bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying ecological drivers of ecosystem productivity of the early‐successional boreal Larix gmelinii forest
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Yang Jian
Published: July 2014

Wildfire area and severity are projected to increase in Eurasian larch (Larix spp.) forest, potentially altering ecosystem dynamics and carbon balance under warming climate. However, the ecological drivers that influence post‐fire ecosystem productivity in larch forest are poorly understood. Here we assess the influence of several factors controlling plant aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) on the early successional stage of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) forests following fire. We quantified the relative importance of fire severity, competition, topography, and soil inorganic N [NH4+ and NO3−] availability on ecosystem productivity 11 years post‐fire in a Dahurian larch forest of Northeast China using a boosted regression trees technique. Results showed that fire severity had the strongest negative influence on ANPP of saplings, followed by a positive influence of soil inorganic N availability and negative influence of elevation. Sapling density had the strongest negative influence on ANPP of understory (shrub and grass), followed by positive influence of aspect and inorganic N availability. N may limit ANPP of sapling, but not of understory vegetation. Fire severity had a dominant influence on the proportion of total ANPP contributed by the understory. Fire severity was positively correlated to understory productivity and proportion of total ANPP contributed by understory, but negatively correlated to sapling productivity. Our analysis suggests that increasing fire severity may increase understory productivity, while decreasing the sapling productivity, which may contribute to the potential changes of vegetation type and carbon cycling in Dahurian larch forests of Northeast China under warming climate.
Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐κB Ligand and Sclerostin Expression in Osteocytes of Alveolar Bone in Rats With Ligature‐Induced Periodontitis
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hye , Lee Dong‐Eun , Cha Jeong‐Heon , Bak Eun‐Jung , Yoo Yun‐Jung
Published: July 2014

Background: Osteocytes are increasingly recognized as significant sources of osteoclast differentiation factor, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoblast differentiation inhibitory factor, sclerostin. In this study, RANKL and sclerostin expression of osteocytes is investigated in rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis.

Methods: Rats were divided into control and periodontitis groups, and periodontitis was induced by ligature on the mandibular first molars. At 1, 3, 10, and 20 days after ligature, histologic analyses of alveolar bone (AB) and osteoid areas in the molar furcation were performed. The numbers of osteoclasts and RANKL‐ and sclerostin‐positive osteocytes were estimated by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results: The AB area gradually decreased at day 10 after ligature and increased at day 20. The number of osteoclasts markedly increased at day 3 and then decreased. Conversely, osteoid formation was suppressed up to day 3 and then showed a remarkable increase above control level at day 20. The number of RANKL‐positive osteocytes increased at days 1 and 3 and then decreased. Sclerostin‐positive osteocytes markedly increased at days 3 and 10 but decreased below control level at day 20.

Conclusions: These results show that AB loss is accompanied by enhanced osteoclast formation and suppressed osteoid formation. Osteocytes express RANKL when osteoclast formation increases, and they express sclerostin when osteoid formation is suppressed. Conversely, osteocytic sclerostin expression decreases when osteoid formation increases. These findings suggest that osteocytes may be important in AB loss via RANKL and sclerostin expression in periodontitis.
Numerical investigation of the effect of the insulation thickness on the degree of nonuniformity of the billet temperature
Authors: Somriewwongkul Eakarach , Tangthieng Chittin
Published: July 2014

The degree of nonuniformity of the billet temperature subjected to the
radiative heat loss to the discharge door with different insulation
thicknesses is investigated in this present study. The 2-D steady-state heat
conduction for the billet subjected to different heat fluxes is solved by
being transformed into a dimensionless form. The Gauss-Seidel iterative
method for a finite volume discretization of the billet is employed to obtain
the temperature distribution of the billet. The numerical result is validated
by comparing with the field measurement data. A qualitative agreement between
these two is observed. An effect of different insulation thicknesses on the
heat-transfer characteristics and the degree of nonuniformity of the billet
temperature is examined. In case of the replaced 50-mm thick insulation of
the discharge door, the radiative heat loss to the discharge door is reduced
by 49% with the replaced insulation, and the degree of nonuniformity of the
billet temperature is decreased by 23?C.
Effects of Brownian motion on freezing of PCM containing nanoparticles
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi , Park Jae
Published: July 2014

Enhancement of thermal and heat transfer capabilities of phase change
materials with addition of nanoparticles is reported. The mixed nanofluid of
phase change material and nanoparticles presents a high thermal conductivity
and low heat capacity and latent heat, in comparison with the base fluid. In
order to present the thermophysical effects of nanoparticles, a
solidification of nanofluid in a rectangular enclosure with natural
convection induced by different wall temperatures is considered. The results
show that the balance between the solidification acceleration by
nanoparticles and slowing-down by phase change material gives rise to control
the medium temperature. It indicates that this kind of mixture has great
potential in various applications which requires temperature regulation.
Also, the Brownian motion of nanoparticles enhances the convective heat
transfer much more than the conductive transfer.
The Interactive Effects of Ex Post Goal Adjustment and Goal Difficulty on Performance
Authors: Kelly Khim Ong , Webb R. Alan , Vance Thomas
Published: July 2014

