bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Path Travel Costs for Heterogeneous Users on Large-Scale Networks: Heuristic Approach to Integrated Activity-Based Model–Dynamic Traffic Assignment Models
Authors: Xu Xiang (Alex) , Fakhrmoosavi Fatemeh , Zockaie Ali , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: December 2017

Integrating activity-based models (ABMs) with simulation-based dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) have gained attention from transportation planning agencies seeking tools to address the arising planning challenges as well as transportation policies such as road pricing. Optimal paths with least generalized cost are needed to route travelers at the DTA level, while at the ABM level, only the least generalized cost information is needed (without fully specified paths). Thus, rerunning (executing) the least generalized cost path-finding algorithm at each iteration of ABM and DTA does not seem to be efficient, especially for large-scale networks. Furthermore, storing the dynamic travel cost skims for multiclass users as an alternative approach is not efficient either in regard to memory requirements. In this study, the aim was to estimate the least generalized cost so as to be used in destination and mode choice models at the ABM level. A heuristic approach was developed to use the simulated vehicle trajectories that were assigned to the optimal paths in the DTA level to estimate different cost measures, including distance, time, and monetary cost associated with the least generalized cost path for any given combination of the origin, destination, and departure time (ODT) and value of time. The proposed approximation method presented in this study used vehicle trajectories, aligned with the origin–destination direction and located in a specific boundary shaping an ellipse around the origin and destination zones at a certain time window, to estimate travel costs for the given ODT and user class. Numerical results for two real-world networks suggest the applicability of the method in large-scale networks in addition to its lower computational burden, including solution time and memory requirements, relative to other alternative approaches.
Multiclass Traffic Assignment Problem with Flow-Dependent Passenger Car Equivalent Value of Trucks
Authors: de Andrade Gustavo Riente , Chen Zhibin , Elefteriadou Lily , Yin Yafeng
Published: December 2017

This paper develops and analyzes a multiclass traffic assignment model considering the flow-dependent passenger car equivalent (PCE) value of trucks based on the latest Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 6th edition) and explores the properties of the proposed model to provide guidance on related planning applications. HCM discrete values of truck PCEs are fitted by power functions for combinations of link grades and lengths, which have been found to produce high coefficients of determination ( R2) in all cases. With the established fitting functions, the multiclass traffic assignment problem is formulated as a variational inequality problem and solved by an efficient method. The equilibrium link flow distribution is proved to exist but may not be unique. Numerical examples and discussions are presented to demonstrate the variance of the link flow distributions and the effect of such nonuniqueness on traffic planning applications. Several approaches are then provided to obtain the best range of solutions according to a congestion pricing design problem.
User and Operator Perspectives in Public Transport Timetable Synchronization Design
Authors: Liu Tao , Ceder Avishai (Avi)
Published: December 2017

Increased traffic congestion and the adverse environmental effect of private cars have resulted in an increasingly pressing need for an integrated public transport (PT) system that is more attractive than private car use. The intelligent PT timetable synchronization design is one way to improve the integration and service quality of a PT system with increased connectivity, synchronization, and attractiveness toward far more user-oriented, system-optimal, smart, and sustainable travel. This paper proposes a new multicriteria optimization modeling framework with a systems approach for the PT timetable synchronization design problem. A new bi-objective model is proposed; it takes PT user and operator interests into account. The nature of the overall mathematical formulations of the new model is bi-objective nonlinear integer programming with linear constraints. On the basis of the characteristics of the model, a novel deficit function (DF)–based sequential search method is proposed to solve the problem so as to obtain Pareto-efficient solutions. The visual nature of the proposed DF and the two-dimensional fleet-cost space graphical techniques can facilitate the decision-making process of PT schedulers for finding a desired solution. Numerical results from a small PT network demonstrate that the proposed mathematical programming model and solution method are effective in practice and have the potential to be applied in large-scale and realistic networks.
Time Bandits, Historians, and Concepts of Bad Times
Authors: Ifversen Jan
Published: December 2017

Within the history of concepts, the conceptualization of time is central. Historical
actors rely on their experiences for orientation in the present, and they
produce expectations about the future. To imagine their horizons of expectation
they need concepts about the future. When the future becomes difficult
to conceive of for a variety of reasons, they take refuge in concepts describing
unruly and uncertain times such as crisis or chaos. Times when the future
is completely out of reach because the present seems unbearable might be
termed catastrophic. Also, historians in general make use of temporal concepts
to narrate their histories. They are like time bandits that manipulate
time. Following last year’s conference organized by the History of Concepts
Group on key concepts in times of crisis, this article takes issue with the discussion
of concepts describing bad times within conceptual history.
Appropriations and Contestations of the Islamic Nomenclature in Muslim North India
Authors: Hartung Jan-Peter
Published: December 2017

