bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis on Tensile Stiffness of Cold-Formed Steel Bolted Connections
Authors: Cheng Bo , Wu Zhenyu
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a finite element analysis on the tensile stiffness of steel bolted connections which are
fabricated from thin-walled cold-formed steel strips and their members. This type of bolted connection is usually used to
assemble the diagonal bracing member in the light steel structure. Unlike the architectural steel structure, thin walled steel
bolted connection cannot be simplified into a hinge joint due to the weak tensile stiffness of connection. The calculation
of tensile stiffness of bolted connection is necessary to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of bracing system in the coldformed
steel structure. Based on the existing test results and analysis results, finite element (FE) models with threedimensional
solid elements were established to investigate the tensile stiffness of bolted connections between cold-formed
steel plates under shear. The analysis with non-linear material and contact elements was carried out in order to predict the
load-displacement relationships of bolted connections. Furthermore, a parametric study on single-bolted or two-bolted
connections with different configurations was performed to study the relationship of connection tensile stiffness and
structural parameters such as bolt diameter, plate thickness and steel yield strength. According to the stiffness results
obtained from parametric study, six calculating equations for practical design of cold-formed steel bolted connection have
been proposed. The calculation results of the stiffness equations are in a good correlation with those of FE analysis, and
the proposed equations have been found to provide estimates of tensile stiffness of bolted connections with reasonable
accuracy.
Research on Fractal Features in Milling ZrO2 Ceramics
Authors: Xue Jianxun , An Lulin , Sun Quanping
Published: September 2015

In order to study the fractal features of the tool profile of worn surface and cutting force during the process of
cutting hard brittle materials such as ceramics, the milling experiments of ZrO2 were carried out. The images of worn
surface and cutting force were collected and preprocessed with digital image processing technology and phase space
reconstruction method. Then the fractal dimensions were calculated and the change regularity was analyzed. The research
findings show that the fractal dimension of worn surface is affected by wear rates and machining time, and can be
different while the wear loss is same. The fractal dimension of cutting force oscillates with a high-low-high general trend.
Optimal Design of Tolerance Ring in Double-Decker Catcher Bearing
System
Authors: Yili Zhu , Yongchun Zhang
Published: September 2015

In an active magnetic bearing (AMB) system, the catcher bearings (CBs) are essential to protect the system in
cases of AMB failure. On the basis of the former researches of double-decker catcher bearings (DDCBs), a tolerance ring
is proposed to further improve the performance of DDCB. Firstly, the support model of DDCB supported by tolerance
ring is established. Then numerical simulations are carried out to determine the design parameters of tolerance ring.
Finally, the tolerance ring is manufactured according to the obtained parameters and relative experiments are carried out
to verify the theoretical analysis results. Both theoretical and experimental results validated that proper tolerance ring is
beneficial to reduce the following impact forces and vibrations after rotor drop.
Lacustrine Carbonate Reservoir Characteristics Research of Jurassic
Da’anzhai Member in North Central Sichuan Basin
Authors: Jiangmin Du , Xiaoli Zhang , Yanqiu Yu , Kaiwei Huang , Hongguang Guo , Gaorun Zhong , Bowei Yu , Yuanyuan Zhao
Published: September 2015

Based on both macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of cores from Lower Jurassic Da’anzhai Member in
north central Sichuan Basin, and combined with physical property data, a detail study has been conducted, which includes
reservoir characteristics such as lithologic characters, physical properties, and reservoir space types, and control factors of
reservoir development. The study suggests that, there are two typical kinds of reservoirs: crystalline shell limestone and
argillaceous shell limestone. The reservoirs properties are poor with ultra-low porosity and low permeability, which can
be significantly improved by fractures. Reservoir space type is pore-fracture, mainly constitutive of the micro-fractures
accompanied by dissolved pores. The reservoir development is controlled by sedimentation, diagenesis and tectogenesis
together. Shell beach and lacustrine slop are the favorable facies for reservoir development. Dissolution is the primary
constructive diagenesis to improve reservoir porosity and permeability. Structural fractures are necessary for reservoir effectiveness
and high production.
Urgent carotid stenting before cardiac surgery in a young male patient with acute ischemic stroke caused by aortic and carotid dissection
Authors: Popovic Rade , Radovinovic-Tasic Sanja , Rusovic Sinisa , Lepic Toplica , Ilic Radoje , Raicevic Ranko , Obradovic Dragana
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Acute aortic dissection (AD) is the most common
life-threatening disorder affecting the aorta. Neurological symptoms are
present in 17-40% of cases. The management of these patients is
controversial. Case report. We presented a 37-year-old man admitted for
complaining of left-sided weak-ness. Symptoms appeared two hours before
admission. The patient had no headache, neither thoracic pain. Neurological
examination showed mild confusion, left-sided hemiplegia, National Institutes
of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 10. Ischemic stroke was suspected,
brain multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and angiography were performed
and right intrapetrous internal carotid artery dissection noted. Subsequent
color Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries showed dissection of the
right common carotid artery (CCA). The patient underwent thoracic and
abdominal MSCT aortography which showed ascending aortic dissection from the
aortic root, propagating in the brachiocephalic artery and the right CCA.
Digital subtraction angiography was performed subsequently and two stents
were successfully implanted in the brachiocephalic artery and the right CCA
prior to cardiac surgery, only 6 hours after admission. The ascending aorta
was reconstructed with graft interposition and the aortic valve re-suspended.
The patient was hemodynamically stable and with no neurologic deficit after
surgery. Unfortinately, at the operative day 6, mediastinitis developed and
after intensive treatment the patients died 35 days after admission.
Conclusion. In young patients with suspected stroke and oscillatory
neurological impairment urgent MSCT angiography of the brain and neck and/or
Doppler sonography of the carotid and vertebral artery are mandatory to
exclude carotid and aortic dissection. The prompt diagnosis permits urgent
carotid stenting and cardiosurgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is
the first published case of immediate carotid stenting in acute ischemic
stroke after the diagnosis of carotid and aortic dissection and prior to
cardiac surgery.
Development of a model to induce transient synovitis and lameness in the hip joint of dogs
Authors: Hassan Elham A. , Lambrechts Nicolaas E. , Moore George E. , Weng Hsin-Yi , Heng Hock Gan , Breur Gert J.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE To develop a model of hip joint synovitis on the basis of intra-articular injection of a sodium urate suspension in dogs and to characterize associated gait changes.

