bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talk, Text, Tag? Understanding Self-Annotation of Smart Home Data from a User’s Perspective
Authors: Tonkin Emma L. , Burrows Alison , Woznowski Przemysław R. , Laskowski Pawel , Yordanova Kristina Y. , Twomey Niall , Craddock Ian J.
Published: July 2018

Delivering effortless interactions and appropriate interventions through pervasive systems requires making sense of multiple streams of sensor data. This is particularly challenging when these concern people’s natural behaviours in the real world. This paper takes a multidisciplinary perspective of annotation and draws on an exploratory study of 12 people, who were encouraged to use a multi-modal annotation app while living in a prototype smart home. Analysis of the app usage data and of semi-structured interviews with the participants revealed strengths and limitations regarding self-annotation in a naturalistic context. Handing control of the annotation process to research participants enabled them to reason about their own data, while generating accounts that were appropriate and acceptable to them. Self-annotation provided participants an opportunity to reflect on themselves and their routines, but it was also a means to express themselves freely and sometimes even a backchannel to communicate playfully with the researchers. However, self-annotation may not be an effective way to capture accurate start and finish times for activities, or location associated with activity information. This paper offers new insights and recommendations for the design of self-annotation tools for deployment in the real world.
A Vision-Driven Collaborative Robotic Grasping System Tele-Operated by Surface Electromyography
Authors: Úbeda Andrés , Zapata-Impata Brayan S. , Puente Santiago T. , Gil Pablo , Candelas Francisco , Torres Fernando
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a system that combines computer vision and surface electromyography techniques to perform grasping tasks with a robotic hand. In order to achieve a reliable grasping action, the vision-driven system is used to compute pre-grasping poses of the robotic system based on the analysis of tridimensional object features. Then, the human operator can correct the pre-grasping pose of the robot using surface electromyographic signals from the forearm during wrist flexion and extension. Weak wrist flexions and extensions allow a fine adjustment of the robotic system to grasp the object and finally, when the operator considers that the grasping position is optimal, a strong flexion is performed to initiate the grasping of the object. The system has been tested with several subjects to check its performance showing a grasping accuracy of around 95% of the attempted grasps which increases in more than a 13% the grasping accuracy of previous experiments in which electromyographic control was not implemented.
Aptamer-Based Biosensors to Detect Aquatic Phycotoxins and Cyanotoxins
Authors: Cunha Isabel , Biltes Rita , Sales MGF , Vasconcelos Vitor
Published: July 2018

Aptasensors have a great potential for environmental monitoring, particularly for real-time on-site detection of aquatic toxins produced by marine and freshwater microorganisms (cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, and diatoms), with several advantages over other biosensors that are worth considering. Freshwater monitoring is of vital importance for public health, in numerous human activities, and animal welfare, since these toxins may cause fatal intoxications. Similarly, in marine waters, very effective monitoring programs have been put in place in many countries to detect when toxins exceed established regulatory levels and accordingly enforce shellfish harvesting closures. Recent advances in the fields of aptamer selection, nanomaterials and communication technologies, offer a vast array of possibilities to develop new imaginative strategies to create improved, ultrasensitive, reliable and real-time devices, featuring unique characteristics to produce and amplify the signal. So far, not many strategies have been used to detect aquatic toxins, mostly limited to the optic and electrochemical sensors, the majority applied to detect microcystin-LR using a target-induced switching mode. The limits of detection of these aptasensors have been decreasing from the nM to the fM order of magnitude in the past 20 years. Aspects related to sensor components, performance, aptamers sequences, matrices analyzed and future perspectives, are considered and discussed.
Portraits of Veganism: A Comparative Discourse Analysis of a Second-Order Subculture
Authors: Christopher Allison , Bartkowski John P. , Haverda Timothy
Published: July 2018

Veganism has enjoyed increasing popularity and more sustained scholarly attention during the past several years. Using insights from cultural theory, this study conducts a qualitative discourse analysis of two vegan-promoting documentary films: Forks over Knives (2011) and Vegucated (2010). Each of these popular vegan-promoting films renders a different portrait of vegans and advances distinct motivations for the adoption of a vegan lifestyle. Forks over Knives promotes health veganism rooted in scientific arguments about the dietary benefits of veganism. By contrast, Vegucated promotes holistic veganism that, while encompassing personal health benefits, also promotes animal rights advocacy and environmental consciousness. These competing portrayals reveal an important fissure line within veganism, one that may have implications for the growth of this movement. Veganism is a distinctive second-order subculture situated within the broader vegetarian subculture. However, veganism maintains cultural relevance by drawing on quintessentially American discourses of individualism, science, healthy living, and environmental awareness.
Environmental Challenges and Current Practices in China—A Thorough Analysis
Authors: Khan Mehran , Chang Yen-Chiang
Published: July 2018