This article comprises a twofold attempt: the first is to establish a semantic
field that revolves around the concept of siyāsat—roughly equivalent to the
political—in Muslim South Asia; the second is to trace semantic shifts in this
field and to identify circumstances that may have prompted those shifts. It is
argued here that the terms that constitute the semantic field of the political
oscillate between two sociolinguistic traditions: a strongly Islamicate Arabic
one, and a more imperially oriented Persian one. Another linguistic shift is
indicated with the replacement of Persian by Urdu as the dominant literary
idiom in and beyond North India since the eighteenth century. The aim is to
serve only as a starting point for a more intensive discussion that brings in
other materials and perspectives, thus helping to elucidate the tension between
normative aspirations by ruling elites and actual political praxes by
variant socioeconomic groups.
On-Farm Verification of Linseed and Sesame Variety for Fallow-Fallow-T Aman Rice Cropping System in Sylhet Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Nazrul MI
Published: December 2017

A field experiment was conducted during rabi and kharif seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 to find out suitable linseed and sesame genotypes to fit in the Fallow-Fallow- T. aman rice cropping system under AEZ 20 in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six dispersed replications. It was revealed that among the different linseed varieties, the genotype Zokiganj-local gave the maximum number (31.40) of capsules plant-1 and 1000-seed weight (4.01g) with the highest seed yield (1003 kg ha-1). Similarly, sesame var. BARI Til-4 provided maximum number of capsules plant-1 (71.33), seeds plant-1 (70.33) and highest 1000-seed weight (3.012g), which resulted the highest seed yield (1150 kg ha-1) yield in arable fallow land of Sylhet region. The lowest seed yield 782 and 840 kg ha-1 of linseed and sesame was produced by the genotypes Patuakhali local and the var. BARI Til-3, respectively.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 7-12
Effect of Nitrogen Sources and Weed Management Options on Weed Growth and Crop Yield of Transplant Aman Rice
Authors: Ghosh R , Salim M , Ahmed S
Published: December 2017

A field study was conducted at the Agronomy research field of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period of July to December, 2013 to evaluate the sources of nitrogen and weed management options on weed growth and rice yield. The experiment included four nitrogen sources (100% cowdung, 100% prilled urea, 100% urea super granule, 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea) and four weed management options (weedy, application of herbicide at 3 DAT, application of herbicide at 3 DAT followed by hand weeding at 21 DAT and weed free). Sources of nitrogen and weed management options had significant effect on tiller number, biomass, SPAD value, panicle number, number of florets panicle-1, grain and straw yield, and weed biomass. The highest grain yield (5.40 t ha-1) was found in the treatment of 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea with combination of season long weed free. Although 100% prilled urea had significantly similar grain yield to 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea, however, across the weed management options, 100% urea super granule and 100% cowdung had 15 and 27% lower grain yield. Irrespective of the weed management options, 100% prilled urea had always higher weed biomass and 100% USG, 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea, and 100% cowdung had 46, 35 and 19% lower weed biomass, respectively, compared with 100% prilled urea. In terms of rice yield and weed management, combined application of organic and inorganic source of nitrogen is better than only chemical or only organic source and pre-emergence herbicide followed by one hand weeding for transplanted aman rice.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 85-97
Screening Non-Improved Zimbabwean Sorghum Land Races for Resistance to Witch Weed
Authors: Chipfunde Onismus , Masocha Mhosisi
Published: December 2017

Sorghum is an important cereal for food security in semi-arid regions of the world (Mukarumbwa and Mushunje 2010). Semi-arid regions are characterized by frequent droughts leading to crop failure. In addition to drought, sorghum production in the smallholder farming sector in Sub-Saharan Africa can be undermined by the parasitic witch weed Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze (Stroud, 1993). S. asiatica parasitism can cause cereal yields to drop by as much as 60% hence it poses a threat to food security (Mabasa, 1993). The aim of this study is to screen sorghum landraces for S. asiatica resistance and test the escape hypothesis through a controlled in a pot experiment. A pot experiment was established on 1 March 2013 at the Henderson Research Station in Zimbabwe. It is situated in agro-ecological region II of Zimbabwe. The annual average rainfall is 864 mm. Mean annual temperature is 21 oC (Mujere and Mazvimavi, 2012). The dominant soil type is red clay loam belonging to the fersiallitic group (Wulff et al. 2002). Four sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) landraces consisting of two early maturing and two late maturing varieties were obtained from the National Genebank in Harare for this experiment. The early maturing landraces were Tsveta and Nhongoro while the late maturing landraces were Musoswe and Khaki. The biological characteristics of these landraces including days to 50% flowering is shown in Table 1.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 106-108
“Physics is supposed to be spoken of with a bit of irony”: unknown speech by L D Landau, 8 April 1960
Authors: Druzhinin P A
Published: December 2017

A previously unknown speech by Lev Landau dated 8 April 1960 has been published, as transcribed from a unique tape recording obtained from the Russian State Phonogram Archive (Moscow). This is Landau’s only true public speech known to have been recorded.
An Overview of Cube-Satellite Propulsion Technologies and Trends
Authors: Tummala Akshay Reddy , Dutta Atri
Published: December 2017

