bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Additives to Ni-Based Methanation Catalyst for Enhanced Anti-Sintering Performance
Authors: Li Yuting , Han Xiaoxia , Zhao Chaofan , Yue Lin , Zhao Jinxian , Ren Jun
Published: May 2019

The resistance to sintering of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts with different additives for methanation reaction was modeled and predicted by data mining. In the screening, the resistance to sintering of Na, Ca, Ce, Mg, La, Cu, Zn, Zr, In, Mo, and Ti promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalyst were measured in terms of the increased rate of the size of the metallic nickel particles. The resistance to sintering of catalysts, described by the increased rate of Ni particle size as well as basic physicochemical properties of the 11 selected elements, was adopted for optimization model construction by data mining. Through regression model prediction and experimental verification, Cs was found to be an additive, and promotes the resistance to sintering mostly for Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. This result provides further evidence that data mining techniques can be employed as a highly efficient tool for the discovery of new catalysts in comparison with the traditional experimental method.
Analysis of Genetic Alterations in Tunisian Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dhieb Dhoha , Belguith Imen , Capelli Laura , Chiadini Elisa , Canale Matteo , Bravaccini Sara , Yangui Ilhem , Boudawara Ons , Jlidi Rachid , Boudawara Tahya , Calistri Daniele , Ammar Keskes Leila , Ulivi Paola
Published: May 2019

The identification of the mutations that drive lung cancer have furnished new targets for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and led to the development of targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that are used to combat the molecular changes promoting cancer progression. Furthermore, biomarkers identified from gene analysis can be used to detect early lung cancer, determine patient prognosis, and monitor response to therapy. In the present study we analyzed the molecular profile of seventy-three Tunisian patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LAD). Mutational analyses for EGFR and KRAS were performed using direct sequencing, immunohistochemistry or MassARRAY. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using the D5F3 clone, and p53 expression was also assessed. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 61 years (range 23–82 years). Using different methodologies, EGFR mutations were found in 5.47% of patients and only exon 19 deletions “E746-A750 del” were detected. KRAS mutations were present in 9.58% of cases, while only one patient was ALK-positive. Moreover, abnormal immunostaining of p53 was detected in 56.16% of patients. In conclusion, the detected rates of EGFR and KRAS mutation and ALK rearrangement were lower than those found in European and Asian countries, whereas, abnormal p53 expression was slightly more frequent. Furthermore, given the small sample size of this study, a more comprehensive analysis of this patient set is warranted.
Mesoscale Convective Systems: A Case Scenario of the ‘Heavy Rainfall’ Event of 15–20 January 2013 over Southern Africa
Authors: Wiston Modise , Mphale Kgakgamatso Marvel
Published: May 2019

Southern east Africa is prone to some extreme weather events and interannual variability of the hydrological cycle, including tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall events. Most of these events occur during austral summer and are linked to shifts in the intertropical convergence zone, changes in El Niño Southern Oscillation signatures, sea surface temperature and sea level pressure. A typical example include mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that occur between October and March along the eastern part, adjacent to the warm waters of Mozambique Channel and Agulhas Current. In this study we discuss a heavy rainfall event over southern Africa, focusing particularly on the period 15–20 January 2013, the period during which MCSs were significant over the subcontinent. This event recorded one of the historic rainfalls due to extreme flooding and overflows, loss of lives and destruction of economic and social infrastructure. An active South Indian Convergence Zone was associated with the rainfall event sustained by a low-level trough linked to a Southern Hemisphere planetary wave pattern and an upper-level ridge over land. In addition, also noteworthy is a seemingly strong connection to the strength of the African Easterly Jet stream. Using rainfall data, satellite imagery and re-analysis (model processed data combined with observations) data, our analysis indicates that there was a substantial relation between rainfall totals recorded/observed and the presence of MCSs. The low-level trough and upper-level ridge contributed to moisture convergence, particularly from tropical South East Atlantic Ocean, which in turn contributed to the prolonged life span of the rainfall event. Positive temperature anomalies favored the substantial contribution of moisture fluxes from the Atlantic Ocean. This study provides a contextual assessment of rainfall processes and insight into the physical control mechanisms and feedback of large-scale convective interactions over tropical southern Africa.
Factors that Influence Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action: A Household Study in the Nuevo Leon Region, Mexico
Authors: González-Hernández Dulce Liliana , Meijles Erik W. , Vanclay Frank
Published: May 2019