Despite the common use of performance goals to motivate employees and the use of ex post goal adjustments to filter out the effects of unforeseen and uncontrollable events, minimal research has examined the consequences of employing them jointly. We predict that the availability of ex post goal adjustments will have a positive effect on performance and that this effect will be stronger when the ex ante goal difficulty level is moderate rather than difficult. Moreover, we predict that these effects will be mediated by perceptions of procedural justice. Results from an experiment completed by 142 undergraduate students support our predictions. The availability of ex post goal adjustments has positive effects on procedural fairness perceptions and performance under the moderate goal, but has no such effects under the difficult goal. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Seeing Reversals in Ambiguous Images: To Know or Not to Know?
Authors: Kosegarten Jay , Kose Gary
Published: July 2014

The present study is an attempt to replicate the 1992 findings of Rock and Mitchener that knowing about the ambiguity in ambiguous images is necessary for seeing reversals. In contrast to Rock and Mitchener's study, the present study used a between-subjects design, in which 190 participants were randomly assigned to either an uninformed or an informed condition, and saw 12 images, 6 ambiguous and 6 unambiguous. The findings show that participants in the informed condition were significantly more likely to see reversals in the ambiguous images than were those in the uninformed condition. In contrast to Rock and Mitchener's findings, knowledge of ambiguity did not ensure that all informed participants saw all six reversals; there were spontaneous reversals in the uninformed condition for most of the images. These findings are discussed in terms of suggesting that seeing a reversal in an ambiguous image is a complex process that requires consideration of the interplay of visual perception and higher order cognition.
Societal factors and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Chawla Chandra Dev
Published: July 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10822 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 1-3
The attitudes to fertility and quality of life in relation to chemotherapy in young breast cancer survivors
Authors: Memon Fouzia
Published: July 2014

Background: Since a significant proportion of women treated for breast cancer will now survive their cancer, quality of life for survivors is an important issue. For many young women fertility will be a significant factor in this. A woman’s appreciation of her own fertility is likely to be a key factor and her own body image and self-esteem will influence both the type and success of relationships entered into. This in itself may have an effect on her decision to attempt to become pregnant and for a woman, who is already in a successful relationship, may have a role in the decision to start or complete a family. Methods: An Ovid-Medline search was carried out January 1996 to May 2007, looking for the following terms in the title or abstracts (breast cancer, fertility, psychological issues, sexuality, and quality of life). Results: The present review paper explored fertility concerns of young woman with breast cancer and related sexual and psychological effects that might affect their quality of life. Conclusion: This extensive literature review from medical databases like Ovid-Medline has revealed that among depression and physical and psychological stress, fear of loss of fertility is a major factor of poor quality of life among young premenopausal breast cancer survivors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10823 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 4-7
Comparative study on safety and efficacy of cervical ripening agents misoprostol and dinoprostone in the induction of labour
Authors: Shakya Rajani , Shrestha Joshna , Thapa Panna
Published: July 2014

Aim: To compare the safety and efficacy of two commercially available prostaglandin analogues, misoprostol and dinoprostone as cervical ripening agents. Methods: Patients with a term, vertex, singleton pregnancy and a Bishop score of 4 or less were randomly assigned to receive misoprostol pessary (n = 35, 50 μg intravaginally, maximum dose of up to six pessary) or dinoprostone gel (n = 31, 0.5 mg intracervically; administered twice 6hrs apart). Patients were monitored throughout the period. If there was no progress in cervical dilatation or effective uterine contraction even after maximum dose of dinoprostone or misoprostol, patients were taken for cesarean section. Patients who were able to achieve Bishop’s score more than 7 but the delivery was not progressing, were augmented with intravenous oxytocin infusion. Result: Both drugs were found to be equally effective in improving Bishop’s score. There was significant reduction in the need for oxytocin augmentation in misoprostol (37.1%) group than in dinoprostone (67.7%) group. However, abnormal fetal heart rate was observed in 3 (8.6%) cases in misoprostol group and 2 (6.5%) in dinoprostone group. There was no statistically significant difference in meconium passage in two groups. But there were no significant differences in the mean induction to delivery time in dinoprostone and misoprostol group. Cesarean sections in dinoprostone and misoprostol groups were 32.3% and 28.6% respectively. No uterine hyperstimulation was observed, Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute was 6 (19.4%) and 11 (31.4%) neonates in dinoprostone and misoprostol group and Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes was found only in one neonate of dinoprostone group. Conclusion: Vaginal misoprostol is an effective, safer and cheaper alternative to dinoprostone as a cervical ripening agent in underdeveloped countries with poor socioeconomic condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10826 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 16-20
Gynecological disorders of adolescent girls at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Karki Chanda , Shrestha Nira Singh , Rayamajhi Roshan T
Published: July 2014

