bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First results of the anomalies identification method for PV systems
Authors: A. López Agüera  , I. Rodríguez Cabo  , Eduardo Fernández  , C.M. Torres Costa
Published: July 2017

A simple quality check procedure for early detection of photovoltaic (PV) isolated system anomalies had been previously presented [1]. The proposed method was developed over a short set of monitored system parameters from the Pierre Auger Project data base. In this paper we summarize the main results we obtained by using that protocol as well as the matching between them and the actual failures recorded within the Pierre Auger's data log.
Architectural integration of renewable energies in historical cities
Authors: A. López Agüera  , I. Rodríguez Cabo  , I. Fernández  , V. Gándara
Published: July 2017

The principal aim of the project that we present, developed in collaboration with the Consorcio de Santiago [1] and the IDAE [2], is to investigate the possibility of application of sustainable technologies in buildings inside the historical centre of Santiago de Compostela. The idea is try to obtain technologies, designs and components as standard as possible for the application of the solar power in catalogued buildings, analysing diverse particular solutions in order to adjust to the architectural specific requirements of the historical center of the city [3.4,5] and to implement the ideal opposing solutions, as well as the development of a plan of medium-term action for the city.
We present an ambitious project, with a double slope: To foment global actions of sustainability in zones of historical interest and realizes an interesting project of research and development in the field of Renewable Energies orientated by his proper nature towards decentralized and local applications, this differential characteristic in the field. The use of renewable energies is not reserved exclusively for the companies, that try to give service to big facilities or to produce electricity for the supply of the general network. On the contrary, a good number of applications can take place in the own housing, turning into quality parameters for his enormous environmental advantages and of improvement into the comfort.
Modelization of earth electrode excited by atmospheric discharges based on FEM
Authors: J.M. Bueno Barrachina  , C.S. Cañas Peñuelas  , S. Catalán Izquierdo  , A. Quijano López
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to obtain the distribution of tensions in the land excited by currents type ray using different types of electrodes: the goad electrodes and the deep goad electrodes, and as an exceptional case an electrode type drags was used. In this work, the program ANSYS® that is based on the finite elements method (FEM) was used. After the simulation of the distribution of tensions, different parameters were obtained, such as the tensions of step (Vp) and of contact (Vc) which determine the security of the installation of put in the earth (PE) protection.
Performance limitations of B6 inverters during unsymmetrical voltage sag conditions
Authors: A. Notholt  , D. Coll-Mayor
Published: July 2017

This Paper deals with the performance limitations of B6 inverters when operated under unsymmetrical voltage sags. Three different strategies the IARC, the ICPS and the PNSC will be investigated and conclusions will be drawn as of the required overdimensioning of the converter, optimum control strategy and theoretical compliance of this inverter topology with current Fault-Ride-Through norms.
Circunstances affecting the protection against electrode potential rise (EPR)
Authors: J. Ladányi  , Gy. Varjú
Published: July 2017

In this paper the earthing resistance of substations with different earth electrode and soil structures is investigated by simulation studies with the use of CDEGS (Current Distribution, Electromagnetic Fields, Grounding and Soil Structure Analysis) software code. The paper presents the effect of grid geometry, soil characteristics, the effectiveness of the vertical earth rods and the conductor diameter.
A switched reluctance generator behavior under variable speed and variable excitation
Authors: Ribeiro, F.S.L  , Cabral L. G  , Fleury, A
Published: July 2017

The subject of this paper is the wind powered Switched Reluctance Generator - SRG and its behavior. Simulations and experimental results are presented. It was analyzed the efficiency of SRG under different conditions. Many operational test were conduced to state clearly the behavior of a prototype drove by a half-bridge (HB) converter. Variable excitation voltage and angular speed relationship is clearly established. It shows that the suitable excitation control for a wind powered SRG must adjust the operation parameters to match the desired point on certain surfaces.
Performance comparison of an alternative converter for wind powered switched reluctance generators
Authors: Oliveira, E.S.L  , Fleury, A.  , Fleury-Neto, G.A.C.  , Oliveira, T.F.
Published: July 2017

The subject of this paper is a comparison of the performances of two converter topologies for Switched Reluctance Generators – SRG. It deals with this special electrical generator excited through a rectified DC link. The prime mover is a wind turbine. Mathematical model and simulation results are presented. Both the power converters topologies implemented work well but the alternative one is cheaper and more efficient than the conventional half-bridge one. Furthermore, only the alternative converter allows to feed the load from the grid even when the SRG is not running. This is good for complementary wind power. Experimental results are presented. It was shown that the SRG worked as expected and that the alternative topology reached expectations.
Statistical inter-comparison study of empirical models to estimate the monthly-average daily global irradiation on tilted south oriented surfaces
Authors: A. Ramiro  , F.J. Moral  , F.J. Masa  , A. Sordo
Published: July 2017

