bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRITTLE DESTRUCTION OF INCOMPRESSIBLE MATERIAL DURING FLAT STRAIN
Authors: Chanyshev Anvar , Belousova Olga , Lukyashko Olga
Published: November 2019

In the paper stress-strain behavior of solid during flat strain in case of its volumetric incompressible behavior and ideally brittle destruction is studied. Parameters of the system of differential equations of balance and its correlations are obtained. In this case, condition of stress and strain tensors axiality is used. Boundary problem for determination of stress-strain behavior at destruction zone is formulated. As example, equations of ideally brittle out-of-limit deformation of solid in form of rectangular plate (pillar) during uniform compression are considered. It is shown that when displacement of side border of the plate is observed, it is possible to predict its destructions.
DISCALCULIA E APRENDIZAGEM MATEMÁTICA NO QUARTO ANO DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: ALGUMAS COMPREENSÕES
Authors: Neves Regina da Silva Pina , Borges Maria José Gontijo
Published: November 2019

O fracasso escolar, experimentado pelos estudantes, muitas vezes, tem como causas não apenas as falhas que ocorrem nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem, mas também pode estar relacionado a um transtorno específico que compromete o modo de interagir com os conceitos matemáticos, como, por exemplo, a Discalculia. A aprendizagem matemática por meio da resolução de problemas permite que o estudante se desenvolva em vários aspectos, pois nela ele precisa ler, interpretar, compreender e decidir sobre as estratégias mais indicadas para a resolução do problema. Cientes dessas questões, este estudo teve como objetivo compreender a conceituação em matemática de uma estudante do 4º ano do ensino fundamental que apresentava laudo de Discalculia em contextode intervenção psicopedagógica. Foram realizadas sessões de avaliação e intervenção psicopedagógicas, de forma sistemática e dinâmica, o que proporcionou elementos para investigar e analisar o modo de pensar da estudante, por meio de suas produções orais e escritas. Ficou evidenciado o uso do algoritmo formal para resolver as operações e que a estudante, mesmo tendo dificuldades, não recorre aos algoritmos alternativos, de forma a criar estratégias pessoais para a resolução dos problemas apresentados. Foi possível verificar a potencialidade da resolução de problemas nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem com compreensão e significado, o que tornouas intervenções psicopedagógicas eficientes e produtivas.
GEOMETRIA NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: DAS EXIGÊNCIAS LEGAIS ÀS PRÁTICAS COTIDIANAS
Authors: Penteado Daniele Regina , Pereira Ana Lúcia , Brandt Célia Finck
Published: November 2019

A partir de uma pesquisa documental sobre como os conteúdos de geometria aparecem formalizados nos documentos da área e nas avaliações externas, no presente artigo buscamos analisar as concepções que os professores apresentam sobre o ensino desse conteúdo. Os sujeitos da pesquisasão professores de matemática em serviço da rede pública de ensino do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa e os dados foram organizados e interpretados a partir da Análise de Conteúdo por meio da qual foi possível identificarmos três categorias centrais sobre as concepções dos professores em relação ao ensino do Conteúdo Estruturante Geometrias no Ensino Fundamental. Nossos resultados apontam que os professores, via de regra, reconhecem a relevância desse conteúdo ea necessidade de seguir as recomendações oficiais, mas é de uso comum entre eles adiar os temas sobre geometria para o final do ano, tornando muitas vezes impossível abordá-lo adequadamente por falta de tempo. Nossos resultados revelam ainda que os professores associam isso principalmente à “defasagem no processo de ensino e aprendizagem” associada à dificuldade de aprendizagem dos alunos e as “lacunas” deixadas na formação inicial dos professores.
Visual Symptoms, Vegetative Growth, and Mineral Concentration in Fig Tree (Ficus carica L.) Under Macronutrient Deficiencies
Authors: Garza-Alonso Carlos Alberto , Olivares-Sáenz Emilio , Gutiérrez-Díez Adriana , Vázquez-Alvarado Rigoberto E. , López-Jiménez Alfredo
Published: November 2019

The common fig is an edible fruit which is appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics and high commercial value. Several factors, including mineral nutrition, affect fig production. Macronutrients fulfill specific functions in the metabolism of plants, affecting some functions when they are at low levels. So, in the present investigation, the visual symptoms of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies were identified and characterized, as well as their effects on vegetative growth and the concentration of minerals in fig tree tissues, using the missing element technique in a controlled hydroponic system. N was the element that most affected vegetative growth, causing smaller stem diameter, leaf area, and dry weight. Treatments without P and K followed. In addition, significant differences were found in the mineral concentration in leaf, stem, and root, with various interactions of antagonism and synergism observed according to the absence of each element.
Ethics and Care: For Animals, Not Just Mammals
Authors: Mather Jennifer A.
Published: November 2019

