bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ageing Testing Procedures on Lithium Batteries in an International Collaboration Context
Authors: Conte Mario , Conte Fiorentino V. , Bloom Ira D. , Morita Kenji , Ikeya Tomohiko , Belt Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2018

The widespread introduction of electrically-propelled vehicles is currently part of many political strategies and introduction plans. These new vehicles, ranging from limited (mild) hybrid to plug-in hybrid to fully-battery powered, will rely on a new class of advanced storage batteries, such as those based on lithium, to meet different technical and economical targets. The testing of these batteries to determine the performance and life in the various applications is a time-consuming and costly process that is not yet well developed. There are many examples of parallel testing activities that are poorly coordinated, for example, those in Europe, Japan and the US. These costs and efforts may be better leveraged through international collaboration, such as that possible within the framework of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Here, a new effort is under development that will establish standardized, accelerated testing procedures and will allow battery testing organizations to cooperate in the analysis of the resulting data. This paper reviews the present state-of-the-art in accelerated life testing procedures in Europe, Japan and the US. The existing test procedures will be collected, shortly described, compared and analyzed with the goal of defining a process and a possible working plan for the establishment of an international collaboration.
A Multi-hybrid Energy System for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Chau K. T. , Chan C. C.
Published: May 2018

Recently the thermoelectric-photovoltaic (TE-PV) hybrid energy system for hybrid electric vehicles has been proposed. However, the output voltage of this TE-PV hybrid energy system is governed by the voltage of the battery, which is affected by the state of charge of the battery and the charging/discharging current. Furthermore, in order to improve the power density and life cycle of the battery, the ultracapacitor (UC) has been proposed to hybridize with the battery to form a hybrid energy storage system. In this paper, a multi-hybrid energy system is proposed for HEVs, which incorporates the advantages of the TE-PV hybrid subsystem and the ultracapacitor-battery (UC-B) hybrid subsystem. On the one side, the TE-PV hybrid subsystem can provide the higher fuel economy due to the increase of on-board renewable energy, the better energy security due to the use of multiple energy sources, and the higher control flexibility due to the coordination for charging the same pack of batteries. On the other side, the UC-B hybrid subsystem can provide faster transient power, higher power density and longer battery lifetime. Detailed simulations results are given to highlight the effectiveness of the designed multi-hybrid energy system.
An Efficient Energy Regeneration System for Diesel Engines
Authors: HUANG Ying , YANG Fuyuan , OUYANG Minggao , CHEN Lin , GAO Guojing , He Yongsheng
Published: May 2018

In order to further improve the fuel economy of vehicles, an efficient energy regeneration system for diesel engines is designed and constructed. An additional automatic clutch is added between the engine and the motor in a conventional ISG (Integrated Starter and Generator) system. During regenerative braking, the clutch can be disengaged and the engine braking is avoided. Control strategy is redesigned to determine the braking torque distribution and coordinate all the components. The generated electricity is increased and the fuel economy is improved. An experiment is designed to test the performance of the new energy regeneration system, and the result shows that during a regenerative braking test over 112% more electric energy can be regenerated without correcting for the fuel consumption at idle. Theoretical analysis also shows that the regenerated energy would be increased at least 63.1% for a single regenerative braking event with the new system, if we correct for the fuel consumption at idle.
Application for Step-skewing of Rotor of IPM Motors Used in EV
Authors: Ying Hongliang , Zhang Zhouyun , Gong Jun , Huang Surong , Ding Xuanming
Published: May 2018

Technique of Step-skewing of rotor (SSR) is much efficient to reduce the harmonics of Back EMF, minimize cogging torque and torque ripple. In EV & HEV applications, it can conspicuously increase the torque control precision, decrease torque ripple, thus improve the vehicle comfort. This paper analyzed the no-load and load performance of motor with step-skewed rotor and another with slot-skewed stator. Through comparing the performance of each motor, this paper revealed the advantage of step-skew technique. The conclusion is verified by FEA and experiment. Copyright form of EVS25.
Challenges of an electronically distributed all wheel drive on basis of a “retrofit” full hybrid 4WD solution
Authors: Schruth Rainer , Sandoni Germano , Kriegler Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

One important task of electrification of vehicle powertrain is the functional integration of all new systems in respect of the performance, comfort and emission restrictions. In this particular case, starting from a mass produced vehicle platform in the small vehicle segment, the requirement was to keep the originally installed powertrain largely unchanged, but on the other hand enabling hybrid operating functions such as boosting and recuperating and additionally providing some torque vectoring features, under all relevant driving situations. The paper describes and explains the possibilities and limitations of an electrically supported four wheel drive system: first in simulation by use of a mathematical model and then, the experiences gained in the actual development of a prototype car, will be reported. A special focus will be put on the methodology of the development of a model based hybrid controller.
Development of the Electric Control Unit for a Full Hybrid Power-train Structure
Authors: Kong Zhiguo , Shi Guangkui , Wang Bin , Wang Hongxiu
Published: May 2018