Accurate determinations of the global solar irradiation received by a tilted surface during the average day of each month (HG (s, 0)) are a prerequisite in different solar energy applications, particularly in design methods. Validation of empirical models to estimate such values is of paramount importance, given the limited number of solar radiation observation sites and meteorological stations capable of providing the real information. Using the information of global irradiation on horizontal surface (HG) recommended in the Schedule of Conditions System Technologies of Low Temperature (SCT) for 52 Spanish provinces, four solar irradiation models of estimation were investigated: Liu and Jordan [1], Aláiz [2], Klein [3] and the one proposed by Censolar. A comparative study based on the statisticians of the distribution of the calculated information indicates that the values of HG (s, 0) estimated with the model of Aláiz agreed well with the reference dates. On the contrary, the Censolar model has got the maximum diversion.
About phases dependence in switched reluctance generator
Authors: José L. Bernal-Agustín  , Rodolfo Dufo-López  , José A. Domínguez-Navarro  , José M. Yusta-Loyo
Published: July 2017

This paper shows the optimization of a PVWind system to supply the demand of water pumping in a small town in Bolivia. This work has been done with the HOGA program (Hybrid Optimization by Genetic Algorithms). The objective function to minimize in the design process is the total Net Present Cost (NPC) of the system. The system is defined as a combination of components (PV panels and wind turbines). In this case HOGA has used as an enumerative method of design, evaluating all the possible solutions to the design problem. In the example shown, the optimal system found is a Wind-Only system, not a hybrid system, due to the prices of the components and the metheorological conditions for this case.
Combined operation of UPQC and fuel cell with common DC bus
Authors: M. Ale-Emran  , M. Forghani  , M. Abedi  , G.B.Gharehpetian
Published: July 2017

In this paper analysis results of a cooperation of the unified power quality conditioner with the fuel cell units are presented. A comprehensive control strategy is introduced to extract the compensating signals for the control of the proposed system. The used control strategy can extract the reference currents and voltages of UPQC fast and accurately in the presence of harmonics and/or frequency oscillation. The proposed scheme can compensate voltage sag, voltage interruption and harmonics at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) on power distribution system. The simulation results prove the efficiency of using the presented method on power quality improvement
Sampling Frequency and Time Window Influence on Flicker Measurements Significance. A Case Study.
Authors: F. Oliveira  , A. Madureira  , M. P. Donsión
Published: July 2017

Most of the Power Quality surveys in industrialized countries are performed according to the parameters defined in the EN50160 standard, which sets oneweek measurement periods with ten-minute sampling time for most power quality disturbances such as flicker and harmonics. Both the sampling periods and the measurement period have a great influence on the significance of the values obtained as well as on the conclusions taken. In this paper, an attempt is made to compare the values obtained with different sample frequencies and time windows, working on instantaneous flicker (Ifl) values for a wind turbine over three weeks.
Energy implications of the mycosphaerella sp. in eucalyptus globules stands
Authors: C.Tejedor  , S. Pérez  , C. J. Renedo  , A. Ortiz  , M. Mañana  , D. Silió
Published: July 2017

In the last decade, the emergence of leaf disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella sp. is jeopardizing the development of some species of the genus Eucalyptus at its juvenile life stage.
The development of forest species for energy purposes, namely to generate biomass in shorter periods, must take into account this circumstance at the time of measuring the energy density generated by these species.
This paper defines a method which relates the measure of the severity of the disease with the energy lost per Ha.
First, it has been characterized from the energy point of view, thus, it has quantified the calorific value of the biomass of Eucalyptus globulus decomposing it in their respective fractions at certain moisture. Then, depending on the degree of severity of the disease, it has been estimated the amount of dry biomass per tree at the age of 27 months and crossing it with the calorific values it has been determined the energy loss per unit of area according to the overall damage index.
Finally, a brief economic analysis considering the consequences of this disease in a stand of Eucalyptus globulus for energy production, has been performed.
An assessment of renewable energy generation in a conventional steam power plant with geothermal feedwater preheating
Authors: J. Buchta
Published: July 2017

Hybrid steam power plant with geothermal feedwater preheating enables conversion of low temperature geothermal resources into electricity. The paper presents results of calculation of some performance parameters for 200 MWe fossil power unit associated with geothermal well. The paper gives separation rule of renewable energy from conventional one at hybrid power plant output. An influence of geothermal fluid temperature on hybrid power plant performance is discussed in a study and illustrated in several charts.
Note about Locutions Nominative in Albanian Language
Authors: Xhaferi Haredin
Published: July 2017

