bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Area-Level Socioeconomic Characteristics, Prevalence and Trajectories of Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Ngo Anh , Paquet Catherine , Howard Natasha , Coffee Neil , Taylor Anne , Adams Robert , Daniel Mark
Published: January 2014

This study examines the relationships between area-level socioeconomic position (SEP) and the prevalence and trajectories of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the count of its constituents (i.e., disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension). A cohort of 4,056 men and women aged 18+ living in Adelaide, Australia was established in 2000–2003. MetS was ascertained at baseline, four and eight years via clinical examinations. Baseline area-level median household income, percentage of residents with a high school education, and unemployment rate were derived from the 2001 population Census. Three-level random-intercepts logistic and Poisson regression models were performed to estimate the standardized odds ratio (SOR), prevalence risk ratio (SRR), ratio of SORs/SRRs, and (95% confidence interval (CI)). Interaction between area- and individual-level SEP variables was also tested. The odds of having MetS and the count of its constituents increased over time. This increase did not vary according to baseline area-level SEP (ratios of SORs/SRRs ≈ 1; p ≥ 0.42). However, at baseline, after adjustment for individual SEP and health behaviours, median household income (inversely) and unemployment rate (positively) were significantly associated with MetS prevalence (SOR (95%CI) = 0.76 (0.63–0.90), and 1.48 (1.26–1.74), respectively), and the count of its constituents (SRR (95%CI) = 0.96 (0.93–0.99), and 1.06 (1.04–1.09), respectively). The inverse association with area-level education was statistically significant only in participants with less than post high school education (SOR (95%CI) = 0.58 (0.45–0.73), and SRR (95%CI) = 0.91 (0.88–0.94)). Area-level SEP does not predict an elevated trajectory to developing MetS or an elevated count of its constituents. However, at baseline, area-level SEP was inversely associated with prevalence of MetS and the count of its constituents, with the association of area-level education being modified by individual-level education. Population-level interventions for communities defined by area-level socioeconomic disadvantage are needed to reduce cardiometabolic risks.
Exploring Neighborhood Influences on Small-Area Variations in Intimate Partner Violence Risk: A Bayesian Random-Effects Modeling Approach
Authors: Gracia Enrique , López-Quílez Antonio , Marco Miriam , Lladosa Silvia , Lila Marisol
Published: January 2014

This paper uses spatial data of cases of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) to examine neighborhood-level influences on small-area variations in IPVAW risk in a police district of the city of Valencia (Spain). To analyze area variations in IPVAW risk and its association with neighborhood-level explanatory variables we use a Bayesian spatial random-effects modeling approach, as well as disease mapping methods to represent risk probabilities in each area. Analyses show that IPVAW cases are more likely in areas of high immigrant concentration, high public disorder and crime, and high physical disorder. Results also show a spatial component indicating remaining variability attributable to spatially structured random effects. Bayesian spatial modeling offers a new perspective to identify IPVAW high and low risk areas, and provides a new avenue for the design of better-informed prevention and intervention strategies.
Poultry Farm Vulnerability and Risk of Avian Influenza Re-Emergence in Thailand
Authors: Souris Marc , Selenic Dubravka , Khaklang Supaluk , Ninphanomchai Suwannapa , Minet Guy , Gonzalez Jean-Paul , Kittayapong Pattamaporn
Published: January 2014

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains of concern as a major potential global threat. This article evaluates and discusses the level of vulnerability of medium and small-scale commercial poultry production systems in Thailand related to avian influenza virus re-emergence. We developed a survey on 173 farms in Nakhon Pathom province to identify the global level of vulnerability of farms, and to determine which type of farms appears to be more vulnerable. We used official regulations (the Good Agricultural Practices and Livestock Farm Standards regulations) as a reference to check whether these regulations are respected. The results show that numerous vulnerability factors subsist and could represent, in case of HPAI re-emergence, a significant risk for a large spread of the disease. Bio-security, farm management and agro-commercial practices are particularly significant on that matter: results show that these practices still need a thorough improvement on a majority of farms. Farms producing eggs (especially duck eggs) are more vulnerable than farms producing meat. Those results are consistent with the type of farms that were mostly affected during the 2004–2008 outbreaks in Thailand.
Effect of Nanoparticles Exposure on Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) in Workers Exposed to Nanomaterials
Authors: Wu Wei-Te , Liao Hui-Yi , Chung Yu-Teh , Li Wan-Fen , Tsou Tsui-Chun , Li Lih-Ann , Lin Ming-Hsiu , Ho Jiune-Jye , Wu Trong-Neng , Liou Saou-Hsing
Published: January 2014