ANIMALS 6 healthy adult dogs.

PROCEDURES Each dog was sedated, and synovitis was induced by injection of 1 mL of a sodium urate suspension (20 mg/mL) into the right hip joint under ultrasonographic guidance. Observational and instrumented gait analyses to determine temporospatial, kinetic, and kinematic variables were performed prior to and 4, 8, and 24 hours after sedation and synovitis induction.

RESULTS Injection of a sodium urate suspension into the hip joint of healthy dogs resulted in lameness of the ipsilateral pelvic limb as determined by observational and instrumented gait analyses. For all dogs, lameness was clinically detectable within 1.5 to 2 hours after injection, reached its maximum intensity at 4 hours after injection, and had subsided by 24 hours after injection.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that injection of a sodium urate suspension into the hip joint of healthy dogs reliably induced synovitis and signs of pain and lameness in the ipsilateral pelvic limb that lasted 24 hours. This model can be used in conjunction with instrumented gait analysis to provide information on gait changes associated with hip joint disease and might be useful for evaluating the efficacy of analgesics or other interventions for the treatment of hip joint disease in dogs.
Constructed wetlands in Finnish agricultural environments: balancing between effective water protection, multi-functionality and socio-economy / Małe sztuczne zbiorniki wodne w krajobrazie rolniczym Finlandii: ochrona jakości wody na tle wielozadaniowych funkcji tych zbiorników i aspektów socjalno-ekonomicznych
Authors: Berninger Kati , Koskiaho Jari , Tattari Sirkka
Published: September 2015

This case study summarizes the current knowledge in Finland on the efficiency of constructed wetlands to improve water quality at the same time providing multiple benefits. The efficiency is highly dependent on the wetland’s relative size compared to the upstream catchment area, and on the amount of agricultural land in the upstream catchment. The case study analyses the incentives designed to motivate landowners to construct wetlands in Finland such as the non-productive investment support and the agri-environment payment support for wetland management. Farmers think that the support system is heavy and bureaucratic, and thus the target number of new constructed wetlands is far from being met. Individual projects have been more successful in wetland construction than the official support system. General wetland plans drafted for hotspot areas is an example of enabling factors and strict eligibility rules form one of the barriers of wetland construction identified in this case study. In spite of the criticism of the current wetland incentives, a support system for wetland construction is needed. One option would be to give regional authorities more freedom to select priority areas according to e.g. River Basin Management Plans.
Water retention in ponds and the improvement of its quality during carp production / Retencjonowanie wody w stawach oraz poprawa jej jakości w procesie produkcji karpiowej
Authors: Barszczewski Jerzy , Kaca Edmund
Published: September 2015