CubeSats provide a cost effective means to perform scientific and technological studies in space. Due to their affordability, CubeSat technologies have been diversely studied and developed by educational institutions, companies and space organizations all over the world. The CubeSat technology that is surveyed in this paper is the propulsion system. A propulsion system is the primary mobility device of a spacecraft and helps with orbit modifications and attitude control. This paper provides an overview of micro-propulsion technologies that have been developed or are currently being developed for CubeSats. Some of the micro-propulsion technologies listed have also flown as secondary propulsion systems on larger spacecraft. Operating principles and key design considerations for each class of propulsion system are outlined. Finally, the performance factors of micro-propulsion systems have been summarized in terms of: first, a comparison of thrust and specific impulse for all propulsion systems; second, a comparison of power and specific impulse, as also thrust-to-power ratio and specific impulse for electric propulsion systems.
A Model-Assisted Reduced-Order ESO Based Cascade Controller for Sensorless Control of Independent Gear-Shifting Actuators
Authors: Zhou Yingchao , Chang Siqin
Published: December 2017

Independent gear-shifting actuation systems, which are based on linear electromagnetic actuators (LEMAs), have tremendous potential to minimize the shifting duration of automated mechanical transmission (AMT). A velocity estimator based on the measurements of current is designed to achieve sensorless control of the actuator by using only electrical subsystem, thus avoiding the use of a complete system model that contains mechanical uncertainties. The elimination of the position sensor simplifies the structure of the gear-shifting system and reduces the manufacturing cost. To enhance the robustness of the position control, model-assisted reduced-order extended state observer (ESO) based cascade controller is constructed, which take parameter uncertainties and external load force as the lumped disturbance to observe and compensate them dynamically. Finally, simulation and experimental results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed velocity estimator and control method.
Nanostructured Ceramic Photocatalytic Membrane Modified with a Polymer Template for Textile Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ahmad Rizwan , Kim Jin , Kim Jong , Kim Jeonghwan
Published: December 2017

Photocatalytic ceramic membranes have attracted considerable attention for industrial wastewater treatment. However, morphological control of the membrane surface to improve its photocatalytic reactivity for the degradation of organic pollutants remains a challenge. Herein, we report a new nanostructured TiO2/Al2O3 composite ceramic membrane prepared from a poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (POEM) template through a sol–gel method and its photocatalytic performance in the treatment of a model dye compound. The POEM polymeric template allowed the homogeneous distribution of catalytic sites, i.e., the TiO2 layer, on the Al2O3 membrane surface, resulting in improved organic dye degradation along with effective fouling mitigation. The immobilization of a TiO2 layer on the Al2O3 membrane support also significantly enhanced the membrane adsorption capacity toward dye organic compounds. An organic removal efficiency of over 96% was achieved with the TiO2/Al2O3 composite membrane under Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. In addition, the self-cleaning efficiency of the TiO2/Al2O3 composite membrane was remarkably improved by the degradation of organic foulants on the membrane under UV illumination.
Persistent Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Some Selected Cocoa Beverages in Nigeria
Authors: Ibigbami Olayinka , Adebawore Adefusisoye
Published: December 2017

This study evaluates the quality of the cocoa beverages produced in Nigeria with respect to the occurrence and levels of organochlorine pesticides OCPs residues in order to ascertain the potential health risks to the general public. Seven cocoa-based beverages were analysed for 17 OCP residues using gas chromatography coupled with an Electron Captured Detector (GC-ECD) after extraction and silica-gel clean-up. The study reveals the presence of ten OCP residues in the cocoa beverages, with a concentration range from not detected ND—0.256 mg/kg, while α-BHC, β-BHC, methoxychlor, p,p′-DDE, dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, and endosulfan sulphate were not detected in any of the analysed samples. The contamination pattern of OCPs in the beverages was in the following order: Ovaltine > Milo > Cadbury-choco > Bournvita > Cowbell-coffee > Richoco > Oluji, with p,p′-DDT being the most frequently found pesticide. Heptachlor and endosulfan II showeda residual level above the European Union (EU) Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs) in only one sample.
Chalcogenide Quaternary Cu2FeSnS4 Nanocrystals for Solar Cells: Explosive Character of Mechanochemical Synthesis and Environmental Challenge
Authors: Baláž Peter , Baláž Matej , Sayagués María , Eliyas Alexander , Kostova Nina , Kaňuchová Mária , Dutková Erika , Zorkovská Anna
Published: December 2017