Household-level mitigation and adaptation actions are important because households make a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and are severely affected by climate change. However, there is still very little understanding of the factors that influence household-level mitigation and adaptation action. From a review of literature, we identified the factors that potentially influence climate mitigation and adaptation actions of households, which we then tested using survey data from 622 households in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Nuevo Leon is a major emitter of greenhouse gasses and is a state where climate-related disasters are recurrent and expected to increase in frequency and severity. Results from ordinal regression analyses showed that perceived knowledge and financial self-efficacy greatly influenced the extent of household-level action taken. To a lesser extent, the age and educational level of the respondent also affected action. Respondents pointed out the need to know about different aspects of climate change. An implication of our study is the value of recognizing the importance of perceptions, as mitigation and adaptation actions are shaped by perceptions of climate change alongside socio-demographic characteristics. This may have significant implications for policies and campaigns promoting household-level action to increase resilience to climate change.
Estimating the Future Function of the Nipsa Reservoir due to Climate Change and Debris Sediment Factors
Authors: Maris Fotios , Vasileiou Apostolos , Tsiamantas Panagiotis , Angelidis Panagiotis
Published: May 2019

The constantly growing human needs for water aiming to supply urban areas or for energy production or irrigation purposes enforces the application of practices leading to its saving. The construction of dams has been continuously increasing in recent years, aiming at the collection and storage of water in the formed reservoirs. The greatest challenge that reservoirs face during their lifetime is the sedimentation caused by debris and by the effects of climate change on water harvesting. The paper presents an investigation on the amount, the position and the height of the debris ending up at the Nipsa reservoir. The assessment of the debris volume produced in the drainage basin was conducted by a geographical information system (GIS) based model, named TopRunDF, also used to predict the sedimentation area and the sediment deposition height in the sedimentation cone. The impact of climate change to the reservoir storage capacity is evaluated with the use of a water balance model triggered by the HadCM2, ECHAM4, CSIRO-MK2, CGCM1, CCSR-98 climate change models. The results predict a significant future decrease in the stored water volume of the reservoir, and therefore several recommendations are proposed for the proper future functioning and operation of the reservoir.
Hot Corrosion Resistance of Laser-Sealed Thermal-Sprayed Cermet Coatings
Authors: Baiamonte Lidia , Bartuli Cecilia , Marra Francesco , Gisario Annamaria , Pulci Giovanni
Published: May 2019

Hot corrosion affects the components of diesel engines and gas turbines working at high temperatures, in the presence of low-melting salts and oxides, such as sodium sulfate and vanadium oxide. Thermal-sprayed coatings of nickel–chromium-based alloys reinforced with ceramic phases, can improve the hot corrosion and erosion resistance of exposed metals, and a sealing thermal, post-treatment can prove effective in reducing the permeability of aggressive species. In this study, the effect of purposely-optimized high-power diode laser reprocessing on the microstructure and type II hot corrosion resistance of cermet coatings of various compositions was investigated. Three different coatings were produced by high velocity oxy-fuel and was tested in the presence of a mixture of Na2SO4 and V2O5 at 700 °C, for up to 200 h: (i) Cr3C2–25% NiCr, (ii) Cr3C2–25% CoNiCrAlY, and (iii) mullite nano–silica–60% NiCr. Results evidenced that laser sealing was not effective in modifying the mechanism, on the basis of the hot corrosion degradation but could provide a substantial increase of the surface hardness and a significant decrease of the overall coating material consumption rate (coating recession), induced by the high temperature corrosive attack.
Biomimetic Properties of Force-Spun PHBV Membranes Functionalised with Collagen as Substrates for Biomedical Application
Authors: McColgan-Bannon Kegan , Upson Sarah , Gentile Piergiorgio , Tausif Muhammad , Russell Stephen , Dalgarno Kenneth , Ferreira Ana
Published: May 2019

The force-spinning process parameters (i.e., spin speed, spinneret-collector distance, and polymer concentration), optimised and characterised in previous work by this group, allowed the rapid fabrication of large quantities of high surface area poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) polymeric fibre membranes. This paper examined the potential application for force-spun PHBV fibres functionalised with type I collagen for tissue regeneration applications. PHBV fibre scaffolds provide a biologically suitable substrate to guide the regeneration of dermal tissues, however, have poor cellular adhesion properties. The grafting of collagen type-I to PHBV fibres demonstrated improved cell adhesion and growth in Neo-NHDF (neonatal human dermal fibroblasts) fibroblasts. The examination of fibre morphology, thermal properties, collagen content, and degradability was used to contrast the physicochemical properties of the PHBV and PHBV-Collagen fibres. Biodegradation models using phosphate buffered saline determined there was no appreciable change in mass over the course of 6 weeks; a Sirius Red assay was performed on degraded samples, showing no change in the quantity of collagen. Cell metabolism studies showed an increase in cell metabolism on conjugated samples after three and 7 days. In addition, in vitro cytocompatibility studies demonstrated superior cell activity and adhesion on conjugated samples over 7 days.
Autonomous Wireless Sensor Networks in an IPM Spatial Decision Support System
Authors: Petrić Mina , Vandendriessche Jurgen , Marsboom Cedric , Matheussen Tom , Ducheyne Els , Touhafi Abdellah
Published: May 2019

