bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in Optical Properties of ZnS/Cu/ZnS Nanostructures Due to Thickness Change of ZnS Cap Layer
Authors: Howari Haidar , Uddin Islam
Published: October 2016

Nanostructures of ZnS/Cu/ZnS were deposited on glass substrate using physical vapor deposition technique. The thickness of the first and last ZnS layers was altered, while the thickness of the embedded Cu layer was fixed at 50 nm. The produced nanostructures were of good quality. Spectrophotometric measurements were carried out on the nanostructures to investigate the optical properties. The transmission and reflectivity spectra were recorded and studied in details. ZnS was selected due to its high refractive index, ease of deposition, and low cost. The copper layer was used because of its low absorption in the visible part of the spectrum and its thermal stability. The ZnS layer was found not only to anti-reflective the Cu layer, but also to stabilize the nanostructure, improve its adherence on glass substrate, and increase the film thermal resistance up to 240 °C. Furthermore, all the samples exhibit good thermal stability up to 240 °C upon annealing for two hours.
CSE algorithm: ‘canal survey estimation’ to evaluate the flow rate extractions and hydraulic state in irrigation canals
Authors: Bonet Enrique , Gómez Manuel , Soler Joan , Yubero M. T.
Published: October 2016

One of the main problems in water management of irrigation systems is the control of the equitable distribution of water among different orifice offtakes. The difficulty of managing a canal is partly caused by the lack of knowledge of the canal state because the scheduled demand is often not fulfilled, since farmers extract more water than is scheduled and it is impossible for the watermaster to determine the canal state. However, an innovative developed algorithm called CSE is proposed in this paper. This algorithm is able to estimate the real extracted flow and the hydrodynamic canal state (that is, the water level and velocity along the irrigation canal). The algorithm solves an inverse problem implemented as a nonlinear optimization problem using the Levenberg–Marquardt method. The algorithm is tested, taking into account several numerical examples, and a practical implementation is made for a real case study in the PAC-UPC canal, a 220 m laboratory canal especially designed for research into irrigation canal control area and irrigation canal modelling. This useful algorithm evaluates the real extraction flow and the canal state and could be a useful tool for a feedback controller.
A two-stage evolutionary optimization approach for an irrigation system design
Authors: Cisty Milan , Bajtek Zbynek , Celar Lubomir
Published: October 2016

In this work, an optimal design of a water distribution network is proposed for large irrigation networks. The proposed approach is built upon an existing optimization method (NSGA-II), but the authors are proposing its effective application in a new two-step optimization process. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that not only is the choice of method important for obtaining good optimization results, but also how that method is applied. The proposed methodology utilizes as its most important feature the ensemble approach, in which more optimization runs cooperate and are used together. The authors assume that the main problem in finding the optimal solution for a water distribution optimization problem is the very large size of the search space in which the optimal solution should be found. In the proposed method, a reduction of the search space is suggested, so the final solution is thus easier to find and offers greater guarantees of accuracy (closeness to the global optimum). The method has been successfully tested on a large benchmark irrigation network.
Safe drinking water and waterborne outbreaks
Authors: Moreira N. A. , Bondelind M.
Published: October 2016

The present work compiles a review on drinking waterborne outbreaks, with the perspective of production and distribution of microbiologically safe water, during 2000–2014. The outbreaks are categorised in raw water contamination, treatment deficiencies and distribution network failure. The main causes for contamination were: for groundwater, intrusion of animal faeces or wastewater due to heavy rain; in surface water, discharge of wastewater into the water source and increased turbidity and colour; at treatment plants, malfunctioning of the disinfection equipment; and for distribution systems, cross-connections, pipe breaks and wastewater intrusion into the network. Pathogens causing the largest number of affected consumers were Cryptosporidium, norovirus, Giardia, Campylobacter, and rotavirus. The largest number of different pathogens was found for the treatment works and the distribution network. The largest number of affected consumers with gastrointestinal illness was for contamination events from a surface water source, while the largest number of individual events occurred for the distribution network.
Cardiovascular diseases and hard drinking waters: implications from a systematic review with meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Gianfredi Vincenza , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Nucci Daniele , Villarini Milena , Moretti Massimo
Published: October 2016

This systematic review with meta-analysis, performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, aims at evaluating the potential correlation between magnesium and calcium concentration in drinking waters and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which impose a considerable burden in high-income countries. Included studies were of the case-control studies type. From an initial list of 643 potentially eligible articles, seven studies were finally retained in the quantitative analysis. Since each one of them assessed different ion concentrations, subjects exposed to the highest concentration versus those exposed to the lowest concentration were compared. By including an overall figure of 44,000 subjects, the result suggests a protective effect of the ions on CVD prevention, with an effect-size (ES) of 0.82 (95% confidence interval CI = [0.70–0.95], p-value = 0.008) for calcium, and ES = 0.75 (95% CI = [0.66–0.86], p-value = 0.000) for magnesium. Hard water consumption seems to be protective against CVD. However, the high heterogeneity (I2 = 75.24, p-value = 0.001 for calcium; I2 = 72.96, p-value = 0.0024 for magnesium) and the existence of publication bias limits the robustness and generalizability of these findings. Further high-quality studies are needed to reproduce and confirm these results.
Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B with AgCl nanocatalyst synthesised from its bulk material in the ionic liquid [P6 6 6 14]Cl
Authors: Rodríguez-Cabo Borja , Rodríguez-Palmeiro Iago , Corchero Raquel , Rodil Rosario , Rodil Eva , Arce Alberto , Soto Ana
Published: October 2016

