bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltage Measurement Errors as a result of Multiple VT Groundings
Authors: F. Uriondo  , G. Aguirre  , J.R. Hernández  , J.M. García
Published: July 2017

On 12 December 2007 a distance relay tripped erroneously by zone 1 for a ground fault in an adjacent line. RTDS simulations and theoretical calculations proved that the relay had operated according to its design parameters and that the settings of the units involved were adequate. Further analysis of the fault recordings showed that the currents followed a single-phase to earth fault pattern, whereas the voltages did not follow any known pattern for the conventional types of faults. In the first part of the paper a theoretical analysis of the problems involved with grounding the VTs in multiple locations is presented. First, the nature of the impedance between different grounding points is studied. Next, the voltage gradient during an earth fault is shown and the sequence voltages affected by a fault involving earth are determined. The deviation from the true value of the faulted phase voltage is also theoretically expounded. The relaying units affected by the multiple groundings are listed and their possible misoperations presented. To end the procedure to determine that such a problem exists and the ways to confirm it are presented along with the calculations that have to be done to determine the performance of the relays involved. In the second part of the paper the analysis of a real case is presented. The theoretical background expounded in the first part of this work is applied to the above mentioned fault and it is shown that, had only been one VT grounding, the relay would have operated correctly.
Measurement and calculation of harmonics in distribution power system with connected small co-generation facility Etan
Authors: Ana Tomasović  , Mate Lasić  , Božidar Filipović-Grčić
Published: July 2017

Generation of electrical energy in large conventional plants (thermal, hydro, nuclear) in last ten years worldwide is being supplemented by small generation utilities. Etan is a gas refining facility. Power supply is provided by two turbo generators and each of them can independently cover the consumption of Etan. Etan usually works in insular operation, but it can also work parallel to the distribution system, especially in cases of maintenance of generator units. Etan is connected to the MV distribution power system (10 kV bus in substation 35/10 kV Ivanic Grad) through a 4,5 km long cable. Load in Etan consist mostly of induction motors. Power electronic devices are used for control of motor loads. The working process of the refinery is always the same so the load is not varying with time. It is very important to know the influence of this kind of industrial consumers with distributed generation on power quality. Power quality measurements were performed at three measurement points with the power quality analyzer ION 7650 of company Power Measurement. The aim of this paper is to compare harmonic measurements and calculations at all three measuring points in different operating conditions depending on the production of generator in Etan.
THE IMPROVEMENT OF VERB TEACHING WITHIN ROMANIAN LANGUAGE FOR FOREIGNERS BY USING A VERB GUIDE
Authors: VESA-FLOREA Viorica
Published: July 2017

The improvement of verb teaching within Romanian Language for Foreigners by using a verb guide. The work presents the need and utility to conceive a verb guide which would help the persons interested in learning Romanian as a foreign language and which would have as target-public not only the preparatory year students, but a wider range of public, meaning any person interested in developing the communication competence in this language in a practical, progressive way and in accordance with the concrete everyday communicative needs.
The structure of such volume should comprise, besides the conjugation tables of the verbs grouped on levels, their translation in several wide-spread languages, their contextualization, summary tables with the verbs used with the Dative, and also models of their prepositional status, this means just the aspects in which the foreign speakers have difficulties. Another perspective for selection and contextualisation of the verbs could be their belonging to a certain semantic sphere, a modality to concentrate, simplify and stimulate the individual and collective progress, reflected in the different competences.
Rezumat. Îmbunătățirea predării verbului în cadrul L.R.S. prin folosirea unui ghid de verbe. Lucrarea prezintă necesitatea și utilitatea conceperii unui ghid de verbe care să vină în ajutorul celor interesați de însușirea limbii române ca limbă străină și care să aibă ca public-țintă nu doar studenții din anul pregătitor, ci o paletă mai largă a publicului, adică orice persoană interesată să-și dezvolte competența de comunicare în această limbă în mod practic, progresiv și în acord cu necesitățile concrete comunicative cotidiene.
Structura unui asemenea volum ar trebui să cuprindă, pe lângă tabelele de conjugare ale verbelor grupate pe niveluri, traducerea lor în câteva limbi de circulație, contextualizări ale acestora, tabele recapitulative cu verbele care cer Dativul, precum și modele ale regimului prepozițional ale acestora, adică tocmai aspectele în care aceștia au dificultăți. O altă perspectivă de selectarea și contextualizare a verbelor ar putea fi apartenența acestora la o anumită sferă semantică, modalitate de a concentra, simplifica și stimula progresul individual și colectiv, reflectat în diferitele competențe.
Cuvinte cheie: româna ca limbă străină, ghid de verbe, contextualizări, metode practice, dificultăți.
Léxico de los chicleros en Chetumal
Authors: Pérez Aguilar Raúl Arístides
Published: July 2017