Aim: To assess the gynecological disorders in adolescents and to study the menstrual disorders in the study group. Result: A total of 1697 adolescent girls aged 13 to 19 years attending the gynecological outpatient department of KMCTH were included in the study. Their detail history was taken followed by general and systemic examinations and investigations like hemogram, coagulation profile, hormonal assays, and ultrasonography as per need were performed. Thus their gynecological problems including menstrual disorders were identified. With this information the details of their menstrual abnormalities were also analyse. Teenage pregnancy was the most frequently observed (56.33%) diagnosis. Menstrual disorders were found to be the second most common (23.80%) gynecological problem. They varied from amenorrhea (29.20%) to menorrhagia. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was the commonest etiology of menstrual dysfunction (204/286) in the study group. Conclusion: Unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted infections were some of the other problems of adolescent girls. It is important to note that adolescents are not a homogenous group. Their needs vary with their sex, stage of development, life circumstances and the socioeconomic conditions of their environment. This is the time when they have the maximum burden of education and career building on their shoulders. They are the group who hesitate to seek services from traditional facilities. Therefore every health institution should initiate or strengthen adolescent friendly services and provide specialist care to this special group of people. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10831 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 44-47
Age as risk factors associated in the genesis of uterovaginal prolapse (UVP)
Authors: Pandit Upendra , Malla Dibya Shree , Sharma Paban Kumar
Published: July 2014

Aim: To find out the relationship between utero-vaginal prolapse (UVP) and first vaginal birth at younger age <22 years and to identify single most frequently occurred risk factor in study group. Method: A hospital based descriptive comparative study was carried out in 200 women of age 40- 60 years in two hospitals. One hundred women with UVP were enrolled as case (Group I) and 100 women with similar parity and age group but admitted for other reasons than prolapse were enrolled as comparative group (Group II). Relationship was observed between two groups in their age at first vaginal birth, duration of labour, family history, smoking habit, menopause and BMI. Results: Cases of UVP occurred in younger <22 years at first vaginal birth than comparable group (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.74-6.72, P = 0.00009). The mean of duration of labour pain was 30.85±26 vs 18.87±21.3 (P=0.006) hours in Group I and Group II respectively. There was increased risk of UVP in women who had family history (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.16-4.78, P= 0.01). Conclusion: Single most frequently identified risk factor was young age <22 years at first vaginal birth. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10832 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 48-50
A baby chooses to emerge out from the posterior cervical tear in a prostaglandin induced labor
Authors: Gurung Geeta , Amatya Sapana , Amatya Archana , Rana Akanchya , Rana Ashma , Kafle Akinchan
Published: July 2014

A case is described where a live baby chooses to come out, tearing apart the posterior cervix as a result of effective uterine contractions in association with closed external cervical os in a prostaglandin E2 induced, postdated pregnancy in a primigravida with neonatal survival. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10835 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 57-58
Endometriosis encountered in a primigravida and a primipara at caesarean section: Report of two cases
Authors: Ojha Neeva , Kafle Akinchan , Koirala Poonam , Shrestha Isha , Sharma Savana , Amatya Sapana , Ghimire Seeta , Rana Ashma , Gurung Geeta
Published: July 2014

Two cases of posterior uterine surface endometriosis were found at caesarean section in primigarvida and primipara consecutively. These cases are reported to convey the importance of Depo-Provera (depot medroxy progesterone), a three monthly injectable progesterone during the immediate post partum period to avoid the complication that may arise from the surrounding endometriotic deposits during the puerperium and afterwards. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10836 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 59-61
FIGO-staging of cervical cancer: Can’t it be communicated in a better way?
Authors: Baral Gehanath
Published: July 2014

Aim: To correlate existing format of FIGO-staging of cervical cancer in clinical practice. Method: Review of clinical practice guidelines and journal publications. Result of clinical practice guidelines. Conclusion: A modified form of cervical cancer staging is proposed to make it practical for clinical evaluation, provisional management plan and prognosis based on tumor size and parametrial invasion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10837 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 62-65
Utero-vaginal prolapse: A community study at Duradada, Lamjung, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Prabhat
Published: July 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v3i2.10838 Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.3(2) 2008; 66
Activation of Dormant Secondary Metabolite Production by Introducing Neomycin Resistance into the Deep-Sea Fungus, Aspergillus versicolor ZBY-3
Authors: Dong Yuan , Cui Cheng-Bin , Li Chang-Wei , Hua Wei , Wu Chang-Jing , Zhu Tian-Jiao , Gu Qian-Qun
Published: July 2014

