bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On extraction from definite DPs
Authors: Sedrins Adeilson Pinheiro
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses the pattern of extraction of genitives out of definite DPs in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese (BP), with consideration of the Specificity Effect (Fiengo and Higginbotham 1981), a constraint that in English, for instance, prevents extraction from definite/specific DPs, allowing extraction only for indefinite DPs. BP allows extraction from DPs headed by definite and indefinite articles, but blocks extraction from DPs headed by demonstratives. Spanish allows extractions from indefinite DPs and blocks extraction from DPs headed by demonstratives. In addition, it blocks extraction of possessors and agents from DPs headed by definite articles, but allows extraction from themes in this context. In order to theoretically support our proposal, we consider the analysis presented by Ticio (2003, 2006), along with Grohmann's (2000) notion of prolific domains and the restrictions on movement observed by Ticio for Spanish, but with suggested modifications. We suggest that the different patterns of extraction of genitives found in English, Spanish and BP are due to the position in which the article holds, and also due to the category that allows genitives in each of these languages.
Neopterin and 7,8-dihydroneopterin are generated within atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Janmale Tejraj , Genet Rebecca , Crone Elizabeth , Flavall Elizabeth , Firth Carol , Pirker John , Roake Justin A. , Gieseg Steven P.
Published: July 2015

Plasma neopterin correlates with the level of cardiovascular disease. Neopterin is the oxidation product of 7,8-dihydroneopterin, which is released by γ-interferon-stimulated macrophages. 7,8-Dihydroneopterin is a potent antioxidant, which inhibits lipid oxidation, macrophage cell death and scavenger receptor CD36 expression. The concentration of neopterin within atherosclerotic plaques was measured in tissue removed from carotid and femoral arteries. The excised plaques were cut into 3-mm-thick sections, and each section was analysed for neopterin, total neopterin, cholesterol, lipid peroxides, α-tocopherol and protein-bound 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. Selected plaques were placed in tissue culture, and the media was analysed for 7,8-dihydroneopterin and neopterin release. Total neopterin levels ranged from 14 to 18.8 nmol/g of tissue. Large ranges of values were seen both within the same plaque and between plaques. No correlation between neopterin and any of the other analytes was observed, nor was there any significant trend in levels along the length of the plaques. γ-Interferon stimulation of cultured plaque generated total neopterin concentrations from 1 to 4 nmol/(g 24 h). The level of 7,8-dihydroneopterin generated within the plaque was within the range that inhibits lipid oxidation. The data show that atherosclerotic plaques are extremely dynamic in biochemistry and are the likely source of the plasma 7,8-dihydroneopterin and neopterin.
Demand Side Management in Pellet Production: Internal and External Factors
Authors: Vigants Haralds , Blumberga Dagnija , Veidenbergs Ivars
Published: July 2015

This paper demonstrates a demand side management case study: how to save energy and how research and data analysis help to create an energy management system in a pellet production facility; and shows ways to implement the EU energy efficiency directive in production facilities. The study carried out in this research serves as a far-reaching step that can be taken to improve energy efficiency during the operation mode of technological equipment. The benchmarking methodology is used for analysis of results.

Internal and external factors and indicators, which affect energy management potential in pellet production are analysed. Analysis of external factors is based on the state legal framework regulating the development of the energy sector. Methodology on the analysis of energy demand includes the internal energy management of an enterprise. The experimental results discussed in this paper show that particular steps, which are oriented to specific use of technological equipment, could play significant role in energy efficiency improvement in industry which is illustrated by the pre-milling process in the pellet production system using power.
Analysis of the Impact of Decreasing District Heating Supply Temperature on Combined Heat and Power Plant Operation
Authors: Bolonina Alona , Bolonins Genadijs , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: July 2015

District heating systems are widely used to supply heat to different groups of heat consumers. The district heating system offers great opportunities for combined heat and power production. In this paper decreasing district heating supply temperature is analysed in the context of combined heat and power plant operation. A mathematical model of a CHP plant is developed using both empirical and theoretical equations. The model is used for analysis of modified CHP plant operation modes with reduced district heating supply temperature. Conclusions on the benefits of new operation modes are introduced.
Influence of skin wrinkles and resin insertions in maximum stress of transitions of pure bending sandwich beams
Authors: Caballero Daniel Fernández , de la Cruz Víctor Rodríguez , Munoz-Guijosa J. Manuel , Nair Sudhakar
Published: July 2015

The sandwich beam has emerged as a part of new engineering applications in recent years. Dimensional and mechanical control tests are used to avoid possible service failures. Sandwich beams are modeled as large deflection pure bending beams with monolithic ends. The manufacturing process of sandwich beams can lead to different dimensional and shape defects such as wrinkles in traction and compression skins, insertions of epoxy resin in foam core or in the skins, shape defects of the foam, etc. In order to study the maximum stress behavior of beams with different types of defects, a specific finite element model (FEM) has been developed. Finally, the results of FEM analysis are validated using experimental tests. The implications of these findings on the structural integrity of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-foam sandwich composites are discussed.
Effect of Inlet Clearance on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Centrifugal Blower
Authors: Hariharan C. , Govardhan M.
Published: July 2015