The photocatalytic degradation of wastewater containing three industrial dyes belonging to different families, methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB), was studied under UV-Vis irradiation using synthesised silver chloride nanoparticles. The nanocatalyst was prepared by a dissolution/reprecipitation method starting from the bulk powder and the ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride, [P6 6 6 14]Cl, without addition of other solvents. The obtained catalyst was characterised by UV-Vis absorbance, X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The decolourisation of the samples was studied by UV-Vis absorbance at the corresponding wavelength. Starting from 10 ppm dye solutions and 1 g L−1 of the synthesised AgCl nanoparticles, degradation efficiencies of 98.4% for MO, 98.6% for MB and 99.9% for RhB, were achieved in 1 h. The degradation mechanisms for the different dyes were studied. Comparison with other frequently used nanocatalysts, namely P-25 Degussa, TiO2 anatase, Ag and ZnO, highlights the strong catalytic activity of AgCl nanoparticles. Under the same experimental conditions, these nanoparticles led to higher (more than 10%) and faster degradations.
Implementasi Program Jaminan Pendidikan Daerah di Kota Yogyakarta
Authors: Sidik Fajar
Published: October 2016

Abstrak:

Tulisan ini menganalisis tentang implementasi program Jaminan Pendidikan Daerah (JPD) di Kota Yogyakarta. Belum efektif- nya program JPD dalam mencapai tujuannya menjadi latarbelakang kajian ini. Pentingnya penilaian untuk menjelaskan ala- san-alasan program JPD tersebut belum efektif menjadi tujuan dari penulisan ini. Pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif digunakan penulis untuk menjelaskan secara objektif, detail, dan mendalam terhadap hasil yang telah diperolah di lapangan. Teknik obser- vasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi digunakan penulis dalam pengumpulan datanya. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa implementasi program Jaminan Pendidikan Daerah (JPD) di kota Yogyakarta belum efektif mencapai tujuannya dikare- nakan: pertama, hasil penilaian keluaran (output) program seperti akses, bias, cakupan, dan ketepatan layanan menunjukkan belum efektif dilaksanakan. Kedua, penilaian hasil keluaran (outcome) program menunjukkan bahwa bantuan yang diberikan kepada para siswa KMS secara langsung dapat dirasakan. Namun, secara lebih lanjut pada penilaian kedua yaitu dampak jangka menengah (intermediate) belum menunjukkan efektif karena motivasi belajar maupun prestasi belajar siswa KMS masih dapat dikatakan rendah. Selanjutnya, dampak jangka panjang (long-term) belum dapat terwujud dan masih menjadi harapan program.
Implementasi Kebijakan Penataan Ruang Terbuka Hijau Kawasan Perumahan Kota Banjarbaru
Authors: Setyati Rina , Utomo Warsito
Published: October 2016

Undang-Undang Nomor 26 Tahun 2007 tentang Penataan Ruang menyatakan bahwa proporsi ruang terbuka hijau terbuka (RTH) adalah minimal 30 persen dari panjang kota. Hal ini menjadi menarik karena setiap kota memiliki keterbatasan dalam memenuhi ketentuan ini; salah satunya adalah Kota Banjarbaru di Kalimantan Selatan. Pada akhir tahun 2011, ketersediaan RTH di Banjarbaru sekitar 612,10 hektar atau hanya 1,65 persen dari panjang kota. Di sisi lain, RTH juga penting sebagai antisipasi tingginya permintaan dari reformasi tanah dan sebagai upaya untuk menjaga keseimbangan lingkungan kota, karena 12.998,3 hektar atau 30 persen dari luas Kota Banjarbaru telah berubah menjadi pemukiman. Tujuan dari kajian ini adalah untuk membahas proses implementasi kebijakan RTH dan faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi melibatkan organisasi pemerintah sebagai pelaksana dan pengembang perumahan sebagai objek kebijakan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ada berbagai tindakan ketidaktaatan dilakukan oleh pengembang terhadap kebijakan RTH, misalnya pengembang tidak menyediakan area untuk RTH, perbedaan bentuk dari RTH, perubahan penggunaan RTH, dan tidak tersedianya RTH. Beberapa alasan yang mendasari ketidaktaatan ini adalah faktor tidak mematuhi hukum selektif; ekonomi; dan kepentingan pribadi atau organisasi. Faktor lain yang memengaruhi implementasi kebijakan terdiri atas struktur birokrasi; sumber daya; komunikasi; dan disposisi.
Teste de tetrazólio para avaliação da qualidade de sementes de Dolichos lablab
Authors: Mariá Moraes Amorim  , Deminicis Bruno Borges , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Amorim Isabela Moraes
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of different methods of pre-conditioning and concentrations of tetrazolium solutions to evaluate the physiological quality of lablab seeds. The seeds went through an accelerated aging process to make lots of 0, 24, 48 and 96 hours. The seeds were also submitted to pre-conditioning method: a) scarification with sandpaper and immersion in water at 25ºC for 24 hours; b) immersion in water at 95ºC and kept the seeds in the same water for 24 hours without heating. After pre-conditioning, the tegument was removed and the seeds immersed in 0.25; 0.5 and 1.0% tetrazolium solution at 25ºC for 150 minutes. Germination tests were carried out to compare the results obtained in the tetrazolium test, first counting and index of germination velocity. The pre-conditioning of the seeds with immersion in water at 95ºC and the maintenance of the seeds in the same water at 25ºC for 24 hours, seems to be the most indicate for lablab seeds. The immersion in 0.5% tetrazolium solution at 25ºC for 150 minutes, showed the most effective in the evaluation of physiological quality of seeds of this species.
Teste in vitro da eficácia da cipermetrina e amitraz sobre Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil
Authors: Josivania Soares Pereira  , Andre Weibson Paz Pinheiro , Bessa Ericka Natália , Paiva Kaliane Alessandra Rodrigues de , Marques Ana Sabrina Coutinho , Coelho Wesley Adson Costa , Fonseca Zuliete Aliona Araújo de Souza , Ahid Silvia Maria Mendes
Published: October 2016