This study presents a critical analysis of the environmental challenges regarding global environmental policies and current practices in China. The study provides imperative evidence about the current emission control strategies, environmental planning, legislation, policy instruments, and measures to provide a sustainable environment for the present and future generations. The study followed a well-defined analytical methodology to analyse the measures adopted to control emissions as a trade-balancing tool for the environment. The findings indicated that domestic as well as the international collaborations were effective in controlling the present problem of environmental pollution, and suggested a need for collaborative agreements to amend the Environmental Protection Law (EPL). The analytical findings determined that the proposed EPL considered SO2 or NO2 emissions while neglecting an important source of environmental pollution, i.e., CO2 emissions. The research findings also suggested a need for to accelerate efforts in a more professional, practical, and result-oriented manner to analyse the diverse nature of environmental issues. The research highlighted some of the obstacles to the successful implementation of EPL for current and future environmental challenges.
Development of Test Equipment for Evaluating Hydraulic Conductivity of Permeable Block Pavements
Authors: Ahn Jaehun , Marcaida Aryssa Kathreen , Lee Yoongeun , Jung Jongwon
Published: July 2018

The use of permeable block pavement has been acknowledged as one of the promising Low Impact Development (LID) strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of depletion of natural surfaces, due to the uncontrollable development of infrastructure and buildings. Numerous studies, associated with drainage properties and long-term performance of this traditional pavement alternative, have been conducted in the past 30 years. Nevertheless, standardized equipment and methodologies are still limited, specifically for small-scale laboratory models. This paper suggests equipment that is capable of evaluating the hydraulic performance of permeable pavement materials in a laboratory set-up, by monitoring permeability and simulating the physical clogging process. Constant head permeability tests with systematic application of fine clogging particles were conducted on three identical permeable block systems (PBS), composed of four stone pavers. Each test system received an equivalent amount of eight years’ particle loading of silica sand, with different size distributions. The experimental results revealed that all the models showed permeability degradation trends similar to those presented in other literature.
Environmental Efficiency of Photovoltaic Power Plants in China—A Comparative Study of Different Economic Zones and Plant Types
Authors: You Huaimo , Fang Hong , Wang Xu , Fang Siran
Published: July 2018

In this paper we study and compare the environmental efficiency of 118 photovoltaic (PV) plants in China. Drawing on the nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, our study takes the initiative to take the insolation, annual sunshine duration, and covering area as input variables into account, as well as the installed capacity, annual electricity generation, CO2 emission reduction, and coal saving as output variables, to provide a unified measure of environmental efficiency of PV plants in China. We find widespread inefficiencies in roughly 95% of the PV plants, and the performance of different economic zones and types of PV plants are quite different. Specifically, those PV plants in eastern China are the least satisfying performers among three different economic zones. The surprising result indicates that eastern China has room for improvement by overcoming the inefficiencies caused by serious aerosol pollution and the high urbanization rate. We also find rooftop PV plants have the highest efficiencies among the four types of PV plants due to very little power loss. However, complementary PV plants have the lowest efficiencies most likely because of high operating temperatures during the process of power generation.
Study on Policy Marking of Passive Level Insulation Standards for Non-Residential Buildings in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yeweon , Yu Ki-Hyung
Published: July 2018

This study presented a methodology and process to establish a passive level for policy making of building energy in South Korea. A passive level in Korea specified in the 2017 Roadmap for non-residential buildings, which was 15 kWh/m2·year, was defined as the heating energy requirement to strengthen the building energy saving design standards, which were typical building energy regulations in Korea. This study also presented insulation standards of roofs, floors, outer walls, and windows in Pyeongchang, Seoul, Gwangju, and Jeju, which were represented cities of four zones in Korea (Middle 1, Middle 2, Southern, and Jeju). Furthermore, the study results were extended to 66 cities around the nation to calculate the heating energy requirements and a severely cold region was added to existing three regions (Middle, Southern, and Jeju) to extend this to four regions (Middle 1, Middle 2, Southern, and Jeju). Afterwards, insulation standards for four represented regions were presented to derive a measure that minimized an energy loss through outer walls or windows in buildings. Finally, this study derived that a return of investment can be achieved in 10 years, which was determined through the comprehensive economic feasibility analysis due to strengthening insulation performances, proving the rationalization of the legal strengthening.
Investigating the Links of Interpersonal Trust in Telecommunications Companies
Authors: Bulińska-Stangrecka Helena , Bagieńska Anna
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to determine if there are links between interpersonal trust and competences, relations, and cooperation in Polish telecommunications companies. It examines which factors affect trust in co-workers and managers in sustainable organizations. The paper surveys a sample of 175 employees of telecommunications companies in Poland by means of a questionnaire. The results indicate that competences, relations, and cooperation are related to interpersonal trust. Regression analysis showed that competences and relations predict a significant variance in trust amongst co-workers. Additionally, cooperation contributes to prediction of trust in mangers. Given the importance of trust in sustainable organizations, better comprehension of which factors are related to team confidence provides valuable information for stakeholders and about how to improve interpersonal trust in sustainable organizations.
A Quick Gbest Guided Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Stock Market Prices Prediction
Authors: Shah Habib , Tairan Nasser , Garg Harish , Ghazali Rozaida
Published: July 2018