En este número no se incluyeron resúmenes ni palabras clave.
Emilio Barón, Odi et amo. Luis Cernuda y la literatura francesa. Ediciones Alfar, Sevilla, 2000; 194 pp.
Authors: Valender James
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Odi et amo. Luis Cernuda y la literatura francesa.
Max Aub, Campo de los almendros. Ed. de Francisco Caudet. Castalia, Madrid, 2000; 787 pp.
Authors: Rojo Leyva Gabriel
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Campo de los almendros.
Esther Herrera Z. (ed.), Temas de fonética instrumental. El Colegio de México, México, 2001; 108 pp. (Estudios del Lenguaje, 5).
Authors: Chávez Peón Mario E.
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Temas de fonética instrumental.
Guido Gómez de Silva, Diccionario breve de mexicanismos. Academia Mexicana-F.C.E., México, 2001; xiii + 252 pp.
Authors: Lara Luis Fernando
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Diccionario breve de mexicanismos.
Günther Haensch, y Reinhold Werner, Diccionario del español de Cuba. Coord. de Gisela Cárdenas Molina y Antonia María Tristá Pérez. Gredos, Madrid, 2000; lviii + 606 pp. Günther Haensch, y Reinhold Werner, Diccionario del español de Argentina. Coord. de Claudio Chuchuy. Gredos, Madrid, 2000; li + 729 pp.
Authors: Valadez Carmen Delia
Published: July 2017

Se reseñaron los libros: Diccionario del español de Cuba Diccionario del español de Argentina
Mariana Masera, “Que non dormiré sola, non”. La voz femenina en laantigua lírica popular hispánica. Azul Editorial, Barcelona, 2001; 134 pp.
Authors: Miaja María Teresa
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: “Que non dormiré sola, non”. La voz femenina en laantigua lírica popular hispánica.
Juan Miguel Lope Blanch (1927-2002)
Authors: Lara Luis Fernando
Published: July 2017

El ocho de mayo de 2002, después de una corta pero fatal enfermedad, murió en la ciudad de México Juan Miguel Lope Blanch. Había llegado a México en 1951, como joven doctor de la Universidad Central de Madrid, con una beca del Institutode Cultura Hispánica de España, destinada a familiarizarlo con el oficio de la redacción de la Nueva Revista de Filología Hispánica, en momentos en que el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, heredero del Centro de Estudios Históricos de Madrid, planeaba reanudar la publicación de la Revista de Filología Española, interrumpida durante los años de la guerra civil.
Los posibles caminos de Nietzsche en el modernismo
Authors: Ward Thomas Butler
Published: July 2017

Es común considerar el modernismo como decadente, apolítico, estético e inmoral. En época reciente se ha comenzado a cuestionar esta forma de entenderlo. El presente estudio estima que el modernismo puede superar los rasgos que la crítica le ha asignado, al mostrar su dimensión filosófica, en general, y su afiliación a las doctrinas de Federico Nietzsche, en particular. Se examinan, en algunos escritores, los siguientes temas nietzscheanos: la crisis moral, lo macabro, el lujo, la decadencia, el arte, el artista y lo espiritual, que constituyen la base para comprender la postura especulativa que el modernismo asume ante la vida.
Josefina García Fajardo (ed.), Semántica, oración y enunciación. El Colegio de México, México, 2001; 150 pp. (Estudios de Lingüística, 1).
Authors: Barriga Villanueva Rebeca
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro:  Semántica, oración y enunciación.
Carmen Silva-Corvalán, Sociolingüística y pragmática del español. Con ejercicios de reflexión de Andrés Enrique-Arias. Georgetown University Press, Washington, DC, 2001; xvi + 367 pp., cuadros, diagramas, índice de materias.
Authors: Martín Butragueño Pedro
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Sociolingüística y pragmática del español. Con ejercicios de reflexión de Andrés Enrique-Arias.
Richard Burkard, The archpriest of Hita and the imitators of Ovid: A study in the Ovidian background of the "Libro de buen amor". Juan de la Cuesta, Newark, DE, 1999; 200 pp.
Authors: Higashi Alejandro
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: The archpriest of Hita and the imitators of Ovid: A study in the Ovidian background of the "Libro de buen amor".
Everardo Mendoza Guerrero, El léxico de Sinaloa. El Colegio de Sinaloa-Siglo XXI, México, 2002; 158 pp.
Authors: Lara Luis Fernando
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro:  El léxico de Sinaloa.
Liliana Weinberg, El ensayo, entre el paraíso y el infierno. F.C.E., México, 2001.
Authors: Pereda Carlos
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro:  El ensayo, entre el paraíso y el infierno.
Odiseos sin reposo. Mariano Picón-Salas y Alfonso Reyes. (Correspondencia 1927-1959). Edición de Gregory Zambrano. Fundación Casa de las Letras “Mariano Picón-Salas”-Consejo Nacional de Cultura, Mérida (Venezuela), 2001; 175 pp.
Authors: Sánchez Aguilera Osmar
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Odiseos sin reposo. Mariano Picón-Salas y Alfonso Reyes. (Correspondencia 1927-1959).
MENEROBOS SEKAT ADMINISTRASI PERADILAN
Authors: Rahmatullah Indra
Published: July 2017

Sebagai bagian dari reformasi peradilan yang sedang dilaksanakan, reformasi manajemen perkara atau administrasi perkara menjadi salah satu bagian yang menjadi fokus perubahan. Reformasi pada manajemen perkara tidak dapat dinafikan karena untuk mendapatkan hasil proses hukum yang fair dimulai dari manajemen perkara yang baik. Jika manajemen perkara peradilan tidak dibenahi secara serius maka akan banyak celah-celah hukum yang dimanfaat oleh pihak-pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab untuk mencoba mengintervensi pada sebuah proses hukum yang sedang berjalan. Namun demikian, reformasi administrasi peradilan nampaknya belum menunjukkan hasil yang efektif. Masih ada beberapa contoh kasus korupsi yang memanfaatkan celah administrasi manajemen perkara. Padahal Mahkamah Agung telah melakukan studi banding dengan Federal Court of Australia (FCA) tahun 2013 tentang bagaimana manajemen administrasi perkara yang modern. Untuk itu dibutuhkan terobosan-terobosan program dan gagasan baru baik dari aturannya, SDM dan infrastruktur yang memadai.

