bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Did the Plan Sénégal Emergent Affect Cropping Decisions in the Senegal River Basin?
Authors: Moss Charles B. , Mbaye Samba , Naseem Anwar , Oehmke James F.
Published: July 2018

One of the basic debates in African development is whether agriculture can be the instrument for the transformation of a rural economy. A common question is whether agricultural policies can provide the impetus to move agriculture in developing economies from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Senegal’s Plan Sénégal Emergent (PSE) provides a data point in this discussion. Senegal and international donors invested in agricultural supply chains starting in 2012 to facilitate the emergence of commercial agriculture for peanuts, rice, and vegetables. This study focuses on these investments in the Senegal River Valley of northern Senegal. The empirical results presented in this study provide evidence that farms in the Senegal River Valley impacted by PSE have moved away from subsistence agriculture by planting more hectares in commercial crops.
Using the Learner-Generated Digital Media (LGDM) Framework in Tertiary Science Education: A Pilot Study
Authors: Reyna Jorge , Meier Peter
Published: July 2018

Learner-Generated Digital Media (LGDM) has become prevalent in higher education. Frameworks have been developed for video-making in the classroom that consider technical requirements, pedagogies, and the combination of both. However, missing is a practical model to guide academics and students on the implementation of LGDM assignments. This research aims to test a model to design, implement, and evaluate LGDM as an assessment tool. The model was built based on research gaps and it considers the following elements: (1) pedagogy, (2) student training, (3) hosting of videos, (4) marking schemes, (5) group contribution, (6) feedback, (7) reflection, and (8) evaluation. For this purpose, five science subjects (N = 270) were used to test the model as a guide to implementing LGDM assignments. Data was gathered using a validated 33-step questionnaire instrument. Additionally, group contributions were received using the SPARKPlus peer review application, and marks attained were gathered. Methodological triangulation of the datasets suggested that students have a positive attitude toward LGDM for science learning. Students enjoyed the group work and creativity, and they identified digital media support as a critical component of their learning experience. Preliminary data support using the LGDM framework to design digital media assignments for science education.
An Adaptive Power Harvester with Active Load Modulation for Highly Efficient Short/Long Range RF WPT Applications
Authors: Almohaimeed Abdullah M. , Amaya Rony E. , Lima Jose A. , Yagoub Mustapha C. E.
Published: July 2018

After demonstrating, in previous works, the proof of concept of adaptive rectifiers with active load modulation to operate simultaneously for short/long range RF Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) while maintaining a high Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE), the authors introduced in this paper a power link budget of the proposed adaptive rectifier with a compromise between distance and efficiency. Then, to further exhibit its capabilities and enhance its performance, this paper first introduced a discussion about the parameters preventing the rectifier from operating over a wide range of input powers was performed. Furthermore, active load modulation was implemented and its co-simulation results presented. Finally, an adaptive rectifier was fabricated and its results successfully compared to measured data. It exhibits 40% of PCE over a wide dynamic input range of incident RF power levels from −6 to 25 dBm at the 900 MHz in the Industrial Scientific Medical band (ISM band), with a maximum PCE of 66% for an input power of 15 dBm. The proposed devices are therefore suitable for WPT applications to harvest energy from a controlled source.
Analysis and Suppression of Unwanted Turn-On and Parasitic Oscillation in SiC JFET-Based Bi-Directional Switches
Authors: Wang Lina , Yang Junyi , Ma Haobo , Wang Zeyuan , Olanrewaju Kabir Oladele , Kerrouche Kamel Djamel Eddine
Published: July 2018

Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based Bi-Directional Switches (BDS) have great potential in the construction of several power electronic circuits including multi-level converters, solid-state breakers, matrix converters, HERIC (high efficient and reliable inverter concept) photovoltaic grid-connected inverters and so on. In this paper, two issues with the application of SiC-based BDSs, namely, unwanted turn-on and parasitic oscillation, are deeply investigated. To eliminate unwanted turn-on, it is proposed to add a capacitor (CX) paralleled at the signal input port of the driver IC (integrated circuit) and the capacitance range of CX is also analytically derived to guide the selection of CX. To mitigate parasitic oscillation, a combinational method, which combines a snubber capacitor (CJ) paralleled with the JFET (Junction Field Effect Transistor) and a ferrite ring connected in series with the power line, is proposed. It is verified that the use of CJ mainly improves the turn-off transient and the use of a ferrite ring damps the current oscillation during the turn-on transient significantly. The effects of the proposed methods have been demonstrated by theoretical analysis and verified by experimental results.
Exploiting Artificial Neural Networks for the Prediction of Ancillary Energy Market Prices
Authors: Giovanelli Christian , Sierla Seppo , Ichise Ryutaro , Vyatkin Valeriy
Published: July 2018