Until recently data acquisition in integrated pest management (IPM) relied on manual collection of both pest and environmental data. Autonomous wireless sensor networks (WSN) are providing a way forward by reducing the need for manual offload and maintenance; however, there is still a significant gap in pest management using WSN with most applications failing to provide a low-cost, autonomous monitoring system that can operate in remote areas. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of implementing a reliable, fully independent, low-power WSN that will provide high-resolution, near-real-time input to a spatial decision support system (SDSS), capturing the small-scale heterogeneity needed for intelligent IPM. The WSN hosts a dual-uplink taking advantage of both satellite and terrestrial communication. A set of tests were conducted to assess metrics such as signal strength, data transmission and bandwidth of the SatCom module as well as mesh configuration, energetic autonomy, point to point communication and data loss of the WSN nodes. Finally, we demonstrate the SDSS output from two vector models forced by WSN data from a field site in Belgium. We believe that this system can be a cost-effective solution for intelligent IPM in remote areas where there is no reliable terrestrial connection.
Iron(II) Spin Crossover Complex with the 1,2,3-Triazole-Containing Linear Pentadentate Schiff-Base Ligand and the MeCN Monodentate Ligand
Authors: Matsuyama Tomoe , Nakata Keishi , Hagiwara Hiroaki , Udagawa Taro
Published: May 2019

A mononuclear iron(II) complex bearing the linear pentadentate N5 Schiff-base ligand containing two 1,2,3-triazole moieties and the MeCN monodentate ligand, [FeIIMeCN(L3-Me-3Ph)](BPh4)2·MeCN·H2O (1), have been prepared (L3-Me-3Ph = bis(N,N′-1-Phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-methylideneaminopropyl)methylamine). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed an incomplete one-step spin crossover (SCO) from the room-temperature low-spin (LS, S = 0) state to a mixture of the LS and high-spin (HS, S = 2) species at the higher temperature of around 400 K upon first heating, which is irreversible on the consecutive cooling mode. The magnetic modulation at around 400 K was induced by the crystal-to-amorphous transformation accompanied by the loss of lattice MeCN solvent, which was evident from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies and themogravimetry. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies showed that the complex is in the LS state (S = 0) between 296 and 387 K. In the crystal lattice, the complex-cations and B(1)Ph4− ions are alternately connected by intermolecular CH···π interactions between the methyl group of the MeCN ligand and phenyl groups of B(1)Ph4− ions, forming a 1D chain structure. The 1D chains are further connected by P4AE (parallel fourfold aryl embrace) interactions between two neighboring complex-cations, constructing a 2D extended structure. B(2)Ph4− ions and MeCN lattice solvents exist in the spaces of the 2D layer. DFT calculations verified that the 1,2,3-triazole-containing ligand L3-Me-3Ph gives a stronger ligand field around the octahedral coordination environment of the iron(II) ion than the analogous imidazole-containing ligand H2L2Me (= bis(N,N′-2-methylimidazol-4-yl-methylideneaminopropyl)methylamine) of the known compound [FeIIMeCN(H2L2Me)](BPh4)1.5·Cl0.5·0.5MeCN (2) reported by Matsumoto et al. (Nishi, K.; Fujinami, T.; Kitabayashi, A.; Matsumoto, N. Tetrameric spin crossover iron(II) complex constructed by imidazole⋯chloride hydrogen bonds. Inorg. Chem. Commun. 2011, 14, 1073–1076), resulting in the much higher spin transition temperature of 1 than that of 2.
Magnetic Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect in Gd100-xCox Thin Films
Authors: Tadout Mohamed , Lambert Charles-Henri , El Hadri Mohammed , Benyoussef Abdelilah , Hamedoun Mohammed , Benaissa Mohammed , Mounkachi Omar , Mangin Stéphane
Published: May 2019

We investigated the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Gd100-xCox ( x = 40 to 56) thin films fabricated by the sputtering technique. Under an applied field change Δ H = 20 kOe , the magnetic entropy change ( Δ S m ) decreases from 2.64 Jkg−1K−1 for x = 44 to about 1.27 Jkg−1K−1 for x = 56. Increasing the Co concentration from x = 40 to 56 shifts the Curie temperature of Gd100-xCox ( x = 40 to 56) thin films from 180 K toward 337 K. Moreover, we extracted the values of critical parameters Tc, β, γ, and δ by using the modified Arrott plot methods. The results indicate the presence of a long-range ferromagnetic order. More importantly, we showed that the relative cooling power (RCP), which is a key parameter in magnetic refrigeration applications, is strongly enhanced by changing the Co concentration in the Gd100-xCox thin films. Our findings help pave the way toward the enhancement of the magnetocaloric effect in magnetic thin films.
Approximate Entropy and Sample Entropy: A Comprehensive Tutorial
Authors: Delgado-Bonal Alfonso , Marshak Alexander
Published: May 2019