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement is a useful diagnostic test of airway inflammation. However, there have been few studies of FENO in workers exposed to nanomaterials. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of nanoparticle (NP) exposure on FENO and to assess whether the FENO is increased in workers exposed to nanomaterials (NM). In this study, both exposed workers and non-exposed controls were recruited from NM handling plants in Taiwan. A total of 437 subjects (exposed group = 241, non-exposed group = 196) completed the FENO and spirometric measurements from 2009–2011. The authors used a control-banding (CB) matrix to categorize the risk level of each participant. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, this study found a significant association between risk level 2 of NP exposure and FENO. Furthermore, asthma, allergic rhinitis, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and NF-κB were also significantly associated with FENO. When the multivariate logistic regression model was adjusted for confounders, nano-TiO2 in all of the NM exposed categories had a significantly increased risk in FENO > 35 ppb. This study found associations between the risk level of NP exposure and FENO (particularly noteworthy for Nano-TiO2). Monitoring FENO in the lung could open up a window into the role nitric oxide (NO) may play in pathogenesis.
Electrodeposition of Manganese-Nickel Oxide Films on a Graphite Sheet for Electrochemical Capacitor Applications
Authors: Lee Hae-Min , Lee Kangtaek , Kim Chang-Koo
Published: January 2014

Manganese-nickel (Mn-Ni) oxide films were electrodeposited on a graphite sheet in a bath consisting of manganese acetate and nickel chloride, and the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of these films were investigated. The electrodeposited Mn-Ni oxide films had porous structures covered with nanofibers. The X-ray diffractometer pattern revealed the presence of separate manganese oxide (g-MnO2) and nickel oxide (NiO) in the films. The electrodeposited Mn-Ni oxide electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 424 F/g in Na2SO4 electrolyte. This electrode maintained 86% of its initial specific capacitance over 2000 cycles of the charge-discharge operation, showing good cycling stability.
Once You Are In You Might Need to Get Out: Adaptation and Adaptability in Volatile Labor Markets—the Case of Musical Actors
Authors: Ibert Oliver , Schmidt Suntje
Published: January 2014

The labor market for musical actors is very challenging for several reasons. On the one hand, it is difficult to acquire a position: qualification requirements are high, competition is fierce and reputation is difficult to build up. On the other hand, once in it is often necessary to get out: once being in, market demand for roles with a stage age above 45 drops dramatically and it becomes increasingly hard to stay healthy due to the threefold exposure to bodily strains of acting, dancing and singing. This labor market thus presents potentially interesting situations, in which the meaning of the concept resilience—in the sense of valuing preservation—can change fundamentally. While at the beginning of a career, the main challenge is often to adapt to market requirements, in the second half of a career it becomes increasingly important to become adaptable to a broader spectrum of opportunities, including exit scenarios. The paper generates empirically grounded ideal-typical accounts of the meaning of adaptation and adaptability for musical actors with a focus on the actors’ networking strategies, their professional identities, and the corresponding ways of perceiving and creating spaces.
Confirmed field hybridization of native and introduced Phragmites australis (Poaceae) in North America
Authors: Saltonstall Kristin , Castillo Hilda E. , Blossey Bernd
Published: January 2014

• Premise of the study: Intraspecific hybridization between native and introduced lineages of a species can increase invasiveness and may lead to the decline of native lineages. The introduction of Eurasian Phragmites australis has caused profound changes to wetland habitats across North America, yet evidence for hybridization between native and introduced Phragmites australis in North America is lacking and has puzzled researchers for over a decade. Here we present the first confirmed field hybridization event between the two lineages.

• Methods: Hybrid plants were initially recognized during field surveys by their intermediate morphology and distinct herbivore community. We verified hybrid status using chloroplast DNA haplotypes and microsatellite markers.

• Key results: Confirmed hybrid stems were restricted to one site and displayed morphological characteristics of both native and introduced P. australis. Based on their microsatellite profiles, all samples likely represent a single clone of a first generation hybrid. Sequencing of cpDNA indicates that the maternal parent is from the introduced lineage.

• Conclusions: Identification of hybrid P. australis in the field is complex and requires multiple characters. All suspected hybrids should be verified using genetic techniques. Preventing the spread of introduced genes and genotypes through North America will require recognition and rapid management response to hybrid plants.
Surface assembly and nanofabrication of 1,1,1-tris(mercaptomethyl)heptadecane on Au(111) studied with time-lapse atomic force microscopy
Authors: Tian Tian , Singhana Burapol , Englade-Franklin Lauren E , Zhai Xianglin , Lee T Randall , Garno Jayne C
Published: January 2014

The solution self-assembly of multidentate organothiols onto Au(111) was studied in situ using scanning probe nanolithography and time-lapse atomic force microscopy (AFM). Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) prepared from dilute solutions of multidentate thiols were found to assemble slowly, requiring more than six hours to generate films. A clean gold substrate was first imaged in ethanolic media using liquid AFM. Next, a 0.01 mM solution of multidentate thiol was injected into the liquid cell. As time progressed, molecular-level details of the surface changes at different time intervals were captured by successive AFM images. Scanning probe based nanofabrication was accomplished using protocols of nanografting and nanoshaving with n-alkanethiols and a tridentate molecule, 1,1,1-tris(mercaptomethyl)heptadecane (TMMH). Nanografted patterns of TMMH could be inscribed within n-alkanethiol SAMs; however, the molecular packing of the nanopatterns was less homogeneous compared to nanopatterns produced with monothiolates. The multidentate molecules have a more complex assembly pathway than monothiol counterparts, mediated by sequential steps of forming S–Au bonds to the substrate.
A NEW DESIGN EQUATION FOR PREDICTION OF ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY OF SHALLOW FOUNDATION ON GRANULAR SOILS
Authors: Sadrossadat Ehsan , Soltani Fazlollah , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad , Marandi Seyed Morteza , Alavi Amir H.
Published: January 2014