The Rhipicephalus sanguineus is an ectoparasite that infests dogs. Features importance due to transmission of various pathogens. The control of the tick is based on acaricides, and the main active principles resistance has been observed. The aim of this work was to verify the efficacy of amitraz 12.5% and cypermethrin 5% on teleógenas R. sanguineus. We collected 90 teleógenas in dogs in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Products acaricides were diluted according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The engorged females suffered immersion bath for five minutes, then were acondicionas in petri dishes, inspected daily and maintained in environments with average temperature (30.10º max. and 26.14ºmin:) and relative humidity (63.34% max and 40.33% min) for 30 days. The group amitraz showed 100% efficacy of inhibiting oviposition teleógenas while cypermethrin obtained efficacy ranging from 0.0 to 88.8 with a mean ± SD of 32.1 ± 48.5, respectively. The amitraz showed the greatest efficacy on teleógenas R. sanguineus from pet dogs in the city of Mossoró, however, it is necessary to adopt measures to educate the proper use of these active principles in order to avoid the occurrence of resistance.
Avaliação quantitativa de características produtivas e medidas lineares em rebanho leiteiro da raça Holandesa
Authors: Silveira Neto Osvaldo José da Silveira Neto , Taveira Rodrigo Zaiden , Luz Thais Nunes , Leite Ana Anária Alvarenga , Oliveira Bruna Cristhina de , Martins Taynara Raimundo
Published: October 2016

The milk production maximization have been being by several years selected in the livestock that do this economical function, however, can be observed that the precocity sell of cows from median to high production,  due problems in the important functional traits, as aplomb and aspects relationship to the mammary system. The cows that have the best functional traits can be kept in the livestock by more time, but, they should be good milk producers, having the chance to produce more daughters that can be incorporate into the livestock or sold, aiming important gains to the milk producer. The study was conducted in a dairy livestock located in the São Luís de Montes Belos city, Goiás state. There were evaluated 50 cows of Holstein breed, in the same lactation stadium, evaluated the daily milk production, the milk production adjusted by 305 days of each animal and 07 type linear measures. The linear measures were themselves correlated and with the milk production, by the Pearson correlation. It was evaluate the scores for ramp angulation and legs angulation, considering scale from 01 to 09, and mouth width, considering scale from 01 to 05. The average milk production until 305 days found in this study was 9,860 kg of milk. The average body weight was 658.70 kg. Could be observed that 46% and 36% of the animal showing the ramp angulation and legs angulation in the 07 score. Can be adopted the selection considering the less corporal size and better legs angulation, aiming the better benefice – cost  relationship between milk production costs and animals productive. The highest phenotypic correlation occurred between the daily milk production and the posterior uberous width, showing that the cows with this higher measure, trend to produce more milk, should, therefore, include in the selection criteria of the livestock
Características morfogênicas em cultivares de Panicum maximum no litoral alagoano
Authors: Souza Mariah Tenorio de Carvalho Souza , Silva Márcio Eduardo Freire , Paulo Paula Frassinetti Medeiros de , Ribeiro Adelílian Baracho , Rocha Luiz Gustavo Ferreira , Cassuce Meiry Rodrigues
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics morphogenic, structural and tillering in cultivars of Panicum maximum grown on the coast of Alagoas. The experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences and University Center Cesmac,at Campus Marechal Deodoro. Were evaluated three varieties of the species P. maximum (grasses Mombasa, Tanzania and Maasai). Cultivars were planted with seeds supplied by Embrapa Gado de Corte in partnership with Semp sementes and Unipasto. The experimental data were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability, the program used for statistical was Assistat Beta version 7.6. Among the cultivars of Panicum maximum grown on the coast of Alagoas, the grass Massai was what was most adapted
Utilização de fitase na alimentação de aves e suínos
Authors: Ana Paula Cardoso Gomide  , Scottá Bruno Andreatta , Gomide Ana Paula Cardoso , Campos Priscila Furtado , Barroca Carlota Coelho , Formigoni Andressa da Silva , Ferreira Soraia Viana
Published: October 2016

