climate variability that may increase or decrease streamflow, DHI change
almost always contributes to decreases in MAF over time, with water
withdrawals supposedly being the major impact on streamflow. This
quantitative assessment can be a reference for attribution of streamflow
changes at large scales, despite remaining uncertainty. We highlight the
significant DHI in northern basins and the necessity to modulate DHI through
improved water management towards a better adaptation to future climate
change.
From regional to local SPTHA: efficient computation of probabilistic tsunami inundation maps addressing near-field sources
Authors: Volpe Manuela , Lorito Stefano , Selva Jacopo , Tonini Roberto , Romano Fabrizio , Brizuela Beatriz
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Site-specific seismic probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis (SPTHA) is a
computationally demanding task, as it requires, in principle, a huge number of
high-resolution numerical simulations for producing probabilistic inundation
maps. We implemented an efficient and robust methodology using a filtering
procedure to reduce the number of numerical simulations needed while still
allowing for a full treatment of aleatory and epistemic uncertainty. Moreover, to
avoid biases in tsunami hazard assessment, we developed a strategy to
identify and separately treat tsunamis generated by near-field earthquakes.
Indeed, the coseismic deformation produced by local earthquakes necessarily
affects tsunami intensity, depending on the scenario size, mechanism and
position, as coastal uplift or subsidence tends to diminish or increase the
tsunami hazard, respectively. Therefore, we proposed two parallel filtering
schemes in the far- and the near-field, based on the similarity of offshore
tsunamis and hazard curves and on the similarity of the coseismic fields,
respectively. This becomes mandatory as offshore tsunami amplitudes can not
represent a proxy for the coastal inundation in the case of near-field sources.
We applied the method to an illustrative use case at the Milazzo oil refinery
(Sicily, Italy). We demonstrate that a blind filtering procedure can not
properly account for local sources and would lead to a nonrepresentative
selection of important scenarios. For the specific source–target
configuration, this results in an overestimation of the tsunami hazard,
which turns out to be correlated to dominant coastal uplift. Different
settings could produce either the opposite or a mixed behavior along the
coastline. However, we show that the effects of the coseismic deformation due
to local sources can not be neglected and a suitable correction has to be
employed when assessing local-scale SPTHA, irrespective of the specific
signs of coastal displacement.
AGRIDE-c, a conceptual model for the estimation of flood damage to
crops: development and implementation
Authors: Molinari Daniela , Scorzini Anna Rita , Gallazzi Alice , Ballio Francesco
Published: March 2019

Abstract. This paper presents AGRIDE-c, a conceptual model for the assessment of flood damage to crops. All available knowledge on damage mechanisms triggered by inundation phenomena is systematised in a usable and consistent tool, with the main strength represented by the integration of physical damage assessment with the evaluation of its economic consequences on farmers’ gross product. This allows AGRIDE-c to be used to guide the flood damage assessment process in different geographical and economic contexts, as demonstrated by the example provided in this study for the Po Plain (North of Italy). The development and implementation of the model highlighted that a thorough understanding and modelling of damage mechanisms to crops allows for comprehensive cost-benefit analyses of risk mitigation actions, and is a powerful tool to orient farmers’ behaviour towards more resilient damage alleviation practices.
Passive processing of active nodal seismic data: Estimation of VP / VS-ratios to characterize structure and hydrology of an alpine valley infill
Authors: Behm Michael , Cheng Feng , Patterson Anna , Soreghan Gerilyn
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The advent of cable-free nodal arrays for conventional seismic reflection and refraction experiments is changing the acquisition style for active source surveys. Instead of triggering short recording windows for each shot, the nodes are continuously recording over the entire acquisition period from the first to the last shot. The main benefit is a significant increase in geometrical and logistical flexibility. As a by-product, a significant amount of continuous data might also be collected. These data can be analysed with passive seismic methods and therefore offer the possibility to complement subsurface characterization at marginal additional cost. We present data and results from a 2.4 km long active source profile which has been recently acquired in Western Colorado (US) to characterize the structure and sedimentary infill of an over-deepened alpine valley. We show how the leftover passive data from the active source acquisition can be processed towards a shear wave velocity model with seismic interferometry. The shear wave velocity model supports the structural interpretation of the active P-wave data, and the P-to-S-wave velocity ratio provides new insights into the nature and hydrological properties of the sedimentary infill. We discuss the benefits and limitations of our workflow and conclude with recommendations for acquisition and processing of similar data sets.
Design of a hybrid intelligent system for the management of flood disaster risks
Authors: Akinyokun Oluwole Charles , Akpan Emem Etok , Inyang Udoinyang Godwin
Published: March 2019