The increase of distributed energy resources in the smart grid calls for new ways to profitably exploit these resources, which can participate in day-ahead ancillary energy markets by providing flexibility. Higher profits are available for resource owners that are able to anticipate price peaks and hours of low prices or zero prices, as well as to control the resource in such a way that exploits the price fluctuations. Thus, this study presents a solution in which artificial neural networks are exploited to predict the day-ahead ancillary energy market prices. The study employs the frequency containment reserve for the normal operations market as a case study and presents the methodology utilized for the prediction of the case study ancillary market prices. The relevant data sources for predicting the market prices are identified, then the frequency containment reserve market prices are analyzed and compared with the spot market prices. In addition, the methodology describes the choices behind the definition of the model validation method and the performance evaluation coefficient utilized in the study. Moreover, the empirical processes for designing an artificial neural network model are presented. The performance of the artificial neural network model is evaluated in detail by means of several experiments, showing robustness and adaptiveness to the fast-changing price behaviors. Finally, the developed artificial neural network model is shown to have better performance than two state of the art models, support vector regression and ARIMA, respectively.
Voltage Correction Factors for Air-Insulated Transmission Lines Operating in High-Altitude Regions to Limit Corona Activity: A Review
Authors: Riba Jordi-Roger , Larzelere William , Rickmann Johannes
Published: July 2018

Nowadays there are several transmission lines projected to be operating in high-altitude regions. It is well known that the installation altitude has an impact on the dielectric behavior of air-insulated systems. As a result, atmospheric and voltage correction factors must be applied in air-insulated transmission systems operating in high-altitude conditions. This paper performs an exhaustive literature review, including state-of-the-art research papers and International Standards of the available correction factors to limit corona activity and ensure proper performance when planning air-insulated transmission lines intended for high-altitude areas. It has been found that there are substantial differences among the various correction methods, differences that are more evident at higher altitudes. Most high-voltage standards were not conceived to test samples to be installed in high-altitude regions and, therefore, most high-voltage laboratories are not ready to face this issue, since more detailed information is required. It is proposed to conduct more research on this topic so that the atmospheric corrections and altitude correction factors found in the current International Standards can be updated and/or modified so that high-voltage components to be installed in high-altitude regions can be tested with more accuracy, taking into account their insulation structure.
Effect of Modified Natural Filler O-Methylene Phosphonic κ-Carrageenan on Chitosan-Based Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Liew Joy Wei Yi , Loh Kee Shyuan , Ahmad Azizan , Lim Kean Long , Wan Daud Wan Ramli
Published: July 2018

The potential for using O-methylene phosphonic κ-carrageenan (OMPk) as a filler in the chitosan-based polymer electrolyte N-methylene phosphonic chitosan (NMPC) was investigated. OMPk, a derivative of κ-carrageenan, was synthesized via phosphorylation and characterized using infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Both the IR and NMR results confirmed the phosphorylation of the parent carrageenan. The solid polymer electrolyte (SPE)-based NMPC was prepared by solution casting with different weight percentages of OMPk ranging from 2 to 8 wt %. The tensile strength of the polymer membrane increased from 18.02 to 38.95 MPa as the amount of OMPk increased to 6 wt %. However, the increase in the ionic conductivity did not match the increase in the tensile strength. The highest ionic conductivity was achieved with 4 wt % OMPk, which resulted in 1.43 × 10−5 Scm−1. The κ-carrageenan-based OMPk filler strengthened the SPE while maintaining an acceptable level of ionic conductivity.
Numerical Simulations of a Gas–Solid Two-Phase Impinging Stream Reactor with Dynamic Inlet Flow
Authors: Liu Xueqing , Yue Song , Lu Luyi , Gao Wei , Li Jianlan
Published: July 2018

Fluid flow characteristics and particle motion behavior of an impinging stream reactor with dynamic inlet flow (both inlet velocity patterns exhibit step variation) are investigated and discussed with the computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD–DEM). The effect of T (variation period of the dynamic inlet flow) and ∆u (inlet velocity difference) on the motion characteristics of single and multiple particles, as well as the mean particle residence time, are studied and discussed. The research results indicate that, compared with the traditional impinging stream reactor (both inlet velocities are equal and constant) with equal mean inlet velocity (um) within one period, the impinging surface is instantaneously moving and the flow regime is varied with time in the impinging stream reactor with dynamic inlet flow. The impinging stream reactor with dynamic inlet flow provides higher cost performance over the traditional impinging stream reactor, under equal um, in terms of single-particle residence time. Moreover, three new particle motion modes exist in multi-particle motions of the impinging stream reactor with dynamic inlet flow; particles are accelerated by the original or reverse fluid and perform oscillatory motion at least once after an interparticle collision. Whether it is a single particle or multi-particles, the mean particle residence time reaches a maximum value when T/2 is approximately equal to the first particle acceleration time, since the maximum axial kinetic energy increases in every oscillatory motion compared with traditional impinging stream, and the number of oscillatory motions is increasing. The mean residence time of a particle in the impinging stream reactor with a dynamic inlet flow increases with increasing ∆u, since the dynamic inlet conditions and increasing ∆u can continuously supply more energy to particles and thus cause more particles to enter one of the three new modes of particle motion.
Energy Evaluation of Multiple Stage Commercial Refrigeration Architectures Adapted to F-Gas Regulation
Authors: Catalán-Gil Jesús , Sánchez Daniel , Llopis Rodrigo , Nebot-Andrés Laura , Cabello Ramón
Published: July 2018

