bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viterbi Decoder Design of Beidou RDSS Receiver
Authors: Yu Xiao Hu
Published: October 2013

Firstly, the convolutional encoding with constraint length of 7 is used as the channel coding scheme in Beidou RDSS system. In addition, in receiver design Viterbi Decoder serves as the decoder of convolutional encoding. Finally, the optimized design of hardware construction in traditional Viterbi compared with that in decoder is introduced to reduce hardware complexity.
Effect of Different Ca Content on Microstructure and Electrochemical Performance of As-Cast AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Sacrificial Anodes
Authors: Cui Hong Wei , Li Ting Bin , Du Xiao Hong , Ding Hong Wei , Min Guang Hui
Published: October 2013

The effect of ca on the as-cast microstructure and electrochemical performance of AZ31 anode was investigated. The results show that addition of Ca to AZ31 anodes can result in not only grain refinement, but also a change in both morphology and volume fraction of the second phases. And grain refinement by Ca addition can be explained by the GRF mechanism. 0.4%Ca addition to as-cast AZ31 anode can increase the effective current capacity and current efficiency, and meet the requirements of magnesium sacrificial anode, but open circuit potential is lower than the nation standards. AZ31-0.4Ca anode will have a broad marketing application prospect.
Research on Spiral Teeth Volume of Driven Rotor with Fixed Cross Rolling
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhang Kang Sheng
Published: October 2013

Profile of the screw rotor comprised of varieties of curves is characterized by complexity and asymmetry. Determination of the billet diameter has a significant influence on the quality of the driven rotor formed by fixed cross rolling. Owing to this the general equation to determine the area of the complex tooth has been presented. Then detailed calculations of the spiral teeth volume and the sectional area of the driven rotor have been carried out. Satisfactory result that the relative error is less than 0.002% has been demonstrated by comparison of theoretical calculation and measurement result to verify the accuracy of the proposed theoretical calculation.
Selection of Oil Displacement Agent and Performance Evaluation for Foam Complex System
Authors: Wu Wen Xiang , Tang Jia Bin , Zhang Zhu Xin
Published: October 2013

DIGEST: With the Interfacial tension test, researched the active agent interface behavior of HXJ-1 and HXJ-2.Test study indicates that the alkali concentration less than 0.6% and 1.2% respectively, the active agent HXJ-and HXJ-2 can form ultralow interfacial tension, besides the area of ultralow interfacial tension formed by HXJ-1 is larger than HXJ-2. As can be seen from the chorogram chart of foam composite index, without alkali and polymer, the two kinds of surface active agent generate the foam composite index similarly in the different density of active agent. The exist of alkali is not effect positively for the formation of super foam in the system, and adding appropriate (<200mg/L) polymer can increase the system foam effectively. When add the alkali or polymer, the area of super foam formed by HXJ-1 will larger than HXJ-2.By the percentage of foam quality, the HXJ-1 required less amount of active agent and concentration to transfer the whole system into the foam than HXJ-2, may draw a conclusion that the HXJ-1 is more easily foam than HXJ-2. The chemical flooding recovery efficiency of HXJ-1 improved three percentage point compared with HXJ-2.
Bionic and Reconfigurable Force Amplifiers Based on the Length and Angle Effect of Bars
Authors: Wang Chuan Yang , Dou Yun Xia , Zhong Kang Min
Published: October 2013

Observation of the present force amplification mechanism suggests geometrically simple bars have length effect and angle effect, both contributing to the amplification of force. Those bars are prevalent in animal bone structures. A set of design methodology and principles of reconfigurable force amplification mechanism is presented based on bionics. Following a few basic rules, engineers could use bars to construct innovative structures with various functions to meet practical requirements. Some example cases are displayed along with related equations. The effects of lever and toggle mechanism in series are compared to that of ordinary systems. The former displays remarkable advantages.
Mechanical Analysis of a Cowcatcher for a High-Speed Train in Crashing
Authors: Li Song Yan , Zheng Zhi Jun , Yu Ji Lin
Published: October 2013

A finite element model of a cowcatcher mounted at the front of a high-speed train is established and the processes when the head car crashes a rigid wall or an obstacle at different speeds are simulated by using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. The results show that with the cowcatcher the passenger deceleration would decrease and the kinetic energy can be absorbed more quickly when the head car crashes a rigid wall. When a train crashes an obstacle on the track at a low speed, say 10m/s, the obstacle is turned up, which may destroy upper structures of the train. When the speed is high, say 50m/s, the obstacle will crash into the cowcatcher and the kinetic energy of the train will be absorbed by the front part of the cowcatcher.
Modeling and Validation of Air Suspension with Auxiliary Chamber Based on Electromechanical Analogy Theory
Authors: Xu Xing , Jiang Hong , Gao Ming Hong
Published: October 2013