The objective of this work is to present a Quick Gbest Guided artificial bee colony (ABC) learning algorithm to train the feedforward neural network (QGGABC-FFNN) model for the prediction of the trends in the stock markets. As it is quite important to know that nowadays, stock market prediction of trends is a significant financial global issue. The scientists, finance administration, companies, and leadership of a given country struggle towards developing a strong financial position. Several technical, industrial, fundamental, scientific, and statistical tools have been proposed and used with varying results. Still, predicting an exact or near-to-exact trend of the Stock Market values behavior is an open problem. In this respect, in the present manuscript, we propose an algorithm based on ABC to minimize the error in the trend and actual values by using the hybrid technique based on neural network and artificial intelligence. The presented approach has been verified and tested to predict the accurate trend of Saudi Stock Market (SSM) values. The proposed QGGABC-ANN based on bio-inspired learning algorithm with its high degree of accuracy could be used as an investment advisor for the investors and traders in the future of SSM. The proposed approach is based mainly on SSM historical data covering a large span of time. From the simulation findings, the proposed QGGABC-FFNN outperformed compared with other typical computational algorithms for prediction of SSM values.
Vegetation Greening for Winter Oblique Photography Using Cycle-Consistence Adversarial Networks
Authors: Xue Xiaowei , Wu Chunxue , Sun Ze , Wu Yan , Xiong Neal N.
Published: July 2018

A 3D city model is critical for the construction of a digital city. One of the methods of building a 3D city model is tilt photogrammetry. In this method, oblique photography is crucial for generating the model because the visual quality of photography directly impacts the model’s visual effect. Yet, sometimes, oblique photography does not have good visual quality due to a bad season or defective photographic equipment. For example, for oblique photography taken in winter, vegetation is brown. If this photography is employed to generate the 3D model, the result would be bad visually. Yet, common methods for vegetation greening in oblique photography rely on the assistance of the infrared band, which is not available sometimes. Thus, a method for vegetation greening in winter oblique photography without the infrared band is required, which is proposed in this paper. The method was inspired by the work on CycleGAN (Cycle-consistence Adversarial Networks). In brief, the problem of turning vegetation green in winter oblique photography is considered as a style transfer problem. Summer oblique photography generally has green vegetation. By applying CycleGAN, winter oblique photography can be transferred to summer oblique photography, and the vegetation can turn green. Yet, due to the existence of “checkerboard artifacts”, the original result cannot be applied for real production. To reduce artifacts, the generator of CycleGAN is modified. As the final results suggest, the proposed method unlocks the bottleneck of vegetation greening when the infrared band is not available and artifacts are reduced.
Fabrication of photothermally active poly(vinyl alcohol) films with gold nanostars for antibacterial applications
Authors: Borzenkov Mykola , Moros Maria , Tortiglione Claudia , Bertoldi Serena , Contessi Nicola , Faré Silvia , Taglietti Angelo , D’Agostino Agnese , Pallavicini Piersandro , Collini Maddalena , Chirico Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

The unique photothermal properties of non-spherical gold nanoparticles under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation find broad application in nanotechnology and nanomedicine. The combination of their plasmonic features with widely used biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films can lead to novel hybrid polymeric materials with tunable photothermal properties and a wide range of applications. In this study, thin PVA films containing highly photothermally efficient gold nanostars (GNSs) were fabricated and their properties were studied. The resulting films displayed good mechanical properties and a pronounced photothermal effect under NIR irradiation. The local photothermal effect triggered by NIR irradiation of the PVA-GNS films is highly efficient at killing bacteria, therefore providing an opportunity to develop new types of protective antibacterial films and coatings.
Water-soluble SNS cationic palladium(II) complexes and their Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions in aqueous medium
Authors: Fiebor Alphonse , Tia Richard , Makhubela Banothile C E , Kinfe Henok H
Published: July 2018

Unlike their SCS analogues, SNS pincer complexes are poorly studied for their use in coupling reactions. Accordingly, a series of water soluble cationic Pd(II) SNS pincer complexes have been successfully synthesised and investigated in detail for their catalytic activity in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. By using only 0.5 mol % loading of the complexes, the coupling of inactivated aryl bromides and activated aryl chlorides with various boronic acids in water was achieved in excellent yields and the catalysts were found to be reusable for three cycles without a significant loss of activity. The investigation of the mechanism of the reaction revealed that a Pd(II) to Pd(IV) route is the more likely pathway which was further supported by computational studies.
Rural Dementia Caregivers and Technology: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Ruggiano Nicole , Brown Ellen L. , Li Juanjuan , Scaccianoce Monica
Published: July 2018