This review aimed to demonstrate the mode of action and benefits of the use of phytase in nutrition and feeding of poultry and pigs. Phytic acid is a molecule which serves as a reserve of phosphorus for plants and microorganisms, phosphorus contained in that molecule is unavailable to birds and swine, because they have small production of phytase to degrade the phytic acid. The use of exogenous phytase in pig and poultry feed can assist in the release of phosphorus unavailable to the animals before, and thus decrease the inclusion of inorganic phosphorus in diets and also decrease the excretion of phosphorus to the environment, as it presents a great polluting power. In addition make available to the phytic acid for animal, the phytase also assists in the release of other minerals such as calcium, copper, zinc, cobalt, manganese and iron, as well as amino acids and proteins may be found complexed with phytic acid molecule and thereby unavailable to animals.
Text messaging versus email for emergency medicine residents’ knowledge retention: a pilot comparison in the United States
Authors: Hoonpongsimanont Wirachin , Kulkarni Miriam , Tomas-Domingo Pedro , Anderson Craig , McCormack Denise , Tu Khoa , Chakravarthy Bharath , Lotfipour Shahram
Published: October 2016

We evaluated the effectiveness of text messaging versus email, as a delivery method to enhance knowledge retention of emergency medicine (EM) content in EM residents. We performed a multi-centered, prospective, randomized study consisting of postgraduate year (PGY) 1 to PGY 3 & 4 residents in three United States EM residency programs in 2014. Fifty eight residents were randomized into one delivery group: text message or email. Participants completed a 40 question pre- and post-intervention exam. Primary outcomes were the means of pre- and post-intervention exam score differences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and multiple linear regressions. No significant difference was found between the primary outcomes of the two groups (P=0.51). PGY 2 status had a significant negative effect (P=0.01) on predicted exam score difference. Neither delivery method enhanced resident knowledge retention. Further research on implementation of mobile technology in residency education is required.
The Development of Piezo-Driven Tools for Cellular Piercing
Authors: Ru Changhai , Pan Peng , Chen Ruihua
Published: October 2016

Conventionally, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the mouse is conducted with piezo-drills that use a droplet of mercury for damping. The use of mercury causes concerns of toxicity and contamination. Although Fluorinert can be used as a substitute for mercury to reduce piezo-drill’s lateral vibration, the damping effect is not as satisfactory as mercury. In this work, a modified piezo-drill without using mercury was developed for the cellular piercing of mouse oocytes. Experimentally, appropriate parameters of driving voltage and frequency were obtained for the penetration of the zona pellucida of mouse oocytes. Furthermore, the lateral vibration of the injection pipette is lower than 1 μm in deionized water, which is not observable at 400 magnificence. With the piezo-drill without using mercury, the system performs the cellular piercing of mouse oocytes with a maximum cleavage rate of 94.7% (n = 117).
Extraction of Glycyrrhizic Acid from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Using Ultrasound and Its Process Extraction Model
Authors: Liao Jiangqing , Qu Baida , Zheng Nan
Published: October 2016

This work focused on the intensification of extraction process of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) from Glycyrrhiza uralensis using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method. Various process parameters such as ultrasonic power, ultrasonic frequency, extraction temperature, and extraction time which affect the extraction yield were optimized. The results showed that all process parameters had exhibited significant influences on the GA extraction. The highest GA yield of 217.7 mg/g was obtained at optimized parameters of 125 W, 55 kHz, 25 °C, and 10 min. Furthermore, the extraction kinetics model of this process was also investigated based on Fick’s first law available in the literature. Kinetic parameters such as equilibrium concentration (Ce) and integrated influence coefficient (λ) for different ultrasonic powers, ultrasonic frequencies, and extraction temperatures were predicted. Model validations were done successfully with the average of relative deviation between 0.96% and 4.36% by plotting experimental and predicted values of concentration of GA in extract. This indicated that the developed extraction model could reflect the effectiveness of the extraction of GA from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and therefore serve as the guide for comprehending other UAE process.
High-Speed Visual Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Oscillating Heat Pipes with Different Diameters
Authors: Liu Xiangdong , Sun Qing , Zhang Chengbin , Wu Liangyu
Published: October 2016