The object of this article is to describe the locutions worth the name. These locutions not treated in separate studies. It is characteristic that many of them have no words synonymous. They have the phrase structure and express a single concept. This group consists of stable terminology compound words and compound words non terminology. Nomination terminology compound words are formed on a single holistic concept. Unit lexicon - semantic constituent elements is their common feature. Nomination stable compound words are formed from two or more words. Compound words consisting of two elements have the facility two names or a name and a surname. These compound words are not simple names. The designations made by similarity tend to switch to a single word. Their form right is named second in the form of outstanding free. The process of transition to a question set according to their names, composition, content, consent, damage, connotation is the later. Regular forms of these compound words is the name of the second non ablative outstanding. Compound words formed by a name and a surname are used to sense directly or figurative sense. Compound words formed by more than two words have the structure only comes with complete understanding or words with full understanding and sense incomplete. They are few, but are diversified by their structure and value. Locutions name value are many and various.
Lexical Values to Albanian Language and the Use of the Foreign Words in Albanian without Criteria
Authors: Ҫaushi Elvira
Published: July 2017

This paper aims to show that the Albanian language like all the other languages has great lexically values for all its users at all Albanian speaking territories. Languages evolve and refine in all systems, giving and taking from each - other, when it is necessary . While from the irresponsible users of the Albanian language is noticed an excessive use of uncontrolled foreign word instead of Albanian word , while it is being faded more and more the significance and the beauty of Albanian word . The method used is that of the research on theoretical material and the use of living resources. In this study I have concluded that the Albanian language is an important lexical value and the Albanians should use a foreign word instead of Albanian word, only when it is necessary and required. So, in Albanian we can not have an extreme purification, but neither excessive use of foreign words.
The Vocative Case: Romanian versus Latin
Authors: Costa Ioana
Published: July 2017

The vocative is a residuary case in most Indo-European languages, mirroring a particular Proto-Indo-European status. Its syntactical function is preserved in the descendant languages, but the morphological aspects are strongly simplified. In Latin, not unlike the cognate languages, the general tendency is toward a formal overlapping with the nominative case. The Romanian vocative is, in the Romance frame, surprisingly multifarious. It displays four distinct variants: desinence and intonation; desinence, intonation and prolongation of the final vowel; intonation and vowel prolongation; solely intonation. Old Romanian texts attest the tendency of gradually replacing the vocative form with the nominative form, perceived as more expressive. On the other hand, there is an observable development of the formal marks specific to this syntactical function; these marks are only partially inherited from Latin. In nowadays Romanian language the formal specificity of the vocative case is not diminishing – on the contrary, some colloquial vocative forms (not yet acceptable in the frame of the linguistic norm) emphasize an unambiguous linguistic will to maintain this case, while the general tendency is to reduce as much as possible the differences between the actual two cases of the Romanian language, nominative-accusative and genitive-dative.
Politics’s genealogy: a theoretical approach
Authors: Zani Orges
Published: July 2017

This article will analyse the alienation that politics has suffered since its creation. The analytical model, based on not only in the ideal type of the Greek Polis but also in the appearance of rhetoric within this public sphere, in the creation of small economical medieval groups (The Gilds in Italy) and in the creation of military and political groups (The Gulfs and Ghibellines in France) and later on in the creation of the political groups (The Whigs and the Tories in England) will reflect the limits of Politics (of Polis) as a public sphere, in which citizens should actively participate in discussing and solving common problems, through the rhetorical participation of public speakers in the Polis and the expansion of the private sphere in creating this small enterprise, political-military and political groups. It emphasises the necessity to understand and assess the city as a space where all citizens have the chance to participate in the decision making and in solving their problems.
The Techniques Used for Reading Comprehension Instruction, Case Study Albania.
Authors: Shehu Irena
Published: July 2017

Reading Comprehension is a crucial component of second language acquisition. As a core part of language learning it is, obviously, not an effortless process. Students often complain of not understanding a text, therefore they fail in answering to the comprehensive questions. Unfortunately, this is a reality evidenced and proven from unsatisfactory results of students in English Language Matura Exam in Albanian high schools, as these students have been the objective of this study. In this context, one certainly may ask for kinds of techniques used to teach Reading Comprehension. Thus the research questions used in this study are: 1. Are there used the right techniques to teach Reading Comprehension in Albanian high schools? 2. Which are the theories and best techniques of Reading Comprehension recommended for every teacher to use in his classroom? Concerning the first questions we can give an answer with the help of the questionnaires. Actually there a lot of theories and studies related to this topic which will be used as an important source. It is necessary to mention some of them like: Manyak and Bayer,Mckeown others from National Reading Pannel, because their studies will serve as a very important mean to answer the second question.The last but not the least focus is the questionnaires as their results are good detectors of techniques and way used in Reading Comprehension classes, in Albania. This would direct us to a proper strategy for problem solving and improving the situation. In this way the methodology used is in the form of questionnaires which were submitted to students from three different high schools in Albania and filled by around 200 students.
Promoting Habits of Reflection and Self-Efficacy through Guided Reflection in an EFL Writing Course
Authors: Guleker Rudina
Published: July 2017

