bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity Calculation of Shunt Active Power Filters for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Based on Harmonic Parameter Estimation and Analytical Modeling
Authors: Zhou Niancheng , Wang Jiajia , Wang Qianggang , Wei Nengqiao , Lou Xiaoxuan
Published: August 2014

The influence of electric vehicle charging stations on power grid harmonics is becoming increasingly significant as their presence continues to grow. This paper studies the operational principles of the charging current in the continuous and discontinuous modes for a three-phase uncontrolled rectification charger with a passive power factor correction link, which is affected by the charging power. A parameter estimation method is proposed for the equivalent circuit of the charger by using the measured characteristic AC (Alternating Current) voltage and current data combined with the charging circuit constraints in the conduction process, and this method is verified using an experimental platform. The sensitivity of the current harmonics to the changes in the parameters is analyzed. An analytical harmonic model of the charging station is created by separating the chargers into groups by type. Then, the harmonic current amplification caused by the shunt active power filter is researched, and the analytical formula for the overload factor is derived to further correct the capacity of the shunt active power filter. Finally, this method is validated through a field test of a charging station.
Geothermal Potential Evaluation for Northern Chile and Suggestions for New Energy Plans
Authors: Procesi Monia
Published: August 2014

Chile is a country rich in natural resources, and it is the world’s largest producer and exporter of copper. Mining is the main industry and is an essential part of the Chilean economy, but the country has limited indigenous fossil fuels—over 90% of the country’s fossil fuels must be imported. The electricity market in Chile comprises two main independent systems: the Northern Interconnected Power Grid (SING) and the Central Interconnected Power Grid (SIC). Currently, the primary Chilean energy source is imported fossil fuels, whereas hydropower represents the main indigenous source. Other renewables such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermics are as yet poorly developed. Specifically, geothermal energy has not been exploited in Chile, but among all renewables it has the greatest potential. The transition from thermal power plants to renewable energy power plants is an important target for the Chilean Government in order to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. In this framework, the proposed study presents an evaluation of the geothermal potential for northern Chile in terms of power generation. The El Tatio, Surire, Puchuldiza, Orriputunco-Olca and Apacheta geothermal fields are considered for the analysis. The estimated electrical power is approximately 1300 MWe, and the energy supply is 10,200 GWh/year. This means that more than 30% of the SING energy could be provided from geothermal energy, reducing the dependence on imported fossil fuels, saving 8 Mton/year of CO2 and supplying the mining industry, which is Chile’s primary energy user.
Effect of Impregnated Inorganic Nanoparticles on the Properties of the Kenaf Bast Fibers
Authors: Liang Kaiwen , Shi Sheldon , Wang Ge
Published: August 2014

The objective of this research was to evaluate the properties of the chemically retted kenaf bast fiber impregnated with the inorganic nanoparticles. High quality kenaf bast fibers were obtained from a chemical retting process. An in situ inorganic nanoparticle impregnation (INI) process was used to introduce the CaCO3 nanoparticles into the retted kenaf bast fibers. It was found that some of the lignin-based components in the retted fibers were further removed during the INI treatment. From the characterization results, the inorganic nanoparticles CaCO3, with different shapes and sizes, appeared at the surface of the impregnated fiber after treatment. Heterogeneous CaCO3 nanoparticle distribution was observed on the INI treated fibers. The CaCO3 contents were different at different locations along the impregnated fiber. The presence of CaCO3 inorganic nanoparticles at the fiber surface increased the root mean square (RMS) surface roughness by 5.8% and decreased the hydrophilic nature of the retted fibers, evidenced by a 59.4% decrease in adhesion force between the fiber and hydrophilic AFM tip. In addition, the impregnation of CaCO3 dramatically increased the Young’s modulus of the fiber by 344%.
Computational Methods for MicroRNA Target Prediction
Authors: Ekimler Semih , Sahin Kaniye
Published: August 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as one of the most important molecules that regulate gene expression in various organisms. miRNAs are short, 21–23 nucleotide-long, single stranded RNA molecules that bind to 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) of their target mRNAs. In general, they silence the expression of their target genes via degradation of the mRNA or by translational repression. The expression of miRNAs, on the other hand, also varies in different tissues based on their functions. It is significantly important to predict the targets of miRNAs by computational approaches to understand their effects on the regulation of gene expression. Various computational methods have been generated for miRNA target prediction but the resulting lists of candidate target genes from different algorithms often do not overlap. It is crucial to adjust the bioinformatics tools for more accurate predictions as it is equally important to validate the predicted target genes experimentally.
Prediction of Radical Scavenging Activities of Anthocyanins Applying Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) with Quantum Chemical Descriptors
Authors: Jhin Changho , Hwang Keum
Published: August 2014