The frequency of occurrence and intensity of floods is a huge threat to environment, human existence, critical infrastructure and economy. Flood risk assessments depend on probabilistic approaches and suffer from non-existence of appropriate indices of acceptable risk, dearth of information and pieces of knowledge for explicit view and understanding of the characteristics and severity level of flood hazard. This paper proposes a hybridized intelligent framework comprising fuzzy logic (FL), neural network and genetic algorithm for clustering and visualization of flood data, prediction and classification of flood risks severity level. A multidimensional knowledge model of flood incidence using star, snowflake and facts constellation schemas was proposed for the knowledge warehouse. A six-layered adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system implementing mamdani’s inference mechanism was design to evaluate input features based on fuzzy rules held in the multidimensional data model. The system is aimed at predicticting and classifying flood risk severity levels. The perception of emergency risk management is very important in modern society. Therefore, this work provides a framework for the practical applications of data mining techniques and tools to emergency risk management. The work would assist to identify locations with significant flood risk.
Clinical supervision factors as perceived by the nursing staff
Authors: Mohamed Fatma R. , Mohamed Ahmed Hanaa
Published: March 2019

Objective: Assess clinical supervision factors as perceived by nurses and first line nurse managers at Assiut University Hospital, and explore the relationships among personal characteristics and clinical supervision factors of studied nurses and first line nurse managers.Methods: A descriptive design was utilized in Medical and Surgical departments at Assiut University Hospital for A convenience sample of first line nurse managers (N = 30) and nurses (N = 151) by using study tools for nurses included two parts: 1) personal characteristics data sheet; 2) clinical supervision factors, and Study tool for first line nurse managers included two parts: 1) personal characteristics data sheet; 2) clinical supervision factors.Results: The highest mean scores were in trust and rapport & Supervisor advice and support of clinical supervision factors among the studied nurses. While among first line nurse managers' the highest mean scores were in improved care and skills & personal issues and reflection of clinical supervision factors.Conclusions: The most important clinical supervision factors which had the positive correlations were between finding time and ward atmosphere with age & years of experience with importance and value of clinical supervision among the studied first line nurse managers, while there was a negative significant correlation between age and trust and rapport & leadership style of the ward manager among the studied nurses. Nurse Managers should direct, monitor and evaluate the staff nurses through scientific standards of supervision as recommendation for the study results.
Mechanical Properties of Grains Sorghum Subjected to Compression at Different Moisture Contents
Authors: Rodrigues Gabrielly B. , Resende Osvaldo , Oliveira Daniel E. C. de , Silva Lígia C. de M. , Junior Weder N. Ferreira
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of drying at different temperatures on the mechanical properties of grains of grain sorghum subjected to compression at the natural rest position. Grains dried at temperatures of 60, 80 and 100 °C with different moisture contents (0.515; 0.408; 0.315; 0.234; 0.162 and 0.099 (d.b.)) were subjected to uniaxial compression between two parallel plates, applied at their natural rest position, at a rate of 0.001 m s-1. The force required to rupture in grains of grain sorghum increased as their moisture contents decreased, with values of 47.17 to 78.44 N, 61.81 to 69.66 N and 52.07 to 70.89 N for the temperatures of 60, 80 and 100 °C, respectively. The compression force required to deform grain sorghum decreased with the increment in moisture content, and the proportional deformation modulus increases with moisture content reduction. Within the studied range of moisture content, the values were 87 × 10-7 to 354.99 × 10-7 Pa, 132.63 × 10-7 to 465.98 × 10-7 Pa and 80.18 × 10-7 to 429.85 × 10-7 Pa for the temperatures of 60, 80 and 100 °C, respectively.
Plasticity in Root Length and Volume Through the Alternate Wetting and Drying Water Management in Rice
Authors: Brito Giovani Greigh de , Fagundes Paulo Ricardo Reis , Andres André , Silva Jaqueline Trombetta da , Pazini Juliano de Bastos , Parfit José Maria Barbat
Published: March 2019