In order to effectively avoid the complexity and difficulty in analyzing the differential equations during the modeling process of air suspensions with auxiliary air chambers, electromechanical similarity theories were introduced, an equivalent electrical model was developed by analyzing parameters interaction relationship of the parts between electromechanical systems and mechanical system. The electrical model was verified and validated through comparisons and analysis between characteristic tests towards air suspension with auxiliary air chamber and simulation of equivalent electrical model.
3-D Numerical Simulation on Micro-Hole of the Common-Rail Pipe Abrasive Flow Machining
Authors: Guo Hao , Li Jun Ye , Ma Teng Fei
Published: October 2013

Common-rail pipe is an important component of fuel injection system, whose inner cavity is hidden and requires a high precision. So that the general mechanical processing is difficult to achieve, while abrasive flow machining just be able to solve this problem. In this article, the three-dimensional model of common-rail pipe is established and meshed by GAMBIT, next the mesh file is read into FLUENT, and then the Mixture model is used for numerical simulation. By analyzing the simulation results, we can get how will the pressure difference between inlet and outlet, the volume fraction of abrasive, and the processing order impact on the processing quality. Finally, a reasonable processing program is proposed for the common-rail pipe.
Discrete Element Numerical Analysis and Experimental Study of Forces in Grinding of Granite
Authors: Ye Yong , Kang Liang
Published: October 2013

Grinding test was carried out to study the grinding of granite with single diamond grain. Forces were measured to investigate the mean normal and tangential forces acted on the diamond grain. The relationship between the forces and either spindle speed or the maximum thickness of the undeformed chip produced by a diamond grain was discussed. The digital models of granite were constructed by discrete element method. Based on the model, two-dimensional and 3-D analysis was carried out to simulate the grinding process with the single diamond grain. The simulation results were compared with experimental data, and some useful conclusions were obtained: the 3-D results agree well with the experiment data at the sameand largeas well as the sameand large; the 3-D and 2-D results are comparable to the experiment data at other machining parameters..
ODS Analysis on the Rack of Batching System Mixer
Authors: Zhang Li , Nie Guang Yuan
Published: October 2013

By using ODS (Operating Deflection Shapes) technology, the modal parameters of the rack of a batching system mixer under operating condition are identified and the modal shape and modal damping ratio of the rack in a few working frequencies are obtained. The results show that, the batching machine rack on working condition has a significant effect on some frequency and the work principal modes that appear as before and after exercise of two beams above the rack and swaying motion of the brackets of the two side surface. This paper provides a valuable reference for the structure vibration optimization of batching system mixer.
The Research of Mooring System of FPSO and its Application
Authors: Guo Ting , Qin Hong De , Jiang Bin
Published: October 2013

The far-flung ocean has abundant resource and the exploitation area of ocean oil and gas is developing from offshore to deepwater and ultra-deepwater following the increase demand for oil and gas resource. Therefore, one of the floating structures for deepwater exploitation is FPSO. The yaw of FPSO is more important problem to solve, the mooring system can be reduce the yaw and improve the stability. This paper research the mooring system of FPSO in South China Sea. A comprehensive review is introduced about the research on FPSO hydrodynamic in the world, including the coupling hydrodynamic analysis of deepwater FPSO with the mooring system. The results indicate that with the mooring system the FPSO can drilling in stable area, because the mooring system provide huge load. The FPSO with single point mooring system can control the displacement of FPSO effectively.
Numerical Research on Damage Detection of Simple Supported Beam Based on the Natural Frequency Vector Method
Authors: Wei Zhao Lan , Zhu Zhan Yuan , Guo Zi Hong
Published: October 2013

The natural frequency vector method for damage identification was inferred theoretically, on the basis of the natural frequency vector and its assurance criterion. Take the simple supported beam as an example to carry out numerical research: used the modified dynamic model and the method of rigidity reduce to simulate the damage at different degrees and different positions, calculated the damage structure sequence natural frequency, and formed the natural frequency vector damage features database; and then simulated 3 conditions, calculated and compared the natural frequency vector between different conditions and the damage features database, so that the damage position and degree could be detected. The result showed that this method can distinguish the damage position and degree accurately.
Design of Torsional Vibration Controller for Motor-Gearbox/Differential Drive System of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Xu Jian Fu , Yu Peng , Zhang Tong , Guo Rong
Published: October 2013

A torsional controller is proposed for the motor-gearbox/differential drive system of electric vehicles to suppress the torsional vibration of the system. The drive system is simplified to a 2-mass spring damper system, and the state-space equation is set up. A controller consisting of linear quadratic regular (LQR) and state observer is designed. The results of simulation show that LQR can suppress the torsional vibration effectively, enhancing the driving performance of the vehicle.
Experiment Study of Dispersion Uniformity of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide
Authors: Hao Shan Shan , Wang Wen Xue , Tang Hui
Published: October 2013

As carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites combine the excellent mechanical properties of carbon fiber with good oxidation resistance of silicon carbide, considering material properties and economic cost, so much attention has been focused on short fiber reinforced ceramic matrix. but short carbon fiber is difficult to uniformly dispersed in the silicon carbide matrix, so how to disperse short carbon fibers in the matrix has become the key to prepare composite materials. In this article, through three processing methods to improve the dispersion, the three method are surface treatment of short carbon fibers, changing the mixed material ball milling time and adding a certain amount of SiC whisker. Results showed that the three processing methods all can improve the dispersion of short carbon fibers in silicon carbide matrix, but the dispersion effect also are different and the mechanism are different.the composites with better dispersion can achieved when carbon fibers which oxidized in concentrated nitric acid (68%) for 90minutes,and ball milling time was 48h and the concentration of SiC whisker was 5%.
The Research of Fault Diagnosis Method for ECU Controllers in Electric Vehicles Based on CAN Bus
Authors: Nan Jin Rui , Huang Jun Kui , Chai Zhi , Lin Cheng
Published: October 2013

With the increasing degree of automotive electronics, automotive electronic control systems continue to increase and a large amount of these complex systems using electronic chips to perform their own function, making them very difficult to repair. For ease of maintenance, automotive electronic control systems are generally designed with self-diagnostic function, which is usually referred to OBD diagnostic feature that can automatically diagnose faults of systems, store the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in memory and can be read through the communication port. This article mainly focuses on fault diagnostic method for ECU in electric vehicle based on CAN bus, for electric vehicles are developed very fast in order to solve the energy crisis and environmental pollution. This diagnostic system described in the article has designed a host computer and a lower machine. The development of software in host computer is based on LabVIEW virtual instrument technology and NEC micro-processing chip is used to develop the lower machine, achieving the automatic and controlled ECU test.
Optimization on Control Time Sequence of Double-Pump Hydraulic System of Concrete Pump
Authors: Xie Hai Bo , Chen Jian , Yang Hua Yong , Liu Zhi Bin , Zhen Yu , Zhang Jin , Wang Jia Qian
Published: October 2013

This research mainly investigates the control time sequence in the open circuit double-pump hydraulic system of the concrete pump. The control time sequence is the electrical signals given to the two pumps and the pilot valves of the two main valves. Under the signals’ control, the valves are switched and the flowrate of the two pumps becomes low during the valve switch in order to save energy and reduce the impact pressure. According to the actual hydraulic components, the simulation models about two main hydraulic circuits which are pumping circuit and distributing circuit including directional valves, the pump with the function of constant power control with pressure cut-off and electrical stroke limiter, the two pumping cylinders with cushion structure and distributing structure are developed with software AMESim. On the basis of the two circuits model, an integrated simulation model is developed. Having been validated by the pumping water experiment, the simulation model is used to simulate different control time sequence. Based on the analysis of these simulation results, a proper control time sequence which ensures the pumping system has higher pumping efficiency and longer cylinder stroke is achieved.
Investigation of Diagnostic Methods of Electron Number Density in Laser Plasma
Authors: Li Lan , Li Qian , Li Yong
Published: October 2013

Langmuir probe, interferometry/reflectometry and optical emission spectroscopy, diagnostic methods in common use for plasma, were analyzed. Basic principles, system compositions and applicable range were compared with each other. Optical emission spectroscopy method is easy to obtain temporal and spatial information and has large measuring range, which is more suitable for diagnosis for laser plasma.
Study on Key Issues of Two-Wheel Auto-Balance Vehicle Based on Magnetic Navigation
Authors: Zhang Ya Wei , Ren Ren Kai
Published: October 2013

Considering the two-wheel auto-balance vehicle system is complex and difficult to control, study on control system and assembly way of the vehicle have been made. The control system can be divided into balance control, speed control and steering control, and solutions to key issues of control system are proposed. Based on rollover prevention, a two-wheel vehicle is designed with low center of gravity. The results indicate that the solutions have increased speed and stability of the vehicle.
CCD Video Information Acquisition Technology Based on Image Pattern
Authors: Wang Han Bing , Chao Yin , Lei Lei , Cheng Xu De , Zheng Xiao Yan , Zheng Yuan
Published: October 2013

Our research was conducted based on the development of some antitank missile CCD observer test system. Combining the function and working principal of a typical CCD observer, we undertook an in-depth study on the collection of the core output signal of the CCD observer, naming the video signal information, and the design of key software and hardware. Utilizing both digital and video collection technology, our study provides handling method of measuring angle precision, interference rejection as well as sensitivity. Using the most advanced technology, this system is characterized with a user-friendly interface, analytical visualization, and reliability.
The Reconstruction and Innovation of Regional Industry Design
Authors: Zhang Xue Dong , Chen Mei Song
Published: October 2013

Because studies of traditional regional creations neglected the main role and value of human, ignored daily goods for the service of ordinary people and the relevance with the nonmaterial culture resources such as folk literature, folk rituals, folk beliefs, regional design has turned into the imitating, patching and borrowing from traditional forms, styles and prototypes, and ultimately become an over-elaborated decorative display, and gone further and further away from the essence of life. Therefore, reconstruction of both the implicit and explicit knowledge systems of the regional cultural resources becomes necessary for the purpose of finding out the deep value of regional cultural creations. We should explore deep into the relationship system involving people, matter, place, time and meaning through events of culture and life to activate the value and meaning value of traditional regional creations in contemporary life and in accordance with the sense of belonging in cultures.
Structural and Concentration Heterogeneities during Formation of Silicide Phases in the Thin Film System Ti(5nm)/Ni(24nm)/Si(001)
Authors: Sidorenko S.I. , Voloshko S.M. , Мakogon Yu.M. , Pavlov O.P. , Kotenko I.E. , Zamulko S.O. , Konorev S.I.
Published: October 2013