The oscillating heat pipe (OHP) is a new member in the family of heat pipes, and it has great potential applications in energy conservation. However, the fluid flow and heat transfer in the OHP as well as the fundamental effects of inner diameter on them have not been fully understood, which are essential to the design and optimization of the OHP in real applications. Therefore, by combining the high-speed visualization method and infrared thermal imaging technique, the fluid flow and thermal performance in the OHPs with inner diameters of 1, 2 and 3 mm are presented and analyzed. The results indicate that three fluid flow motions, including small oscillation, bulk oscillation and circulation, coexist or, respectively, exist alone with the increasing heating load under different inner diameters, with three flow patterns occurring in the OHPs, viz. bubbly flow, slug flow and annular flow. These fluid flow motions are closely correlated with the heat and mass transfer performance in the OHPs, which can be reflected by the characteristics of infrared thermal images of condensers. The decrease in the inner diameter increases the frictional flow resistance and capillary instability while restricting the nucleate boiling in OHPs, which leads to a smaller proportion of bubbly flow, a larger proportion of short slug flow, a poorer thermal performance, and easier dry-out of working fluid. In addition, when compared with the 2 mm OHP, the increasing role of gravity induces the thermosyphon effect and weakens the ‘bubble pumping’ action, which results in a little smaller and bigger thermal resistances of 3 mm OHP under small and bulk oscillation of working fluid, respectively.
Three-Dimensional Carbon Nanostructures for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kang Chiwon , Cha Eunho , Patel Mumukshu , Wu H. , Choi Wonbong
Published: October 2016

Carbon nanostructural materials have gained the spotlight as promising anode materials for energy storage; they exhibit unique physico-chemical properties such as large surface area, short Li+ ion diffusion length, and high electrical conductivity, in addition to their long-term stability. However, carbon-nanostructured materials have issues with low areal and volumetric densities for the practical applications in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and power grid systems, which demand higher energy and power densities. One approach to overcoming these issues is to design and apply a three-dimensional (3D) electrode accommodating a larger loading amount of active anode materials while facilitating Li+ ion diffusion. Furthermore, 3D nanocarbon frameworks can impart a conducting pathway and structural buffer to high-capacity non-carbon nanomaterials, which results in enhanced Li+ ion storage capacity. In this paper, we review our recent progress on the design and fabrication of 3D carbon nanostructures, their performance in Li-ion batteries (LIBs), and their implementation into large-scale, lightweight, and flexible LIBs.
Bounds on Rényi and Shannon Entropies for Finite Mixtures of Multivariate Skew-Normal Distributions: Application to Swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linnaeus)
Authors: Contreras-Reyes Javier , Cortés Daniel
Published: October 2016

Mixture models are in high demand for machine-learning analysis due to their computational tractability, and because they serve as a good approximation for continuous densities. Predominantly, entropy applications have been developed in the context of a mixture of normal densities. In this paper, we consider a novel class of skew-normal mixture models, whose components capture skewness due to their flexibility. We find upper and lower bounds for Shannon and Rényi entropies for this model. Using such a pair of bounds, a confidence interval for the approximate entropy value can be calculated. In addition, an asymptotic expression for Rényi entropy by Stirling’s approximation is given, and upper and lower bounds are reported using multinomial coefficients and some properties and inequalities of L p metric spaces. Simulation studies are then applied to a swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linnaeus) length dataset.
Modeling and Design of a New Flexible Graphene-on-Silicon Schottky Junction Solar Cell
Authors: Dell’Olio Francesco , Palmitessa Michele , Ciminelli Caterina
Published: October 2016

A new graphene-based flexible solar cell with a power conversion efficiency >10% has been designed. The environmental stability and the low complexity of the fabrication process are the two main advantages of the proposed device with respect to other flexible solar cells. The designed solar cell is a graphene/silicon Schottky junction whose performance has been enhanced by a graphene oxide layer deposited on the graphene sheet. The effect of the graphene oxide is to dope the graphene and to act as anti-reflection coating. A silicon dioxide ultrathin layer interposed between the n-Si and the graphene increases the open-circuit voltage of the cell. The solar cell optimization has been achieved through a mathematical model, which has been validated by using experimental data reported in literature. The new flexible photovoltaic device can be integrated in a wide range of microsystems powered by solar energy.
Influence of Icing on the Modal Behavior of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Gantasala Sudhakar , Luneno Jean-Claude , Aidanpää Jan-Olov
Published: October 2016

Wind turbines installed in cold climate sites accumulate ice on their structures. Icing of the rotor blades reduces turbine power output and increases loads, vibrations, noise, and safety risks due to the potential ice throw. Ice accumulation increases the mass distribution of the blade, while changes in the aerofoil shapes affect its aerodynamic behavior. Thus, the structural and aerodynamic changes due to icing affect the modal behavior of wind turbine blades. In this study, aeroelastic equations of the wind turbine blade vibrations are derived to analyze modal behavior of the Tjaereborg 2 MW wind turbine blade with ice. Structural vibrations of the blade are coupled with a Beddoes-Leishman unsteady attached flow aerodynamics model and the resulting aeroelastic equations are analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). A linearly increasing ice mass distribution is considered from the blade root to half-length and thereafter constant ice mass distribution to the blade tip, as defined by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) for the certification of wind turbines. Both structural and aerodynamic properties of the iced blades are evaluated and used to determine their influence on aeroelastic natural frequencies and damping factors. Blade natural frequencies reduce with ice mass and the amount of reduction in frequencies depends on how the ice mass is distributed along the blade length; but the reduction in damping factors depends on the ice shape. The variations in the natural frequencies of the iced blades with wind velocities are negligible; however, the damping factors change with wind velocity and become negative at some wind velocities. This study shows that the aerodynamic changes in the iced blade can cause violent vibrations within the operating wind velocity range of this turbine.
Effects of Biochar Amendment on Chloropicrin Adsorption and Degradation in Soil
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Wang Qiuxia , Yan Dongdong , Fang Wensheng , Mao Liangang , Wang Dong , Li Yuan , Ouyang Canbin , Guo Meixia , Cao Aocheng
Published: October 2016