Radical scavenging activity of anthocyanins is well known, but only a few studies have been conducted by quantum chemical approach. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is an effective technique for solving problems with uncertainty. The purpose of this study was to construct and evaluate quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting radical scavenging activities of anthocyanins with good prediction efficiency. ANFIS-applied QSAR models were developed by using quantum chemical descriptors of anthocyanins calculated by semi-empirical PM6 and PM7 methods. Electron affinity (A) and electronegativity (χ) of flavylium cation, and ionization potential (I) of quinoidal base were significantly correlated with radical scavenging activities of anthocyanins. These descriptors were used as independent variables for QSAR models. ANFIS models with two triangular-shaped input fuzzy functions for each independent variable were constructed and optimized by 100 learning epochs. The constructed models using descriptors calculated by both PM6 and PM7 had good prediction efficiency with Q-square of 0.82 and 0.86, respectively.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of the Lycopene ε-Cyclase Gene via Virus-Induced Gene Silencing and Its Expression Pattern in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Shi Yanmei , Wang Ran , Luo Zhaopeng , Jin Lifeng , Liu Pingping , Chen Qiansi , Li Zefeng , Li Feng , Wei Chunyang , Wu Mingzhu , Wei Pan , Xie He , Qu Lingbo , Lin Fucheng , Yang Jun
Published: August 2014

Lycopene ε-cyclase (ε-LCY) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of α-branch carotenoids through the cyclization of lycopene. Two cDNA molecules encoding ε-LCY (designated Ntε-LCY1 and Ntε-LCY2) were cloned from Nicotiana tabacum. Ntε-LCY1 and Ntε-LCY2 are encoded by two distinct genes with different evolutionary origins, one originating from the tobacco progenitor, Nicotiana sylvestris, and the other originating from Nicotiana tomentosiformis. The two coding regions are 97% identical at the nucleotide level and 95% identical at the amino acid level. Transcripts of Ntε-LCY were detectable in both vegetative and reproductive organs, with a relatively higher level of expression in leaves than in other tissues. Subcellular localization experiments using an Ntε-LCY1-GFP fusion protein demonstrated that mature Ntε-LCY1 protein is localized within the chloroplast in Bright Yellow 2 suspension cells. Under low-temperature and low-irradiation stress, Ntε-LCY transcript levels substantially increased relative to control plants. Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated silencing of ε-LCY in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in an increase of β-branch carotenoids and a reduction in the levels of α-branch carotenoids. Meanwhile, transcripts of related genes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway observably increased, with the exception of β-OHase in the TRV-ε-lcy line. Suppression of ε-LCY expression was also found to alleviate photoinhibition of Potosystem II in virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) plants under low-temperature and low-irradiation stress. Our results provide insight into the regulatory role of ε-LCY in plant carotenoid biosynthesis and suggest a role for ε-LCY in positively modulating low temperature stress responses.
Simvastatin Attenuates the Oxidative Stress, Endothelial Thrombogenicity and the Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation in a Rat Model of Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Cho Kyoung-Im , Koo Sang-Ho , Cha Tae-Joon , Heo Jung-Ho , Kim Hyun-Su , Jo Gee-Bum , Lee Jae-Woo
Published: August 2014

Increased atrial oxidative stress has an important role in inducing and maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF), and the activation of the small GTPase Rac1 contributes to the oxidative stress. We investigated the relationship of Rac1, atrial endothelial thromboprotective markers and AF inducibility and if simvastatin has a potential beneficial effect on a myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure (HF) rat model. Rats were randomized into three groups (shams, MI group and simvastatin treatment group) and underwent echocardiography, AF induction studies and left atrial (LA) fibrosis analysis. Atrial Rac 1, sodium calcium exchanger (INCX), sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were measured. AF inducibility, AF duration and LA fibrosis were significantly higher in the MI group (p < 0.001 vs. sham), which were significantly reduced by simvastatin (p < 0.05 vs. MI). The reduced expressions of atrial eNOS, SERCA, thrombomodulin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator in the MI group were significantly improved by simvastatin. Furthermore, the increased expression of atrial iNOS, INCX and Rac1 activity were significantly decreased by the simvastatin. Oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and thrombogenicity are associated with the promotion of AF in a rat model of ischemic HF. These were associated with increased Rac1 activity, and simvastatin treatment prevents these changes.
Separators for Li-Ion and Li-Metal Battery Including Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes Based on the TFSI− and FSI− Anions
Authors: Kirchhöfer Marija , Von Zamory Jan , Paillard Elie , Passerini Stefano
Published: August 2014