 

As a part of the judicial reformation which is being implemented, the reformation of case management or case adminitrastion become significant issue in case of judicial reformation. The reformation of case management should not to be regardless because to get fair judicial process begun with a good case management. If the reformation of case management not to be reformed, there will be many legal loopholes that can be used by
ocnums to disturb fair judicial process. However, the judicial reformation is still not shows a significant progress and effective. There are still many corruption cases because of many legal loopholes. In the other hand, The Supreme Court had been doing a comparative study how to implement a modern case management with Federal Court of Australia (FCA) in 2013. To reform all problems, we need legal breakthroughs and new ideas as follows rules, human resources and good infrastructures.
PERAN DINAS LINGKUNGAN HIDUP KOTA SURABAYA DALAM PENGENDALIAN PENCEMARAN AIR SUNGAI BRANTAS
Authors: Syaputri Martika Dini
Published: July 2017

Kondisi sungai Brantas Kota Surabaya semakin memprihatinkan akibat pencemaran dari limbah rumah tangga maupun limbah industri. Sebagai pemasok bahan baku PDAM, kualitas sungai Brantas harus diperhatikan sehingga tidak menimbulkan kerugian bagi masyarakat pengguna air. Letak sungai yang berada di kawasan hilir menjadikan beban pencemaran yang dialami sungai Brantas semakin berat serta lemahnya pengawasan dan penegakan hukum juga ikut mempengaruhi penurunan kualitas air sungai Brantas. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menunjukkan peran strategis Dinas Lingkungan Hidup Kota Surabaya dalam pengendalikan pencemaran air sungai Brantas baik dalam pengeluaran izin, pengawasan, pemberian sanksi maupun upaya dalam penanggulangan pencemaran.

 

The condition of Brantas river in Surabaya is deteriorating as a result of contamination from household as well as industrial waste. As the provider of water for municipal fresh water supply service, the quality of Brantas river must be considered so as not to cause harm to the water users. The river part which is located in the downstream region makes the pollution even more severe. This condition is worsened by the lack of scrutiny and law enforcement efforts which ultimately also cause the degradation of the water quality of Brantas river. This study was performed to demonstrate the strategic role of the Environmental Office of Surabaya Municipality in controlling Brantas river water pollution in terms of the issuance of licenses, supervision, implementation of sanctions and measures taken to prevent water pollution.
Capacity Analysis for Bifurcated Estuaries Based on Ship Domain Theory and its Applications
Authors: Zhang Xingjian , Mou Junmin , Zhu Jianfeng , Chen Pengfei , Liu Rongfang (Rachel)
Published: July 2017

The bifurcated estuary is an important segment of marine transportation systems that are themselves becoming increasingly important. Because of branching channels, the cyclical change of water levels, and sophisticated operating rules in many large bifurcated estuaries, it is often difficult to estimate the traffic capacity and simulate ships’ motions, even though it is critically important for traffic management and efficiency. In recent years, the increasing number of ships that collect and contribute to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) have made it possible to monitor traffic flow along waterways, including bifurcated estuaries. This study developed a typical capacity estimation model based on ship domain theory. By using AIS data collected in the Yangtze River estuary, a typical bifurcated estuary system, the study analyzed various physical characteristics, weather conditions, and vessel characteristics to derive related impacts of each on overall capacity of the bifurcated estuary. Validated with practical observations, the method can be applied to similar estuary channel systems to improve waterway operations and management.
Estimation of Pavement Serviceability Index Through Android-Based Smartphone Application for Local Roads
Authors: Aleadelat Waleed , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: July 2017

The Wyoming Technology Transfer Center is in the process of developing a pavement management system (PMS) for county paved roads in Wyoming. This PMS uses the present serviceability index (PSI) as a main pavement performance parameter. This PMS depends on pavement condition index, international roughness index, and pavement rutting as explanatory variables to estimate PSI. This study researched new explanatory variables measured by using smartphones’ sensors to estimate PSI. It was found that the variance of the signals (time series acceleration data) acquired by smartphones’ accelerometers could work as a very good explanatory variable to estimate PSI. Two models were developed with high significance ( R2 higher than .9) to predict PSI using the variance of smartphone signals. The initial validation results suggested that using these models could predict, with high certainty, the actual PSI values. The difference between the predicted and the actual PSI values was not statistically different. The study was performed on 20 roadway segments extracted from the Wyoming county roads’ PMS database. In addition, the selected segments had various lengths and geometric features reflecting various roadway segments under any PMS. The proposed methodology is intended to lower the cost of measuring county roads’ pavement conditions by estimating PSI directly without the reliance on the direct measurement of pavement condition parameters.
Haematological outcome of concomitant chemoradiation with Temozolomide (CCRT) versus radiation therapy (RT) alone in patients with high grade gliomas
Authors: Rasheed Md Mamun Or , Bhuiyan Md Zillur Rahman , Sharmin Sadia , Rahman Atiar , Hossain Md Monoar , Kader Kazi Manzur
Published: July 2017