By the methods of Auger-spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry of secondary ions, small-angle electron diffraction, X-ray and resistometry analyses the solid-state reactions in the Ti(5 nm)/ Ni(24 nm)/Si(001) thin film system at annealing in running nitrogen in the temperature interval of 723 – 1273 К are investigated. Regularities of phase transformations, consistency of solid-state reactions, layer-by-layer redistribution of components during annealing, features of surface morphology during formation of inclusions of silicide phases are established.
Studies on the g Factor and Hyperfine Structure Constant for Ir4+ in CdO
Authors: Hu Xian Fen , Wu Shao Yi , Ding Chang Chun
Published: October 2013

The isotropic g factor and hyperfine structure constant for Ir4+in CdO are theoretically studied from the perturbation formulas of these parameters for an octahedral 5d5cluster based on the cluster approach. The calculated results show good agreement with the experimental data. The ligand orbital contributions should be taken into account due to significant covalency of the system with high impurity valence state even in the oxide.
Analysis of Possibility of Use Peltier Modules in Task of Energy Scavenging
Authors: Lubikowski Kamil , Radkowski Stanisław , Szczurowski Krzysztof , Wikary Michał
Published: October 2013

Actually in motor industry, specialty in car market is tender to maximum utilization of energy included in fuel air mixture, which most of part of burning process is lost. In todays times Peltier module are generally available, which is mainly used in coolers for keeping of low temperature. They make use of Peltier phenomenon, relying on power module from electric net for manufactured low temperature on cold side that module. Module producers usually available voltages characteristics thats working modules.In realize research use that same modules but for recuperate electrical energy from temperature. Research target was in temperature equivalent on cold side and warm side check value of manufactured voltage from these modules. Utilized of Seebeck phenomenon depends on heat of warm side with simultaneously cool module cold side which manufacture electricity.In effect realize research findings series of results for which equivalent characteristics describing those module capacities. The first influence from realize research is fact that characteristics isnt identical with characteristics for that same modules manufactured low temperature.
Example of Diagnostic Inference Based on Uncertain and Partly Inconsistent Data with Application of the Approximate Statement Network
Authors: Skupnik Damian
Published: October 2013

The paper deals with diagnostic inference based on uncertain and simultaneously partly inconsistent data obtained, e.g. from different sensors. Such cases are very common in diagnostic practice and therefore there is a necessity to deal with them. Interesting approach to solving that kind of tasks consists in an application of the approximate statement network which represents the mutual relations between statements treated as necessary and sufficient conditions. The paper shows an example of applying a diagnostic model represented as the approximate statement network, to inference about technical state of a chosen object. The model was constructed in the REx system which also makes possible creating Bayesian and multimodal networks. Advantages and disadvantages concerning both constructing and using approximate statement networks were briefly described on the basis of obtained results. It seems that presented example shows the possibility of improving supervision systems, especially in regard to the complicated technical objects, by giving a mechanism of avoiding a confusion while making of diagnosis.
Identification of the Water-Cooled Fuel Injectors for Engines
Authors: Raunmiagi Zygmunt , Bielawski Piotr
Published: October 2013

The fuel injector acts a double role: it is the valve of the pump supplying fuel to the combustion chamber and the device spraying a supplied dose. As the valve it may operate as a self-opening or self-closing valve, depending on the pressure produced by the fuel pump, or the valve controlled by external signals. Techniques and diagnosis methods for fuel injectors depend on a fuel injectors control system and construction details. For practical reasons the fuel injector is a sectional valve with a separated component called atomizer. Atomizers must be cooled. It is possible to cool with fuel or with external water-or oil-cooling system. In case of liquid-cooled fuel injectors, apart from malfunctions causes known from literature, decrease of the cooling efficiency may appear, as the effect of the penetration of fuel from injector to the cooling system of injector. There are no reports concerning detectability of fuel leakage into cooling liquid with known techniques and diagnosis methods of injection systems and fuel injectors. In the article there will be presented as follows: a connection of the atomizer and injector body as the place of fuel leakage into the cooling system, reasons for loss of leak tightness in connection of atomizer with the body of atomizer and methods applicable for the leak tightness analysis, mechanisms of injectors malfunction caused by the loss of leak tightness. The analysis of applied and possible methods of injectors diagnosis in the aspect of identification of said leakiness will be carried out.
Triple Correlation Technique for Damage Detection in Composite Materials
Authors: Strączkiewicz Marcin , Klepka Andrzej , Staszewski Wieslaw Jerzy , Aymerich Francesco
Published: October 2013