In the last few decades, we have made great strides in recognizing ethics and providing care for animals, but the focus has been mainly on mammals. This stems from a bias of attention not only in research but predominantly in non-scientists’ attention (to ‘popular’ animals), resulting partly from discussion about and depiction of animals in publications addressed to the public. This is somewhat due to political pressure, and can result in uneven conservation efforts and biases in targets for welfare concerns. As a result, there has been a huge backlash again, with concerns about pain sensitivity and welfare in fish, and a less focused but more pervasive omission of consideration of all invertebrates. That means welfare efforts are focused on 0.2% of the animal species on the planet, and education about non-mammals, particularly addressed to children, is necessary to broaden this focus and care more fully for the inhabitants of the planet.
The Effectiveness of Dog Population Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smith Lauren M. , Hartmann Sabine , Munteanu Alexandru M. , Dalla Villa Paolo , Quinnell Rupert J. , Collins Lisa M.
Published: November 2019

The worldwide population of domestic dogs is estimated at approximately 700 million, with around 75% classified as “free-roaming”. Where free-roaming dogs exist in high densities, there are significant implications for public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Approaches to manage dog populations include culling, fertility control, and sheltering. Understanding the effectiveness of each of these interventions is important in guiding future dog population management. We present the results of a systematic review of published studies investigating dog population management, to assess: (1) where and when studies were carried out; (2) what population management methods were used; and (3) what was the effect of the method. We evaluated the reporting quality of the published studies for strength of evidence assessment. The systematic review resulted in a corpus of 39 papers from 15 countries, reporting a wide disparity of approaches and measures of effect. We synthesised the management methods and reported effects. Fertility control was most investigated and had the greatest reported effect on dog population size. Reporting quality was low for power calculations (11%), sample size calculations (11%), and the use of control populations (17%). We provide recommendations for future studies to use common metrics and improve reporting quality, study design, and modelling approaches in order to allow better assessment of the true impact of dog population management.
Correlation of Oxidative Potential with Ecotoxicological and Cytotoxicological Potential of PM10 at an Urban Background Site in Italy
Authors: Lionetto Maria Giulia , Guascito Maria Rachele , Caricato Roberto , Giordano Maria Elena , De Bartolomeo Anna Rita , Romano Maria Pia , Conte Marianna , Dinoi Adelaide , Contini Daniele
Published: November 2019

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) has detrimental effects on health, but specific mechanisms of toxicity are still not fully understood. In recent years, there has been a growing evidence that oxidative stress is an important mechanism of toxicity; however, when acellular oxidative potential (OP) data are correlated with the outcomes of in vitro (or in vivo) toxicological tests there are contrasting results. In this work, an analysis of PM10 health effect indicators was done, using the acellular Dithiotreitol (DTT) assay to retrieve OPDTT, the Microtox® test on Vibrio fischeri bacterium to assess the ecotoxicological potential, and the in vitro MTT assay on the human cell line A549 to estimate the cytotoxicological potential. The objective was to evaluate the correlation among acellular OPDTT and the results from toxicological and ecotoxicological bioassays and how these health-related indicators are correlated with atmospheric PM10 concentrations collected at an urban background site in Southern Italy. Results indicated that both bioassays showed time-dependent and dose-dependent outcomes. Some samples presented significant ecotoxic and cytotoxic response and the correlation with PM10 concentration was limited suggesting that these health endpoints depend on PM10 chemical composition and not only on exposure concentrations. OPDTT showed a statistically significant correlation with PM10 concentrations. MTT and Microtox outcomes were not correlated suggesting that the two toxicological indicators are sensitive to different physical-chemical properties of PM10. Intrinsic oxidative potential OPDTTM (DTT activity normalised with PM10 mass) was correlated with mortality observed with MTT test (normalized with PM10 mass); however, it was not correlated with Microtox outcomes.
The Relationships between Physical Activity, Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Guicciardi Marco , Carta Maria , Pau Massimiliano , Cocco Eleonora
Published: November 2019

Regular physical activity (PA) can enhance the physical and mental health of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) because of its impact on muscular strength, mobility, balance, walking, fatigue, pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Previous studies have hypothesized that the relationship between PA and HRQoL is mediated by self-efficacy. The aim of this research is to evaluate whether self-efficacy in goal setting and self-efficacy in the management of symptoms, mediate the relationship between PA and HRQoL, in a similar way to exercise self-efficacy. A sample of 28 participants with MS (18 females) and different levels of physical activity have been recruited and completed the following measures: (a) physical activity (GLTEQ); (b) health-related quality of life (SF-12); (c) self-efficacy in the management of Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS) and, (d) exercise self-efficacy (EXSE). The statistical analysis highlighted that self-efficacy in goal setting mediated the relationship between PA and mental health better than exercise self-efficacy. Our findings suggest that self-efficacy in goal setting can contribute to the adoption and maintenance of regular physical activity for long-lasting times, supporting and increasing the mental quality of life of people suffering from MS.
A Machine Learning Approach for Studying the Comorbidities of Complex Diagnoses
Authors: Sánchez-Rico Marina , Alvarado Jesús M.
Published: November 2019