Approximate Entropy and Sample Entropy are two algorithms for determining the regularity of series of data based on the existence of patterns. Despite their similarities, the theoretical ideas behind those techniques are different but usually ignored. This paper aims to be a complete guideline of the theory and application of the algorithms, intended to explain their characteristics in detail to researchers from different fields. While initially developed for physiological applications, both algorithms have been used in other fields such as medicine, telecommunications, economics or Earth sciences. In this paper, we explain the theoretical aspects involving Information Theory and Chaos Theory, provide simple source codes for their computation, and illustrate the techniques with a step by step example of how to use the algorithms properly. This paper is not intended to be an exhaustive review of all previous applications of the algorithms but rather a comprehensive tutorial where no previous knowledge is required to understand the methodology.
Overview of Binary Locally Repairable Codes for Distributed Storage Systems
Authors: Kim Young-Sik , Kim Chanki , No Jong-Seon
Published: May 2019

This paper summarizes the details of recently proposed binary locally repairable codes (BLRCs) and their features. The construction of codes over a small alphabet size of symbols is of particular interest for efficient hardware implementation. Therefore, BLRCs are highly noteworthy because no multiplication is required during the encoding, decoding, and repair processes. We explain the various construction approaches of BLRCs such as cyclic code based, bipartite graph based, anticode based, partial spread based, and generalized Hamming code based techniques. We also describe code generation methods based on modifications for linear codes such as extending, shorting, expurgating, and augmenting. Finally, we summarize and compare the parameters of the discussed constructions.
A Denoising Method of Ship Radiated Noise Signal Based on Modified CEEMDAN, Dispersion Entropy, and Interval Thresholding
Authors: Li Guohui , Yang Zhichao , Yang Hong
Published: May 2019

Due to the non-linear and non-stationary characteristics of ship radiated noise (SR-N) signal, the traditional linear and frequency-domain denoising methods cannot be used for such signals. In this paper, an SR-N signal denoising method based on modified complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EMD) with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), dispersion entropy (DE), and interval thresholding is proposed. The proposed denoising method has the following advantages: (1) as an improved version of CEEMDAN, modified CEEMDAN (MCEEMDAN) combines the advantages of EMD and CEEMDAN, and it is more reliable than CEEMDAN and has less consuming time; (2) as a fast complexity measurement technology, DE can effectively identify the type of intrinsic mode function (IMF); and (3) interval thresholding is used for SR-N signal denoising, which avoids loss of amplitude information compared with traditional denoising methods. Firstly, the original signal is decomposed into a series of IMFs using MCEEMDAN. According to the DE value of IMF, the modes are divided into three types: noise IMF, noise-dominated IMF and pure IMF. After noise IMFs are removed, the noise-dominated IMFs are denoised using interval thresholding. Finally, the pure IMF and the processed noise-dominated IMFs are reconstructed to obtain the final denoised signal. The denoising experiments with the Chen’s chaotic system show that the proposed method has a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than the other three methods. Applying the proposed method to denoise the real SR-N signal, the topological structure of chaotic attractor can be recovered clearly. It is proved that the proposed method can effectively suppress the high-frequency noise of SR-N signal.
Optimization of the Cell Structure for Radiation-Hardened Power MOSFETs
Authors: Wang Teng , Wan Xin , Jin Hu , Li Hao , Sun Yabin , Liang Renrong , Xu Jun , Zheng Lirong
Published: May 2019

Power MOSFETs specially designed for space power systems are expected to simultaneously meet the requirements of electrical performance and radiation hardness. Radiation-hardened (rad-hard) power MOSFET design can be achieved via cell structure optimization. This paper conducts an investigation of the cell geometrical parameters with major impacts on radiation hardness, and a rad-hard power MOSFET is designed and fabricated. The experimental results validate the devices’ total ionizing dose (TID) and single event effects (SEE) hardness to suitably satisfy most space power system requirements while maintaining acceptable electrical performance.
Framework for Managing Maintenance of Wind Farms Based on a Clustering Approach and Dynamic Opportunistic Maintenance
Authors: Izquierdo Juan , Crespo Márquez Adolfo , Uribetxebarria Jone , Erguido Asier
Published: May 2019

The growth in the wind energy sector is demanding projects in which profitability must be ensured. To fulfil such aim, the levelized cost of energy should be reduced, and this can be done by enhancing the Operational Expenditure through excellence in Operations & Maintenance. There is a considerable amount of work in the literature that deals with several aspects regarding the maintenance of wind farms. Among the related works, several focus on describing the reliability of wind turbines and many set the spotlight on defining the optimal maintenance strategy. It is in this context where the presented work intends to contribute. In the paper a technical framework is proposed that considers the data and information requisites, integrated in a novel approach a clustering-based reliability model with a dynamic opportunistic maintenance policy. The technical framework is validated through a case study in which simulation mechanisms allow the implementation of a multi-objective optimization of the maintenance strategy for the lifecycle of a wind farm. The proposed approach is presented under a comprehensive perspective which enables the discovery an optimal trade-off among competing objectives in the Operations & Maintenance of wind energy projects.
Integrating Long Short-Term Memory and Genetic Algorithm for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Santra Arpita Samanta , Lin Jun-Lin
Published: May 2019