The present work reports the effect of inlet clearance on the performance of a centrifugal blower, with parallel wall volute, over its full operating range. For a particular impeller configuration, four volutes based on constant angular momentum principle, have been designed and analysed numerically for varying inlet clearances ranging from 0 mm (ideal clearance) to 5 mm. The computational methodology is validated using experimental data. The results indicate that as the clearance increases, the impeller performance in terms of both static and total pressure rise deteriorate. Further, the stage performances deteriorate in terms of efficiency and specific work for all mass flow rates. However, the performance of volute improves at lower mass flow rates compared to the Best Efficiency Point (BEP). A set of correlations have been developed to predict the change in stage performance as a function of clearance ratio. The non-dimensional values of change in specific work, isentropic efficiency and static pressure are found to be same irrespective of the shape of the volute.
Electronic Spectra of Corannulenic Cations and Neutrals in Neon Matrices and Protonated Corannulene in the Gas Phase at 15 K
Authors: Rice Corey A. , Fulara Jan , Garkusha Iryna , Nagy Ádám , Hardy François-Xavier , Gause Oliver , Maier John P.
Published: July 2015

Three absorption systems starting at 624.1, 601.2, and
590.0 nm were detected in a 6 K neon matrix
following deposition of mass selected m/z = 250 ions
produced from corannulene vapour in a hot cathode ion source. The two
latter systems were also observed after deposition of neutral
corannulene in solid neon with concomitant bombardment of the matrix
with argon ions. The features in the absorption spectrum are assigned
to the 42A′′  ←  X
2A′′ transition of
cylobutadieno-benzo[ghi]fluoranthene cation and to the
32A′  ←  X
2A′′ and
32A′′  ←  X
2A′ transitions of two
Jahn-Teller structures of bowl-shaped corannulene cations,
respectively. The assignment is based on excitation energies
calculated with the SAC-CI and CASPT2 methods. The electronic
absorption spectrum of protonated corannulene has onsets at 515.1
and 398.8 nm in a neon matrix, following deposition of
a mass-selected beam produced by reactions of corannulene with
EtOH2
+. The absorptions are assigned, on the basis of
theoretical predictions, to the
3,41A  ←  X
1A transitions. The
electronic spectrum was also recorded in the gas phase using
a resonant multiphoton fragmentation technique in an ion trap at
vibrational and rotational temperatures of 15 K. The
3,41A  ←  X
1A transitions are observed
with origin bands at 521 ± 1 nm and
396.4 ± 0.1 nm. The 31A excited electronic
state indicates fast internal conversion of
≈ 5 fs, while the 41A state has
a lifetime of ≈ 0.2 ps. A distinct vibrational
pattern is discernible in the
41A  ←  X
1A transition.
Can we Observe Gas Phase Nucleation at the Molecular Level?
Authors: Ferreiro Jorge J. , Gartmann Thomas E. , Schläppi Bernhard , Signorell Ruth
Published: July 2015

We propose and discuss an experiment for the study of neutral gas
phase nucleation on a molecular level using propane as the condensable
gas. The experiment combines a uniform Laval expansion with soft mass
spectrometric detection. The uniform Laval expansion allows nucleation
experiments under well-defined conditions while the mass spectrometric
detection provides molecular-level information on the molecular
aggregates formed. It is discussed how one could observe the onset of
nucleation and retrieve the size of the critical nucleus from the mass
spectra.
Speech Coding in the Brain: Representation of Vowel Formants by Midbrain Neurons Tuned to Sound Fluctuations
Authors: Carney Laurel H. , Li Tianhao , McDonough Joyce M.
Published: July 2015

Current models for neural coding of vowels are typically based on linear descriptions of the auditory periphery, and fail at high sound levels and in background noise. These models rely on either auditory nerve discharge rates or phase locking to temporal fine structure. However, both discharge rates and phase locking saturate at moderate to high sound levels, and phase locking is degraded in the CNS at middle to high frequencies. The fact that speech intelligibility is robust over a wide range of sound levels is problematic for codes that deteriorate as the sound level increases. Additionally, a successful neural code must function for speech in background noise at levels that are tolerated by listeners. The model presented here resolves these problems, and incorporates several key response properties of the nonlinear auditory periphery, including saturation, synchrony capture, and phase locking to both fine structure and envelope temporal features. The model also includes the properties of the auditory midbrain, where discharge rates are tuned to amplitude fluctuation rates. The nonlinear peripheral response features create contrasts in the amplitudes of low-frequency neural rate fluctuations across the population. These patterns of fluctuations result in a response profile in the midbrain that encodes vowel formants over a wide range of levels and in background noise. The hypothesized code is supported by electrophysiological recordings from the inferior colliculus of awake rabbits. This model provides information for understanding the structure of cross-linguistic vowel spaces, and suggests strategies for automatic formant detection and speech enhancement for listeners with hearing loss.
Localization of Metal Electrodes in the Intact Rat Brain Using Registration of 3D Microcomputed Tomography Images to a Magnetic Resonance Histology Atlas
Authors: Borg Jana Schaich , Vu Mai-Anh , Badea Cristian , Badea Alexandra , Johnson G. Allan , Dzirasa Kafui
Published: July 2015