The characteristics of biochar vary with pyrolysis temperature. Chloropicrin (CP) is an effective fumigant for controlling soil-borne pests. This study investigated the characteristics of biochars prepared at 300, 500, and 700 °C by michelia alba (Magnolia denudata) wood and evaluated their capacity to adsorb CP. The study also determined the potential influence of biochar, which was added to sterilized and unsterilized soils at rates of 0%, 1%, 5%, and 100%, on CP degradation. The specific surface area, pore volume, and micropores increased considerably with an increase in the pyrolytic temperature. The adsorption rate of biochar for CP increased with increasing pyrolytic temperature. The maximum adsorption amounts of CP were similar for the three biochars. Next, the study examined the degradation ability of the biochar for CP. The degradation rate constant (k) of CP increased when biochar was added to the soil, and k increased with increased amendment rate and pyrolysis temperature. The results indicate that biochar can accelerate CP degradation in soil. The findings will be instructive in using biochar as a new fertilizer in fumigating soil with CP.
Operational Modal Analysis of a Spar-Type Floating Platform Using Frequency Domain Decomposition Method
Authors: Ruzzo Carlo , Failla Giuseppe , Collu Maurizio , Nava Vincenzo , Fiamma Vincenzo , Arena Felice
Published: October 2016

System identification of offshore floating platforms is usually performed by testing small-scale models in wave tanks, where controlled conditions, such as still water for free decay tests, regular and irregular wave loading can be represented. However, this approach may result in constraints on model dimensions, testing time, and costs of the experimental activity. For such reasons, intermediate-scale field modelling of offshore floating structures may become an interesting as well as cost-effective alternative in a near future. Clearly, since the open sea is not a controlled environment, traditional system identification may become challenging and less precise. In this paper, a new approach based on Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) method for Operational Modal Analysis is proposed and validated against numerical simulations in ANSYS AQWA v.16.0 on a simple spar-type structure. The results obtained match well with numerical predictions, showing that this new approach, opportunely coupled with more traditional wave tanks techniques, proves to be very promising to perform field-site identification of the model structures.
Application of Hybrid Quantum Tabu Search with Support Vector Regression (SVR) for Load Forecasting
Authors: Lee Cheng-Wen , Lin Bing-Yi
Published: October 2016

Hybridizing chaotic evolutionary algorithms with support vector regression (SVR) to improve forecasting accuracy is a hot topic in electricity load forecasting. Trapping at local optima and premature convergence are critical shortcomings of the tabu search (TS) algorithm. This paper investigates potential improvements of the TS algorithm by applying quantum computing mechanics to enhance the search information sharing mechanism (tabu memory) to improve the forecasting accuracy. This article presents an SVR-based load forecasting model that integrates quantum behaviors and the TS algorithm with the support vector regression model (namely SVRQTS) to obtain a more satisfactory forecasting accuracy. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the alternatives.
Lumped Parameters Model of a Crescent Pump
Authors: Rundo Massimo , Corvaglia Alessandro
Published: October 2016

This paper presents the lumped parameters model of an internal gear crescent pump with relief valve, able to estimate the steady-state flow-pressure characteristic and the pressure ripple. The approach is based on the identification of three variable control volumes regardless of the number of gear teeth. The model has been implemented in the commercial environment LMS Amesim with the development of customized components. Specific attention has been paid to the leakage passageways, some of them affected by the deformation of the cover plate under the action of the delivery pressure. The paper reports the finite element method analysis of the cover for the evaluation of the deflection and the validation through a contactless displacement transducer. Another aspect described in this study is represented by the computational fluid dynamics analysis of the relief valve, whose results have been used for tuning the lumped parameters model. Finally, the validation of the entire model of the pump is presented in terms of steady-state flow rate and of pressure oscillations.
Protective Effect of Nitric Oxide (NO) against Oxidative Damage in Larix gmelinii Seedlings under Ultraviolet-B Irradiation
Authors: Hu Haiqing , Zhou Zhenbao , Sun Xiaoxin , Zhang Zhonghua , Meng Qinghuan
Published: October 2016