High grade gliomas(HGG) are the most common primary CNS tumors in adult. Even with multidisciplinary approach, the outcome is miserable. However recently concomitant chemoradiation (CCRT) with temozolomide has been effectively used with increase in median survival & good clinical outcome. This quasi experimental study was done in the department of Radiation Oncology in National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital ( NICRH) Mohakhali , Dhaka during January 2014 to December 2014. Sixty patients with newly diagnosed & histologically proved high grade glioma were assigned to receive either radiation therapy alone (fractionated focal irradiation in daily fractions of 2 Gy in five fractions per week for six weeks, for a total 60 Gy) or radiation therapy plus Temozolomide( 75 mg/m2 from 1st day of radiation therapy to last day of radiation therapy) followed by six cycles of adjuvant temozolomide (150 to 200mg per square meter for five days during each 28 day cycle). Haematological abnormalities and neurotoxicities were compared between the patients of two arms. Patients treated CCRT showed more toxicities than the radiation therapy alone in some stages. As a whole the differences were not statistically significant.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 126-130
Etiological characterizations of sporadic viral hepatitis in north east part of Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Madhusudan , Zaki KMJ , Chowdhury MK Sur , Alam Md Jahangir , Hosen Mostafa , Safwath Syed Alamgir , Ahmed Mostak Uddin , Rahman Md Oliur
Published: July 2017

These retrospective study was done to see common viral etiology of sporadic acute viral hepatitis in North East Part of Bangladesh. Consecutive patients attending in private chambers with acute or recent onset of jaundice with biochemical evidence of hepatocellular injury from January 2011 to December 2013 were enrolled. Epidemiological features and reports of viral markers i.e. HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgM, anti-HAV-IgM, Anti-HEV IgM, and Anti-HCV were retrieved. Data of 256 cases (male 195 and female 61, age ranging from 6 years to 89 years with mean 29.44 years were analyzed. Both HBsAg and anti-HBc-IgM were found positive in 98 (38.67%) cases (male 77 and female 21). Of them 39 were in 16-25 years age group. Anti-HAV IgM was found positive in 41 (16%) cases (male 30, female 11) and 27 of them were in the less than 16 years group. Anti HEV IgM was positive in 116 (45.31%) cases (male 87 and female 29). Majority (85 cases ) of HEV infection was found in 16 to 40 years age group. In this study HEV is the most frequent agent for acute sporadic viral hepatitis among adults followed by HBV. HAV is more prevalent cause of sporadic acute viral hepatitis among children.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 138-140
Pattern of skin diseases among workers in ship-breaking yards in Bangladesh
Authors: Sikder Md Shahidullah , Bhuiyan Mohammed Saiful Islam , Ghosh Ajay , Rabin Farzana
Published: July 2017

Dealing with different toxic chemical and physical agents in ship scrapping activities of ship breaking workers make them vulnerable to suffer from different occupational health hazards including skin diseases. this cross sectional study was carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and a temporary health center established near the ship-breaking yards of Shitakunda, Chittagong to describe the frequency and pattern of skin diseases among ship-breaking workers in Bangladesh. Five hundred workers of ship breaking yards were included consecutively, history was taken and examined to diagnose skin diseases. Physical examination and laboratory tests (patch test, prick test, woods lamp test, microscopy and histopathology) were done where needed. Most (69.2%) of the workers were from the age group 15 to 62 years and 27.8% were <18 years. Only 27 (5.4%) had some sorts of training and 24.8% do not use any type of protective measure. At least one form of skin disease was found in 47.8% workers. Types of skin diseases were contact dermatitis (19.4%), scabies (15.8%), accidental cut/burn/scald (15.6%), fungal infection (dermatophytosis / pityriasis versicolor/ candidiasis) (10.6%), impetigo / pyoderma (9.8%), seborrheic dermatitis (9.6%), acne 7.2%, palmoplantar keratoderma 4.8%, glossitis/stomatitis/ chelitis 4.4%, lichen simplex chronicus 3.4%, urticaria 2.4% and psoriasis 1.2%. Contact dermatitis, scabies, accidental cut/burn/scald, fungal infections, impetigo/pyoderma, seborrheic dermatitis and acne are the common skin diseases among ship breaking workers. Ensuring adequate protective measures, awareness and training can control these skin diseases among ship-breaking workers.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 147-150
A prospective study of various anti hypertensive drugs on reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive Bangladeshi population
Authors: Muqueet Md Abdul , Azam Md Golam , Litu Rakibul Islam , Jahan Jafrin , Fatema Nilufar , Mahmood Manzoor , Hoque Md Harisul , Haque KMHSS
Published: July 2017