Simultaneous neural recordings taken from multiple areas of the rodent brain are garnering growing interest because of the insight they can provide about spatially distributed neural circuitry. The promise of such recordings has inspired great progress in methods for surgically implanting large numbers of metal electrodes into intact rodent brains. However, methods for localizing the precise location of these electrodes have remained severely lacking. Traditional histological techniques that require slicing and staining of physical brain tissue are cumbersome and become increasingly impractical as the number of implanted electrodes increases. Here we solve these problems by describing a method that registers 3D computed tomography (CT) images of intact rat brains implanted with metal electrode bundles to a magnetic resonance imaging histology (MRH) atlas. Our method allows accurate visualization of each electrode bundle’s trajectory and location without removing the electrodes from the brain or surgically implanting external markers. In addition, unlike physical brain slices, once the 3D images of the electrode bundles and the MRH atlas are registered, it is possible to verify electrode placements from many angles by “reslicing” the images along different planes of view. Furthermore, our method can be fully automated and easily scaled to applications with large numbers of specimens. Our digital imaging approach to efficiently localizing metal electrodes offers a substantial addition to currently available methods, which, in turn, may help accelerate the rate at which insights are gleaned from rodent network neuroscience.
Trace Eyeblink Conditioning in Mice Is Dependent upon the Dorsal Medial Prefrontal Cortex, Cerebellum, and Amygdala: Behavioral Characterization and Functional Circuitry
Authors: Siegel Jennifer J. , Taylor William , Gray Richard , Kalmbach Brian , Zemelman Boris V. , Desai Niraj S. , Johnston Daniel , Chitwood Raymond A.
Published: July 2015

Trace eyeblink conditioning is useful for studying the interaction of multiple brain areas in learning and memory. The goal of the current work was to determine whether trace eyeblink conditioning could be established in a mouse model in the absence of elicited startle responses and the brain circuitry that supports this learning. We show here that mice can acquire trace conditioned responses (tCRs) devoid of startle while head-restrained and permitted to freely run on a wheel. Most mice (75%) could learn with a trace interval of 250 ms. Because tCRs were not contaminated with startle-associated components, we were able to document the development and timing of tCRs in mice, as well as their long-term retention (at 7 and 14 d) and flexible expression (extinction and reacquisition). To identify the circuitry involved, we made restricted lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and found that learning was prevented. Furthermore, inactivation of the cerebellum with muscimol completely abolished tCRs, demonstrating that learned responses were driven by the cerebellum. Finally, inactivation of the mPFC and amygdala in trained animals nearly abolished tCRs. Anatomical data from these critical regions showed that mPFC and amygdala both project to the rostral basilar pons and overlap with eyelid-associated pontocerebellar neurons. The data provide the first report of trace eyeblink conditioning in mice in which tCRs were driven by the cerebellum and required a localized region of mPFC for acquisition. The data further reveal a specific role for the amygdala as providing a conditioned stimulus-associated input to the cerebellum.
The Boom List
Authors: Staff Boom
Published: July 2015

A roundup of interesting things to do, see, and read around California in the summer of 2015.
River Glass
Authors: Klingle Matthew
Published: July 2015

This essay by historian Matthew Klingle compares the work of Carleton Watkins, a pioneer in early photography, and Michael Kolster, a contemporary photographer. Like his predecessor, Kolster uses the wet-plate photographic process to create ambrotypes: handmade images made on glass. Watkins’s images, made in the late-nineteenth century, helped to sell scenic, monumental California and the West to the nation. In contrast, Kolster’s photographs of the Los Angeles River, a degraded and often ignored urban waterway, suggest how older photographic techniques might be employed to create new aesthetics of place freed from the confines of purity and beauty.
Show, Don’t Tell
Authors: George Lynell
Published: July 2015

There are stories people can tell you and there are stories that can only be experienced. When she stopped working as a journalist full time, writer and photographer Lynell George re-trained her focus—making the backdrop, the forefront—dusted off her camera and began taking notes, this time visual ones. Her project was to understand how often-used—but often poorly understood—terms like redlining, white flight, outmigration, gentrification, nostalgia, post-riots had shaped the look of Los Angeles landscapes. Her photography shows that some change happens so imperceptibly that we don’t yet have language for it.
SINTESIS ADSORBEN BERBASIS LIGNOSELULOSA DARI KAYU RANDU (Ceiba pentandraL.) UNTUK MENJERAP Pb(II) DALAM LIMBAH CAIR ARTIFISIAL
Authors: Astuti Widi , Susilowati Nova
Published: July 2015

Pada penelitian ini, limbah kayu randu digunakan sebagai adsorben untuk menjerap ion Pb (II) dalam larutan. Kayu randu yang telah direaksikan dengan NaOH dikarakterisasi dan diuji kemampuan adsorpsinya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada serbuk kayu hasil reaksi dengan NaOH terlihat adanya pori dengan bentuk dan ukuran yang lebih seragam dengan luas permukaan spesifik 7,420 m2/g dan diameter pori 0.3 nm. Adsorpsi mencapai kesetimbangan pada 120 menit dengan kemampuan penjerapan sebesar 2,47 mg/g. Adsorpsi mengikuti model isotherm Freundlich dengan nilai tetapan KF sebesar 1,986 dan n sebesar 0,649.