Over the last few decades a number of different techniques have been developed for impact damage detection in composite structures. The most frequently used methods in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) are: ultrasonic testing, acoustics emission, X-ray and visual inspection. These methods are quite effective but often require expensive equipment, a large number of transducers or highly qualified staff. Additionally, these techniques are used locally. Therefore monitoring of large structures in many cases is very difficult or even impossible. Recent years have seen many new developments mostly free from these limitations. This paper investigates the triple correlation technique for impact damage detection in composite structures. The method correlates fundamental and higher harmonics of signal vibration response
A role of active brown adipose tissue in cancer cachexia?
Authors: Beijer Emiel , Schoenmakers Janna , Vijgen Guy , Kessels Fons , Dingemans Anne-Marie , Schrauwen Patrick , Wouters Miel , Van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter , Teule Jaap , Brans Boudewijn
Published: October 2013

Until a few years ago, adult humans were not thought to have brown adipose tissue (BAT). Now, this is a rapidly evolving field of research with perspectives in metabolic syndromes such as obesity and new therapies targeting its bio-energetic pathways. White, brown and socalled brite adipose fat seem to be able to trans-differentiate into each other, emphasizing the dynamic nature of fat tissue for metabolism. Human and animal data in cancer cachexia to date provide some evidence for BAT activation, but its quantitative impact on energy expenditure and weight loss is controversial. Prospective clinical studies can address the potential role of BAT in cancer cachexia using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography scanning, with careful consideration of co-factors such as diet, exposure to the cold, physical activity and body mass index, that all seem to act on BAT recruitment and activity.
Quality of life outcomes in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Paraskevi Theofilou
Published: October 2013

Health-related quality of life is now considered an important endpoint in cancer clinical trials. It has been shown that assessing quality of life in cancer patients could contribute to improved treatment and could even serve as a prognostic factor along with medical parameters. This paper presents a review of quality of life outcomes in patients with breast cancer according to previous descriptive findings. This is a bibliographic review of the literature covering publications that appeared in English language biomedical journals between 1987 and 2008. The search strategy included a combination of the key words quality of life and breast cancer in the titles of published articles. The major findings are summarized and presented under different headings: evaluation of health-related quality of life i) at the time of diagnosis, ii) during treatment, and iii) after the completion of treatment. Breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy might experience several side-effects and symptoms that have a negative effect on their quality of life. Also adjuvant hormonal therapies were found to have a similar negative impact on quality of life. Psychological distress-anxiety and depression were found to be common among breast cancer patients. Symptoms-pain, fatigue, and insomnia were among the most common symptoms reported. There was quite an extensive body of literature on quality of life in breast cancer patients. These papers have made a considerable contribution to improving breast cancer care.
Role of viruses in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Metgud Rashmi , Astekar Madhusudan , Verma Meenal , Sharma Ashish
Published: October 2013

The etiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is complex and involves many factors. The most clearly defined risk factors are smoking and alcohol, which substantially increase the risk of oral SCC. However, despite this clear association, a substantial proportion of patients develop OSCC without exposure to them, emphasizing the role of other risk factors such as genetic susceptibility and oncogenic viruses. Some viruses are strongly associated with OSCC while the association of others is less frequent and may depend on co-factors for their carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the exact role of viruses must be evaluated with care in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.
A literature review to investigate the link between psychosocial characteristics and treatment adherence in cancer patients
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi , Panagiotaki Helen
Published: October 2013

Adherence to medication has been recognized as a key issue in health outcomes and efforts to improve patients’ adherence are being made by the pharmaceutical industry, experts, and government bodies alike. This paper presents a review of these issues according to previous descriptive findings. Relevant studies written in English, published in 1976 or later, were identified through Medline, Embase and PsycInfo databases and reviewed. Review articles and clinical trials were excluded; all observational studies and surveys were considered. Articles were reviewed for any discussion of patients’ characteristics and psychosocial characteristics affecting adherence to cancer treatment. The search strategy included a combination of key words adherence and cancer in titles. The major findings are summarized and presented under two main headings: i) patients’ characteristics; and ii) psychosocial characteristics. In general, factors associated with increased likelihood of adherence to cancer treatment included younger age, higher education, higher income and Caucasian ethnicity. With regards to the psychosocial factors, lower levels of depression and anxiety, optimism as well as social support seemed to have a positive effect on treatment adherence. Studies of patterns of care in cancer treatment can help identify challenges in health care provided to particular subgroups of cancer patients and can aid researchers in designing studies that account for such factors in clinical and outcomes’ research.
On Crowd-verification of Biological Networks
Authors: Ansari Sam , Binder Jean , Boue Stephanie , Di Fabio Anselmo , Hayes William , Hoeng Julia , Iskandar Anita , Kleiman Robin , Norel Raquel , O'neel Bruce , Peitsch Manuel C. , Poussin Carine , Pratt Dexter , Rhrissorrakrai Kahn , Schlage Walter K. , Stolovitzky Gustavo , Talikka Marja
Published: October 2013

Biological networks with a structured syntax are a powerful way of representing biological information generated from high density data; however, they can become unwieldy to manage as their size and complexity increase. This article presents a crowd-verification approach for the visualization and expansion of biological networks.

