bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and Education
Authors: Bailey Lucy E. , Graves Karen
Published: December 2017

The authors describe broad patterns and key developments in gender and education scholarship to provide an overview of the state of the field. They incorporate historical developments shaping research patterns, broad tensions and shifts, and emerging trajectories in inquiry. Cognizant that reviews are inherently political endeavors in both reflecting—and creating—“the field,” the authors suggest that reviews such as this one are inevitably partial and political, even as they provide useful insights into scholarly trends. The dynamic body of work that constitutes what the authors refer to as “gender and education” scholarship (writ large) encompasses diverse inquiries, theoretical investments, sites of analysis, and conceptions of gender that go beyond a straightforward reporting of women’s and girls’ gradual progress over time in accessing education. The authors argue that gender remains a central force in organizing social relations and educational processes with an array of implications for lived experience that merit sustained scrutiny.
Science Education
Authors: Linn Marcia C. , Gerard Libby , Matuk Camillia , McElhaney Kevin W.
Published: December 2017

Advances in technology, science, and learning sciences research over the past 100 years have reshaped science education. This chapter focuses on how investigators from varied fields of inquiry who initially worked separately began to interact, eventually formed partnerships, and recently integrated their perspectives to strengthen science education. Advances depended on the broadening of the participants in science education research, starting with psychologists, science discipline experts, and science educators; adding science teachers, psychometricians, computer scientists, and sociologists; and eventually including leaders in cultural studies, linguistics, and neuroscience. This process depended on renegotiating power structures, deliberate funding decisions by the National Science Foundation and others, and sustained, creative teamwork. It reflects a growing commitment to ensure that all learners are respected and that all students learn to address the complex scientific dilemmas they face in their lives. This chapter traces the evolution of research on science education in the United States with a focus on 5- to 17-year-olds. It highlights trends in the view of the learner, the design of instruction, the role of professional development, and the impact of technology. The chapter closes with recommendations designed to realize the full potential of these advances.
Reclassification Variation: How Policy Implementation Guides the Process of Exiting Students From English Learner Status
Authors: Mavrogordato Madeline , White Rachel S.
Published: December 2017

As state and federal policymakers continue to adopt more centralized policies, it is increasingly important to understand how policies, particularly those designed to enhance education for underserved students, are implemented locally. We employ a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design to investigate the implementation of one policy, that which guides the process of reclassifying English learners (ELs) as English proficient in Texas. First, we use event history analysis to determine whether the likelihood of being reclassified differs across the state for similar ELs. Second, we utilize interview and observation data from eight schools to unpack how practitioners implement reclassification policy. We find differences in the hazard rate of reclassification across the state, which is linked to practitioners’ understanding of the policy.
Clinical profile and early outcome of arteriovenous fistula creation for haemodialysis: Integrated activity in a general surgery unit
Authors: Lamichhane Deep , Paudyal Sanjay , Maskey Pukar , Maharjan Santa Bir , Joshi Arbin , Pandey Bimal , Shah Jay Narayan , Jaiswal Vijay Kumar
Published: December 2017

Introduction: A functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is essential for maintenance hemodialysis (HD) in a patient with chronic renal failure. This study explores the creation of AVF as an integral activity in a general surgical unit by a general surgeon.Methods: This is a hospital based cross sectional study done at Patan Hospital patients who underwent creation of AVF from January 2015 to June 2015 were included in the study. Patient demographic and clinical data were documented. Outcome and complications of AVF surgery were obtained over a 6 months period from the time of vascular access creation.Results: Thirty-seven patients were operated in the study period with a mean age of 35.44 years and M: F ratio of 2.7:1. There were 3 immediate and 3 delayed failure with 81.81% (n=27) patency rate at 6 months follow up. The maturation time was 3-7weeks (mean +/- SD of 4.83 +/- 1.053). Complication occurred in 4 patients, namely arm edema (n=3) and haematoma (n=1).Conclusion: The creation of AVF for HD performed in a general surgery unit is a safe procedure with satisfactory outcome and acceptable level of complications. Journal of Society of Surgeons of Nepal, 2015; 18 (2), Page: 2-5
Analysis of Food Security Program in Malika VDC of Dailekh District
Authors: Gyawali Krishna Prasad , Magar Chandra Bahadur
Published: December 2017

This paper is an attempt to analyze the socio economic impact of food security program in the study area. Food security is widely defined as ‘access by all people at all times to enough food for an active healthy life’. Food insecurity is, therefore, the inability of a household or individual to meet required consumption levels in the face of fluctuating production, prices and incomes. Food insecurity is one of the major problems of the rural community. Community peoples are suffered from more food vulnerability due to the low production & having their traditional occupation as a way of livelihood. Their traditional occupation had faced different challenges due to modernization & globalization. Communities have been affected by the low production, lack of improved agriculture technology, road accessibility, and market facility and have experienced of rapid socio-economic, cultural changes over generation. Their way of earning livelihood differ by the development activities & these changes have been enumerated with case material from the survey.The Saptagandaki Journal Vol.8 2017: 56-68
Promotional Tools Effect on Pharmaceuticals Marketing
Authors: Pokharel Post Raj
Published: December 2017