Ponds play various functions both productive and non-productive. It was demonstrated in the paper that ponds retain water and during heavy rainfalls they act as a flood control measure. Self-purification of water takes place along the pond. Statistically significant reduction of nitrate-N, phosphate-P and calcium concentrations was found in pond water. From 102±24 to as much as 360±53 kg nitrate-N per ha of fishpond is retained during fish growth. Phosphorus may not be retained in fishpond; if it is then the amounts of stored P are small (from 1 to 7 kg·ha-1 on average). Slightly more potassium may remain in the pond. After the period of fish growth and draining the pond, only part of stored load of nutrients reaches the recipient water body. From 200 to 400 kg N-NO3 and up to 2300 kg Ca per ha does not flow out of the pond. The outflow of ammonium-N, phosphorus and potassium may, however, increase or decrease
Influence of selected feed supplements on the growth and health of calves depending on the sex, season of birth, and number of the dam’s lactations
Authors: Zábranský Luboš , Šoch Miloslav , Brouček Jan , Novák Pavel , Tejml Petr , Jirotková Dana , Petrášková Eva , Raabová Marcela , Smutný Luboš , Jahnová Zuzana , Smutná Šárka
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to prove the hypothesis that the growth and health of calves are dependent on feed supplements with an antidiarrhoeic effect, in relation to sex, season of birth, and number of the dam’s lactations. A total of 186 calves were included in the experiment. After birth the calves were divided into three treatment groups:Ascophyllum nodosum(brown seaweed hydrolyzate, prebiotics),Lactobacillus sporogenes(probiotics), and the control group. All calves were weighed within two h after birth. The growth and health were investigated from the birth to the fourth week of age. Compared to the control, a significant effect of applied feed supplements was found in theLactobacillus sporogenesgroup in the body weight at 28 days of life (P< 0.01) and in the average daily gains (P< 0.001). Differences between sexes were found in the body weight at birth (P< 0.001) and in the body weight at 28 days of life (P< 0.01). The effect of the season of birth was recorded in the average daily gains (P< 0.01). The effect of the number of the dam’s lactations on calf was proved in body weights at birth and 28 days of life (P< 0.01). The interaction between treatment and sex (P< 0.05), and between treatment and season of birth (P< 0.01) were calculated in the average daily gains. We concluded from the analysis that only the use ofLactobacillus sporogeneshad a positive influence on increasing the growth. Neither of the two supplements had a positive impact on the health of calves.
A Study on the Relationship between Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Organizational Commitment with Job Satisfaction in Office Employees in Esfarayen City, Iran
Authors: Saremi Hamid , Rezeghi Abas Ali
Published: September 2015

The present study aimed at examining the relationship between self-efficacy and organizational commitment with job satisfaction of office employees of Esfarayen County. Research method can be categorized as descriptive, correlation research. The study population consisted of all office employees who worked in 2014-2015 in offices in Esfaraen County of which 248 employees were selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through administrating three questionnaires, Sherer self-efficacy, Meyer and Allen organizational commitment and Barry Field-Roth job satisfaction. The results of data analysis using Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression showed that there was a significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and organizational commitment with job satisfaction of employees, and they predict it positively. Among different types of organizational commitment, affective commitment, normative commitment and continuance commitment were of significant positive relationship with job satisfaction of employees; however, only affective commitment and continuous commitment predicted it positively. The results obtained from data analysis using independent two-sample t-test showed that there was no difference between male and female employees' job satisfaction. The results of one-way analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference in different age groups, different years of services and different levels of education for job satisfaction of employees. The result suggested that employees who had higher organizational commitment and self-efficacy were of higher job satisfaction.
The Relationship between Critical Thinking with Emotional Intelligence and Creativity among Elementary School Principals in Bojnord City, Iran
Authors: Saremi Hamid , Bahdori Sosan
Published: September 2015

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between critical thinking with emotional intelligence and creativity among elementary school principals in Bojnord. The research method was descriptive. Simple random sampling method was used and the sample included 47 public elementary school principals in Bojnoord. Critical thinking skills were measured in five subgroups by California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST), emotional intelligence was measured by Shering's emotional intelligence questionnaire and creativity was measured by using Rand Sip creativity questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and t-test. The results indicated that there is a positive significant correlation between critical thinking and emotional intelligence among principals (r=385%, p=0.008%) suggesting that by increasing every dimensions of evaluation, inference, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning, emotional intelligence increases too. It was also found that among five subscales of critical thinking, only analysis didn't have a significant correlation with emotional intelligence. The findings also indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between critical thinking and creativity among principals (p=%47, r=%294) suggesting that by increasing every dimensions of analysis, evaluation, inference, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning, creativity increases too.
The Effect of Drought Stress, Salicylic Acid and Nitrogen on Yield and Yield Components of Forage Maize
Authors: Najjari Sara , Seghatoleslami Mohammadjavad , Mousavi Gholamreza
Published: September 2015

The effect of salicylic acid (SA) and nitrogen fertilization on forage maize was studied under drought stress in Nehbandan, Iran in 2014. It was a factorial split-plot experiment based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The main plot was devoted to irrigation intervals. The sub-plot was factorial of two factors (nitrogen and SA). It was found that deficit irrigationdeclined quantitative yield of maize. Nitrogen fertilization improved forage yield. Fresh and dry forage yield was 65.88 and 665.32% lower under 16-day irrigation interval than under 8-day irrigation interval, respectively. SA application enhanced dry forage yield by 7.06 and 10.35% under 8 and 16-day irrigation intervals, respectively. In total, it was revealed that the concurrent application of SA and N resulted in greater increase in fresh and dry forage yield, which was mostly via the increase in leaf stem weight, as compared to their sole applications.
Review of the Terms of Trade in Selected Countries and Iran
Authors: Naziri Mohammad Kazem , Nemati Morteza , Darabi Hadi , Raisi Ghasem
Published: September 2015