In this research, cotton wood waste was used to adsorb Pb(II) ion in the solution. Sodium hydroxide treated cotton wood was characterized its spesific surface area, pore size, morphology and functional group. Furthermore, it was tested its adsorption ability to adsorb ion Pb(II). The result show that the treated cotton wood has uniform pores. Its specific surface area and pore diameter are 7.420 m2/g and 0.3 nm, respectively. The equilibrium was achieved in 120 minutes. Adsorption ability of the adsorben is 2.47 mg/g. In the adsorption, Freundlich isotherm model fit with the experimental data with the value of KF and n are 1.986 and 0.649, respectively.
Validación de apariencia, contenido y consistencia interna de la Escala de Apreciación de Agencia de Autocuidado (ASA) para Costa Rica, segunda versión en español
Authors: Leiva Díaz Viriam , Cubillo Vargas Kenneth , Ramírez Villegas Tatiana , Porras Gutiérrez Yuliany , Sirias Wong Isabel
Published: July 2015

Introducción: Este artículo presenta los resultados obtenidos del proceso de validación de apariencia, contenido y consistencia interna al que fue sometida la segunda versión en español de la escala ASA aplicada a población  costarricense.Método: Este estudio es descriptivo, transversal, con un enfoque cuantitativo, con un diseño no experimental y psicométrico, realizado con una muestra de 211 personas en la etapa de la adultez temprana, intermedia y tardía, según su condición de salud conocidas como sanas o con diagnóstico de enfermedad crónica.Resultados: La investigación determinó que el análisis factorial con la aplicación de métodos estadísticos, la prueba de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) con resultado de 0,79, evidenció la viabilidad de la escala, en la que las variables miden factores comunes con una varianza total del 64,14%.Conclusión: El análisis factorial arrojó siete ejes factoriales y obtuvo valores adecuados que demuestran su validez.
A Foreword from the Editor
Authors: Chua Chee Kai
Published: July 2015

In 2015, bioprinting became an official term in the Oxford Dictionary. It was defined as the use of 3D printing technology with materials that incorporate viable living cells
Smart hydrogels for 3D bioprinting
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lee Jia Min , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: July 2015

Hydrogels are 3D networks that have a high water content. They have been widely used as cell carriers and scaffolds in tissue engineering due to their structural similarities to the natural extracellular matrix. Among these, “Smart” hydrogels refer to a group of hydrogels that is responsive to various external stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, electric, and magnetic field. Combining the potential of 3D printing and smart hydrogels is an exciting new paradigm in the fabrication of a functional 3D tissue. In this article, we provide a state-of-the-art review on smart hydrogels and bioprinting. We identify the critical material properties needed for the most commonly used bioprinting techniques, namely extrusion-based, inkjet-based, and laser-based techniques. The latest progress in different smart hydrogel systems and their applications in bioprinting are presented. The challenges of printing these hydrogel systems are also highlighted. Lastly, we present the potentials and the future perspectives of smart hydrogels in 3D bioprinting.
3D food printing—An innovative way of mass customization in food fabrication
Authors: Sun Jie , Peng Zhuo , Yan Liangkun , Y. H. Fuh Jerry , Hong Geok Soon
Published: July 2015

About 15-25% of aging population suffers from swallowing difficulties, and this creates an increasing market need for food mass customization. Food industry is investigating mass customization techniques to meet individual needs on taste, nutrition and mouthfeel. Three dimensional (3D) food printing is a potential solution to overcome drawbacks of current food customization techniques such as lower production efficiency and high manufacturing cost. This study introduces the first generation food printer concept designs and functional prototypes that target to revolutionize customized food fabrication by 3D printing (3DP). Different from robotics-based food manufacturing technologies designed to automate manual processes for mass production, 3D food printing integrates 3DP and digital gastronomy technique to customize food products. This introduces artistic capabilities into domestic cooking, and extends customization capabilities to industrial culinary sector. Their applications in domestic cooking or catering services can not only provide an engineering solution for customized food design and personalized nutrition control, but also have potential to reconfigure customized food supply chains.
In this paper, the selected prototypes are reviewed based on fabrication platforms and printing materials. A detailed discussion on specific 3DP technologies and their associate dispensing/printing process for 3D customized food fabrication with single and multi-material applications are reported. Lastly, impacts of food printing on customized food fabrication, personalized nutrition, food supply chain, and food processing technologies are reported and discussed.
Bioprinting with pre-cultured cellular constructs towards tissue engineering of hierarchical tissues
Authors: Nakamura Makoto , A. Mir Tanveer , Arai Kenichi , Ito Satoru , Yoshida Toshiko , Iwanaga Shintaroh , Kitano Hiromi , Obara Chizuka , Nikaido Toshio
Published: July 2015