Regression of ventricular hypertrophy is the restoration of normal ventricular structure and physiology after the hypertrophy has developed. It has been clearly demonstrated that once left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is diagnosed, it represents a strong blood pressure independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.This prospective observational study was carried out in Department of Cardiology, BSMMU, Dhaka to compare the effectiveness of different anti-hypertensive agents in reducing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive Bangladeshi population involving 95 patients with clinically diagnosed hypertension. The duration of study was from July 2005 to Tune 2008. Out of these 95 patients, 20 were included in beta-blocker(BB) group, 14 in angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEi) group, 20 in beta-blocker(BB) + diuretic(DD) group, 14 in angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEi) + diuretics(DD) group, 13 in beta-blocker(BB) and angiotensin enzyme inhibitor(ACEi) group and 14 in beta-blocker(BB) + angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEi) + diuretic(DD) group. patients were followed-up at 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and at 2 years. A baseline M-mode echocardiography was done to document LVH. Among three groups of anti-hypertensive drugs, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor alone has been found to be most effective as compared to beta blockers when used alone than in combination groups (Beta blocker plus ACEi plus Diuretics or Beta blocker plus ACEi). Although, statistically not significant, a clear benefit has been shown in all groups in terms of LVH regression.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 156-159
Epidemiological and clinical importance of leptospirosis: Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Patwary Md Ismail , Bari Mohammad Zabed Jillul , Islam Towhidul
Published: July 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 167-168
Diagnosis and treatment of wheezing and asthma in young children
Authors: Khanum Selina
Published: July 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2016 Sep; 45 (3): 169-171
Inoculation with Glomus mosseae Improves the Growth and Salvianolic Acid B Accumulation of Continuously Cropped Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Chen Meilan , Yang Guang , Liu Dahui , Li Minhui , Qiu Hongyan , Guo Lanping , Huang Luqi , Chao Zhi
Published: July 2017

Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) Bunge is one of the most economically important medicinal crops in China. In traditional Chinese medicine, its root is used as an important ingredient in formulas for treatment of atherosclerosis-related disorders. The continuous cropping of S. miltiorrhiza increases the proportion of dried seedlings and decreases the biomass of the shoots and roots and the contents of active components. In this study, three field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Glomus mosseae (G. mosseae) inoculation on the growth and contents of active ingredients and nutrients in continuously cropped S. miltiorrhiza. The results showed that inoculation with G. mosseae increased the shoot biomass of S. miltiorrhiza by 48.1% and the root biomass by 39.2%, and decreased the dried seedling rate by nearly 75%. Inoculation with G. mosseae also increased the salvianolic acid B concentration by 21.9% in the shoots and 9.2% in the roots of S. miltiorrhiza, and also significantly increased Mn concentration in the roots and shoots (by 65.1% and 93.4%, respectively) and Fe concentration in the roots (by 75%). The accumulation of salvianolic acid B, Mn, and Fe in G. mosseae inoculated S. miltiorrhiza may be a mechanism that imparts tolerance to continuous cropping. Inoculation of S. miltiorrhiza with G. mosseae can serve as an effective approach of biocontrol to improve the performance of continuously cropped S. miltiorrhiza.
Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making
Authors: Lau Stephan , Hiemisch Anette
Published: July 2017

The freedom of a decision is not yet sufficiently described as a psychological variable. We present a model of functional decision freedom that aims to fill that role. The model conceptualizes functional freedom as a capacity of people that varies depending on certain conditions of a decision episode. It denotes an inner capability to consciously shape complex decisions according to one’s own values and needs. Functional freedom depends on three compensatory dimensions: it is greatest when the decision-maker is highly rational, when the structure of the decision is highly underdetermined, and when the decision process is strongly based on conscious thought and reflection. We outline possible research questions, argue for psychological benefits of functional decision freedom, and explicate the model’s implications on current knowledge and research. In conclusion, we show that functional freedom is a scientific variable, permitting an additional psychological foothold in research on freedom, and that is compatible with a deterministic worldview.
Acidity-Reactivity Relationships in Catalytic Esterification over Ammonium Sulfate-Derived Sulfated Zirconia
Authors: Rabee Abdallah , Mekhemer Gamal , Osatiashtiani Amin , Isaacs Mark , Lee Adam , Wilson Karen , Zaki Mohamed
Published: July 2017

New insight was gained into the acidity-reactivity relationships of sulfated zirconia (SZ) catalysts prepared via (NH4)2SO4 impregnation of Zr(OH)4 for propanoic acid esterification with methanol. A family of systematically related SZs was characterized by bulk and surface analyses including XRD, XPS, TGA-MS, N2 porosimetry, temperature-programmed propylamine decomposition, and FTIR of adsorbed pyridine, as well as methylbutynol (MBOH) as a reactive probe molecule. Increasing surface sulfation induces a transition from amphoteric character for the parent zirconia and low S loadings <1.7 wt %, evidenced by MBOH conversion to 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butanone, methylbutyne and acetone, with higher S loadings resulting in strong Brønsted-Lewis acid pairs upon completion of the sulfate monolayer, which favored MBOH conversion to prenal. Catalytic activity for propanoic acid esterification directly correlated with acid strength determined from propylamine decomposition, coincident with the formation of Brønsted-Lewis acid pairs identified by MBOH reactive titration. Monodispersed bisulfate species are likely responsible for superacidity at intermediate sulfur loadings.
Natural Convection and Entropy Generation in a Square Cavity with Variable Temperature Side Walls Filled with a Nanofluid: Buongiorno’s Mathematical Model
Authors: Sheremet Mikhail , Grosan Teodor , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2017