Nowadays the terms of trade have great importance for developing countries compared to developed countries. Because worsening terms of trade, that all other conditions are constant, reduces economic welfare. It is believed that the decline in the terms of trade of developing countries to developed countries causes the transfer of income from developing countries to developed countries and increases the income gap between these two groups of countries. This paper aims to examine the Prebisch-Singer hypothesis in different countries. The study examines the relationship between net terms of trade and income terms of trade between oil -exporting developing countries, agricultural commodities exporting developing countries and developed countries exporter of manufactured goods as well as the terms of trade of Iran in 1980-2010. Prebisch-Singer hypothesis states about changes in net terms of trade that this variable, changes to the detriment of developing countries and primary commodities exporter (other than oil and agricultural commodities) and to the benefit of developed countries exporter of manufactured goods.
Mythological Plotsasa Self-Organizing Process
Authors: Gojaturk Narman
Published: September 2015

Elements of mythical thinking, as archaeological types, always become the center of the researchers’ attention. But there are still such problems in this area, so that are of scientific interest. There are issues among them that have a direct appeal to the philosophical thinking. The observation of striking similarities among myths of the world people is of this kind. These are plot similarities. Even the mythical plots of nations located in a remote geography quite far from one another contain elements and images similar to each other. The internal mechanism of mythical subjects’ self-organization resuscitates the folklore and gives life to it at any time. The folklore becomes active only in a person’s life. Particular people renew forms existing for centuries on the improvisation basis. Thus one can get rid of monotony and a tradition gets a new breath in the performance of each person as well. The tradition is kept, but expressed by a new rhythm and breath. And it shows that myths always live and go through centuries in a new improvisation. In Turkish provinces everybody knows the Khizir’s Spirit as a cradle song. It is the symbol of the Holiness from its original date. Khizir- a thousand year old Turk fondles his love by the language of the lullaby and bayaties.He has made a tale of his Memory and set up a great deal of saga for himself. In this case the evaluation of mythological plots always maintains its topicality as one of the important terms.
Inter-Aspect Relations in the Education of Sentence Syntax
Authors: Tapdig Gurbanov Vagif
Published: September 2015

To turn to theoretical integrative results is required not only connections of distance of subject and scientific conceptions, aspect connections to wait for and even these connections in the teaching   of the sentence syntax.Because opportunities there arming with strategy of integration connected with classification principles of the sentence with is dealt in this article from the same problems. But the most become generalized integrative conception is such: "Language is the most important communicative means between people".
Social and Psychological Foundations of Ethnic Separatism in the Southern Caucasus
Authors: Oglu Bayramov Imdad Mustafa
Published: September 2015

The formation of ethnic peculiarities depends on the forms of communication with the system public relations. The main reason for the different psychological characteristics of ethnic groups and peoples of the world is that the natural evolution of the human species happened differently in different regions of the world. This, in turn, led to the formation of various psychological characteristics, various types of thinking. It is known that there is a close connection between the style of human thinking, character and other peculiarities with climate, natural environment, which also leads to differences in psychological peculiarities of ethnic groups. Ethnic groups start distantiating from each other, when objective conditions are created for ethnic separatism.
Improvement of Capon DOA estimation by antenna mode switch techniques
Authors: Cheng Shih-Chieh , Lee Kun-Chou
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the antenna mode switch technique is applied to Capon DOA(direction of arrival) estimation of signal sources. The Capon method is a well-known DOA estimation algorithm. However, it often needs a large antenna array to achieve good resolution so that the cost and computation efforts are increased. To achieve good resolution without increasing the number of array elements, our antenna mode switch technique is added to Capon DOA computation. The antenna mode switch technique is a special antenna pattern which reduces the interference from spatial region not being scanned. Such a special antenna pattern can be experimentally implemented. Numerical simulation results show that using our antenna mode switch in Capon DOA computation can significantly improve the resolution. It can be applied to small portable devices of modern wireless communication.
Optimization, design, and modeling of ferrite core geometry for inductive wireless power transfer
Authors: Strauch Ludvik , Pavlin Mojca , Bregar Vladimir Boštjan
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a new design of ferrite core made of ferrite bars positioned in radial geometry. New core design is used in inductive wireless power transfer where the optimal design of ferrite bars was analyzed. Numerical simulations of seven ferrite bars geometries were performed in 3D models using Comsol Multiphysics in terms of the coupling coefficient. Two optimal designs of three and nine ferrite bars geometries were used for parameterization of geometric parameters. Both simulations of three and nine ferrite bars geometries were verified by measurements. Optimal design of nine ferrite bars geometry is proposed for use in wireless power transfer because of low consumption of ferrite material.