The fabrication of physiologically active tissue constructs from various tissue elements are vital for establishing integrated bioprinting and transfer printing techniques as vital tools for biomedical research. Physiologically functional tissues are hierarchically constructed from a variety of tissue subunits with different feature sizes and topographies. For example, skeletal muscles are composed of many muscle bundles, muscle fibers, and muscle cells respectively. The fundamental constituents of all types of muscle tissues include various sized blood vessels, and vascular related cells. Nature has designed the direction of all the aforementioned components to have unidirectional alignment, so that muscle contractions can effectively generate the mechanical functions. In this study, we demonstrate a promising approach to fabricating such hierarchical tissues by applying bioprinting and a transfer patterning technique. Linear-patterned smooth muscle cells were obtained by culturing on the surface patterned discs, before being transferred onto the Matrigel substrate. The fiber-like tissues structures were successfully formed on the substrate after a few days of culturing; these are partially aligned smooth muscle cells. Additionally, stacked structures were also successfully fabricated using laminating printing technique. Our results indicate that bioprinting and transfer printing strategy of pre-cultured aligned muscular fiber-like tissues is very promising method to assemble tissue elements for biofabrication of hierarchical tissues.
Atomic force microscopy fishing of gp120 on immobilized aptamer and its mass spectrometry identification
Authors: Bukharina N.S. , Ivanov Yu.D. , Pleshakova T.O. , Frantsuzov P.A. , Andreeva E.Yu. , Kaysheva A.L. , Izotov A.A. , Pavlova T.I. , Ziborov V.S. , Radko S.P. , Archakov A.I.
Published: July 2015

A method of atomic force microscopy-based fishing (AFM fishing) has been developed for protein detection in the analyte solution using a chip with an immobilized aptamer. This method is based on the biospecific fishing of a target protein from a bulk solution onto the small AFM chip area with the immobilized aptamer to this protein used as the molecular probe. Such aptamer-based approach allows to increase an AFM image contrast compared to the antibody-based approach. Mass spectrometry analysis used after the biospecific fishing to identify the target protein on the AFM chip has proved complex formation. Use of the AFM chip with the immobilized aptamer avoids interference of the antibody and target protein peaks in a mass spectrum.
Effect of the thyroid status on the proteinases/inhibitors system under stress
Authors: Gorodetskaya I.V. , Gusakova E.A.
Published: July 2015

Тhe alarm-stage of stress reaction (аn hour after the stress of swimming of rats in a cage during an hour) is characterized by the stimulation of trypsinе-like activity (TLA) in the liver, and especially in the blood. At the resistance stage (48 hours after the stress) there is normalization of TLA in the blood and limitation of its growth in the liver. At the stage of exhaustion (an hour of stress during 10 days) the most significant increase of TLA in the liver and blood develops. Experimental hypothyroidism (25 mg/kg merkazolil within 20 days) per se causes a reduction of TLA, defines more pronounced stimulation of proteolysis in the alarm-stage, prevents its normalization at the resistance-stage, and promotes its excessive activation at the stage of exhaustion. Introduction of small doses of L-thyroxine (1.5-3.0 g/kg during 28 days) does not affect the system of proteolysis, limitis the increase of TLA at the alarm- and exhaustion stages, prevents its stimulation at the resistance-stage. The dependence of the changes in the proteases/inhibitors system under stress from the level of iodine-containing thyroid hormones in the blood is due to their influence on the activity of endogenous proteinase inhibitors (a1-antitrypsin and a2-macroglobulin) and on the permeability of lysosomes membranes.
An object-oriented development environment to optimally design cyclic storage systems
Authors: Jahanpour Mohammadamin , Afshar Abbas , Solis Samuel Sandoval
Published: July 2015

Cyclic storage system (CSS) is defined as physically interconnected and operationally integrated surface water and groundwater subsystems with full direct interactions between the subsystems. Mathematical development and implementation of a CSS model is very complex and all previous works are fully case dependent with a minimum possibility of generalization. This article proposes an integrated development environment called CSSDev, which assists researchers to create and design object-oriented CSS models more easily. Using CSSDev, researchers may skip regeneration of repetitive simulation codes for common elements of a CSS. CSSDev employs NSGA-II to optimally select the design parameters of the models. Two objective functions of the optimization problem are system's total costs and total loss associated with the development alternatives. A real-world large-scale CSS has been modeled and optimized to illustrate the performance of CSSDev. The final Pareto-front is presented and two selected solutions from the set of optimal non-dominated ones are evaluated and discussed.
A two-stage interval-stochastic water trading model for allocating water resources of Kaidu-Kongque River in northwestern China
Authors: Zeng X. T. , Li Y. P. , Huang G. H. , Liu J.
Published: July 2015

In this study, a two-stage interval-stochastic water trading (TIWT) model is developed for reallocating water resources under uncertainty, which integrates techniques of interval-parameter programing and two-stage stochastic programing into a general framework. The TIWT model can provide an effective linkage between system benefit and the associated economic penalty attributed to the violation of the pre-regulated water permit under uncertainties expressed as probabilistic distributions and interval values. The trading scheme is introduced to optimize water allocation of Kaidu-Kongque River in northwestern China. Results obtained suggest that trading program can effectively allocate limited water resources to competitive users by market approach in such an arid area, which improves economic efficiency in the mass (e.g., maximizing system benefits) and remedies water deficiency. A number of policies for water permits are analyzed and reveal that different water permits lead to different water shortages, system benefits, and system-failure risks. Tradeoffs between economic benefit and system-failure risk are also examined under different policies, which support generating an increased robustness in risk control for water resources allocation under uncertainty. The results are helpful for local decision-makers in adjusting the current water allocation pattern optimally.
General metrics for segmenting infrastructure networks
Authors: Giustolisi O. , Ridolfi L. , Berardi L.
Published: July 2015