Saving water via rational management in paddy rice require efforts to minimize risks to food security, whether consider that its adoption by farmers generally lead to lower grain productivity. Recently, studies by meta-analysis approaches highlight that when soil water potential was higher than -20 kPa, grain yields are not significantly decreased. In this context, new efforts should be done by rice breeders aiming to improve the plant performance when submitted to a more severe alternate wetting and drying (AWD) aiming to face the increasingly extreme climatic events in the next decades. Thus, in this first-tier of the study, our main objective was to evaluate the responses of a genotypes set (cultivars and elite line) for some root traits plasticity and its potential to change gas exchange attributes and grain yield when plants are subjected to severe AWD irrigation management, even when soil water potential beyond this threshold (when soils dried beyond -20 kPa, even reaching -40 kPa). Our data highlight that the mean grain yield across genotypes ranged from 9.25 to 12.65 ton/ha when maintained under continuous flooding (CF) and from 9.52 to 11.67 ton/ha at AWD water management. Root plasticity responses across evaluated genotypes under AWD management were highlighted; BRS Pampa cultivar and Titan CL hybrid showed the greater plasticity index for total root length and total root volume. Data suggests that under severe AWD management, root plasticity in terms of more total root length and total root volume at 0-20 cm depth can leads to some contribution degree for higher grain yield and for its stability under AWD practice. These results can serves as a starting point to additional efforts via physiological breeding approaches aiming the construction of rice plant ideotypes more suitable for AWD management, especially take into account its contributions to mitigate potential impacts of future climate changes on food security.
AA2219 Aluminum Alloy Processed via Multi-Axial Forging in Cryogenic and Ambient Environments
Authors: Azimi Amin , Owolabi Gbadebo Moses , Fallahdoost Hamid , Kumar Nikhil , Whitworth Horace , Warner Grant
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline AA2219 processed by multi axial forging (MAF) at ambient and cryogenic temperatures. The X-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscopy micrographs in the initial microstructure characterization indicate a more effective severe plastic deformation during the cryogenic MAF than the same process conducted at room temperature. MAF at cryogenic temperature results in crystallite size reduction to nanoscales as well as second phase particles breakage to finer particles which are the crucial factors to increasing the mechanical properties of the material. Fractography analysis and tensile tests results show that cryogenic forging does not only increase the mechanical strength and toughness of the alloys significantly, but also improves the ductility of the material in comparison with the conventional forging. In this comparative regard, cryogenic processing provides 44% increase in the tensile strength of the material only after 2 forging cycles when compared to the room temperature process. In addition, further forging process to the next cycles slightly enhances the tensile strength at the expense of ductility due to less ability of the dislocations to accumulate. However, the ductility of the ambient temperature forged samples decreases at a faster rate than that of cryoforged samples.
Geschiedenis van de (lokale) bestuurswetenschappen: sociografie, sociologie en bestuurskunde
Authors: Reussing Rik
Published: March 2019

History of the (local) administrative sciences: sociography, sociology and Public Administration