This work analyses different refrigeration architectures for commercial refrigeration providing service to medium and low temperature simultaneously: HFC/R744 cascade, R744 transcritical booster, R744 transcritical booster with parallel compression, R744 transcritical booster with gas ejectors, R513A cascade/R744 subcritical booster, and R513A cascade/R744 subcritical booster with parallel compression. The models were developed using compressor manufacturers’ data and real restrictions of each system component. Limitations and operating range of each component and architecture were analysed for environment temperatures from 0 to 40 °C considering thermal loads and environment temperature profiles for warm climates. For booster systems, cascade with subcritical booster with parallel compression provide highest coefficient of performance (COP) for temperatures below 12 °C and above 30 °C with COP increases compared basic booster up to 60.6%, whereas for transcritical boosters, architecture with gas ejectors obtains the highest COP with COP increases compared to the basic booster up to 29.5%. In annual energy terms, differences among improved booster systems are below 8% in the locations analysed. In Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) terms, booster architectures get the lowest values with small differences between improved boosters.
A Torque Impulse Balance Control for Multi-Tooth Fault Tolerant Switched-Flux Machines under Open-Circuit Fault
Authors: Wang Yu , Hao Wenjuan
Published: July 2018

The multi-tooth fault tolerant switched-flux machines (MTFTSFM) providing both excellent fault tolerant capability and relatively high torque density are good choices for high reliability applications. A rapid control of the electromagnetic torque under open-circuit fault can always be achieved by the direct torque control with voltage vector reconstruction (RDTC); however, with respect to the rotor speed, its dynamic performance is still impacted by the proportion-integration (PI) parameters. Therefore, a torque impulse balance control (TIBC) is investigated in this paper for the MTFTSFM under open-circuit fault to obtain excellent dynamic performance of the rotor speed. During the dynamic state, the electromagnetic torque and the speed can converge at the same time after only one adjustment of the speed by using the optimized voltage vector sequence based on torque impulse balance, thus, achieving the best possible dynamic process for the speed. The TIBC method is carried out on an MTFTSPM machine system, and the correctness and effectiveness are verified.
Efficiency Improvement of a Natural Gas Marine Engine Using a Hybrid Turbocharger
Authors: Altosole Marco , Benvenuto Giovanni , Campora Ugo , Silvestro Federico , Terlizzi Giulio
Published: July 2018

The use of a computer simulator, previously developed and validated, applied to a four-stroke marine dual-fuel engine, has allowed the authors to present in this paper a solution to improve the overall efficiency of the engine by adopting a hybrid turbocharger. This component replaces the original one allowing, in addition to maintaining the previous usual functions, the production of electricity to satisfy part of the ship’s electric load. In this study the application of the hybrid turbocharger concerns an engine powered by natural gas in particular. The turbocharger substitution involves a significant variation of the engine load governor operating mode. The improved engine characteristics that the hybrid turbocharger facilitates, compared to the original, are highlighted by the results reported in tabular and graphical form, for different engine loads and speeds.
Multi-Agent Systems Applications in Energy Optimization Problems: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: González-Briones Alfonso , De La Prieta Fernando , Mohamad Mohd Saberi , Omatu Sigeru , Corchado Juan M.
Published: July 2018