The classic modularity index for community detection in complex networks was recently tailored to water distribution networks (WDNs) and extended in order to be cut-position sensitive. Next, the WDN-oriented modularity index was enhanced in order to overcome the resolution limit of the classic modularity. Nonetheless, the modularity-based metrics developed so far allow the networks to be segmented into modules/segments that are similar to each other according to specific pipe characteristics (e.g., pipe lengths, distributed demand, background leakages, etc.). The present work extends and proves the strategy to overcome the resolution limits focusing on an infrastructure index that drives WDN segmentation toward modules that are internally similar with respect to given attributes (e.g., pipe diameters, average pipe pressures, average pipe elevations, etc.), since this aim is suitable for several practical purposes. The introduction of the attribute-based infrastructure index permits a comprehensive discussion and comparison of the metrics for infrastructure network segmentation through simple examples. Finally, the practical implications of increasing the resolution of internally similar modules are demonstrated on a well-known benchmark WDN considering various pipe attributes.
Ni(II) and Cd(II) Simple and Competitive Adsorption on Activated Carbon Oxidized. Influence of the Oxidant Agents HO and NaClO
Authors: Sánchez Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Estupiñan Paola , Giraldo Liliana , Moreno-Piraján Juan Carlos
Published: July 2015

In this study, granular activated carbon, GAC, was modified by oxidation with HO and NaClO aqueous
solutions and heat treatment at 900°C. The N adsorption isotherms at − 196°C and SEM and FTIR results were used to
characterize the properties of the prepared ACs.

Textural parameters such as BET surface area and pore volumes were assessed by gas adsorption. The BET surface area
values of solids were between 687 and 876 m2g-1. Additionally, immersion enthalpies of activated carbons in benzene,
water, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions and Ni(II) and Cd(II) solutions of 500 mgL were determined,
with values between 32 and 145 Jg-1.

Ni(II) and Cd(II) adsorption isotherms were determined at pH 6 on activated carbons and competitive adsorption tests
were realized between the two ions. The results show that in the tests carried out, the adsorption capacity decreased when
the content of chemical groups on the surface also decreased.

Finally, the experimental results of adsorption from the solution were adjusted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models
and the first model was found to be better. With maximum adsorption capacities, the values for Ni(II) were between 3.99
and 64.9 mgg-1 and for Cd(II) were between 2.61 and 55.2 mgg-1.

The values of the competitive adsorption ions present in the solution, Ni(II) and Cd(II), in the activated carbons, decreased
compared to those obtained in the simple adsorption, indicating the effect of the an ion competitive presence in
adsorption another.
Influence of Holding Time on Properties of Cemented Carbide-polycrystalline Diamond Compact Joints
Authors: Qianzhong Jia , Man Li , Fuzheng Qu , Hongtao Zhang
Published: July 2015

The influence of brazing holding time on properties of cemented carbide-polycrystalline diamond (PCD)
compact joints were investigated in this study. The microstructure and phase composition of joints were investigated by
scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalyzer, and X-ray diffraction. Microstructural investigations
revealed the presence of Ag-based solid solution, Cu-based solid solution, Cu0.64Zn0.36, and a small amount of MnNi phase
at the joint interface. The max shear strength of brazed joints 350.6 MPa was determined in the samples joined at 15 s,
which was partially due to the dispersion strengthening effect of gray-black grains containing Cu-based solid solution,
Cu0.64Zn0.36 and MnNi phase in the joints. Equal-area-circle grain diameter of the gray-black grains grew with longer
holding time, whereas the shear strength decreased because of the formation of continuous intermetallic compounds layer
along the joint boundary. Thermal damage of the PCD layer also deteriorated with increased holding time, and hence
shorter holding time was preferable in the production.
The Characteristics of Perlite Sound Absorption Board Formed By Vibration Molding
Authors: Yanjun Xiao , Rui Liu , Haiping Song , Ran Jing , Jiayu Zhu
Published: July 2015

This paper puts forward a scheme to form perlite sound absorption boards by vibration molding according to
the material properties and the characteristics of vibration forming method. In the trial, the feasibility and reliability of this
method were confirmed by studying the effect of working pressure, frequency and vibration force on the quality of the
perlite sound absorption board. Besides, a series of recommended parameters for better forming was proposed. Through
the discussion on the characteristics of the perlite sound absorption board after vibration molding, it is verified that
different molding methods have a great influence on the quality and performance of the perlite sound absorption board. In
addition, the conclusion which provides a basis for further research on forming method of similar boards shows that the
density of the finished products formed by vibration molding method is more uniform.
Design and Mechanics Analysis of Moving Mechanism of Inspection Robot for Thin Coal Seam
Authors: Deyong Shang , Jianwei Zhao , Xun Fan
Published: July 2015