A function modularization control system is established for the vehicle with a new full hybrid power-train structure consisting of two electric motors and a set of coupling device. Control strategies based on ICE optimized operation schedule are utilized to improve the power-train efficiency and to reduce fuel consumption. With the development tool of MATLAB/SIMULINK and special debugging tool, a prototype of multi-energy control unit is completed. Over 5,000 kilometers road test of the vehicle shows the feasibility and reliability. And the performance of the vehicle has been improved.
Impact of cut edges on magnetization curves and iron losses in e-machines for automotive traction
Authors: Vandenbossche Lode , Jacobs Sigrid , Henrotte François , Hameyer Kay
Published: May 2018

At last year's edition of EVS, we presented an improved model for iron losses prediction in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) [1]. The benefit of this model holds in that it fits more closely the real material behavior than the standard Steinmetz or Bertotti approaches [2], by including 1) magnetic material characteristics measured at high frequency and 2) an improved representation of iron losses at the approach to saturation (by introducing a higher order term in J). We are taking this model a step further by considering now another phenomenon impacting iron losses in electrical machines: the decrease of magnetic permeability and the increase of local hysteresis loss at the vicinity of lamination edges due to the cutting process. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the impact of lamination processing (cutting, punching, etc) for high quality low loss electrical steels used in automotive traction applications. It is important to perform the analysis over a wide frequency range, because of the large speed range of PMSM drives in automotive applications and the presence of higher harmonics (PWM supply). Our approach consists in measuring the material characteristics for sample sets with different ratios of degraded vs. non degraded material and at various frequencies. Starting from that experimental data we propose a method to determine the local magnetization curves, as function of distance from the cut edge. These local material characteristics can then be implemented in a FE model so that the effect of punching on the machine performance can be determined quantitatively: (1) the cutting impact on magnetization modification allows more precise field calculations; (2) a proposition is made on the implementation of the cutting impact on the loss calculations in post processing via an enhanced version of the loss model developed in [1].
Integrated Design of In-Wheel Motor System on Rear Wheels for Small Electric Vehicle
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Shin Kyeongho , Kim Youngkwang , Cheon Jaeseung
Published: May 2018

Generally, In-Wheel motor system consists of suspension, steering, electric motor, friction brake, and wheel and varies with the combination structure of each component. However, the key point of In-Wheel motor system to be applied in small electric vehicle is the integration capability to meet the requirements such as wheel space, power performance, strength of components and so on. This paper describes integration methodology for In-Wheel motor system on the rear axle with the consideration of the restricted wheel space and unsprung mass. In addition, optimization of the motor housing is performed to improve mass and strength of the In-Wheel motor housing according to the test specification of weight transfer from the tire patch. It is found from the results that the prototype In-Wheel motor system meets the vehicle performances and strength requirements.
Key Parameters Investigation on Small Cycle Fuel Injection Quantity for a Diesel Engine Electronic Unit Pump System
Authors: Fan Liyun , Tian Bingqi , Ma Xiuzhen
Published: May 2018

In order to meet the China’s PHASE III and emission Ⅳ legislations, Electronic Unit Pump (EUP) system has been used by many diesel engine companies in China. The fluctuation on small cycle fuel injection quantity (SCFIQ) has great influence on the stability at small load operation of the diesel engine. A numerical model of the EUP system was built in the AMESim environment for the purpose of computing and analyzing the fluctuation on the SCFIQ. The influence of the different parameters on small cycle fuel injection quantity fluctuation (SCFIQF) has been obtained by the AMESim simulation model. By computing and analyzing, the quantitative percentage index of the influence on SCFIQ caused by different parameters also has been obtained. The influence percentage of injector characteristic parameters is from 35.8% to 60.8%, plunger characteristic parameters is from 20.3% to 34.8%, low pressure supply fuel characteristics is from 0 to 20.2%, and valve characteristic parameters is form 6.6% to 23.2% with the revolution range from 500r/min to 1300r/min. Based on the design of experiment (DOE) method, take the without interaction and interaction into consideration, the correlations of SCFIQ and different factors have been obtained and analyzed. Copyright Form of EVS25.
Parallel Hybrid (Boosted) Range Extender Powertrain
Authors: Debal Patrick , Faid Saphir , Bervoets Steven
Published: May 2018