A major concern in design of structures is to provide precise estimations of ultimate bearing capacity of soil beneath their foundations. Direct determination of the bearing capacity of foundations requires performing expensive and time consuming laboratory tests. To cope with this issue, several numerical models have been presented by researchers. This paper presents the development of a new design equation for the prediction of the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations on granular soils using linear genetic programming (LGP) methodology. The ultimate bearing capacity is formulated in terms of width of footing, footing geometry, depth of footing, unit weight of sand, and angle of shearing resistance. The LGP-based design equation is established using the results of several load tests on real sized foundations presented in the literature. Validity of the model is verified using a part of laboratory data that are not involved in the calibration process. The statistical measures of coefficient of determination, root mean squared error and mean absolute error are used to evaluate the performance of the model. Sensitivity and parametric analyses are conducted and discussed. The proposed model accurately characterizes the ultimate bearing capacity resulting in a very good prediction performance. The LGP model reaches a better prediction performance than the well-known prediction equations for the bearing capacity of shallow foundations.
PREDICTING PROJECT SUCCESS IN CONSTRUCTION USING AN EVOLUTIONARY GAUSSIAN PROCESS INFERENCE MODEL
Authors: Cheng Min-Yuan , Huang Chin-Chi , Roy Andreas Franskie Van
Published: January 2014

There are many factors that affect the success of the implementation process of a project. The importance of each of these factors varies according to the different phases of the project lifecycle, which makes it very difficult to predict the final result of a project. In practice, foreseeing the result of a project is based on the judgment of those in management, which is grounded in their experience. This study aimed to build an Evolutionary Gaussian Process Inference Model (EGPIM), using a Gaussian process, along with Bayesian inference and particle swarm optimization, which helps to optimize the hyper-parameters required for making Gaussian process predictions. With this model at its core, this study can efficiently extract expert knowledge and experience from case studies and historical data to determine relationships between factors which significantly influence the outcome of a project so that its success may be predicted. Historical cases were ordered as a time series based on the Continuous Assessment of Project Performance (CAPP) research results. The model was trained using the EGPIM and these cases to predict the success of a project. This model proved quite accurate at predicting the success of a project and had outstanding performance in time-series applications.
POSITIVE INTERACTION OF INDUSTRIAL AND RECYCLED STEEL FIBRES IN FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE
Authors: Bjegovic Dubravka , Baricevic Ana , Lakusic Stjepan , Damjanovic Domagoj , Duvnjak Ivan
Published: January 2014

In line with current ”green” transport initiatives, Croatia plans to build over the next investment period a high speed railway line which will connect central Croatia and its capital with coastal regions of the country. According to design documents, the track system will be built using ballastless concrete solutions. In the scope of the project “Concrete track system – ECOTRACK”, researchers from the University of Zagreb - Faculty of Civil Engineering analysed a new material, i.e. the rubberized hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (RHFRC), in order to find out whether its properties are adequate for the proposed concrete track system. The RHFRC contains by-products from mechanical recycling of waste tyres (rubber and steel fibres). The study of fibre and rubber interaction and their contribution to mechanical properties of the fibre reinforced concrete is presented, as extensive research on positive interaction between industrial and recycled steel fibres has not as yet been made. The results show that the RHFRC is an innovative, sustainable and cost-effective concrete, which is fully compliant with criteria prescribed in relevant standards.
El atrio como estrategia estructural en nuevos rascacielos que renuncian a la verticalidad: casos de estudio
Authors: Cámara M. , Compán V. , Sánchez J.
Published: January 2014

En la última década, ha venido emergiendo un nuevo tipo de edificio en altura. Se trata de rascacielos inclinados u ondulados que, desafiando toda la lógica edificatoria que supone la conservación de la verticalidad, se convierten en auténticos hitos e iconos arquitectónicos. El reconocimiento de este último aspecto está conduciendo a la emergencia de varias representaciones de este tipo respaldadas por algunos de los estudios de arquitectura más influyentes del panorama internacional.

