bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Current Electric Battery Models for Electric Vehicle Simulation
Authors: Saldaña Gaizka , San Martín José Ignacio , Zamora Inmaculada , Asensio Francisco Javier , Oñederra Oier
Published: July 2019

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising technology to reduce emissions, but its development enormously depends on the technology used in batteries. Nowadays, batteries based on lithium-ion (Li-Ion) seems to be the most suitable for traction, especially nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA). An appropriate model of these batteries is fundamental for the simulation of several processes inside an EV, such as the state of charge (SoC) estimation, capacity and power fade analysis, lifetime calculus, or for developing control and optimization strategies. There are different models in the current literature, among which the electric equivalent circuits stand out, being the most appropriate model when performing real-time simulations. However, impedance models for battery diagnosis are considered very attractive. In this context, this paper compares and contrasts the different electrical equivalent circuit models, impedance models, and runtime models for battery-based EV applications, addressing their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and usual applications in the field of electromobility. In this sense, this paper serves as a reference for the scientific community focused on the development of control and optimization strategies in the field of electric vehicles, since it facilitates the choice of the model that best suits the needs required.
Reliability-Based Serviceability Limit State Design of a Jacket Substructure for an Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Kang Won-Hee , Sun Ke , Liu Fushun
Published: July 2019

The development of a structurally optimized foundation design has become one of the main research objectives for offshore wind turbines (OWTs). The design process should be carried out in a probabilistic way due to the uncertainties involved, such as using parametric uncertainties regarding material and geometric properties, and model uncertainties in resistance prediction models and regarding environmental loads. Traditional simple deterministic checking procedures do not guarantee an optimized design because the associated uncertainties are not fully considered. In this paper, a reliability analysis framework is proposed to support the optimized design of jacket foundations for OWTs. The reliability analysis mainly considers the serviceability limit state of the structure according to the requirements of the code. The framework consists of two parts: (i) an important parameter identification procedure based on statistical correlation analysis and (ii) a finite element-simulation-based reliability estimation procedure. The procedure is demonstrated through a jacket structure design of a 3 MW OWT. The analysis results show that the statistical correlation analysis can help to identify the parameters necessary for the overall structural performance. The Latin hypercube sampling and the Monte Carlo simulation using FE models effectively and efficiently evaluate the reliability of the structure while not relying on a surrogate limit state function. A comparison between the proposed framework and the deterministic design shows that the framework can help to achieve a better result closer to the target reliability level.
DNN-Assisted Cooperative Localization in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Eom Jewon , Kim Hyowon , Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Sunwoo
Published: July 2019

This work develops a deep-learning-based cooperative localization technique for high localization accuracy and real-time operation in vehicular networks. In cooperative localization, the noisy observation of the pairwise distance and the angle between vehicles causes nonlinear optimization problems. To handle such a nonlinear optimization task at each vehicle, a deep neural network (DNN) technique is to replace a cumbersome solution of nonlinear optimization along with the saving of the computational loads. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed technique attains some performance gain in localization accuracy and computational complexity as compared to existing cooperative localization techniques.
Identification of Low Frequency Oscillations Based on Multidimensional Features and ReliefF-mRMR
Authors: Feng Shuang , Chen Jianing , Tang Yi
Published: July 2019

Low frequency oscillations (LFOs) in power systems usually fall into two types, i.e., forced oscillations and natural oscillations. Waveforms of the two are similar, but the suppression methods are different. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify LFO type. In this paper, a method for discriminating LFO type based on multi-dimensional features and a feature selection algorithm combining ReliefF and minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm (mRMR) is proposed. Firstly, 53 features are constructed from six aspects—time domain, frequency domain, energy, correlation, complexity, and modal analysis—which comprehensively characterize the multidimensional features of LFO. Then, the optimal feature subset with greater relevance and less redundancy is extracted by ReliefF-mRMR. In order to improve the classification performance, a modified Support Vector Machine (SVM) with Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimizing the key parameters is adopted, which is conducted in MATLAB. Finally, in 179-bus system, the samples of LFOs are generated by the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) and the accuracy of the LFO type identification model is verified. In ISO New England and East China power grid, it is proven that the proposed method can accurately identify LFO type considering the influences of noise, oscillation mode, and data incompletion. Hence, it has good robustness, noise immunity, and practicability.
Effect of Polycyclic Compounds Fillers on Electrical Treeing Characteristics in XLPE with DC-Impulse Voltage
Authors: Zhu Lewei , Du Boxue , Li Hongna , Hou Kai
Published: July 2019