In this study we demonstrate the synthesis of quaternary semiconductor nanocrystals of stannite Cu2FeSnS4/rhodostannite Cu2FeSn3S8 (CFTS) via mechanochemical route using Cu, Fe, Sn and S elements as precursors in one-pot experiments. Methods of X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied to characterize properties of the unique nanostructures. Mechanochemical route of synthesis induced new phenomena like explosive character of reaction, where three stages could be identified and the formation of nanostructures 5–10 nm in size. By using XPS method, Cu(I), Fe(II), Sn(IV) and S(-II) species were identified on the surface of CFTS. The value of optical band gap 1.27 eV is optimal for semiconductors applicable as absorbers in solar cells. The significant photocatalytic activity of the CFTS nanocrystals was also evidenced. The obtained results confirm the excellent properties of the quaternary semiconductor nanocrystals synthesized from earth-abundant elements.
Maximum Exergetic Efficiency Operation of a Solar Powered H2O-LiBr Absorption Cooling System
Authors: Stanciu Camelia , Stanciu Dorin , Gheorghian Adina-Teodora , Tănase Elena-Beatrice , Dobre Cătălina , Spiroiu Marius
Published: December 2017

A solar driven cooling system consisting of a single effect H2O-LiBr absorbtion cooling module (ACS), a parabolic trough collector (PTC), and a storage tank (ST) module is analyzed during one full day operation. The pressurized water is used to transfer heat from PTC to ST and to feed the ACS desorber. The system is constrained to operate at the maximum ACS exergetic efficiency, under a time dependent cooling load computed on 15 July for a one storey house located near Bucharest, Romania. To set up the solar assembly, two commercial PTCs were selected, namely PT1-IST and PTC 1800 Solitem, and a single unit ST was initially considered. The mathematical model, relying on the energy balance equations, was coded under Engineering Equation Solver (EES) environment. The solar data were obtained from the Meteonorm database. The numerical simulations proved that the system cannot cover the imposed cooling load all day long, due to the large variation of water temperature inside the ST. By splitting the ST into two units, the results revealed that the PT1-IST collector only drives the ACS between 9 am and 4:30 pm, while the PTC 1800 one covers the entire cooling period (9 am–6 pm) for optimum ST capacities of 90 kg/90 kg and 90 kg/140 kg, respectively.
Information Landscape and Flux, Mutual Information Rate Decomposition and Connections to Entropy Production
Authors: Zeng Qian , Wang Jin
Published: December 2017

We explored the dynamics of two interacting information systems. We show that for the Markovian marginal systems, the driving force for information dynamics is determined by both the information landscape and information flux. While the information landscape can be used to construct the driving force to describe the equilibrium time-reversible information system dynamics, the information flux can be used to describe the nonequilibrium time-irreversible behaviors of the information system dynamics. The information flux explicitly breaks the detailed balance and is a direct measure of the degree of the nonequilibrium or time-irreversibility. We further demonstrate that the mutual information rate between the two subsystems can be decomposed into the equilibrium time-reversible and nonequilibrium time-irreversible parts, respectively. This decomposition of the Mutual Information Rate (MIR) corresponds to the information landscape-flux decomposition explicitly when the two subsystems behave as Markov chains. Finally, we uncover the intimate relationship between the nonequilibrium thermodynamics in terms of the entropy production rates and the time-irreversible part of the mutual information rate. We found that this relationship and MIR decomposition still hold for the more general stationary and ergodic cases. We demonstrate the above features with two examples of the bivariate Markov chains.
Optimal Power Assignment of Energy Storage Systems to Improve the Energy Storage Efficiency for Frequency Regulation
Authors: Cho Sung-Min , Yun Sang-Yun
Published: December 2017

Losses in energy storage systems (ESSs) are considered operational costs and it is critical to improve efficiency in order to expand their use. We proposed a method of improving efficiency through the operation algorithm of an ESS, consisting of multiple energy storage units (ESUs). Since the ESS used for frequency adjustment maintains a fast response characteristics, we have created a lookup table of efficient ESU operating combinations using genetic algorithms in advance to maintain a fast response time. In addition, the charge/discharge energy balance between the plurality of ESUs is maintained, and the deterioration is prevented from being concentrated in some ESUs. The proposed algorithm was reviewed based on three case studies. The first case study examined whether the lookup table obtained using the genetic algorithm well identified the optimal solution. The second compared the system that optimally distributes the output to ESUs to achieve ESS efficiency for frequency regulation with the system that uniformly distributes the output to ESUs. The third analyzed the impact of efficiency enhancement on the operation of an ESS for frequency regulation through a one-month simulation. The findings confirmed that when the entire system output is optimally allocated to the ESUs, the system’s economic efficiency can be improved by reducing the loss while maintaining the accumulative charge/discharge balance.
Efficient Low Temperature Hydrothermal Carbonization of Chinese Reed for Biochar with High Energy Density
Authors: Liu Chang , Huang Xin , Kong Lingzhao
Published: December 2017