Web-based graphical interfaces allow visualization of causal and correlative biological relationships represented using Biological Expression Language (BEL). Crowdsourcing principles enable participants to communally annotate these relationships based on literature evidences. Gamification principles are incorporated to further engage domain experts throughout biology to gather robust peer-reviewed information from which relationships can be identified and verified.

The resulting network models will represent the current status of biological knowledge within the defined boundaries, here processes related to human lung disease. These models are amenable to computational analysis. For some period following conclusion of the challenge, the published models will remain available for continuous use and expansion by the scientific community.
Modeling the present and future impact of aviation on climate: an AOGCM approach with online coupled chemistry
Authors: Huszar P. , Teyssèdre H. , Michou M. , Voldoire A. , Olivié D. J. L. , Saint-Martin D. , Cariolle D. , Senesi S. , Salas Y Melia D. , Alias A. , Karcher F. , Ricaud P. , Halenka T.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Our work is among the first that use an atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) with online chemistry to evaluate the impact of future aviation emissions on temperature. Other particularities of our study include non-scaling to the aviation emissions, and the analysis of models' transient response using ensemble simulations. The model we use is the Météo-France CNRM-CM5.1 earth system model extended with the REPROBUS chemistry scheme. The time horizon of our interest is 1940–2100, assuming the A1B SRES scenario. We investigate the present and future impact of aviation emissions of CO2, NOx and H2O on climate, taking into account changes in greenhouse gases, contrails and contrail-induced cirrus (CIC). As in many transport-related impact studies, we distinguish between the climate impacts of CO2 emissions and those of non-CO2 emissions. Aviation-produced aerosol is not considered in the study. Our modeling system simulated a notable sea-ice bias in the Arctic, and therefore results concerning the surface should be viewed with caution. The global averaged near-surface CO2 impact reaches around 0.1 K by the end of the 21st century, while the non-CO2 impact reaches 0.2 K in the second half of the century. The NOx emissions impact is almost negligible in our simulations, as our aviation-induced ozone production is small. As a consequence, the non-CO2 signal is very similar to the CIC signal. The seasonal analysis shows that the strongest warming due to aviation is modeled for the late summer and early autumn. In the stratosphere, a significant cooling is attributed to aviation CO2 emissions (−0.25 K by 2100). A −0.3 K temperature decrease is modeled when considering all the aviation emissions, but no significant signal appears from the CIC or NOx forcings in the stratosphere.
The fine-scale structure of the trade wind cumuli over Barbados – an introduction to the CARRIBA project
Authors: Siebert H. , Beals M. , Bethke J. , Bierwirth E. , Conrath T. , Dieckmann K. , Ditas F. , Ehrlich A. , Farrell D. , Hartmann S. , Izaguirre M. A. , Katzwinkel J. , Nuijens L. , Roberts G. , Schäfer M. , Shaw R. A. , Schmeissner T. , Serikov I. , Stevens B. , Stratmann F. , Wehner B. , Wendisch M. , Werner F. , Wex H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The CARRIBA (Cloud, Aerosol, Radiation and tuRbulence in the trade wInd regime over BArbados) project, focused on high resolution and collocated measurements of thermodynamic, turbulent, microphysical, and radiative properties of trade wind cumuli over Barbados, is introduced. The project is based on two one-month field campaigns in November 2010 (climatic wet season) and April 2011 (climatic dry season). Observations are based on helicopter-borne and ground-based measurements in an area of 100 km2 off the coast of Barbados. CARRIBA is accompanied by long-term observations at the Barbados Cloud Observatory located at the East coast of Barbados since early in 2010 and which provides a longer-term context for the CARRIBA measurements. The deployed instrumentation and sampling strategy are presented together with a classification of the meteorological conditions. The two campaigns were influenced by different air masses advected from the Caribbean area, the Atlantic Ocean, and the African continent which led to distinct aerosol conditions. Pristine conditions with low aerosol particle number concentrations of ~100 cm3 were alternating with periods influenced by Saharan dust or aerosol from biomass burning resulting in comparably high number concentrations of ~ 500 cm3. The biomass burning aerosol was originating from both the Caribbean area and Africa. The shallow cumulus clouds responded to the different aerosol conditions with a wide range of mean droplet sizes and number concentrations. Two days with different aerosol and cloud microphysical properties but almost identical meteorological conditions have been analyzed in detail. The differences in the droplet number concentration and droplet sizes appear not to show any significant change for turbulent cloud mixing, but the relative roles of droplet inertia and sedimentation in initiating coalescence, as well as the cloud reflectivity, do change substantially.
Will the role of intercontinental transport change in a changing climate?
Authors: Glotfelty T. , Zhang Y. , Karamchandani P. , Streets D. G.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Intercontinental transport of atmospheric pollution (ITAP) can offset the impact of local emission control efforts, impact human and ecosystem health, and play a role in climate forcing. This study aims to determine the role of ITAP caused by East Asian anthropogenic emissions (EAAEs) under current and future emission and climate scenarios. ITAP from East Asia is enhanced in the future due to faster wind speeds aloft and a stronger low pressure center over Eastern Russia that facilitate enhanced westerly export in the free troposphere and stronger southerly transport near the surface, increased gaseous precursor emissions, and increased temperatures. As a result, the contribution of ozone (O3) generated by EAAEs to the global average O3 mixing ratio increases by ~0.8 ppb from 1.2 ppb in 2001 to 2.0 ppb in 2050. The contribution of PM2.5 generated by EAAEs to the global PM2.5 level increases by ~0.07 μg m−3 from 0.32 μg m−3 in 2001 to 0.39 μg m−3 in 2050, despite a non-homogenous response in PM2.5 resulting from cloud and radiative feedbacks. EAAEs can increase East Asian biogenic secondary organic aerosol by 10–81%, indicating that it is largely controllable. EAAEs also increase the deposition of nitrogen, black carbon, and mercury both locally and downwind, implying that they may play a role in climate feedbacks and ecosystem health of these regions. These results show that EAAEs have a~large impact on global air quality and climate, especially on downwind regions. Such impacts may be enhanced under future climate and emission scenarios, demonstrating a need to synergize global pollution control and climate mitigation efforts.
Fluxes of particulate organic carbon in the East China Sea in summer
