bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Injector Hole Diameter on Spray Behaviour for Butanol-Diesel Blends
Authors: Algayyim Sattar Jabbar Murad , Wandel Andrew P. , Yusaf Talal
Published: May 2018

Optimising the combustion process in compression ignition (CI) engines is of interest in current research as a potential means to reduce fuel consumption and emission levels. Combustion optimisation can be achieved as a result of understanding the relationship between spraying technique and combustion characteristics. Understanding macroscopic characteristics of spray is an important step in predicting combustion behaviour. This study investigates the impact of injector hole diameter on macroscopic spray characteristics (spray penetration, spray cone angle, and spray volume) of butanol-diesel blends. In the current study, a Bosch (0.18 mm diameter) and a Delphi (0.198 mm) injector were used. Spray tests were carried out in a constant volume vessel (CVV) under different injection conditions. The test blends were injected using a solenoid injector with a common rail injection system and images captured using a high-speed camera. The experimental results showed that the spray penetration (S) was increased with larger hole diameter. Spray penetration of a 20% butanol-80% diesel blend was slightly further than that of neat diesel. Spray penetration of all test fuels was increased as a result of increased injection pressure (IP), while spray cone angle (θ) was slightly widened due to the increase in either hole diameter or injection pressure. Spray volume of all test fuels was increased as a result of increased hole diameter or injection pressure. Thus, an efficient diesel engine performance can be achieved as a result of controlling injection characteristics, especially when using a promising additive like butanol blended with diesel.
The Stability and Continuity of Maternally Reported and Observed Child Eating Behaviours and Feeding Practices across Early Childhood
Authors: Powell Faye , Farrow Claire , Meyer Caroline , Haycraft Emma
Published: May 2018

Given that many eating behaviours and food preferences develop early in childhood and track across childhood, adolescence and into adulthood, interest has grown in the developmental trajectory of these behaviours. The aims of this study were twofold. First, to explore whether maternal reports of child eating behaviour and feeding practices are validated by independent observations of these constructs. Second, to explore the continuity and stability of both maternally reported and independently observed child eating behaviours and maternal feeding practices during early childhood. Sixty-five mothers completed measures of their child’s eating behaviour and their own feeding practices and mother–child dyads were observed during a family mealtime at approximately 3 and 4 years of age. Maternal reports of their child’s eating behaviours were validated by independent observations, however maternally reported feeding practices were not validated by observations of these behaviours. Maternally reported and independently observed child eating behaviours and parental feeding practices remained stable and showed continuity between 3 and 4 years of age, with the exception of child difficulty to feed and maternal pressure to eat which both significantly decreased over time. Findings provide an insight into the validity of maternal reports of fussy eating behaviour and parental feeding practices and the developmental trajectory of these behaviours across early childhood.
Using Location-Based Social Media Data to Observe Check-In Behavior and Gender Difference: Bringing Weibo Data into Play
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Wan Wanggen , Cervantes Ofelia , Gwiazdzinski Luc
Published: May 2018

Population density and distribution of services represents the growth and demographic shift of the cities. For urban planners, population density and check-in behavior in space and time are vital factors for planning and development of sustainable cities. Location-based social network (LBSN) data seems to be a complement to many traditional methods (i.e., survey, census) and is used to study check-in behavior, human mobility, activity analysis, and social issues within a city. This check-in phenomenon of sharing location, activities, and time by users has encouraged this research on gender difference and frequency of using LBSN. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the check-in behavior of Chinese microblog Sina Weibo (referred as “Weibo”) in 10 districts of Shanghai, China, for which we observe the gender difference and their frequency of use over a period. The mentioned districts were spatially analyzed for check-in spots by kernel density estimation (KDE) using ArcGIS. Furthermore, our results reveal that female users have a high rate of social media use, and significant difference is observed in check-in behavior during weekdays and weekends in the studied districts of Shanghai. Increase in check-ins is observed during the night as compared to the morning. From the results, it can be assumed that LBSN data can be helpful to observe gender difference.
Old and Young Actors Playing Novel Roles in the Drama of Multiple Myeloma Bone Marrow Microenvironment Dependent Drug Resistance
Authors: Manni Sabrina , Carrino Marilena , Semenzato Gianpietro , Piazza Francesco
Published: May 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequent hematologic cancer. In addition to the deleterious effects of neoplastic plasma cell growth and spreading during the disease evolution, this tumor is characterized by the serious pathological consequences due to the massive secretion of monoclonal immunoglobulins and by the derangement of bone physiology with progressive weakening of the skeleton. Despite significant progresses having been made in the last two decades in the therapeutic management of this plasma cell tumor, MM remains invariably lethal, due to its extremely complex genetic architecture and to the constant protection it receives from the tumor niche, which is represented by the bone marrow microenvironment. While it is predictable that the discovery of novel therapies against the first of these two pathobiological features will take a longer time, the identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-growth effects of the myeloma milieu is a task that could lead to the development of novel treatments in a shorter timeframe. In this regard, aside from known “old” determinants of the cross-talk between bone marrow and MM cells, “young” cellular and molecular factors are now emerging, taking the scene of this complex neoplastic setting. In this review we aimed at giving insights on the latest evidence of potentially-targetable modes that MM cells exploit to increase fitness and gain a survival advantage. The benefits coming from the derangements of stress-managing pathways, autophagy, transcriptional rewiring, and non-coding RNAs are examples of such methods that MM cells utilize to escape cell death, but that hopefully will offer novel targets for the ever-increasing anti-MM therapeutic armamentarium.
Interplay between ER Ca2+ Binding Proteins, STIM1 and STIM2, Is Required for Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry
Authors: Nelson Heather A. , Leech Colin A. , Kopp Richard F. , Roe Michael W.
Published: May 2018