This article reviews the state-of-the-art developments in Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) and their application to energy optimization problems. This methodology and related tools have contributed to changes in various paradigms used in energy optimization. Behavior and interactions between agents are key elements that must be understood in order to model energy optimization solutions that are robust, scalable and context-aware. The concept of MAS is introduced in this paper and it is compared with traditional approaches in the development of energy optimization solutions. The different types of agent-based architectures are described, the role played by the environment is analysed and we look at how MAS recognizes the characteristics of the environment to adapt to it. Moreover, it is discussed how MAS can be used as tools that simulate the results of different actions aimed at reducing energy consumption. Then, we look at MAS as a tool that makes it easy to model and simulate certain behaviors. This modeling and simulation is easily extrapolated to the energy field, and can even evolve further within this field by using the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. Therefore, we can argue that MAS is a widespread approach in the field of energy optimization and that it is commonly used due to its capacity for the communication, coordination, cooperation of agents and the robustness that this methodology gives in assigning different tasks to agents. Finally, this article considers how MASs can be used for various purposes, from capturing sensor data to decision-making. We propose some research perspectives on the development of electrical optimization solutions through their development using MASs. In conclusion, we argue that researchers in the field of energy optimization should use multi-agent systems at those junctures where it is necessary to model energy efficiency solutions that involve a wide range of factors, as well as context independence that they can achieve through the addition of new agents or agent organizations, enabling the development of energy-efficient solutions for smart cities and intelligent buildings.
Research on Distributed Power Capacity and Site Optimization Planning of AC/DC Hybrid Micrograms Considering Line Factors
Authors: Pan Hao , Ding Ming , Chen Anwei , Bi Rui , Sun Lei , Shi Shengliang
Published: July 2018

With the rapid development of AC/DC hybrid microgrids and the widespread use of distributed power resources, planning strategies for microgrids with high-density distributed power generation have become an urgent problem. Because current research on microgrid planning has not considered line factors, this paper analyses the planning of an AC/DC hybrid microgrid based on an AC microgrid. The capacity and siting of the distributed power resources are optimized, taking into account the influence of the line investment cost and the interactive power upper limit on the planning results. In the proposed model, the objective is aimed at minimizing the sum of investment cost, load-loss economic cost, and system losses, taking into consideration power balance constraints and feeder number constraints. The commercial solver CPLEX is applied to attain the optimal distributed power capacity and site. The theoretical results are verified by an actual system.
Dynamics of the Methylome and Transcriptome during the Regeneration of Rice
Authors: Hsu Fei-Man , Gohain Moloya , Allishe Archana , Huang Yan-Jiun , Liao Jo-Ling , Kuang Lin-Yun , Chen Pao-Yang
Published: July 2018

Oryza sativa indica (cv. IR64) and Oryza sativa japonica (cv. TNG67) vary in their regeneration efficiency. Such variation may occur in response to cultural environments that induce somaclonal variation. Somaclonal variations may arise from epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation. We hypothesized that somaclonal variation may be associated with the differential regeneration efficiency between IR64 and TNG67 through changes in DNA methylation. We generated the stage-associated methylome and transcriptome profiles of the embryo, induced calli, sub-cultured calli, and regenerated calli (including both successful and failed regeneration) of IR64 and TNG67. We found that stage-associated changes are evident by the increase in the cytosine methylation of all contexts upon induction and decline upon regeneration. These changes in the methylome are largely random, but a few regions are consistently targeted at the later stages of culture. The expression profiles showed a dominant tissue-specific difference between the embryo and the calli. A prominent cultivar-associated divide in the global methylation pattern was observed, and a subset of cultivar-associated differentially methylated regions also showed stage-associated changes, implying a close association between differential methylation and the regeneration programs of these two rice cultivars. Based on these findings, we speculate that the differential epigenetic regulation of stress response and developmental pathways may be coupled with genetic differences, ultimately leading to differential regeneration efficiency. The present study elucidates the impact of tissue culture on callus formation and delineates the impact of stage and cultivar to determine the dynamics of the methylome and transcriptome in culture.
Combining Decision Support Approaches for Optimizing the Selection of Bundles of Ecosystem Services
Authors: Marto Marco , Reynolds Keith M. , Borges José G. , Bushenkov Vladimir A. , Marques Susete
Published: July 2018