This paper shows the effect of promotional tools on pharmaceuticals marketing. The study is based on survey method using marketing field force and their opinion in relation to the promotional tools used in pharmaceuticals marketing. This study which is primarily descriptive focuses on finding out tools used as promotional devices and their significance on marketing. The study shows that doctors detailing is the most effective tools used as promotional tool and has most significant effect on marketing. Use of product sample has also significant effect on marketing subsequent to the doctors detailing. In addition to that, pharmaceuticals' marketing has been positively influenced by the corporate presence in different health related activities like CME programs, health camps where multiple promotional effects have been made. CME programs and health camps tools have been more successful in effective marketing especially on specialty products like: anti-diabetics, anti-psychiatric, and cardiac products etc.The Saptagandaki Journal Vol.8 2017: 79-84
Infrastructure and Operational Influences on Collisions Between Trams and Left-Turning Cars
Authors: Marti Christian M. , Toletti Ambra , Tresch Seraina , Weidmann Ulrich
Published: December 2017

This research identified infrastructural and operational factors that influenced the most common type of car–tram collision: cars making opposing turns in front of trams. Few studies have analyzed influences on car–tram collisions quantitatively, but none have explored predictor factors for opposing-turn crashes—a research gap addressed with this paper. The two largest Swiss tram networks, Basel and Zurich, were used for the analysis. A point-based research approach was chosen: all locations within a tram network at which a car could turn left (an opposing turn where traffic drives on the right) in front of a tram were identified. For each of these points, data on dependent and predictor variables were collected. This data set was analyzed with Poisson, negative binomial, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. The number of left-turning car–tram collisions was used as the dependent variable, while predictors were derived from a literature review; models were fitted by using all predictors and with forward variable selection by means of Akaike’s information criterion. Traffic volumes (cars and trams), tram speed, and dedicated left-turn lanes were found to be significantly associated with a higher frequency of car–tram collisions, whereas turning left to access a service rather than a road, left-turn restrictions, proximity to a tram stop, and perpendicular turning angles were significantly associated with a lower frequency of left-turning car–tram collisions. On the basis of these results, left turns across tramways should be restricted for cars. Remaining conflict points should be located close to tram stops, have limited tram speed, and feature perpendicular turning angles.
Simulation-Based Comparison of Holding Strategies for a Multibranch Light Rail Service
Authors: Fabian Joshua J. , Sánchez-Martínez Gabriel E.
Published: December 2017

Light rail transit services face many operational challenges, such as capacity constraints, mixed-traffic interference, and branch junctions. The service plans developed for these lines typically specify a precise schedule for each vehicle. Running time and demand variability, special events, and incidents make it challenging to adhere to schedules. Operators can enact real-time control actions to mitigate delays. This research compared the effectiveness of schedule- and headway-based holding strategies applied en route and at terminals (i.e., dispatching) on a simulation model of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Green Line, a four-branch light rail line. The effects of control point placement at terminals, along branches, along a central trunk, and in combinations of these three were studied, as were the effects of limiting holding at midroute stations. Holding strategies were compared on the basis of service and passenger-oriented performance. Headway-based holding was found to be a more effective method for ensuring that passengers experienced reasonable wait times within scheduled headways. Holding at terminals appeared to be the most beneficial to passengers; additional holding along the branches and limited holding along the trunk were shown to enhance these benefits. Holding only within the trunk of a multibranch service worsened service because of blockages from held trains.
Commuter-Centric Resilience Index for Rapid Transit System Networks: Case Study of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Network
Authors: Yeung Jian Sheng , Lee Jason B. P. , Wee Yun Han , Mak Keng Seng
Published: December 2017

Rapid transit systems (RTSs) will increasingly play an important role in the daily commute. However, RTSs are complex systems and are susceptible to degradation over time, and recurring RTS service disruptions are inevitable. Therefore, resilience should be considered in the design of an RTS network, to provide commuters alternative paths that enable them to work around service disruptions. This paper proposes a commuter-centric resilience index for RTS networks that is based on the concept of an acceptable commute time. The proposed index was applied to the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit network, and the findings revealed that the introduction of each new rail line increased the resilience of the RTS network. Ring lines or orbital lines appeared to be most effective in improving network resilience. The resilience index can also be determined for individual stations to help planners identify gaps in the RTS network and to provide useful insight for land use and transport planning. The proposed index would be applicable to RTS networks in other cities or regions, but while information on an RTS network can be sourced from the public domain, computation of the index requires the corresponding commuter trip data.
Influencing Longitudinal Passenger Distribution on Railway Platforms to Shorten and Regularize Train Dwell Times
Authors: Christoforou Zoi , Collet Pierre-Adrien , Kabalan Bachar , Leurent Fabien , de Feraudy Axelle , Ali Awzan , Arakelian-von Freeden Thilo Jessaï , Li Yuelu
Published: December 2017