A new ultrasound-mediated approach has been developed to introduce neomycin-resistance to activate silent pathways for secondary metabolite production in a bio-inactive, deep-sea fungus, Aspergillus versicolor ZBY-3. Upon treatment of the ZBY-3 spores with a high concentration of neomycin by proper ultrasound irradiation, a total of 30 mutants were obtained by single colony isolation. The acquired resistance of the mutants to neomycin was confirmed by a resistance test. In contrast to the ZBY-3 strain, the EtOAc extracts of 22 of the 30 mutants inhibited the human cancer K562 cells, indicating that these mutants acquired a capability to produce antitumor metabolites. HPLC-photodiode array detector (PDAD)-UV and HPLC-electron spray ionization (ESI)-MS analyses of the EtOAc extracts of seven bioactive mutants and the ZBY-3 strain indicated that diverse secondary metabolites have been newly produced in the mutant extracts in contrast to the ZBY-3 extract. The followed isolation and characterization demonstrated that six metabolites, cyclo(d-Pro-d-Phe) (1), cyclo(d-Tyr-d-Pro) (2), phenethyl 5-oxo-l-prolinate (3), cyclo(l-Ile-l-Pro) (4), cyclo(l-Leu-l-Pro) (5) and 3β,5α,9α-trihydroxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (6), were newly produced by the mutant u2n2h3-3 compared to the parent ZBY-3 strain. Compound 3 was a new compound; 2 was isolated from a natural source for the first time, and all of these compounds were also not yet found in the metabolites of other A. versicolor strains. Compounds 1–6 inhibited the K562 cells, with inhibition rates of 54.6% (1), 72.9% (2), 23.5% (3), 29.6% (4), 30.9% (5) and 51.1% (6) at 100 μg/mL, and inhibited also other human cancer HL-60, BGC-823 and HeLa cells, to some extent. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of the ultrasound-mediated approach to activate silent metabolite production in fungi by introducing acquired resistance to aminoglycosides and its potential for discovering new compounds from silent fungal metabolic pathways. This approach could be applied to elicit the metabolic potentials of other fungal isolates to discover new compounds from cryptic secondary metabolites.
Religion and American Politics from a Global Perspective
Authors: Froese Paul
Published: July 2014

Past findings and theory in the sociology of religion support two opposing perspectives concerning the influence of religion on American politics. Looking from within the United States, the commanding influence of religion on political rhetoric and voting patterns seems apparent. From a global perspective, the role that religion plays in American politics is less clear; in fact, one could argue that our political institutions are decidedly secular. I present support for both of these perspectives before turning to an international analysis of images of God using the Gallup World Poll. These data indicate the uniqueness of American religiosity and suggest that the ways in which religion affect politics in the United States is unusual for a post-industrial country. Namely, many Americans understand God as a political actor; because of this, American political culture mixes religious and political language with fervor, all while keeping church and state institutions separate.
Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to Quantify Spatial Gap Patterns in Forests
Authors: Getzin Stephan , Nuske Robert , Wiegand Kerstin
Published: July 2014

Gap distributions in forests reflect the spatial impact of man-made tree harvesting or naturally-induced patterns of tree death being caused by windthrow, inter-tree competition, disease or senescence. Gap sizes can vary from large (>100 m2) to small (<10 m2), and they may have contrasting spatial patterns, such as being aggregated or regularly distributed. However, very small gaps cannot easily be recorded with conventional aerial or satellite images, which calls for new and cost-effective methodologies of forest monitoring. Here, we used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and very high-resolution images to record the gaps in 10 temperate managed and unmanaged forests in two regions of Germany. All gaps were extracted for 1-ha study plots and subsequently analyzed with spatially-explicit statistics, such as the conventional pair correlation function (PCF), the polygon-based PCF and the mark correlation function. Gap-size frequency was dominated by small gaps of an area <5 m2, which were particularly frequent in unmanaged forests. We found that gap distances showed a variety of patterns. However, the polygon-based PCF was a better descriptor of patterns than the conventional PCF, because it showed randomness or aggregation for cases when the conventional PCF showed small-scale regularity; albeit, the latter was only a mathematical artifact. The mark correlation function revealed that gap areas were in half of the cases negatively correlated and in the other half independent. Negative size correlations may likely be the result of single-tree harvesting or of repeated gap formation, which both lead to nearby small gaps. Here, we emphasize the usefulness of UAV to record forest gaps of a very small size. These small gaps may originate from repeated gap-creating disturbances, and their spatial patterns should be monitored with spatially-explicit statistics at recurring intervals in order to further insights into forest dynamics.
Towards the Improvement of Blue Water Evapotranspiration Estimates by Combining Remote Sensing and Model Simulation
Authors: Romaguera Mireia , Salama Mhd. , Krol Maarten , Hoekstra Arjen , Su Zhongbo
Published: July 2014