Caregivers of adults with dementia often experience burden and depression as a result of their intensive caregiving activities. Dementia caregivers in rural communities experience additional barriers of large distances from health care providers and/or limited numbers of health care providers, which may further exacerbate burden. Technology has been identified as a platform for reducing dementia caregiver burden and stress, although the extent to which technologically based interventions have been tested with rural dementia caregivers is unknown. The current study involved a systematic review of technologically based interventions to assess the geography of sample populations, scope of interventions, and study outcomes. Of 8,348 articles identified and screened, 30 articles met eligibility guidelines. The current review found that few studies identified their sample population as living in rural communities. In addition, studies were more likely to report improved psychosocial outcomes of intervention groups, with few reporting positive effects on caregiving skills/self-efficacy. Implications for future research are discussed.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(4):216–224.]
Caracterización de la vulnerabilidad paisajística de un entorno natural. Aplicación en el Valle del Ambroz, municipio de Hervás
Authors: Martínez-Cuevas Sandra , Moreno Regidor Pilar , Iturrioz Aguirre Teresa , González Carmena Daniel
Published: July 2018

Los estudios actuales de evaluación paisajística estiman la calidad y fragilidad del paisaje, empleando herramientas de análisis espacial para su valoración, caracterizando aspectos tanto ecológicos como estéticos y valorando óptimamente la vegetación como elemento crucial del paisaje. En esta línea, la presente investigación desarrolla una metodología de caracterización paisajística, diferenciando los elementos naturales y no naturales que lo conforman y valorándolos a través de dos escalas numéricas, una escala de adecuación y una escala de conservación, identificando qué elementos vulneran más o menos al paisaje y qué zonas del entorno natural deben ser remodeladas paisajísticamente. El resultado de este tipo de investigaciones puede ser utilizado por diferentes niveles de gestión pública: en primer lugar, los ayuntamientos pueden identificar cuáles son los elementos más conflictivos que presenta el área de estudio y, en segundo lugar, las comunidades autónomas podrían incluir esta información en los Planes de Ordenación de los Recursos Naturales.
Paisaje y paisajes en el País Vasco: síntesis diacrónica de su configuración y consideración normativa
Authors: Ormaetxea Arenaza Orbange , Sáenz de Olazagoitia Blanco Ana
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo recoge de forma sucinta aquellas características del espacio físico que condicionan el carácter de los paisajes del País Vasco y realiza un recorrido diacrónico y resumido de la adaptación antrópica a esos ámbitos a través de la actividad y la ocupación del suelo. En segundo lugar, el análisis pormenorizado de los datos de ocupación de suelo de las últimas décadas, además de destacar aspectos metodológicos y de interpretación de resultados de las fuentes de datos consultadas, permite determinar a escala provincial cuáles han sido los cambios de ocupación y por tanto paisajísticos desde la década de 1970. Por último, se realiza un recorrido de la consideración del paisaje desde el apartado normativo como patrimonio de carácter universal, valor de calidad con la designación de Paisajes Singulares y Sobresalientes, valor de conservación y de protección, componente visual y elemento percibido por la población hasta culminar en el actual marco del Convenio Europeo del Paisaje.
Emprendedores y proyectos fallidos de LEADER y PRODER en Andalucía en el periodo 2000-2006. Perfil y motivos de desistimiento
Authors: Navarro Valverde Francisco Antonio , Cejudo García Eugenio , Cañete Pérez José Antonio
Published: July 2018

Durante 25 años el enfoque LEADER ha contribuido a incorporar nuevos principios a las recientes teorías del desarrollo neoendógeno. Para esta Iniciativa, se realiza un análisis de los proyectos que, habiendo sido inicialmente aprobados, no se llegaron a ejecutar para conocer el perfil del promotor, tipo de inversión y causas que provocaron su caída. Se han consultado los expedientes no ejecutados durante el periodo 2002- 2008 de los Grupos de Acción Local de la provincia de Granada y se han realizado entrevistas tanto a los técnicos como a los gerentes de tales Grupos. En estos proyectos se aprecia una prevalencia del emprendedor privado sobre el público y de los jóvenes y nuevos empresarios frente a los que no lo son. Las causas últimas de desistimiento van desde la inadecuada planificación y la falta de financiación, hasta las rigideces en tiempo y requisitos administrativos exigidos.
Potentials for Error Detection and Process Visualization in Assembly Lines Using a Parallel Coordinates Plot
Authors: Sand Christian , Lechler Tobias , Schuh Patricia , Franke Jörg
Published: July 2018