The parallel hybrid powertrain developed by Punch Powertrain provides also a nice solution for range extender and boosted range extender vehicles. While most range extender solutions like the GM Volt or the Jaguar XJ Limo Green Hybrid Concept have a series hybrid topology Punch‘s uses a parallel hybrid topology. A parallel topology offers a higher efficiency when the vehicle is driven in hybrid mode. This is even more the case by applying the strategy developed at Punch for this powertrain. This strategy can narrow down the combined engine and CVT operation to peak efficiency.This parallel topology does not only offer the possibility to extend the EV-range of the vehicle, it also allows extending the power in cases the vehicle is used in high power situations its EV powertrain is not designed for. By applying this powertrain in vehicles used for urban and suburban deliveries the electric powertrain can be sized for the majority of its use, i.e. low to medium speed driving using low to medium power. The engine can kick in when more power is required, e.g. high speed driving or accelerating with high payloads.Consequently this concept allows using a lower power rating for the electric powertrain (motor/generator and battery). Due to its parallel topology also one electric machine is required. These cost advantages come with the necessity to use a CVT transmission. Most parts of this transmission are already made in high volume while the other parts are carried over from the other hybrid powertrains from Punch. Consequently this CVT transmission can be produced at low cost.As such Punch Powertrain offers a valid alternative to equip electric vehicles with a cost and fuel efficient range extender or boosted range extender powertrain.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Macau
Authors: Ching T.W.
Published: May 2018

Electric vehicles (EVs) are clean due to their zero local emissions and low global emissions. They are also green due to their environmental friendliness, since electricity can be generated by renewable sources. Despite these obvious benefits, EVs have not been widely used around the world; the key reasons are due to their high initial cost, short driving range or lack of charging facilities. With the growing concerns on price fluctuation, depletion of petroleum resources and global warming, there is fast growing interest in EVs in Macau. Thus, it is a pressing need for researchers and power utilities to develop various infrastructures for EV. This paper aims to present a time delay method for EV charging station, by shifting the night-time battery charging within the off-peak period, results are to fill in the valley of the system demand curve.
Analysis and design for VMS EMC based on MPC555
Authors: DING FENG , ZHANG JI
Published: May 2018

In order to ensure the vehicle management system (VMS) satisfy the RE and CE standards which are required by national regulations, the EMC design method is necessary to be integrated into the controller PCB design flow. Through filtering for signal line and decoupling for power system on VMS based on MPC555, the properties of VMS’ EMC are improved. With spectrum analyzer and EMSCAN near-field scanner, the feasibility of Antiinterference measures is verified. The VMS passed the CE test level 5 and the RE test level 4 in CISPR25: 2002.
Cabin Heat Removal from an Electric Car
Authors: Leong J.C. , Tseng C.-Y. , Tsai B.-D. , Hsiao Y.-F.
Published: May 2018

This work studies the feasibility of reducing the temperature in an electric car cabin through a ventilation device. The temperature and velocity fields in the cabin were simultaneously solved for through CFD means. Current results show that most of the solar irradiation energy is absorbed by the seats especially when they are directly hit by the sun beam. However, the seat temperature can be significantly brought down with the help of a ventilation device. There exists a flow rate which is sufficient enough to bring down the seat temperature.
Cost-Emission Analysis of Vehicle-to-Grid System
Authors: Wu Diyun Wu , Chau K.T. , Gao Shuang
Published: May 2018

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been widely accepted by general publics due to their low emissions. Particularly, those EVs which are able to be connected to power grid have earned lots of attention. In this paper, a multilayer framework is newly proposed for vehicle-to-grid operation and cost-emission analysis is carried out based on this framework. Hence, operation cost and emissions can be reduced by using these gridable EVs. The key is to introduce particle swarm optimization to find out the optimal scheduling of generating units and gridable EVs.
Environmental performance of a battery electric vehicle: a descriptive Life Cycle Assessment approach
Authors: Messagie M. , Boureima F. , Matheys J. , Sergeant N. , Timmermans J-M. , Macharis C. , Van Mierlo J.
Published: May 2018

In this paper the environmental impacts of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) are assessed in a Belgian context. A full descriptive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is performed, including the well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions (for a BEV these are the emissions coming from the electricity production) and the cradle-tograve emissions (related directly and indirectly to the production and the end-of-life (EOL) processing of the vehicle). First an overview of the energy consumption of the different vehicle technologies is given. This clearly shows that battery electric vehicles are less energy intensive than other vehicle technologies. Secondly, the environmental impacts of a BEV during its entire life cycle are assessed in detail. This illustrates the relative importance of the manufacturing step for a BEV and the strongly reduced environmental impact when recycling the battery. Furthermore, the influence of the electricity supply mix on the overall environmental impact of a BEV is assessed. The investigated electricity production plants include renewable and non-renewable resources: wind, hydro, nuclear, biogas, natural gas, oil and coal. The assessed impact categories are: acidification, human health and the greenhouse effect (GHE). A BEV has a better scores than a petrol vehicle except for the full coal or oil electricity production scenario, for which the BEV can have a bad score for human health and acidification.
Characteristics of CHAdeMO Quick Charging System
Authors: Anegawa Takafumi
Published: May 2018