The estimation of evapotranspiration of blue water (ETb) from farmlands, due to irrigation, is crucial to improve water management, especially in regions where water resources are scarce. Large scale ETb was previously obtained, based on the differences between remote sensing derived actual ET and values simulated from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). In this paper, we improve on the previous approach by enhancing the classification scheme employed so that it represents regions with common hydrometeorological conditions. Bias between the two data sets for reference areas (non-irrigated croplands) were identified per class, and used to adjust the remote sensing products. Different classifiers were compared and evaluated based on the generated bias curves per class and their variability. The results in Europe show that the k-means classifier was better suited to identify the bias curves per class, capturing the dynamic range of these curves and minimizing their variability within each corresponding class. The method was applied in Africa and the classification and bias results were consistent with the findings in Europe. The ETb results were compared with existing literature and provided differences up to 50 mm/year in Europe, while the comparison in Africa was found to be highly influenced by the assigned cover type and the heterogeneity of the pixel. Although further research is needed to fully understand the ETb values found, this paper shows a more robust approach to classify and characterize the bias between the two sets of ET data.
Long Wavelength SAR Backscatter Modelling Trends as a Consequence of the Emergent Properties of Tree Populations
Authors: Brolly Matthew , Woodhouse Iain
Published: July 2014

This study describes the novel use of a macroecological plant and forest structure model in conjunction with a Radiative Transfer (RT) model to better understand interactions between microwaves and forest canopies. Trends predicted by the RT model, resulting from interactions with mixed age, mono and multi species forests, are analysed in comparison to those predicted using a simplistic structure based scattering model. This model relates backscatter to scatterer cross sectional or volume specifications, dependent on the size. The Spatially Explicit Reiterative Algorithm (SERA) model is used to provide a widely varied tree size distribution while maintaining allometric consistency to produce a natural-like forest representation. The RT model is parameterised using structural information from SERA and microwave backscatter simulations are used to analyse the impact of changes to the forest stand. Results show that the slope of the saturation curve observed in the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) backscatter-biomass relationship is sensitive to thinning and therefore forest basal area. Due to similarities displayed between the results of the RT and simplistic model, it is determined that forest SAR backscatter behaviour at long microwave wavelengths may be described generally using equations related to total stem volume and basal area. The nature of these equations is such that they describe saturating behaviour of forests in the absence of attenuation in comparable fashion to the trends exhibited using the RT model. Both modelled backscatter trends predict a relationship to forest basal area from an early age when forest volume is increasing. When this is not the case, it is assumed to be a result of attenuation of the dominant stem-ground interaction due to the presence of excessive numbers of stems. This work shows how forest growth models can be successfully incorporated into existing independent scattering models and reveals, through the RT comparison with simplistic backscatter calculations, that saturation need not solely be a direct result of attenuation.
A Novel Optimal Configuration form Redundant MEMS Inertial Sensors Based on the Orthogonal Rotation Method
Authors: Cheng Jianhua , Dong Jinlu , Landry Rene Jr. , Chen Daidai
Published: July 2014

In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) navigation systems, an orthogonal rotation method-based nine-gyro redundant MEMS configuration is presented. By analyzing the accuracy and reliability characteristics of an inertial navigation system (INS), criteria for redundant configuration design are introduced. Then the orthogonal rotation configuration is formed through a two-rotation of a set of orthogonal inertial sensors around a space vector. A feasible installation method is given for the real engineering realization of this proposed configuration. The performances of the novel configuration and another six configurations are comprehensively compared and analyzed. Simulation and experimentation are also conducted, and the results show that the orthogonal rotation configuration has the best reliability, accuracy and fault detection and isolation (FDI) performance when the number of gyros is nine.
Game Analysis of Determinants of Stability of Semiconductor Modular Production Networks
Authors: He Wei , Chen Si-Hua
Published: July 2014

In today’s rapidly changing environment, semiconductor manufacturers compete more in the area of modular production networks. However, the instability of semiconductor modular production networks can to a large extent lead to the failure of these networks. The aim of this paper is to discuss the significance and explore the maintenance of the stability of these semiconductor modular production networks. Firstly, this paper qualitatively and quantitatively defines the stability of semiconductor modular production networks. Based on this, by establishing game models, this paper analyzes the influence mechanism of the main factors: external market fluctuation, the internal benefit allocation mechanism, and opportunism, which can jeopardize the stability of these networks. We find that: the greater the benefits a member enterprise derives from the common benefits, the more likely it is the member enterprise will not exit the modular production network; the adaptive ability of the networks to the external environment is closely related to the stability of the modular production networks; the supervision and punishment in networks can be substituted for each other and the level of supervision, punishment and trust can exert great influence on the stability of semiconductor modular production networks. Lastly, we propose some specific suggestions.
High‐resolution reflection seismic survey at the Patigno landslide, Northern Apennines, Italy
Authors: Stucchi E. , Ribolini A. , Anfuso A.
Published: July 2014