Natural convection heat transfer combined with entropy generation in a square cavity filled with a nanofluid under the effect of variable temperature distribution along left vertical wall has been studied numerically. Governing equations formulated in dimensionless non-primitive variables with corresponding boundary conditions taking into account the Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis effects have been solved by finite difference method. Distribution of streamlines, isotherms, local entropy generation as well as Nusselt number has been obtained for different values of key parameters. It has been found that a growth of the amplitude of the temperature distribution along the left wall and an increase of the wave number lead to an increase in the average entropy generation. While an increase in abovementioned parameters for low Rayleigh number illustrates a decrease in average Bejan number.
Considerations towards a Novel Approach for Integrating Angle-Count Sampling Data in Remote Sensing Based Forest Inventories
Authors: Kirchhoefer Melanie , Schumacher Johannes , Adler Petra , Kändler Gerald
Published: July 2017

Integration of remote sensing (RS) data in forest inventories for enhancing plot-based forest variable prediction is a widely researched topic. Geometric consistency between forest inventory plots and areas for extraction of RS-based predictive metrics is considered a crucial factor for accurate modelling of forest variables. Achieving geometric consistency is particularly difficult with regard to angle-count sampling (ACS) plots, which have neither distinct shape nor distinct extent. This initial study considers a new approach for integrating ACS and RS data, where the concept of ACS is transferred to RS-based metrics extraction. By using the relationship between tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH), pixels of a RS-based canopy height model are extracted if their value suggests a DBH that would lead to inclusion in an angle-count sample at the given distance to the plot centre. Different variations of this approach are tested by modelling timber volume in national forest inventory plots in Germany. The results are compared to those achieved using fixed-radius plots. A root mean square error of approximately 42% is achieved by both the new and fixed-radius approaches. Therefore, the new approach is not yet considered sufficient for overcoming all difficulties concerning the integration of ACS plot and RS data. However, possibilities for improvement are discussed and will be the subject of further research.
Metal Water-Sediment Interactions and Impacts on an Urban Ecosystem
Authors: Lundy Lian , Alves Luciana , Revitt Michael , Wildeboer Dirk
Published: July 2017

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirement that all surface water bodies achieve good ecological status is still a goal for many regulatory authorities in England and Wales. This paper describes field and laboratory studies designed to identify metal contaminant loadings and their distributions within water bodies located in the Lower Lee catchment (London, UK). Water and sediment samples have been collected from increasingly urbanised sites on the River Lee and its main tributaries over a two-year period with samples analysed for total concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, tin, and zinc. Complimentary batch tests indicate a positive relationship between aqueous metal concentrations and the batch test-derived sediment metal release data, particularly during wet weather events. Field data indicate a dynamic relationship between water and sediment concentrations with both being capable of exceeding relevant environmental quality standards/sediment quality guidelines at all sites. Mean sediment metal concentrations across all sites were found to be highest for Cu (141.1 ± 111.0 µg g−1), Pb (175.7 ± 83.0 µg g−1), and Zn (499.9 ± 264.7 µg g−1) with Zn demonstrating elevated mean water concentrations (17.2 ± 13.8 µg L−1) followed by Ni (15.6 ± 11.4 µg L−1) and Cu (11.1 ± 17.8 µg L−1).
Associations of PM2.5 and Black Carbon with Hospital Emergency Room Visits during Heavy Haze Events: A Case Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Liang Fengchao , Tian Lin , Guo Qun , Westerdahl Dane , Liu Yang , Jin Xiaobin , Li Guoxing , Pan Xiaochuan
Published: July 2017

In January 2013, severe haze events over northeastern China sparked substantial health concerns. This study explores the associations of fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) with hospital emergency room visits (ERVs) during a haze season in Beijing. During that period, daily counts of ERVs for respiratory, cardiovascular and ocular diseases were obtained from a Level-3A hospital in Beijing from 1 December 2012 to 28 February 2013, and associations of which with PM2.5 and BC were estimated by time-stratified case-crossover analysis in single- and two-pollutant models. We found a 27.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.0, 43.9%) increase in respiratory ERV (lag02), a 19.4% (95% CI: 2.5, 39.0%) increase in cardiovascular ERV (lag0), and a 12.6% (95% CI: 0.0, 26.7%) increase in ocular ERV (lag0) along with an interquartile range (IQR) increase in the PM2.5. An IQR increase of BC was associated with 27.6% (95% CI: 9.6, 48.6%) (lag02), 18.8% (95% CI: 1.4, 39.2%) (lag0) and 11.8% (95% CI: −1.4, 26.8%) (lag0) increases for changes in these same health outcomes respectively. Estimated associations were consistent after adjusting SO2 or NO2 in two-pollutant models. This study provides evidence that improving air quality and reducing haze days would greatly benefit the population health.
The Effects of a Campus Forest-Walking Program on Undergraduate and Graduate Students’ Physical and Psychological Health
Authors: Bang Kyung-Sook , Lee Insook , Kim Sungjae , Lim Chun Soo , Joh Hee-Kyung , Park Bum-Jin , Song Min Kyung
Published: July 2017