In the transportation sector, electric vehicles (EV) are expected to play an instrumental role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions due to their eco-friendly and high-energy efficiency features. Further, in light of recent plans that have been announced globally to introduce the EV, it is believed that the spread of this new technology will be inevitable.Although EVs were on track to become widespread many times in the past, they never did take off and the underlying reason(s) why must be investigated so as to not repeat the same mistakes that had prevented the past dissemination of this revolutionary new technology.The major factor impeding the spread of EVs is the limited capacity of the lithium ion battery stored inside the vehicle. Although, there have been price and performance improvements allowing for widespread application to cell phones and computers etcetera, the exorbitant costs make substantial onboard battery enhancements prohibitive. Although the present infrastructure is unable to support electric vehicles, it is believed that with sufficient upgrades such facilities can be made useful and help pave the way for reduced battery capacity. In developing the design of the CHAdeMO standard quick charger, the following past infrastructure challenges were addressed.
Creating new value-added configurations in the electric vehicle industry
Authors: Wells Peter
Published: May 2018

As the electric vehicle industry prepares to make the transition from niche to volume applications, so it is apparent that the traditional automotive industry value chain is insufficient to the task. The successful production, sale and use of electric vehicles on a large scale demands that the industry look beyond traditional boundaries to create new value added configurations. In this perspective, electric vehicles are not simply another technology that can be folded into the existing way of doing business for the automotive industry. On the contrary, this paper seeks to show that the mass adoption of electric vehicles will bring new ways of creating and capturing added value. The growth of the electric vehicle sector is unlikely to be entirely monopolized by the existing major vehicle manufacturers, although it is entirely reasonable to expect that their overall preeminence will be preserved as the entities with the technological capability, brand reputation and marketing knowledge and structures to build and supply electric vehicles to customers. It is concluded that about designing product and mobility offerings to achieve market acceptance in the face of levels of fragmentation and turbulence unprecedented in the industry. Risk aversion may not constitute a viable strategy in these circumstances, but neither are there simple solutions to be applied.
Safety Design of CHAdeMO Quick Charging System
Authors: Anegawa Takafumi
Published: May 2018

At present, low-output 1 to 2 kW AC electric vehicle chargers are the norm for the charging infrastructure installed in residential areas and business offices. In order to shorten the charging times, there is a belief that it would be best to implement changes that would increase the kW output. However, an objective look at the conditions surrounding the charging process shows such modifications are not necessary. There is a sufficient amount of charging time available and the upgrading of the distribution power grid would require the installation of additional high-power electrical equipment that would ultimately burden users.Nevertheless, in some cases, fast charging is necessary. Hence, in order to fulfill this need, the installation of a moderate number of quick chargers would be more effective than increasing the output of the individual AC chargers in a halfway manner. The role of this quick-charging infrastructure would primarily be supplementary and in order to achieve a substantial reduction in the charging time, the output would have to be boosted up to around 50kW. Such upgrades would increase the risks associated with high voltage electricity such as electric shocks, burn injuries and fires.Therefore, after taking these risks into consideration, the CHAdeMO quick charger was designed so that general users will not be exposed to any unnecessary danger when charging their EVs. A report of the CHAdeMO quick charger design features is as follows.
A computer template to enhance patient-centredness in multimorbidity reviews: a qualitative evaluation in primary care
Authors: Mann Cindy , Shaw Alison , Wye Lesley , Salisbury Chris , Guthrie Bruce
Published: May 2018

Background

Computer templates for review of single long-term conditions are commonly used to record care processes, but they may inhibit communication and prevent patients from discussing their wider concerns.

Aim

To evaluate the effect on patient-centredness of a novel computer template used in multimorbidity reviews.

Design and setting

A qualitative process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial in 33 GP practices in England and Scotland examining the implementation of a patient-centred complex intervention intended to improve management of multimorbidity. A purpose-designed computer template combining long-term condition reviews was used to support the patient-centred intervention.

Method

Twenty-eight reviews using the intervention computer template and nine usual-care reviews were observed and recorded. Sixteen patient interviews, four patient focus groups, and 23 clinician interviews were also conducted in eight of the 12 intervention practices. Transcripts were thematically analysed based on predefined core components of patient-centredness and template use.

Results

Disrupted communication was more evident in intervention reviews because the template was unfamiliar, but the first template question about patients’ important health issues successfully elicited wide-ranging health concerns. Patients welcomed the more holistic, comprehensive reviews, and some unmet healthcare needs were identified. Most clinicians valued identifying patients’ agendas, but some felt it diverted attention from care of long-term conditions. Goal-setting was GP-led rather than collaborative.

Conclusion

Including patient-centred questions in long-term condition review templates appears to improve patients’ perceptions about the patient-centredness of reviews, despite template demands on a clinician’s attention. Adding an initial question in standardised reviews about the patient’s main concerns should be considered.
Opportunistic pulse checks in primary care to improve recognition of atrial fibrillation: a retrospective analysis of electronic patient records
Authors: Cole James , Torabi Payam , Dostal Isabel , Homer Kate , Robson John
Published: May 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important and modifiable risk factor for stroke. Earlier identification may reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Trial evidence shows that opportunistic pulse regularity checks in individuals aged ≥65 years increases detection of AF. However, this is not currently recommended by the National Screening Programme or implemented by most clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a systematic programme to promote pulse regularity checks, the programme’s uptake in general practice, and the prevalence of AF.