Electricity load forecasting is an important task for enhancing energy efficiency and operation reliability of the power system. Forecasting the hourly electricity load of the next day assists in optimizing the resources and minimizing the energy wastage. The main motivation of this study was to improve the robustness of short-term load forecasting (STLF) by utilizing long short- term memory (LSTM) and genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed method is novel: LSTM networks are designed to avoid the problem of long-term dependencies, and GA is used to obtain the optimal LSTM’s parameters, which are then applied to predict the hourly electricity load for the next day. The proposed method was trained using actual load and weather data, and the performance results showed that it yielded small mean absolute percentage error on the test data.
Evaluation of LFP Battery SOC Estimation Using Auxiliary Particle Filter
Authors: Liu Qinghe , Liu Shouzhi , Liu Haiwei , Qi Hao , Ma Conggan , Zhao Lijun
Published: May 2019

State of charge (SOC) estimation of lithium batteries is one of the most important unresolved problems in the field of electric vehicles. Due to the changeable working environment and numerous interference sources on vehicles, it is more difficult to estimate the SOC of batteries. Particle filter is not restricted by the Gaussian distribution of process noise and observation noise, so it is more suitable for the application of SOC estimation. Three main works are completed in this paper by taken LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery as the research object. Firstly, the first-order equivalent circuit model is adapted in order to reduce the computational complexity of the algorithm. The accuracy of the model is improved by identifying the parameters of the models under different SOC and minimum quadratic fitting of the identification results. The simulation on MATLAB/Simulink shows that the average voltage error between the model simulation and test data was less than 24.3 mV. Secondly, the standard particle filter algorithm based on SIR (sequential importance resampling) is combined with the battery model on the MATLAB platform, and the estimating formula in recursive form is deduced. The test data show that the error of the standard particle filter algorithm is less than 4% and RMSE (root mean square error) is 0.0254. Thirdly, in order to improve estimation accuracy, the auxiliary particle filter algorithm is developed by redesigning the importance density function. The comparative experimental results of the same condition show that the maximum error can be reduced to less than 3.5% and RMSE is decreased to 0.0163, which shows that the auxiliary particle filter algorithm has higher estimation accuracy.
An Operation Strategy of the Hybrid Multi-Terminal HVDC for Contingency
Authors: Hwang Sungchul , Song Sungyoon , Jang Gilsoo , Yoon Minhan
Published: May 2019

The application of the direct current (DC) transmission is increasing through the interconnection between grids or the renewable energy resource integration. Various types of DC transmission topology are researched, and the hybrid multi-terminal high voltage DC (HVDC), called the “MTDC”, is one of the research subjects. The hybrid multi-terminal HVDC is the MTDC system that is composed with the Line Commutated Converter (LCC) and Voltage Source Converter (VSC). Most hybrid MTDC research has been focused on the connection of the renewable energy generation sources, especially offshore wind farms. However, the DC grid built with a hybrid MTDC was recently proposed due to the development of the converter technology. Therefore, the DC grid is expected to be able to substitute some parts of the transmission grid instead of the alternating current (AC) system, and the operation strategies of the DC grid are still being researched. The DC grid has the advantage of being able to control the power flow, which can even improve the stability of the connected AC system. The dynamic model is required to analyze the improvement of the AC system by the operation strategy of the hybrid MTDC, however, there is no generic model for the system. In this paper, an operation strategy of the hybrid MTDC is proposed to improve the stability of the AC power system by increasing the utilization of parallel AC transmission lines under the contingency condition. Furthermore, studies on the modeling method for a hybrid MTDC analysis were performed. The proposed modeling method and operation strategy were verified in simulations for which a modified IEEE 39 bus test system was used. The improvement of transient stability by the proposed hybrid MTDC system was shown in the simulation results.
Study on a New Gasoline Particulate Filter Structure Based on the Nested Cylinder and Diversion Channel Plug
Authors: Mu Mingfei , Li Xinghu , Qiu Yong , Shi Yang
Published: May 2019

Increasingly stringent emission regulations have imposed strict requirements on the particulate matter (PM) from gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, and the gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) are considered one of the most promising devices for meeting these requirement. To reduce the flow resistance of the GPF, a type of nested cylinder and diversion channel plug (NC-DCP) GPF is designed. It is composed of nested foam metal cylinders and annular diversion channel plugs. The pressure drop and its influencing factors were theoretically studied. The results show that the structural parameters, such as the cylindrical layer spacing and the length-to-diameter ratio, and the pressure drop have trade-off relationships. Moreover, the filtration efficiency is analyzed, and the calculation formula is summarized. The internal flow field distribution and its influencing factors are discussed based on a 2-D axisymmetric simulation. The results show that the exhaust velocity affects the flow field uniformity but does not affect the flow field structure. The pressure drop gradually decreases as the number of nested layers increases, and the positive direction is beneficial to reduce the overall pressure drop. Under different velocities, there is an optimal length-to-diameter ratio to minimize the pressure drop, and the simicircular diversion plug greatly improves the flow uniformity index for the internal flow field of the filter element.
Aggregation Strategy for Reactive Power Compensation Techniques—Validation
Authors: Ali Jibran , Massucco Stefano , Silvestro Federico
Published: May 2019