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress appears to be more striking than other research works because of the thin ozone layer. The protective influence of an exogenous nitric oxide donor and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the growth properties of Larix gmelinii seedlings was investigated under ultraviolet-B radiation conditions. The results indicated that 0.1 mM SNP could effectively alleviate the damage caused by ultraviolet-B radiation, and improved the seedling growth properties, the relative water content, and photosynthetic pigment content in leaves. Additionally, the photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity were increased during the exposure. On the contrary, the damage caused by active oxygen was decreased in SNP-treated seedling leaves. The damage caused by ultraviolet-B radiation was slightly reduced after treating with 0.01 mM SNP. Nevertheless, treatment with 0.5 mM SNP had a negative effect under ultraviolet-B radiation. Furthermore, supplementing NO (nitric oxide) improved the photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity and alleviated the damage of caused by active oxygen. The best effective concentration of SNP was 0.1 mM. Therefore, a suitable amount of exogenous NO can protect the Larix gmelinii seedlings and increase their tolerance to ultraviolet-B radiation.
Leveraging Possibilistic Beliefs in Unrestricted Combinatorial Auctions
Authors: Chen Jing , Micali Silvio
Published: October 2016

In unrestricted combinatorial auctions, we put forward a mechanism that guarantees a meaningful revenue benchmark based on the possibilistic beliefs that the players have about each other’s valuations. In essence, the mechanism guarantees, within a factor of two, the maximum revenue that the “best informed player” would be sure to obtain if he/she were to sell the goods to his/her opponents via take-it-or-leave-it offers. Our mechanism is probabilistic and of an extensive form. It relies on a new solution concept, for analyzing extensive-form games of incomplete information, which assumes only mutual belief of rationality. Moreover, our mechanism enjoys several novel properties with respect to privacy, computation and collusion.
Understanding the Effects of Climate Change on Urban Stormwater Infrastructures in the Las Vegas Valley
Authors: Thakali Ranjeet , Kalra Ajay , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: October 2016

The intensification of the hydrological cycle due to climate change entails more frequent and intense rainfall. As a result, urban water systems will be disproportionately affected by the climate change, especially in such urban areas as Las Vegas, which concentrates its population, infrastructure, and economic activity. Proper design and management of stormwater facilities are needed to attenuate the severe effects of extreme rainfall events. The North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program is developing multiple high-resolution projected-climate data from different combinations of regional climate models and global climate models. The objective of this study was to evaluate existing stormwater facilities of a watershed within the Las Vegas Valley in southern Nevada by using a robust design method for the projected climate. The projected climate change was incorporated into the model at the 100 year return period with 6 h duration depths, using a statistical regionalization analysis method. Projection from different sets of climate model combinations varied substantially. Gridded reanalysis data were used to assess the performance of the climate models. An existing Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Hydrological Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model was implemented using the projected change in standard design storm. Hydrological simulation using HEC-HMS showed exceedances of existing stormwater facilities that were designed under the assumption of stationarity design depth. Recognizing climate change and taking an immediate approach in assessing the city’s vulnerability by using proper strategic planning would benefit the urban sector and improve the quality of life.
The Effects of a Skill-Based Intervention for Victims of Bullying in Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Jorge , De Oliveira Wanderlei , Braga Iara , Farias Marilurdes , Da Silva Lizzi Elisangela , Gonçalves Marlene , Pereira Beatriz , Silva Marta
Published: October 2016

This study’s objective was to verify whether improved social and emotional skills would reduce victimization among Brazilian 6th grade student victims of bullying. The targets of this intervention were victimized students; a total of 78 victims participated. A cognitive-behavioral intervention based on social and emotional skills was held in eight weekly sessions. The sessions focused on civility, the ability to make friends, self-control, emotional expressiveness, empathy, assertiveness, and interpersonal problem-solving capacity. Data were analyzed through Poisson regression models with random effects. Pre- and post-analyses reveal that intervention and comparison groups presented significant reduced victimization by bullying. No significant improvement was found in regard to difficulties in practicing social skills. Victimization reduction cannot be attributed to the program. This study contributes to the incipient literature addressing anti-bullying interventions conducted in developing countries and highlights the need for approaches that do not exclusively focus on the students’ individual aspects.
Heavy Metal Pollution from Gold Mines: Environmental Effects and Bacterial Strategies for Resistance
Authors: Fashola Muibat , Ngole-Jeme Veronica , Babalola Olubukola
Published: October 2016

Mining activities can lead to the generation of large quantities of heavy metal laden wastes which are released in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread contamination of the ecosystem. Though some heavy metals classified as essential are important for normal life physiological processes, higher concentrations above stipulated levels have deleterious effects on human health and biota. Bacteria able to withstand high concentrations of these heavy metals are found in the environment as a result of various inherent biochemical, physiological, and/or genetic mechanisms. These mechanisms can serve as potential tools for bioremediation of heavy metal polluted sites. This review focuses on the effects of heavy metal wastes generated from gold mining activities on the environment and the various mechanisms used by bacteria to counteract the effect of these heavy metals in their immediate environment.
Smoke-Free Rules and Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Vehicles among U.S. Adults—National Adult Tobacco Survey, 2009–2010 and 2013–2014
Authors: Kruger Judy , Jama Amal , Kegler Michelle , Baker Holmes Carissa , Hu Sean , King Brian
Published: October 2016