This study examines the potential of combining decision support approaches to identify optimal bundles of ecosystem services in a framework characterized by multiple decision-makers. A forested landscape, Zona de Intervenção Florestal of Paiva and Entre-Douro and Sousa (ZIF_VS) in Portugal, is used to test and demonstrate this potential. The landscape extends over 14,388 ha, representing 1976 stands. The property is fragmented into 376 holdings. The overall analysis was performed in three steps. First, we selected six alternative solutions (A to F) in a Pareto frontier generated by a multiple-criteria method within a web-based decision support system (SADfLOR) for subsequent analysis. Next, an aspatial strategic multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) was performed with the Criterium DecisionPlus (CDP) component of the Ecosystem Management Decision Support (EMDS) system to assess the aggregate performance of solutions A to F for the entire forested landscape with respect to their utility for delivery of ecosystem services. For the CDP analysis, SADfLOR data inputs were grouped into two sets of primary criteria: Wood Harvested and Other Ecosystem Services. Finally, a spatial logic-based assessment of solutions A to F for individual stands of the study area was performed with the NetWeaver component of EMDS. The NetWeaver model was structurally and computationally equivalent to the CDP model, but the key NetWeaver metric is a measure of the strength of evidence that solutions for specific stands were optimal for the unit. We conclude with a discussion of how the combination of decision support approaches encapsulated in the two systems could be further automated in order to rank several efficient solutions in a Pareto frontier and generate a consensual solution.
Regulatory Promotion and Benefit Analysis of Biogas-Power and Biogas-Digestate from Anaerobic Digestion in Taiwan’s Livestock Industry
Authors: Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this paper were to summarize the status of the livestock (pig and cattle) industry and its waste management in Taiwan. The Water Pollution Control Act authorized the reuse of liquor and digestate from anaerobic digestion (AD) as fertilizers for agricultural lands on 24 November 2015. A large number of official databases and literature have been surveyed and analyzed to address the characterization of the biogas (AD-based) digestate and the potential benefits of biogas-to-power in Taiwan. On the promulgation of the Act, the central ministries have jointly managed the applications of livestock farms for reusing the AD-based liquor and digestate as fertilizers for farmlands. The survey findings revealed that the biogas digestate from a pig farm in Taiwan contained significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other soil nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. However, it is necessary to control zinc present in the biogas digestate from pig-raising farms. A preliminary analysis based on 123 large-scale pig farms with a total of 1,223,674 heads showed the annual benefits of methane reduction of 6.1 Gg, electricity generation of 3.7 × 107 kW-h, equivalent electricity charge saving of 4.0 × 106 US$, and equivalent carbon dioxide mitigation of 152.5 thousand tons (Gg). Obviously, the integration of AD and biogas-to-power for treating animal manure is a win-win option for livestock farms to gain environmental, energy, and economic benefits.
Heat and Mass Transfer Properties of Sugar Maple Wood Treated by the Thermo-Hygro-Mechanical Densification Process
Authors: Fu Qilan , Cloutier Alain , Laghdir Aziz
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the evolution of the density, gas permeability, and thermal conductivity of sugar maple wood during the thermo-hygro-mechanical densification process. The results suggested that the oven-dry average density of densified samples was significantly higher than that of the control samples. However, the oven-dry density did not show a linear increase with the decrease of wood samples thickness. The radial intrinsic gas permeability of the control samples was 5 to 40 times higher than that of densified samples, which indicated that the void volume of wood was reduced notably after the densification process. The thermal conductivity increased by 0.5–1.5 percent for an increase of one percent moisture content for densified samples. The thermal conductivity of densified wood was lower than that of the control samples. The densification time had significant effects on the oven-dry density and gas permeability. Both densification time and moisture content had significant effects on thermal conductivity but their interaction effect was not significant.
A Surface Observation Based Climatology of Diablo-Like Winds in California’s Wine Country and Western Sierra Nevada
Authors: Smith Craig , Hatchett Benjamin , Kaplan Michael
Published: July 2018

Diablo winds are dry and gusty north-northeasterly downslope windstorms that affect the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. On the evening of 8 October 2017, Diablo winds contributed to the ignitions and rapid spread of the “Northern California firestorm”, including the Tubbs Fire, which burned 2800 homes in Santa Rosa, resulting in 22 fatalities and $1.2 B USD in damages. We analyzed 18 years of data from a network of surface meteorological stations and showed that Diablo winds tend to occur overnight through early morning in fall, winter and spring. In addition to the area north of the San Francisco Bay Area, conditions similar to Diablo winds commonly occur in the western Sierra Nevada. Both of these areas are characterized by high wind speeds and low relative humidity, but they neither tend to be warmer than climatology nor have a higher gust factor, or ratio of wind gusts to mean wind speeds, than climatology.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Particles in Spatially Varying Electric Fields †
Authors: Amah Edison , Janjua Muhammad , Singh Pushpendra
Published: July 2018

A numerical scheme is developed to simulate the motion of dielectric particles in the uniform and nonuniform electric fields of microfluidic devices. The motion of particles is simulated using a distributed Lagrange multiplier method (DLM) and the electric force acting on the particles is calculated by integrating the Maxwell stress tensor (MST) over the particle surfaces. One of the key features of the DLM method used is that the fluid-particle system is treated implicitly by using a combined weak formulation, where the forces and moments between the particles and fluid cancel, as they are internal to the combined system. The MST is obtained from the electric potential, which, in turn, is obtained by solving the electrostatic problem. In our numerical scheme, the domain is discretized using a finite element scheme and the Marchuk-Yanenko operator-splitting technique is used to decouple the difficulties associated with the incompressibility constraint, the nonlinear convection term, the rigid-body motion constraint and the electric force term. The numerical code is used to study the motion of particles in a dielectrophoretic cage which can be used to trap and hold particles at its center. If the particles moves away from the center of the cage, a resorting force acts on them towards the center. The MST results show that the ratio of the particle-particle interaction and dielectrophoretic forces decreases with increasing particle size. Therefore, larger particles move primarily under the action of the dielectrophoretic (DEP) force, especially in the high electric field gradient regions. Consequently, when the spacing between the electrodes is comparable to the particle size, instead of collecting on the same electrode by forming chains, they collect at different electrodes.
Cyber–Physical Correlation Effects in Defense Games for Large Discrete Infrastructures
Authors: Rao Nageswara S. V. , Ma Chris Y. T. , He Fei , Yau David K. Y. , Zhuang Jun
Published: July 2018