The longitudinal distribution of passengers waiting on a train platform influences the boarding and alighting time. A smoother, more uniform distribution could benefit both traffic operations and passenger experiences. This paper investigates pedestrian traffic performance and the train operations that it influences in an integrated way by proposing ( a) two in situ solutions to inform passengers and influence their waiting position on the platform, ( b) a specific survey of passenger behavior under these conditions, ( c) a modeling scheme based on a pedestrian microsimulation, and ( d) an example of application to a suburban rail station in eastern Paris, the Noisy–Champs Station on the Réseau Express Régional (RER) A Line. The example reveals a traffic phenomenon of corridor–car interplay that implicates the specific behavior of late passengers and the contribution of this phenomenon to train dwell time.
Ridesharing User Equilibrium and Its Implications for High-Occupancy Toll Lane Pricing
Authors: Di Xuan , Liu Henry X. , Ban Xuegang (Jeff) , Yang Hai
Published: December 2017

Shared mobility—ridesharing in particular—has become an important research topic in recent years because of the ability to relieve traffic congestion, reduce travel costs, and reduce energy consumption. However, researchers in transportation science still lack an understanding of how to incorporate ridesharing into the transportation planning process, specifically in the traffic assignment problem. This paper presents ridesharing user equilibrium (RUE) as a path-flow–based nonlinear complementarity problem with side constraints. This formulation is extended by considering the presence of high-occupancy toll lanes. A numerical example is given to illustrate the relationships of the path cost coefficients on RUE and on the occurrence of the Braess paradox. The performance of two tolling strategies is compared: one charges single-occupancy vehicles, and the other charges both single-occupancy vehicles and vehicles carrying only one passenger.
Reducing the Dimension of Online Calibration in Dynamic Traffic Assignment Systems
Authors: Prakash A. Arun , Seshadri Ravi , Antoniou Constantinos , Pereira Francisco C. , Ben-Akiva Moshe E.
Published: December 2017

Effective real-time traffic management strategies often require dynamic traffic assignment systems that are calibrated online. But the computationally intensive nature of online calibration limits their application to smaller networks. This paper presents a dimensionality reduction of the online calibration problem that is based on principal components to overcome this limitation. To demonstrate this approach, the origin–destination flow estimation problem is formulated in relation to its principal components. The efficacy of the procedure was tested with real data on the Singapore Expressway network in an open-loop framework. A reduction in the problem dimension by a factor of 50 was observed with only a 2% loss in estimation accuracy. Further, the computational times were reduced by an order of 100. The procedure led to better predictions, as the principal components captured the structural spatial relationships. This work has the potential to make the online calibration problem more scalable.
Iron-Catalysed Regioselective Arylsulfonylation of Quinoline N-Oxides with Sodium Arylsulfinates under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Mai Wenpeng , Lv Mingxiu , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lu Kui
Published: December 2017

An efficient protocol for one-pot deoxygenative and regioselective synthesis of 2-arylsulfonylquinolines has been developed via iron-catalysed cross-coupling reaction of quinoline N-oxides with sodium arylsulfinates in moderate to good yields under microwave irradiation. The reactions proceeded over a broad range of substrates with good regioselectivity and functional group tolerance.
The development, educational stratification and decomposition of mothers’ and fathers’ childcare time in Germany. An update for 2001-2013
Authors: Schulz Florian , Engelhardt Henriette
Published: December 2017

This study updates empirical knowledge about the development,(the educational stratification, and the decomposition of mothers’ and fathers’ childcare time in Germany with the most recent time use data. Using time series data from the German Time Use Study 2001/2002 and 2012/ 2013, we analyze time budgets for total childcare and six specific childcare activities on weekdays and weekends and estimate OLS regressions and Oaxaca decompositions. The study found that total childcare time has increased for mothers and fathers between 2001 and 2013 and that this change is predominantly due to increased time for basic childcare. It also found consistent evidence of an education gradient only for reading time with children. If there is significant change of time budgets between 2001 and 2013, this change seems to be driven by behavioral change rather than changing demographics. Our empirical findings on childcare time in Germany do not provide evidence of dynamics and stratification but rather of stability and similarity across parents’ educational levels. Besides the updates on German parents’ development, stratification and decomposition of time use for childcare, these analyses show that change in total childcare is not due to a proportional change over all single activities but due to changes in a few activities only.