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), a fundamentally important homeostatic and Ca2+ signaling pathway in many types of cells, is activated by the direct interaction of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-binding protein, with Ca2+-selective Orai1 channels localized in the plasma membrane. While much is known about the regulation of SOCE by STIM1, the role of stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) in SOCE remains incompletely understood. Here, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats -CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) genomic editing and molecular imaging, we investigated the function of STIM2 in NIH 3T3 fibroblast and αT3 cell SOCE. We found that deletion of Stim2 expression reduced SOCE by more than 90% in NIH 3T3 cells. STIM1 expression levels were unaffected in the Stim2 null cells. However, quantitative confocal fluorescence imaging demonstrated that in the absence of Stim2 expression, STIM1 did not translocate or form punctae in plasma membrane-associated ER membrane (PAM) junctions following ER Ca2+ store depletion. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging of intact, living cells revealed that the formation of STIM1 and Orai1 complexes in PAM nanodomains was significantly reduced in the Stim2 knockout cells. Our findings indicate that STIM2 plays an essential role in regulating SOCE in NIH 3T3 and αT3 cells and suggests that dynamic interplay between STIM1 and STIM2 induced by ER Ca2+ store discharge is necessary for STIM1 translocation, its interaction with Orai1, and activation of SOCE.
Preferential Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling by Novel Benzimidazole Compounds in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Gangrade Abhishek , Pathak Vibha , Augelli-Szafran Corinne E. , Wei Han-Xun , Oliver Patsy , Suto Mark , Buchsbaum Donald J.
Published: May 2018

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to other breast cancer subtypes and normal tissues. Current Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors, such as niclosamide, target the pathway nonspecifically and exhibit poor pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in vivo. Niclosamide targets other pathways, including mTOR, STAT3 and Notch. Novel benzimidazoles have been developed to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling with greater specificity. The compounds SRI33576 and SRI35889 were discovered to produce more cytotoxicity in TNBC cell lines than in noncancerous cells. The agents also downregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediators LRP6, cyclin D1, survivin and nuclear active β-catenin. In addition, SRI33576 did not affect mTOR, STAT3 and Notch signaling in TNBC and noncancerous cells. SRI35889 inhibited mTOR signaling less in noncancerous than in cancerous cells, while not affecting STAT3 and Notch pathways. Compounds SRI32529, SRI35357 and SRI35361 were not selectively cytotoxic against TNBC cell lines compared to MCF10A cells. While SRI32529 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the compound also mitigated mTOR, STAT3 and Notch signaling. SRI33576 and SRI35889 were identified as cytotoxic and selective inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling with therapeutic potential to treat TNBC in vivo.
Conformational Aspects of the O-acetylation of C-tetra(phenyl)calixpyrogallol[4]arene
Authors: Casas-Hinestroza José Luis , Maldonado Mauricio
Published: May 2018