Authors: Hung C.-C. , Tseng C.-W. , Gong G.-C. , Chen K.-S. , Chen M.-H. , Hsu S.-C.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. To understand carbon cycling in marginal seas better, particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations, POC fluxes and primary production (PP) were measured in the East China Sea (ECS) in summer 2007. Higher concentrations of POC were observed in the inner shelf, and lower POC values were found in the outer shelf. Similar to POC concentrations, elevated uncorrected POC fluxes (720–7300 mg C m−2 d−1) were found in the inner shelf, and lower POC fluxes (80–150 mg C m−2 d−1) were in the outer shelf, respectively. PP values (~ 340–3380 mg C m−2 d−1) had analogous distribution patterns to POC fluxes, while some of PP values were significantly lower than POC fluxes, suggesting that contributions of resuspended particles to POC fluxes need to be appropriately corrected. A vertical mixing model was used to correct effects of bottom sediment resuspension, and the lowest and highest corrected POC fluxes were in the outer shelf (58 ± 33 mg C m−2 d−1) and the inner shelf (785 ± 438 mg C m−2 d−1), respectively. The corrected POC fluxes (486 to 785 mg C m−2 d−1) in the inner shelf could be the minimum value because we could not exactly distinguish the effect of POC flux from Changjiang influence with turbid waters. The results suggest that 27–93% of the POC flux in the ECS might be from the contribution of resuspension of bottom sediments rather than from the actual biogenic carbon sinking flux. While the vertical mixing model is not a perfect model to solve sediment resuspension because it ignores biological degradation of sinking particles, Changjiang plume (or terrestrial) inputs and lateral transport, it makes significant progress in both correcting the resuspension problem and in assessing a reasonable quantitative estimate of POC flux in a marginal sea.
Challenges in modeling ice floods on the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia reach of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Fu C. , Popescu I. , Wang C. , Mynett A. E. , Zhang F.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. During winter the Yellow River in China is frequently subjected to ice flood disasters. Possible dike-breaking due to ice floods poses a serious threat to the part of the region located along the river, in particular the Ning-Meng reach (including Ningxia Hui and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region). Due to its special geographical location and river flow direction, the ice dams and jams lead to dike-breaking and overtopping on the embankment, which has resulted in huge casualties and property losses throughout history. Therefore, there is a growing need to develop capability in forecasting and analysing river ice floods. Research into ice floods along the river is taking place at the Yellow River Conservancy Commission (YRCC). A numerical model is one of the essential parts of the current research going on at the YRCC, which can be used to supplement the inadequacies in the field and lab studies which are being carried out to help understand the physical processes of river ice on the Yellow River. Based on the available data about the Ning-Meng reach of the Yellow River, the YRCC River Ice Dynamic Model (YRIDM) has been tested for capabilities to conduct ice flood forecasting. The YRIDM can be applied to simulate water level, discharge, water temperature, and ice cover thickness under unsteady-state conditions. Different scenarios were designed to explore the model uncertainty for two bounds (5% and 95%) and probability distribution. The YRIDM is an unsteady-state flow model that can show the basic regular pattern of ice floods; hence it can be used as an important tool to support decision-making. The recommendation is that data and research should be continued in order to support the model and to measure improvements.
Nonlinear probability distributions of waves in bimodal following and crossing seas generated in laboratory experiments
Authors: Petrova P. G. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This paper presents an analysis of the nonlinear distributions of crests, troughs and heights of deep water waves from mixed following sea states generated mechanically in an offshore basin and compares with previous results for mixed crossing seas from the same experiment. The random signals at the wavemaker in both types of mixed seas are characterized by bimodal spectra following the model of Guedes Soares (1984). In agreement with the Benjamin–Feir mechanism, the high-frequency spectrum shows decrease of the peak magnitude and downshift of the peak with the distance, as well as reduction of the tail. The observed statistics and probabilistic distributions exhibit, in general, increasing effects of third-order nonlinearity with the distance from the wavemaker. However, this effect is less pronounced in the wave systems with two following wave trains than in the crossing seas with identical initial spectral characteristics. The relevance of third-order effects due to free modes only is demonstrated and assessed by excluding the vertically asymmetric distortions induced by bound-wave effects of second and third order. The fact that for records characterized by relatively large coefficient of kurtosis, the empirical distributions for the non-skewed profiles continue deviating from the linear predictions, corroborate the relevance of free-wave interactions and thus the need of using higher-order models for the description of wave data.
Uncertainties in Arctic sea ice thickness and volume: new estimates and implications for trends
Authors: Zygmuntowska M. , Rampal P. , Ivanova N. , Smedsrud L. H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Sea ice volume has been found to decrease in the last decades, evoked by changes in sea ice area and thickness. Estimates of sea ice area and thickness rely on a number of geophysical parameters which introduce large uncertainties. To quantify these uncertainties we use freeboard retrievals from ICESat and investigate different assumptions on snow depth, sea ice density and area. We find that uncertainties in ice area are of minor importance for the estimates of sea ice volume during the cold season in the Arctic basin. The choice of mean ice density used when converting sea ice freeboard into thickness mainly influences the resulting mean sea ice thickness, while snow depth on top of the ice is the main driver for the year-to-year variability, particularly in late winter. The absolute uncertainty in the mean sea ice thickness is 0.28 m in February/March and 0.21 m in October/November. The uncertainty in snow depth contributes up to 70% of the total uncertainty and the ice density 30–35%, with higher values in October/November. We find large uncertainties in the total sea ice volume and trend. The mean total sea ice volume is 10 120 ± 1278 km3 in October/November and 13 254 ± 1858 km3 in February/March for the time period 2005–2007. Based on these uncertainties we obtain trends in sea ice volume of −1445 ± 531 km^3 a−1 in October/November and −875 ± 257 km3 a−1 in February/March over the ICESat period (2003–2008). Our results indicate that, taking into account the uncertainties, the decline in sea ice volume in the Arctic between the ICESat (2003–2008) and CryoSat-2 (2010–2012) periods may have been less dramatic than reported in previous studies.
The role of cognitive bandwidth in more cost-effective CT scan usage: A study in reducing “prevention costs”
Authors: Madhavan Ramesh , Arsene Camelia , Sivakumar Sanjeev
Published: October 2013