Faced with high-stake assessments to document the mastery of the language, foreign language learners often feel a loss of confidence and perceived self efficacy, thus having negative effects on their academic performance as literature suggests. This study set out to look at the impact learner reflections at a university EFL writing course have on self-efficacy beliefs about the writing course and on the attitudes towards reflection in general. Results show that reflection increases self efficacy of the course and students see reflection as a valuable tool.
NOTES ON HUMAN- HYENA (Hyaena hyaena, Linnaeus 1751) CONFLICT IN JAJARKOT, KALIKOT AND MAHOTTARI DISTRICTS OF NEPAL
Authors: Bhandari Shivish , Bhusal Daya Ram
Published: July 2017

Striped hyena is one of the large carnivores of the forest and grassland ecosystem. This paper deals with the distribution and human hyena conflict status in Jajarkot, Kalikot, and Mahottari districts of Nepal. Questionnaire and sign survey methods were used to collect information on human-hyena conflict. This study indicated that human hyena conflict was high in the selected district. Eight striped hyenas died in between 2015-2016 due to the human-hyena conflict. Livestock depredation by striped hyena was one of the major reasons of the human-hyena conflicts in Nepal. The goat was the most preyed species by the striped hyena. This study shows that the distribution of striped hyena was recorded from lowland to mid hills region of Nepal. The conservation outreach programs should be formulated to conserve the habitat and maintain the prey population of the striped hyena which would be helpful for long term conservation of the striped hyena in Nepal.Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVolume 22, Issue 1, July 2017, Page: 127-131
Antihypertensive Treatment is associated with MRI-Derived Markers of Neurodegeneration and Impaired Cognition: A Propensity-Weighted Cohort Study
Authors: Edwards Jodi D. , Ramirez Joel , Callahan Brandy L. , Tobe Sheldon W. , Oh Paul , Berezuk Courtney , Lanctôt Krista , Swardfager Walter , Nestor Sean , Kiss Alexander , Strother Stephen , Black Sandra E. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2017

Background:

Hypertension is an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebral small vessel disease. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are common anti-hypertensive treatments, but have differential effects on cortical amyloid.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between anti-hypertensive treatment, brain volume, and cognition, using a propensity-weighted analysis to account for confounding by indication.

Methods:

We identified a cohort of normal elderly adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD (N = 886; mean age = 75.0) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Primary outcomes were brain parenchymal fraction, total hippocampal volume, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume. Secondary outcomes were standardized scores on neuropsychological tests. Propensity-weighted adjusted multivariate linear regression was used to estimate associations between anti-hypertensive treatment class and MRI volumes and cognition.

Results:

Individuals treated with ARBs showed larger hippocampal volumes (R2 = 0.83, p = 0.05) and brain parenchymal fraction (R2 = 0.83, p = 0.01) than those treated with ACEIs. When stratified by diagnosis, this effect remained only in normal elderly adults and MCI patients, and a significant association between ARBs and lower WMH volume (R2 = 0.83, p = 0.03) emerged for AD patients only. ARBs were also associated with significantly better performance on tests of episodic and verbal memory, language, and executive function (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Findings are consistent with evidence for a neuroprotective effect of treatment with ARBs for brain structure and cognition. This study has potential implications for the treatment of hypertension, particularly in elderly adults at risk of cognitive decline and AD.
Of Mice and Men: Comparative Analysis of Neuro-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Human and Mouse Using Cause-and-Effect Models
Authors: Kodamullil Alpha Tom , Iyappan Anandhi , Karki Reagon , Madan Sumit , Younesi Erfan , Hofmann-Apitius Martin
Published: July 2017

Perturbance in inflammatory pathways have been identified as one of the major factors which leads to neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Owing to the limited access of human brain tissues and the immense complexity of the brain, animal models, specifically mouse models, play a key role in advancing the NDD field. However, many of these mouse models fail to reproduce the clinical manifestations and end points of the disease. NDD drugs, which passed the efficacy test in mice, were repeatedly not successful in clinical trials. There are numerous studies which are supporting and opposing the applicability of mouse models in neuroinflammation and NDD. In this paper, we assessed to what extend a mouse can mimic the cellular and molecular interactions in humans at a mechanism level. Based on our mechanistic modeling approach, we investigate the failure of a neuroinflammation targeted drug in the late phases of clinical trials based on the comparative analyses between the two species.
Effect of APOE Genotype on Synaptic Proteins in Earlier Adult Life
Authors: Sinclair Lindsey I. , Love Seth
Published: July 2017

Background:

Possession of APOE ɛ4 is a strong risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and is associated with loss of synaptic proteins in the elderly even in the absence of Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective:

We hypothesized that ɛ4 allele possession in non-demented adults aged under-75 would also be associated with alterations in the levels of synaptic proteins.