Reaction between pyrogallol and benzaldehyde results in a conformational mixture of C-tetra(phenyl)pyrogallol[4]arene (crown and chair). The conformer mixture was separated using crystallization procedures and the structures were determined using FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. O-acetylation of C-tetra(phenyl)pyrogallol[4]arene (chair) with acetic anhydride, in pyridine results in the formation of dodecaacetyl-tetra(phenyl)pyrogallol[4]arene. The structure was determined using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR finding that the product maintains the conformation of the starting conformer. On the other hand, the O-acetylation reaction of C-tetra(phenyl)pirogallol[4]arene (crown) under same conditions proceeded efficiently, and its structure was determined using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Dynamic 1H-NMR of acetylated pyrogallolarene was studied by means of variable temperature in DMSO-d6 solution, and it revealed that two conformers are formed in the solution. Boat conformations for acetylated pyrogallolarene showed a slow interconversion at room temperature.
Polyphenols in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies
Authors: Kujawska Małgorzata , Jodynis-Liebert Jadwiga
Published: May 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. However, therapeutic options treating only its symptoms are very disappointing. Therefore there is an ongoing search for compounds capable of tackling the multi-dimensional features of PD. Recently natural polyphenols have gained great interest as potential therapeutic agents. Herein, we have attempted to summarize results obtained in different animal models demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. The in vivo findings presented below are supported by human subject data and reports regarding the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood-brain barrier. The beneficial effects of polyphenols are demonstrated by the results of behavioral examinations, mainly related to motor and cognitive capabilities, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination concerning the protection of dopaminergic neurons, analyses of dopamine and the concentration of its metabolites, as well as mechanistic studies regarding the modulation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cellular iron management, proteinopathy, and additionally the regulation of signaling pathways. Importantly, data about brain distribution of the metabolic derivatives of the reviewed polyphenols are crucial for the justification of their nutritional intake in neuroprotective intervention, as well as for the identification of potential targets for a novel therapeutic approach to Parkinson’s disease.
Pro-Apoptotic and Anti-Cancer Properties of Diosgenin: A Comprehensive and Critical Review
Authors: Sethi Gautam , Shanmugam Muthu , Warrier Sudha , Merarchi Myriam , Arfuso Frank , Kumar Alan , Bishayee Anupam
Published: May 2018

Novel and alternative options are being adopted to combat the initiation and progression of human cancers. One of the approaches is the use of molecules isolated from traditional medicinal herbs, edible dietary plants and seeds that play a pivotal role in the prevention/treatment of cancer, either alone or in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents. Compounds that modulate these oncogenic processes are potential candidates for cancer therapy and may eventually make it to clinical applications. Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal sapogenin and is one of the major bioactive compounds found in dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds. In addition to being a lactation aid, diosgenin has been shown to be hypocholesterolemic, gastro- and hepato-protective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. Diosgenin has a unique structural similarity to estrogen. Several preclinical studies have reported on the pro-apoptotic and anti-cancer properties of diosgenin against a variety of cancers, both in in vitro and in vivo. Diosgenin has also been reported to reverse multi-drug resistance in cancer cells and sensitize cancer cells to standard chemotherapy. Remarkably, diosgenin has also been reported to be used by pharmaceutical companies to synthesize steroidal drugs. Several novel diosgenin analogs and nano-formulations have been synthesized with improved anti-cancer efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile. In this review we discuss in detail the multifaceted anti-cancer properties of diosgenin that have found application in pharmaceutical, functional food, and cosmetic industries; and the various intracellular molecular targets modulated by diosgenin that abrogate the oncogenic process.
Efficient Ground Surface Displacement Monitoring Using Sentinel-1 Data: Integrating Distributed Scatterers (DS) Identified Using Two-Sample t-Test with Persistent Scatterers (PS)
Authors: Shamshiri Roghayeh , Nahavandchi Hossein , Motagh Mahdi , Hooper Andy
Published: May 2018

Combining persistent scatterers (PS) and distributed scatterers (DS) is important for effective displacement monitoring using time-series of SAR data. However, for large stacks of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, the DS analysis using existing algorithms becomes a time-consuming process. Moreover, the whole procedure of DS selection should be repeated as soon as a new SAR acquisition is made, which is challenging considering the short repeat-observation of missions such as Sentinel-1. SqueeSAR is an approach for extracting signals from DS, which first applies a spatiotemporal filter on images and optimizes DS, then incorporates information from both optimized DS and PS points into interferometric SAR (InSAR) time-series analysis. In this study, we followed SqueeSAR and implemented a new approach for DS analysis using two-sample t-test to efficiently identify neighboring pixels with similar behaviour. We evaluated the performance of our approach on 50 Sentinel-1 images acquired over Trondheim in Norway between January 2015 and December 2016. A cross check on the number of the identified neighboring pixels using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test, which is employed in the SqueeSAR approach, and the t-test shows that their results are strongly correlated. However, in comparison to KS-test, the t-test is less computationally intensive (98% faster). Moreover, the results obtained by applying the tests under different SAR stack sizes from 40 to 10 show that the t-test is less sensitive to the number of images.
A Novel Locating System for Cereal Plant Stem Emerging Points’ Detection Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Karimi Hadi , Skovsen Søren , Dyrmann Mads , Nyholm Jørgensen Rasmus
Published: May 2018