Pero, ¿vienen estas actuaciones acompañadas de nuevos conceptos o estrategias estructurales o de diseño que respondan a la singularidad que las caracteriza? Se analiza aquí la solución estructural de dos ejemplos para identificar aquellas aportaciones de carácter estructural/arquitectónico que apuntan a servir de base para el desarrollo del tipo. Reconociéndose la utilización del atrio como una de ellas, se lleva a cabo una evaluación basada en modelos de su influencia en el comportamiento estructural de torres inclinadas.
La cimentación por arquerías invertidas en el edificio histórico de la Fábrica de Tabacos de la Universidad de Sevilla
Authors: González-García de Velasco C. , González-Vílchez M.
Published: January 2014

El presente trabajo ratifica las conclusiones de un anterior trabajo nuestro publicado por la revista Informes de la Construcción (Vol. 63, nº 521, 2011), referente a la cimentación de la Real Fábrica de Tabacos de la Universidad de Sevilla. Por otra parte, este nuevo trabajo describe las investigaciones llevadas a cabo in situ posteriormente, durante la realización de galerías subterráneas bajo el edificio, y aporta nuevos datos sobre la cimentación de la Fábrica.

Las principales conclusiones del presente trabajo son la constatación de la inexistencia de restos arqueológicos anteriores a la construcción del edificio; y el descubrimiento de que la cimentación por zapatas de ladrillo aisladas se complementa con una cimentación reticular profunda, de arcos invertidos que ayudan a las zapatas prismáticas a ampliar sus áreas de contacto con el terreno, al tiempo que acodalan y conectan entre sí las citadas zapatas de ladrillo, evitando asientos diferenciales y reforzando la cimentación frente a movimientos sísmicos.
Aspectos económicos de un sistema de aislamiento sísmico de base para bastidores de acero en altura
Authors: Kilar V. , Petrovčič S. , Šilih S. , Koren D.
Published: January 2014

El presente artículo trata sobre los efectos y costes de implementación de un sistema de aislamiento en cimentación para la mitigación del riesgo sísmico de la estructura de un bastidor de acero en altura prexistente. Se han analizado diferentes distribuciones realistas de la masa contribuyente y de los niveles de ocupación, conformando diferentes variantes asimétricas en planta. Se presentan los resultados obtenidos mediante el método N2 (análisis estático incremental no lineal) como envolventes de las plantas superiores y como patrones de deterioro en estado plástico. En el estudio de costos presentado, el coste de implementación del sistema de aislamiento propuesto se compara con los costes estimados de reparación de los elementos superestructurales y los costes derivados del período de desocupación. Los resultados muestran que, en general, el aislamiento en la base no resulta viable económicamente para movimientos de baja intensidad, pero puede ser muy beneficioso en el caso de intensidades moderadas y altas, particularmente cuando el período de desocupación es tenido en cuenta.
Comparison of Working Postures among Students in School Workshop: A CAD Environment Analysis
Authors: Md Hashim Adila , Dawal Siti Zawiah Md.
Published: January 2014

School furniture was known to be among main contributor of students back pain and bad postures. However, most studies focused only on the furniture in classroom compared to other facilities in school. Therefore, this study took the initiative to assess students working postures in school workshop. The objective of this study was to evaluate postural stress of students using RULA method in CATIA. Actual working process was recorded and tasks performed were translated into human model for ergonomic analysis. This evaluation was done in CAD environment via Human Activity Analysis. Result showed the male students have a higher average RULA score compared to the female students. This study discovered that the current workstation was unsuitable for both genders. Both genders have an average scores of more than 5, which indicated changes are required soon. This paper also presented a recommended design of a workstation to reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptom and contribute to total back pain prevention for growing adolescents.
Virtual Ergonomics Laboratory: Human Body Dimension Relevance
Authors: Chakrabarti Debkumar , Deori Manoj , Pandit Sangeeta , Ravi T.
Published: January 2014

Ergonomics has become an integral part of design education curriculum, where input content demands demonstration through citing and analysing appropriate design experiences. It has come to fore through many academic forum discussions and meetings that to internalise various ergonomics issues relevant hands on experiences on this are necessary. To impart a feel of laboratory experimentation as well as application relevance to a greater number of learners, a virtual environment scenario could go along.A virtual presentation of ergonomics laboratory experiments on physical anthropometry and its design dimension consequences has been tried out. It contains a total of eleven sections. The topic opens with the introductory session where the subject matter and the laboratory experiment methodology in general was considered; this was followed by ten specific topics with flash based self-learning modules and data support on Indian population was provided to have a ready reference. Some of these topic specific experiment sections are also backed with video demonstrations.A whole set of virtual laboratory module under development, for users feedback, has already been uploaded in the net. The experiments are self-explanatory, downloadable and easy to perform. The feedback collected so far (online and also through direct demonstration surveys), confirms its usefulness both by the teachers and student-learners of Ergonomics specialisation and design programmes. This paper reports the salient features with content outline of the educational and free to use virtual anthropometric experiments manual developed which is being fine-tuned at IIT Guwahati.
Task Analysis of Paramedics in the Ambulance Patient Compartment
Authors: Mohd Yusuff Rosnah , Abidin Abdul Malik bin Zainal , Agamohamadi Fazlollah
Published: January 2014