Methods:

We measured synaptophysin, PSD95, drebrin, SNAP-25, and septin 7 by ELISA in hippocampus and superior temporal gyrus from 103 adults aged <75 without dementia. Corresponding gene expression was measured by RT-PCR.

Results:

There was no evidence that ɛ4 affected levels of the proteins measured. Instead we found an increase in post-synaptic proteins in the hippocampi of those with an ɛ32 genotype. The evidence was strongest for drebrin ( p = 0.011). There was some evidence of increased synaptic protein gene expression in ɛ4 carriers.

Conclusions:

People with an APOE ɛ32 genotype have a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It may be relevant that they have a higher level of post-synaptic proteins in the hippocampus even in earlier adulthood.
Development of a Modelling and Simulation Method for Residential Electricity Consumption Analysis in a Community Microgrid System
Authors: Liu Yu-Jen , Chen Shang-I , Chang Yung-Ruei , Lee Yih-Der
Published: July 2017

There is an increasing number of microgrid applications for power system networks at different voltage levels. Community microgrid systems are also being encouraged in order to increase energy efficiency, reduce electricity bills, and alleviate the reliability problem with respect to power delivery for local residential users. Understanding electricity information can help in effective management and control of various energy sources operated in community microgrid systems. This paper thus aims to develop a simulation-based electricity analysis scheme for a real community microgrid configuration using a proposed modelling methodology, simulation mechanisms, and a power balancing control strategy under the MATLAB environment. Simulation results considering different weather conditions report the observed performance of electricity analysis. In addition, calculations of electricity bills depending on two electricity rates are discussed, representing the benefits of electricity bill reduction when electricity users accepted the power supply from community microgrid systems.
Exploring Relationships between Recurrent Binge Eating and Illicit Substance Use in a Non-Clinical Sample of Women over Two Years
Authors: Lu Henry , Mannan Haider , Hay Phillipa
Published: July 2017

(1) Background: With the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), numerous parallels have been drawn between recurrent binge eating (RBE) and substance use disorders, with many authors examining RBE or binge eating disorder (BED) as a “food addiction”. The present study aims to clarify the relationship between recurrent binge eating (RBE) and illicit substance use (ISU) through investigating the temporal association between the two problems. (2) Methods: This study was embedded within a larger longitudinal study of non-clinical adult women recruited from Australian tertiary institutions. Participants responded at year 2 and year 4 of follow-up to the Eating Disorder Examination—Questionnaire. ISU was measured using a modified questionnaire taken from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. (3) Results: RBE and ISU co-morbidity was 5.88% in this non-clinical sample, and having one condition increased the likelihood of the other. The two conditions had a different trajectory over two years whereby ISU participants had significant risk of developing RBE in addition to or in place of their ISU but the reverse was not found for RBE participants. (4) Conclusion: This unidirectional relationship suggests that in spite of the similarities of RBE and ISU they may be distinct with respect to their co-morbidity over time.
Mo(VI) Complexes Immobilized on SBA-15 as an Efficient Catalyst for 1-Octene Epoxidation
Authors: Moreno Jovita , Iglesias Jose , Melero Juan
Published: July 2017

SBA-15 materials were functionalized through a post-synthetic methodology with molybdenum-Schiff bases to provide catalytic activity in epoxidation reactions. Thus, glycidoxypropyl functionalities were first attached to the surface of the mesostructured silica, followed by the reaction of the immobilized oxirane groups with 2-amino propyl pyridine. This reaction allowed the obtaining of (hydroxypropyl)-2-aminomethyl pyridine ligands, directly tethered to the surface of the mesoporous silica-based SBA-15, which resulted in excellent chelating ligands to immobilize dioxo molydenum species by a reaction with MoO2(acac)2. This investigation comprises a thorough characterization of the process for building the immobilized molybdenum-Schiff base complexes, as well as the use of the obtained materials in 1-octene oxidation in the presence of organic hydroperoxides. These materials displayed high intrinsic catalytic activity in the epoxidation of 1-octene with organic hydroperoxides under a wide variety of conditions, although both the reaction solvent as well as the nature of the organic hydroperoxide, exerted a dramatic influence on the catalytic activity of these heterogeneous oxidation catalysts. Thus, whereas nonpolar solvents provided good epoxide yields with high efficiency in the use of the oxidant, polar solvents depressed the catalytic activity of the supported Mo-Schiff bases. These results have been ascribed to the competition with the solvent, when polar, for binding to the metal sites, thus avoiding the formation of the hydroperoxo-metal cycle and the epoxidation of the olefin. The catalysts presented here show good reusability with low catalytic activity decay after the first reuse.
An Ecological Study of the Association between Area-Level Green Space and Adult Mortality in Hong Kong
Authors: Xu Lixia , Ren Chao , Yuan Chao , Nichol Janet , Goggins William
Published: July 2017