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), as an environmental friendly process, presents wide potential applicability for converting biomass to biochar with high energy density. Reed, a major energy crop, was converted by a HTC process in a batch reactor at 200–280 °C for 0.5 to 4 h. Biochar mass yield changed from 66.7% to 19.2% and high heating value (HHV) from 20.0 kJ/g to 28.3 kJ/g, respectively, by increasing the carbonization temperature from 200 °C to 280 °C and decreasing the residence time from 2 h to 1 h. The Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results indicated the lignocellulosic crosslink structure of reed is broken and biochar having a high energy density is obtained with the increase of temperature. The microcrystal features of reed are destroyed and biochar contained mainly lignin fractions. The HTC of biocrude is carried out at 200–280 °C for 2.0 h and the results showed that the obtained biochar has uniform particles filled with carbon microspheres.
Performance Comparison of Grid-Faulty Control Schemes for Inverter-Based Industrial Microgrids
Authors: Camacho Antonio , Castilla Miguel , Canziani Franco , Moreira Carlos , Coelho Paulo , Gomes Mario , Mercado Pedro
Published: December 2017

Several control schemes specifically designed to operate inverter-based industrial microgrids during voltage sags have been recently proposed. This paper first classifies these control schemes in three categories and then performs a comparative analysis of them. Representative control schemes of each category are selected, described and used to identify the main features and performance of the considered category. The comparison is based on the evaluation of several indexes, which measure the power quality of the installation and utility grid during voltage sags, including voltage regulation, reactive current injection and transient response. The paper includes selected simulation results from a 500 kVA industrial microgrid to validate the expected features of the considered control schemes. Finally, in view of the obtained results, the paper proposes an alternative solution to cope with voltage sags, which includes the use of a static compensator in parallel with the microgrid. The novelty of this proposal is the suitable selection of the control schemes for both the microgrid and the static compensator. The superior performance of the proposal is confirmed by the analysis of the quality indexes. Its practical limitations are also revealed, showing that the topic studied in this paper is still open for further research.
A Hierarchical Transactive Energy Management System for Energy Sharing in Residential Microgrids
Authors: Akter Most , Mahmud Md , Oo Amanullah
Published: December 2017

This paper presents an analytical framework to develop a hierarchical energy management system (EMS) for energy sharing among neighbouring households in residential microgrids. The houses in residential microgrids are categorized into three different types, traditional, proactive and enthusiastic, based on the inclusion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems (BESSs). Each of these three houses has an individual EMS, which is defined as the primary EMS. Two other EMSs (secondary and tertiary) are also considered in the proposed hierarchical energy management framework for the purpose of effective energy sharing. The intelligences of each EMS are presented in this paper for the purpose of energy sharing in a residential microgrid along with the priorities. The effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical framework is evaluated on a residential microgrid in Australia. The analytical results clearly reflect that the proposed scheme effectively and efficiently shares the energy among neighbouring houses in a residential microgrid.
Structural Reliability Analysis of Wind Turbines: A Review
Authors: Jiang Zhiyu , Hu Weifei , Dong Wenbin , Gao Zhen , Ren Zhengru
Published: December 2017

The paper presents a detailed review of the state-of-the-art research activities on structural reliability analysis of wind turbines between the 1990s and 2017. We describe the reliability methods including the first- and second-order reliability methods and the simulation reliability methods and show the procedure for and application areas of structural reliability analysis of wind turbines. Further, we critically review the various structural reliability studies on rotor blades, bottom-fixed support structures, floating systems and mechanical and electrical components. Finally, future applications of structural reliability methods to wind turbine designs are discussed.
A Study of Spill Control Characteristics of JP-8 and Conventional Diesel Fuel with a Common Rail Direct Injection System
Authors: Yang Seomoon , Moon Hoonyoung , Lee Changhee
Published: December 2017

Diversification of energy sources is a key task for decreasing environmental impacts and global emission of gases. JP-8, a fuel derived from natural gas, coal, biomass, and waste plastics, is a bright prospect. JP-8 is considered a multi-source multi-purpose fuel, with several applications. A preliminary characterization of the JP-8 injection rate and injection quantity behavior was investigated based on the high-pressure common rail injection system used in a heavy-duty engine. According to the spill injection and injection pressure, a trade-off trend between injection rate and injection quantity was observed. As expected, pilot injection of JP-8 aviation fuel and diesel fuel affects the spray quantity and injection evolution of the subsequent operation without pilot injection. The difference in spilling between diesel and JP-8 aviation fuel is greater than the difference in injection amount per time; in the process of controlling the injector solenoid through ECU (Electric Control Units), the oil pressure valve and the needle valve operate to a higher extent in order to maintain the diesel fuel’s injection quantity volume. It was found that the total injection quantity was decreased by adding 20% pilot injection duration. Because the pilot injection quantity causes solenoid response, loss and needle lift stroke friction loss.
Development of Numerical Heat Transfer and the Structural Model to Design Slim and Translucent Vacuum Layer Type Insulation Panels to Retrofitting Insulation in Existing Buildings
Authors: Yang Zhang , Katsura Takao , Aihara Masahiro , Nakamura Makoto , Nagano Katsunori
Published: December 2017