We conducted a campus forest-walking program targeting university and graduate students during their lunchtime and examined the physical and psychological effects of the program. We utilized a quasi-experimental design with a control group and a pretest–posttest design. Forty-seven men (M = 25.5 ± 3.8 years) and 52 women (M = 23.3 ± 4.3 years) volunteered to participate (experimental group n = 51, control group n = 48). The intervention group participated in campus forest-walking program once a week for six weeks; they were also asked to walk once a week additionally on an individual basis. Additionally, participants received one lecture on stress management. Post-tests were conducted both just after the program ended and three months after. A chi-square test, t-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to evaluate the effects of the program. Health promoting behaviors (F = 7.27, p = 0.001, ES = 0.27) and parasympathetic nerve activity (F = 3.69, p = 0.027, ES = 0.20) significantly increased and depression (F = 3.15, p = 0.045, ES = 0.18) significantly decreased in the experimental group after the intervention compared to the control group. In conclusion, using the campus walking program to target students during their lunchtime is an efficient strategy to promote their physical and psychological health.
Automatic Recognition of Speed Limits on Speed-Limit Signs by Using Machine Learning
Authors: Miyata Shigeharu
Published: July 2017

This study describes a method for using a camera to automatically recognize the speed limits on speed-limit signs. This method consists of the following three processes: first (1) a method of detecting the speed-limit signs with a machine learning method utilizing the local binary pattern (LBP) feature quantities as information helpful for identification, then (2) an image processing method using Hue, Saturation and Value (HSV) color spaces for extracting the speed limit numbers on the identified speed-limit signs, and finally (3) a method for recognition of the extracted numbers using a neural network. The method of traffic sign recognition previously proposed by the author consisted of extracting geometric shapes from the sign and recognizing them based on their aspect ratios. This method cannot be used for the numbers on speed-limit signs because the numbers all have the same aspect ratios. In a study that proposed recognition of speed limit numbers using an Eigen space method, a method using only color information was used to detect speed-limit signs from images of scenery. Because this method used only color information for detection, precise color information settings and processing to exclude everything other than the signs are necessary in an environment where many colors similar to the speed-limit signs exist, and further study of the method for sign detection is needed. This study focuses on considering the following three points. (1) Make it possible to detect only the speed-limit sign in an image of scenery using a single process focusing on the local patterns of speed limit signs. (2) Make it possible to separate and extract the two-digit numbers on a speed-limit sign in cases when the two-digit numbers are incorrectly extracted as a single area due to the light environment. (3) Make it possible to identify the numbers using a neural network by focusing on three feature quantities. This study also used the proposed method with still images in order to validate it.
Toxicity of Nine (Doped) Rare Earth Metal Oxides and Respective Individual Metals to Aquatic Microorganisms Vibrio fischeri and Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Kurvet Imbi , Juganson Katre , Vija Heiki , Sihtmäe Mariliis , Blinova Irina , Syvertsen-Wiig Guttorm , Kahru Anne
Published: July 2017

Despite the increasing use of rare earth elements (REEs) and oxides (REOs) in various technologies, the information on their ecotoxicological hazard is scarce. Here, the effects of La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Gd3+, CeO2, and eight doped REOs to marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri and freshwater protozoa Tetrahymena thermophila were studied in parallel with REO dopant metals (Co2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Sr2+). The highest concentrations of REOs tested were 100 mg/L with protozoa in deionized water and 500 mg/L with bacteria in 2% NaCl. Although (i) most REOs produced reactive oxygen species; (ii) all studied soluble REEs were toxic to bacteria (half-effective concentration, EC50 3.5–21 mg metal/L; minimal bactericidal concentration, MBC 6.3–63 mg/L) and to protozoa (EC50 28–42 mg/L); and (iii) also some dopant metals (Ni2+, Fe3+) proved toxic (EC50 ≤ 3 mg/L), no toxicity of REOs to protozoa (EC50 > 100 mg/L) and bacteria (EC50 > 500 mg/L; MBC > 500 mg/L) was observed except for La2NiO4 (MBC 25 mg/L). According to kinetics of V. fischeri bioluminescence, the toxicity of REEs was triggered by disturbing cellular membrane integrity. Fortunately, as REEs and REOs are currently produced in moderate amounts and form in the environment insoluble salts and/or oxides, they apparently present no harm to aquatic bacteria and protozoa.
Dissolution of Grain Boundary Carbides by the Effect of Solution Annealing Heat Treatment and Aging Treatment on Heat-Resistant Cast Steel HK30
Authors: Silva Francisco , Santos Jorge , Gouveia Ronny
Published: July 2017