Determining the individual location of a plant, besides evaluating sowing performance, would make subsequent treatment for each plant across a field possible. In this study, a system for locating cereal plant stem emerging points (PSEPs) has been developed. In total, 5719 images were gathered from several cereal fields. In 212 of these images, the PSEPs of the cereal plants were marked manually and used to train a fully-convolutional neural network. In the training process, a cost function was made, which incorporates predefined penalty regions and PSEPs. The penalty regions were defined based on fault prediction of the trained model without penalty region assignment. By adding penalty regions to the training, the network’s ability to precisely locate emergence points of the cereal plants was enhanced significantly. A coefficient of determination of about 87 percent between the predicted PSEP number of each image and the manually marked one implies the ability of the system to count PSEPs. With regard to the obtained results, it was concluded that the developed model can give a reliable clue about the quality of PSEPs’ distribution and the performance of seed drills in fields.
Application of a Novel S3 Nanowire Gas Sensor Device in Parallel with GC-MS for the Identification of Rind Percentage of Grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Authors: Abbatangelo Marco , Núñez-Carmona Estefanía , Sberveglieri Veronica , Zappa Dario , Comini Elisabetta , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: May 2018

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is one of the most appreciated and consumed foods worldwide, especially in Italy, for its high content of nutrients and taste. However, these characteristics make this product subject to counterfeiting in different forms. In this study, a novel method based on an electronic nose has been developed to investigate the potentiality of this tool to distinguish rind percentages in grated Parmigiano Reggiano packages that should be lower than 18%. Different samples, in terms of percentage, seasoning and rind working process, were considered to tackle the problem at 360°. In parallel, GC-MS technique was used to give a name to the compounds that characterize Parmigiano and to relate them to sensors responses. Data analysis consisted of two stages: Multivariate analysis (PLS) and classification made in a hierarchical way with PLS-DA ad ANNs. Results were promising, in terms of correct classification of the samples. The correct classification rate (%) was higher for ANNs than PLS-DA, with correct identification approaching 100 percent.
Routing Protocols for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks: Taxonomy, Research Challenges, Routing Strategies and Future Directions
Authors: Khan Anwar , Ali Ihsan , Ghani Abdullah , Khan Nawsher , Alsaqer Mohammed , Rahman Atiq , Mahmood Hasan
Published: May 2018

Recent research in underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) has gained the attention of researchers in academia and industry for a number of applications. They include disaster and earthquake prediction, water quality and environment monitoring, leakage and mine detection, military surveillance and underwater navigation. However, the aquatic medium is associated with a number of limitations and challenges: long multipath delay, high interference and noise, harsh environment, low bandwidth and limited battery life of the sensor nodes. These challenges demand research techniques and strategies to be overcome in an efficient and effective fashion. The design of routing protocols for UWSNs is one of the promising solutions to cope with these challenges. This paper presents a survey of the routing protocols for UWSNs. For the ease of description, the addressed routing protocols are classified into two groups: localization-based and localization-free protocols. These groups are further subdivided according to the problems they address or the major parameters they consider during routing. Unlike the existing surveys, this survey considers only the latest and state-of-the-art routing protocols. In addition, every protocol is described in terms of its routing strategy and the problem it addresses and solves. The merit(s) of each protocol is (are) highlighted along with the cost. A description of the protocols in this fashion has a number of advantages for researchers, as compared to the existing surveys. Firstly, the description of the routing strategy of each protocol makes its routing operation easily understandable. Secondly, the demerit(s) of a protocol provides (provide) insight into overcoming its flaw(s) in future investigation. This, in turn, leads to the foundation of new protocols that are more intelligent, robust and efficient with respect to the desired parameters. Thirdly, a protocol can be selected for the appropriate application based on its described merit(s). Finally, open challenges and research directions are presented for future investigation.
Quadratic Frequency Modulation Signals Parameter Estimation Based on Two-Dimensional Product Modified Parameterized Chirp Rate-Quadratic Chirp Rate Distribution
Authors: Qu Zhiyu , Qu Fuxin , Hou Changbo , Jing Fulong
Published: May 2018

In an inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging system for targets with complex motion, the azimuth echo signals of the target are always modeled as multicomponent quadratic frequency modulation (QFM) signals. The chirp rate (CR) and quadratic chirp rate (QCR) estimation of QFM signals is very important to solve the ISAR image defocus problem. For multicomponent QFM (multi-QFM) signals, the conventional QR and QCR estimation algorithms suffer from the cross-term and poor anti-noise ability. This paper proposes a novel estimation algorithm called a two-dimensional product modified parameterized chirp rate-quadratic chirp rate distribution (2D-PMPCRD) for QFM signals parameter estimation. The 2D-PMPCRD employs a multi-scale parametric symmetric self-correlation function and modified nonuniform fast Fourier transform-Fast Fourier transform to transform the signals into the chirp rate-quadratic chirp rate (CR-QCR) domains. It can greatly suppress the cross-terms while strengthening the auto-terms by multiplying different CR-QCR domains with different scale factors. Compared with high order ambiguity function-integrated cubic phase function and modified Lv’s distribution, the simulation results verify that the 2D-PMPCRD acquires higher anti-noise performance and obtains better cross-terms suppression performance for multi-QFM signals with reasonable computation cost.
A High-Q AFM Sensor Using a Balanced Trolling Quartz Tuning Fork in the Liquid
Authors: Zhang Yingxu , Li Yingzi , Song Zihang , Lin Rui , Chen Yifu , Qian Jianqiang
Published: May 2018