In the United States (U.S.), secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure causes more than 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults annually. Adoption of smoke-free laws in public areas has increased, but private settings such as vehicles remain a source of SHS exposure. This study assessed change in voluntary smoke-free vehicle rules and SHS exposure in personal vehicles among U.S. adults between two periods, 2009–2010 and 2013–2014, using data from the National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS). NATS is a national landline and cellular telephone survey of non-institutionalized adults aged ≥18 years in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. We assessed percentage change in the prevalence of smoke-free vehicle rules among all adults and SHS exposure in vehicles among nonsmoking adults, overall, by sociodemographic factors (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, annual household income, U.S. region), and by cigarette smoking status. During 2009–2010 to 2013–2014, the percentage of adults with a 100% smoke-free vehicle rule increased from 73.6% to 79.5% (% change = +8.0%; p < 0.05). Among nonsmokers, SHS exposure in vehicles in the previous 7 days decreased from 9.2% to 8.2% (% change = −10.9%; p < 0.05). Smoke-free rules in private settings such as vehicles, in coordination with comprehensive smoke-free policies in indoor public settings, can help reduce SHS exposure and promote smoke-free norms.
Psychological Predictors of Seeking Help from Mental Health Practitioners among a Large Sample of Polish Young Adults
Authors: Perenc Lidia , Radochonski Mieczyslaw
Published: October 2016

Although the corresponding literature contains a substantial number of studies on the relationship between psychological factors and attitude towards seeking professional psychological help, the role of some determinants remains unexplored, especially among Polish young adults. The present study investigated diversity among a large cohort of Polish university students related to attitudes towards help-seeking and the regulative roles of gender, level of university education, health locus of control and sense of coherence. The total sample comprised 1706 participants who completed the following measures: Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-SF, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29). They were recruited from various university faculties and courses by means of random selection. The findings revealed that, among socio-demographic variables, female gender moderately and graduate of university study strongly predict attitude towards seeking help. Internal locus of control and all domains of sense of coherence are significantly correlated with the scores related to the help-seeking attitude. Attitudes toward psychological help-seeking are significantly related to female gender, graduate university education, internal health locus of control and sense of coherence. Further research must be performed in Poland in order to validate these results in different age and social groups.
The Impact of Vitamin E and Other Fat-Soluble Vitamins on Alzheimer´s Disease
Authors: Grimm Marcus , Mett Janine , Hartmann Tobias
Published: October 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population, currently affecting 46 million people worldwide. Histopathologically, the disease is characterized by the occurrence of extracellular amyloid plaques composed of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing the microtubule-associated protein tau. Aβ peptides are derived from the sequential processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by enzymes called secretases, which are strongly influenced by the lipid environment. Several vitamins have been reported to be reduced in the plasma/serum of AD-affected individuals indicating they have an impact on AD pathogenesis. In this review we focus on vitamin E and the other lipophilic vitamins A, D, and K, and summarize the current knowledge about their status in AD patients, their impact on cognitive functions and AD risk, as well as their influence on the molecular mechanisms of AD. The vitamins might affect the generation and clearance of Aβ both by direct effects and indirectly by altering the cellular lipid homeostasis. Additionally, vitamins A, D, E, and K are reported to influence further mechanisms discussed to be involved in AD pathogenesis, e.g., Aβ-aggregation, Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes, as summarized in this article.
Circadian Rhythm Shapes the Gut Microbiota Affecting Host Radiosensitivity
Authors: Cui Ming , Xiao Huiwen , Luo Dan , Zhang Xin , Zhao Shuyi , Zheng Qisheng , Li Yuan , Zhao Yu , Dong Jiali , Li Hang , Wang Haichao , Fan Saijun
Published: October 2016

Modern lifestyles, such as shift work, nocturnal social activities, and jet lag, disturb the circadian rhythm. The interaction between mammals and the co-evolved intestinal microbiota modulates host physiopathological processes. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern management of malignancies; however, it was previously unknown whether circadian rhythm disorder impairs prognosis after radiotherapy. To investigate the effect of circadian rhythm on radiotherapy, C57BL/6 mice were housed in different dark/light cycles, and their intestinal bacterial compositions were compared using high throughput sequencing. The survival rate, body weight, and food intake of mice in diverse cohorts were measured following irradiation exposure. Finally, the enteric bacterial composition of irradiated mice that experienced different dark/light cycles was assessed using 16S RNA sequencing. Intriguingly, mice housed in aberrant light cycles harbored a reduction of observed intestinal bacterial species and shifts of gut bacterial composition compared with those of the mice kept under 12 h dark/12 h light cycles, resulting in a decrease of host radioresistance. Moreover, the alteration of enteric bacterial composition of mice in different groups was dissimilar. Our findings provide novel insights into the effects of biological clocks on the gut bacterial composition, and underpin that the circadian rhythm influences the prognosis of patients after radiotherapy in a preclinical setting.