bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Дитячий колективний спів у храмовій традиції: шляхи взаємодії «дитячості» і хорової співочої практики
Authors: Dolynska Larysa
Published: July 2018

У статті досліджуються побутування дитячого хорового співу у храмовій традиції; своєрідність умов, за яких використовувався і використовується дитячий хоровий спів у храмах; історія, умови та наслідки взаємодії «дитячості» з храмовим дійством. Вказується, що поза розуміння дитинства та дитячості як початку усього людського пізнавального та вічно творчої його природи відсутнє розуміння людини, а також мистецьких та культурно-духовних явищ як цілісності.Ключові слова: діти, дитячість, «відкриття дитинства», дитячий хоровий спів, церковно-співоча практика.
До питання виконавської інтерпретації фортепіанної музики М. Метнера
Authors: Shevchenko Tetiana
Published: July 2018

У статті розглянуто особливості виконання фортепіанної музики Метнера на прикладі інтерпретації «Сонати-спогади» яскравими піаністами ХХ століття Е. Гілельсом і С. Ріхтером. Автором на основі виконавської партитури ремарок виявлені романтично-емоційний тип виконання Гілельса і незграбно-пластичний, стриманий варіант гри Ріхтера.Ключові слова: російська фортепіанна соната, фортепіанний стиль Метнера, Соната-спогад, виконавська партитура ремарок.
Интерактивное взаимодействие музыканта-исполнителя и слушателей в процессе концертно-художественной коммуникации
Authors: Yergieva Ekateryna
Published: July 2018

В статье изучаются некоторые аспекты взаимодействия музыканта-исполнителя и публики в условиях современной концертной коммуникативной ситуации. Дана характеристика типов исполнительского контакта со слушателями, рассмотрен онтогенез взаимоотношений артиста и публики, в идеале преобразующихся в слушательское сотворчество. Исследуются различные способы привлечения внимания публики, влияние на данный процесс таких факторов, как харизма исполнителя и его имидж. Выявляются аналогии с ораторским искусством, подчеркнута важная роль аутосуггестии для убедительности сценического выступления и уверенности исполнителя в собственных силах.Ключевые слова: аутосуггестия, интерактивность, концертно-художественная коммуникация, слушательское сотворчество, типы исполнительско-слушательского контакта, харизма.
Фортепіанний цикл Ф. Ліста «Різдвяна ялинка»: нова концепція дитячої музики
Authors: Xiaole Zhu
Published: July 2018

У статті виявляються смислові пласти фортепіанного циклу Ф. Ліста «Різдвяна ялинка» в аспектах «відкриття дитинства», музичної Різдвіяни, мовно-композиторських, композиційних та духовно-філософських засад, що дозволяє виявити низку особливих властивостей форми-змісту цикла, а також спонукає до аналізу музичного матеріалу з позицій амбівалентністі сакрального/театрально-ігрового. Останнє відтворює цілісність дитячого світосприйняття, яке вдалося зберегти умудреному митцю – Ф. Лісту – до кінця життя.Ключові слова: фортепіанний цикл для дітей, «відкриття дитинства», романтизм, Ф. Ліст, різдвяна тема в музиці.
Антреприза родини Ризничів і Ко в італійському театрі Одеси 1831-1838 рр.: становлення закордонного оперного ангажементу
Authors: Batsak Kostyantyn
Published: July 2018

Досліджені проблеми діяльності одеської оперної антрепризи 1831-1838 рр., яка у той час перебувала в руках родини Ризничів та їхніх компаньйонів. На основі залучених вітчизняних архівних джерел, місцевої та італійської преси проаналізовані основні напрями діяльності антрепренера італійської опери: господарський, організаційний та фінансово-економічний. Головні акцент зроблений на висвітленні зв’язків одеської антрепризи з італійськими театральними агенціями та муніципальною й регіональною владою. Кваліфікована діяльність антрепренера на «власному полі» й за кордоном сприяла успішному вирішенню багатьох проблем, що виникали в оперно-сценічній практиці та в повсякденному житті театру.Ключові слова: італійська оперна антреприза, італійська оперна трупа Одеси, італійський оперний театр, театральна агенція.
Exploring the Profile of Incidental Memory in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kontaxopoulou Dionysia , Beratis Ion N. , Fragkiadaki Stella , Pavlou Dimosthenis , Andronas Nikos , Yannis George , Economou Alexandra , Papanicolaou Andrew C. , Papageorgiou Sokratis G.
Published: July 2018