The characterization of separators for Li-ion or Li-metal batteries incorporating hydrophobic ionic liquid electrolytes is reported herein. Ionic liquids made of N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PYR14+) or N-methoxyethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PYR12O1+), paired with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI−) or bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI−) anions, were tested in combination with separators having different chemistries and morphologies in terms of wetting behavior, Gurley and McMullin number, as well as Li/(Separator + Electrolyte) interfacial properties. It is shown that non-functionalized microporous polyolefin separators are poorly wetted by FSI−-based electrolytes (contrary to TFSI−-based electrolytes), while the ceramic coated separator Separion® allows good wetting with all electrolytes. Furthermore, by comparing the lithium solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) resistance evolution at open circuit and during cycling, depending on separator morphologies and chemistries, it is possible to propose a scale for SEI forming properties in the order: PYR12O1FSI > PYR14FSI > PYR14TFSI > PYR12O1TFSI. Finally, the impact the separator morphology is evidenced by the SEI resistance evolution and by comparing Li electrodes cycled using separators with two different morphologies.
A Heavy Metal-Associated Protein (AcHMA1) from the Halophyte, Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt., Confers Tolerance to Iron and Other Abiotic Stresses When Expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sun Xin-Hua , Yu Gang , Li Jing-Tao , Jia Pan , Zhang Ji-Chao , Jia Cheng-Guo , Zhang Yan-Hua , Pan Hong-Yu
Published: August 2014

Many heavy metals are essential for metabolic processes, but are toxic at elevated levels. Metal tolerance proteins provide resistance to this toxicity. In this study, we identified and characterized a heavy metal-associated protein, AcHMA1, from the halophyte, Atriplex canescens. Sequence analysis has revealed that AcHMA1 contains two heavy metal binding domains. Treatments with metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, Cd or Pb), PEG6000 and NaHCO3 highly induced AcHMA1 expression in A. canescens, whereas NaCl and low temperature decreased its expression. The role of AcHMA1 in metal stress tolerance was examined using a yeast expression system. Expression of the AcHMA1 gene significantly increased the ability of yeast cells to adapt to and recover from exposure to excess iron. AcHMA1 expression also provided salt, alkaline, osmotic and oxidant stress tolerance in yeast cells. Finally, subcellular localization of an AcHMA1/GFP fusion protein expressed in tobacco cells showed that AcHMA1 was localized in the plasma membrane. Thus, our results suggest that AcHMA1 encodes a membrane-localized metal tolerance protein that mediates the detoxification of iron in eukaryotes. Furthermore, AcHMA1 also participates in the response to abiotic stress.
Creating Social Safeguards for REDD+: Lessons Learned from Benefit Sharing Mechanisms in Vietnam
Authors: Bayrak Mucahid , Tu Tran , Marafa Lawal
Published: August 2014

Currently, many studies on benefit sharing mechanisms (BSM) and the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation programme (REDD+) focus on poverty alleviation and livelihood development. However, relatively few studies incorporate an integrated livelihood framework. This study employs the sustainable livelihoods framework to assess the impact of BSM in Vietnam. The lessons learned could be used in creating social safeguards for REDD+. The communities in Central Vietnam involved in BSM were impacted by the programme on various dimensions. These dimensions, expressed in different types of capital, are interconnected and contribute to a person’s well-being. While the communities have restricted access to their natural forests, they benefited in terms of income diversification, knowledge improvement and network expansion. On the other hand, they faced food insecurity, they were more vulnerable to natural hazards, and their human, social and cultural capital faced risk of deterioration.
Modified Powder-in-Tube Technique Based on the Consolidation Processing of Powder Materials for Fabricating Specialty Optical Fibers
Authors: Auguste Jean-Louis , Humbert Georges , Leparmentier Stéphanie , Kudinova Maryna , Martin Pierre-Olivier , Delaizir Gaëlle , Schuster Kay , Litzkendorf Doris
Published: August 2014

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the interest of a consolidation process associated with the powder-in-tube technique in order to fabricate a long length of specialty optical fibers. This so-called Modified Powder-in-Tube (MPIT) process is very flexible and paves the way to multimaterial optical fiber fabrications with different core and cladding glassy materials. Another feature of this technique lies in the sintering of the preform under reducing or oxidizing atmosphere. The fabrication of such optical fibers implies different constraints that we have to deal with, namely chemical species diffusion or mechanical stress due to the mismatches between thermal expansion coefficients and working temperatures of the fiber materials. This paper focuses on preliminary results obtained with a lanthano-aluminosilicate glass used as the core material for the fabrication of all-glass fibers or specialty Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs). To complete the panel of original microstructures now available by the MPIT technique, we also present several optical fibers in which metallic particles or microwires are included into a silica-based matrix.
Influence of Zeolite Coating on the Corrosion Resistance of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Banerjee P. , Woo Ren , Grayson Sam , Majumder Amrita , Raman R.
Published: August 2014

The protective performance of zeolite coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 0.1 M sodium chloride solution (NaCl). Electrical equivalent circuit (EEC) was developed based upon hypothetical corrosion mechanisms and simulated to correspond to the experimental data. The morphology and the chemical nature of the coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Post corrosion morphologies of the zeolite coated and the uncoated AZ91D alloy were investigated using SEM. The corrosion resistance of the zeolite coated specimen was at least one order of magnitude higher than the uncoated specimen.
New Briarane Diterpenoids from Taiwanese Soft Coral Briareum violacea
Authors: Liaw Chia-Ching , Cheng Yuan-Bin , Lin Yun-Sheng , Kuo Yao-Haur , Hwang Tsong-Long , Shen Ya-Ching
Published: August 2014

Ten new briarane diterpenoids, briaviolides A–J (1–10), together with six known briaranes, solenolides A and D, excavatolide A, briaexcavatolide I, 4β-acetoxy-9-deacetystylatulide lactone and 9-deacetylstylatulide lactone, were isolated from the Taiwanese soft coral, Briareum violacea. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data (1H- and 13C-NMR, 1H–1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY), HR-MS and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of briaviolide A (1) was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 5, 9 and derivative 11 showed moderate inhibitory activities on superoxide-anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine/ Cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB).
Piperine Inhibits the Activities of Platelet Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 and Thromboxane A2 Synthase without Affecting Cyclooxygenase-1 Activity: Different Mechanisms of Action Are Involved in the Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation and Macrophage Inflammatory Response
Authors: Son Dong , Akiba Satoshi , Hong Jin , Yun Yeo , Hwang Seock , Park Young , Lee Sung
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE: Piperine, a major alkaloid of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum), was shown to have anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 gene expression and enzyme activity. It is also reported to exhibit anti-platelet activity, but the mechanism underlying this action remains unknown. In this study, we investigated a putative anti-platelet aggregation mechanism involving arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and how this compares with the mechanism by which it inhibits macrophage inflammatory responses; METHODS: Rabbit platelets and murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells were treated with piperine, and the effect of piperine on the activity of AA-metabolizing enzymes, including cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), COX-1, COX-2, and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase, as well as its effect on AA liberation from the plasma membrane components, were assessed using isotopic labeling methods and enzyme immunoassay kit; RESULTS: Piperine significantly suppressed AA liberation by attenuating cPLA2 activity in collagen-stimulated platelets. It also significantly inhibited the activity of TXA2 synthase, but not of COX-1, in platelets. These results suggest that piperine inhibits platelet aggregation by attenuating cPLA2 and TXA2 synthase activities, rather than through the inhibition of COX-1 activity. On the other hand, piperine significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced generation of prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGD2 in RAW264.7 cells by suppressing the activity of COX-2, without effect on cPLA2; CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that piperine inhibits platelet aggregation and macrophage inflammatory response by different mechanisms.
An Internally Heated Shape Memory Polymer Dry Adhesive
Authors: Eisenhaure Jeffrey , Kim Seok
Published: August 2014

A conductive epoxy-based shape memory polymer (SMP) is demonstrated using carbon black (CB) as a dopant for the purpose of creating an SMP dry adhesive system which can internally generate the heat required for activation. The electrical and mechanical properties of the CB/SMP blends for varying dopant concentrations are characterized. A composite adhesive is created to minimize surface contact resistance to conductive tape acting as electrodes, while maintaining bulk resistivity required for heat generation due to current flow. The final adhesive can function on flat or curved surfaces. As a demonstration, a 25 mm wide by 45 mm long dry adhesive strip is shown to heat evenly from an applied voltage, and can easily hold a mass in excess of 6 kg when bonded to a spherical concave glass surface using light pressure at 75 °C.
Comparative Estimation of Urban Development in China’s Cities Using Socioeconomic and DMSP/OLS Night Light Data
Authors: Fan Junfu , Ma Ting , Zhou Chenghu , Zhou Yuke , Xu Tao
Published: August 2014

China has been undergoing a remarkably rapid urbanization process in the last several decades. Urbanization is a complicated phenomenon involving imbalanced transformation processes, such as population migrations, economic advancements and human activity dynamics. It is important to evaluate the imbalances between transformation processes to support policy making in the realms of environmental management and urban planning. The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime lights time series imagery provides a consistent and timely measure to estimate socioeconomic dynamics and changes in human activity. In this study, we jointly compared the annual ranks of three variables: the population, the gross domestic product (GDP) and the sum of weighted DMSP/OLS nighttime lights to estimate spatial and temporal imbalances in the urbanization processes of 226 cities in China between 1994 and 2011. We used ternary plots and a Euclidean distance-based method to quantitatively estimate the spatial and temporal imbalances between cities and to classify diverse urban development patterns in China. Our results suggest that, from 1994 to 2011, the imbalances of urbanization processes observed in the eastern, western and middle cities decreased, respectively, by 35.26%, 29.04% and 25.84%; however, imbalances in the northeast increased by 33.29%. The average decrement in imbalances across all urbanization processes in the 226 cities was 17.58%. Cities in the eastern region displayed relatively strong attractions to population, more rapid economic development processes and lower imbalances between socioeconomic and anthropogenic dynamics than cities in other regions. Several types of urban development patterns can be identified by comparing the morphological characteristics of temporal ternary plots of the 226 cities in China. More than one third (35.40%) of the 226 cities presented balanced states during the period studied; however, the remainder showed alternative urban development patterns.
Canine Enteric Coronaviruses: Emerging Viral Pathogens with Distinct Recombinant Spike Proteins
Authors: Licitra Beth , Duhamel Gerald , Whittaker Gary
Published: August 2014

Canine enteric coronavirus (CCoV) is an alphacoronavirus infecting dogs that is closely related to enteric coronaviruses of cats and pigs. While CCoV has traditionally caused mild gastro-intestinal clinical signs, there are increasing reports of lethal CCoV infections in dogs, with evidence of both gastrointestinal and systemic viral dissemination. Consequently, CCoV is now considered to be an emerging infectious disease of dogs. In addition to the two known serotypes of CCoV, novel recombinant variants of CCoV have been found containing spike protein N-terminal domains (NTDs) that are closely related to those of feline and porcine strains. The increase in disease severity in dogs and the emergence of novel CCoVs can be attributed to the high level of recombination within the spike gene that can occur during infection by more than one CCoV type in the same host.
Heritage Tourism in Thai Urban Communities
Authors: Cohen Erik
Published: August 2014

This article seeks to deflect the discourse on the built heritage from the conventional definitional and methodological issues to the more political question of who has the power or authority to authenticate it. Deploying Cohen and Cohen's distinction between two modes of authentication—hot
and cool—it inquires which of these modes was dominant in the authentication of the built heritage of three small towns in Thailand, and how each influenced the extent of preservation of that heritage. The article concludes that the “cool” mode of authentication of the built
heritage provided a more secure and more permanent basis for the preservation of the built heritage than the “hot” mode of authentication, which, because it makes preservation contingent on the continuous reiteration of perfomative authenticating acts by visitors, proved too fickle
to pose serious obstacles to the modification or destruction of the built heritage. But in the cases under consideration, eventually neither mode of authentication proved powerful enough to prevent outside developers from interfering with the built heritage and changing the ambience of the
old towns.
Tourism, Visual Culture, and the State in Northern Thailand
Authors: Mostafanezhad Mary
Published: August 2014

The progressive assimilation of Highlanders into lowland Thai society is matched by the simultaneous promotion of these groups to foreign and domestic tourists for their distinctive cultures and ways of life. Highlanders is a collective term representing more than 10 ethnic minority
groups living in the mountainous regions of northern Thailand. This article addresses these contradictory discourses of assimilation and distinctiveness and argues that picture postcards of Highlanders serve as assemblage components of a broader political project as well as highlights how
tourism discourses can intersect with local and state politics. Arguments in this article are based on a content analysis of 77 picture postcards of northern Thai highlanders. Beyond illustrating how these images echo institutionalized forms of representation of ethnic minority groups as feminized,
living in harmony with nature, and timeless, this article attends to how these tourism imaginaries are implicated in the material realities of Highlanders living in northern Thailand.
Efficacité des opérations de marketing viral : évaluation de l'expérience en ligne et image de marque
Authors: Renard Damien
Published: August 2014

La réussite d’une opération de marketing viral suppose pour l’annonceur d’offrir à l’internaute une expérience suffisamment impliquante pour que celui-ci la recommande. La question des effets sur l’image de marque mérite d’être posée. Aussi, l’objectif de nos travaux est de mesurer les effets de la participation à une opération de marketing viral sur l’image de la marque. Les jeux promotionnels en ligne sont un format particulièrement utilisé dans les campagnes de marketing viral : de par les opportunités technologiques, les annonceurs peuvent élaborer des mécaniques de jeux permettant une véritable immersion du joueur. Dans cette perspective, la théorie de l’expérience optimale, développée par Csikszentmihalyi, peut être utilisée pour analyser les effets du jeu sur la perception de la marque.
Assurance et prévention des catastrophes naturelles et technologiques
Authors: Grislain-Letrémy Céline
Published: August 2014

Les catastrophes naturelles et industrielles sont des risques majeurs qui ont pour particularité commune d’avoir une forte empreinte géographique. Leur principale différence est que l’indemnisation des risques naturels repose sur la solidarité, alors que les risques industriels relèvent de la responsabilité privée de l’industriel. Cette thèse apporte des éléments d’évaluation des politiques publiques de prévention et de couverture des risques naturels et technologiques. Chacun des chapitres propose des éléments d’évaluation de ces politiques en analysant notamment les liens entre politiques d’assurance et d’urbanisme (chapitre 2), entre politiques d’assurance et de prévention collective (chapitre 3), entre politiques d’assurance et d’aides publiques (chapitre 4), entre politiques de prévention et immobilier (chapitre 5). Les différents chapitres prennent en compte les liens entre les politiques publiques nationales et locales.
Les indicateurs issus des brevets au service du développement régional : apport a la stratégie de différenciation et de valorisation des produits locaux au Maroc
Authors: Guerraoui Driss , Taouil Fatima-Zohra , Kister Jacky , Dou Henri
Published: August 2014

Dans le cadre d’une vision intégrée du développement des territoires, il est nécessaire d’envisager à la fois les mutations industrielles, technologiques et les sentiers de croissance. A ce titre, les indicateurs en tant qu’outils décisionnels permettent de déterminer des stratégies cohérentes de développement. Les analyses présentées permettent de positionner le Maroc en matière de propriété intellectuelle et en termes de dépendance stratégique. Pour cela des analyses ont été réalisées sur les brevets issus de la base mondiale des brevets. Ces travaux ont été complétés au niveau micro par l’étude de la base de brevets marocaine. Le Maroc fait face à un afflux de dépôts de brevets étrangers qui vont induire à terme une dépendance stratégique. Il convient d’apprécier les créneaux stratégiques à protéger par une politique de dépôts de brevets cohérente.
Distribución y caracterización morfológica de Hycleus duodecimmaculatus (Olivier, 1811) (Coleoptera, Meloidae), una especie poco conocida del oeste de Marruecos
Authors: Ruiz José L. , García-París Mario
Published: August 2014

Hycleus duodecimmaculatus (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Mylabrini) es un endemismo de Marruecos muy poco conocido, cuya distribución se extiende por la franja costera-subcostera del Marruecos atlántico, entre Larache y la región de Tiznit (Arbaa Ait Ahmed). En este trabajo, realizado principalmente a partir del estudio de más de un centenar de ejemplares conservados en su mayor parte en la colección del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC, España), se aportan nuevas citas geográficas incluyendo el Rif occidental, y se confirma su presencia en Marrakech (falda noroccidental del Alto Atlas). A la vista de la escasez de información existente para esta especie, dispersa y a veces errónea, se sintetiza la información corológica disponible, y se ofrecen datos sobre fenología de los adultos y tipología general de los hábitats que ocupa. Desde el punto de vista taxonómico, se redefinen los caracteres diagnósticos de la especie y se ilustran diversos aspectos de la variabilidad morfológica intra e interpoblacional.
Effective Virtual Learning Environment through the Use of Web 2.0 Tools
Authors: Bicen Huseyin
Published: August 2014

The use of social networking sites and Web 2.0 tools is increasing. Research shows that education via Web 2.0 tools increases students' motivation and their interest in the learning. Therefore, a teaching environment can be created using social networking sites in which Web 2.0 tools allow effective learning. In this chapter, some of the Web 2.0 tools available for effective virtual learning environment creation are examined. Suggestions are provided regarding possible uses of tools such as Classmint, Pinterest, Voki, Screenleap, Pageflip-flap, Youtube, Prezi, Secondlife, Animoto, Sketchfu, and Quizrevolution, and their positive effects on students.
Knowledge Management and Reverse Mentoring in the Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Adebayo Ayotunde
Published: August 2014

The effective management of knowledge is now believed to be the main core competence in order for an organization to survive within the competitive business environment in Nigeria. However, the current implementation of KM within the Nigerian tertiary institution is still in its developmental phase. The Nigerian tertiary institution is resource-oriented, and as such, the most important assets to the universities within the educational sector are their knowledge assets. Therefore, Nigerian tertiary institutions need to understand and appreciate that knowledge is a valuable asset that can help sustain their competitive advantage within this sector. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the relationship between knowledge management and reverse mentoring within the Nigerian tertiary sector. It also focuses on the challenges of reverse mentoring and how value can be derived when knowledge is shared as a result of the mentoring relationship being established between the participants involved (mentor and the mentee).
The Global School in the Local Classroom
Authors: Copper Jenna
Published: August 2014

This chapter was written to highlight the value for cross-cultural communication practices in schools with the support of innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT). A detailed theoretical foundation was provided to justify the inclusion of global perspectives in the classroom through cross-cultural communication, which is made possible with ICT. This chapter details the perceptions of 80 pre-K to 12 teachers via a survey study, which shaped the author's suggestions for practical ICT cross-cultural communication opportunities in the classroom. Implementation strategies include classroom-to-classroom and classroom-to-world cross-cultural communication opportunities. This chapter suggests practical solutions supported by solid theoretical justifications for utilizing ICT to facilitate cross-cultural communication and improving student global awareness.
Origin-Destination Data Collection Technology
Authors: Bricka Stacey G. , Baker Richard “Trey” , Simek Christopher L. , Wood Nicholas
Published: August 2014

Traditionally, the collection of origin-destination data through travel surveys has been a labor-intensive undertaking. Field researchers, armed with clipboards, stopped motorists as they traveled or visited residents in their homes to ask questions about the origins, destinations, purposes, and modes of travel. Technological improvements have led to more cost-effective survey methods that reduce the need to conduct intercept, in-person, and mail-based surveys. This chapter organizes and discusses recent trends in travel surveying based on whether they generate self-reported or observed travel data. The results suggest that these techniques are best used as a valuable supplement to traditional data generation methods or as a low cost alternative in situations where snapshots of travel activity will suffice. Future travel surveying efforts are likely to include a mix of traditional strategies and emerging technologies as the travel survey community continues to adapt to emerging technologies.
A Real Time Topological Map Matching Methodology for GPS/GIS-Based Travel Behavior Studies
Authors: Blazquez Carola A. , Miranda Pablo A.
Published: August 2014

The map matching problem arises when GPS measurements are incorrectly assigned to the roadway network in a GIS environment. This chapter presents a real-time topological decision rule-based methodology that detects and solves spatial mismatches as GPS measurements are collected. A real-time map matching methodology is required in several applications, such as fleet management, transit control and management, and travel behavior studies, in which decision-making must be performed simultaneously with the movement of vehicles, individuals, or objects. A computational implementation in a real case scenario in Chile indicates that the algorithm successfully resolves over 96% of the spatial mismatches encountered in real time. Various algorithmic parameter values were employed to test the performance of the algorithm for data collected every 5 and 10 seconds. Overall, the algorithm requires larger buffer sizes and speed ranges to obtain better results with lower spatial data qualities.
Smartphone-Based Travel Survey
Authors: Jianchuan Xianyu , Zhicai Juan , Guangnian Xiao , Xuemei Fu
Published: August 2014

This chapter describes a smartphone-based prompted recall travel survey that aims to collect more accurate data for transportation modeling. It details the design and implementation of the survey, including the smartphone app for the Android platform, the mobile phone-based prompted recall method, and the management, manipulation, and analysis of GPS data for trip characteristics imputation. The survey commenced in October 2013 and was a person-based pilot study designed to be collected over a week. Although it did not provide a statistically representative sample, the overall experience helps establish the various parameters and procedures for the development of surveys with similar initiatives. The chapter concludes with findings and lessons learned from this smartphone-based travel survey and suggestions for how future smartphone-based surveys might be prepared and conducted.
Characterizing Urban Structure Using Taxi GPS Data
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Zhou Suhong
Published: August 2014

Scholars have explored urban structure from many perspectives. Developments in ICT have made it possible to discover spatial patterns in activities using big data. The identified patterns allow us to better understand urban structure. This chapter reports the collection of taxi GPS records for a single day in the inner city of Guangzhou, China. Taxi trips are connected to urban space by defining travel intensities. The spatial-temporal distribution of trips shows differences between three time periods (daytime, evening, before dawn). Different types of spatial facilities provide different activity places, the importance of which depends on their location and time of day. The study illustrates how descriptive analyses of taxi GPS data can enhance our understanding of urban space from the perspective of activities.
Using Open Web 3D Services and X3D for Interactive Virtual Globes
Authors: Schilling Arne
Published: August 2014

This chapter discusses how the scene graph concept, originating from computer graphics and graphics editing tools, can be used in a 3D Geoweb environment. A concept for developing and setting up Virtual Globes is described, which merges spatial data infrastructures with computer graphics technology in order to create a global coherent framework for accessing and displaying 3D assets. Using scene graph data structures for encoding, transmitting, and displaying city and landscape models imposes new requirements to geospatial data processing and analysis. Supporting transformations between coordinate reference systems is essential for geospatial system integration. They are described in detail in this chapter including matrix calculations. Streaming formats that are used to transmit 3D geo data to the consumer also need to support the scene graph concept. In this context, a Web 3D Service (W3DS) interface is used for streaming X3D encoded data in distributed web environments. An implementation of a Virtual Globe based on freely available data sets from OpenStreetMap and NASA is described as a result.
A Layered Communication Architecture for Power Routing in the Smart Grid
Authors: Bouhafs F. , Merabti M.
Published: August 2014

One of the main benefits of the smart grid will be the introduction of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into the electricity grid at large scale. These DERs will be able to supply areas with electricity when isolated from the main power grid due to system or equipment failures. Although the integration of DER into the power grid makes the energy supply more reliable and reduces its cost, it creates new issues for distributed network operators (DNOs). While in traditional power grid the electricity usually flows from the central power stations to the consumers, in a modern power grid incremented with DER, the electricity follows in two directions as these new sources of energy are introduced at lower voltages. To introduce DER technology, DNOs will be faced with the challenge of making their distribution power networks more flexible and dynamic. Power routing is an emerging concept that aims at making distribution networks more flexible and dynamic by addressing the technical challenges related to DER. Power routing is predicated on the information availability and coordination which requires a robust and scalable communication. In this paper the authors propose layered communication architecture that facilitates the implementation of power routing in distribution power networks.
PMCNS
Authors: Gomes Jorge , Urbano Paulo , Christensen Anders Lyhne
Published: August 2014

Novelty search is an evolutionary approach in which the population is driven towards behavioural innovation instead of towards a fixed objective. The use of behavioural novelty to score candidate solutions precludes convergence to local optima. However, in novelty search, significant effort may be spent on exploration of novel, but unfit behaviours. We propose progressive minimal criteria novelty search (PMCNS) to overcome this issue. In PMCNS, novelty search can freely explore the behaviour space as long as the solutions meet a progressively stricter fitness criterion. We evaluate the performance of our approach by evolving neurocontrollers for swarms of robots in two distinct tasks. Our results show that PMCNS outperforms fitness-based evolution and pure novelty search, and that PMCNS is superior to linear scalarisation of novelty and fitness scores. An analysis of behaviour space exploration shows that the benefits of novelty search are conserved in PMCNS despite the evolutionary pressure towards progressively fitter behaviours.
A Guided Mutation Operator for Dynamic Diversity Enhancement in Evolutionary Strategies
Authors: Guerrero José L. , Berlanga Antonio , Molina José M.
Published: August 2014

Diversity in evolutionary algorithms is a critical issue related to the performance obtained during the search process and strongly linked to convergence issues. The lack of the required diversity has been traditionally linked to problematic situations such as early stopping in the presence of local optima (usually faced when the number of individuals in the population is insufficient to deal with the search space). Current proposal introduces a guided mutation operator to cope with these diversity issues, introducing tracking mechanisms of the search space in order to feed the required information to this mutation operator. The objective of the proposed mutation operator is to guarantee a certain degree of coverage over the search space before the algorithm is stopped, attempting to prevent early convergence, which may be introduced by the lack of population diversity. A dynamic mechanism is included in order to determine, in execution time, the degree of application of the technique, adapting the number of cycles when the technique is applied. The results have been tested over a dataset of ten standard single objective functions with different characteristics regarding dimensionality, presence of multiple local optima, search space range and three different dimensionality values, 30D, 300D and 1000D. Thirty different runs have been performed in order to cover the effect of the introduced operator and the statistical relevance of the measured results
SOSPD Controllers Tuning by Means of an Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Hernández-Riveros Jesús-Antonio , Urrea-Quintero Jorge-Humberto
Published: August 2014

The Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller is the most widely used industrial device to monitoring and controlling processes. There are numerous methods for estimating the controller parameters, in general, resolving particular cases. Current trends in parameter estimation minimize an integral performance criterion. Therefore, the calculation of the controller parameters is proposed as an optimization problem. Although there are alternatives to the traditional rules of tuning, there is not yet a study showing that the use of heuristic algorithms it is indeed better than using the classic methods of optimal tuning. In this paper, the evolutionary algorithm MAGO is used as a tool to optimize the controller parameters. The procedure is applied to a range of standard plants modeled as a Second Order System plus Time Delay. Better results than traditional methods of optimal tuning, regardless of the operating mode of the controller, are yielded.
Influence of Process Parameters on Microstructure of Friction Stir Processed Mg AZ31 Alloy
Authors: Venkateswarlu G. , Davidson M.J. , Tagore G.R.N. , Sammaiah P.
Published: August 2014

Friction stir processing (FSP) has been developed on the principles of friction stir welding (FSW) as an effective and efficien new method for grain refinement and microstructural modification, providing intense plastic deformation as well as higher strain rates than other conventional severe plastic deformation methods. FSP produces an equiaxed homogeneous microstructure consisting of fine grains, resulting in the enhancement of the properties of the material at room temperature. The objective of the present paper is to examine the influence of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters namely tool rotational speed (RS), tool traverse speed (TS) and tool tilt angle (TA) on the microstructures of friction stir processed AZ31B-O magnesium alloy. This investigation has focused on the microstructural changes occurred in the dynamically recrystallised nugget zone/ stir zone and the thermo mechanically affected zone during FSP. The results presented in this work indicate that all the three FSP process parameters have a significant effect on the resulting microstructure and also found that the rotational speed has greatly influenced the homogenization of the material. The grain refinement is higher at intermediate rotational speed (1150 rpm), traverse speed (32 mm / min and tilt angle (10). It is established that FSP can be a good grain refinement method for improving the properties of the material.
Fabrication and Tribological Properties of Al-Si/B4C Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Rao Sadineni Rama , Padmanabhan G. , Rao P.V. Chandra Shekar
Published: August 2014

Aluminium composite materials are exponentially growing up and rapidly gaining importance because of their properties like low density, high strength, high stiffness, environmental resistance, low co-efficient of thermal expansion etc. In this context aluminum-boron carbide composites, with 2.5, 5 and 7.5 wt% of boron carbide (B4C) particulate reinforced, were prepared by stir casting process and the effect of the percentage of reinforcement of B4C on dry sliding wear and friction coefficient were investigated. The wear tests were carried out on a pin-on-disc type apparatus at a linear speed of 1m/s, sliding distance of 500 m and a constant load of 30 N. The coefficient of friction was recorded on line. Wear rates were calculated from mass loss measurements. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the tribo-surface of worn Al- B4C composites. The results showed that the wear rate of 7.5 wt% B4C composites is 0.375 mg/min which is significantly lower than pure Al alloy (3.125 mg/min). The friction coefficient decreases from 0.477(for pure Al alloy) to 0.261(for 7.5 wt% B4C composites).