The inspection robot for thin coal seam can replace workers to make the daily inspection in fully mechanized
mining surface. Based on the narrow and poor environment of thin coal seam, we designed a joint swing arm inspection
robot, which is able to adapt to the unstructured terrain in a thin coal seam. The structure of the moving mechanism of the
inspection robot has been designed. It can be realized that there are two DOF for moving on a single drive central axis
through design of the shaft inside and shaft sleeve outside. The strength check and the modal analysis of the key parts of
the moving mechanism such as the hollow shaft sleeve and the drive shaft, are made by Ansys Workbench. According to
the analysis results, the maximum stress caused by internal load and external impact load is far less than the yield strength
of the material. The modal shape diagram shows that, when the meshing frequency and the external excitation frequency
are much less than the first-order natural frequency of the parts, there will be no resonance and noise. The analysis results
show that the design is reasonable and reliable.
An Intelligent Robot System for Spraying Pesticides
Authors: Jian-sheng Peng
Published: July 2015

In order to reduce pesticides in agricultural production caused by direct contact with the human body injury,
and improve the efficiency of agricultural spraying operations, this paper proposes the design of intelligent WiFi wireless
controlled spraying pesticides robots. For monitoring the microcontroller core, a wireless router for the network connection
point is employed. The camera captures video, Android phones and smart monitoring system operation. Test results
show that the design realizes spraying pesticides by robot to replace staff job, and achieves good results.
The Chemical Properties of Air-water Discharge Induced by Double Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Kun Liu , Hua Liao , Wei He
Published: July 2015

A set of air-water discharge induced by double DBD device has been designed to obtain hydrogen peroxide
(H2O2) and ozone (O3) levels, simultaneously. How the H2O2 and O3 are being produced, which have extensively been studied by different experimental approaches such as air cooling, atomization amount, voltage applied, pH value and electrical
conductivity (EC). The experimental results show that with the increase of atomization amount, O3 output reduced
slightly, while in the start H2O2 output increased that later decreased. On applying high voltages, O3 output raised from
26kV to 32kV, which later decreased from 32kV to 34kV, in addition a constant increase trend seen in H2O2 output under
like voltage conditions. EC also induced a gradual ascend in HO output , while descends O output in first instance at
EC level 0 to 2500µs but later remained stationary at higher EC levels (2500 to 10000µs). Like many other factors, similar
pattern seen while studying pH effects which initially boost and later decrease in the HO output but two inflection points
for O output. It is concluded for the results that, HO and O output can reasonably be controlled under different physico-
chemical conditions, hence to attain the desired results with potential usage in chemical pollution, material handling,
biomedicine and lot more etc.
Braking Method of Electric Vehicle Based on Direct Drive Electro-
Hydraulic Brake Unit
Authors: Gong Xiaoxiang , Chang Siqing , Jiang Lichen , Li Xiaopan
Published: July 2015

For the characteristics of full electric propulsion, a novel kind of brake-by-wire unit is designed for electric
vehicle to improve braking performance. A comprehensive brake-by-wire system including this unit is set up after its
structure and principle are introduced. Then, a multi-layer fuzzy controller is proposed to regulate decelerate and wheel
slip rate, and an optimal regenerative strategy is proposed to recover braking energy. At last, the experiment of brake unit
is completed to verify that this novel unit is technologically feasible, and an electric vehicle co-simulation model based on
MATLAB/Simulink and AMESim is established to prove that this novel unit is able to significantly improve braking
performance of electric vehicle. The simulation result shows braking distance and time are shorten by 12.19% and 15.54%
respectively compared with conventional ABS system in the same braking condition, and the recovery efficiencies in light
and heavy braking are 53% and 28% respectively.
Influence of Chord Lengths of Splitter Blades on Performance of Small Axial Flow Fan
Authors: Li Guoqi , Zhu Lifu , Hu Yongjun , Jin Yingzi , Setoguchi Toshiaki , Kim Heuy Dong
Published: July 2015

On the basis of small axial fan with five blades, 6 types of small axial flow fans with different chord lengths
splitter blades were designed. Numerical simulation of 6 fan models with splitter blades and prototype fan were done by
using Fluent. Based on the obtained simulation results, internal flow characteristics and aerodynamic noise were analyzed
and compared. It indicates that: splitter blades with suitable chord length have improved significantly on internal flow
characteristics, which inhibits backflow from pressure surface to the suction surface at blade tip and leading edge and
restrains flow separation. The 6 model fans are better than prototype fan on aerodynamic noise improvement, but too long
or too short chord lengths are both disadvantage to improve aerodynamic noise. The results reveal that 2/6, 3/6 and 4/6
chord length model have relatively better acoustic characteristics and internal flow characteristics. The research program
will offer a reference for structural improvements and noise reduction on small axial flow fan.
Fatigue Life Evaluation For Wind Turbine Blade Based on Multistage
Loading Accumulative Damage Theory
Authors: Leian Zhang , Xuemei Huang , Guangming Yuan
Published: July 2015