A quartz tuning fork (QTF) has been widely used as a force sensor of the frequency modulation atomic force microscope due to its ultrahigh stiffness, high quality factor and self-sensing nature. However, due to the bulky structure and exposed surface electrode arrangement, its application is limited, especially in liquid imaging of in situ biological samples, ionic liquids, electrochemical reaction, etc. Although the complication can be resolved by coating insulating materials on the QTF surface and then immersing the whole QTF into the liquid, it would result in a sharp drop of the quality factor, which will reduce the sensitivity of the QTF. To solve the problem, a novel method, called the balanced trolling quartz tuning fork (BT-QTF), is introduced here. In this method, two same probes are glued on both prongs of the QTF separately while only one probe immersed in the liquid. With the method, the hydrodynamic interaction can be reduced, thus the BT-QTF can retain a high quality factor and constant resonance frequency. The stable small vibration of the BT-QTF can be achieved in the liquid. Initially, a theoretical model is presented to analyze the sensing performance of the BT-QTF in the liquid. Then, the sensing performance analysis experiments of the BT-QTF have been performed. At last, the proposed method is applied to atomic force microscope imaging different samples in the liquid, which proves its feasibility.
Integrated Framework of Load Monitoring by a Combination of Smartphone Applications, Wearables and Point-of-Care Testing Provides Feedback that Allows Individual Responsive Adjustments to Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Düking Peter , Achtzehn Silvia , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Sperlich Billy
Published: May 2018

Athletes schedule their training and recovery in periods, often utilizing a pre-defined strategy. To avoid underperformance and/or compromised health, the external load during training should take into account the individual’s physiological and perceptual responses. No single variable provides an adequate basis for planning, but continuous monitoring of a combination of several indicators of internal and external load during training, recovery and off-training as well may allow individual responsive adjustments of a training program in an effective manner. From a practical perspective, including that of coaches, monitoring of potential changes in health and performance should ideally be valid, reliable and sensitive, as well as time-efficient, easily applicable, non-fatiguing and as non-invasive as possible. Accordingly, smartphone applications, wearable sensors and point-of-care testing appear to offer a suitable monitoring framework allowing responsive adjustments to exercise prescription. Here, we outline 24-h monitoring of selected parameters by these technologies that (i) allows responsive adjustments of exercise programs, (ii) enhances performance and/or (iii) reduces the risk for overuse, injury and/or illness.
Lane Marking Detection and Reconstruction with Line-Scan Imaging Data
Authors: Li Lin , Luo Wenting , Wang Kelvin
Published: May 2018

Abstract: Lane marking detection and localization are crucial for autonomous driving and lane-based pavement surveys. Numerous studies have been done to detect and locate lane markings with the purpose of advanced driver assistance systems, in which image data are usually captured by vision-based cameras. However, a limited number of studies have been done to identify lane markings using high-resolution laser images for road condition evaluation. In this study, the laser images are acquired with a digital highway data vehicle (DHDV). Subsequently, a novel methodology is presented for the automated lane marking identification and reconstruction, and is implemented in four phases: (1) binarization of the laser images with a new threshold method (multi-box segmentation based threshold method); (2) determination of candidate lane markings with closing operations and a marching square algorithm; (3) identification of true lane marking by eliminating false positives (FPs) using a linear support vector machine method; and (4) reconstruction of the damaged and dash lane marking segments to form a continuous lane marking based on the geometry features such as adjacent lane marking location and lane width. Finally, a case study is given to validate effects of the novel methodology. The findings indicate the new strategy is robust in image binarization and lane marking localization. This study would be beneficial in road lane-based pavement condition evaluation such as lane-based rutting measurement and crack classification.
Evaluation of Ground-Source Variable Refrigerant Flow System for U.S. Office Buildings
Authors: Kwag Byung Chang , Krarti Moncef
Published: May 2018

This paper evaluates the energy performance of ground-source variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to condition office buildings located in various U.S. climates. Specifically, the performance of the ground-source VRF systems was determined and evaluated against that achieved by conventional space heating and cooling systems, including packaged terminal air-conditioners (PTACs), water-source heat pumps (WSHPs), ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs), and water-source VRF systems. A comparative analysis shows that ground-source VRF systems require significantly lower source energy uses than other heating and cooling systems in all U.S. climates, ranging from 21% to 50% for PTACs, from 36% to 52% for WSHPs, from 22% to 49% for GSHPs, and from 4% to 19% for water-source VRFs. These results indicate that ground-source VRFs can be suitable heating and cooling systems for all U.S. climates when designing high-energy-performance commercial buildings.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Embodied in the Chinese International Trade of Computer Products
Authors: Lee Lien-Chieh , Wang Yuan , Yan Yuanyuan , Zuo Jian
Published: May 2018