An ambulance is designed through the modification of an existing standard vehicle body. By converting, renovating and equipping a standard vehicle body with a patient stretcher, paramedic seats, nearside seats, and related medical equipment, the vehicle becomes an ambulance. Therefore, the requirements and layout of the ambulance interior are constrained by the space available and dimensions of the adopted vehicle. Ambulance occupant protection, safety and ergonomic aspects are usually compromised. High quality and consistent emergency care demand continuous quality improvement and is directly dependent on the effective monitoring, integration, and evaluation of all components of the patients care. Currently, there is no standard or guideline regarding patient compartment layout to help ambulance manufacturers to improve this confine working space. This study aims to assess and evaluate ambulance patient compartment and its effect on the paramedics in performing their tasks. Since the paramedics have to respond to emergencies, their comfort, safety and ease of handling the various equipment in the ambulance has to be considered. A combination of techniques was applied to collect comprehensive data, including interviews, observations and questionnaires which outcomes are used as a basis of suggestions for the improvement in ambulance layout design. By analyzing the tasks performed, a proper layout which considers the ergonomic aspects will ensure that the first response is efficient and reliable.
Vibration of Power Hand Tool and Discomfort Experience among Malaysian Industrial Workers
Authors: Seri Rahayu K. , Nurulhuda A. , Rohana A.
Published: January 2014

In reality, people who worked with power vibrating tools exposed with the vibrated syndrome that effect their normal life especially who involved for long time period. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a widespread hazard in many industries and occupations involving the use of handheld power tools or hand-fed machines. This paper describes a research and observation on the vibrating hand tool. The objective of this study is to measure and compare the grip strength and hand arm vibration before and after using the Ready-Reckoned standard for industrial workers. Continually, an analysis is conducted due to the pain and discomfort experience that face by the workers. This research also do the analysis about the effects of the vibration to the workers hand depend on the duration of handling the power hand tool. Hundred respondent was involved which 50 men and 50 women who had been identified as an industrial worker and working with power hand tools or machinery. The respondents were interviewed and answer Q-Survey that directly conducted at their workplace after doing the test. As the result, worker who works 8 hours per day, the exposure limit value (ELV) is 5m/s, it can cause fatal effects. Most of workers suffered with fingers that gone white on cold exposure and weakness in hand grip.
Comparison of Malaysian and SAE J833 Anthropometric Proportions for Vehicle Package Design
Authors: Rashid Zuli’zam , Abu Bakar Nooh , Raja Ghazilla Raja Ariffin
Published: January 2014

Anthropometric measurements are critical dimensions when considering human interface design. This is especially true in vehicle package design where the interaction of the drive with the vehicle interior components need to be precisely determine as a mismatch between them would not only be detrimental to the drives comfort but driving performance and safety as well. In the past car makers often depends on standard databases derived from population that are not necessarily suited to the local population. Among the key concerns are the anthropometric measurements values and body ratio which would drive the design requirements of the vehicle package. Thus this paper describes the study which has been done to understand Malaysian Anthropometry in comparison of current available databases. The results shows significant differences in body proportion which may lead to the necessity to further study the effect of this differences.
Ergonomic Living-Dining Room Design to Enhance Assisted Living for Elderly People in Indonesia
Authors: Octavia Johanna Renny , Widjaja Maria Stephanie
Published: January 2014

The aging population calls for more research efforts towards enhancing assisted living for elderly people living in Indonesia, including ergonomic housing that accommodates their characteristics and needs. This paper discusses a study to provide an ergonomic living-dining room design in elderly homes by applying the participatory design approach with six Indonesia elders. Through interviews and observations, a list of elderly user requirements was defined as a foundation to generate a number of design concepts. Furthermore, one design concept was selected and refined by applying the anthropometry data.
Interactive Stroller for Increasing Focus Time and Participation in Learning Al Quran for Autistic Children
Authors: Bilikis Banire , Jomhari Nazean
Published: January 2014

Autistic children with hyperactive behavior are usually denied when it comes to teaching of Al Quran or academic skills due to their inability to focus and participate in learning. They exhibit minimal time of attention while learning as they enjoy running around and engaging in other activities that stimulates them. This study was carried out in order to identify an environment that accommodates learning and hyperactive behavior of autistic children. The learning of Al Quran was taught in two different environments. The first environment was the school center where the students sits on the floor and the second environment was in a stroller. A driving car was also used as an alternative. The result of this study indicated that the level of participation in a stroller and car increased and it was more effective for gaining the childs participation compared to the sitting in the class.
Optimizing Protective Clothing Design for Hot Outdoor Environments
Authors: Reischl Uwe , Sun Gang , Bahramian Qazaleh , Xue Zhu Qing
Published: January 2014

Thermal manikin tests were performed on selected protective garments to assess their heat transfer properties during exposure to infrared heat radiation. Comparing a newly developed Infrared (IR) Heat Radiation attenuatuion vest with a standard winter jacket, it could be seen that that the IR Vest provided a thermal comfort benefit above a heat radiation exposure level of 150 Watts while the winter jacket provided a thermal benefit above a 450 Watt heat radiation exposure level. The study identified important temperature cross-over points which define the thermodynamic properties and also characterize the heat radiation attenuation and heat insulation properties of garments. The evaluation method is seen as a new design tool for optimizing garment comfort and safety.
The Effects of Driving Environment on the Mental Workload of Train Drivers
Authors: Abd Rahman Nurul Izzah , Dawal Siti Zawiah Md. , Bahreininejad Ardeshir
Published: January 2014