In certain critical infrastructures, correlations between cyber and physical components can be exploited to launch strategic attacks, so that disruptions to one component may affect others and possibly the entire infrastructure. Such correlations must be explicitly taken into account in ensuring the survival of the infrastructure. For large discrete infrastructures characterized by the number of cyber and physical components, we characterize the cyber–physical interactions at two levels: (i) the cyber–physical failure correlation function specifies the conditional survival probability of the cyber sub-infrastructure given that of the physical sub-infrastructure (both specified by their marginal probabilities), and (ii) individual survival probabilities of both sub-infrastructures are characterized by first-order differential conditions expressed in terms of their multiplier functions. We formulate an abstract problem of ensuring the survival probability of a cyber–physical infrastructure with discrete components as a game between the provider and attacker, whose utility functions are composed of infrastructure survival probability terms and cost terms, both expressed in terms of the number of components attacked and reinforced. We derive Nash equilibrium conditions and sensitivity functions that highlight the dependence of infrastructure survival probability on cost terms, correlation functions, multiplier functions, and sub-infrastructure survival probabilities. We apply these analytical results to characterize the defense postures of simplified models of metro systems, cloud computing infrastructures, and smart power grids.
Choices in the 11–20 Game: The Role of Risk Aversion
Authors: Li King King , Rong Kang
Published: July 2018

Arad and Rubinstein (2012, AER) proposed the 11–20 money request game as an alternative to the P beauty contest game for measuring the depth of thinking. In this paper, we show theoretically that in the Nash equilibrium of the 11–20 game players are more likely to choose high numbers if they are risk-averse rather than risk neutral. Hence, the depth of thinking measured in the 11–20 game is biased by risk aversion. Based on a lab experiment, we confirm this hypothesis empirically.
Strongly Magnetized Sources: QED and X-ray Polarization
Authors: Heyl Jeremy , Caiazzo Ilaria
Published: July 2018

Radiative corrections of quantum electrodynamics cause a vacuum threaded by a magnetic field to be birefringent. This means that radiation of different polarizations travels at different speeds. Even in the strong magnetic fields of astrophysical sources, the difference in speed is small. However, it has profound consequences for the extent of polarization expected from strongly magnetized sources. We demonstrate how the birefringence arises from first principles, show how birefringence affects the polarization state of radiation and present recent calculations for the expected polarization from magnetars and X-ray pulsars.
Glacial Geomorphology and Preliminary Glacier Reconstruction in the Jablanica Mountain, Macedonia, Central Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Temovski Marjan , Madarász Balázs , Kern Zoltán , Milevski Ivica , Ruszkiczay-Rüdiger Zsófia
Published: July 2018

Although glacial landforms on the Balkan Peninsula have been studied since the 19th century, only scarce data are available about the extent of the former glaciations in the Central Balkan Peninsula, the transition zone between the Mediterranean and Central Europe. Glacial features of the Jablanica Mt. were mapped, described and classified into morphostratigraphic units. A revised glacio-geomorphological map was produced and glacial landforms were assigned to six morphostratigraphic units. Ten primary and two secondary cirques were identified in the upper parts of the studied valleys, while downstream the valleys were steep and glacially shaped with several glacial steps and thresholds. Cirque and valley morphology indicate that subglacial deepening was limited within the cirques and was more intensive in the valley sections during more extensive glacial phases. The largest reconstructed glaciers were 4.6–7 km long, while the last cirque glaciers were only a few hundred meters long. Using morphostratigraphic data, a glacier reconstruction was carried out for the largest mapped glacial extent. On the basis of glacial geomorphology, a former equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) of ~1800 m and glacier cover of 22.6 km2 were estimated during this stage. The local ELA values were compared to the regional ELA record and enabled to tentatively attribute a MIS 6 age for the reconstructed maximum ice extent in the study area.
Modelling the Present and Future Water Level and Discharge of the Tidal Betna River
Authors: Islam M. M. Majedul , Hofstra Nynke , Sokolova Ekaterina
Published: July 2018