The study of diagnostic associations entails a large number of methodological problems regarding the application of machine learning algorithms, collinearity and wide variability being some of the most prominent ones. To overcome these, we propose and tested the usage of uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP), a very recent, popular dimensionality reduction technique. We showed its effectiveness by using it on a large Spanish clinical database of patients diagnosed with depression, to whom we applied UMAP before grouping them using a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis. By extensively studying its behavior and results, validating them with purely unsupervised metrics, we show that they are consistent with well-known relationships, which validates the applicability of UMAP to advance the study of comorbidities.
Representing Small Commercial Building Faults in EnergyPlus, Part II: Model Validation
Authors: Kim Janghyun , Frank Stephen , Im Piljae , Braun James E. , Goldwasser David , Leach Matt
Published: November 2019

Automated fault detection and diagnosis (AFDD) tools based on machine-learning algorithms hold promise for lowering cost barriers for AFDD in small commercial buildings; however, access to high-quality training data for such algorithms is often difficult to obtain. To fill the gap in this research area, this study covers the development (Part I) and validation (Part II) of fault models that can be used with the building energy modeling software EnergyPlus® and OpenStudio® to generate a cost-effective training data set for developing AFDD algorithms. Part II (this paper) first presents a methodology of validating fault models with OpenStudio and then presents validation results, which are compared against measurements from a reference building. We discuss the results of our experiments with eight different faults in the reference building (a total of 39 different baseline and faulted scenarios), including our methodology for using fault models along with the reference building model to simulate the same faulted scenarios. Then, we present validation of the fault models by comparing results of simulations and experiments either quantitatively or qualitatively.
Prospective Evaluation of the Concordance of Commercial Circulating Tumor DNA Alterations with Tumor-Based Sequencing across Multiple Soft Tissue Sarcoma Subtypes
Authors: Demoret Bryce , Gregg Jeff , Liebner David A. , Tinoco Gabriel , Lenobel Scott , Chen James L.
Published: November 2019

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are diverse tumors with heterogenous alterations. Platforms to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have rapidly increased in popularity as they may avoid invasive biopsy morbidity. However, ctDNA profiling concordance with standard solid tumor comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is poorly characterized. Here, we report the outcomes of a single-institution experience comparing mutational results from commercial ctDNA and solid tumor CGP in advanced STS subjects. We identified STS subjects who had undergone solid tumor based CGP in four distinct cohorts: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS), leiomyosarcoma (LMS), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Subjects with radiographically measurable tumor were profiled using a commercial ctDNA CGP panel. Overlapping genes/exons on both biopsy panels were analyzed. Twenty-four subjects completed both ctDNA and solid tumor CGP. ctDNA was detected in 18/24 subjects. Subject level concordance rates in all overlapping genes were: LMS = 4/6; UPS = 2/6; DDLPS = 1/6; GIST = 0/6. Copy number alterations were notably poorly concordant. For subjects with short variant alterations and detectable tumor fractions, concordance with solid tumor CGP was 76% (13/17). LMS subjects had the highest median tumor fraction and concordance. No correlation was seen between tumor fraction or radiographic tumor volume largely driven by low estimated tumor fraction. A limitation of the study is that only targeted sequencing was performed. However, given the poor concordance in commonly altered genes, ctDNA panels in sarcoma cannot be broadly applied. Further, more extensive studies will need to be performed.
Does an Alternative Sunitinib Dosing Schedule Really Improve Survival Outcomes Over a Conventional Dosing Schedule in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chung Doo Yong , Kang Dong Hyuk , Kim Jong Won , Kim Do Kyung , Lee Joo Yong , Hong Chang Hee , Cho Kang Su
Published: November 2019

Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) can obfuscate the maintenance of a conventional schedule of sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Accordingly, alternative schedules seeking to improve the safety profile of sunitinib have been tested. Recently, two meta-analyses similarly described improved safety profiles favoring a two weeks on and one week off (2/1) schedule, but with conflicting results for survival outcomes. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis, including all recently published studies and using complementary statistical methods. Endpoints included progression-free survival, overall survival, and AEs of 15 types. Eleven articles were included in this meta-analysis. Using adjusted findings, we noted statistically better results in progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.84; p = 0.005), but no difference in overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–1.04; p = 0.08). Moreover, the 2/1 schedule was beneficial for reducing the incidence of several AEs. Conclusively, our meta-analysis suggests that the 2/1 schedule holds promise as an alternative means of reducing AEs and maintaining patient quality of life. While the survival outcomes of the 2/1 schedule seem also to be favorable, the level of evidence for this was low, and the interpretation of these findings should warrant caution. Large scale randomized trials are needed to support these results.
Overcoming Ibrutinib Resistance in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Puła Bartosz , Gołos Aleksandra , Górniak Patryk , Jamroziak Krzysztof
Published: November 2019