Ferrite bars geometry was also used as a magnetic shield to reduce magnetic fields which may interfere with the electronics nearby. Magnetic flux density in ferrite bars is low enough that prevents ferrite bars from the saturation. The angular alignment of optimal design of nine ferrite bars on the transmitter and receiver side was negligible as the difference in the coupling coefficient was 0.13%. Advantages of using optimal design of nine ferrite bars geometry are: high value of the coupling coefficient, low consumption of ferrite material, and reduced weight.
Development of an electromagnetic shock absorber
Authors: Bae Jae-Sung , Hwang Jai-Hyuk , Roh Jin-Ho , Yi Mi-Seon
Published: September 2015

In the present study, an electromagnetic shock-absorber (EMSA) is proposed for a landing structure of a spaceship. The proposed EMSA consists of a copper and steel combined tube, a piston, permanent magnets, and a steel ring. A magnet fixed on the piston is designed to move through the tube when driven by an external shock. Shock energy is partially dissipated by an eddy current damping force and a friction force generated from the relative motion of the tube and the magnet. Some of the energy is stored in a magnetic spring consisting of two magnets in which their poles act against each other. To investigate and predict the performance of the proposed EMSA these damping and magnetic forces are simulated and approximated by using an electromagnetic finite element program. Their approximations are verified by experimental results and the numerical model of the proposed EMSA is consequently developed. The proposed EMSA is fabricated and its performance is predicted and verified by the drop test.
Reweighted Factor Selection for SLMS-RL1 Algorithm under Gaussian Mixture Noise Environments
Authors: Zhang Tingping , Gui Guan
Published: September 2015

The sign least mean square with reweighted L1-norm constraint (SLMS-RL1) algorithm is an attractive sparse channel estimation method among Gaussian mixture model (GMM) based algorithms for use in impulsive noise environments. The channel sparsity can be exploited by SLMS-RL1 algorithm based on appropriate reweighted factor, which is one of key parameters to adjust the sparse constraint for SLMS-RL1 algorithm. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, a reweighted factor selection scheme has not been developed. This paper proposes a Monte-Carlo (MC) based reweighted factor selection method to further strengthen the performance of SLMS-RL1 algorithm. To validate the performance of SLMS-RL1 using the proposed reweighted factor, simulations results are provided to demonstrate that convergence speed can be reduced by increasing the channel sparsity, while the steady-state MSE performance only slightly changes with different GMM impulsive-noise strengths.
T Cells in Fish
Authors: Nakanishi Teruyuki , Shibasaki Yasuhiro , Matsuura Yuta
Published: September 2015

Cartilaginous and bony fish are the most primitive vertebrates with a thymus, and possess T cells equivalent to those in mammals. There are a number of studies in fish demonstrating that the thymus is the essential organ for development of T lymphocytes from early thymocyte progenitors to functionally competent T cells. A high number of T cells in the intestine and gills has been reported in several fish species. Involvement of CD4+ and CD8α+ T cells in allograft rejection and graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) has been demonstrated using monoclonal antibodies. Conservation of CD4+ helper T cell functions among teleost fishes has been suggested in a number studies employing mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) and hapten/carrier effect. Alloantigen- and virus-specific cytotoxicity has also been demonstrated in ginbuna and rainbow trout. Furthermore, the important role of cell-mediated immunity rather than humoral immunity has been reported in the protection against intracellular bacterial infection. Recently, the direct antibacterial activity of CD8α+, CD4+ T-cells and sIgM+ cells in fish has been reported. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in T cell research focusing on the tissue distribution and function of fish T cells.
Modified Gravity Models Admitting Second Order Equations of Motion
Authors: Colléaux Aimeric , Zerbini Sergio
Published: September 2015

The aim of this paper is to find higher order geometrical corrections to the Einstein–Hilbert action that can lead only to second order equations of motion. The metric formalism is used, and static spherically-symmetric and Friedmann–Lemaître space-times are considered, in four dimensions. The Fulling, King, Wybourne and Cummings (FKWC) basis is introduced in order to consider all of the possible invariant scalars, and both polynomial and non-polynomial gravities are investigated.
Flywheel Energy Storage for Automotive Applications
Authors: Hedlund Magnus , Lundin Johan , De Santiago Juan , Abrahamsson Johan , Bernhoff Hans
Published: September 2015