Design and setting

Retrospective analysis of electronic primary care patient records in three east London CCGs (City and Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets) over 10 years.

Method

Rates of pulse regularity checks and prevalence of AF in individuals aged ≥65 years were compared from the pre-intervention period, 2007–2011, to the post-intervention period, 2012–2017.

Results

Across the three CCGs, rates of pulse regularity checks increased from a mean of 7.3% pre-intervention to 66.4% post-intervention, achieving 93.1% (n = 58 722) in the final year. Age-standardised prevalence of AF in individuals aged ≥65 years increased significantly from a pre-intervention mean of 61.4/1000 to a post-intervention mean of 64.5/1000. There was a significant increase in a post-intervention trend to a final-year mean of 67.3/1000: an improvement of 9.6% (5.9/1000) with 790 additional new cases identified.

Conclusion

Organisational alignment, standardised data entry, peer-performance dashboards, and financial incentives rapidly and generally increased opportunistic screening with pulse regularity checks. This was associated with a significant increase in detection and prevalence of AF and is of public health importance.
A METHOD BASED ON TOPSIS AND DISTANCE MEASURES FOR HESITANT FUZZY MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTE DECISION MAKING
Authors: ZENG Shouzhen , XIAO Yao
Published: May 2018

The aim of this paper is to provide a methodology to hesitant fuzzy multiple attribute decision making using technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and distance measures. Firstly, the inadequacies of the existing hesitant fuzzy TOPSIS method are analyzed in detail. Then, based on the developed hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted averaging weighted aver-aging distance (HFOWAWAD) measure, a modified hesitant fuzzy TOPSIS, called HFOWAWAD-TOPSIS is introduced for hesitant fuzzy multiple attribute decision making problems. Moreover, the advantages and some special cases of the HFOWAWAD-TOPSIS are presented. Finally, a numerical example about energy policy selection is provided to illustrate the practicality and feasibility of the developed approach.
PROBABILITY-HESITANT FUZZY SETS AND THE REPRESENTATION OF PREFERENCE RELATIONS
Authors: ZHU Bin , XU Zeshui
Published: May 2018

Probability interpretations play an important role in understanding decision makers’ (DMs) behaviour in decision making. In this paper, we extend hesitant fuzzy sets to probability-hesitant fuzzy sets (P-HFSs) to enhance their modeling ability by taking DMs’ probabilistic preferences into consideration. Based on P-HFSs, we propose the concept of probability-hesitant fuzzy preference relation (P-HFPR) to collect the preferences. We then develop a consensus index to measure the consensus degrees of P-HFPR, and a stochastic method to improve the consensus degrees. All these results are essential for further research on P-HFSs.
EFFECTS OF SWITCHING COSTS ON INNOVATIVE INVESTMENT
Authors: NIE Pu-yan , WANG Chan , CHEN You-hua , YANG Yong-cong
Published: May 2018

Switching costs and innovation are two major issues in economics. Prior research demonstrates the effects of switching costs on competition, but ignores the influence of switching costs to firm innovation. So the purpose of this study is to reveal the relationships between switching costs and cost-reducing innovation by considering brand loyalty. All our theoretical conclusions are captured by game theory based on a two-stage duopoly model. The conclusions of this study show that under moderate conditions, switching costs improve competition. Strong firms implement lower price when switching costs are present than when they are not present. Second, at the asymmetric equilibrium, lower-efficiency firms with switching costs launch less innovative investments than do those without switching costs, while higher-efficiency firms with switching costs launch more innovation. But under symmetric equilibrium, switching costs have no effect on innovative investment. The novel contributions of this paper are that we find switching costs and loyalty have vertical impacts on firms’ cost-reducing innovation, which extends the theory of switching costs.
The Living Atlases community in action: general introduction
Authors: Lecoq Marie-Elise , Archambeau Anne-Sophie , Cavière Fabien , Martin David , dos Remedios Nick
Published: May 2018

Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) (https://www.ala.org.au/) is the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) node of Australia. In 2010, they launched an open and free platform for sharing and exploring biodiversity data. Thanks to this new infrastructure, they have been able to drastically increase the number of occurrences published through the GBIF.org . In order to help other GBIF nodes or institutions, they made all of their modules publicly available for reuse and customization through GitHub (https://github.com/AtlasOfLivingAustralia).

Since 2013, the community created by developers interested by ALA tools, organized, with the help of GBIF, 8 technical workshops around the world. These workshops helped the launch of at least 13 data portals. The last training session, funded through the GBIF Capacity Enhancement Support Programme (https://www.gbif.org/programme/82219/capacity-enhancement-support-programme), was been attended by 23 participants from 19 countries on 6 continents. Moreover, on the new GBIF website, a section has been dedicated to this programme (https://www.gbif.org/programme/82953/living-atlases), the Living Atlases community official website has been launched in 2017 (https://living-atlases.gbif.org) and the technical documentation has been improved and translated in several languages. All of these achievements would not have been possible without a huge effort from the ALA developer community.