Electrical tree is an important factor in the threat of the safety of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, eventually leading to the electrical failure of cables. Polycyclic compounds have the potential to suppress electrical treeing growth. In this paper, three types of polycyclic compounds, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 4-phenylbenzophenone, and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone are added into XLPE, denoted by A, B, and C. Electrical treeing characteristics are researched with DC-impulse voltage at 30, 60, and 90 °C, and the trap distribution and carrier mobility are characterized. It has been found that although three types of polycyclic compounds can all suppress the electrical tree propagation at different voltages and temperatures, the suppression effect of these polycyclic compounds with the same DC-impulse polarity is worse than with the opposite polarity. As the temperature increases, the suppression effect becomes weak. The energy level and deep trap density are the largest in XLPE-A composite, leading to a decrease in the charge transportation and resulting in the suppression of electrical treeing growth. Experimental results reveal that the polycyclic compound A has great application prospects in high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables.
Distributed Uniform Streaming Framework: An Elastic Fog Computing Platform for Event Stream Processing and Platform Transparency
Authors: Vanneste Simon , de Hoog Jens , Huybrechts Thomas , Bosmans Stig , Eyckerman Reinout , Sharif Muddsair , Mercelis Siegfried , Hellinckx Peter
Published: July 2019

The increase of Internet of Things devices and the rise of more computationally intense applications presents challenges for future Internet of Things architectures. We envision a future in which edge, fog, and cloud devices work together to execute future applications. Because the entire application cannot run on smaller edge or fog devices, we will need to split the application into smaller application components. These application components will send event messages to each other to create a single application from multiple application components. The execution location of the application components can be optimized to minimize the resource consumption. In this paper, we describe the Distributed Uniform Stream (DUST) framework that creates an abstraction between the application components and the middleware which is required to make the execution location transparent to the application component. We describe a real-world application that uses the DUST framework for platform transparency. Next to the DUST framework, we also describe the distributed DUST Coordinator, which will optimize the resource consumption by moving the application components to a different execution location. The coordinators will use an adapted version of the Contract Net Protocol to find local minima in resource consumption.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Sequencing Identifies Candidate Functional Variants at Prostate Cancer Risk Loci
Authors: Zhang Peng , Tillmans Lori S. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Wang Liang
Published: July 2019

Genome-wide association studies have identified over 150 risk loci that increase prostate cancer risk. However, few causal variants and their regulatory mechanisms have been characterized. In this study, we utilized our previously developed single-nucleotide polymorphisms sequencing (SNPs-seq) technology to test allele-dependent protein binding at 903 SNP sites covering 28 genomic regions. All selected SNPs have shown significant cis-association with at least one nearby gene. After preparing nuclear extract using LNCaP cell line, we first mixed the extract with dsDNA oligo pool for protein–DNA binding incubation. We then performed sequencing analysis on protein-bound oligos. SNPs-seq analysis showed protein-binding differences (>1.5-fold) between reference and variant alleles in 380 (42%) of 903 SNPs with androgen treatment and 403 (45%) of 903 SNPs without treatment. From these significant SNPs, we performed a database search and further narrowed down to 74 promising SNPs. To validate this initial finding, we performed electrophoretic mobility shift assay in two SNPs (rs12246440 and rs7077275) at CTBP2 locus and one SNP (rs113082846) at NCOA4 locus. This analysis showed that all three SNPs demonstrated allele-dependent protein-binding differences that were consistent with the SNPs-seq. Finally, clinical association analysis of the two candidate genes showed that CTBP2 was upregulated, while NCOA4 was downregulated in prostate cancer (p < 0.02). Lower expression of CTBP2 was associated with poor recurrence-free survival in prostate cancer. Utilizing our experimental data along with bioinformatic tools provides a strategy for identifying candidate functional elements at prostate cancer susceptibility loci to help guide subsequent laboratory studies.
Metal(loid)s in Cucurbita pepo in a Uranium Mining Impacted Area in Northwestern New Mexico, USA
Authors: Samuel-Nakamura Christine , Hodge Felicia S. , Sokolow Sophie , Ali Abdul-Mehdi S. , Robbins Wendie A.
Published: July 2019

More than 500 unreclaimed mines and associated waste sites exist on the Navajo Nation reservation as a result of uranium (U) mining from the 1940s through the 1980s. For this study, the impact of U-mine waste on a common, locally grown crop food was examined. The goal of this site-specific study was to determine metal(loid) concentration levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), thorium (Th), U, vanadium (V) and selenium (Se) in Cucurbita pepo Linnaeus (squash), irrigation water, and soil using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The concentrations of metal(loid)s were greatest in roots > leaves > edible fruit (p < 0.05), respectively. There were significant differences between metal(loid)s in squash crop plot usage (<5 years versus >30 years) for V (p = 0.001), As (p < 0.001), U (p = 0.002), Cs (p = 0.012), Th (p = 0.040), Mo (p = 0.047), and Cd (p = 0.042). Lead and Cd crop irrigation water concentrations exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Maximum Contaminant Levels for drinking water for those metals. Edible squash concentration levels were 0.116 mg/kg of As, 0.248 mg/kg of Pb, 0.020 mg/kg of Cd, and 0.006 mg/kg of U. Calculated human ingestion of edible squash did not exceed Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake or Tolerable Upper Limit levels from intake based solely on squash consumption. There does not appear to be a food-ingestion risk from metal(loid)s solely from consumption of squash. Safer access and emphasis on consuming regulated water was highlighted. Food intake recommendations were provided. Continued monitoring, surveillance, and further research are recommended.
Identifying Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity Level in Adolescence: A Prospective Analysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Miljanovic Damjanovic Vesna , Obradovic Salcin Lejla , Zenic Natasa , Foretic Nikola , Liposek Silvester
Published: July 2019