Assembly lines consist of chained or unchained stations, yet usually only single stations are regarded individually for process and quality analytics. Since the quality of the final product depends on interactions of process parameters along the assembly flow, it is insufficient to analyze process parameters of each station separately. Therefore, data of every single assembly station along the assembly line has to be collected and stored. To explore such a big amount of multidimensional data and their correlations, different techniques are established. In this paper, assembly flows and their respective data are visualized using a parallel coordinates plot (PCP). Here, this technique visualizes process parameter combinations along the whole assembly chain. The contribution of this paper is to prove that the presented approach enables a fast detection of stations with malicious impacts on the product quality, when it comes to complex assembly lines. The goal is to help users to detect global problems in those lines, not only single station problems. Furthermore, the relevance of various processes to the quality (good or defective) of the final good shall be revealed.
Measurement Analysis for Increasing Resource Efficiency during Autoclave Processes for the Production of Fiber Composites
Authors: Klein Melanie , Finsterwald Leonhard , Tonhaeuser Kathrin , Steinhilper Rolf
Published: July 2018

Fiber-reinforced plastics are known as outstanding lightweight composite material, which are used in various areas. Especially the demand for components made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) has steadily increased within the last years due to their high strength and stiffness combined with light weight. The manufacturing of CFRP components is a cost-intensive and time-consuming process due to frequently required and challenging manual operations for several working steps. In order to remain competitive and meet the small-batch production because of increasing desire for individuality and diversity, the manufacturing process of CFRP components needs further development. In order to face these challenges, this paper focuses on the resource efficiency of curing processes with the autoclave technology. The measurement analysis of the different energy consumers of the autoclave at changing the curing parameters (temperature, pressure, time) shows how the settings affect the resource efficiency of curing processes. Finally, the authors present their recommendation for action in order to increase resource efficiency.
CFD Optimized Test Rig Design for High Precision Energy Efficiency Performance Measurements of Fans for Electronic Cooling
Authors: Epple Philipp , Steppert Michael , Steber Michael
Published: July 2018

To measure the energy efficiency performance and the characteristics of electronic cooling fans a high-precision suction side test rig was designed according to the corresponding national DIN and international ISO standards. To evaluate the influence of the test rig design on the precision of the performance measurements of the fan, the complete test rig designs were analyzed in detail with the commercial CFD solver Star-CCM+ from Siemens PLM Software. Since at the test rig the pressure values of the fan are measured indirectly at the test rig chamber and not at the fan itself, the pressure values from the simulation as read out at the test rig chamber and at the fan itself were compared to deliver the required precision of the test rig design. Furthermore, the effect of the baffle plate and the throttle characteristics on the energy efficiency performance measurements of fans for electronic cooling have been analyzed.
Self-Learning Energy Management System on the Process Control Level
Authors: Zizler Elisabeth , Wenk Matthias , Martens Benedikt
Published: July 2018

An important part of increasing the energy and resource efficiency in companies is the reduction of energy consumption of production plants. In order to achieve this, suitable energy management concepts have to be developed. Energy management concepts involve collecting all required information and making decisions based on the evaluated data. This paper focuses on the approach of shutting down individual plant components in unproductive phases. Because manually shutting down and starting up plants is risky and time-consuming, plants are often left in a state in which they consume a lot of energy, despite not producing any parts, due to both scheduled and unexpected stops. For this reason, adequate energy management concepts are needed that automatically shut down unneeded plant components and restart them in time for the next productive phase. Multiple dependencies between plant components in the context of production and process flow lead to a massive increase in complexity. Subsequently, such concepts are rarely programmed in the control software. In this paper, we provide an approach that implements the energy management concepts as a superordinate entity at the process control level, which enables a holistic plant overview. Using flexible algorithms, the system should be able to make autonomous decisions about the ideal energetic state of the individual plant components. In order to minimize the effort of adding new plants, the developed algorithms should self-adapt to the respective plant configuration autonomously. In addition to machine learning algorithms, the functional analysis of production plants and knowledge concerning the structure of the plants gained from engineering tools are used.
Model-Based Computation of Critical Operation Points in Biogas Producing Plants
Authors: Wagner David , Schlüter Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Reducing the use of fossil fuels for energy production is one of the main objectives in 21st century. In order to achieve this target renewable energy resources (like agricultural waste) in biogas plants can be used. An anaerobic bacterial fermentation process digests the substrates into methane and carbon dioxide. The process itself has strong fluctuations in terms of net methane yield due to different amounts and composition of agricultural influents. For increasing the space time yield two main difficulties are encountered. The first one is system-specific and includes stirrer design and reactor geometry. The second affects the biotechnological fermentation process. The following work is focusing on the fermentation process. The determination of critical parameters for the optimization of the anaerobic microbial digestion is investigated. An economic approach for solving these problems is only feasible by using mathematical models and simulation. Consequently two fermentation models are compared by regarding parameter sensitivity and critical operational points. The first one is based on simple Monod-kinetics while the second one is extended with two steps of fermentation and therefore two different microbial consortia and additive inhibition effects. The complex model is able to describe different phenomena in more detail. But its estimability and therefore its validation is difficult without further investigation of the model structure and the reduction of the model complexity. One important result of the investigation is that stable process conditions with simultaneous high yields are depending on a careful adjustment of the loading rate and therefore requiring precise model parameters.
Towards a Software System Providing Knowledge about Energy and Resource Efficiency Potentials within the Product and Process Development of Electric Drives
Authors: Mayr Andreas , Meyer Alexander , Masuch Michael , Braun Andra , Franke Jörg
Published: July 2018