Decreasing the weight of heavy-duty vehicles is an ongoing concern. However, the need to deal with high temperatures in components such as manifolds imposes, by itself, some restrictions regarding material selection, being further limited when other required properties (e.g., functional, manufacturing or cost requirements) are taken into account. Cast austenitic stainless steels may represent a good choice in this context but the existence of concentrated chromium carbides can generate undesirable results. A good combination of heat treatments can be applied to cast heat-resistant austenitic stainless steels, in an effort to achieve the dispersion of fine carbides, consequently improving their microstructure, mechanical properties and creep resistance. In this work, an austenitic stainless steel usually used in high temperature applications was characterized and subjected to solution annealing and aging heat treatments. The material analyzed was the austenitic cast stainless steel HK30 and the goals of the work were to evaluate the effects of solution annealing heat treatments on the dissolution of grain boundary chromium carbides and the effects of aging treatments on creep resistance. The results show that the elimination of grain boundary chromium carbides is possible by applying a solution annealing heat treatment. Additionally, the precipitation of fine dispersed carbides is obtained after the aging treatment with an increase of hardness and, consequently, an expected improvement of creep resistance. Thus, the novelty presented by this work consists of selecting the best heat treatment combination in order to promote dispersion of carbides, thus avoiding further crack nucleation phenomena when parts are cyclically subjected to load and unload; this work also found the most adequate mechanical properties and achieved corrosion resistance regarding the application in heavy-duty vehicle components subjected to mechanical and thermal fatigue. By discovering methods of improving the properties of cast materials, large savings can be made both in terms of production costs as well as in the overall weight of the components.
Mg and Its Alloys for Biomedical Applications: Exploring Corrosion and Its Interplay with Mechanical Failure
Authors: Peron Mirco , Torgersen Jan , Berto Filippo
Published: July 2017

The future of biomaterial design will rely on temporary implant materials that degrade while tissues grow, releasing no toxic species during degradation and no residue after full regeneration of the targeted anatomic site. In this aspect, Mg and its alloys are receiving increasing attention because they allow both mechanical strength and biodegradability. Yet their use as biomedical implants is limited due to their poor corrosion resistance and the consequential mechanical integrity problems leading to corrosion assisted cracking. This review provides the reader with an overview of current biomaterials, their stringent mechanical and chemical requirements and the potential of Mg alloys to fulfil them. We provide insight into corrosion mechanisms of Mg and its alloys, the fundamentals and established models behind stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue. We explain Mgs unique negative differential effect and approaches to describe it. Finally, we go into depth on corrosion improvements, reviewing literature on high purity Mg, on the effect of alloying elements and their tolerance levels, as well as research on surface treatments that allow to tune degradation kinetics. Bridging fundamentals aspects with current research activities in the field, this review intends to give a substantial overview for all interested readers; potential and current researchers and practitioners of the future not yet familiar with this promising material.
The [Mo6Cl14]2− Cluster is Biologically Secure and Has Anti-Rotavirus Activity In Vitro
Authors: Rojas-Mancilla Edgardo , Oyarce Alexis , Verdugo Viviana , Morales-Verdejo Cesar , Echeverria Cesar , Velásquez Felipe , Chnaiderman Jonas , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Ramirez-Tagle Rodrigo
Published: July 2017

The molybdenum cluster [Mo6Cl14]2− is a fluorescent component with potential for use in cell labelling and pharmacology. Biological safety and antiviral properties of the cluster are as yet unknown. Here, we show the effect of acute exposition of human cells and red blood cells to the molybdenum cluster and its interaction with proteins and antiviral activity in vitro. We measured cell viability of HepG2 and EA.hy926 cell lines exposed to increasing concentrations of the cluster (0.1 to 250 µM), by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Hemolysis and morphological alterations of red blood cells, obtained from healthy donors, exposed to the cluster (10 to 200 µM) at 37 °C were analyzed. Furthermore, quenching of tryptophan residues of albumin was performed. Finally, plaque formation by rotavirus SA11 in MA104 cells treated with the cluster (100 to 300 µM) were analyzed. We found that all doses of the cluster showed similar cell viability, hemolysis, and morphology values, compared to control. Quenching of tryptophan residues of albumin suggests a protein-cluster complex formation. Finally, the cluster showed antiviral activity at 300 µM. These results indicate that the cluster [Mo6Cl14]2− could be intravenously administered in animals at therapeutic doses for further in vivo studies and might be studied as an antiviral agent.
Time to Consider Use of the Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio for Practical Sodium Reduction and Potassium Increase
Authors: Iwahori Toshiyuki , Miura Katsuyuki , Ueshima Hirotsugu
Published: July 2017

Pathogenetic studies have demonstrated that the interdependency of sodium and potassium affects blood pressure. Emerging evidences on the sodium-to-potassium ratio show benefits for a reduction in sodium and an increase in potassium compared to sodium and potassium separately. As presently there is no known review, this article examined the practical use of the sodium-to-potassium ratio in daily practice. Epidemiological studies suggest that the urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio may be a superior metric as compared to separate sodium and potassium values for determining the relation to blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risks. Higher correlations and better agreements are seen for the casual urine sodium-to-potassium ratio than for casual urine sodium or potassium alone when compared with the 24-h urine values. Repeated measurements of the casual urine provide reliable estimates of the 7-day 24-h urine value with less bias for the sodium-to-potassium ratio as compared to the common formulas used for estimating the single 24-h urine from the casual urine for sodium and potassium separately. Self-monitoring devices for the urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio measurement makes it possible to provide prompt onsite feedback. Although these devices have been evaluated with a view to support an individual approach for sodium reduction and potassium increase, there has yet to be an accepted recommended guideline for the sodium-to-potassium ratio. This review concludes with a look at the practical use of the sodium-to-potassium ratio for assistance in practical sodium reduction and potassium increase.