There is evidence that access to green spaces have positive effects on health, possibly through beneficial effects on exercise, air quality, urban heat islands, and stress. Few previous studies have examined the associations between green space and mortality, and they have given inconsistent results. This ecological study relates green space to mortality in Hong Kong from 2006 to 2011. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a measure of green space coverage, was measured for 199 small geographic areas in Hong Kong. Negative Binomial Regression Models were fit for mortality outcomes with NDVI, age, gender, population density, and area-level socio-economic variables as predictors, with Generalized Estimating Equations used to control for within-cluster correlation. An interquartile range (0.44 units) higher NDVI was significantly associated with lower cardiovascular (relative risk (RR) = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80, 0.98) and diabetes (RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.92) mortality, and non-significantly associated with lower chronic respiratory mortality (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.79, 1.02). Associations were stronger for males and low-income area residents. Lung cancer mortality had no significant association with green space. Better provision of urban green space, particularly in low-income areas, appears to have potential to reduce mortality in densely-populated Asian cities.
Safety and Efficacy of Nail Products
Authors: Arora Harleen , Tosti Antonella
Published: July 2017

Over the past several decades, the commercialization of nail cosmetics has increased. From nail polishes to artificial nails, different methods of nail beautification have become popularized. However, the impact of these products remains largely unknown. Governments have passed legislation in attempts to regulate nail cosmetics, but these regulations may not be adequate and are difficult to enforce. Knowledge of the safety and efficacy of nail products remains limited due to the relative dearth of literature published on the topic. This review serves to summarize and interpret the data available regarding common nail products and their safety and efficacy. Nail products such as nail polish, nail polish removers, and artificial nails have shown to have some adverse effects through case reports and studies. Harmful substances such as toluenesulfonamide-formaldehyde resin and methacrylates have been identified in commercial nail products, leading to several adverse effects, but in particular, allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to substances such as acetonitrile found in removers may have more toxic and caustic effects, especially if ingested. In addition, for nail technicians there are negative effects linked with occupational exposure. Compounds used in nail products may become aerosolized and lead to asthma, eye and throat irritation, and even neurocognitive changes.
Inorganic Anions Regulate the Phase Transition in Two Organic Cation Salts Containing [(4-Nitroanilinium)(18-crown-6)]+ Supramolecules
Authors: Chen Yuan , Liu Yang , Gao Binzu , Zhu Chuli , Liu Zunqi
Published: July 2017

Inorganic Anions Regulate the Phase Transition in Two Organic Cation Salts Containing [(4-Nitroanilinium)(18-crown-6)]+ Supramolecules
A Novel Layered Bidirectional Equalizer Based on a Buck-Boost Converter for Series-Connected Battery Strings
Authors: Wang Shubiao , Kang Longyun , Guo Xiangwei , Wang Zefeng , Liu Ming
Published: July 2017

To eliminate the influence of the inconsistency on the cycle life and the available capacity of battery packs, and improve the balancing speed, a novel inductor-based layered bidirectional equalizer (IBLBE) is proposed. The equalizer is composed of two layers of balancing circuits connected in parallel. Each layer contains multiple balancing sub-circuits based on buck-boost converters. These balancing sub-circuits can equalize the corresponding cells simultaneously, and allow the dynamic adjustment of equalization path and equalization threshold. Analysis and simulation results demonstrate the IBLBE has a higher level balancing speed than other equalizers based on switched-capacitor or switched-inductor converters, and reduces the balancing time by 30% compared to existing inductor-based parallel architecture equalizers (PAEs). Experimental results are presented to validate the analysis and effectiveness of the proposed equalizer.
Performance Predictions of Dry and Wet Vapors Ejectors Over Entire Operational Range
Authors: Li Fenglei , Chang Zhao , Tian Qi , Wu Changzhi , Wang Xiangyu
Published: July 2017

If a traditional ideal-gas ejector model is used to evaluate the performance of a wet vapor ejector, large deviations from the experimental results will be unavoidable. Moreover, the model usually fails to assess the ejector performance at subcritical mode. In this paper, we proposed a novel model to evaluate the performance of both dry and wet vapors ejectors over the entire operational range at critical or subcritical modes. The model was obtained by integrating the linear characteristic equations of ejector with critical and breakdown points models, which were developed based on the assumptions of constant-pressure mixing and constant-pressure disturbing. In the models, the equations of the two-phase speed of sound and the property of real gas were introduced and ejector component efficiencies were optimized to improve the accuracy of evaluation. It was validated that the proposed model for the entire operational range can achieve a better performance than those existing for R134a, R141b and R245fa. The critical and breakdown points models were further used to investigate the effect of operational parameters on the performance of an ejector refrigeration system (ERS). The theoretical results indicated that decreasing the saturated generating temperature when the actual condensing temperature decreases, and/or increasing the saturated evaporating temperature can improve the performance of ERS significantly. Moreover, superheating the primary flow before it enters the ejector can further improve the performance of an ERS using R134a as a working fluid.
Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for Enhanced Production of Lipid and Citric Acid
Authors: Abghari Ali , Chen Shulin
Published: July 2017