Previous studies investigated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions embodied in the trade of large groups of products by using the input–output model. However, very little attention was paid from the product’s perspective via the bottom-up process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) model. In this paper via the process-based LCA approach, GHG emissions embodied in the computer trade between China and its major trade partners were examined over the period 2002 to 2013. Results revealed that China has been the largest net exporter of GHG emissions related to computers over the last decade, where portable computer products made up the main share. In 2002, the largest trade flow of GHG emissions embodied in computers was from Taiwan to the USA, while in 2013 it was from China to the USA. Moreover, technological innovation and geographical variability were taken into consideration as emission factors of computers, as well as the uncertainty analysis. This study found that the main driver of computer-related emissions embodied in international trade is industry transfer. The actual production of computers has shifted steadily away from the USA, firstly to Taiwan and ASEAN, but now almost entirely to China. Results of this study suggest that reduction of carbon emission is destined to be a global responsibility.
Sustainability and Ethics in the Process of Price Determination in Financial Markets: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Bosch-Badia Maria-Teresa , Montllor-Serrats Joan , Tarrazon-Rodon Maria-Antonia
Published: May 2018

This paper explores how financial markets can support the practical applicability of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) principles and why ethics has a central role in this process. The efficient market hypothesis holds that a financial market is efficient when prices equate value. Extending this assertion to sustainability, it can be said that prices should become equal to sustainable value. Prices can be regarded as the addition of the present value of future expectations and the impact of short-term volatility. This property parallels the existence of two different types of shareholders: long-run shareholders, who are often involved in the management of the corporation, and short-run shareholders, who usually apply speculative strategies to the choice of their investments. The SGDs’ principles are logically thought for a long-run horizon. Their impact on corporate value stems mainly from the changes they introduce in environmental and social risk, apart from becoming a potential source of innovation. Nevertheless, their effects on the short-run perspective can be very small unless either market traders assume sustainability as a goal of their own or the sustainability effects are incorporated into prices. We hold that the second issue is safer and preferable. Both involve ethics: the former would require that investors perform any trade from an ethical perspective. The latter needs that the ethical emphasis is placed on the process of price determination. The achievement of this goal demands a wide display of information on sustainability, placed together with financial information, and appropriate regulation. Its analysis considers the principles of behavioral finance.
Women on Boards and Financial Performance: Evidence from a European Emerging Market
Authors: Ionascu Mihaela , Ionascu Ion , Sacarin Marian , Minu Mihaela
Published: May 2018

This paper examines the association between gender diversity on corporate boards and firm performance for a European emerging market, which lags behind in terms of both corporate governance quality and social cohesion indicators. In a sample of Romanian companies listed on BSE (Bucharest Stock Exchange) during 2012–2016, this study confirms previous concerns related to the endogeneity of gender diversity variables in firm performance regression analysis and shows that, on average, diversity has no significant impact on firm-performance. However, based on a sub-sample analysis, results show a robust association in the case of profit-firms and those listed on the Standard tier. As losses can be construed as a distortion factor and Standard tier companies are the smallest and less well governed on the market, the results could be taken to suggest that Romanian listed companies do benefit from increasing gender diversity in the boardrooms, which could complement their rather poor corporate governance practices. Overall, the paper concludes that, in the context of an emerging market, policies aimed at increasing gender diversity in the boards appear to be financially viable and even beneficial for the major part of listed companies, balancing successfully the social cohesion and economic components of sustainable development.
The Politics of Agribusiness and the Business of Sustainability
Authors: Ioris Antonio A. R.
Published: May 2018

The sustainability and the prospects of contemporary agribusiness are discussed taking into account trends, controversies, ideologies, practices and pending demands. The growing hegemony of agribusiness in the world today is analyzed making use of a conceptual framework of agro-neoliberalism that embraces three main areas of interaction, namely, renewed public–private alliances, novel techno-economic strategies that intensify socio-ecological exploitation and the containment of critical reactions. The critical importance of export-led agribusiness for the Brazilian economy provides a paradigmatic opportunity to apply this conceptual framework and investigate the foundations and geographical specificities of agro-neoliberalism. The article also discusses recent politico-economic adjustments and early signs of the exhaustion of Brazilian agro-neoliberalism, despite its undisputed hegemony. Neoliberal agricultural policies in Brazil have enabled the mobilization of agricultural resources, not for the purpose of domestic food security, but primarily for capital accumulation and the reinforcement of long-term social and economic trends that, ultimately, undermine prospects for sustained agricultural growth and broader sustainable development.
The Expanding Therapeutic Utility of Botulinum Neurotoxins
Authors: Fonfria Elena , Maignel Jacquie , Lezmi Stephane , Martin Vincent , Splevins Andrew , Shubber Saif , Kalinichev Mikhail , Foster Keith , Picaut Philippe , Krupp Johannes
Published: May 2018