Reactive power provision is a vital ancillary service, which provides opportunities to service market and power generators. The net reactive power in a balanced power grid needs to be zero, and the imbalance occurs due to the capacitive and inductive behavior of the extensive transmission lines, and because of the intermittent behavior of load-demand. This mismanagement in reactive power causes voltage instability, and hence the paper compares the most common reactive power compensation techniques, which are prevalent in both literature and commercial levels. The paper perceives the trade-off between the compared techniques, and realizes to use the aggregation of different techniques to present a coordinated control mechanism that complies with the Italian regulations. The parameters for the proposed aggregation include the amount of reactive power, real power losses during reactive power provision, and response time. The paper then implements IEEE 9 bus transmission-generation system in DIgSILENT to set up the platform for validation of the proposed strategy. Finally, it simulates Transmission System Operator (TSO) test cases on the implemented test system.
Logging Community-Based Forests in the Amazon: An Analysis of External Influences, Multi-Partner Governance, and Resilience
Authors: Espada Ana Luiza Violato , Vasconcellos Sobrinho Mário
Published: May 2019

Over the last few years, forest-based communities have faced two different but related phenomena. On the one hand, they have become more integrated with global economies, accessing regional and international markets. On the other, they have been pressured by economic groups into becoming part of the ecologically unequal exchange that exports natural resources and generates social and environmental problems at a local level. However, within new approaches to managing common-pool resources in common properties such as sustainable-use protected areas, communities are finding their own ways to be resilient and to face the two phenomena that are part of the same global economic system. Communities have built a multi-partner governance system for forest management and community development that involves agents from the civil society, state and market. Accordingly, multi-partner governance has proven to be a strategy to protect community-based forests against increasing timber market pressure. The question that then emerges is, to what extent has multi-partner governance been effective in supporting forest-based communities to be resilient and to face pressures from the global timber market in forests under community use? The aim of this paper is to analyze forest-based community resilience to the global economic system in situations where common properties are under governance of multiple stakeholders. The research is based on a singular case study in the Tapajós National Forest, Brazilian Amazon, which is a sustainable-use protected area with 24 communities involved in a multi-partner governance system. The article shows that forest-based communities under pressure have been resilient, and facing the global economic system have created a community-based cooperative for managing timber and engaging all partners in the process to improve their collective action. The cooperative provides timber sales revenue that supports community development both through diversification of agroforestry production and building of infrastructure as collective benefits.
The Phenological Growth Stages of Sapindus mukorossi According to BBCH Scale
Authors: Zhao Guochun , Gao Yuhan , Gao Shilun , Xu Yuanyuan , Liu Jiming , Sun Caowen , Gao Yuan , Liu Shiqi , Chen Zhong , Jia Liming
Published: May 2019

Sapindus mukorossi is a native tree in southern China that has multiple useful functions, including high landscaping, ecological, esthetic, and economic values. More importantly, its fruits are being rapidly developed as raw materials for bioenergy and saponin production in southern China. To provide a standardized phenological description of the species, this study firstly used the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale. In total, eight principal stages—i.e., bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity, senescence and beginning of dormancy—and 58 secondary stages were described. It ranges from vegetative bud dormancy to the onset of the next beginning of the dormancy, using a two-digit numerical coding system. In addition to the descriptions, we provide photographic images of some major developmental stages to standardize morphological characteristics and the phenological observation of S. mukorossi. This study will be an asset for biological researches and cultivation management in Sapindus, and will provide valuable information for other fruit trees.
γ-ray and ν Searches for Dark-Matter Subhalos in the Milky Way with a Baryonic Potential
Authors: Hütten Moritz , Stref Martin , Combet Céline , Lavalle Julien , Maurin David
Published: May 2019

The distribution of dark-matter (DM) subhalos in our galaxy remains disputed, leading to varying γ -ray and ν flux predictions from their annihilation or decay. In this work, we study how, in the inner galaxy, subhalo tidal disruption from the galactic baryonic potential impacts these signals. Based on state-of-the art modeling of this effect from numerical simulations and semi-analytical results, updated subhalo spatial distributions are derived and included in the CLUMPY code. The latter is used to produce a thousand realizations of the γ -ray and ν sky. Compared to predictions based on DM only, we conclude a decrease of the flux of the brightest subhalo by a factor of 2 to 7 for annihilating DM and no impact on decaying DM: the discovery prospects or limits subhalos can set on DM candidates are affected by the same factor. This study also provides probability density functions for the distance, mass, and angular distribution of the brightest subhalo, among which the mass may hint at its nature: it is most likely a dwarf spheroidal galaxy in the case of strong tidal effects from the baryonic potential, whereas it is lighter and possibly a dark halo for DM only or less pronounced tidal effects.
Transcriptome Changes of Skeletal Muscle RNA-Seq Speculates the Mechanism of Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats During the Early Stage of T2D
Authors: Zhang Wenlu , Meng Yuhuan , Fu Shuying , Li Xingsong , Chen Zixi , Huang Lizhen , Du Hongli
Published: May 2019