The authors develop slim and light-weight vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) by producing vacuum layers with spacers and plastic plates. The developed VIPs have the advantages of a low cost and easy installation, thus facilitating retrofitting insulation of existing buildings. In addition, one of the developed VIPs is slim and translucent so it can be easily used for windows in an internal installation. In this paper, the authors first propose a vacuum layer type slim translucent VIP and focus on a reasonable design method. Next, the authors introduce the design process in which the structural design is obtained with element mechanical analysis and a three-dimensional analysis is conducted for the VIP element. In the study, a heat transfer model is used to predict the insulation performance through finite element analysis (FEA). Subsequently, the authors perform an experiment to measure the thermal conductivity in a guarded hot plate apparatus to validate the performance prediction. Finally, case studies are performed to confirm how the different design conditions affect the insulation performance. The optimum design of the vacuum layer type slim and translucent VIP will have a sufficient structural strength to hold and maintain the vacuum layer. The thermal conductivity is approximately 0.007

W
/

(

m
·
K

)

, which can effectively improve the insulation performance in applications.
Lutein Esterification in Wheat Flour Increases the Carotenoid Retention and Is Induced by Storage Temperatures
Authors: Mellado-Ortega Elena , Hornero-Méndez Dámaso
Published: December 2017

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term storage on the carotenoid pigments present in whole-grain flours prepared from durum wheat and tritordeum. As expected, higher storage temperatures showed a catabolic effect, which was very marked for free carotenoid pigments. Surprisingly, for both cereal genotypes, the thermal conditions favoured the synthesis of lutein esters, leading to an enhanced stability, slower degradation, and, subsequently, a greater carotenoid retention. The putative involvement of lipase enzymes in lutein esterification in flours is discussed, particularly regarding the preferential esterification of the hydroxyl group with linoleic acid at the 3′ in the ε-ring of the lutein molecule. The negative effects of processing on carotenoid retention were less pronounced in durum wheat flours, which could be due to an increased esterifying activity (the de novo formation of diesterified xanthophylls was observed). Moreover, clear differences were observed for tritordeum depending on whether the lutein was in a free or esterified state. For instance, lutein-3′-O-monolinoleate showed a three-fold lower degradation rate than free lutein at 37 °C. In view of our results, we advise that the biofortification research aimed at increasing the carotenoid contents in cereals should be based on the selection of varieties with an enhanced content of esterified xanthophylls.
The Genome of the Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni)
Authors: Jones Samantha , Haulena Martin , Taylor Gregory , Chan Simon , Bilobram Steven , Warren René , Hammond S. , Mungall Karen , Choo Caleb , Kirk Heather , Pandoh Pawan , Ally Adrian , Dhalla Noreen , Tam Angela , Troussard Armelle , Paulino Daniel , Coope Robin , Mungall Andrew , Moore Richard , Zhao Yongjun , Birol Inanc , Ma Yussanne , Marra Marco , Jones Steven
Published: December 2017

The northern sea otter inhabits coastal waters of the northern Pacific Ocean and is the largest member of the Mustelidae family. DNA sequencing methods that utilize microfluidic partitioned and non-partitioned library construction were used to establish the sea otter genome. The final assembly provided 2.426 Gbp of highly contiguous assembled genomic sequences with a scaffold N50 length of over 38 Mbp. We generated transcriptome data derived from a lymphoma to aid in the determination of functional elements. The assembled genome sequence and underlying sequence data are available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the BioProject accession number PRJNA388419.
The Challenge of Oral Epic to Homeric Scholarship
Authors: Jensen Minna Skafte
Published: December 2017

The epic is an intriguing genre, claiming its place in both oral and written systems. Ever since the beginning of folklore studies epic has been in the centre of interest, and monumental attempts at describing its characteristics have been made, in which oral literature was understood mainly as a primitive stage leading up to written literature. With the appearance in 1960 of A. B. Lord’s The Singer of Tales and the introduction of the oral-formulaic theory, the paradigm changed towards considering oral literature a special form of verbal art with its own rules. Fieldworkers have been eagerly studying oral epics all over the world. The growth of material caused that the problems of defining the genre also grew. However, after more than half a century of intensive implementation of the theory an internationally valid sociological model of oral epic is by now established and must be respected in cognate fields such as Homeric scholarship. Here the theory is both a help for readers to guard themselves against anachronistic interpretations and a necessary tool for constructing a social-historic context for the Iliad and the Odyssey. As an example, the hypothesis of a gradual crystallization of these two epics is discussed and rejected.
Rapid Assessment of Stakeholder Concerns about Public Health. An Introduction to a Fast and Inexpensive Approach Applied on Health Concerns about Intensive Animal Production Systems
Authors: Kraaij-Dirkzwager Marleen , Van der Ree Joost , Lebret Erik
Published: December 2017