Ibrutinib is the first Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, which showed significant clinical activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) patients regardless of cytogenetic risk factors. Recent results of phase III clinical trials in treatment-naïve CLL patients shift the importance of the agent to frontline therapy. Nevertheless, beside its clinical efficacy, ibrutinib possesses some off-target activity resulting in ibrutinib-characteristic adverse events including bleeding diathesis and arrhythmias. Furthermore, acquired and primary resistance to the drug have been described. As the use of ibrutinib in clinical practice increases, the problem of resistance is becoming apparent, and new methods of overcoming this clinical problem arise. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of BTK inhibitors’ resistance and discuss the post-ibrutinib treatment options.
Exercise Exacerbates the Transcriptional Profile of Hypoxia, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis
Authors: González-Chávez Susana Aideé , Quiñonez-Flores Celia María , Espino-Solís Gerardo Pavel , Vázquez-Contreras José Ángel , Pacheco-Tena César
Published: November 2019

Physical exercise (PE) is recommended for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but the molecular and biological mechanisms that impact the inflammatory process and joint destruction in RA remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PE on the histological and transcriptional changes in the joints of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. AIA rats were subjected to PE on a treadmill for eight weeks. The joints were subjected to histological and microarray analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by PE in the arthritic rats were obtained from the microarray. The bioinformatic analysis allowed the association of these genes in biological processes and signaling pathways. PE induced the differential expression of 719 genes. The DEGs were significantly associated with pathogenic mechanisms in RA, including HIF-1, VEGF, PI3-Akt, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways, as well as response to oxidative stress and inflammatory response. At a histological level, PE exacerbated joint inflammatory infiltrate and tissue destruction. The PE exacerbated the stressed joint environment aggravating the inflammatory process, the hypoxia, and the oxidative stress, conditions described as detrimental in the RA joints. Research on the effect of PE on the pathogenesis process of RA is still necessary for animal models and human.
A Novel Infrared and Visible Image Information Fusion Method Based on Phase Congruency and Image Entropy
Authors: Huang Xinghua , Qi Guanqiu , Wei Hongyan , Chai Yi , Sim Jaesung
Published: November 2019

In multi-modality image fusion, source image decomposition, such as multi-scale transform (MST), is a necessary step and also widely used. However, when MST is directly used to decompose source images into high- and low-frequency components, the corresponding decomposed components are not precise enough for the following infrared-visible fusion operations. This paper proposes a non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) based decomposition method for image fusion, by which source images are decomposed to obtain corresponding high- and low-frequency sub-bands. Unlike MST, the obtained high-frequency sub-bands have different decomposition layers, and each layer contains different information. In order to obtain a more informative fused high-frequency component, maximum absolute value and pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) fusion rules are applied to different sub-bands of high-frequency components. Activity measures, such as phase congruency (PC), local measure of sharpness change (LSCM), and local signal strength (LSS), are designed to enhance the detailed features of fused low-frequency components. The fused high- and low-frequency components are integrated to form a fused image. The experiment results show that the fused images obtained by the proposed method achieve good performance in clarity, contrast, and image information entropy.
Study on Surface Charge Accumulation Characteristics of Resin Impregnated Paper Wall Bushing Core Under Positive DC Voltage
Authors: Chen Ming , Liu Xuandong , Liang Chengjun , Zhao Yi , Tang Hao
Published: November 2019

As a critical component of a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system, resin impregnated paper (RIP) wall bushing has become a weak point because of its surface charge accumulation. This paper studies a model RIP wall bushing core designed by the equal capacitance method. The stationary resistive field along the gas–solid interface of the RIP wall bushing core is investigated theoretically by a gas model, which considers the non-linearly field-dependent volume conductivity. The results show that the gas conductivity along the core surface tends to be an arched distribution from the high-voltage conductor to the end shielding screen. The surface charge mainly accumulates at the turning point of the radius, which may threaten the core’s insulation. Then, the surface charge is obtained through a measurement system, where the experimental results are highly consistent with the simulation results. Considering the time constant of charge dissipation is nearly 15 min, it would be better to measure the surface charge on one axial direction of RIP wall bushing core after each voltage application. The simulation and experimental results of this paper can guide the design of a RIP wall bushing core.
Algorithmic Analysis of Chemical Dynamics of the Autoignition of NH3–H2O2/Air Mixtures
Authors: Khalil Ahmed T. , Manias Dimitris M. , Tingas Efstathios-Al. , Kyritsis Dimitrios C. , Goussis Dimitris A.
Published: November 2019