Increasing demand for plant oil for food, feed, and fuel production has led to food-fuel competition, higher plant lipid cost, and more need for agricultural land. On the other hand, the growing global production of biodiesel has increased the production of glycerol as a by-product. Efficient utilization of this by-product can reduce biodiesel production costs. We engineered Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica) at various metabolic levels of lipid biosynthesis, degradation, and regulation for enhanced lipid and citric acid production. We used a one-step double gene knock-in and site-specific gene knock-out strategy. The resulting final strain combines the overexpression of homologous DGA1 and DGA2 in a POX-deleted background, and deletion of the SNF1 lipid regulator. This increased lipid and citric acid production in the strain under nitrogen-limiting conditions (C/N molar ratio of 60). The engineered strain constitutively accumulated lipid at a titer of more than 4.8 g/L with a lipid content of 53% of dry cell weight (DCW). The secreted citric acid reached a yield of 0.75 g/g (up to ~45 g/L) from pure glycerol in 3 days of batch fermentation using a 1-L bioreactor. This yeast cell factory was capable of simultaneous lipid accumulation and citric acid secretion. It can be used in fed-batch or continuous bioprocessing for citric acid recovery from the supernatant, along with lipid extraction from the harvested biomass.
Interference-Aware Opportunistic Dynamic Energy Saving Mechanism for Wi-Fi Enabled IoTs
Authors: Lee Il-Gu
Published: July 2017

The wireless local area network (WLAN) is one of the most popular wireless technologies offering connectivity today, and one of the candidates for the internet of things (IoTs). However, WLAN’s inefficiency in terms of complexity and relatively large power consumption compared with other wireless standards has been reported as a major barrier for IoTs applications. This paper proposes an interference-aware opportunistic dynamic energy saving mechanism to improve energy efficiency for Wi-Fi enabled IoTs. The proposed scheme optimizes operating clock frequencies adaptively for signal processing when the mobile station transmits packets in partial sub-channels. Evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme improves energy efficiency by approximately 34%.
About the Possibility of Disposal of HLRW in Deep Boreholes in Germany
Authors: Bracke Guido , Charlier Frank , Liebscher Axel , Schilling Frank , Röckel Thomas
Published: July 2017

Using deep boreholes for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLRW) can take advantage of multiple geologic barriers as safety features and aims for the safe containment of radionuclides by containment-providing rock zones (CPRZ). The great depth efficiently prolongs or hinders radionuclide transport and also impedes proliferation. Finally, there may be a time benefit with regard to technical implementation and costs. Due to the phase-out from nuclear energy in Germany the number of boreholes could be less than 100. A simplified, generic safety concept, and the requirements for the diameter of boreholes and containers are derived in this paper. Furthermore, the operational safety of emplacement, the retrieval of waste and sealing of the boreholes is discussed. It is outlined that boreholes can be sealed quickly and over long distances with proven technologies, for example, using the creep properties of salt rock formations. This concept is assessed for its compliance with the safety requirements of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), and the requirements and criteria for site selection defined by the German commission on “Storage of high-level radioactive waste”. The retrievability of HLRW is assessed to be technically feasible based on today´s knowledge, but recoverability after closure cannot be guaranteed for long time spans. Further developments in details of the concept of deep borehole disposal (DBD), a demonstration of its technical feasibility and an assessment of operational and long-term safety are still necessary to make DBD an approved option.
Relationship between Aging-Related Skin Dryness and Aquaporins
Authors: Ikarashi Nobutomo , Kon Risako , Kaneko Miho , Mizukami Nanaho , Kusunoki Yoshiki , Sugiyama Kiyoshi
Published: July 2017

Skin function deteriorates with aging, and the dermal water content decreases. In this study, we have analyzed the mechanism of aging-related skin dryness focusing on aquaporins (AQPs), which are the water channels. Mice aged 3 and 20 months were designated as young and aged mice, respectively, to be used in the experiments. No differences were observed in transepidermal water loss between the young mice and aged mice. However, the dermal water content in aged mice was significantly lower than that in young mice, thus showing skin dryness. The expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP7, and AQP9 was observed in the skin. All the mRNA expression levels of these AQPs were significantly lower in aged mice. For AQP3, which was expressed dominantly in the skin, the protein level was lower in aged mice than in young mice. The results of the study showed that the expression level of AQPs in the skin decreased with aging, suggesting the possibility that this was one of the causes of skin dryness. New targets for the prevention and treatment of aging-related skin dryness are expected to be proposed when the substance that increases the expression of AQP3 is found.
Observed Sea-Level Changes along the Norwegian Coast
Authors: Breili Kristian , Simpson Matthew , Nilsen Jan
Published: July 2017