After a brief introduction of the Living Atlases community, we will present you the work done by ALA to simplify the process of getting a living atlas up and running. We will also show you how ALA developers managed to help the community members to create their own version by performing simple HTML/CSS customizations.
The Living Atlases community in action: the GBIF Benin data portal
Authors: Archambeau Anne-Sophie , Cavière Fabien , Koura Kourouma , Lecoq Marie-Elise , Pamerlon Sophie , Ganglo Jean
Published: May 2018

Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) (https://www.ala.org.au/) is the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) node of Australia. They developed an open and free platform for sharing and exploring biodiversity data. All the modules are publicly available for reuse and customization on their GitHub account (https://github.com/AtlasOfLivingAustralia).

GBIF Benin, hosted at the University of Abomey-Calavi, has published more than 338 000 occurrence records from 87 datasets and 2 checklists. Through the GBIF Capacity Enhancement Support Programme (https://www.gbif.org/programme/82219/capacity-enhancement-support-programme), GBIF Benin, with the help of GBIF France, is in the process of deploying the Beninese data portal using the GBIF France back-end architecture. GBIF Benin is the first African country to implement this module of the ALA infrastructure.

In this presentation, we will show you an overview of the registry and the occurrence search engine using the Beninese data portal. We will begin with the administration interface and how to manage metadata, then we will continue with the user interface of the registry and how you can find Beninese occurrences through the hub.
Standardised Globally Unique Specimen Identifiers
Authors: Güntsch Anton , Groom Quentin , Hyam Roger , Chagnoux Simon , Röpert Dominik , Berendsohn Walter G. , Casino Ana , Droege Gabriele , Gerritsen Willfred , Holetschek Jörg , Marhold Karol , Mergen Patricia , Rainer Heimo , Smith Vincent , Triebel Dagmar
Published: May 2018

A simple, permanent and reliable specimen identifier system is needed to take the informatics of collections into a new era of interoperability. A system of identifiers based on HTTP URI (Uniform Resource Identifiers), endorsed by the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities (CETAF), has now been rolled out to 14 member organisations (Güntsch et al. 2017).

CETAF-Identifiers have a Linked Open Data redirection mechanism for both human- and machine-readable access and, if fully implemented, provide Resource Description Framework (RDF) -encoded specimen data following best practices continuously improved by members of the initiative. To date, more than 20 million physical collection objects have been equipped with CETAF Identifiers (Groom et al. 2017).

To facilitate the implementation of stable identifiers, simple redirection scripts and guidelines for deciding on the local identifier syntax have been compiled (http://cetafidentifiers.biowikifarm.net/wiki/Main_Page). Furthermore, a capable "CETAF Specimen URI Tester" (http://herbal.rbge.info/) provides an easy-to-use service for testing whether the existing identifiers are operational.

For the usability and potential of any identifier system associated with evolving data objects, active links to the source information are critically important. This is particularly true for natural history collections facing the next wave of industrialised mass digitisation, where specimens come online with only basic, but rapidly evolving label data. Specimen identifier systems must therefore have components for monitoring the availability and correct implementation of individual data objects. Our next implementation steps will involve the development of a "Semantic Specimen Catalogue", which has a list of all existing specimen identifiers together with the latest RDF metadata snapshot. The catalogue will be used for semantic inference across collections as well as the basis for periodic testing of identifiers.
Attrition of T Cell Zone Fibroblastic Reticular Cell Number and Function in Aged Spleens
Authors: Masters April R , Jellison Evan R , Puddington Lynn , Khanna Kamal M , Haynes Laura
Published: May 2018

Aging has a profound impact on multiple facets of the immune system, culminating in aberrant functionality. The architectural disorganization of splenic white pulp is a hallmark of the aging spleen, yet the factors underlying these structural changes are unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells comprise one stromal cell subset in the spleen that is important for maintenance of architectural organization, yet it remains to be determined how aging impacts these cells. In this study, we sought to determine how aging impacts splenic T cell zone reticular cell (TRC) numbers, morphology, and function. Using a mouse model of aging, we found that aged naive spleens have fewer TRCs than young spleens. This reduction in TRC number correlated with reduced CCL19 and CCL21 concentrations in aged spleens, which may contribute to impaired homing of T cells. CCL21 in both young and aged spleens localized with TRCs. Aged TRCs extended marginally into B cell follicles and may contribute to the blending of the T cell zone and B cell follicles in aged spleens. The described age-related changes in TRCs number and function may be an underlying factor contributing to impaired immune system function with age.
Links between Immunologic Memory and Metabolic Cycling
Authors: Cottam Matthew A. , Itani Hana A. , Beasley Arch A. , Hasty Alyssa H.
Published: May 2018