The dynamics of a homogeneous adiabatic autoignition of an ammonia/air mixture at constant volume was studied, using the algorithmic tools of Computational Singular Perturbation. Since ammonia combustion is characterized by both unrealistically long ignition delays and elevated NO x emissions, the time frame of action of the modes that are responsible for ignition was analyzed by calculating the developing time scales throughout the process and by studying their possible relation to NO x emissions. The reactions that support or oppose the explosive time scale were identified, along with the variables that are related the most to the dynamics that drive the system to an explosion. It is shown that reaction H 2 O 2 (+M) → OH + OH (+M) is the one contributing the most to the time scale that characterizes ignition and that its reactant H 2 O 2 is the species related the most to this time scale. These findings suggested that addition of H 2 O 2 in the initial mixture will influence strongly the evolution of the process. It was shown that ignition of pure ammonia advanced as a slow thermal explosion with very limited chemical runaway. The ignition delay could be reduced by more than two orders of magnitude through H 2 O 2 addition, which causes only a minor increase in NO x emissions.
Energy Management of Low-Pressure Systems Utilizing Pump-Unloading Valve and Accumulator
Authors: Stump Patrick , Keller Nathan , Vacca Andrea
Published: November 2019

In the context of improving energy efficiency and fuel consumption of mobile hydraulic equipment, it is important to analyze all the sources of power loss occurring within the hydraulic systems. While plenty of analyses have been performed on the working implements and the main transmission systems, very little attention has been paid to low-pressure (LP) systems until recently. LP systems are required on closed-circuit hydraulic systems to replenish losses, provide cooling flow, and maintain a pilot pressure necessary to operate hydraulic control valves and variable displacement units. It is shown that these circuits, which are often thought to have minimal impact on power consumption, actually cause significant, continuous power loss. A new method of power savings in these circuits is investigated through management of charge pump flow by application of an accumulator-sense pump-unloading (ASPU) valve. This work further proposes the combination of a split LP architecture with an ASPU valve. Three systems are simulated using Simcenter Amesim® and MATLAB/Simulink®. Using realistic duty cycles and unit loss models on a circuit for mobile off-road hydraulic equipment, it is shown that a standard LP system can consume about 5 kW of power. Power savings of up to 65% over a standard LP system are demonstrated by the proposed architecture.
Lending Interest Rate, Loaning Scale, and Government Subsidy Scale in Green Innovation
Authors: Chen Shuanglian , Huang Zhehao , Drakeford Benjamin M. , Failler Pierre
Published: November 2019

Green loans are a way of financing green innovation. Two important factors, the lending interest rate and the loaning scale, should be focused on. In this paper, we explore the impact of lending interest rates and loaning scale on green innovation. We show that the incentive of green innovation strongly depends on the lending interest rate and the loaning scale through model analysis. Moreover, the dependence is summarized as a two-step strategy. In the first step, the lending interest rate should be lower than some rate thresholds given in the paper. Otherwise, green innovation fails to be stimulated. In the second step, if the lending interest rate is lower than the given rate threshold, then the practical loaning scale should lie between two thresholds of loaning scale derived in the paper, such that the green innovation will be stimulated. What is more, to guarantee the green effect of the innovation on the environment, we construct a threshold of loaning scale. If the loaning scale is larger than this threshold, then the innovation will show green effect on the environment. Otherwise, green innovation loses its environmental significance. The government stimulates green innovation through government subsidy. In this paper, we consider three kinds of government subsidy, including a subsidy for the bank, subsidy for the enterprise before and after implementing green innovation. Some appropriate government subsidy scales are presented.
Investigation of Burn Duration and NO Emission in Lean Mixture with CNG and Gasoline
Authors: Doğan Hüseyin Emre , Kutlar Osman Akın , Javadzadehkalkhoran Majid , Demirci Abdurrahman
Published: November 2019