Incidental memory can be defined as the ability to acquire information unintentionally. The present study investigated incidental memory performance in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients; additionally, hippocampal atrophy between groupswas examined. Twenty-nine aMCI patients (14 with hippocampal atrophy, measured by the Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy scale), 15 mild AD patients, and 20 cognitively intact individuals underwent a detailed medical and neuropsychological assessment examining intentional memory, using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test. Participants first took part in a driving simulator experiment, followed by an unexpected incidental memory questionnaire referring to elements related to the driving simulation. The mild AD group performed worse than the aMCI group and the control group both in incidental and intentional memory tasks, whereas the aMCI group differed significantly from the control group only in the intentional memory tasks. The incidental recognition memory task was the only measure that differed between aMCI patients with and without hippocampal atrophy. Moreover, incidental memory tasks were the only measures that correlated significantly with both left and right hippocampal atrophy. The current findings indicate that incidental memory testing may provide potentially useful information for detecting aMCI patients with greater hippocampal atrophy, who may be considered at higher risk of developing dementia due to AD.
Dopaminergic Effect on Non-Motor Symptoms in Late Stage Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rosqvist Kristina , Odin Per , Hagell Peter , Iwarsson Susanne , Nilsson Maria H. , Storch Alexander
Published: July 2018

Background:

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) are common in late stage Parkinson’s disease (PD), as the frequency and severity of most of these symptoms increase with advancing disease.

Objective:

To assess effect of dopaminergic therapy on NMS in late stage PD and to investigate relationships between dopaminergic effect on NMS and on motor function.

Method:

Thirty PD patients in Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stages IV and V in “on” were included. Dopaminergic effect on non-motor symptomatology was assessed by the modified version of the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) in the “off” and the “on” state during a standardized L-dopa test, in parallel also assessing motor function.

Results:

NMS were common and many of the symptoms occurred in >80% of the individuals. The highest NMSS scores were seen within the NMSS domains 3: mood/apathy and 7: urinary in both the “off” and the “on” state. There was a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) improvement in the modified NMSS total score (median) from 79 in “off” to 64 in “on”. There were statistically significant differences between the “off” and the “on” state for domains 2: sleep/fatigue, 3: mood/apathy, 5: attention/memory, 6: gastrointestinal and 7: urinary. The differences in the NMSS score between the “off” and the “on” state were in general larger for motor responders than for motor non-responders. In motor non-responders, differences of the NMSS score between the “off” and the “on” state were found for the total score, domain 3: mood/apathy and its item 11-flat moods.

Conclusion:

There is an effect of dopaminergic medication on NMS in late stage PD, to some extent also for those with a non-significant response on motor function during L-dopa test. It is therefore of importance to optimize dopaminergic therapy in order to give the most effective symptomatic treatment possible.
The Contribution of Scots to the Building of British Film and Television Institutions
Authors: Petrie Duncan
Published: July 2018

The relationship between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom has become increasingly uncertain, due in part to growing levels of self-identified cultural difference on the part of Scots. However, this is a relatively new phenomenon and it is instructive to consider the role played by Scots in the founding or development of institutions that in turn have helped propagate discourses of British culture and values. That contribution has been particularly significant in the sphere of film and television. Indeed, Scotland's contribution to British film and television has been arguably far greater than basic demographics would have predicted. Has there been a discernible ‘Scottish’ influence in the history and character of these institutions, and what might this mean for understanding British cultural identity and its more common alignment with Englishness?
Electromagnetic Levitation Control for Bending Flexible Steel Plate: Experimental Consideration on Disturbance Cancellation Control
Authors: Ogawa Kazuki , Tada Makoto , Narita Takayoshi , Kato Hideaki
Published: July 2018

When an ultrathin and flexible steel plate is to be levitated, levitation control becomes difficult because the ultrathin steel plate undergoes increased flexure. We herein propose a levitation method for an ultrathin steel plate that is bent to an extent that does not induce plastic deformation. In this study, to investigate the levitation stability of an ultrathin steel plate, we applied disturbance cancellation control in the bending levitation system. The object of electromagnetic levitation was a rectangular zinc-coated ultrathin steel plate (SS400) of length 800 mm, 600 mm, and thickness 0.19 mm. The vibrator was attached below the three frames, in which the electromagnet unit was installed so that the frames could be vibrated up and down. We conducted experiments on the levitation performance when the electromagnet was displaced by the frame vibration in the bending levitation system. The results showed that a stable levitation can be achieved even with an input of external disturbance when levitating at the optimum bending angle.
Driving Assist System for Ultra-Compact EVs―Fundamental Consideration of Muscle Burden Owing to Differences in the Drivers’ Physiques
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Uchino Daigo , Ikeda Keigo , Endo Ayato , Peeie Mohamad Heerwan Bin , Narita Takayoshi , Kato Hideaki
Published: July 2018