It is known that physical activity levels (PA levels) decline during adolescence, but there is a lack of knowledge on possible predictors of changes in PA levels in this period of life. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (predictors), PA levels and changes in PA levels in older adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample comprised 872 participants (404 females) tested at baseline (16 years of age) and at follow-up (18 years of age). Predictors were sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, urban/rural residence, paternal and maternal education level) and variables of substance misuse (consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs). The PA level, as measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), was observed as a criterion. Boys had higher PAQ-A scores than girls at baseline and follow-up. Paternal education levels were correlated with PAQ-A scores at baseline (Spearman’s R: 0.18, 0.15 and 0.14, p < 0.05, for the total sample, females and males, respectively) and at follow-up (Spearman’s R: 0.12, p < 0.01 for the total sample). Logistic regression, which was used to calculate changes in PA levels between baseline and follow-up as a binomial criterion (PA decline vs. PA incline), evidenced a higher likelihood of PA incline in adolescents whose mothers were more educated (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.60) and who live in urban communities (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.16–2.10). The consumption of illicit drugs at baseline was evidenced as a factor contributing to the lower likelihood of PA incline (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.92). The negative relationship between illicit drug consumption and PA decline could be a result of a large number of children who quit competitive sports in this period of life. In achieving appropriate PA-levels, special attention should be placed on children whose mothers are not highly educated, who live in rural communities, and who report the consumption of illicit drugs. The results highlighted the importance of studying correlates of PA levels and changes in PA levels during adolescence.
Is Two Better Than One? The Impact of Doubling Training Volume in Severe COPD: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Paneroni Mara , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Belli Stefano , Savio Gloria , Visca Dina , Zampogna Elisabetta , Aliani Maria , De Carolis Vito , Maniscalco Mauro , Simonelli Carla , Vitacca Michele
Published: July 2019

Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are unable to exercise at high intensities for sufficiently long periods of time to obtain true physiological training effects. It therefore appears sensible to increase training duration at sub-maximal exercise intensities to optimize the benefit of exercise training. We compared the effects on exercise tolerance of two endurance cycloergometer submaximal exercise protocols with different cumulative training loads (one (G1) versus two (G2) daily 40 min training sessions) both implemented over 20 consecutive days in 149 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume at first second (FEV1): 39% predicted) admitted to an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. Patients in G2 exhibited greater improvement (p = 0.011) in submaximal endurance time (from 258 (197) to 741 (662) sec) compared to G1 (from 303 (237) to 530 (555) sec). Clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life, 6MWT, and chronic dyspnea were not different between groups. Doubling the volume of endurance training is feasible and can lead to an additional benefit on exercise tolerance. Future studies may investigate the applicability and benefits of this training strategy in the outpatient or community-based pulmonary rehabilitation settings to amplify the benefits of exercise interventions.
Investigation of 1200 V SiC MOSFETs’ Surge Reliability
Authors: Li Huan , Wang Jue , Ren Na , Xu Hongyi , Sheng Kuang
Published: July 2019

In this work, the surge reliability of 1200 V SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) from various manufactures has been investigated in the reverse conduction mode. The surge current tests have been carried out in the channel conduction and non-conduction modes. The experimental results show that the maximum surge currents that the devices can withstand are similar for both cases. It is found that short circuits occurred between the gate and the source in the failed devices. The characteristics of the body diode have also changed after the tests. By measuring the device characteristics after each surge current is applied, it can be concluded that the damages to the gate oxide layer and the body diode occurred only when the maximum surge current is applied. By decapping the failed devices and observing the cross section of the damaged cell, it is found that high temperature caused by excessive current flow through the devices during the surge tests is the main reason for the device failure. Finally, the TCAD simulation of the devices has been carried out to bring insight into the operation of the devices during the surge events.
Magmatic-Hydrothermal Processes Associated with Rare Earth Element Enrichment in the Kangankunde Carbonatite Complex, Malawi
Authors: Chikanda Frances , Otake Tsubasa , Ohtomo Yoko , Ito Akane , Yokoyama Takaomi D. , Sato Tsutomu
Published: July 2019