The results of experiments performed by gasoline and natural gas fuels in a single cylinder research engine were evaluated in this study. The main objective of this study is to compare exhaust gas emissions, efficiency, and burn durations for both fuels in stoichiometric and lean mixture. At the same time, cycle to cycle variation in these operating conditions should not exceed an acceptable value. In the ultra-lean mixture, gasoline fuel exceeded this determined limit before Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Therefore, the reduction in NO was restricted by cyclic variations. In combustion analysis, although the burn duration of the gasoline in stoichiometric conditions was shorter than CNG, this situation reversed in favor of CNG in the ultra-lean mixtures. Contrary to some studies in the literature, the spark advance and ignition delay for CNG were the same or shorter than gasoline in this study. The primary reasons for this change are the high compression ratio and the different combustion chamber geometry. The increase in turbulence intensity has different effects on CNG and gasoline. As a result, it has been observed that NO emissions can meet the limits without a loss of efficiency for this engine operated with CNG under the ultra-lean mixture.
Applying Artificial Neural Networks to Forecast European Union Allowance Prices: The Effect of Information from Pollutant-Related Sectors
Authors: Jaramillo-Morán Miguel A. , García-García Agustín
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we forecast the price of CO2 emission allowances using an artificial intelligence tool: neural networks. We were able to provide confident predictions of several future prices by processing a set of past data. Different model structures were tested. The influence of subjective economic and political decisions on price evolution leads to complex behavior that is hard to forecast. We analyzed correlations with different economic variables related to the price of CO2 emission allowances and found the behavior of two to be similar: electricity prices and iron and steel prices. They, along with CO2 emission allowance prices, were included in the forecasting model in order to verify whether or not this improved forecasting accuracy. Only slight improvements were observed, which proved to be more significant when their respective time series trends or fluctuations were used instead of the original time series. These results show that there is some sort of link between the three variables, suggesting that the price of CO2 emission allowances is closely related to the time evolution of the price of electricity and that of iron and steel, which are very pollutant industrial sectors. This can be regarded as evidence that the CO2 market is working properly.
Geochemistry Exploration and Geothermometry Application in the North Zone of Seulawah Agam, Aceh Besar District, Indonesia
Authors: Idroes Rinaldi , Yusuf Muhammad , Saiful Saiful , Alatas Muksin , Subhan Subhan , Lala Andi , Muslem Muslem , Suhendra Rivansyah , Idroes Ghazi Mauer , Marwan Marwan , Mahlia Teuku Meurah Indra
Published: November 2019

A geochemistry study has been done in four geothermal manifestations—Ie-Seu’um, Ie-Brôuk, Ie-Jue and the Van-Heutz crater—located in the north zone of Seulawah Agam mountain (Aceh Besar District, Indonesia). The study was performed through water and gas analysis. Water analysis were done for all geothermal manifestations, but gas analysis was only done for the Ie-Jue manifestation that has fumaroles. Cation and anion contents were analyzed by ion chromatography, ICP-OES, alkalimetry titrations, and spectrophotometry, meanwhile isotopes were measured by a Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer. The resulting data were used for fluid and gas geothermometry calculations, and plotted in a FT-CO2 Cross-Plot and a CH4-CO2-H2S triangle diagram to obtain reservoir temperatures. The data were also plotted by a Cl-HCO3-SO4 triangle and Piper diagram to obtain the water type and dominant chemical composition, a Na-K-Mg triangle diagram to obtain fluid equilibria, the isotope ratio in the stable isotope plot to obtain the origin of water, and a N2-He-Ar triangle diagram to establish the origin of fumaroles. The water analysis results showed that (1) Ie-Seu’um has an average reservoir temperature of 241.9 ± 0.3 °C, a chloride water type, a dominant Na-K-Cl chemical composition, a mature water fluid equilibrium, and water of meteoric origin; (2) Ie-Brôuk has an average reservoir temperature of 321.95 ± 13.4 °C, a bicarbonate water type, a dominant Na-Ca-HCO3chemical composition, an immature water fluid equilibrium, and water of meteoric origin; (3) Ie-Jue has an average reservoir temperature of 472.4 ± 91.4 °C, a sulphate water type, a dominant Ca-SO4 chemical composition, an immature water fluid equilibrium and water of meteoric origin; and (4) the Van-Heutz crater has an average reservoir temperature of 439.3 ± 95.3 °C, a sulphate water type, a dominant Ca-SO4 chemical composition, an immature water fluid equilibrium and water of magmatic origin. The results of our gas analysis showed that Ie-Jue has an average reservoir temperature of 258.85 °C, and water of meteoric origin. Based on the reservoir temperatures, the geothermal manifestation of the north zone of Seulawah Agam mountain is considered as a high-temperature geothermal system suitable for power plant development.
Detection Technique of Partial Discharges at Impulse Voltage with Appropriate Filter Settings for Signal Separation
Authors: Backhaus Karsten , Elspaß Lena , Pasche Konstantin
Published: November 2019