Zusammenfassung

Diese Studie aktualisiert das empirische Wissen über die Entwicklung, die Bildungsstratifizierung und die Dekomposition der Zeitverwendung von Müttern und Vätern für Kinderbetreuung mit den aktuellen Zeitbudgetdaten für Deutschland. Auf Basis der der letzten beiden Erhebungen der Deutschen Zeitverwendungsstudie 2001/2002 und 2012/2013 werden die Zeitbudgets für die Gesamtzeit für Kinderbetreuung sowie sechs Einzeltätigkeiten mit OLS-Regressionen und Oaxaca- Dekompositionen untersucht. Die Studie zeigt, dass die Zeit für Kinderbetreuung von Müttern und Vätern zwischen 2001 und 2013 angestiegen ist, es einen Bildungsgradienten für Vorlesen gibt und signifikante Veränderungen in den Zeitbudgets nicht auf Kompositionsveränderung der Bevölkerung zurückgeführt werden können. Insgesamt belegt die Studie weniger die Dynamik als vielmehr die Stabilität und die geringe Bildungsdifferenzierung der Zeitverwendung für Kinderbetreuung. Darüber hinaus wird gezeigt, dass die Veränderungen in der Gesamtzeit für Kinderbetreuung nicht auf proportionale Veränderungen in allen, sondern nur auf Veränderungen in wenigen Einzeltätigkeiten zurückgeführt werden können.
Ist Rechtsextremismus „erblich“? Zur Ähnlichkeit rechtsextremer Verhaltenstendenzen von Studierenden und ihren Eltern
Authors: Boehnke Klaus
Published: December 2017

The paper poses the question under which circumstances right-wing extremist behavioral tendencies of university students and their parents are likely to be similar. To answer this research question, 147 students, their mothers, and their fathers were surveyed. Unlike in most social research, the focus is on self-reported right-wing extremist everyday behavior (e.g., usage of derogatory language when talking about migrants), not attitudes. The hypothesis is tested that high intergenerational similarity in right-wing extremism requires the frame of a parental ideology that fosters such an orientation: the basis for intergenerational similarity is provided only in those families that have a high level of hierarchic self-interest (HSI, Hagan). In line with findings of socialization research on right-wing extremism, differences in similarities between mothers and fathers, on the one hand, and sons and daughters, on the other hand, are also assumed: Transmission effects should be particularly strong in the fatherson dyad. Both hypotheses are confirmed by the study. The paper concludes with the suggestion that prevention work in the field of right-wing extremism should include family workshops, including, in particular, fathers and sons.

Zusammenfassung

Der Beitrag untersucht, unter welchen Bedingungen sich alltägliche rechtsextreme Verhaltenstendenzen von Studierenden und ihren Eltern ähneln. Hierzu wurden 147 Studierende, ihre Mütter und ihre Väter befragt. Anders als in vielen sozialwissenschaftlichen Studien geht es um selbstberichtetes rechtsextremes Alltagsverhalten (etwa die Nutzung herabwürdigender Sprache zur Bezeichnung von Migranten), nicht um Einstellungen. Die These wird geprüft, dass hohe intergenerationale Ähnlichkeit eine dem Rechtsextremismus förderliche ideologische Orientierung der Eltern als Frame voraussetzt: Nur in Familien mit einem hohen Level an Hierarchischem Selbstinteresse (HSI, Hagan) ist der Boden für intergenerationale Ähnlichkeit gelegt. Unterschiede in der Ähnlichkeit zwischen Müttern und Vätern bzw. Söhnen und Töchtern werden – im Einklang mit Befunden der Sozialisationsforschung zum Rechtsextremismus – ebenfalls angenommen: Transmissionseffekte in der Vater-Sohn-Dyade sollten besonders deutlich ausfallen. Beide Thesen werden bestätigt. Der Beitrag schließt mit dem Vorschlag, in die Prävention von Rechtsextremismus auch Elternarbeit, insbesondere die Arbeit mit Vätern und Söhnen einzubeziehen.
Performance of Mustard Varieties in haor Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Z , Kashem MA
Published: December 2017

A varietal trial of mustard was conducted at Noagaon village of Dekhar haor areas of south Sunamganj upazila of Sunamganj district, during November 2015 to March 2016, to find out the suitable mustard variety/varieties. A total of five varieties viz. BADC 1, SAU Sarisha-3, BARI Sarisha-11, BARI Sarisha-14 and BARI Sarisha-15 were tested in the farmer’s field. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were found among the mustard varieties for number of branches plant-1, number of capsules plant-1, capsule length, 1000-seed weight and seed yield. The mustard var. BARI Sarisha-11 produced the highest number of branches plant-1, number of capsules plant-1, 1000-seed weight resulting the highest seed yield (1.64 t ha-1), followed by BARI Sarisha-15 (1.47 t ha-1). The seed yield of BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-15 was not differed significantly, but the growth duration of BARI Sarisha-15 was shorter than the others.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 1-5
Application of Ash for Amelioration of Salinity Effect in Rice
Authors: Fahim AHF , Kader MA , Nahar MS , Wadud MA , Islam MA
Published: December 2017