A review of flywheel energy storage technology was made, with a special focus on the progress in automotive applications. We found that there are at least 26 university research groups and 27 companies contributing to flywheel technology development. Flywheels are seen to excel in high-power applications, placing them closer in functionality to supercapacitors than to batteries. Examples of flywheels optimized for vehicular applications were found with a specific power of 5.5 kW/kg and a specific energy of 3.5 Wh/kg. Another flywheel system had 3.15 kW/kg and 6.4 Wh/kg, which can be compared to a state-of-the-art supercapacitor vehicular system with 1.7 kW/kg and 2.3 Wh/kg, respectively. Flywheel energy storage is reaching maturity, with 500 flywheel power buffer systems being deployed for London buses (resulting in fuel savings of over 20%), 400 flywheels in operation for grid frequency regulation and many hundreds more installed for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications. The industry estimates the mass-production cost of a specific consumer-car flywheel system to be 2000 USD. For regular cars, this system has been shown to save 35% fuel in the U.S. Federal Test Procedure (FTP) drive cycle.
Assessment of Gas Production Potential from Hydrate Reservoir in Qilian Mountain Permafrost Using Five-Spot Horizontal Well System
Authors: Liang Yun-Pei , Li Xiao-Sen , Li Bo
Published: September 2015

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the production behaviors of gas hydrate at site DK-2 in the Qilian Mountain permafrost using the novel five-spot well (5S) system by means of numerical simulation. The whole system is composed of several identical units, and each single unit consists of one injection well and four production wells. All the wells are placed horizontally in the hydrate deposit. The combination method of depressurization and thermal stimulation is employed for hydrate dissociation in the system. Simulation results show that favorable gas production and hydrate dissociation rates, gas-to-water ratio, and energy ratio can be acquired using this kind of multi-well system under suitable heat injection and depressurization driving forces, and the water production rate is manageable in the entire production process under current technology. In addition, another two kinds of two-spot well (2S) systems have also been employed for comparison. It is found that the 5S system will be more commercially profitable than the 2S configurations for gas production under the same operation conditions. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the gas production performance is dependent on the heat injection rate and the well spacing of the 5S system.
Climate Change and Its Impact on the Eco-Environment of the Three-Rivers Headwater Region on the Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Jiang Chong , Zhang Linbo
Published: September 2015

This study analyzes the impact of climate change on the eco-environment of the Three-Rivers Headwater Region (TRHR), Tibetan Plateau, China. Temperature and precipitation experienced sharp increases in this region during the past 57 years. A dramatic increase in winter temperatures contributed to a rise in average annual temperatures. Moreover, annual runoff in the Lancang (LRB) and Yangtze (YARB) river basins showed an increasing trend, compared to a slight decrease in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Runoff is predominantly influenced by rainfall, which is controlled by several monsoon systems. The water temperature in the YRB and YARB increased significantly from 1958 to 2007 (p < 0.001), driven by air temperature changes. Additionally, owing to warming and wetting trends in the TRHR, the net primary productivity (NPP) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) showed significant increasing trends during the past half-century. Furthermore, although an increase in water erosion due to rainfall erosivity was observed, wind speeds declined significantly, causing a decline in wind erosion, as well as the frequency and duration of sandstorms. A clear regional warming trend caused an obvious increasing trend in glacier runoff, with a maximum value observed in the 2000s.
The Effect of Improved Water Supply on Diarrhea Prevalence of Children under Five in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cha Seungman , Kang Douk , Tuffuor Benedict , Lee Gyuhong , Cho Jungmyung , Chung Jihye , Kim Myongjin , Lee Hoonsang , Lee Jaeeun , Oh Chunghyeon
Published: September 2015

Although a number of studies have been conducted to explore the effect of water quality improvement, the majority of them have focused mainly on point-of-use water treatment, and the studies investigating the effect of improved water supply have been based on observational or inadequately randomized trials. We report the results of a matched cluster randomized trial investigating the effect of improved water supply on diarrheal prevalence of children under five living in rural areas of the Volta Region in Ghana. We compared the diarrheal prevalence of 305 children in 10 communities of intervention with 302 children in 10 matched communities with no intervention (October 2012 to February 2014). A modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratio. An intention-to-treat analysis was undertaken. The crude prevalence ratio of diarrhea in the intervention compared with the control communities was 0.85 (95% CI 0.74–0.97) for Krachi West, 0.96 (0.87–1.05) for Krachi East, and 0.91 (0.83–0.98) for both districts. Sanitation was adjusted for in the model to remove the bias due to residual imbalance since it was not balanced even after randomization. The adjusted prevalence ratio was 0.82 (95% CI 0.71–0.96) for Krachi West, 0.95 (0.86–1.04) for Krachi East, and 0.89 (0.82–0.97) for both districts. This study provides a basis for a better approach to water quality interventions.
Exploratory Method for Spatio-Temporal Feature Extraction and Clustering: An Integrated Multi-Scale Framework
Authors: Luo Wen , Yu Zhao-Yuan , Xiao Sheng-Jun , Zhu A-Xing , Yuan Lin-Wang
Published: September 2015