Background: Research has shown preventative care measures aimed at reducing healthcare costs can actually increase them. The objective of this study was to observe the relationship between cognitive capacity and preventative CT scan use relative to best practice. Methods: Conducted in July 2012, the study involved a retrospective analysis of 825 consecutive head CT examinations performed over one month by ED physicians crossing three shifts in a large Detroit medical center. Military Acuity Model data mining and modeling techniques were used to examine the relationship between CT head yield to order timing in terms of cognitive capacity and decision fatigue relative to health risk reconciliation. Results: The study showed the number of CT scans ordered increased as physician shifts progressed, while the test value to clinical management decreased. Cognitive capacity was assumed to be at its highest at the start of physician shifts (when Decision Fatigue was lowest); Results indicated physicians were better able to evaluate CT scan use risks and trade-offs. Translating the study results into actual dollar amounts showed an opportunity cost of 26.7%, or more than $43,000 per month, for CT head/brain scan use alone. Conclusions: Ensuring the management of CT scan usage at the levels of efficiency demonstrated when the study physicians were performing at the level of their In-House Best Practice, is critical to maintaining high levels of patient care at the least possible cost. There is more than $1 million in potential annual cost savings attributable to this phenomenon of cognitive bandwidth affecting radiology decision-making for the average U.S. hospital.
A Influência da Gestão de Projetos na Qualidade de Serviços Prestados no Caixa: Um Projeto Desenvolvido em uma Empresa Varejista.
Authors: Bitencourt Lorene Carvalho , Garcez Marcos Paixão
Published: October 2013

Muitas empresas são provocadas a diferenciar-se pela qualidade de seus serviços para atender às expectativas dos clientes. Esse estudo relata o desenvolvimento de um projeto ocorrido em uma empresa varejista brasileira, o qual foi motivado por pesquisas de satisfação com os clientes. O tema é relevante, pois o setor é um dos mais dinâmicos da economia brasileira. O relato apresenta nuances do seu desenvolvimento, a necessidade de utilização de técnicas de gerenciamento de projetos e a busca pelo fomento da cultura de qualidade de serviços. Os resultados sugerem que a satisfação dos clientes pode ser influenciada pela gestão de projetos.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i1.136