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a major therapeutic agent that is licensed in neurological indications, such as dystonia and spasticity. The BoNT family, which is produced in nature by clostridial bacteria, comprises several pharmacologically distinct proteins with distinct properties. In this review, we present an overview of the current therapeutic landscape and explore the diversity of BoNT proteins as future therapeutics. In recent years, novel indications have emerged in the fields of pain, migraine, overactive bladder, osteoarthritis, and wound healing. The study of biological effects distal to the injection site could provide future opportunities for disease-tailored BoNT therapies. However, there are some challenges in the pharmaceutical development of BoNTs, such as liquid and slow-release BoNT formulations; and, transdermal, transurothelial, and transepithelial delivery. Innovative approaches in the areas of formulation and delivery, together with highly sensitive analytical tools, will be key for the success of next generation BoNT clinical products.
3-phase High Frequency Voltage Input Sensorless Control for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Imai Nobuyuki , Morimoto Shigeo , Sanada Masayuki , Takeda Yoji
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the application of sensorless control for hybrid electric vehicles and an analysis of the influence of magnetic saturation on sensorless control. 3-phase high frequency voltage input sensorless control that provides information on rotor position using a simple integration procedure is proposed. To analyze the influence of magnetic saturation, a non-linear motor voltage equation is solved by using finite element analysis. Simulation results show good correlation with experimental results and clearly reflect the influence of magnetic saturation. The performance of 3-phase high frequency voltage input sensorless control is greatly improved by using analyzed results. The improved sensorless control algorithm is applied to hybrid electric vehicles and gives good startup performance of an internal combustion engine. The proposed approach is very useful for designing control algorithms, considering the influence of magnetic saturation in hybrid electric vehicle applications.
An At-All Operating Points Highly Efficient PMSM for HEV
Authors: Vollmer Uwe , Schäfer Uwe
Published: May 2018

Average losses of the electric drive throughout a driving cycle are an important issue for hybrid electric vehicles. Permanent magnet synchronous electric motors (PMSM) are the most efficient electric drives under load conditions. However, they suffer from idle losses at high speed and low load, which is a typical operating condition in highway cycles. This leads, in some cases, to even higher fuel consumption of HEV vs. conventional vehicles.As well designed permanent magnet machines for HEV usually have excellent efficiency at operating points close to their rating, the main focus of the presented work is achieving an improvement in no load and reduced load conditions. Such losses will occur at high speed and low load, because the PMSM creates an induced voltage exceeding the battery voltage, which must be compensated by an inductive voltage drop through the motor inductance by a purely reactive current causing losses.A proposal for a special design for PMSM with regard to the ability of active reduction of those losses at high speeds is made in the following comment: The compensation current depends on the motor inductance. Obviously, a high inductance in the axis of magnetization needs a low compensation current, whereas a low inductance in the quadrature-axis results in a large constant power range. So a special design of an asymmetrical PMSM has been developed in order to achieve minimum idle losses.
Driving cycle characterization and generation, for design and control of fuel cell buses
Authors: Tazelaar Edwin , Bruinsma Jogchum , Veenhuizen Bram , Van den Bosch Paul
Published: May 2018

Optimization routines for battery, supercap and fuel cell stack in a fuel cell based propulsion system face two problems: the tendency to cycle beating and the necessity to maintain identical amounts of stored energy in battery and supercap at the start and end of the driving cycle used in the simulation. A method is proposed to reduce these problems. The proposed method characterizes driving cycles and generates alternative cycles with an arbitrary length from an existing cycle, based on the characteristics of the original. The method is demonstrated with an existing driving cycle for buses and validated with measurements from a trolley bus in the region of Arnhem, the Netherlands.
The Comparison of Control Strategies for the Interior PMSM Drive used in the Electric Vehicle
Authors: Li Yaohua , Gerling Dieter , Ma Jian , Liu Jingyu , Yu Qiang
Published: May 2018

The interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) can offer many advantages, including high power-to-weight ratio, high efficiency, rugged construction, low cogging torque and the capability of reluctance torque, so it is widely used in electric vehicle (EV). Two control schemes, namely field oriented control (FOC) and direct torque control (DTC) are used in PMSM drive. In order to decrease current and torque ripple and fix switching frequency, an improved DTC scheme based on the control of stator flux, torque angle and torque was proposed, which used voltage vector selection strategy and the technology of space vector modulation (SVM) to generate the applied voltage vector instead of switching table. And this paper compared these three control schemes based on a 15-kW interior PMSM used in Honda Civic 06My hybrid electrical vehicle. Experimental results show for the FOC using the hysteresis current control, due to the lower sampling period, stator current is more sinusoidal. But it needs the continuous rotor position information and the switching frequency of the VSI is not constant. For the DTC using switching table, current ripple is higher and the switching frequency of the VSI is also not constant. But it does not need the rotor position information except for the initial rotor position. Compared with switching table, the proposed DTC can decrease current and torque ripple and fix switching frequency.
Electric Vehicle Communities for Electric Market
Authors: Ferreira João C. , Afonso João L.
Published: May 2018