This paper presents an integrated framework for exploratory multi-scale spatio-temporal feature extraction and clustering of spatio-temporal data. The framework combines the multi-scale spatio-temporal decomposition, feature identification, feature enhancing and clustering in a unified process. The original data are firstly reorganized as multi-signal time series, and then decomposed by the multi-signal wavelet. Exploratory data analysis methods, such as histograms, are used for feature identification and enhancing. The spatio-temporal evolution process of the multi-scale features can then be tracked by the feature clusters based on the data adaptive Fuzzy C-Means Cluster. The approach was tested with the global 0.25° satellite altimeter data over a period of 21 years from 1993 to 2013. The tracking of the multi-scale spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of the 1997–98 strong El Niño were used as validation. The results show that our method can clearly reveal and track the spatio-temporal distribution and evolution of complex geographical phenomena. Our approach is efficient for global scale data analysis, and can be used to explore the multi-scale pattern of spatio-temporal processes.
Improved Monitoring of Semi-Continuous Anaerobic Digestion of Sugarcane Waste: Effects of Increasing Organic Loading Rate on Methanogenic Community Dynamics
Authors: Leite Athaydes , Janke Leandro , Lv Zuopeng , Harms Hauke , Richnow Hans-Hermann , Nikolausz Marcell
Published: September 2015

The anaerobic digestion of filter cake and its co-digestion with bagasse, and the effect of gradual increase of the organic loading rate (OLR) from start-up to overload were investigated. Understanding the influence of environmental and technical parameters on the development of particular methanogenic pathway in the biogas process was an important aim for the prediction and prevention of process failure. The rapid accumulation of volatile organic acids at high OLR of 3.0 to 4.0 gvs·L−1·day−1 indicated strong process inhibition. Methanogenic community dynamics of the reactors was monitored by stable isotope composition of biogas and molecular biological analysis. A potential shift toward the aceticlastic methanogenesis was observed along with the OLR increase under stable reactor operating conditions. Reactor overloading and process failure were indicated by the tendency to return to a predominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis with rising abundances of the orders Methanobacteriales and Methanomicrobiales and drop of the genus Methanosarcina abundance.
Liver Toxicity of Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots (CdTe QDs) Due to Oxidative Stress in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Zhang Ting , Hu Yuanyuan , Tang Meng , Kong Lu , Ying Jiali , Wu Tianshu , Xue Yuying , Pu Yuepu
Published: September 2015

With the applications of quantum dots (QDs) expanding, many studies have described the potential adverse effects of QDs, yet little attention has been paid to potential toxicity of QDs in the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs in mice and murine hepatoma cells alpha mouse liver 12 (AML 12). CdTe QDs administration significantly increased the level of lipid peroxides marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in the livers of treated mice. Furthermore, CdTe QDs caused cytotoxicity in AML 12 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was likely mediated through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of apoptosis. An increase in ROS generation with a concomitant increase in the gene expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53, the pro-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and a decrease in the anti-apoptosis gene Bax, suggested that a mitochondria mediated pathway was involved in CdTe QDs’ induced apoptosis. Finally, we showed that NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) deficiency blocked induced oxidative stress to protect cells from injury induced by CdTe QDs. These findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms involved in the activation of Nrf2 signaling that confers protection against CdTe QDs-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes.
Polyphosphate during the Regreening of Chlorella vulgaris under Nitrogen Deficiency
Authors: Chu Fei-Fei , Shen Xiao-Fei , Lam Paul , Zeng Raymond
Published: September 2015

Polyphosphate (Poly-P) accumulation has been reported in Chlorella vulgaris under nitrogen deficiency conditions with sufficient P supply, and the process has been demonstrated to have great impact on lipid productivity. In this article, the utilization of polyphosphates and the regreening process under N resupplying conditions, especially for lipid production reviving, were investigated. This regreening process was completed within approximately 3–5 days. Polyphosphates were first degraded within 3 days in the regreening process, with and without an external P supply, and the degradation preceded the assimilation of phosphate in the media with an external P offering. Nitrate assimilation was markedly influenced by the starvation of P after polyphosphates were exhausted in the medium without external phosphates, and then the reviving process of biomass and lipid production was strictly impeded. It is, thus, reasonable to assume that simultaneous provision of external N and P is essential for overall biodiesel production revival during the regreening process.
Non-Conserved Residues in Clostridium acetobutylicum tRNAAla Contribute to tRNA Tuning for Efficient Antitermination of the alaS T Box Riboswitch
Authors: Liu Liang-Chun , Grundy Frank , Henkin Tina
Published: September 2015