Norway’s national sea level observing system consists of an extensive array of tide gauges, permanent GNSS stations, and lines of repeated levelling. Here, we make use of this observation system to calculate relative sea-level rates and rates corrected for glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) along the Norwegian coast for three different periods, i.e., 1960 to 2010, 1984 to 2014, and 1993 to 2016. For all periods, the relative sea-level rates show considerable spatial variations that are largely due to differences in vertical land motion due to GIA. The variation is reduced by applying corrections for vertical land motion and associated gravitational effects on sea level. For 1960 to 2010 and 1984 to 2014, the coastal average GIA-corrected rates for Norway are 2.0 ± 0.6 mm/year and 2.2 ± 0.6 mm/year, respectively. This is close to the rate of global sea-level rise for the same periods. For the most recent period, 1993 to 2016, the GIA-corrected coastal average is 3.5 ± 0.6 mm/year and 3.2 ± 0.6 mm/year with and without inverse barometer (IB) corrections, respectively, which is significantly higher than for the two earlier periods. For 1993 to 2016, the coastal average IB-corrected rates show broad agreement with two independent sets of altimetry. This suggests that there is no systematic error in the vertical land motion corrections applied to the tide-gauge data. At the same time, altimetry does not capture the spatial variation identified in the tide-gauge records. This could be an effect of using altimetry observations off the coast instead of directly at each tide gauge. Finally, we note that, owing to natural variability in the climate system, our estimates are highly sensitive to the selected study period. For example, using a 30-year moving window, we find that the estimated rates may change by up to 1 mm/year when shifting the start epoch by only one year.
Investigation of Micro-Bending of Sheet Metal Laminates by Laser-Driven Soft Punch in Warm Conditions
Authors: Liu Huixia , Zhang Guoce , Shen Zongbao , Zhang Wenhao , Wang Xiao
Published: July 2017

Microscale laser dynamic flexible forming (µLDFF) is a novel ultrahigh strain rate manufacturing technology with high efficiency and low cost. However, the µLDFF is just confined to single-layer foil at present. In this work, sheet metal laminates (Cu/Ni) were selected as the experimental material for its excellent mechanical and functional properties, and a new micro-bending method of sheet metal laminates by laser-driven soft punch was proposed in warm conditions. The micro-mold and warm platform were designed to investigate the effects of temperature and energy on formability, which were characterized by forming accuracy, surface quality, element diffusion, and so on. The experimental results show that the forming accuracy and quality increased first and then decreased with laser energy, but the hardness increased consistently. In warm conditions, the fluidity of material was improved. The forming depth and accuracy increased for the relieved springback, and the surface quality increased first and then decreased. The tensile fracture disappeared with temperature for the decreased hardness and thinning ratio, and the element diffusion occurred. Overall, this study indicates that the formability can be improved in warm conditions and provides a basis for the investigation of micro-bending of sheet metal laminates by µLDFF in warm conditions.
Origins and Geochemistry of Oolitic Dolomite of the Feixianguan Formation from the Yudongzi Outcrop, Northwest Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Liya , Jiao Yangquan , Rong Hui , Li Rong , Wang Rui
Published: July 2017

The topic of dolomite formation has long presented a challenge to researchers. In this study, the origin of widely occurring oolitic dolomites from the Yudongzi outcrop in the lower Triassic Feixianguan formation in northwest Sichuan, China, was investigated through petrographic observations, and mineralogical and geochemical analysis. Analytical methods used include cathodoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, stable isotopes, and electronic microprobe characterization. The dolomites were categorized into three major genetic types according to their textural and structural characteristics, which reflect their various origins. The first genetic type of these dolomites, seepage reflux dolomitization, occurs in marly to microcrystalline dolomite during the penecontemporaneous stage, and displays negatively skewed δ18Ο (−2.83‰ Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB)), positively skewed δ13C (2.71‰ PDB), a low degree of order (0.48), and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.707509–0.707634, indicating involvement of a Mg-rich brine fluid in an open evaporative environment. The second type, shallow burial dolomitization, is the most significant genetic type of dolomite reservoir in this area. This process produced dominantly silty to fine crystalline dolomite in a platform-margin oolitic beach facies with negatively skewed δ18Ο (−3.26‰ PDB), positively skewed δ13C (1.88‰ PDB), a high degree of order (0.70), and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.707318–0.707661, which are related to seawater-derived fluids in a shallow burial environment. The third type is moderate to deep burial dolomitization, and is the main process responsible for zoned dolomite and dolomite with cloudy cores and clear rims (CCCR dolomite), which have the most strongly negatively skewed δ18Ο (−7.32‰ PDB), positively skewed δ13C (3.02‰ PDB), and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.707217–0.707855, representing diagenetic alteration and fluid flow in a closed environment. These findings indicate that dolomite was likely affected by various degrees of burial and related marine-derived fluids, which will aid exploration efforts in high-quality hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin.