bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Properties of Normal and Recycled Brick Aggregates for Production of Medium Range (25–30 MPa) Structural Strength Concrete
Authors: Paul Suvash , Babafemi Adewumi , Anggraini Vivi , Rahman Md.
Published: May 2018

This study compares the properties of normal and recycled brick aggregates to produce a medium range (25–30 MPa) compressive strength of structural grade concrete. Up to date, brick aggregates are commonly used in structural concrete in some South Asian and African countries. Many concrete structures which were built in the last century are made from brick aggregates and some of them are already in a position of ending of their service life. At the same time, population and economic growth is forcing the demolition of many old structures. Therefore, there is a huge flow of construction and demolition waste and thereby it is necessary to recycle the waste to overcome the problem of occupying the landfill sites. For this study, recycled brick aggregates were collected from the various demolished building sites and their physical and mechanical performance were then compared with the concrete made from normal brick aggregates. It is found that the mechanical properties of recycled brick concrete are comparable to that of normal brick aggregate at medium strength level. The production cost of recycled brick concrete is also found to be 10–12% lower than normal brick aggregates.
Evolution of Calcareous Deposits and Passive Film on 304 Stainless Steel with Cathodic Polarization in Sea Water
Authors: Sun Tianxiang , Huang Guosheng , Lv Ping , Xu Likun , Ma Li
Published: May 2018

The change of protective current density, the formation and growth of calcareous deposits, and the evolution of passive film on 304 stainless steel (SS) were investigated at different potentials of cathodic polarization in sea water. Potentiostatic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface analysis techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the surface conditions. It was found that the protective current density was smaller for keeping polarization at −0.80 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE), same as below) than that at −0.65 V. The calcareous deposits could not be formed on 304 SS with polarization at −0.50 V while it was well protected. The formation rate, the morphology, and the constituent of the calcareous deposits depended on the applied potential. The resistance of passive film on 304 SS decreased at the first stage and then increased when polarized at −0.80 V and −0.65 V, which was related to the reduction and the repair of passive film. For the stainless steel polarized at −0.50 V, the film resistance increased with polarization time, indicating that the growth of oxide film was promoted.
A Comprehensive Approach for Modelling Horizontal Diffuse Radiation, Direct Normal Irradiance and Total Tilted Solar Radiation Based on Global Radiation under Danish Climate Conditions
Authors: Tian Zhiyong , Perers Bengt , Furbo Simon , Fan Jianhua , Deng Jie , Dragsted Janne
Published: May 2018

A novel combined solar heating plant with flat plate collectors (FPC) and parabolic trough collectors (PTC) was constructed and put into operation in Taars, 30 km north of Aalborg, Denmark in August 2015. To assess the thermal performance of the solar heating plant, global radiation, direct normal irradiance (DNI) and total radiation on the tilted collector plane of the flat plate collector field were measured. To determine the accuracy of the measurements, the calculated solar radiations, including horizontal diffuse radiation, DNI and total tilted solar radiation with seven empirical models, were compared each month based on an hourly time step. In addition, the split of measured global radiation into diffuse and beam radiation based on a model developed by DTU (Technical University of Denmark) and the Reduced Reindl correlation model was investigated. A new method of combining empirical models, only based on measured global radiation, was proposed for estimating hourly total radiation on tilted surfaces. The results showed that the DTU model could be used to calculate diffuse radiation on the horizontal surface, and that the anisotropic models (Perez I and Perez II) were the most accurate for calculation of total radiation on tilted collector surfaces based only on global radiation under Danish climate conditions. The proposed method was used to determine reliable horizontal diffuse radiation, DNI and total tilted radiation with only the measurement of global radiation. Only a small difference compared to measured data, was found. The proposed method was cost-effective and needed fewer measurements to obtain reliable DNI and total radiation on the tilted plane. This method may be extended to other Nordic areas that have similar weather.
Conservation of a Wooden Tomb-Marker from the Jewish Cemetery of Algarrobos in Argentina
Authors: Alfieri Paula , Lofeudo Rosana , Canosa Guadalupe , Iloro Fabian , Traversa Luis
Published: May 2018

The state of conservation of some tombs in the Jewish Cemetery of Algarrobos in Colonia Mauricio, Buenos Aires, Argentina was evaluated. A lot of material was found, but only two tomb-markers were done on wood. They were in a state of serious deterioration, so these were defined as an object of study. The tomb-markers, which had been established by the Jewish immigrants from Russia at the end 19th century, were made of South American tree known as Aspidosperma Quebracho Blanco and suffered both biological (from fungal decay and insect attack) and mechanical deterioration (cracks and fissures due to weathering, and discoloration due to ultraviolet radiation). Thus, the aim of this paper was the conservation of one of the two remaining wooden tomb-markers found, using impregnant based on non-toxic siloxanes employing sol-gel technology in order to increase the readability of epitaphs and reliefs found at the tomb-marker. The treatment with this modern technology resulted in the excellent performance of wooden tomb-maker conservation. The structural consolidation and cracks sealing were achieved. It avoided the detachment of material and the appearance of natural veins; furthermore, it improved the reading of the epitaphs and reliefs.
The CD36-PPARγ Pathway in Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Maréchal Loïze , Laviolette Maximilien , Rodrigue-Way Amélie , Sow Baly , Brochu Michèle , Caron Véronique , Tremblay André
Published: May 2018

Uncovering the biological role of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has greatly advanced our knowledge of the transcriptional control of glucose and energy metabolism. As such, pharmacological activation of PPARγ has emerged as an efficient approach for treating metabolic disorders with the current use of thiazolidinediones to improve insulin resistance in diabetic patients. The recent identification of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) as potent inducers of PPARγ through activation of the scavenger receptor CD36 has defined a novel alternative to regulate essential aspects of lipid and energy metabolism. Recent advances on the emerging role of CD36 and GHRP hexarelin in regulating PPARγ downstream actions with benefits on atherosclerosis, hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and fat mitochondrial biogenesis are summarized here. The response of PPARγ coactivator PGC-1 is also discussed in these effects. The identification of the GHRP-CD36-PPARγ pathway in controlling various tissue metabolic functions provides an interesting option for metabolic disorders.
Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment: Shield or Spear?
Authors: Alkasalias Twana , Moyano-Galceran Lidia , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie , Lehti Kaisa
Published: May 2018

Tumorigenesis is a complex process involving dynamic interactions between malignant cells and their surrounding stroma, including both the cellular and acellular components. Within the stroma, fibroblasts represent not only a predominant cell type, but also a major source of the acellular tissue microenvironment comprising the extracellular matrix (ECM) and soluble factors. Normal fibroblasts can exert diverse suppressive functions against cancer initiating and metastatic cells via direct cell-cell contact, paracrine signaling by soluble factors, and ECM integrity. The loss of such suppressive functions is an inherent step in tumor progression. A tumor cell-induced switch of normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in turn, triggers a range of pro-tumorigenic signals accompanied by distraction of the normal tissue architecture, thus creating an optimal niche for cancer cells to grow extensively. To further support tumor progression and metastasis, CAFs secrete factors such as ECM remodeling enzymes that further modify the tumor microenvironment in combination with the altered adhesive forces and cell-cell interactions. These paradoxical tumor suppressive and promoting actions of fibroblasts are the focus of this review, highlighting the heterogenic molecular properties of both normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as their main mechanisms of action, including the emerging impact on immunomodulation and different therapy responses.
Skeletal Muscle MicroRNAs as Key Players in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Di Pietro Lorena , Lattanzi Wanda , Bernardini Camilla
Published: May 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, for which, to date, no effective treatment to ameliorate the clinical manifestations is available. The long-standing view of ALS as affecting only motor neurons has been challenged by the finding that the skeletal muscle plays an active role in the disease pathogenesis and can be a valuable target for therapeutic strategies. In recent years, non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, have emerged as important molecules that play key roles in several cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying various human conditions. In this review, we summarize how the expression of some microRNAs is dysregulated in the skeletal muscle of ALS mouse models and patients. Shedding light on the mechanisms underlying microRNAs dysregulation in the skeletal muscle could clarify some of the processes involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and especially identify new promising therapeutic targets in patients.
[2 × 2] Molecular Grids of Ni(II) and Zn(II) with Redox-Active 1,4-Pyrazine-Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Ligands
Authors: Arefyeva Natalia , Sandleben Aaron , Krest Alexander , Baumann Ulrich , Schäfer Mathias , Kempf Maxim , Klein Axel
Published: May 2018

Tetranuclear complexes [M4(LR)4] with M = Ni(II) or Zn(II), with a [2 × 2] grid-type structure, were assembled in good yields and purity from the easily accessible but unprecedented pyrazine-bridged bis(thiosemicarbazone) protoligands (ligand precursors) H2LR (1,4-pyrazine-2,5-bis(R-carbaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone); R = Me, Et, iPr, or Ph). The complexes were characterised in solution by NMR, MS, IR, and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and (spectro)electrochemical methods. HR-MS spectra unequivocally reveal that the tetranuclear species are very stable in solution and any measurements represent these species. Only at higher temperatures (fragmentation in solution: MS and in the solid: TG-DTA) or upon the addition of protons (acidic UV-Vis titrations) can the tetrameric entities be decomposed. Single crystal XRD measurement remained preliminary. Rapid loss of co-crystallised solvent molecules within the [2 × 2] grid-type structures resulted in crystals of very poor quality, but the results were qualitatively in line with spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and quantum chemical (DFT) calculations. IR and NMR spectroscopy point clearly to a thiolate coordination of dianionic (deprotonated) ligands. The electrochemistry reveals four electronically coupled and reversible one-electron reductions centred largely at the pyrazine bridges. EPR and UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical measurements in combination with DFT calculation support the assignment.
Estimated Burden of Serious Fungal Infections in Malawi
Authors: Kalua Khumbo , Zimba Boston , Denning David W.
Published: May 2018

Despite efforts to address the burden of fungal infections in Malawi, the prevalence and incidence remain largely unknown. We assessed the annual burden in the general population and among populations at high risk and fungal infection frequencies in each particular population to estimate the national incidence or prevalence. The Malawi population is approximately 17.7 million (2017), with 48% under 15 years of age. Approximately 8% of the population is HIV positive. The most common infections are present in HIV/AIDS patients, with oral candidiasis being the commonest. Life threatening infections among those with AIDS patients include cryptococcal meningitis (8200 cases) and Pneumocystis pneumonia (3690 cases). Pulmonary TB is common, but extra pulmonary TB is rare; an estimated 2329 people have chronic pulmonary aspergillosis after TB. Asthma is a significant problem in Malawi, with an estimated 680,000 adults affected (4.67%) and 14,010 cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Tinea capitis is estimated to be present in over 670,000 young people (21% of school age children). The annual incidence of fungal keratitis is difficult to estimate, but as cases are frequently seen in the eye department, is likely to be a minimum of 1825 (10.3/100,000) cases. Among the most serious infections, cryptococcal meningitis and Pneumocystis pneumonia are top of the list. Overall, some 1,338,523 (7.54%) people are affected by a serious fungal infection in Malawi. These basic estimates are limited, due to poor record keeping, and require epidemiological studies to validate or modify the substantial burden estimates. National surveillance of fungal infections is urgently needed.
The Influence of the Electrolyte Nature and PEO Process Parameters on Properties of Anodized Ti-15Mo Alloy Intended for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Banakh Oksana , Snizhko Lyubov , Journot Tony , Gay Pierre-Antoine , Csefalvay Catherine , Kalinichenko Oleg , Girin Oleg , Marger Laurine , Durual Stéphane
Published: May 2018

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of Ti-15Mo alloys conducted in electrolytes containing Ca and P compounds can be an efficient process with which to obtain bioactive coatings. This paper reports on the influence of the nature of the electrolyte, its concentration, and PEO process parameters on the properties of anodized layers on Ti-15Mo. A wide range of Ca- and P-containing alkaline and acidic solutions was employed to incorporate Ca and P ions into the anodized layer. The efficiency of the incorporation was evaluated by the Ca/P ratio in the coating as compared to that in the electrolyte. It was found that alkaline solutions are not suitable electrolytes for the formation of good quality, uniform PEO coatings. Only acidic electrolytes are appropriate for obtaining well-adherent homogeneous layers on Ti-15Mo. However, the maximum Ca/P ratios reached in the coatings were rather low (close to 1). The variation of electrical signal (negative-to-positive current ratio, frequency) and time of electrolysis do not result in a substantial change of this value. The processing time, however, did influence the coating thickness. Despite their low Ca/P ratio, the anodized layers demonstrate good biological activity, comparable to pure microrough titanium.
A Micromachined Coupled-Cantilever for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters
Authors: Vyas Agin , Staaf Henrik , Rusu Cristina , Ebefors Thorbjörn , Liljeholm Jessica , Smith Anderson D. , Lundgren Per , Enoksson Peter
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a demonstration of the feasibility of fabricating micro-cantilever harvesters with extended stress distribution and enhanced bandwidth by exploiting an M-shaped two-degrees-of-freedom design. The measured mechanical response of the fabricated device displays the predicted dual resonance peak behavior with the fundamental peak at the intended frequency. This design has the features of high energy conversion efficiency in a miniaturized environment where the available vibrational energy varies in frequency. It makes such a design suitable for future large volume production of integrated self powered sensors nodes for the Internet-of-Things.
Tsygankoite, Mn8Tl8Hg2(Sb21Pb2Tl)Σ24S48, a New Sulfosalt from the Vorontsovskoe Gold Deposit, Northern Urals, Russia
Authors: Kasatkin Anatoly , Makovicky Emil , Plášil Jakub , Škoda Radek , Agakhanov Atali , Karpenko Vladimir , Nestola Fabrizio
Published: May 2018

Tsygankoite, ideally Mn8Tl8Hg2(Sb21Pb2Tl)Σ24S48, is a new sulfosalt discovered at the Vorontsovskoe gold deposit, Northern Urals, Russia. It occurs as lath-like elongated crystals up to 0.2 mm embedded in calcite–dolomite–clinochlore matrix. The associated minerals also include aktashite, alabandite, arsenopyrite, barite, cinnabar, fluorapatite, orpiment, pyrite, realgar, routhierite, sphalerite, tilasite, and titanite. The new mineral is non-fluorescent, black, and opaque with a metallic lustre and black streak. It is brittle with an uneven fracture and no obvious parting and cleavage. Its Vickers hardness (VHN10) is 144 kg/mm2 (range 131–167 kg/mm2) and its calculated density is 5.450 g cm. In reflected light, tsygankoite is white; between crossed polars it is dark grey to black. It is strongly anisotropic: rotation tints vary from light grey to dark grey to black. Pleochroism and internal reflections are not observed. The chemical composition of tsygankoite (wt %, electron-microprobe data) is: Mn 6.29, Hg 5.42, Tl 26.05, Pb 5.84, As 3.39, Sb 30.89, S 21.87, total 99.75. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 90 atoms pfu, is: Mn8.06Tl8.00Hg1.90(Sb17.87As3.19Pb1.99Tl0.97)Σ24.02S48.03. Tsygankoite is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 21.362(4) Å, b = 3.8579(10) Å, c = 27.135(4) Å, β = 106.944(14)°, V = 2139.19(17) Å3 and Z = 1. The five strongest diffraction peaks from X-ray powder pattern (listed as (d,Å(I)(hkl)) are: 3.587(100)(112), 3.353(70)(−114), 3.204(88)(405), 2.841(72)(−513), and 2.786(99)(−514). The crystal structure of tsygankoite was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R = 0.0607 and consists of an alternation of two thick layer-like arrays, one based on PbS-archetype and the second on SnS-archetype. Tsygankoite has been approved by the IMA-CNMNC under the number 2017-088. It is named for Mikhail V. Tsyganko, a mineral collector from Severouralsk, Northern Urals, Russia, who collected the samples where the new mineral was discovered.
Molecular Docking Studies of HIV-1 Resistance to Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: Mini-Review
Authors: Tarasova Olga , Poroikov Vladimir , Veselovsky Alexander
Published: May 2018

Currently, millions of people are living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, the spread of the HIV-1 resistance to antiviral agents is the major problem in the antiretroviral therapy and medical management of HIV-infected patients. HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) is one of the key viral targets for HIV-1 inhibition. Therefore, the studies on the combatting the HIV resistance that occurs due to the structural changes in RT, are in great demand. This work aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art molecular docking approaches applied to the studies of the HIV-1 resistance, associated with RT structure changes. We have reviewed recent studies using molecular docking with mutant forms of RT. The work discusses the modifications of molecular docking, which have been developed to find the novel molecules active against resistance mutants of RT and/or recombinant strains of HIV-1. The perspectives of the existing algorithms of molecular docking to the studies on molecular mechanisms of resistance and selection of the correct binding poses for the reverse transcriptase inhibitors are discussed.
Production and Evaluation of Composite Rainwater Storage Tanks from Recycled Materials Part 1: Material Characterization
Authors: Alaka Amarachi C. , Olorunnisola Abel O.
Published: May 2018

Solid waste management and potable water supply are two of the major challenges in Nigeria. Recycling of wood and plastic wastes as cement-bonded composite rainwater storage tanks can play a major role in addressing both challenges. The aim of this study was to determine acceptable composite formulations for tank production and their short-term effects on stored rainwater. This paper reports the experimental results on composite formulations using varying proportions of Gmelina arborea sawdust, water sachet and acrylic plastic waste and determining their moisture content, density, water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), thermal conductivity (TC), and impact energy. The moisture contents (14.7–16.5%) and densities (1.24–1.53 g/m3) exceeded the minimum value specified for cement-bonded composites. WA in all samples containing plastic materials were relatively low (<6%), an indication of suitability for water storage. However, only the samples containing water sachet exhibited an acceptable thickness swelling (approximately 2%). Density and WA had positive correlations with TS of the composites. The TC values (0.044–0.051 W/mK) were acceptably low. A strong, positive linear correlation was also observed between density and TC. Samples produced with a combination of cement, sawdust, water sachet and acrylic plastic exhibited the highest impact energy.
Recognition of a Person Wearing Sport Shoes or High Heels through Gait Using Two Types of Sensors
Authors: Derlatka Marcin , Bogdan Mariusz
Published: May 2018

Biometrics is currently an area that is both very interesting as well as rapidly growing. Among various types of biometrics the human gait recognition seems to be one of the most intriguing. However, one of the greatest problems within this field of biometrics is the change in gait caused by footwear. A change of shoes results in a significant lowering of accuracy in recognition of people. The following work presents a method which uses data gathered by two sensors: force plates and Microsoft Kinect v2 to reduce this problem. Microsoft Kinect is utilized to measure the body height of a person which allows the reduction of the set of recognized people only to those whose height is similar to that which has been measured. The entire process is preceded by identifying the type of footwear which the person is wearing. The research was conducted on data obtained from 99 people (more than 3400 strides) and the proposed method allowed us to reach a Correct Classification Rate (CCR) greater than 88% which, in comparison to earlier methods reaching CCR’s of <80%, is a significant improvement. The work presents advantages as well as limitations of the proposed method.
A Modified Empirical Wavelet Transform for Acoustic Emission Signal Decomposition in Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Dong Shaopeng , Yuan Mei , Wang Qiusheng , Liang Zhiling
Published: May 2018

The acoustic emission (AE) method is useful for structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite structures due to its high sensitivity and real-time capability. The main challenge, however, is how to classify the AE data into different failure mechanisms because the detected signals are affected by various factors. Empirical wavelet transform (EWT) is a solution for analyzing the multi-component signals and has been used to process the AE data. In order to solve the spectrum separation problem of the AE signals, this paper proposes a novel modified separation method based on local window maxima (LWM) algorithm. It searches the local maxima of the Fourier spectrum in a proper window, and automatically determines the boundaries of spectrum segmentations, which helps to eliminate the impact of noise interference or frequency dispersion in the detected signal and obtain the meaningful empirical modes that are more related to the damage characteristics. Additionally, both simulation signal and AE signal from the composite structures are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, the experimental results indicate that the proposed method performs better than the original EWT method in identifying different damage mechanisms of composite structures.
An Observation Capability Semantic-Associated Approach to the Selection of Remote Sensing Satellite Sensors: A Case Study of Flood Observations in the Jinsha River Basin
Authors: Hu Chuli , Li Jie , Lin Xin , Chen Nengcheng , Yang Chao
Published: May 2018

Observation schedules depend upon the accurate understanding of a single sensor’s observation capability and the interrelated observation capability information on multiple sensors. The general ontologies for sensors and observations are abundant. However, few observation capability ontologies for satellite sensors are available, and no study has described the dynamic associations among the observation capabilities of multiple sensors used for integrated observational planning. This limitation results in a failure to realize effective sensor selection. This paper develops a sensor observation capability association (SOCA) ontology model that is resolved around the task-sensor-observation capability (TSOC) ontology pattern. The pattern is developed considering the stimulus-sensor-observation (SSO) ontology design pattern, which focuses on facilitating sensor selection for one observation task. The core aim of the SOCA ontology model is to achieve an observation capability semantic association. A prototype system called SemOCAssociation was developed, and an experiment was conducted for flood observations in the Jinsha River basin in China. The results of this experiment verified that the SOCA ontology based association method can help sensor planners intuitively and accurately make evidence-based sensor selection decisions for a given flood observation task, which facilitates efficient and effective observational planning for flood satellite sensors.
Dual Sensor Control Scheme for Multi-Target Tracking
Authors: Li Wei , Han Chongzhao
Published: May 2018

Sensor control is a challenging issue in the field of multi-target tracking. It involves multi-target state estimation and the optimal control of the sensor. To maximize the overall utility of the surveillance system, we propose a dual sensor control scheme. This work is formulated in the framework of partially observed Markov decision processes (POMDPs) with Mahler’s finite set statistics (FISST). To evaluate the performance associated with each control action, a key element is to design an appropriate metric. From a task-driven perspective, we utilize a metric to minimize the posterior distance between the sensor and the target. This distance-related metric promotes the design of a dual sensor control scheme. Moreover, we introduce a metric to maximize the predicted average probability of detection, which will improve the efficiency by avoiding unnecessary update processes. Simulation results indicate that the performance of the proposed algorithm is significantly superior to the existing methods.
Driving Change on Twitter: A Corpus-Assisted Discourse Analysis of the Twitter Debates on the Saudi Ban on Women Driving
Authors: Altoaimy Lama
Published: May 2018

This paper explores how Twitter has been used in the debate on women’s right to drive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The overarching aim of this investigation is to explain how gender roles and the relationship between the genders are navigated in these debates. For Saudi Arabian women, social media platforms such as Twitter provide a unique space to express opinions and highlight areas of concern in a way that they are unable to in any other public sphere. The exploration of the debate on women’s right to drive in the KSA was achieved by collecting a body of tweets in Arabic addressing this topic from the last three months of 2015. Following a corpus-assisted discourse studies approach, this paper analyzes arguments by Twitter users discussing the KSA’s ban on women drivers, which may have contributed to women being granted the right to drive and also raised awareness of the restrictions imposed on women.
Empirical Study on Annual Energy-Saving Performance of Energy Performance Contracting in China
Authors: Ruan Hongquan , Gao Xin , Mao Chaoxuan
Published: May 2018

A lack of trust in Energy Service Company (ESCo) is the most critical factor affecting the development of Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) in China, compared with other constraints. One cannot easily estimate the energy-saving performance of an EPC project. Under that condition, lack of trust may cause the Energy-Consuming Unit (ECU) to suspect the energy-saving performance promised by the ESCo, thus leaving potentially profitable projects without necessary funding. Currently, specific studies taking an across-projects viewpoint on annual energy-saving performance of EPC projects in multiple subsectors, objectively and quantitatively, are lacking. This paper studies the regression relationships of annual energy-saving quantity in terms of revamping cost and the regression relationships of annual cost saving in terms of revamping cost. The regression results show that there are statistically significant correlations in the above relationships in the nine subsectors investigated. This is significant for ESCos and ECUs, because knowledge on energy-saving performance could contribute to EPC investment decisions and trust relationships between ESCos and ECUs. Then, a multiple linear regression model of revamping cost is set up to analyze its influencing factors. The model indicates that the subsector the sample belongs to, financing, registered capital of the ESCo, and contract period have significant effects on revamping cost. Thus, policy implications regarding innovation of EE promotion technology, clarifying ESCos’ exit mechanism, innovation of financing mechanism, and improving the market credit environment for promoting investment in EPC projects, are provided.
CITYELEC: A global solution approach for the electrification of urban mobility in Spain
Authors: Iglesias I. , Valera J.J.
Published: May 2018

Urban mobility electrification is a high complex optimization problem, which needs to be approached from an integrated point of view in terms of electric infrastructure and electric vehicle fleet connection. In a first stage is necessary to define the high level specifications, and the optimal size for both infrastructure and electric vehicle fleet, according to the sustainable mobility expected targets of the city analyzed, e.g. mobility covered/filled areas, emission reduction, consumption reduction, cost reduction, energy & mobility efficiencies. In order to obtain the optimum integrated solution, a global approach of the problem is essential, moving from the high level definition of electric vehicle fleet and infrastructure, to the more detailed definition of systems and subsystems derived. CITYELEC is a strategy R&D Spanish project, analyzing, covering and solving the particular urban mobility electrification problem in some cities of Spain, starting from the high level definition of the urban mobility issues, and concluding in the detailed definition of the vehicle and infrastructure specifications. In CITYELEC project, special methodologies, global modelling and simulation tools, and advanced systems and subsystems are being under research and development, aiming for the optimum electro mobility integrated solution, including the infrastructure and the electric vehicle fleet.
Development of a Smart DC Micro-Grid for Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging and Discharging
Authors: Liu Chunhua , Chau K.T. , Zhong Jin
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a smart DC micro-grid system for plug-in electric vehicle charging and discharging. This DC microgrid integrates the plug-in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) & plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) together with the AC supply module, storage energy module, and intelligent control module. By connecting with the AC power source and the storage energy module, this grid can offer three types of DC bidirectional interfaces for the plug-in EV charging and discharging. Hence, according to the commands from the intelligent control module, the power in the grid can smartly distribute to the desired plug-in EVs. The system configuration and the testing model are discussed and analyzed.
Strategic Selection of Future EV Technology based on the Carbon Payback Period
Authors: Patterson Jane , Gurr Adam , Marion Fabian , Williams Geraint
Published: May 2018

The British Low Carbon Vehicle Technology Project (LCVTP) has developed technologies for future plug-in vehicles. Simulation results indicate significantly lower tailpipe CO2 emissions when compared to conventional internal combustion engine technology, but how good are the CO2 savings on a life cycle basis? Do these technologies have higher embedded CO2 from vehicle production? If so, can this be paid back within the lifetime of the vehicle? To help answer these questions, building on work completed within LCVTP, Ricardo conducted a life cycle top-down review of hybrid and EV technology architectures to estimate the CO2 emissions associated with each phase of the vehicle’s life. Results showed that these technologies have the potential to reduce the life cycle CO2 footprint of passenger cars, compared to today’s conventional technology. However, the higher embedded CO2 from vehicle production has to be paid back before these savings can be realised. This carbon payback period is highly dependent on the CO2 emissions resulting from electricity generation and transmission. This implies that the commercial role out of plug-in vehicles must happen in tandem with decarbonisation of the electricity to ensure CO2 emissions are really reduced. Ensuring future low carbon vehicles are truly low carbon will require a shift in focus from tailpipe CO2 to considering the environmental impact of the whole vehicle life cycle and the energy it uses. By adopting a life cycle philosophy and considering the carbon payback, vehicle manufacturers, policy makers and consumers can select the appropriate low carbon technology for their situation.
The possibility for energy regeneration by electrification in Swedish car driving
Authors: Kullingsjö Lars-Henrik , Karlsson Sten
Published: May 2018

The ability to regenerate energy when braking is a valuable advantage of hybrid and fully electric vehicles. How much energy that can be regenerated depends mainly on the car driving and the capacity of the driveline. Detailed studies of possibilities for brake energy regeneration in real world driving are needed to better understand the potential gains of car-electrification since test cycles do not take individual driving or elevation into account. This study has analysed the potential for regeneration in Swedish car driving by applying a model for a normalized vehicle to a highly detailed and representative data set of individual car movements for privately driven cars in Sweden. The share of energy at the wheels used for braking was found to range from 12% to 63%, with an average of 30%. Engine braking could however reduce the amount of recoverable energy to about 16%. On average 42% and 89% of the potentially regenerable energy is available below 10 and 40 kW, respectively. Drivers with lower average speed have in general a higher share of the energy at the wheels potentially available for regeneration. This is however not an important factor to determine the total yearly energy/cost savings. Instead the yearly mileage is shown to be a more relevant indicator on total energy savings from regeneration. The results are compared to the NEDC and WLTP test cycles.
SIL, HIL, and Vehicle Fuel Economy Analysis of a Pre-Transmission Parallel PHEV
Authors: Moore Jonathan D. , Molen G. Marshall
Published: May 2018

EcoCAR 2 is a collegiate level Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition which challenges students to re-engineer a General Motors (GM) donated 2013 Malibu Eco as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle over the course of three years. The competition is organized by Argonne National Laboratory with the U.S. Department of Energy and GM as the headline sponsors. As part of this competition, Mississippi State University (MSU) has designed a pre-transmission parallel PHEV which utilizes a 145 kW permanent magnet brushless DC motor, a 18.9 kWh Li-ion battery, and a GM 1.4 L turbocharged engine which has been tuned for E85 fuel. A supervisory control system has been utilized to interface the hybrid components to the production vehicle, and implements a control strategy enabling charge depleting (CD) and charge sustaining (CS) modes of operation. In order to develop this control strategy and evaluate the vehicle, a simulation model has been constructed in Matlab Simulink for software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation. This vehicle model has been constructed using a combination of dSPACE Automotive Simulation Models and MSU developed component models. Each of these component models has been parameterized from manufacturer provided data in order to ensure the accuracy of the vehicle evaluations. An analysis of the vehicle’s fuel economy has been performed using SIL and HIL simulation over four drive cycles for CD and CS modes of operation. A combined fuel economy has been calculated according to SAE Standard J1711 for both E85 and gasoline fuels.
Comparative Study of Different Energy Management Strategies for Dual-Source Electric Vehicles
Authors: Trovão João P. , Santos Victor D. N. , Pereirinha Paulo G. , Jorge Humberto M. , Antunes Carlos
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a comparative analysis between a pure battery electric vehicle and a dual-source electric vehicle endowed with a multi-level energy management strategy. The energy management of multi-source electric vehicles is a crucial aspect to obtain an effective contribution of the power sources, namely one with high specific energy and another with high specific power. This issue is particularly relevant for electric vehicles subject to high accelerations, breaking and those performing a large number of start and stop in its driving cycle. A comprehensive energy management system architecture with different management levels is presented and compared with a rule-based strategy (power disaggregation) and a pure battery electric vehicle. Simulations have been performed for two different urban driving cycles (NYCC and ARTEMIS low power urban) in order to validate and compare the effectiveness of the strategies under study. The results obtained show the usefulness of the proposed multi-level energy management strategy based on an integrated rule-based meta-heuristic approach versus an energy management strategy directed by the power disaggregation concept. The proposed approach increases the electric vehicle performance due to a better usage of the sources, which leads to a reduced installed power capacity.
Enhanced battery model including temperature effects
Authors: Ros¸ca Bogdan , Wilkins Steven
Published: May 2018

Within electric and hybrid vehicles, batteries are used to provide/buffer the energy required for driving. However, battery performance varies throughout the temperature range specific to automotive applications, and as such, models that describe this behaviour are required. This paper presents a dynamic battery model describing the battery voltage based on current and temperature. A model identification method is presented and validation tests are performed. The results show that when temperature influences are included in the models, a significant increase in performance can be achieved. Modelling errors lower that 5% are achieved for validation tests conducted at -10°C, 0°C and 10°C, whereas the models that do not consider temperature show errors up to 10%.
Analysis of Degradation Mechanism of Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
Authors: KANEKO Genki , INOUE Soichiro , TANIGUCHI Koichiro , HIROTA Toshio , KAMIYA Yushi , DAISHO Yasuhiro , INAMI Shoichi
Published: May 2018

The degradation mechanisms of lithium iron phosphate battery have been analyzed with 150 day calendar capacity loss tests and 3,000 cycle capacity loss tests to identify the operation method to maximize the battery life for electric vehicles. Both test results indicated that capacity loss increased under higher temperature and SOC conditions. And also, large increase of internal resistance on the high temperature and high SOC conditions was confirmed by AC impedance tests. The real cycle capacity loss characteristic was derived by subtracting the capacity decrease due to calendar capacity loss during the cycle test from the overall capacity loss characteristic obtained from the cycle test. As a result, it is found that the real capacity loss contains not only structural disorders of electrode but also degradation factors due to the chemical reactions. Characteristics of degradation were quantified with equations based on the chemical kinetics. With this degradation prediction, an operation method was proposed that is compatible with the long life of batteries and the safety driving of a vehicle. As a result, with optimizing the SOC range used in the operation as follows: 30-10% in the warm seasons, 45-25% in the cold seasons, it was found that batteries can last 4 times longer than it used with high SOC range in every season.
Electrical safety of commercial Li-ion cells based on NMC and NCA technology compared to LFP technology
Authors: Brand Martin , Gläser Simon , Geder Jan , Menacher Stefan , Obpacher Sebastian , Jossen Andreas , Quinger Daniel
Published: May 2018

Since a laptop caught fire in 2006 at the latest, Li-ion cells were considered as more dangerous than other accumulators [1]. Recent incidents, such as the one involving a BYD e6 electric taxi [2] or the Boeing Dreamliner [3], give rise to questions concerning the safety of L#i-ion cells. This is a crucial point, since Li-ion cells are increasingly integrated in all kinds of (electric) vehicles. Therefore the economic success of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) depends significantly on the safety of Li-ion cells. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminium oxide (NCA) are two standard Li-ion cathode chemistries, which are often used for today’s HEVs and BEVs Li-ion batteries. Cells with this two cathode technologies are investigated in detail and compared to cells with the alleged save lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. Furthermore only commercially available and mass produced Li-ion cells were tested, in order to get as close to real end-user applications as possible. To ensure comparability, cells with the most common 18650 casing have been used. Furthermore all cells had no built-in resistor with positive temperature coefficient (PTC-device). For each abuse test at least 2 cells have been tested to get to know the statistical dispersion. The spread was in all tests for all measured values of each cell type lower than 11 %. Consequently it can be supposed, that mass produced cells show equal behaviour also in abusive test. The performed electrical safety tests on these cells, involve overcharge, overdischarge and short circuit tests. These tests represent real abuse scenarios and are geared to established standards [15], [16], [17], [18]. To complete these measurements an accelerated rate calorimetry (ARC) test has been carried out, to determine the thermal stability of the cells. As in the literature discussed, the investigated LFP/C cells show a higher thermal stability and are therefore safer, although they do not have any overcharge buffer as the investigated NCA/C and NMC/C cells.
Energy Management Strategy Based on Frequency-Varying Filter for the Battery Supercapacitor Hybrid System of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Huang Xiaoliang , Toshiyuki Hiramatsu , Hori Yoichi Hori
Published: May 2018

Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS), which combines the battery and supercapacitor (SC), is a potential solution for the energy system of Electric Vehicles (EV). In this paper, a battery and SC hybrid system for small-scale EV with Energy Management Strategy (EMS) and power interface design is introduced. The energy management and power sharing strategy based on frequency-varying filter method is proposed, aiming to realize both high energy density output and high power density output from HESS. The design and control aspects of the converter as the interface of SC bank are introduced. The experiment results in reduced scale test validate that the energy management strategy is effective and the converter control satisfies the requirement of HESS in our hybrid EV prototype.
Application of the Thermal Impedance Spectroscopy method in three dimensions to a large prismatic Li-ion cell
Authors: Lapointe Pierre-Luc
Published: May 2018

Thermal impedance spectroscopy (TIS) is applied for the thermal characterization of a large prismatic battery cell. The method is based on previously published work and is extended to a three dimensional system. By using a discretized three dimensional model, the experimental results can be fitted to obtain the specific heat capacity and heat conductivity of the cell in three dimensions. The results show good agreement with the available data in the literature. Suggestions are made to improve the test setup to gain more confidence in the results and to increase the precision of the model.
Different Novel Electric Machine Designs for Automotive Applications
Authors: Dajaku Gurakuq , Gerling Dieter
Published: May 2018

This paper presents three-different high efficiency and low costs electric machines types for automotive applications. For the PM machines with the single-layer concentrated windings, a novel stator topology with magnetic flux barriers in the stator teeth is used to increase the power density and the efficiency of the machine. Using this technique the material amount for the considered PM machine is reduced about 20% compared with the conventional design. For the asynchronous machines, two alternative solutions are presented; a new winding type with low space harmonic contents and also an ASM rotor with series connection of rotor bars solve the problem with high harmonics. Further, during the design of a new self-excited synchronous machine with concentrated winding, the high MMF winding harmonics are used to excite the rotor field winding.
Effect of punching and stress concentrations on mechanical behaviour of electrical steels
Authors: Van Hoecke Dennis , Jacobs Sigrid , Vandenbossche Lode , Weber Bastien , Attrazic Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

ArcelorMittal supplies advanced mechanical and magnetic material data for its iCAReTM line of electrical steels to enable customers to optimise the design of their e-machines . This paper gives an overview of the experimental methodologies to assess the effect of stress concentrations and punched edges on the fatigue behaviour of thin gauge electrical steel sheets. The link between the mechanical properties and the microstructural and metallurgical features of the different materials is discussed.