A study is carried out to investigate the effects of driving environment on the mental workload of train drivers while driving. The driving task is performed under three environmental conditions, i.e. clear sunny day, rainy day and rainy night driving. Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements are recorded from the Fz and Pz channels of fifteen male subjects aged between 24 to 48 years old. The mean alpha power is monitored as a function of time as this signal reflects the variations in mental workload of the drivers. The results exhibit that the signal pattern for rainy night driving condition is significantly different compared to others. This finding indicates that the train drivers show an increase in mental workload after six minutes of driving under rainy night condition. The results demonstrate a percentage difference in mean alpha power of 37% between daytime and rainy night driving conditions during the early periods of driving. This indicates that the mental workload of train drivers tends to be low with an increased level of sleepiness under such conditions, which are signs of low vigilance.
Research of Innovative Risk Management in L/C Settlement - Based on Quality Control of Import Goods
Authors: Zhou Hao
Published: January 2014

Quality of import goods is possibly not up to standard in letter of credit settlement. In order to control the quality of import goods and to prevent exporter from fraudulent credit, importer takes some of the most effective terms that will be considered as soft term fraud by exporter. This paper analyzed the reason for the existence of such risks, and proposed innovative ideas on how to effectively control the quality of import goods in letter of credit settlement. Letter of credit (hereinafter referred as L/C) settlement serves as a more effective, timely and safe transaction way for both sellers and buyer in international trade, but there is still the risk of fraud [. Fraud risk is the greatest one in letter of credit settlement. Buyers will attach great importance to the quality of import goods, but exporter fraud will lead import goods not up to standard. In order to prevent such a quality risk, the importer will set some terms in the L/C, but these terms may be considered as soft term fraud by exporter. Research of risk management in L/C settlement will help importer effectively control the quality of import goods, and promote the L/C settlement.
Off-Farm Employment and Outsourcing Production Effects on the Technical Efficiency of Farm Households’ Grain Production - A Case with the Data from Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Han Xiao Yan , Chen Di , Shi Wen , Lv Jie
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzed the effects of the off-farm employment and the outsourcing production pattern on the technical efficiency of grain production by the two-step method of DEA-Tobit, based on the data of grain production in the major areas of Liaoning province, in the year of 2011. It observed these findings that off-farm employment and income structure change did not have an effect on technical efficiency. Even then this is evidence that age makes a negative effect on farm technical efficiency but it is weakly. Farm scale and specialization have a positive effect on technical efficiency. And both large farm and small farms scale efficiency is on a high level. So a limited impact on farm technical efficiency comes from farm scale as well as a significant positive impact comes from farms production outsourcing.
Fatigue Life Analysis of Auger Stem in Soft Coal Seam
Authors: Xu Jing , Xu Yan , Li Jia Chun
Published: January 2014

The complex force of the auger stem in soft coal seam is taken as the research object. Then the three-dimensional model of spiral pipe is established in the SOLIDWORKS software, and introduced into the workbench simulation platform of ANSYS software to simulate the stress distribution of the screw drill pipe in actual working conditions. According to the results of the analysis, the conclusion is that the stress concentration is around the pin hole of the female joint and the fatigue life of spiral drill pipe is 280.72 x 10 3 cycles.
Modelling Solar PV Behavior Using the Interpolation Approach for Climatic Conditions of Eastern India
Authors: Pal S. Basu , Bijali S. , Bhadra Chaudhuri S.R. , Mukherjee D.
Published: January 2014

Linear Interpolation methods for predicting the I-V characteristics for c-Si PV modules in outdoor conditions have been used by various groups of researchers. This is essential for minimizing the uncertainty in predicting essential photovoltaic parameters of interpolated I-V characteristics. A near optimum value of empirical co-efficient used in Tsunos model has been investigated under typical Eastern Indian Climatic conditions.
Permormance Analysis of Distribution System with Distributed Generation, A Case Study of Nepal
Authors: Sherpa Ku Sang , Bhujel Diwakar , Mishra Arbinda Kumar
Published: January 2014