Carbonatites undergo various magmatic-hydrothermal processes during their evolution that are important for the enrichment of rare earth elements (REE). This geochemical, petrographic, and multi-isotope study on the Kangankunde carbonatite, the largest light REE resource in the Chilwa Alkaline Province in Malawi, clarifies the critical stages of REE mineralization in this deposit. The δ56Fe values of most of the carbonatite lies within the magmatic field despite variations in the proportions of monazite, ankerite, and ferroan dolomite. Exsolution of a hydrothermal fluid from the carbonatite melts is evident based on the higher δ56Fe of the fenites, as well as the textural and compositional zoning in monazite. Field and petrographic observations, combined with geochemical data (REE patterns, and Fe, C, and O isotopes), suggest that the key stage of REE mineralization in the Kangankunde carbonatite was the late magmatic stage with an influence of carbothermal fluids i.e. magmatic–hydrothermal stage, when large (~200 µm), well-developed monazite crystals grew. The C and O isotope compositions of the carbonatite suggest a post-magmatic alteration by hydrothermal fluids, probably after the main REE mineralization stage, as the alteration occurs throughout the carbonatite but particularly in the dark carbonatites.
Functional Ingredients based on Nutritional Phenolics. A Case Study against Inflammation: Lippia Genus
Authors: Leyva-Jiménez Francisco Javier , Lozano-Sánchez Jesús , Cádiz-Gurrea María de la Luz , Arráez-Román David , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: July 2019

Epidemiological studies have reported convincing evidence that natural dietary compounds may modify inflammation, it being an important event described in the pathophysiology of age-related infirmity. Among different dietary components, nutritional phenolics have demonstrated links to a lower risk of inflammation in the most common degenerative and chronic diseases. In this way, the healthy potential of phenolics against inflammation and the emergence of new functional ingredients have caused an enhancement of nutraceutical and functional food formulation. The present review focuses on: (a) nutritional phenolics and their effects on inflammation and (b) functional ingredients based on phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the emerging interest in health-promoting products by consumers has caused an increase in the demand for functional products and nutraceuticals. Additionally, this review includes a case study of the Lippia genus, which has shown anti-inflammatory effects claiming to be a natural alternative for the management of this physiological disorder. This report is a practical tool for healthcare providers.
Comparative Radioimmunotherapy of Experimental Melanoma with Novel Humanized Antibody to Melanin Labeled with 213Bismuth and 177Lutetium
Authors: Allen Kevin J. H. , Jiao Rubin , Malo Mackenzie E. , Frank Connor , Fisher Darrell R. , Rickles David , Dadachova Ekaterina
Published: July 2019

Melanoma is a cancer with increasing incidence and there is a need for alternatives to immunotherapy within effective approaches to treatment of metastatic melanoma. We performed comparative radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of experimental B16-F10 melanoma with novel humanized IgG to melanin h8C3 labeled with a beta emitter, 177Lu, and an alpha-emitter, 213Bi, as well as biodistribution, microSPECT/CT imaging, and mouse and human dosimetry calculations. microSPECT/CT imaging showed that a humanized antibody that targets “free” melanin in the tumor microenvironment had high tumor uptake in B16F10 murine melanoma in C57Bl/6 mice, with little to no uptake in naturally melanized tissues. Extrapolation of the mouse dosimetry data to an adult human demonstrated that doses delivered to major organs and the whole body by 177Lu-h8C3 would be approximately two times higher than those delivered by 213Bi-h8C3, while the doses to the tumor would be almost similar. RIT results indicated that 213Bi-h8C3 was more effective in slowing down the tumor growth than 177Lu-h8C3, while both radiolabeled antibodies did not produce significant hematologic or systemic side effects. We concluded that h8C3 antibody labeled with 213Bi is a promising reagent for translation into a clinical trial in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Determination of Surface Accessibility of the Cellulose Substrate According to Enzyme Sorption
Authors: Podgorbunskikh Ekaterina M. , Bychkov Aleksey L. , Lomovsky Oleg I.
Published: July 2019