Treatments for metabolic diseases, such as diet and therapeutics, often provide short-term therapy for metabolic stressors, but relapse is common. Repeated bouts of exposure to, and relief from, metabolic stimuli results in a phenomenon we call “metabolic cycling.” Recent human and rodent data suggest metabolic cycling promotes an exaggerated response and ultimately worsened metabolic health. This is particularly evident with cycling of body weight and hypertension. The innate and adaptive immune systems have a profound impact on development of metabolic disease, and current data suggest that immunologic memory may partially explain this association, especially in the context of metabolic cycling. In this Brief Review, we highlight recent work in this field and discuss potential immunologic mechanisms for worsened disease prognosis in individuals who experience metabolic cycling.
Copepods act as omnivores in a (sub)tropical reservoir: Implication for the top-down effect on phytoplankton
Authors: Lin Qiuqi , Peng Liang , Yang Yang , Han Bo-Ping
Published: May 2018

Tropical reservoirs in China receive a high input of organic matter from surrounding watersheds and this represents a significant resource for zooplankton consumers. Copepods are often the dominant zooplankton group in the tropical systems. Whether copepods tend to be omnivorous and their potential cascading effect on phytoplankton are subjects of debate. We used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses to elucidate the allochthony and trophic positions of two copepod species (Phyllodiaptomus tunguidus and Mesocyclops thermocyclopoides) and one cladoceran species (Diaphanosoma orghidani) over a one-year period in a tropical oligo-mesotrophic reservoir in China. We assumed the filter-feeding D. orghidani was herbivorous and we used it as a baseline indicator of δ15N to estimate the trophic position of the two copepods. P. tunguidus and M. thermocyclopoides had an average trophic level that was 0.7 and 0.5 higher, respectively, than that of D. orghidani. M. thermocyclopoides showed seasonal differences in trophic position and an increase in trophic position with rising temperatures, whereas P. tunguidus remained omnivorous throughout the year. All three zooplankton species had a much higher degree of allochthony in the flood season than in the dry season, and their allochthony was positively related to the allochthony of the particulate organic matter input. The two copepods’ omnivorous behavior suggests their allochthony was primarily linked to microbial food web based on the input of terrestrial organic matter. The chlorophyll a to total phosphorus ratio was much higher when P. tunguidus dominated the zooplankton community than when D. orghidani dominated. The ratio was positively related to the ratio of omnivorous adult copepods to cladoceran biomass but not to the zooplankton:phytoplankton biomass ratio. Our results suggest that copepods tended to be omnivorous and relied heavily on allochthonous material in the study reservoir. The indirect cascading effect is likely to be stronger than the direct grazing effect, resulting in a positive effect of copepods on the phytoplankton.
The effects of nutritional supplementation on body mass index and CD4 count among adult people living with HIV AIDS on antiretroviral treatment in Conakry, Guinea
Authors: Sidibé Sidikiba , Delamou Alexandre , Kaba Mohamed Lamine , Magassouba Aboubacar Sidiki , Samake Amara Tabaouo , Dongo Yao Serge Arthur , Kadio Jean-Jacques Olivier , Dimio Sandouno Sah , Camara Lansana Mady , Babalola Stella
Published: May 2018

Whereas the HIV prevalence in Guinea is among the lowest in Africa, many PLHIV in Guinea are malnourished. This study assessed the effect of a nutritional supplementation program on body mass index and CD4 count among adult PLHIV on ART. Study participants were PLHIV who came for consultation in the study sites between May and July 2016. The data came from two sources: retrospectively from participants’ medical records and interviews at the time of recruitment into the study. About six months before they were recruited into the study, some of the PLHIV started to receive a monthly nutritional supplementation consisting of Corn-Soy Blend and oil. Analytic methods included bivariate and multivariable methods. The intervention increased the mean BMI by 7.4% and the average current CD4 count by 4.7% compared to nonintervention (P<0.001). Programs in low resource settings should consider nutrition assistance as part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure optimal metabolic and immunological functions among PLHIV.
Prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection among injecting drug users in a Saudi Arabian hospital: A point cross sectional survey
Authors: Alibrahim Osama A. , Misau Yusuf A. , Mohammed Alkali , Faruk Mohammad Bashir , SS Izzeldin
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis C Virus is an important cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among Injecting Drug Users worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and correlations of HCV infection among IDUs in Saudi Arabia. A point cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2012 and Nov 2012 to determine hepatitis C viral antibodies serological status using venous blood among IDUs (N=300) accessing care at Al-Amal Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as to determine clinical correlates of hepatitis C infection among the Injecting Drug Users. There was an overall HCV prevalence of 42.7% among IDUs studied. Low level primary education, single marital status, being unemployed and commencing Injecting Drugs beyond the age of 15 years have higher specific prevalence of HCV among IDUs population. There was statistically significant association between clinical assessments of the participants who were abusing drugs generally, dependent on drugs, specifically abusing cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, cannabinoids and alcohol with HCV antibodies seropositivity. There was no statistical significant relationship between drug induced sleep/sexual disorder and psychosis/delusion with HCV seropositivity. This study demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of HCV among IDUs in KSA. Targeted public health preventive strategies are necessary to halt the spread of HCV among IDUs in KSA. The resultant benefits of these will include reduction in morbidity and mortality as well as improved socioeconomic wellbeing of the IDU’s population.
A qualitative exploration of doctors and nurses experiences on the management of tuberculosis and HIV co-infection in a tuberculosis-HIV high burden community in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mabuza Mbuso , Shumba Constance
Published: May 2018