Climate change, comprising of changes in precipitation patterns, higher temperatures and sea level rises, increases the likelihood of future flooding in the Betna River basin, Bangladesh. Hydrodynamic modelling was performed to simulate the present and future water level and discharge for different scenarios using bias-corrected, downscaled data from two general circulation models. The modelling results indicated that, compared to the baseline year (2014–2015), the water level is expected to increase by 11–16% by the 2040s and 14–23% by the 2090s, and the monsoon daily maximum discharge is expected to increase by up to 13% by the 2040s and 21% by the 2090s. Sea level rise is mostly responsible for the increase in water level. The duration of water level exceedance of the established danger threshold and extreme discharge events can increase by up to half a month by the 2040s and above one month by the 2090s. The combined influence of the increased water level and discharge has the potential to cause major floods in the Betna River basin. The results of our study increase the knowledge base on climate change influence on water level and discharge at a local scale. This is valuable for water managers in flood-risk mitigation and water management.
Implementing Supported Employment. Lessons from the Making IPS Work Project
Authors: Hutchinson Jan , Gilbert David , Papworth Rachel , Boardman Jed
Published: July 2018

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an internationally accepted and effective form of supported employment for people with severe mental health conditions. Despite its strong evidence base, the implementation of IPS has been slow and inconsistent. In England, a demonstration project, Making IPS Work, was developed to offer support for the implementation of IPS in six local sites National Health Service Mental Health trusts. The project aimed to: Establish Individual Placement and Support services within clinical teams; develop high fidelity practice and leave a sustainable IPS service beyond the project. The number of people gaining open employment in each site was monitored. Fidelity checks were carried out at three sites by independent assessors. Stakeholders were interviewed over the 18-month lifetime of the implementation period to examine the experience of developing the services in the six sites. A total of 421 jobs were found for people with mental health conditions over 18 months with a large variation between the highest and lowest performing sites. The sites assessed for fidelity all attained the threshold for a ‘Good Fidelity’ service. The new services were readily accepted by mental health service users, clinical staff and managers across the trust sites. Maintaining the funding for the Individual Placement and Support services beyond the project period proved to be problematic for many sites. Placing the services within a broader strategy of improving psychosocial services and bringing together decision making at the corporate, commissioning and clinical management level were helpful in achieving success. The growth and maintenance of these services is difficult to achieve whilst the current cost pressures on the NHS continue.
A Potential Way to Decrease the Know-Do Gap in Hospital Infection Control in Vietnam: “Providing Specific Figures on Healthcare-Associated Infections to the Hospital Staff Can ‘Wake Them Up’ to Change Their Behaviour”
Authors: Lien La Thi Quynh , Johansson Eva , Lan Pham Thi , Chuc Nguyen Thi Kim , Thoa Nguyen Thi Minh , Hoa Nguyen Quynh , Phuc Ho Dang , Tamhankar Ashok J. , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby
Published: July 2018

Adequate infection control plays a key role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study aimed to explore staff perceptions of hospital infection control in a rural and an urban hospital in Vietnam. Individual interviews were conducted with hospital managers, and focus group discussions were conducted with doctors, nurses and cleaning workers separately. Content analysis was applied. An interview guide including discussion points on HAIs, hand hygiene and healthcare waste management was used. Generally, the staff were knowledgeable of hospital infection control, but they were not aware of the situation in their own hospital, and infection control practices in the hospitals remained poor. Reported difficulties in infection control included lack of resources, poor awareness and patient overload. A main theme emerged: ‘Making data on HAIs available for health workers can improve their awareness and motivate them to put their existing knowledge into practice, thus decreasing the know-do gap in infection control’. This could be a feasible intervention to improve infection control practice in the hospitals with limited resources, high workload and patient overload.
Linkage to Care Is Important and Necessary When Identifying Infections in Migrants
Authors: Pareek Manish , Noori Teymur , Hargreaves Sally , Van den Muijsenbergh Maria
Published: July 2018

Migration is an important driver of population dynamics in Europe. Although migrants are generally healthy, subgroups of migrants are at increased risk of a range of infectious diseases. Early identification of infections is important as it prevents morbidity and mortality. However, identifying infections needs to be supported by appropriate systems to link individuals to specialist care where they can receive further diagnostic tests and clinical management. In this commentary we will discuss the importance of linkage to care and how to minimise attrition in clinical pathways.
The Measurements and an Elaborated Understanding of Chinese eHealth Literacy (C-eHEALS) in Chronic Patients in China
Authors: Chang Angela , Schulz Peter J.
Published: July 2018