Despite numerous research activities, guidelines and regulations, the exploitation of energy and resource efficiency potentials at companies in the field of electric drive technology is still lagging behind. Existing catalogues of measures and research results are mostly too generic or too theoretic for companies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Thus, this paper proposes the development of a user-oriented software system that supports the consideration of sustainability aspects within the product and process development of electric drives. The core component of this concept is a knowledge-based system (KBS), which reveals the wide range of energy and resource efficiency potentials along the whole product life cycle. In particular, correlations that exist between the individual saving potentials are to be mapped. By presenting the general solution concept and current stage of development, this paper provides the basis for future research which should focus on the further elaboration and prototypical implementation of the system proposed here.
An Information Processing Framework Facilitating the Implementation of Condition Monitoring in Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Fleischmann Hans , Kißkalt Dominik , Krusemark Stefan , Franke Jörg
Published: July 2018

Implementing condition monitoring functionality in production machinery often proves to be a difficult task. Device-and process-specific algorithms must be created while inhomogeneous industrial communication networks hinder the integration of control signals and process variables. Further challenges arise from the advance of flexible Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). They demand a service-oriented condition monitoring architecture, which seamlessly adapts to quickly changing production topologies. Existing condition monitoring systems (CMS) and reference architectures for CMS however do not possess the capabilities to meet the requirements originating from CPS and the IIoT. This paper presents a software module serving as a generic framework to ease the implementation of decentralized condition monitoring functionalities. A decentralized component, the monitoring module, constitutes a part of a holistic condition monitoring architecture managed by a central server deployed on an edge or cloud server. Therefore, the monitoring module offers an interface through which its data processing flow and algorithms are entirely remotely configurable during operation. Algorithms are encapsulated in function blocks, which can easily be setup and interconnected. Scalability is ensured by the use of web technology optimized for efficient data handling and parallel data-processing. The examined use cases show the potential of the developed software module for its deployment in the use case of monitoring turn-mill-centers.
Toll-like Receptor 4–Induced Glycolytic Burst in Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Results from p38-Dependent Stabilization of HIF-1α and Increased Hexokinase II Expression
Authors: Perrin-Cocon Laure , Aublin-Gex Anne , Diaz Olivier , Ramière Christophe , Peri Francesco , André Patrice , Lotteau Vincent
Published: July 2018

Cell metabolism now appears as an essential regulator of immune cells activation. In particular, TLR stimulation triggers metabolic reprogramming of dendritic cells (DCs) with an increased glycolytic flux, whereas inhibition of glycolysis alters their functional activation. The molecular mechanisms involved in the control of glycolysis upon TLR stimulation are poorly understood for human DCs. TLR4 activation of human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) stimulated glycolysis with an increased glucose consumption and lactate production. Global hexokinase (HK) activity, controlling the initial rate-limiting step of glycolysis, was also increased. TLR4-induced glycolytic burst correlated with a differential modulation of HK isoenzymes. LPS strongly enhanced the expression of HK2, whereas HK3 was reduced, HK1 remained unchanged, and HK4 was not expressed. Expression of the other rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes was not significantly increased. Exploring the signaling pathways involved in LPS-induced glycolysis with various specific inhibitors, we observed that only the inhibitors of p38–MAPK (SB203580) and of HIF-1α DNA binding (echinomycin) reduced both the glycolytic activity and production of cytokines triggered by TLR4 stimulation. In addition, LPS-induced HK2 expression required p38-MAPK–dependent HIF-1α accumulation and transcriptional activity. TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 stimulation increased glucose consumption by MoDCs through alternate mechanisms that are independent of p38–MAPK activation. TBK1 contributed to glycolysis regulation when DCs were stimulated via TLR2/6. Therefore, our results indicate that TLR4-dependent upregulation of glycolysis in human MoDCs involves a p38-MAPK–dependent HIF-1α accumulation, leading to an increased HK activity supported by enhanced HK2 expression.
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells and the Importance of their Measurement in Urological Cancers
Authors: Naoe Michio , Ohta Mika , Hasebe Yuki , Matsui Yuki , Unoki Tsutomu , Shimoyama Hideaki , Nakasato Takehiko , Ogawa Yoshio , Tsukada Mana , Sunagawa Masataka , Ishii Hikaru , Ishige Masayuki , Osawa Hironori , Matuzaki Masaharu
Published: July 2018