South Africa is faced with a huge challenge of addressing the high burden of tuberculosis-human immune virus (TBHIV) co-infection, and this challenge is more pronounced in the province of KwaZulu-Natal which has one of the highest burdens of TB-HIV co-infection in the world. The study explored the experiences of doctors and nurses with regard to the management of tuberculosis and HIV coinfection in a TB-HIV high burden community in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The particular focus was to provide insight and to inform policy and programme development for effective management of TB-HIV co-infection in the TB-HIV high burden community of northern KwaZulu- Natal. An interpretivist exploratory qualitative approach was employed through individual semi-structured interviews of 16 participants comprising eight doctors and eight nurses, with a total interview time of 8.95 hours. Purposive sampling was used to select the doctors and nurses from the public and private sector of the TB-HIV high burden community of northern KwaZulu- Natal. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Five key themes emerged from this study and these themes were discussed together with the sub-themes based on the various participant responses. The five key themes were practical experience about the management of TB-HIV co-infection; access to information and training on the management of TB-HIV co-infection; challenges and concerns about the management of TB-HIV co-infection; perception about local beliefs; and knowledge of policies and guidelines. Overall, this study highlights barriers that hamper the effective management of TB-HIV co-infection in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Recommendations of this study point towards an urgent need to scale up the management of TB-HIV co-infection through effective policies, improved capacity and infrastructure, stronger partnerships of all stakeholders, and further research.
Business rescue practices in South Africa: An explorative view
Authors: Naidoo Talira , Patel Adnan , Padia Nirupa
Published: May 2018

Business rescue proceedings attempt to rehabilitate businesses that are in financial distress. In spite of its importance, there is a seemingly low rate of success of the current business rescue regime (at just 15% as at June 2016). This article seeks to understand the issues that may be hindering the current rate of success of business rescue proceedings and provides practising accountants (in their capacity as business rescue practitioners) with a better understanding of the issues surrounding business rescue attempts. This will allow them to better perform their duties and give corporates in need of rescue a fighting chance. Through the use of qualitative interviews, the research findings show that there is a lack of clarity of the definition of success, which may be cause for concern. However, in the view of practitioners, the success rate is expected to improve with time. This study provides details on a few key insights into business rescue practices in South Africa, namely, the practitioners’ perceptions of success, their perceptions of the trust of stakeholders during the course of business rescue, their perceptions of the impact of the qualifications and experience of the business rescue practitioner, and their perceptions on the preparation of the business rescue plan.
TRABALHO E AGROINDÚSTRIA NO OESTE DO PARANÁ: O CASO DOS MORADORES DE VILA CELESTE
Authors: Bosi Antônio De Pádua
Published: May 2018

Este artigo discute a relação entre capital e trabalho na cadeia avícola localizada numa pequena vila no Oeste paranaense denominada Vila Celeste. A quase totalidade dos moradores dessa vila trabalham para uma cooperativa agroindustrial e lidam com diversas etapas da produção do frango que abastece os frigoríficos. Embora não tenha sido construída pela cooperativa, ser uma vila cujos moradores são majoritariamente empregados por uma única empresa a aproxima das típicas vilas operárias, comuns no século XIX e começo do XX. A partir desse ponto procuro examinar o peso que a vila tem tanto para a empresa quanto para os trabalhadores. Especificamente busco sondar as formas como os trabalhadores tratam suas experiências relativamente à vila e a cooperativa.
A Reforma Passos. Retórica da sedução no Rio de Janeiro do alvorecer do século XX
Authors: Azevedo André Nunes
Published: May 2018

A reforma urbana levada a cabo pelo prefeito Pereira Passos visou operar uma integração conservadora das camadas populares ao Centro urbano do Rio de Janeiro. Para tanto, o alcaide do Distrito Federal buscou tornar o Centro da cidade um lugar exemplar dos valores que entendia como sendo próprios de uma “cidade civilizada”. Assim o fez porque pensou o Centro reformado da urbe carioca como lugar privilegiado da didática da civilização no espaço urbano dessa metrópole. Para alcançar tal efeito, Pereira Passos buscou criar um ambiente urbano que, através da arquitetura e de uma nova articulação urbanística, seduzisse o cidadão carioca, constantemente presente em seu Centro urbano, a tomar parte nos padrões daquilo que percebia como sendo “uma cidade civilizada”.