The rapid rise of Internet-based technologies to disseminate health information and services has been shown to enhance online health information acquisition. A Chinese version of the electronic health literacy scale (C-eHEALS) was developed to measure patients’ combined knowledge and perceived skills at finding and applying electronic health information to health problems. A valid sample of 352 interviewees responded to the online questionnaire, and their responses were analyzed. The C-eHEALS, by showing high internal consistency and predictive validity, is an effective screening tool for detecting levels of health literacy in clinical settings. Individuals’ sociodemographic status, perceived health status, and level of health literacy were identified for describing technology users’ characteristics. A strong association between eHealth literacy level, media information use, and computer literacy was found. The emphasis of face-to-face inquiry for obtaining health information was important in the low eHealth literacy group while Internet-based technologies crucially affected decision-making skills in the high eHealth literacy group. This information is timely because it implies that health care providers can use the C-eHEALS to screen eHealth literacy skills and empower patients with chronic diseases with online resources.
Progress in Implementing National Policies and Strategies for Health Literacy—What Have We Learned so Far?
Authors: Trezona Anita , Rowlands Gill , Nutbeam Don
Published: July 2018

Health literacy has been a prominent issue on the agenda of the World Health Organization (WHO) for almost two decades. WHO recently established a strong global mandate for public policy action on health literacy by positioning it as one of three key pillars for achieving sustainable development and health equity in the Shanghai Declaration on Health Promotion. Several countries have national health literacy policies, with many others expected to develop them in the immediate future. It is, therefore, timely to examine current policy approaches to health literacy. The purpose of this study was to analyze a selection of existing policy documents for their strengths, limitations and themes, and offer observations about their potential to improve health literacy and health outcomes. In doing so our intention is to offer lessons and advice from early adopters that will have usefulness for future policy development and implementation. We selected six policies for review; Australia, Austria, China, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United States. We used a set of criteria to guide a systematic analysis of policy documents for their context, intended target audiences, objectives, proposed actions and interventions, evidence of financial investment and intentions to monitor outcomes. We observed a number of common features that provide helpful signposting for future policy development in other countries. All represent a response to perceived deficiencies in the quality of patient communication and patient engagement. Most present health literacy as a universal challenge, with some also identifying groups who are of higher priority. They all recognize the importance of professional education in improving the quality of communication, and most recognize that the health literacy responsiveness of the health system needs to be improved. However, there was significant variability in linking resources to specific strategies and actions, as well as in the systems for monitoring progress and accountability for progress. This variability reflects important contextual differences between countries and health systems. However, this lack of specificity will likely have an impact on the priority given to improving health literacy and on the long-term sustainability of defined actions to improve health literacy in populations.
Foot Arch Height and Quality of Life in Adults: A Strobe Observational Study
Authors: López-López Daniel , Vilar-Fernández Juan Manuel , Barros-García Gonzalo , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Palomo-López Patricia , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Calvo-Lobo Cesar
Published: July 2018

Background: Variations in the foot structure related with the high or low arch are identified common lower limb conditions, and it is supposed to be the effect on the quality of life (QoL) associated to foot health in adults. Here we aimed to determine the relationships between relatively high and low feet arches and QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Among 138 adults enrolled in the study, 66 had a high arch, 21 had a low arch, and 51 were within the normal range. Changes related to the foot structure were analyzed using Area Calc version 2.6 software, and data obtained using the Foot-Health-Status-Questionnaire (FHSQ), whose domains were compared between foot arch groups by means of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results of the FHSQ comparison between the three groups within the sample population did not show any statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) for any domains of specific foot (pain, function, general health and footwear) and general (general health, physical activity, social function and vigor) health-related QoL. Conclusions: Specific foot and general health-related QoL did not seem to be influenced by the foot arch height between high, normal and low feet arches heights. Nevertheless, further studies with higher sample sizes and matched-paired groups should be carried out.
Assessment of Impacts of Coal Mining in the Region of Sydney, Australia on the Aquatic Environment Using Macroinvertebrates and Chlorophyll as Indicators
Authors: Ali Aal-e , Sloane Daniel R. , Strezov Vladimir
Published: July 2018

Coal and coal seam gas mining have impacts on the water and sediment quality in the proximity of the mining areas, increasing the concentrations of heavy metals downstream of the mine discharge points. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of coal mining on the environment in the Sydney region, by investigating macroinvertebrates and chlorophyll as indicators of industrial pollution and environmental impairment. The study revealed changes in abundance, taxonomic richness, and pollution sensitive macroinvertebrate groups. A statistical evaluation of the aquatic life was performed and a correlation of the contaminants with the presence of a community in the ecosystem were studied. The environmental sustainability of the investigated rivers and streams with water chemistry affecting the biological system was assessed. A non-uniformity in the changes were observed, indicating a difference in the tolerance level of different invertebrates.