A large number of people, institutions, journals and approaches have contributed to the history of (local) administrative sciences in the Netherlands. Initially (around 1914) the legal approach was dominant; from 1964 onwards, political science would become the dominant approach; and from 1990 onwards, Public Administration would increasingly profile itself as an independent discipline. This essay concentrates on the influence on this development of sociology and its, typically Dutch, predecessor sociography. The starting point here is the promotion tree of the founder of the Dutch sociology Sebald Steinmetz. Through him various lines (via his doctorates Nicolaas ter Veen and Jakob Kruijt) go to modern Public Administration. This essay tells the story of the influence of sociography and sociology on the development of the administrative sciences and modern Public Administration in six acts, in which two persons from the promotion tree are discussed (via Sjoerd Groenman, who is promoted by Nicolaas ter Veen there are two different lines again). The line via Jakob Kruijt contains Aris van Braam (he wrote in 1957 what is considered the first Dutch empirical study in Public Administration) and Jos Raadschelders. The first line via Sjoerd Groenman contains Henk Brasz (the first full-time professor in Public Administration in the Netherlands), Fred Fleurke and Ko de Ridder. The second line via Sjoerd Groenman contains Joop Ellemers, Geert Braam (professor at the first regular Dutch Public Administration programme in Twente) and Wim Derksen. These acts are framed with short intermezzos about the other sociological key figures who played an important role in the story of sociography, sociology and Public Administration. In conclusion, the author of this essay discusses the continuing relevance of sociology for modern Public Administration.
Van Middelburg tot Almelo. Het hoe en waarom van prejudiciële vragen aan het Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie door Nederlandse lagere rechters
Authors: Krommendijk Jasper
Published: March 2019

Van Middelburg tot Almelo. Het hoe en waarom van prejudiciële vragen aan het Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie door Nederlandse lagere rechters From Middelburg to Almelo; the how and why of referencing to the CJEU by lower court judges.

Het Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie heeft baanbrekende uitspraken gedaan, vooral als gevolg van prejudiciële vragen van nationale rechters op grond van art. 267 VWEU. Het zijn vooral niet-verwijzingsplichtige lagere rechters geweest die voor deze aanvoer hebben gezorgd. Dit artikel onderzoekt hoe dit kan worden verklaard en kijkt naar de motieven van Nederlandse lagere rechters om al dan niet prejudiciële vragen te stellen aan het HvJ. Het doet dit op basis van interviews met 22 rechters en een uitgebreide juridische analyse van uitspraken. Dit artikel toont aan dat met name pragmatische en praktische overwegingen een rol spelen bij het besluit om te verwijzen. Daarnaast laat dit artikel zien dat er meer verschillen zijn binnen een lidstaat dan tussen lidstaten onderling, met name tussen gerechtelijke instanties en individuele rechters.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has rendered landmark cases, especially following references for a preliminary ruling from national courts on the basis of Art. 267 TFEU. Primarily lower courts that are not obliged to refer have been responsible for such cases. This article examines how these references of lower courts can be explained by focusing on the motives of the Dutch lower court judges to refer, or not to refer. It does so on the basis of interviews with 22 judges and an extensive legal analysis of judgments. This article shows that practical and pragmatic considerations play an important role in the court’s decision to refer. In addition, there are more differences within one Member States than between EU Member States, especially between particular courts and individual judges.
The effective public enforcement of cartels: perceptions on the functioning of the objection procedure and the reality
Authors: Outhuijse Annalies
Published: March 2019

The effective public enforcement of cartels: perceptions on the functioning of the objection procedure and the reality

Companies fined for infringing the cartel prohibition are denied access to the courts until the competition authority has reviewed its fining decision in the objection procedure. Several stakeholders have been negative about the functioning of this objection procedure in case of cartel fines, including because of its limited ability to resolve disputes and the cost and length of the procedure. In light of the discussions on the effectiveness of this objection procedure, this article analyses the ability of the cartel objection procedure to resolve disputes on basis of an analysis of the decisions on objection, as well as interviews with the parties involved in the objection procedure and a study of relevant literature. Previous studies have shown that the success of the objection procedure, regarding dispute resolution, depends on the nature of the dispute, the reason that the objection is made and the organisation of the procedure. Reviewing the data which was gathered through the interviews and case analysis with the knowledge of these factors influencing the success of the objection procedure, the article concludes that these previously carried out studies can explain the limited ability of the cartel objection procedure to resolve disputes.