This work presents the results of a P‐wave high‐resolution reflection seismic survey at the Patigno landslide, a large landslide located in Northern Apennines, Italy. Due to previous geomechanical investigations, this area provides a suitable test site to verify the effectiveness of reflection seismic methods in characterizing a slope subsurface. Careful planning of data acquisition and a standard processing sequence allowed for a seismic section of the shallow subsurface to be built, which showed a reflection that was interpreted as the top of a highly deformed rocky layer. This rock layer favoured a deep‐seated gravitational deformation, which affected a large sector of the slope. In addition to the available borehole data, this interpretation is also consistent with an electrical resistivity tomography profile that was acquired along the seismic line. Our results show that an ad hoc P‐wave reflection survey can accurately delineate deep deformative surfaces, allowing for a more complete understanding of the mass movement phenomenon. This is particularly true for surfaces at depths sufficiently greater than the seismic wavelength, whereas for very shallow horizons, additional information (boreholes) or more impulsive sources (blasting caps) and more sophisticated techniques (S‐waves reflections) are required for a reliable interpretation of the data.
Partially saturated soil causing significant variability in near surface seismic signals
Authors: Taylor Oliver‐Denzil S. , McKenna Mihan H. , Quinn Meghan C.L. , Quinn Brian G.
Published: July 2014

The behaviour of dry, moist, and saturated soils has been studied for over a century without ade quately investigating the behaviour associated with transient saturation in the near surface, i.e. the upper 1 m of overburden, including the effects of rapid meteorological changes, dynamic fluid flow, and variability of saturation on shallow seismic sensors. This paper presents observational data wherein the geophysical instrumentation response was significantly influenced by near‐surface post‐precipitation saturation and additional laboratory experimentation on the effects of satu ration on shear wave velocity. The lack of partially‐saturated data is primarily because transient meteorological events have not been critically important to the types of long‐term deployments performed in the past, where sensors were situated in hard‐rock, collecting data under idealized conditions, as opposed to sedimentary settings. Shorter‐duration deployments and smaller system architectures, e.g. persistent monitoring, now necessitate detailed a priori knowledge of meteoro logical impacts to system design and performance.

The purpose of this persistent monitoring geophysical instrumentation is to continually monitor the near surface and relate small perturbations to a specific source type(s) and distance(s) from the receiver. As such, the received signal is compared to known sources within a predetermined geo logical/meteorological condition. Presented herein is the calibration signal generated by a 3.63‐kg (8‐lb) sledgehammer prior to and post 36 hours of steady precipitation. The resulting subsurface seismic velocity time‐histories show a significant increase in signal amplitude, change in fre quency content and no change in duration. Thus, the amplification effects of near‐surface moisture variability combined with dynamic pore fluid could be interpreted as false positives of a specific source signature and/or instrument failure.
Case studies of incorporation of prior information in electrical resistivity tomography: comparison of different approaches
Authors: Caterina David , Hermans Thomas , Nguyen Frédéric
Published: July 2014

Many geophysical inverse problems are ill‐posed and their solution non‐unique. It is thus important to reduce the amount of mathematical solutions to more geologically plausible models by regularizing the inverse problem and incorporating all available prior information in the inversion process. We compare three different ways to incorporate prior information for electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): using a simple reference model, adding structural constraints to Occam’s inversion and using geostatistical constraints. We made the comparison on four real cases representing different field applications in terms of scales of investigation and level of heterogeneities. In those cases, when electromagnetic logging data are available in boreholes to control the solution, it appears that incorporating prior information clearly improves the correspondence with logging data compared to the standard smoothness constraint. However, the way to incorporate it may have a major impact on the solution. A reference model can often be used to constrain the inversion; however, it can lead to misinterpretation if its weight is too strong or the resistivity values inappropriate. When the computation of the vertical and/or horizontal correlation length is possible, the geostatistical inversion gives reliable results everywhere in the section. However, adding geostatistical constraints can be difficult when there is not enough data to compute correlation lengths. When a known limit between two layers exists, the use of structural constraint seems to be more indicated particularly when the limit is located in zones of low sensitivity for ERT. This work should help interpreters to include their prior information directly into the inversion process through an appropriate way.
The Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO-SnO2 Nanorods Using Bamboo Charcoal as the Template
Authors: Liu Wei , Ou Jian Fa , Pan Qiu Ying , Zhou Wu Yi
Published: July 2014

The ZnO-SnO2 nanorods were prepared successfully by wet chemical method and bamboo charcoal as the template. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) results showed that the ZnO-SnO2 nanorods prepared at 700°C were uniform with the diameters of about 55 nm and the lengths of about 160 nm. The photocatalytic activity was studied while the methylene blue was used as the organic pollutant. The results indicate that the degradation rate of the methylene blue by the ZnO-SnO2 nanorods was about 89%, twice higher than that of the pure ZnO nanomaterials.
Research on Power Industry with Application of Improved Hill-Climbing Algorithm in Wind Power Generation System
Authors: Luo Dong Dong , Chen Shou An , Lin Yuan Ping
Published: July 2014