The fatigue life of MW wind turbine blade was assessed by applying theoretical calculation and test
verification. Firstly, the fatigue characteristic curve of FRP material was obtained based on Palmgren-Miner damage
theory. Furthermore, The fatigue life of Aeroblade1.5-40.3 wind turbine blade using multistage loading accumulative
damage theory could be evaluated over 20 years accordingly. Then the coordinate system of wind turbine blade and its
Bladed simulation model were set. By calculating fatigue loading, the moment distribution of fatigue test was obtained.
Finally, the blade’s fatigue loading system driven by an eccentric mass was built and the multi-level amplitude resonant
mode was adopted to carry on the test. Almost three months’ test results showed that the blade vibrating amplitude was
constant, which illustrate the little variation of stiffness of loading point. The stable of stiffness could testify the fatigue
life of blade was over 20 years. The results of in-site experiment were basically consistent with the theoretical calculation.
Experimental Study on Road Properties of High Liquid Limit Soil in Yunfu Highway
Authors: Lei Zhu
Published: July 2015

There are a large number of high liquid limit soil distributed in southern China. As one of the special soils
commonly seen in highway construction, high liquid limit soil cannot be used in subgrade filling directly due to its special
engineering properties. With the idea of saving engineering investment and protecting environment, high liquid limit soil
must be improved to be qualified subgrade filling material. First, detailed laboratory tests are carried out to reveal the special
properties of high liquid limit soil. Then, based on the characters of high liquid limit soil, the improving tests of liquid
plastic limit, unconfined compressive strength, CBR and compaction are completed by adding different percentages of
quicklime and white lime to the high liquid limit soil to study the change in the physical and mechanical properties and
strength. The results show that, after being improved by lime, the high liquid limit soil can be used as subgrade filling of
expressway as its liquid limit, plastic index being reduced, the strength increased and the value of CBR increased remarkably,
and modified effectiveness of quicklime is better than that of white lime. Through comparison and analysis of
the test results, it is found that high liquid limit soil with 5% quicklime can be used as subgrade filling material for highway
since it is not only economical but also qualified to meet the requirement of improvement and strength.
Research on the Optimization Model of Energy Efficiency of Industrial Park
Authors: Xin He , Zhenquan Wang
Published: July 2015

In order to take the reduction of pollution emissions as the target, this paper generates the model parameters
based on the input-output relationship between material flow and energy flow of regional inter-industry, and builds the
model of energy efficiency optimization of industrial park with the distribution of regional industry structure as the
control variable. The modeling process is discussed in detail in model structure, elements and optimization objective and
control variable etc. and the suggestions on further research are given.
Annealing effects on the properties of tin thin films
Authors: Popovic Maja , Novakovic Mirjana , Bibic Natasa
Published: July 2015

The structure, absorption coefficient and electrical resistivity studies on
TiN thin films are presented. The film of thickness 240 nm was grown on Si
(100) substrate by DC reactive sputtering at an average deposition rate of ~8
nm/min. After deposition the samples were annealed for 1h at 600?C and 2h at
700?C in nitrogen ambient and vacuum furnace, respectively. Structural
characterizations were performed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry
(RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
The optical properties were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry while
a four point probe was used for electrical characterization. It was found
that the post-deposition annealing of the films did not cause any variation
in stoichiometry, but strongly affects the structural parameters such as
lattice constant, micro-strain and grain size. The observed increase in the
grain size after annealing leads to significantly lower value of the
coefficient of absorption. These changes could be directly correlated with
variation of electrical properties of TiN thin films.
Impedance spectroscopy and dielectric studies of nanocrystalline iron doped barium strontium titanate ceramics
Authors: Jacob Reenu , Nair Harikrishnan , Isac Jayakumari
Published: July 2015

Barium titanate compounds have great research attention due to their good
electric and in some case interesting magnetic properties. The synthesis and
characterization of iron doped barium strontium titanate (BSFTO) make an
attempt to understand its structure and investigate electric/dielectric
properties. The formation of a perovskite compound with tetragonal phase was
confirmed through X-ray structural studies. Dielectric and electrical
impedance properties of the sintered BSFTO ceramics were measured in the
frequency range from 42Hz to 2MHz and at different temperatures (up to
600?C). It was shown that the properties of this material are highly
dependent on temperature and frequency. The nature of frequency dependence of
AC conductivity confirms the Jonscher?s power law. The temperature dependence
of DC conductivity obeys the Arrhenius behaviour.
Dielectric behaviour of (Ba0.77Ca0.23)(Ti0.98Dy0.02)O3 ceramics
Authors: Moquim Abdul , Panigrahi Manas
Published: July 2015

In this study, BaTiO3 is modified with Ca2+ and in addition doped with Dy3+
at the B site lattice. The main idea is to search for new lead-free
ferroelectric material and improve their properties. For this purpose, the
barium calcium titanate (BCT) as a host and the rare earth element Dy3+ as an
activator were used to fabricate a multifunctional material. The obtained
ceramics was found to be homogeneous, dense and a single phase material with
no evidence of secondary phases. The dielectric study showed that TC
increases with the addition of dopants and the obtained ceramics behaves like
a relaxor ferroelectric. Some important structural parameters and dielectric
properties of dysprosium modified barium (calcium) titanate ceramics are
presented.