In this work is proposed the design of a system to create and handle an Electric Vehicle (EV) community, based on social networks collaborative approach and a credit mechanism to incentive participation and divide profits. This system is part of a V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) module that allows EV owners to be aggregated in communities and participate in the electricity market. With this system it is possible for the EV owners to win money while the EVs are parked and plugged, delivering back to the electrical grid part of the energy stored in the batteries, increasing the attractiveness of EVs.
Electric Vehicles – Personal transportation for the future
Authors: Covic Grant A. , Boys John T. , Budhia Mickel , Huang Chang-Yu
Published: May 2018

Plug-in EVs are being heralded as a step towards acceptance of pure EV’s. However concerns remain regarding uptake by consumers, in terms of range anxiety and economic operation. These concerns are mitigated if energy can be transferred to the vehicle while it is moving, but there are implications in terms of the highway infrastructure required without restricting a vehicle’s freedom to move while providing power over air-gaps in excess of 200mm. Such flexibility brings with it problems that are not normally inherent in stationary systems where electronic alignment may be employed to control magnetic coupling. The system must cope with variances as seen by both the power supply and the EV, while ensuring that the power receiver is compatible with both stationary and roadway systems. This paper discusses recent developments in wireless charging infrastructure for EV’s and describes systems that may be suitable in future. As vehicles operate on the Grid they will constitute a substantial load that must be managed. A solution is presented here at little infrastructural cost such that the Grid, ‘on load’ has better power quality than ‘off-load’.
It's a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience and Opportunity—Deal with it! Volunteer Perceptions of the Management of the Volunteer Experience at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Holmes Kirsten , Nichols Geoff , Ralston Rita
Published: May 2018

Mega-events such as the Olympic Games involve huge numbers of volunteers from the host community, necessitating the development of a large volunteer program, which will only operate for a short time. Leveraging this volunteer energy to lead to longer-term community volunteering has
become a legacy goal for many event organizers. Mega-events typically use a top-down "program management" approach for their volunteer program. This article examines how the program management style impacts on the volunteer experience, using in-depth interviews with volunteers at the London
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The study found that the program management approach had a negative impact on many volunteers' preevent experience, leading to some rejecting the offer of a role at the event. However, the anticipated "once-in-a-lifetime" experience of volunteering for the
Olympic Games overcame most of the preevent shortcomings. The article considers the impact of volunteer management on repeat volunteering. Recommendations for better management of mega-event volunteers, leading to a volunteer legacy, are offered.
To Attend or not to Attend a Rural Folk Festival: Examining Nonattendees' Behavior Using a Temporal Approach
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka
Published: May 2018

This article considers a temporal dimension and extends the theoretical framework beyond the leisure constraints theory to incorporate passive use and direct use values for the first time, to examine nonattendees' intention to attend a rural festival. It was found that passive use values
affect only the decision to attend but direct use values influence that decision to take place sooner rather than later. Results also support the family life cycle stage theory for a potential first visit but not the decision to visit soon while the reverse was found for the distance decay
theory. Overall, the impact of the various dimensions of the barriers within the leisure constraints theory, the perceived beliefs, and visit motivations differed among would-be visitors and those intending to visit sooner rather than later. Thus, a dual marketing strategy aimed generally
at the former, and specifically at the latter, would be effective in attracting new visitors to rural festivals.
Student Volunteer Placements in Events, Tourism, and Hospitality: Understanding the Views of Multiple Stakeholders
Authors: Lovegrove Hannah , Fairley Sheranne
Published: May 2018

With the rise in event management and related degrees such as tourism and hospitality, student volunteering has increased within event-related educational programs as student volunteer placements are integrated into the curriculum. Drawing on psychological contract theory, this research
examines the expectations and experiences of student volunteers, volunteer managers, and university placement officers to provide a holistic understanding of the student volunteer placement process. Data were collected through interviews and written reflections of the student volunteer experience.
The findings indicate that student volunteers are driven to engage in volunteer placements by seven key factors: gaining experience in the application of knowledge, gaining new knowledge, acquiring transferable skills, networking, resumé building, and enhanced employability. Managerial
expectations of volunteers encompassed four central categories: current skills and knowledge, skills and knowledge that develop over time, performance attributes, and reciprocal benefits. Finally, results showed that the university placement officer acts as a conduit between the students and
the placement organizations. The results hold implications for volunteer managers and university placement officers in developing student volunteer programs that maximize the benefits for all stakeholders.