As a heterogeneous process, enzymatic hydrolysis depends on the contact area between enzymes and the cellulose substrate. The surface area of a substrate is typically evaluated through the sorption of gases (nitrogen, argon, or water vapor) or sorption of high-molecular-weight pigments or proteins. However, lignocellulosic biomass uninvolved in the reaction because of inefficient binding or even the complete inhibition of the enzymes on the surface consisting of lignin or inorganic compounds is erroneously taken into account under these conditions. The initial rate of enzymatic hydrolysis will directly depend on the number of enzymes efficiently sorbed onto cellulose. In this study, the sorption of cellulolytic enzymes was used to evaluate the surface accessibility of the cellulose substrate and its changes during mechanical pretreatment. It was demonstrated that for pure cellulose, mechanical activation did not alter the chemical composition of the surface and the initial rate of hydrolysis increased, which was inconsistent with the data on the thermal desorption of nitrogen. New active cellulose sorption sites were shown to be formed upon. the mechanical activation of plant biomass (wheat straw), and the ultimate initial rate of hydrolysis corresponding to saturation of the accessible surface area with enzyme molecules was determined.
Lignin-Based Polyurethanes: Opportunities for Bio-Based Foams, Elastomers, Coatings and Adhesives
Authors: Alinejad Mona , Henry Christián , Nikafshar Saeid , Gondaliya Akash , Bagheri Sajad , Chen Nusheng , Singh Sandip , Hodge David , Nejad Mojgan
Published: July 2019

Polyurethane chemistry can yield diverse sets of polymeric materials exhibiting a wide range of properties for various applications and market segments. Utilizing lignin as a polyol presents an opportunity to incorporate a currently underutilized renewable aromatic polymer into these products. In this work, we will review the current state of technology for utilizing lignin as a polyol replacement in different polyurethane products. This will include a discussion of lignin structure, diversity, and modification during chemical pulping and cellulosic biofuels processes, approaches for lignin extraction, recovery, fractionation, and modification/functionalization. We will discuss the potential of incorporation of lignins into polyurethane products that include rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, coatings, and elastomers. Finally, we will discuss challenges in incorporating lignin in polyurethane formulations, potential solutions and approaches that have been taken to resolve those issues.
Melt-Mixed Thermoplastic Nanocomposite Containing Carbon Nanotubes and Titanium Dioxide for Flame Retardancy Applications
Authors: Cabello-Alvarado C. , Reyes-Rodríguez P. , Andrade-Guel M. , Cadenas-Pliego G. , Pérez-Alvarez M. , Cruz-Delgado V.J. , Melo-López L. , Quiñones-Jurado Z.V. , Ávila-Orta C.A.
Published: July 2019

The study of polymeric nanocomposites is a possible alternative to conventional flame retardants. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of carbon-nanotubes (CNT) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the thermo-mechanical, flammability, and electrical properties of polypropylene (PP). In this work, PP-TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were obtained with TiO2/CNT mixtures (ratio 1:2) through the melt extrusion process, with different weight percentage of nanoparticles (1, 5, and 10 wt %). The PP-TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were characterized by DSC, TGA, MFI, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. It was possible to determine that the thermal stability of the PP increases when increasing the content of NPs. A contrary situation is observed in the degree of crystallinity and thermo-oxidative degradation, which decreased with respect to pure PP. The TiO2 NPs undergo coalition and increase their size at a lower viscosity of the nanocomposite (1 and 5 wt %). The mechanical properties decreased slightly, however, the Young’s modulus presented an improvement of 10% as well as electrical conductivity, this behavior was noted in nanocomposites of 10 wt % of NPs. Flammability properties were measured with a cone calorimeter, and a reduction in the peak heat release rate was observed in nanocomposites with contents of nanoparticles of 5 and 10 wt %
Two-Step Energy Transfer Dynamics in Conjugated Polymer and Dye-Labeled Aptamer-Based Potassium Ion Detection Assay
Authors: Kim Inhong , Jung Ji-Eun , Lee Woojin , Park Seongho , Kim Heedae , Jho Young-Dahl , Woo Han Young , Kyhm Kwangseuk
Published: July 2019

We recently implemented highly sensitive detection systems for photo-sensitizing potassium ions (K+) based on two-step Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). As a successive study for quantitative understanding of energy transfer processes in terms of the exciton population, we investigated the fluorescence decay dynamics in conjugated polymers and an aptamer-based 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM)/6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) complex. In the presence of K+ ions, the Guanine-rich aptamer enabled efficient two-step resonance energy transfer from conjugated polymers to dyed pairs of 6-FAM and TAMRA through the G-quadruplex phase. Although the fluorescence decay time of TAMRA barely changed, the fluorescence intensity was significantly increased. We also found that 6-FAM showed a decreased exciton population due the compensation of energy transfer to TAMRA by FRET from conjugated polymers, but a fluorescence quenching also occurred concomitantly. Consequently, the fluorescence intensity of TAMRA showed a 4-fold enhancement, where the initial transfer efficiency (~300%) rapidly saturated within ~0.5 ns and the plateau of transfer efficiency (~230%) remained afterward.
The Social Architecture of Belonging in the African Pentecostal Diaspora
Authors: Cazarin Rafael
Published: July 2019