In recent years, various new drugs such as molecularly targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been developed. Liquid biopsy is becoming increasingly important as a guide for selecting these new drugs and determining their efficacy. In urological cancers, given the lack of serum markers for kidney cancer or urothelial cancers, the development of liquid biopsy is strongly desired. Liquid biopsy is less invasive than conventional tissue biopsy, enabling frequent biopsies, and is therefore considered effective for monitoring of the treatment course. Liquid biopsy is largely divided into three types: circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA, and exosomes, each of which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages with regard to the identification method and utility. In the present article, we focus on CTCs and discuss issues in their identification method as well as recent findings.
Postmodern Angst and Zen Buddhism in Ruth Ozeki‘s A Tale for the Time Being
Authors: Kervel Mojca
Published: July 2018

The article addresses issues concerning objective, or systemic, violence which legitimizes and conditions other forms of violence – psychological, economic, sexual, physical, etc. These issues are approached from the perspective of frustrations and traumas experienced by individuals as a consequence of the shift of the sociohistorical paradigm, which has so far been principally governed by the mechanisms and interests of global postindustrial capitalism. Through the analysis of the status of reality and subject in A Tale for the Time Being, a 2013 novel by Japanese-American author Ruth Ozeki, I first identify the violent and traumatic aspects of contemporary conditions as experienced by the protagonists in the novel. Then, Ozeki’s literary scenario for improving quotidian existence of individuals via internalization of Dogen’s Zen Buddhist principles is assessed from the perspective of the philosophical definitions of the categories of subject and reality in postmodernity, as well as in relation to the actual conditions in the global consumerist societies of the digital age. The article maintains that Ozeki’s solution of the protagonists’ existential crises is rather significant since the fundamental premises of Zen Buddhism correspond to the metaphysical structuring of postmodernity. The novel hence illuminates the productive facets of the fractal nature of postmodern individuals, as well as the role literature can play in their concretisation.
De implementatie van opgavegericht werken binnen gemeenten
Authors: Anderson Rick
Published: July 2018

Deze bijdrage betreft een onderzoek dat is uitgevoerd naar de implementatie van opgavegericht werken binnen vier gemeenten. Hoewel de vier gemeenten opgavegericht werken formeel hebben vastgesteld als organisatieprincipe, blijken drie van deze gemeenten in de praktijk niet opgavegericht te werken. De perceptie van de medewerkers lijkt daarbij bepalender dan de formeel vastgestelde sturingsvorm. Het naast elkaar hanteren van verschillende organisatieprincipes kan de ruimte voor een divergerende perceptie vergroten. Bij de gemeente waarbij wel opgavegericht wordt gewerkt, zijn de gemeenteraadsleden minder positief over deze manier van werken dan de externe partijen.
Van top-down management control naar democratische besluitvorming
Authors: Boersma Margreet , de Jong Gjalt
Published: July 2018