Agricultural land use in coastal area covers 53% and the lands are mostly affected by salinity. Besides, the average yield of rice in these areas is very low due to salinity. Although, BRRI has developed salt registrant rice varieties, the average production can be improved through soil management. Thus, a pot experiment was conducted in the net house of Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during March to August 2010 to investigate the ameliorative effect of ash application on yield and yield attributes of rice under various salinity levels. Rice var. BRRI dhan47 (a salt tolerant variety) was used in the experiment. The sodium chloride induced salinity levels were 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mM NaCl and the levels of ash applied were 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 t ha-1. Results revealed that the different levels of salinity had significant adverse effect on plant height, tillers hill-1, panicle hill-1, grains panicle-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index. All the plants eventually died when they were exposed to salinity level of 40 mM NaCl or more and could not survive up to maturity. Application of ash enhanced the yield attributes and yield of rice under different salinity levels compared to those without ash. It was concluded that application of ash at the rate of 6 t ha-1 ameliorated the salinity stress effect on rice yield of BRRI dhan47.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 31-36
Antigravitation in the Universe
Authors: Novikov I D
Published: December 2017

We discuss how pressure affects the matter–matter gravitational interaction. We show the frequently used claim that gravitation is produced in General Relativity not only by the mass density ρ but also by the pressure p in the combination ρ + 3p/c
2 to be incorrect. The way pressure actually influences gravitation is discussed together with some related problems.
Optimization of Virtual Loudspeakers for Spatial Room Acoustics Reproduction with Headphones
Authors: Puomio Otto , Pätynen Jukka , Lokki Tapio
Published: December 2017

The use of headphones in reproducing spatial sound is becoming more and more popular. For instance, virtual reality applications often use head-tracking to keep the binaurally reproduced auditory environment stable and to improve externalization. Here, we study one spatial sound reproduction method over headphones, in particular the positioning of the virtual loudspeakers. The paper presents an algorithm that optimizes the positioning of virtual reproduction loudspeakers to reduce the computational cost in head-tracked real-time rendering. The listening test results suggest that listeners could discriminate the optimized loudspeaker arrays for renderings that reproduced a relatively simple acoustic conditions, but optimized array was not significantly different from equally spaced array for a reproduction of a more complex case. Moreover, the optimization seems to change the perceived openness and timbre, according to the verbal feedback of the test subjects.
Functional Elastic Knits Made of Bamboo Charcoal and Quick-Dry Yarns: Manufacturing Techniques and Property Evaluations
Authors: Lin Jia-Horng , He Chih-Hung , Huang Yu-Tien , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: December 2017

Conventional sportswear fabrics are functional textiles that can mitigate the impaired muscles caused by exercises for the wearers, but they can also cause discomfort and skin allergy. This study proposes combining two yarns to form functional composite yarns, by using a twisting or wrapping process. Moreover, a different twist number is used in order to adjust the performance of functional composite yarns. A crochet machine is used to make the functional composite yarns into functional elastic knits that are suitable for use in sportswear. The test results show that, in comparison to the non-processed yarns, using the twisted or wrapped yarns can considerably decrease the water vapor transmission rate of functional elastic knits by 38%, while also improving their far infrared emissivity by 13%, water absorption rate by 39%, and air permeability by 136%. In particular, the functional elastic knits that are made of B-wrapped yarns (bamboo charcoal- wrapped yarns), composed of 20 twists per inch, have the optimal diverse functions.
Economic Feasibility Analysis for Renewable Energy Project Using an Integrated TFN–AHP–DEA Approach on the Basis of Consumer Utility
Authors: Gan Lu , Xu Dirong , Hu Lin , Wang Lei
Published: December 2017

A renewable energy (RE) project has been brought into focus in recent years. Although there is quite a lot of research to assist investors in assessing the economic feasibility of the project, because of the lack of consideration of consumer utility, the existing approaches may still cause a biased result. In order to promote further development, this study focuses on the economic feasibility analysis of the RE project on the basis of consumer utility in the whole life cycle. Therefore, an integrated approach is proposed, which consists of triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs), an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and data envelopment analysis (DEA). The first step is to determine the comprehensive cost index weights of DEA by TFN–AHP. Secondly, to solve the problem, the first DEA model, which is proposed by A. Charnes, W. W. Cooper and E. Rhodes (C2R), is established to calculate the DEA effectiveness. Then, the third task involves designing a computer-based intelligent interface (CBII) to simplify realistic application and ensure performance efficiency. Finally, a solar water heater case study is demonstrated to validate the effectiveness of the entire method’s system. The study shows that this could make investors’ lives easier by using the CBII scientifically, reasonably and conveniently. Moreover, the research results could be easily extended to more complex real-world applications.
Environmental and Economic Benefit Analysis of an Integrated Heating System with Geothermal Energy—A Case Study in Xi’an China
Authors: Yan Qingyou , Qin Chao
Published: December 2017