This paper presents analysis of impact of synchronous machine based distributed generation (DG) in distribution networks at various penetration levels. Higher DG penetration level raises important issues about distribution system operation. Therefore, new techniques are needed to determine the maximum amount of DG that may be installed without requiring major changes in the existing electric power system. In this paper, DG is placed at the terminal points of the lateral one at a time and both real and reactive power is injected at power factor ranging from unity to zero. Limiting factor for maximum penetration primarily taken is load bus voltage at upper voltage limit of 1.05 pu. Variation in substation voltage is taken as another important constraint. System under consideration for studies is the radial distribution network originating from Chaumala Substation that is situated in Kailali district of Nepal. This paper reveals that maximum allowable voltage rise perspective is recommendable if substation voltage is regulated at 1.05 pu but if substation voltage is kept at 1.00 pu, highly utopist scenario of penetration occurs. So, conductor ampacity or line loading perspective shall be suitable. Further, if DG is injected taking substation voltage at 1.05pu, there is a chance of under voltage at bus that is situated at the end of the critical branch. On contrary, if substation voltage is taken to be 1.00pu, voltage dip is severe at the bus situated very close to substation.Lastly, if the DG is placed closer to the substation, its penetration level should be increased and vice versa.
Multi-Stage Cascaded Quasi Z-Source Inverter System for Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Nisha K.C.R. , Basavaraj T.N.
Published: January 2014

Multi-stage cascaded quasi Z-source inverter (qZSI) features a lesser shoot-through duty ratio for the same boost factor of the input voltage, but the traditional qZSI has the disadvantage of possessing increased shoot-through ratio and very high component stress at the same voltage boost factor. The whole idea of this work is to present a multi-stage cascaded quasi Z-source inverter for application to photovoltaic power system. Three-stage cascaded qZSI is obtained by adding two diodes, two inductances and three capacitances to the traditional quasi Z-source network. Due to the cascaded structure and qZSI topology, the proposed system acquires all the advantages of impedance inverter that can realize boost/buck function in a single-stage with improved reliability, lower component rating, constant DC current from source and good power quality. Besides, the three-stage cascaded solution the shoot-through duty cycle by 25% at the same voltage boost factor. The topological characteristics of three-stage cascaded qZSI system is analysed and operating principles are discussed. An experimental prototype is built to test the three-stage cascaded qZSI module. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed system.
The Electro-Hydraulic Synchronization Position Servo System Based on Nonlinear and Non-Gaussian Time Sequence Prediction Model
Authors: Lai Ling Hong , Liu Fei
Published: January 2014

For improving the control precision of electro-hydraulic synchronization position servo system, the nonlinear and non-Gaussian time sequence prediction model is constructed and nonlinear and non-Gaussian time sequence prediction procedure was built by RBF(Radial Basis Function) neural network and HMM(Hidden Markov Model ). A cascading failure prediction method in electro-hydraulic synchronization position servo system based on nonlinear and non-Gaussian time sequence prediction model was established to investigate the emergent behaviors of cascading failures and to further study the prediction and defense of cascading failures. Finally, this method was demonstrated and validated by a sample. It has shown the proposed method can improve the benefit of control precision in electro-hydraulic synchronization position servo system, and provide a support for adapting to solving dynamic error problem.
Research on Smart Grid User Side of Intelligent Detection System for Operating Frequency of Approach Switch
Authors: Ren Xiao Qing , He Tao , Hang Lu Bin , Kong Fan Liang
Published: January 2014

With the development of smart grid, the intelligent low voltage apparatus also gradually accepted by people, as well as the higher request about the intelligent detection system for operating frequency of approach switch. The present conditions, a new key technology and the developmental prospects of the intelligent detection system for operating frequency of approach switch are discussed in this article.
A Novel Control Strategy of Active Power Filter
Authors: Wang Xiao Ming , Xiang Xing Yao , Liu Wan Ci , Zhang Li
Published: January 2014

To improve the dynamic response and of compensation characteristic three-phase shunt active power filter(APF),a novel control strategy was proposed based on supply voltage detection. Fundamental wave current controller and dc side voltage controller was designed in detail. This method can not only compensate the parameter is determined and position distortion load, also can compensate the uncertain load.The superiority of the control architecture proposed is verified completely by simulation results.
Study of Establishment and Operation of Salt-Gradient Solar Pond
Authors: Gao Chun Juan , Zhang Qi , Dong Ze Liang , Guo Shu Yuan , Huang Xi Ping
Published: January 2014

In this paper, it was presented that the establishment and experimental investigation of a salt-gradient solar pond. The solar pond was filled with salty water to form three zones (e.g., upper convective zone, non-convective zone and lower convective zone) accordingly with different methods of saline injection. Parameters like salinity and temperature were measured and recorded daily at various locations in the salt-gradient solar pond. The results showed that solar pond collected and stored solar energy for a long period of time can be possible by controlling the thickness and salinity of salt gradient layer of the solar pond.
Irradiance and Temperature Dependence Characterization of Vacuum Glass BIPV Modules
Authors: Liu Hai Tao , Sang Shi Yu , Lv Fang , Zhai Yong Hui
Published: January 2014

This paper gives the electrical performance characteristics of vacuum glass building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules used as roofing system of building markets. Considering materials and structures are totally different from that of traditional PV module. The optimum power rating condition need be evaluated and analyzed to obtain irradiance and temperature dependence. A temperature and irradiance matrix of performance parameters of a BIPV module is given to predict the energy produced by this BIPV product. To define a suitable standard test condition of vacuum glass BIPV module, the electrical performances under different incident angle and sunlight spectrum are also measured and discussed in this paper.
Typology of Online Consumers: Motivations and Clickstream Data
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Shuang Shuang , Chen Yi Wen
Published: January 2014