To address how skeletal muscle contributes to postprandial hyperglycemia, we performed skeletal muscle transcriptome analysis of diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and control Wistar rats by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). We obtained 600 and 1785 differentially expressed genes in GK rats compared to those Wistar rats at three and four weeks of age, respectively. Specifically, Tbc1d4, involved in glucose uptake, was significantly downregulated in the skeletal muscle of GK aged both three and four weeks compared to those of age-matched Wistar rats. Pdk4, related to glucose uptake and oxidation, was significantly upregulated in the skeletal muscle of GK aged both three and four weeks compared to that of age-matched Wistar rats. Genes (Acadl, Acsl1 and Fabp4) implicated in fatty acid oxidation were significantly upregulated in the skeletal muscle of GK aged four weeks compared to those of age-matched Wistar rats. The overexpression or knockout of Tbc1d4, Pdk4, Acadl, Acsl1 and Fabp4 has been reported to change glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation directly in rodents. By taking the results of previous studies into consideration, we speculated that dysregulation of key dysregulated genes (Tbc1d4, Pdk4, Acadl, Acsl1 and Fabp4) may lead to a decrease in glucose uptake and oxidation, and an increase in fatty acid oxidation in GK skeletal muscle at three and four weeks, which may, in turn, contribute to postprandial hyperglycemia. Our research revealed transcriptome changes in GK skeletal muscle at three and four weeks. Tbc1d4, Acadl, Acsl1 and Fabp4 were found to be associated with early diabetes in GK rats for the first time, which may provide a new scope for pathogenesis of postprandial hyperglycemia.
The Biochemical Activities of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pif1 Helicase Are Regulated by Its N-Terminal Domain
Authors: Nickens David G. , Sausen Christopher W. , Bochman Matthew L.
Published: May 2019

Pif1 family helicases represent a highly conserved class of enzymes involved in multiple aspects of genome maintenance. Many Pif1 helicases are multi-domain proteins, but the functions of their non-helicase domains are poorly understood. Here, we characterized how the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pif1 helicase affects its functions both in vivo and in vitro. Removal of the Pif1 NTD alleviated the toxicity associated with Pif1 overexpression in yeast. Biochemically, the N-terminally truncated Pif1 (Pif1ΔN) retained in vitro DNA binding, DNA unwinding, and telomerase regulation activities, but these activities differed markedly from those displayed by full-length recombinant Pif1. However, Pif1ΔN was still able to synergize with the Hrq1 helicase to inhibit telomerase activity in vitro, similar to full-length Pif1. These data impact our understanding of Pif1 helicase evolution and the roles of these enzymes in the maintenance of genome integrity.
Examining the Impact of Victimization on Girls’ Delinquency: A Study of Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Peterson Johanna , DeHart Dana , Wright Emily
Published: May 2019

Previous research has acknowledged that there is a relationship between victimization and later delinquency, but the specific attributes of this relationship are unclear because measures of both direct and indirect victimization are rarely explored in a single study. We included both indirect and direct victimization to examine which form of victimization was a stronger predictor of substance use, fighting, running away, and sex work among girls committed to a juvenile justice facility. Findings indicated that direct victimization was typically a more salient predictor of delinquency than indirect forms of victimization. Further, running away and sex work appear to be unique outcomes that are particularly likely when girls experience direct rather than indirect victimization. Findings are summarized with implications for health and public policy.
Maintenance and Development of Social Connection by People with Long-term Conditions: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wilkinson Amanda , Bowen Lucy , Gustavsson Elias , Håkansson Simon , Littleton Nicole , McCormick James , Thompson Michelle , Mulligan Hilda
Published: May 2019

Social connection is important for people’s health and well-being. Social isolation arising from a lack of meaningful connection with others can result in deterioration of well-being with negative consequences for health. For people living with multiple long-term conditions, the building and maintaining of social connection may be challenging. The aim of this study was to explore with people with long-term conditions how they perceive they maintain and develop social connections. We undertook semi-structured interviews with seventeen adults, and analyzed the data for themes. Themes were “Meaningful connection”, “Wherewithal for social connection” and “Impact of a major change in life course”. The findings suggest that social connection is valued, and facilitates meaningful ways to reciprocate support with others, thus enabling access to knowledge and resources for better health and well-being. However, people with long-term conditions can experience challenges to developing and maintaining social connectedness after a major change in life course. We suggest that healthcare providers are well placed to facilitate ways for people with long-term conditions to socially connect with others in their neighbourhood and community, and that this in particular be attended to after a major life change.
Process-Oriented Feedback through Process Mining for Surgical Procedures in Medical Training: The Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheter Placement Case
Authors: Lira Ricardo , Salas-Morales Juan , Leiva Luis , Fuente Rene de la , Fuentes Ricardo , Delfino Alejandro , Nazal Claudia Hurtado , Sepúlveda Marcos , Arias Michael , Herskovic Valeria , Munoz-Gama Jorge
Published: May 2019