Financiële en daarmee sociale ongelijkheid is een belangrijk neveneffect van de wijze waarop we de besturing van organisaties hebben ingericht. Deze sociale ongelijkheid brengt veel kosten met zich mee en is schadelijk voor de maatschappelijke stabiliteit. Een manier om deze ongelijkheid kleiner te maken, is door de besluitvormende macht in organisaties te delen met de medewerkers. Dit artikel toont met twee casussen hoe deze gedeelde besluitvorming, door middel van democratische stemronden, praktisch kan worden vormgegeven. Het artikel besluit met drie leidende principes voor gedeelde besluitvorming en een korte reflectie op de incorporatie van het ecologische belang in het besluitvormingsmodel.
Fine dust emissions from active sands at coastal Oceano Dunes, California
Authors: Huang Yue , Kok Jasper F. , Martin Raleigh L. , Swet Nitzan , Katra Itzhak , Gill Thomas E. , Reynolds Richard L. , Freire Livia S.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Sand dunes and other active sands generally have a low content of fine grains and, therefore, are not considered to be major dust sources in climate models. However, recent remote sensing studies have indicated that a surprisingly large fraction of dust storms are generated from regions covered by sand dunes, leading these studies to propose that sand dunes might be globally-relevant sources of dust. To help understand the dust emission potential of sand dunes and other active sands, we present in situ field measurements of dust emission under natural saltation from a coastal sand sheet at Oceano Dunes in California. We find that saltation drives substantial dust emissions from this setting. Laboratory analyses of sand samples suggest that these emissions are produced by aeolian abrasion of feldspars and removal of coatings of clay minerals on sand grains. We further find that this emitted dust is substantially finer than dust emitted from non-sandy soils and dust observed in situ over North Africa. As such, dust emitted from the sand sheet, and potentially from other active sands affected by similar dust emission processes, could have potent impacts on climate, the hydrological cycle, and human health. These measurements thus support the hypothesis that considerable emissions of fine dust can be generated by the reactivation of inactive dunes with accumulated clay minerals. This might occur due to future land-use changes and desertification, and is not currently represented in most climate models.
Establishment of a regional precipitable water vapor model based on the combination of GNSS and ECMWF data
Authors: Yao Yibin , Xu Xingyu , Hu Yufeng
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Water vapor is the engine of the weather. Owing to its large latent energy, the phase changes of water vapor significantly affect the vertical stability, structure and energy balance of the atmosphere. Many techniques are used for measuring the water vapor in the atmosphere such as radiosondes, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and water vapor radiometer (WVR). In addition, the method that uses European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data is an important method for studying the variations in precipitable water vapor (PWV). This paper used both GNSS PWV and ECMWF PWV to establish a city-level local PWV fusion model using a Gaussian Processes method. The results indicate that by integrating the precipitable water vapor obtained from GNSS and ECMWF data, the accuracy of fusion PWV is improved by 1.89 mm in active tropospheric conditions and 2.61 mm in quiescent tropospheric conditions compared with ECMWF-PWV, reaching 3.87 mm and 3.97 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed fusion model is used to study the spatial and temporal distribution of PWV in Hong Kong. It is found that the accumulation of PWV corresponds to monsoon and rainfall events.
Sedimentary alkalinity generation and long-term alkalinity development in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Gustafsson Erik , Hagens Mathilde , Sun Xiaole , Reed Daniel C. , Humborg Christoph , Slomp Caroline P. , Gustafsson Bo G.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Enhanced release of alkalinity from the seafloor, principally driven by anaerobic degradation of organic matter under low-oxygen conditions and associated secondary redox reactions, can increase the carbon dioxide (CO2) buffering capacity of seawater and therefore oceanic CO2 uptake. The Baltic Sea has undergone severe changes in oxygenation state and total alkalinity (TA) over the past decades. The link between these concurrent changes has not yet been investigated in detail. A recent system-wide TA budget constructed for the past 50 years using BALTSEM, a coupled physical-biogeochemical model for the whole Baltic Sea area, revealed an unknown TA source. Here we use BALTSEM in combination with observational data and one-dimensional reactive transport modelling of sedimentary processes in the Fårö Deep, a deep Baltic Sea basin, to test whether sulfate reduction coupled to iron (Fe) sulfide burial can explain the missing TA source in the Baltic Proper. We calculated that this burial can account for 26 % of the missing source in this basin, with the remaining TA possibly originating from unknown river inputs or submarine groundwater discharge. We also show that temporal variability in the input of Fe to the sediments since the 1970s drives changes in sulfur burial in the Fårö Deep, suggesting that Fe availability is the ultimate limiting factor for TA generation under anoxic conditions. The implementation of projected climate change and two nutrient load scenarios for the 21st century in BALTSEM shows that reducing nutrient loads will improve deep water oxygen conditions, but at the expense of lower surface water TA concentrations, CO2 buffering capacities and faster acidification. When these changes additionally lead to a decrease in Fe inputs to the sediment of the deep basins, anaerobic TA generation will be reduced even further, thus exacerbating acidification. This work highlights that Fe dynamics play a key role in the release of TA from sediments where Fe sulfide formation is limited by Fe availability, as exemplified for the Baltic Sea. Moreover, it demonstrates that burial of Fe sulfides should be included in TA budgets of low oxygen basins.
Soil nitrogen response to shrub encroachment in a degrading semiarid grassland
Authors: Turpin-Jelfs Thomas , Michaelides Katerina , Biederman Joel A. , Anesio Alexandre M.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Transitions from grass- to shrub-dominated states in drylands by woody plant encroachment represent significant forms of land cover change with the potential to alter the spatial distribution and cycling of soil resources. Yet an understanding of how this phenomenon impacts the soil nitrogen pool, which is essential to primary production in arid and semiarid systems, is poorly resolved. In this study, we quantified how the distribution and speciation of soil nitrogen, as well as rates of free-living biological nitrogen fixation, changed along a gradient of increasing mesquite (Prosopis velutina Woot.) cover in a semiarid grassland of the Southwestern US. Our results show that site-level concentrations of total nitrogen remain unchanged with increasing shrub cover as losses from intershrub areas (sum of grass and bare-soil cover) are proportional to increases in soils under shrub canopies. However, despite the similar carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and microbial biomass of soil from intershrub and shrub areas at each site, site-level concentrations of inorganic nitrogen increase with shrub cover due to the accumulation of ammonium and nitrate in soils beneath shrub canopies. Using the acetylene reduction assay technique, we found increasing ratios of inorganic nitrogen-to-bioavailable phosphorus inhibit rates of biological nitrogen fixation by free-living soil bacteria. Consequently, we conclude that shrub encroachment has the potential to significantly alter the dynamics of soil nitrogen cycling in dryland systems.