This study described a five-factor typology of online consumers motivations labeled as the functional shopper, the following shopper, the surfing shopper, conflicting shopper and e-laggard, and a five-factor typology of the clickstream data labeled as the functional browser, the hedonic browser, the impulsive browser, the comparative browser and the knowledge building browser by cluster analysis. A correspondence analysis for two typologies demonstrated an independent cluster frame with limited correspondence. Theoretical and marketing implications are discussed.
A Synthesis Algorithm of Beam-Forming for Antenna Pattern
Authors: Wang Mao Wen , Guo Bao Ping
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a beam forming theory for antenna pattern is stated. The formula suitable for engineering practice is deduced through deforming activation value in formula of power pattern. The formula of beam forming and evaluation algorithm are induced, and the algorithm is simulated by using software MATLAB. For a given pattern, the corresponding activation value of each element can be figured out. The simulations reveal that the proposed algorithm can effectively meet the requirements of upper side lobe suppression and lower null-fill. The proposed method is suitable for the design of beam-forming for antenna pattern.
A Novel Clustering Routing Protocol with Community Structure Detection for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wu Jie Yu , Shao Xin Yu , Zhu Hai Ping
Published: January 2014

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a large collection of sensor nodes with limited power supply and constrained computational capability. Clustering routing method in wireless sensor networks has been considered as an important field of research recently to prolong the network lifetime of WSNs. We present a novel clustering method that can balance the energy consumption and extend the lifetime of WSN. Network nodes can be divided into densely connected subgroups through the algorithm of detecting community structure in complex networks. Moreover, the role of cluster-head is scheduled among the cluster members according to the residual energy of nodes, and then the cluster heads send the data to the sink directly. Based on the community clustering strategy, a novel routing protocol, called community structure clustering routing protocol (CSCR), has been raised for WSN. Performance evaluation has shown that the proposed method can achieve improvement compared with LEACH and SEP.
Dynamic Characteristics Analysis for Seismic Vibrator
Authors: An Li Qiang , Kong Fan Peng , Wang Yong Fang
Published: January 2014

Seismic vibrator is one of the most widely used equipments in exploration field. In recent years, with the development of exploration field, as well as the growing needs of high quality seismic data, the seismic vibrator's tonnage has increased a lot, which makes the stress of the vehicle frame very complicated in working state. And some local structure of the vehicle frame often appears crack phenomenon in working state. Therefore, the dynamic characteristic analysis is essential to the Seismic vibrator. In this paper, the finite element model of vehicle frame is established by ANSYS software. Through the modal analysis, the natural frequencies are obtained, and each vibration modes are analyzed. On the basis of the modal analysis, the modal neutral file of the vehicle frame is established. Using the data transfer function between ANSYS and ADAMS, the rigid-flexible coupling multi-body model is built for the dynamics simulation of the seismic vibrator. In this model, the stiffness and damping of air springs, hydraulic oil and soil are simulated by the spring-damper in the ADAMS software. The dynamic characteristics of vehicle frame under excited forces with different amplitude are obtained and analyzed. The stresses for some of the hot spots of the vehicle frame are extracted, which can be used to analyze the dynamic failure of the vehicle frame.
Prediction of the Fatigue Life for Large Wind Turbine Gearbox
Authors: Dong Xing Hui , Tian Xue , Yang Zhi Ling
Published: January 2014

Wind turbine gearbox is the key component. Because of alternating loads caused by gear engagement, variations of wind speed and fluctuation of load, it is prone to get fatigue damage, which lead to the high failure rate and low life. In this paper, obtaining the stress time histories through multi-body dynamics simulation, then base on the simulation data, statistical processing load time histories by used rain flow counting method, the last is that estimating fatigue life of components, combined with P-S-N curves of parts material and linear cumulative damage law. The fatigue life prediction of each component in gearbox would be implemented by matlab programming. Through the fatigue analysis of a megawatt-class wind turbine gearbox transmission chain, the design was verified feasibility, but not economic, and it show that this method has certain reference value and potential for improvement.
Electrochemical Performance of Hard Carbon as Negative Electrode in Lithium Ion Capacitor
Authors: Yuan Mei Rong , Liu Wei Qiang , Xu Yong Jin
Published: January 2014

The electrochemical properties of hard carbon (HC) have been investigated for use as negative electrode for lithium ion capacitors. The HC electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) method. The HC negative electrode was galvanostatically prelithiated at 0.1C for three cycles between 0.05-2 V. The LIC with activated carbon and HC electrodes was characterized by cyclic voltammetric analysis at the scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1 with different voltage ranges. The rate capability of the LIC was tested up to 100C and the retention is 54 %. The cycle performance is retained up to 86% at 50C and 80% at 100C even after 10,000 cycles. The results indicate that hard carbon is suitable as negative electrode materials for high power energy applications.