From megachurches in movie theatres to prayer groups held in living rooms, Pentecostals worldwide are constantly carrying out religious activities that ultimately aim to integrate diverse worshippers into the kingdom of God. Born-again Christians refashion their ‘ways of being’ by breaking down and re-establishing the interpersonal relationships shaped and changed by emerging diasporic modernities. I examined some of these changing ways of being by comparing the discursive practices of African Pentecostal pastors in Johannesburg (South Africa) and Bilbao (Spain). These case-studies demonstrate how these migrant-initiated churches create a ‘social architecture’, a platform on which African worshippers find social and spiritual integration in increasingly globalized contexts. I argue that the subdivision of large congregations into specialized fellowship groups provides African migrants with alternative strategies to achieve a sense of belonging in an expanding diasporic network. Their transformative mission of spiritual education, by spreading African(ized) and Pentecostal values according to age, gender, or social roles, helps to uplift them from being a marginalized minority to being a powerful group occupying a high moral ground.
The Pedagogy of the Evangelization, Latinity, and the Construction of Cultural Identities in the Emblematic Politics of Guamán Poma de Ayala
Authors: Pérez-González Carlos , Ortega-Sánchez Delfín
Published: July 2019

Transculturation processes and the formation of identity are analyzed in this investigation into the emblematic politics of the Primer nueva corónica y buen gobierno (First new chronicle and good government) of Guamán Poma de Ayala (ca. 1616). Understood as pluricultural acts of discourse between Andean cosmological visions and the new systems of European cultural codification, this study follows the emblematic chronicler from Poma on the subject of colonial education and the Ladino Indian, through structured relations fixed between space, icon, and symbol. The careful iconographic arrangement of the drawings of Guamán are the result of conscient knowledge of the usefulness of the image and its didactic, persuasive, propagandistic, and mnemotechnic potential. Learning the reading and writing of the Castilian language will be presented here as one of the most effective social instruments in the colonial order and in the defense of native Indians before Viceroyal authorities. Mastery of writing sets the foundation for shaping a multiple and transcultural non-exclusive identity, which shows evidence of dialogic and effective communication of a cultural memory, the result of the negotiation of two identities, one from the awareness of the pre-Hispanic past and another orderly realignment in accordance with European cultural patterns.
Oil Spill Segmentation in Ship-Borne Radar Images with an Improved Active Contour Model
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Haixia , Cui Can , Liu Peng , Zhao Yang , Li Bo
Published: July 2019

Oil spills cause serious damage to marine ecosystems and environments. The application of ship-borne radars to monitor oil spill emergencies and rescue operations has shown promise, but has not been well-studied. This paper presents an improved Active Contour Model (ACM) for oil film detection in ship-borne radar images using pixel area threshold parameters. After applying a pre-processing scheme with a Laplace operator, an Otsu threshold, and mean and median filtering, the shape and area of the oil film can be calculated rapidly. Compared with other ACMs, the improved Local Binary Fitting (LBF) model is robust and has a fast calculation speed for uniform ship-borne radar sea clutter images. The proposed method achieves better results and higher operation efficiency than other automatic and semi-automatic methods for oil film detection in ship-borne radar images. Furthermore, it provides a scientific basis to assess pollution scope and estimate the necessary cleaning materials during oil spills.
A Harmonious Satellite-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Ground Measurement Inversion Method for Monitoring Salinity in Coastal Saline Soil
Authors: Zhang Suming , Zhao Gengxing
Published: July 2019

Soil salinization adversely impacts crop growth and production, especially in coastal areas which experience serious soil salinization. Therefore, rapid and accurate monitoring of the salinity and distribution of coastal saline soil is crucial. Representative areas of the Yellow River Delta (YRD)—the Hekou District (the core test area with 140 sampling points) and the Kenli District (the verification area with 69 sampling points)—were investigated. Ground measurement data, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery and Sentinel-2A multispectral imagery were used as the data sources and a satellite-UAV-ground integrated inversion of the coastal soil salinity was performed. Correlation analyses and multiple regression methods were used to construct an accurate model. Then, a UAV-based inversion model was applied to the satellite imagery with reflectance normalization. Finally, the spatial and temporal universality of the UAV-based inversion model was verified and the soil salinity inversion results were obtained. The results showed that the green, red, red-edge and near-infrared bands were significantly correlated with soil salinity and the spectral parameters significantly improved this correlation; hence, the model is more effective upon combining spectral parameters with sensitive bands, with modeling precision and verification precision of the best model being 0.743 and 0.809, respectively. The reflectance normalization yielded good results. These findings proved that applying the UAV-based model to reflectance normalized Sentinel-2A images produces results that are consistent with the actual situation. Moreover, the inversion results effectively reflect the distributions characteristic of the soil salinity in the core test area and the study area. This study integrated the advantages of satellite, UAV and ground methods and then proposed a method for the inversion of the salinity of coastal saline soils at different scales, which is of great value for real-time, rapid and accurate soil salinity monitoring applications.
Remote Sensing-Based Assessment of the Crop, Energy and Water Nexus in the Central Valley, California
Authors: Alam Sarfaraz , Gebremichael Mekonnen , Li Ruopu
Published: July 2019