To effectively manage environmental health risks, stakeholders often need to act collectively. Stakeholders vary in their desire to act due to many factors, such as knowledge, risk perception, interests, and worldviews. Understanding their perceptions of the issues at stake is crucial to support the risk governance process. Even though concern assessment is a pivotal element of risk governance, few tools for rapid assessment are reported in the literature. We tested a rapid and relatively cheap approach, taking the Dutch debate on Intensive Animal Production Systems (IAPS) and health as an example. Dutch policy-oriented publications on IAPS and health and ten semi-structured in-depth interviews with a variety of stakeholders were analyzed to identify stakeholders and concerns involved in the Dutch debate about IAPS and health. Concerns were mapped and a stakeholder network was derived. Three classes of concerns were recognized in the discussions about IAPS and health: concerns related to health risks, concerns regarding the activity causing the risks (IAPS), and concerns about the process to control the risks. The notions of ‘trust’ and ‘scientific uncertainty’ appeared as important themes in the discussions. Argumentation based on concerns directly related to health risks, the activity causing the risk (IAPS), and its risk management can easily become muddled up in a societal debate, limiting the development of effective action perspectives. Acknowledging these multiple stakeholder concerns can clarify the positions taken by stakeholders and allow for more and other action perspectives to develop.
Effective Partnership in Community-Based Health Promotion: Lessons from the Health Literacy Partnership
Authors: Estacio Emee , Oliver Mike , Downing Beth , Kurth Judy , Protheroe Joanne
Published: December 2017

This paper aims to explore key elements needed to successfully develop healthy partnerships and collaborative working in community-based health promotion. It draws upon the lessons learned from a case study with the Health Literacy Partnership in Stoke-on-Trent, UK in developing the health literacy strategy in the area. The process was underpinned by respect for diverse yet complementary perspectives and skills from the grassroots up. This involved engagement with key stakeholders, development and support for community projects, and sharing of good practice with other national and local organizations. Stakeholders involved in developing the strategy also had a keen interest in health literacy and a strong commitment to promoting health and well-being in the area. Through patience, perseverance, and continuous open communication and learning, the health literacy strategy in Stoke-on-Trent, UK is beginning to have a ripple effect into local practice, and will potentially influence policy in the future.
Synergistic Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GB03) and Water Retaining Agent on Drought Tolerance of Perennial Ryegrass
Authors: Su An-Yu , Niu Shu-Qi , Liu Yuan-Zheng , He Ao-Lei , Zhao Qi , Paré Paul , Li Meng-Fei , Han Qing-Qing , Ali Khan Sardar , Zhang Jin-Lin
Published: December 2017

Water retaining agent (WRA) is widely used for soil erosion control and agricultural water saving. Here, we evaluated the effects of the combination of beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GB03 and WRA (the compound is super absorbent hydrogels) on drought tolerance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Seedlings were subjected to natural drought for maximum 20 days by stopping watering and then rewatered for seven days. Plant survival rate, biomass, photosynthesis, water status and leaf cell membrane integrity were measured. The results showed that under severe drought stress (20-day natural drought), compared to control, GB03, WRA and GB03+WRA all significantly improved shoot fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content and decreased leaf relative electric conductivity (REC) and leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content; GB03+WRA significantly enhanced chlorophyll content compared to control and other two treatments. Seven days after rewatering, GB03, WRA and GB03+WRA all significantly enhanced plant survival rate, biomass, RWC and maintained chlorophyll content compared to control; GB03+WRA significantly enhanced plant survival rate, biomass and chlorophyll content compared to control and other two treatments. The results established that GB03 together with water retaining agent promotes ryegrass growth under drought conditions by improving survival rate and maintaining chlorophyll content.
Evidence of Altered Glycosylation of Serum Proteins Prior to Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Krishnan Shibu , Whitwell Harry , Cuenco Joy , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Menon Usha , Pereira Stephen , Gaspari Marco , Timms John
Published: December 2017

Biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in serum N-glycoproteins and their glycosylation status prior to clinical presentation of pancreatic cancer that may be potential biomarkers. Prediagnosis serum samples pooled according to five time-to-diagnosis groups and a non-cancer control pool were digested with trypsin, labelled with mass tags, and subjected to titanium dioxide capture, deglycosylation, and 2D-LC-MS/MS profiling. Unbound peptides were profiled in parallel. Across the sample groups, 703 proteins were quantified and 426 putative sites of N-glycosylation were identified with evidence of several novel sites. Altered proteins with biomarker potential were predominantly abundant inflammatory response, coagulation, and immune-related proteins. Whilst glycopeptide profiles largely paralleled those of their parent proteins, there was evidence of altered N-glycosylation site occupancy or sialic acid content prior to diagnosis for some proteins, most notably of immunoglobulin gamma chains. α-1-Antitrypsin was tested as a biomarker, but found not to complement carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in early detection of cancer. In conclusion, we provide preliminary evidence of altered glycosylation of several serum proteins prior to pancreatic cancer diagnosis, warranting further investigation of these proteins as early biomarkers. These changes may be largely driven by inflammatory processes that occur in response to tumour formation and progression.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanofunctionalized Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogels
Authors: Rahali Kamel , Ben Messaoud Ghazi , Kahn Cyril , Sanchez-Gonzalez Laura , Kaci Mouna , Cleymand Franck , Fleutot Solenne , Linder Michel , Desobry Stéphane , Arab-Tehrany Elmira
Published: December 2017