Due to the increase in environmental problems and air pollution during the heating period, it is important to promote clean heating in cold regions, thereby meeting the heating demand in a green manner. In order to allocate resources more effectively and facilitate the consumption of renewable energy, this paper designs an integrated heating system that incorporates geothermal energy into the framework of an integrated energy system of electricity, heating, and gas. An analysis of the environmental and economic benefits indicates that the system reduces pollutant emissions and decreases the cost of urban heating. Using an example of central heating of residential buildings in Xi’an, the paper conducts a scenario analysis based on the gas peak-shaving ratio and the ratio of geothermal heating loads to basic heating loads. The results demonstrate that the environmental and economic benefits of the integrated heating system are higher compared to central heating using coal-fired boilers. In addition, this paper conducts a sensitivity analysis of the heat source to the price factors and the load ratios. The results show that the operating costs of the integrated heating system are most sensitive to the natural gas price and the gas peak-shaving ratio. Therefore, an optimum natural gas peak-shaving ratio can be determined.
Functional Expression of the Arachis hypogaea L. Acyl-ACP Thioesterases AhFatA and AhFatB Enhances Fatty Acid Production in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Chen Gao , Chen Jun , He Qingfang , Zhang Yan , Peng Zhenying , Fan Zhongxue , Bian Fei , Yu Jinhui , Qin Song
Published: December 2017

Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) are precursors of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are the focus of intensive global research due to their nutritional value, medicinal applications, and potential use as biofuel. Acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterases are intraplastidial enzymes that determine the types and amounts of fatty acids produced in plants and release fatty acids into the cytosol to be incorporated into glycerolipids. Based on amino acid sequence identity and substrate specificity, these enzymes are classified into two families, FatA and FatB. In this study, we cloned FatA and FatB thioesterases from Arachis hypogaea L. seeds and functionally expressed these genes, both individually and in tandem, in a blue-green alga Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. The heterologous expression of these genes in Synechocystis altered the fatty acid composition of lipids, resulting in a 29.5–31.6% increase in palmitoleic acid production and a 22.5–35.5% increase in stearic acid production. Moreover, the transgenic Synechocystis cells also showed significant increases in levels of oleic acid (C18:1, OA), linoleic acid (C18:2, LA), and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3, ALA). These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of algae can be significantly improved by the heterologous expression of exogenous genes. This study not only provides insight into fatty acid biosynthesis, but also lays the foundation for manipulating the fatty acid content of cyanobacteria.
A Multicriteria GIS-Based Assessment to Optimize Biomass Facility Sites with Parallel Environment—A Case Study in Spain
Authors: Jeong Jin , Ramírez-Gómez Álvaro
Published: December 2017

Optimizing a biomass facility site is a critical concern that is currently receiving an increased attention because of geographically spread biomass feedstock. This research presents a multicriteria GIS assessment with Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) (most suitable areas) and a sensitivity analysis (implementation strategies) applied to various disciplines using suitable criteria to optimize a biomass facility location in the context of renewable energies respecting the environment. The analyses of results with twelve criteria show the most suitable areas (9.25%) and constraints in a case study in Extremadura (Spain), where forest and agriculture are typical for land uses. Thus, the sensitivity analysis demonstrates the insight of the most influential criteria for supporting energy planning decisions. Therefore, this assessment could be used in studies to verify suitable biomass plants sites with corresponding geographical and spatial circumstances and available spatial data necessary in various governmental and industrial sectors.
Directionality Effects of Aligned Wind and Wave Loads on a Y-Shape Semi-Submersible Floating Wind Turbine under Rated Operational Conditions
Authors: Zhou Shengtao , Shan Baohua , Xiao Yiqing , Li Chao , Hu Gang , Song Xiaoping , Liu Yongqing , Hu Yimin
Published: December 2017