Developing high levels of competence in the execution of surgical procedures through training is a key factor for obtaining good clinical results in healthcare. To improve the effectiveness of the training, it is advisable to provide feedback to each student tailored to how the student has performed the procedure on each occasion. Current state-of-the-art feedback is based on Checklists and Global Rating Scales, which indicate whether all process steps have been carried out and the quality of each execution step. However, there is a process perspective that is not captured successfully by these instruments, e.g., steps performed, but in an undesired order, group of activities that are repeated an unnecessary number of times, or an excessive transition time between two consecutive steps. In this research, we propose a novel use of process mining techniques to effectively identify desired and undesired process patterns regarding rework, the order in which activities are performed, and time performance, in order to complement the tailored feedback for surgical procedures using a process perspective. The proposed approach was applied to analyze a real case of ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheter placement training. It was quantitatively and qualitatively validated that the students who participated in the training program perceived the process-oriented feedback they received as favorable for their learning.
Orthognathic Surgery Treatment Need in a Turkish Adult Population: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Olkun Hatice Kübra , Borzabadi-Farahani Ali , Uçkan Sina
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Limited information exists on orthognathic procedures and respective dentofacial deformities in Turkey. This retrospective study assessed the orthognathic surgery procedures in two universities, using the Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need (IOFTN), and compared the IOFTN grades according to gender as well as sagittal and vertical skeletal relationships. Material and Methods: Records of 200 consecutive patients (120 females, 80 males, mean age = 23.4 (SD: 5.4) years) who received orthognathic treatment (2014–2018) were analyzed. Sagittal (ANB angle) and vertical skeletal type (GoGnSN angle), osteotomies, and IOFTN scores were recorded. Results: Class III, II, and I malocclusions formed 69%, 17.5%, and 13.5% of the samples, respectively. Class III skeletal relationships (69%) and high-angle cases (64%) were the most prevalent (p < 0.05). IOFTN scores were unevenly distributed among genders (p < 0.05) and the prevalent scores were 5.3 (40.5%), 4.3 (15.5%), 5.4 (13%), and 5.2 (7.5%), with 94% scoring 4 or 5 (great and very great functional need). Bimaxillary osteotomies were the most prevalent (55%), followed by LeFort I (32%), and 26% had genioplasty. Conclusion: IOFTN is a reliable tool to identify patients in need of orthognathic surgery. Class III malocclusions and Class III sagittal skeletal relationships were more common in this sample. Comparatively, a higher number of patients had genioplasty as a part of their treatment.
Understanding the Factors and the Corresponding Interactions That Influence Construction Worker Safety Performance from a Competency-Model-Based Perspective: Evidence from Scaffolders in China
Authors: Liang Kongzheng , Fung Ivan Wing Hong , Xiong Chaohua , Luo Hanbin
Published: May 2019

Purpose: Construction workers’ reactions to safety-related issues during operation vary from person to person due to their different occupational levels, which can be attributed to various influencing factors and their correspondingly complicated interactions. This research aims to propose an integrated framework to combine the concepts of these factors and provide a holistic interpretation of the interrelationship among them. Methods: Based on items that were mainly extracted from competency theory, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to identify the critical factors from the data collected from 243 scaffolders on Wuhan Metro construction sites. The interactions among the identified factors were then analyzed, and the safety competency model was thus established with the use of structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: A total of 17 items were identified as critical to workers’ safety competency, and these were further tested and attributed to four factors: (1) individual character and inclination; (2) self-adjustment and adaptability; (3) working attitudes; (4) safety-related operation qualification. Subsequent analysis showed that all the factors significantly contributed to one’s safety competency, and individual character and inclination contributed most to the formation of one’s ability, while the intermediating effects of self-adjustment and adaptability should not be neglected both in theoretical and practical terms. The resultant safety competency model consisting of these four factors was revealed to share a hierarchical structure with the classical competency model. Significance: This study provided an integrated theoretical framework and a set of modeling approaches to combine the related concepts and facilitate a greater understanding of construction safety in terms of workers’ characteristics and behaviors. Practical implications: This study presented a tentative approach for assessing construction workers’ safety competency, as well as emphasized to the managers and professionals the necessity of developing training systems to ensure workers are integrated into a crew in an appropriate and smooth manner. Limitations and Future Work: The volume and the scope of samples impeded the study from achieving a more generalized result and a more cost-efficient data collection approach is in need of development for a comprehensive and in-depth investigation.