An integrated assessment of crop-energy-water (CEW) nexus is critical to understand the tradeoffs and synergies for better management of sustainable agricultural systems. In this study, we evaluate the historic evolution of CEW interactions in the Central Valley, California, a critical agricultural region that produces approximately 50% of US fruits, nuts and vegetables. Specifically, we consider three nexus elements, including water use for irrigation (blue water), energy use for groundwater pumping, and crop yield (for all crops aggregated, almond and cotton). To quantify the interactions between CEW elements, we estimate the water use for cropping (water footprint) and energy use for cropping (energy footprint). We conduct the analyses for four historical periods, i.e., 2007–2009 (Drought 1), 2010–2011 (Post-drought 1), 2012–2015 (Drought 2) and 2016–2018 (Post-drought 2). We find that the southern regions (San Joaquin and Tulare) are susceptible to greater stress on energy and water, especially during droughts. The groundwater footprint (GWF) has been continuously increasing due to greater crop water use and a shift from row crops to profitable water-intensive tree crops. The GWF in Tulare during Drought 2 was around 60% higher than Drought 1, where the GWF in Tulare was almost twice that of Sacramento. The energy and water uses for almond production have increased during the recent periods, whereas their uses have mostly decreased for cotton. On average, energy and water footprints under almond crop scenario are around 3–3.5 times as much as the footprints under all crops scenario.
Comparison of Cloud Properties from Himawari-8 and FengYun-4A Geostationary Satellite Radiometers with MODIS Cloud Retrievals
Authors: Lai Ruize , Teng Shiwen , Yi Bingqi , Letu Husi , Min Min , Tang Shihao , Liu Chao
Published: July 2019

With the development and the improvement of meteorological satellites, different instruments have significantly enhanced the ability to observe clouds over large spatial regions. Recent geostationary satellite radiometers, e.g., Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) and Advanced Geosynchronous Radiation Imager (AGRI) onboard the Himawari-8 and the Fengyun-4A satellite, respectively, provide observations over similar regions at higher spatial and temporal resolutions for cloud and atmosphere studies. To better understand the reliability of AHI and AGRI retrieval products, we compare their cloud products with collocated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud products, especially in terms of the cloud optical thickness (COT) and cloud effective radius (CER). Our comparison indicates that cloud mask and cloud phase of these instruments are reasonably consistent, while clear differences are noticed for COT and CER results. The average relative differences (RDs) between AHI and AGRI ice COT and that of MODIS are both over 40%, and the RDs of ice CER are less than 20%. The consistency between AHI and MODIS water cloud results is much better, with the RDs of COT and CER being 29% and 9%, respectively, whereas the RDs of AGRI COT and CER are still larger than 30%. Many factors such as observation geometry, cloud horizontal homogeneity, and retrieval system (e.g., retrieval algorithm, forward model, and assumptions) may contribute to these differences. The RDs of COTs from different instruments for homogeneous clouds are about one-third smaller than the corresponding RDs for inhomogeneous clouds. By applying unified retrieval systems based on the forward radiative transfer models designed for each particular band, we find that 30% to 70% of the differences among the results from different instruments are caused by the retrieval system (e.g., different treatments or assumptions for the retrievals), and the rest may be due to sub-pixel inhomogeneity, parallax errors, and calibration.
Gas Void Fraction Measurement of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase CO2 Flow Using Laser Attenuation Technique
Authors: Wu Haochi , Duan Quansheng
Published: July 2019

The carbon capture and storage (CCS) system has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from traditional energy industries. In order to monitor and control the CCS process, it is essential to achieve an accurate measurement of the gas void fraction in a two-phase CO2 flow in transportation pipelines. This paper presents a novel instrumentation system based on the laser attenuation technique for the gas void fraction measurement of the two-phase CO2 flow. The system includes an infrared laser source and a photodiode sensor array. Experiments were conducted on the horizontal and vertical test sections. Two Coriolis mass flowmeters are respectively installed on the single-phase pipelines to obtain the reference gas void fraction. The experimental results obtained show that the proposed method is effective. In the horizontal test section, the relative errors of the stratified flow are within ±8.3%, while those of the bubble flow are within ±10.6%. In the vertical test section, the proposed method performs slightly less well, with relative errors under ±12.2%. The obtained results show that the measurement system is capable of providing an accurate measurement of the gas void fraction of the two-phase CO2 flow and a useful reference for other industrial applications.
Methodology for Energy Optimization in Wastewater Treatment Plants. Phase I: Control of the Best Operating Conditions
Authors: Lozano Avilés Ana Belén , del Cerro Velázquez Francisco , Llorens Pascual del Riquelme Mercedes
Published: July 2019