This article puts forward improved hill-climbing algorithm based on the problems that exist in wind power system compared with traditional hill-climbing searching MPPT control algorithm.In order to obtain optimum power curve,the improved algorithm finds the maximum power point when wind speed is steady firstly,then estimating torque loss accurately of motor to calculate system power loss indirectly when system is in the state of maximum power point.At last,the disturbance step is adjusted in real time based on distance between actual work point and optimum power curve.The improved hill-climbing algorithm does not exist the phenomenon that there is concussion near the maximum power point.What is more, the tracking direction could not be misled and tracking speed is sooner for tracking maximum power point when wind speed changes rapidly.By using Matlab for algorithm simulation,the result shows that improved hill-climbing algorithm could make up for the deficiency of traditional algorithm effectively.
Application and Realization of Electromagnetic Induction Heating in the Production of Fused Cast
Authors: Huang Song Lin , Cui Jian Zhong
Published: July 2014

Different heating has an important influence on the efficiency of the production casting. Electromagnetic induction heating technology is a new heating technology. Metallic materials is heated itself directly through the Eddy current effect with the high-frequency electric heating principle. Because of its concentrated heat, high power density and high thermal efficiency, it has more superiority than the current conventional electric furnace heating technology. In this paper, the electromagnetic induction heating system has been designed, and this heating method is applied to the casting production. The results show that the electromagnetic induction heating is very suitable for casting production, which can greatly shorten the production time and improve productivity.
The Applications of BIM in the Building Water Supply and Drainage Engineering Design
Authors: Yin Shi Jun , Sun Xu Fang , Tian Li Na , Sun Meng Qiu , Li Xiang , Shang Ying Ying , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2014

In recent years, with the BIM technology application matures in the field of construction engineering in our country，BIM is becoming more and more widely applied in the field of building water supply and drainage design, the effects of it is becoming more and more profound. In view of this, in this paper, the application of BIM technology in building water supply and drainage engineering design, as well as the present problems of the BIM are analyzed.
Lamb-Wave-Based Damage Identification in Laminated Composite Plates
Authors: Yang Zai Lin , Elgamal Hamada M. , Zhang Jian Wei
Published: July 2014

With advantages including capability of propagation over a significant distance and high sensitivity to abnormalities and inhomogeneity near the wave propagation path, Lamb waves can be energised to disseminate in a structure and any changes in material properties or structural geometry created by a discontinuity, boundary or structural damage can be identified by examining the scattered wave signals. This paper presents an overview of the Lamb-wave-based damage identification in laminated composite plates including the formulation of lamb waves in an isotropic plate.
Simultaneous Localization, Mapping and Detection of Objects for Mobile Robot Based on Information Fusion in Dynamic Environment
Authors: Wu Ming , Li Lin Lin , Li Cheng Jian , Wang Hong Qiao , Wei Zhen Hua
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a novel approach for simultaneous localization, mapping (SLAM) and detection of moving object based on information fusion. We use different information sources, such as laser range scanner, and monocular camera, to improve the ability of distinction between object and background environment. The approach improves the accuracy of SLAM in complex environment, reduces the interference caused by objects, and enhances the practical utility of traditional methods of SLAM. Moreover, the approach expands fields of both research and application of SLAM in combination with target tracking method. Results in real robot experiments show the effectiveness of our method.
Hidden Information Technology and Data Processing in Drowsiness Detection in Normal Adults Based on Pulse Signal and ECG Detection in Normal Adults Based on Pulse Signal and ECG
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: July 2014

An objective measurement to evaluate sleep-wake state was studied based on the hidden information among ECG and pulse signals that might offer insights into the nature of sleep. Pulse transit time (PTT) and Wavelet entropy (WE) were computed for twenty sets data which come from self-designed experiments to distinguish the two different states of mental. A significant increase of PTT and decrease of WE ware correlated with the state of drowsiness, and both feature t-test results were p<0.01, thus showing that these features have significant differences between awake and sleepy state. Furthermore, the two characteristics can be recommended as objective indicators for distinguishing the human mental states.
Exploitation and Application of Information System in Interpretation Training
Authors: Tian Xian Zhi
Published: July 2014

] In this information age, “information” is regarded as a very hot and very common word to everyone living in the earth. Its importance and wide application are commonly seen in our daily life by every one. In the paper, the author will research the application of information system in interpretation training, at the same time, the author also exploits some detail roles of information system in interpretation training. The combination of information system and interpretation is very complex course for improving training skills. Therefore, training skills are very important for the good combination of information system and interpretation too. In the study, the author also makes some investigation and statistics to exploit some useful data on the application of information system, which will be useful for effective interpretation training.
[key words] information system;information-applied technology; exploration-internalization mode; electronic materials; interpretation training
The Research of Fault Diagnosis Method of Roller Bearing Based on EMD and VPMCD
Authors: Tao Ran , Xu You Cai , Li Xin Shi , Guo Shu , Li Kun , Gou Min
Published: July 2014