The T box riboswitch regulates expression of amino acid-related genes in Gram-positive bacteria by monitoring the aminoacylation status of a specific tRNA, the binding of which affects the folding of the riboswitch into mutually exclusive terminator or antiterminator structures. Two main pairing interactions between the tRNA and the leader RNA have been demonstrated to be necessary, but not sufficient, for efficient antitermination. In this study, we used the Clostridium acetobutylicum alaS gene, which encodes alanyl-tRNA synthetase, to investigate the specificity of the tRNA response. We show that the homologous C. acetobutylicum tRNAAla directs antitermination of the C. acetobutylicum alaS gene in vitro, but the heterologous Bacillus subtilis tRNAAla (with the same anticodon and acceptor end) does not. Base substitutions at positions that vary between these two tRNAs revealed synergistic and antagonistic effects. Variation occurs primarily at positions that are not conserved in tRNAAla species, which indicates that these non-conserved residues contribute to optimal antitermination of the homologous alaS gene. This study suggests that elements in tRNAAla may have coevolved with the homologous alaS T box leader RNA for efficient antitermination.
Assessment of Gate Width Size on Lifetime-Based Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Parameter Estimation
Authors: Chen Sez-Jade , Sinsuebphon Nattawut , Intes Xavier
Published: September 2015

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) enables the observation of interactions at the nanoscale level through the use of fluorescence optical imaging techniques. In FRET, fluorescence lifetime imaging can be used to quantify the fluorescence lifetime changes of the donor molecule, which are associated with proximity between acceptor and donor molecules. Among the FRET parameters derived from fluorescence lifetime imaging, the percentage of donor that interacts with the acceptor (in proximity) can be estimated via model-based fitting. However, estimation of the lifetime parameters can be affected by the acquisition parameters such as the temporal characteristics of the imaging system. Herein, we investigate the effect of various gate widths on the accuracy of estimation of FRET parameters with focus on the near-infrared spectral window. Experiments were performed in silico, in vitro, and in vivo with gate width sizes ranging from 300 ps to 1000 ps in intervals of 100 ps. For all cases, the FRET parameters were retrieved accurately and the imaging acquisition time was decreased three-fold. These results indicate that increasing the gate width up to 1000 ps still allows for accurate quantification of FRET interactions even in the case of short lifetimes such as those encountered with near-infrared FRET pairs.
The Challenges of Journal Startup in the Digital Era
Authors: Kirby Andrew
Published: September 2015

This paper aims to contribute to the evolving literature on the new landscape of scholarly journals. It builds on a series of experiences as a journal editor which span the print and digital eras, and focuses on two current activities with new journals. One was designed as a synoptic journal in a broad multidisciplinary field, supported by a commercial publisher; the other a non-revenue journal which aims to showcase the work of undergraduates in the author’s institution. Despite the uniqueness of goals and delivery, some of the experiences—and challenges—have proved remarkably similar.
Explaining Support for Sectarian Terrorism in Pakistan: Piety, Maslak and Sharia
Authors: Fair C.
Published: September 2015

In the discourse around sectarian violence in Pakistan, two concerns are prominent. The first is the contention that piety, or the intensity of Muslim religious practice, predicts support for sectarian and other forms of Islamist violence. The second is the belief that personal preferences for some forms of sharia also explain such support. As I describe herein, scholars first articulated these concerns in the “clash of civilizations” thesis. Subsequent researchers developed them further in the scholarly and policy analytical literatures that explored these linkages through qualitative and quantitative methodologies. I revisit these claims in the particular context of sectarian violence in Pakistan. To do so, I use several questions included in a recent and large national survey of Pakistanis to create indices of both piety and support for three dimensions of sharia. I use these indices as explanatory variables, along with other explanatory and control variables, in a regression analysis of support for sectarian violence, the dependent variable. I find that the piety index and dimensions of sharia support are significant only when district fixed effects are excluded; however, personal characteristics (i.e., the particular school of Islam respondents espouse, ethnicity, several demographics) most consistently predict support for sectarian violence.
A Survey of Algorithmic Shapes
Authors: Krispel Ulrich , Schinko Christoph , Ullrich Torsten
Published: September 2015

In the context of computer-aided design, computer graphics and geometry processing, the idea of generative modeling is to allow the generation of highly complex objects based on a set of formal construction rules. Using these construction rules, a shape is described by a sequence of processing steps, rather than just by the result of all applied operations: shape design becomes rule design. Due to its very general nature, this approach can be applied to any domain and to any shape representation that provides a set of generating functions. The aim of this survey is to give an overview of the concepts and techniques of procedural and generative modeling, as well as their applications with a special focus on archeology and architecture.
Natural and Artificial Methods for Regeneration of Heat Resources for Borehole Heat Exchangers to Enhance the Sustainability of Underground Thermal Storages: A Review
Authors: Sliwa Tomasz , Rosen Marc
Published: September 2015

The concept of borehole heat exchanger (BHE) field exploitation is described, along with problems regarding the sustainability of heat resources in rock masses. A BHE field sometimes has problems with the stability of the heat carrier temperature during long-term exploitation. The main reason for this is an insufficient heat stream with which to transfer heat by conduction in rock. Possibilities for the regeneration of heat in rock masses, based on experiences at the Geoenergetics Laboratory (Drilling, Oil and Gas Faculty, AGH University of Science and Technology), are described.