The Y-shape (triangular) semi-submersible foundation has been adopted by most of the built full-scale floating wind turbines, such as Windfloat, Fukushima Mirai and Shimpuu. Considering the non-fully-symmetrical shape and met-ocean condition, the foundation laying angle relative to wind/wave directions will not only influence the downtime and power efficiency of the floating turbine, but also the strength and fatigue safety of the whole structure. However, the dynamic responses induced by various aligned wind and wave load directions have scarcely been investigated comparatively before. In our study, the directionality effects are investigated by means of combined wind and wave tests and coupled multi-body simulations. By comparing the measured data in three load directions, it is found that the differences of platform motions are mainly derived from the wave loads and larger pitch motion can always be observed in one of the directions. To make certain the mechanism underlying the observed phenomena, a coupled multi-body dynamic model of the floating wind turbine is established and validated. The numerical results demonstrate that the second-order hydrodynamic forces contribute greatly to the directionality distinctions for surge and pitch, and the first-order hydrodynamic forces determine the variations of tower base bending moments and nacelle accelerations. These findings indicate the directionality effects should be predetermined comprehensively before installation at sea, which is important for the operation and maintenance of the Y-shape floating wind turbines.
Analyses of Wind and Photovoltaic Energy Integration from the Promoting Scheme Point of View: Study Case of Romania
Authors: Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Bâra Adela
Published: December 2017

The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) has several complex technical and economic aspects, such as: grid reinforcement, tertiary power reserves required for intermittent operation of RES, promoting or support scheme, etc. In this paper, the focus will be given to wind and photovoltaic energy integration from the promoting scheme point of view, with a special emphasis on the case of Romania. In this respect, we propose a model that shows the relation between wind and photovoltaic energy integration and support scheme in Romania. Due to the green certificates (GC) support scheme design that is related to several elements such as total consumption forecast, installed power of the plants based on each type of RES and their full load hours that are expected to vary, we also perform several sensitivity analyses. The GC support scheme implemented in Romania provides interesting insights regarding the installed power based on the primary energy source that could benefit from the GC for RES investors, policy and decision makers.
Dynamic Analysis of Load Operations of Two-Stage SOFC Stacks Power Generation System
Authors: Pianko-Oprych Paulina , Hosseini S. M.
Published: December 2017

The main purpose of this paper was to develop a complete dynamic model of a power generation system based on two serially connected solid oxide fuel cell stacks. The uniqueness of this study lies in a different number of fuel cells in the stacks. The model consists of the electrochemical model, mass and energy balance equations implemented in MATLAB Simulink environment. Particular attention has been paid to the analysis of the transient response of the reformers, fuel cells and the burner. The dynamic behavior of the system during transient conditions was investigated by load step changing. The model evaluates electrical and thermal responses of the system at variable drawn current. It was found that a decrease of 40% in the 1st stage and 2nd solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks drawn current caused both stacks temperature to drop by 2%. An increase of the cell voltage for the 1st and 2nd SOFC stacks led to very fast steam reformer response combined with a slight decrease in reformer temperature, while a considerable burner temperature increase of 70 K can be observed. Predictions of the model provide the basic insight into the operation of the power generation-based SOFC system during various transients and support its further design modifications.
Positioning and Imaging Detection of Corona Discharge in Air with Double Helix Acoustic Sensors Array
Authors: Dong Ming , Ma Ao , Ren Ming , Zhang Chongxing , Xie Jiacheng , Albarracín Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Corona discharge could be a serious hazard to the outdoor insulation of a high-voltage (HV) system and also is an important detection issue for insulation status diagnosis. In this study, a double-helix-ultrasonic-array (DHUA) sensor was developed for corona positioning, which showed a good sensitivity to the ultrasonic signal originating from corona discharge and a satisfied directional response in static beam patterns. Based on the matting-based image fusion method, the acoustic intensity matrix was fused to a visual scene in real-time. This ultrasonic visualization technology was then evaluated with a simulation test and performed in a real air insulated substation (AIS), and showed a satisfied performance in terms of sensitivity and spatial location resolution.
Adaptation to Climate Change in Forestry: A Perspective on Forest Ownership and Adaptation Responses
Authors: Andersson Elias , Keskitalo E. , Lawrence Anna
Published: December 2017

Adaptation to climate change has often been discussed from the perspectives of social vulnerability and community vulnerability, recognising that characteristics at local level will influence the particular adaptations undertaken. However, the extent to which national-level systemic factors influence and shape measures defined as adaptations has seldom been recognised. Focusing on adaptation to climate change in forestry, this study uses the example of two countries in the northern hemisphere with different forest ownership structures, forestry industry and traditions: Sweden, with strong private, non-industrial ownership, dominant forest industry and long forestry traditions; and Scotland, with forest ownership dominated by large estates and investment forestry based on plantations of exotic conifer species. The study shows how adaptation to climate change is structurally embedded and conditioned, which has resulted in specific challenges and constraints for different groups of forest owners within these two different contexts. This produces a specific set of political spaces and policy tools by rendering climate change in relation to forestry manageable, negotiable and practical/logical in specific ways. It is recommended that the focus of future work on climate-related issues and development of adaptation measures and policy should not be primarily on climate-related factors, but on institutional analysis of structural factors and logics in target sectors, in order to critically explore concepts of agency and power within these processes.
Characterisation of Beaver Habitat Parameters That Promote the Use of Culverts as Dam Construction Sites: Can We Limit the Damage to Forest Roads?
Authors: Tremblay Geneviève , Valeria Osvaldo , Imbeau Louis
Published: December 2017