Given the importance of the extracellular medium during tissue formation, it was wise to develop an artificial structure that mimics the extracellular matrix while having improved physico-chemical properties. That is why the choice was focused on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), an inexpensive biocompatible hydrogel. Physicochemical and mechanical properties were improved by the incorporation of nanoparticles developed from two innovative fabrication processes: High shear fluid and low frequencies/high frequencies ultrasounds. Both rapeseed nanoliposomes and nanodroplets were successfully incorporated in the GelMA networks during the photo polymerization process. The impact on polymer microstructure was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and enzymatic degradation investigations. Mechanical stability and viscoelastic tests were conducted to demonstrate the beneficial effect of the functionalization on GelMA hydrogels. Adding nanoparticles to GelMA improved the surface properties (porosity), tuned swelling, and degradability properties. In addition, we observed that nanoemulsion didn’t change significantly the mechanical properties to shear and compression solicitations, whereas nanoliposome addition decreased Young’s modulus under compression solicitations. Thus, these ways of functionalization allow controlling the design of the material by choosing the type of nanoparticle (nanoliposome or nanoemulsion) in function of the application.
Molecular Mechanisms and Management of a Cutaneous Inflammatory Disorder: Psoriasis
Authors: Woo Yu , Cho Dae , Park Hyun
Published: December 2017

Psoriasis is a complex chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder. To date, robust molecular mechanisms of psoriasis have been reported. Among diverse aberrant immunopathogenetic mechanisms, the current model emphasizes the role of Th1 and the IL-23/Th17 axis, skin-resident immune cells and major signal transduction pathways involved in psoriasis. The multiple genetic risk loci for psoriasis have been rapidly revealed with the advent of a novel technology. Moreover, identifying epigenetic modifications could bridge the gap between genetic and environmental risk factors in psoriasis. This review will provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis by unraveling the complicated interplay among immunological abnormalities, genetic risk foci, epigenetic modification and environmental factors of psoriasis. With advances in molecular biology, diverse new targets are under investigation to manage psoriasis. The recent advances in treatment modalities for psoriasis based on targeted molecules are also discussed.
Genetic Dissection of Leaf Senescence in Rice
Authors: Leng Yujia , Ye Guoyou , Zeng Dali
Published: December 2017

Leaf senescence, the final stage of leaf development, is a complex and highly regulated process that involves a series of coordinated actions at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organism levels under the control of a highly regulated genetic program. In the last decade, the use of mutants with different levels of leaf senescence phenotypes has led to the cloning and functional characterizations of a few genes, which has greatly improved the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying leaf senescence. In this review, we summarize the recent achievements in the genetic mechanisms in rice leaf senescence.
Pastoralism and Land Tenure Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Conflicting Policies and Priorities in Ngamiland, Botswana
Authors: Basupi Lenyeletse , Quinn Claire , Dougill Andrew
Published: December 2017

In dryland Africa, access to land and water resources are central to pastoral livelihood activities. Policy intervention in these regions represents the outcome of concerted post-independence processes in which countries have committed to land tenure transformation as a policy objective. This was meant to create private, liberal property rights to replace communal customary tenure systems which were considered to be a constraint to development. Despite these efforts, decades of scientific research indicate that countries are still struggling to meet environmental sustainability objectives. Land degradation where it existed has not been halted and traditional pastoral livelihoods have been disrupted. The overall evidence base for policymaking remains weak as deficiencies in data or information on which management decisions were based led to poor policy performance. In a bid to strengthen understanding in this area, this study has a dual aim: 1. Using a systematic review of the literature, we examine the impact of land tenure transformation in pastoral areas in sub-Saharan Africa; 2. We analyse user-perspectives on land tenure transformation and pastoralists’ rights in Ngamiland, Botswana, so as to draw out the salient issues that must be addressed in order to reconcile pastoral tenure conflicts and land management in sub-Saharan Africa. Results from meta-analysis and case study show that land tenure transformation policies across pastoral areas are subject to similar challenges and consequences. Protecting pastoral land rights requires deliberate policy interventions that recognise pastoralism as a productive and efficient use of resources. Policymakers need to overcome anti-pastoral prejudice and focus on Sustainable Land Management goals. This entails establishing negotiated and flexible tenure frameworks that strengthen pastoralists’ participation in decision-making arenas by working with pastoral communities on the basis of understanding their livelihood system.