Due to the increased utilization of electric converters feeding rotating high voltage motors, their insulation is subject to transient impulse and high frequency oscillating voltages. In corresponding life time experiments with repetitive oscillating impulse voltage at winding insulation samples, higher life time coefficients were observed than known from previous investigations and operational experience. In order to understand the discharge and aging phenomena, the purpose of this work is the secure detection of partial discharges in solid and solid–air insulation types for transient impulse voltage stress by applying an adequate partial discharge (PD) measurement technique to future life time experiments. It is shown that partial discharges under impulsive voltages can be detected with conventional measuring equipment using broadband shunts, as well as inductive antennas. It becomes apparent that a precise voltage source, a precise shunt, as well as a high resolution oscilloscope are mandatory for reliable current measurement results. As a part of the analysis of the measurement data, it is shown that partial discharges can be distinguished from the displacement current caused by impulse voltages in a capacitive insulation material, as well as noise and disturbance from the measurement environment. As a first approach, a high order bandpass filter is applied in order to gain sound signals for future automated signal separation.
Linking Environmental Policy Integration and the Water-Energy-Land-(Food-)Nexus: A Review of the European Union’s Energy, Water, and Agricultural Policies
Authors: Venghaus Sandra , Märker Carolin , Dieken Sophia , Siekmann Florian
Published: November 2019

Against the backdrop of climate and environmental pressures, as well as limited resource availability and trade conflicts, devising policies for energy and the use of natural resources in general becomes exceedingly complex. Moreover, policies are required to account for interrelations between individual resources and between different sectors and policy fields, but implementation often lacks. To evaluate the current state of integrated policy design in the EU, a review of European energy, water, and agricultural policies was conducted. Using a qualitative comparative research approach, the objective was to identify and explain the differing degrees and variations in policy integration among them. To this aim, the concepts “Environmental Policy Integration” and “Water-Energy-Land Nexus” were jointly applied as analytical frameworks. The analysis revealed that currently, different authorities are endowed with largely sectoral mandates. Accordingly, the respective sectoral policy sets are historically grown based on differing sets of formal and informal rules and processes, thus making policy integration among the sectors, let alone within the nexus, a highly challenging task.
Comprehensive Harmonic Responsibility Calculation Based on Different Weighting Methods
Authors: Tian Mingxing , Wang Yaomin , Li Jun
Published: November 2019

Dividing the responsibility of harmonics between customer and utility sides is necessary to improve the objectivity, rationality, and scientificalness of power measurement and power quality evaluation. On the basis of expert experience and customer needs and considering the background harmonic fluctuation, this study proposes two reasonable conditions to evaluate harmonic responsibility. At the same time, the reference index of harmonic responsibility calculation and the problem of different frequency harmonics are considered in the comprehensive calculation. On the basis of the IEEE Std. 1459–2010 power theory, the index set of harmonic responsibility is established, and several common subjective and objective weighting methods are used to weigh each index. On the basis of optimization theory, an optimization model is established by constructing a Lagrange function in finding the condition extremum to unify the subjective and objective information. Finally, the calculation method is verified by a Norton equivalent model, and the harmonic responsibility of each index is calculated by the harmonic current vector method; thus, calculating the actual impedance of customer and utility sides is unnecessary, making the calculation simple and effective. Results of the comparative analysis show that the comprehensive evaluation method of harmonic responsibility with the combinatorial weighting method can not only meet the different needs of different groups for harmonic indicators but also reflect the background harmonic fluctuations sensitively. In this manner, the subjective and objective information are unified, and the shortcomings of a single weighting method are overcome. Hence, the evaluation results are accurate, practical, and reasonable.
What is the Profile of the Investor in Household Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems?
Authors: Gava Gastaldo Natália , Rediske Graciele , Donaduzzi Rigo Paula , Brum Rosa Carmen , Michels Leandro , Mairesse Siluk Julio Cezar
Published: November 2019

The implementation of energy-efficient systems in homes is of interest to many people, especially regarding the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. Solar PV generation is essential worldwide because it is a significant source of renewable energy, wherein electricity can be stored for future use, and a cost-effective path for residential consumers. In contrast, considering the number of people who invest in PV systems versus those who do not, adherence is significantly unequal throughout society. Accordingly, predominant factors exist that increase the likelihood of residential PV solar power generation system adoption, which are seen as opportunities to increase energy efficiency. Furthermore, the literature is still insufficient regarding the exploration of variables that determine decisions around the purchase of green power generation systems. From this perspective, the current research aims to identify the socio-psychological profile of photovoltaic energy investors by applying four questionnaires, namely, psychological values, the human–nature relationship, motivation analyses, and household characteristics. The research results define the profile and motivations of green energy investors. The attitudes of potential investors are also predicted, and this research contributes to the development of the photovoltaic energy industry production chain by providing relevant information for better photovoltaic policy design and more targeted marketing strategies for companies.
Carbon Handprint: Potential Climate Benefits of a Novel Liquid-Cooled Base Station with Waste Heat Reuse
Authors: Kasurinen Heli , Vatanen Saija , Grönman Kaisa , Pajula Tiina , Lakanen Laura , Salmela Olli , Soukka Risto
Published: November 2019