The use of forest roads as foundations for dam construction by beavers is a recurrent problem in the management of forest road networks. In order to limit the damage to forest roads, our goal was to calculate the probability of beaver dam installation on culverts, according to surrounding habitat parameters, which could allow for improvement in the spatial design of new roads that minimise conflicts with beavers. Comparisons of culverts with (n = 77) and without (n = 51) dams in northwestern Quebec showed that catchment surface, cumulate length of all local streams within a 2-km radius, and road embankment height had a negative effect on the probability of dam construction on culverts, while flow level and culvert diameter ratio had a positive effect. Nevertheless, predicted probabilities of dam construction on culverts generally exceeded 50%, even on sites that were less favourable to beavers. We suggest that it would be more reasonable to take their probable subsequent presence into account at the earliest steps of road conception. Installing mitigation measures such as pre-dams during road construction would probably reduce the occurrence of conflicts with beavers and thus reduce the maintenance costs of forest roads.
Individual Data Linkage of Survey Data with Claims Data in Germany—An Overview Based on a Cohort Study
Authors: March Stefanie
Published: December 2017

Research based on health insurance data has a long tradition in Germany. By contrast, data linkage of survey data with such claims data is a relatively new field of research with high potential. Data linkage opens up new opportunities for analyses in the field of health services research and public health. Germany has comprehensive rules and regulations of data protection that have to be followed. Therefore, a written informed consent is needed for individual data linkage. Additionally, the health system is characterized by heterogeneity of health insurance. The lidA-living at work-study is a cohort study on work, age and health, which linked survey data with claims data of a large number of statutory health insurance data. All health insurance funds were contacted, of whom a written consent was given. This paper will give an overview of individual data linkage of survey data with German claims data on the example of the lidA-study results. The challenges and limitations of data linkage will be presented. Despite heterogeneity, such kind of studies is possible with a negligibly small influence of bias. The experience we gain in lidA will be shown and provide important insights for other studies focusing on data linkage.
Race, Ethnicity, Income Concentration and 10-Year Change in Urban Greenness in the United States
Authors: Casey Joan , James Peter , Cushing Lara , Jesdale Bill , Morello-Frosch Rachel
Published: December 2017

Background: Cross-sectional studies suggest urban greenness is unequally distributed by neighborhood demographics. However, the extent to which inequalities in greenness have changed over time remains unknown. Methods: We estimated 2001 and 2011 greenness using Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite-derived normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) in 59,483 urban census tracts in the contiguous U.S. We fit spatial error models to estimate the association between baseline census tract demographic composition in 2000 and (1) 2001 greenness and (2) change in greenness between 2001 and 2011. Results: In models adjusted for population density, climatic factors, housing tenure, and Index of Concentration at the Extremes for income (ICE), an SD increase in percent White residents (a 30% increase) in 2000 was associated with 0.021 (95% CI: 0.018, 0.023) higher 2001 NDVI. We observed a stepwise reduction in 2001 NDVI with increased concentration of poverty. Tracts with a higher proportion of Hispanic residents in 2000 lost a small, statistically significant amount of greenness between 2001 and 2011 while tracts with higher proportions of Whites experienced a small, statistically significant increase in greenness over the same period. Conclusions: Census tracts with a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities, compared to a higher proportion of White residents, had less greenness in 2001 and lost more greenness between 2001 and 2011. Policies are needed to increase greenness, a health-promoting neighborhood asset, in disadvantaged communities.
Does the Short-Term Effect of Air Pollution Influence the Incidence of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Different Patient Groups? Big Data Analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Ting-Ying , Ting Hsien-Wei , Chan Chien-Lung , Yang Nan-Ping , Pan Ren-Hao , Lai K. , Hung Su-In
Published: December 2017

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) has a high mortality rate. Research has demonstrated that the occurrence of sICH is related to air pollution. This study used big data analysis to explore the impact of air pollution on the risk of sICH in patients of differing age and geographic location. 39,053 cases were included in this study; 14,041 in the Taipei region (Taipei City and New Taipei City), 5537 in Taoyuan City, 7654 in Taichung City, 4739 in Tainan City, and 7082 in Kaohsiung City. The results of correlation analysis indicated that there were two pollutants groups, the CO and NO2 group and the PM2.5 and PM10 group. Furthermore, variations in the correlations of sICH with air pollutants were identified in different age groups. The co-factors of the influence of air pollutants in the different age groups were explored using regression analysis. This study integrated Taiwan National Health Insurance data and air pollution data to explore the risk factors of sICH using big data analytics. We found that PM2.5 and PM10 are very important risk factors for sICH, and age is an important modulating factor that allows air pollutants to influence the incidence of sICH.