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) can extract real time-frequency characteristics from the non-stationary and nonlinear signal. Variable prediction model based class discriminate (VPMCD) is introduced into roller bearing fault diagnosis in this paper. Therefore, a fault diagnosis method based on EMD and VPMCD is put forward in the paper. Firstly, the different feature vectors in the signal are extracted by EMD. Then, different fault models of roller bearing are distinguished by using VPMCD. Finally, an simulation example based on EMD and VPMCD is shown in this paper. The results show that this method can gain very stable classification performance and good computational efficiency.
Research on Medicine Industry and Manufacturing with North Schisandra Quality Assessment Based on Knowledge Reduction and Defuzzification Normal-Weibull Distribution
Authors: Lin Jian Yang , Zhou Hui , Kan Zhou Mi
Published: July 2014

According to the traditional morphological classification, the North Schisandra quality of traditional chinese medicine is divided into recommended products and non-recommended products; Discrete the chromatography data of the North Schisandra which obtained under the condition of standard test and also make the knowledge reduction. Obtaining the great peaks of linear independent vectors and obtaining every clustering centre data of North Schisandra by the fuzzy and Defuzzification methods. Make North Schisandra criterion and sample data as Normal-Weibull distribution to calculate similar. This research combines the plant morphology, chemistry, statistics and calculating technology to establish the pattern identification methods of quality and have good attempt to Chinese traditional machine quality methods. The research results provide the basis for medicine industry and manufacturing.
Promoting Scientific Research in Materials Professional with Material Properties and Production for Strengthening the Graduation Design
Authors: Xiang Dong , Wang Zhi Gang , Liu Ke Gao
Published: July 2014

The graduation design of engineering course is an important practice teaching link of the preliminary scientific research trained for students in university, and is also an effective way of high-quality innovative applied talents. In accordance with the requirements of materials science and engineering course, the undergraduate graduation design of the materials professional is implemented. The professional theoretical knowledge applied to practical production and the studies of material properties are emphasized, and combined with scientific research. The students' initiative and creativity is stimulated, and their comprehensive quality is improved by adopting the heuristic teaching. Through a series of graduation design practice, the best way of thinking summed up is that the students' ability is cultivated by the teachers' scientific research project combination of actual production plan of the enterprise for adapting to the needs of society at present.
Research on Biochemical Materials with Optimization of Microwave Extraction Process by Response Surface Methodology of Flavonoids from Platycarya strobi lacea sieb.et zucc.
Authors: Song Xiao , Zhao Peng , Meng Qing Hua , Tang Zhi Shu , Wang Chang Li
Published: July 2014

Flavonoids from Platycarya Strobi lacea Sieb.et Zucc. was extracted with the assistance of microwave.Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize extraction time; microwave power and ratio of solvent to raw material to obtain a high flavonoids yield. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: 65.32% ethanol-water solvent, time 3.96 min and ratio of solvent to raw material 20.8 ml/g.The yield of flavonoids was 3.41% based on the above mentioned conditions.
Controlled Human Malaria Infection of Tanzanians by Intradermal Injection of Aseptic, Purified, Cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoites
Authors: Shekalaghe Seif , Rutaihwa Mastidia , Billingsley Peter F. , Chemba Mwajuma , Daubenberger Claudia A. , James Eric R. , Mpina Maximillian , Ali Juma Omar , Schindler Tobias , Huber Eric , Gunasekera Anusha , Manoj Anita , Simon Beatus , Saverino Elizabeth , Church L. W. Preston , Hermsen Cornelus C. , Sauerwein Robert W. , Plowe Christopher , Venkatesan Meera , Sasi Philip , Lweno Omar , Mutani Paul , Hamad Ali , Mohammed Ali , Urassa Alwisa , Mzee Tutu , Padilla Debbie , Ruben Adam , Sim B. Kim Lee , Tanner Marcel , Abdulla Salim , Hoffman Stephen L.
Published: July 2014

Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) by mosquito bite has been used to assess anti-malaria interventions in > 1,500 volunteers since development of methods for infecting mosquitoes by feeding on Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) gametocyte cultures. Such CHMIs have never been used in Africa. Aseptic, purified, cryopreserved Pf sporozoites, PfSPZ Challenge, were used to infect Dutch volunteers by intradermal injection. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess safety and infectivity of PfSPZ Challenge in adult male Tanzanians. Volunteers were injected intradermally with 10,000 (N = 12) or 25,000 (N = 12) PfSPZ or normal saline (N = 6). PfSPZ Challenge was well tolerated and safe. Eleven of 12 and 10 of 11 subjects, who received 10,000 and 25,000 PfSPZ respectively, developed parasitemia. In 10,000 versus 25,000 PfSPZ groups geometric mean days from injection to Pf positivity by thick blood film was 15.4 versus 13.5 (P = 0.023). Alpha-thalassemia heterozygosity had no apparent effect on infectivity. PfSPZ Challenge was safe, well tolerated, and infectious.