The novel life cycle assessment (LCA)-based carbon handprint indicator represents a potential carbon footprint reduction that producers/products create for customers who use the(ir) product instead of a baseline product. The research question is how to consider a situation in which multiple customers use a product for different purposes to provide a carbon handprint quantification and the associated communication. The study further provides new insight into the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential within the mobile telecommunications and energy sectors. The carbon handprint of a novel Finnish liquid-cooled base station technology is quantified. The liquid-cooled base station provides a telecommunications service and waste heat that is recoverable through the cooling liquid for heating purposes. The baseline solutions are an air-cooled base station, and district and electrical heating. The liquid-cooled base station creates a carbon handprint, both through energy savings in telecommunications and additional waste heat reuse, replacing other energy production methods. A large-scale climate change mitigation potential through a liquid-cooled base station expansion could be significant. Different supply chain operators’ contributions to the total carbon handprint could be terminologically distinguished in communications to emphasize their roles in a shared handprint. The handprint should be transparently communicated for each customer and function.
The Impact of Climate Change on Passenger Vehicle Fuel Consumption: Evidence from U.S. Panel Data
Authors: Jeon Hocheol
Published: November 2019

Climate change is around us today and will affect human life in many ways. More frequent extreme weather events raise mortality and car accident rates, global warming leads to longer growing seasons for crops, which may change farmers’ crop choices, and the relationship between energy demand in residential buildings and weather is widely investigated. In this paper, we focus on the impact of weather on energy consumption, in particular, gasoline consumption through the more frequent use of both vehicles themselves and the air conditioner of the vehicle that decreases fuel economy, which has not been paid enough attention in the literature. We estimate the relationship between fuel consumption and weather using unique U.S. panel data. We find that hot days increase gasoline consumption, but in contrast to the results of residential energy consumption literature, there is no statistically significant effect on cold weather. With climate prediction data from General Circulation Models (GCMs), we simulate the impact of climate change on fuel energy consumption. The results show that the fuel consumption in the transportation sector may increase by up to 4% under the “business-as-usual” (RCP 8.5) scenario. Also, climate change has heterogeneous impacts across the continental United States.
Interdependence Between Renewable-Energy and Low-Carbon Stock Prices
Authors: Reboredo Juan C. , Ugolini Andrea , Chen Yifei
Published: November 2019

In the transition to a low-carbon economy, climate-resilient investors may be inclined to buy renewable-energy or other low-carbon assets. As the diversification benefits of investment positions in those assets depend on interdependence between their market prices, we explore that interdependence in the European and USA stock markets. We model the dependence structure using bivariate copula functions and evaluate price spillovers between those markets using a conditional quantile dependence approach that accounts for the reciprocal effects of price movements in those markets under normal and extreme market scenarios. Our empirical evidence for the period 2010–2019 indicates that European renewable-energy and low-carbon stocks co-move; upward and downward movements in low-carbon asset prices have sizeable effects on renewable-energy asset prices, and vice versa, although effects are smaller. In contrast, for the USA we find evidence of non-interdependence, with no significant upward or downward price spillover effects between renewable-energy and low-carbon stocks. Our empirical findings provide useful insights for the design of carbon-resilient portfolios and risk management strategies, and also for implementation of public funding policies to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Breeding Systems in Diploid and Polyploid Hawthorns (Crataegus): Evidence from Experimental Pollinations of C. monogyna, C. subsphaerica, and Natural Hybrids
Authors: Vašková Dominika , Kolarčik Vladislav
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives: Polyploidisation and frequent hybridisation play an important role in speciation processes and evolutionary history and have a large impact on reproductive systems in the genus Crataegus. Reproductive modes in selected diploid and polyploid taxa in eastern Slovakia were investigated and analysed for the first time. Materials and Methods: Diploid, triploid, and tetraploid hawthorns were tested for self-pollination, self-compatibility, and self-fertilisation. Pollination experiments were performed within and between diploid and triploid species to determine the possibilities and directions of pollen transfer under natural conditions. Seeds from crossing experiments and open pollinations were analysed using the flow cytometric seed screen method. Results: These experiments demonstrated that sexual reproduction, cross-pollination, and self-incompatibility are typical of the diploid species Crataegus monogyna and C. kyrtostyla. Seeds produced by self-fertile tetraploid C. subsphaerica were derived from both meiotically reduced and unreduced megagametophytes. Conclusions: Experimental results concerning triploid C. subsphaerica and C. laevigata × C. subsphaerica are ambiguous but suggest that seeds are almost exclusively created through apomixis, although a few sexually generated seeds were observed. In the genus Crataegus, pseudogamy is a common feature of polyploid taxa, as in all cases pollination is essential for regular seed development. Research Highlights: We suggest that all studied Crataegus taxa produce reduced pollen irrespective of ploidy level. Moreover, we emphasise that triploids produce apparently aneuploid pollen grains as a result of irregular meiosis. They are also capable of utilising pollen from 2x, 3x, or 4x donors for pseudogamous formation of endosperm.