Most purification systems work correctly from the point of view of water quality; purification, like any industrial process, must also be carried out efficiently with a minimization of costs. The overall project examined the potential benefits of using a recommended methodology for process evaluation and energy optimization in the aeration stage of activated sludge in the biological reactor at wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which accounts for more than 44% of total operating costs. This energy control methodology encompasses the process, the installation and the control system. These three phases are examined in separate articles to make it easier to guide the user in the arduous task of optimizing energy efficiency of the WWTP from start to finish. This article focuses on Phase I of the methodology, the stage in charge of selecting the correct variables to control the best process conditions in the activated sludge system of the WWTP. Operating conditions that are a function of the recommended sludge age are influenced by exogenous factors such as temperature. The implementation of a real-time control system of the selected process variables, adapted to the needs, achieves reductions in the overall energy consumption of the installation, in this phase alone, of more than 15%, by reducing the oxygen requirements of the system and the recirculation ratios.
Improving a Heating Supply Water Temperature Control for Radiant Floor Heating Systems in Korean High-Rise Residential Buildings
Authors: Yeom Gyuhwan , Jung Dong Eun , Do Sung Lok
Published: July 2019

The number of domestic apartment houses in South Korea that use district heating is steadily increasing. In addition, most Korean residential buildings use radiant floor heating systems. For such systems, the heating water temperature supplied by a heat exchanger in a mechanical room serves as one of the critical control parameters for providing heat to individual residential apartments. Fixed temperature (FT) and outdoor temperature reset control (OTR) have conventionally been used to adjust the heating supply water temperature. However, both control methods have a major technical weakness; they do not reflect changes in residents’ heating use. To overcome this issue, this study proposes a new method for controlling the heating supply water temperature, called Residential Energy Demand (RED). To verify the proposed method, researchers conducted both simulation- and experiment-based tests. The RED control method achieved about 4% reduction in heating energy consumption compared to the conventional OTR control process. In addition, the RED control method increased the average indoor temperature by 0.17 °C during the heating period. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the proposed control method is capable of achieving energy savings and a warmer thermal indoor environment.
Influence of the Naphthenic-Aromatic Content of the Base Binder on the Characteristics of Crumb Rubber Modified Binders and Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Gallego Juan , Rodríguez-Alloza Ana María , Antón Rebeca
Published: July 2019

The extent of rubber-bitumen interaction in crumb rubber modified (CRM) binders depends on the contact time of rubber-bitumen as well as the temperature and mixing energy. However, this can vary depending on the composition of the base binders as well as the characteristics of the rubber particles (composition, method of grinding, and size). The present study aims to determine the influence of the composition of the base binders and the type of rubber on the properties of the crumb-rubber modified (CRM) binders and the performance of the asphalt mixtures produced with them. To carry out this project, two different base binders were chosen with the same penetration grade but different naphthenic-aromatic content (56.7 versus 46.0%). Additionally, different types of ambient ground rubber powder were evaluated: two different sources (70% of truck tyres +30% of passenger car tyres and 100% of truck tyres) and two different maximum particle sizes (0.8 and 1.25 mm). According to the main results of this study, higher naphthenic-aromatic content of the base binder results in greater modification of the CRM binders. Likewise, asphalt mixtures made with CRM binders from base binder with higher naphthenic-aromatic content appear to offer better performance in terms of water resistance and fatigue life.
Engaging Stakeholders in Urban Traffic Restriction Policy Assessment Using System Dynamics: The Case Study of Xi’an City, China
Authors: Shi Jia , Guo Xuesong , Hu Xiangnan
Published: July 2019

With the purpose of limiting the drastically increasing quantity of travel volumes and the sustainability of urban traffic systems, many cities have implemented urban traffic restriction (UTR) policies. However, insufficient stakeholder involvement in UTR policy assessment often leads to a lack of social and political support, in addition to a lack of acceptability with respect to policy implementation. In this background, participatory system dynamics modeling (PSDM) is presented as a methodology to engage stakeholders in UTR policy assessment. By the proposed methodology, a comprehensive case study of UTR policy in the city of Xi’an was illustrated. Based on the assessment results, the leverage point influencing the performance of the UTR policy was identified and discussed, with different policy scenarios simulated and tested. The simulation results show that developing public transportation while implementing UTR policy was indicated as the most reasonable solution at the present stage, and the annual growth rate of private cars should be monitored in the future. The results confirmed that the PSDM methodology can facilitate the system thinking of stakeholders, which is important to reach consensus-based assessment results and to enhance the social support for UTR policy.