With recent advances in technologies such as those of semiconductors and actuators, easy-to-control compact actuators have been actively applied in various fields such as factory automation and precision machining. In the automobile industry, major manufacturers and venture companies are also concentrating on electric vehicle development. Ultra-compact mobility vehicles, which exhibit an excellent environmental performance and are highly convenient for short-distance movement, are becoming popular. However, owing to cabin space limitations, it is difficult to mount systems such as power steering for assisting steering operations, and such systems are currently not installed in most ultra-compact mobility vehicles. Our research group focused on a steer-by-wire system that does not require a physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Using this system, the steering wheel can be installed without any constraints, and the cabin layout can be easily changed. The reaction torque applied to the steering wheel can be expected to provide an optimum steering feel to each driver by controlling the reaction-force-generating actuator output. Drivers with different heights and arm lengths were then grouped, and arm model calculation and electromyogram measurements obtained during steering operations were used to examine the muscle burden experienced during driving owing to differences in the drivers’ physiques.
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: Digitization of Healthcare Service Quality
Authors: Fiaz Muhammad , Ikram Amir , Ilyas Asad
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perception of healthcare professionals in improving the quality of services in healthcare centers by deploying the platform of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Individual attributes, organizational impression, information, and the system quality of ERP have been used to evaluate the overall influence of integrated planning systems on health care service quality. A mixed methods approach is used to collect and examine data through triangulation. Data for the empirical study was collected from 279 medical professionals of five healthcare organizations operating in the city of Lahore, Pakistan, through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics squared multiple correlations and reliability coefficients were used as data analysis tools. Moreover, the goodness of fit test of the structural model was conducted through AMOS 20. All given dimensions of ERP are postulated to have a positive effect on healthcare service quality. The results reveal that the use of an enterprise planning system has a positive impact on individuals, organizational information quality, and system quality in healthcare services. The study further concludes that a well implemented ‘Enterprise Resource Planning System’ results in better system output and enables healthcare professionals to provide better healthcare service quality.
Joint Interference and Phase Alignment among Data Streams in Multicell MIMO Broadcasting
Authors: Shahjehan Waleed , Shah Syed Waqar , Lloret Jaime , Bosch Ignacio
Published: July 2018

For the problem of channel state information (CSI) delay and error, this paper proposes a joint interference and phase alignment algorithm based on Bayesian estimation and power allocation among data streams for multicell, multiple-input multiple-output broadcast channels (MIMO-BC). Firstly, the sender obtains the best estimate of the current CSI through Bayesian estimation. Secondly, the interference suppression matrix is designed by maximizing the ratio of the desired signal power to the intercell interference plus noise ratio (SINR) in the forward link, and in the reverse communication, by maximizing the SINR design precoding. Further, the water-filling algorithm is combined to optimize power allocation among data streams. Finally, the phase alignment is used to rotate the interference between data streams into the signal space of the target receive data stream, thereby enhancing the received power of the target data stream. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has certain performance advantages over other algorithms, whether it is ideal CSI or delay and error CSI.
Combined Process of Ozone Oxidation and Ultrafiltration as an Effective Treatment Technology for the Removal of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: Si Xiurong , Hu Zunfang , Huang Shiyuan
Published: July 2018

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the secondary effluent discharged from wastewater treatment plants are of great concern when water reuse is intended. The combined process of ozone (O3) and ultrafiltration (UF) is a promising EDC removal method. The removal efficiency of five EDCs using O3, UF and their combination were investigated and compared. The five EDCs were estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol, 17α-ethynyl estradiol and bisphenol A, which are typically present in secondary effluent. Results showed that organic matters in secondary effluent became easier to be removed by the combined process, with ultraviolet absorbance reduction enhanced by 11%–18% or 24%–26% compared to the UF or O3 alone. The removal efficiency of EDC concentration, estrogenicity and acute ecotoxicity by the combined process was 17%–29% or 54%–92%, 19% or 73%, 40% or 60% greater, respectively, than that of the O3 or UF alone. Particularly, when EDCs were treated by the combination of O3 and UF, about 100% EDC removal efficiency was achieved. Overall, the combined application of O3 and UF offers an effective approach to control the concentration and toxicity of EDCs in secondary effluent.
Hyperthermia Efficiency of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Dense Aggregates of Cerium Oxide/Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Yadel Cindy , Michel Aude , Casale Sandra , Fresnais Jerome
Published: July 2018

Iron oxide nanoparticles are intended to be used in bio-applications for drug delivery associated with hyperthermia. However, their interactions with complex media often induces aggregation, and thus a detrimental decrease of their heating efficiency. We have investigated the role of iron oxide nanoparticles dispersion into dense aggregates composed with magnetic/non-magnetic nanoparticles and showed that, when iron oxide nanoparticles were well-distributed into the aggregates, the specific absorption rate reached 79% of the value measured for the well-dispersed case. This study should have a strong impact on the applications of magnetic nanoparticles into nanostructured materials for therapy or catalysis applications.
Furfural Oxidation on Gold Supported on MnO2: Influence of the Support Structure on the Catalytic Performances
Authors: Ferraz Camila Palombo , Da Silva Anderson Gabriel Marques , Rodrigues Thenner Silva , Camargo Pedro Henrique Cury , Paul Sébastien , Wojcieszak Robert
Published: July 2018

A series of catalysts consisting of gold nanoparticles supported on MnO2 presenting different morphologies were synthesized and tested in the base-free oxidation of furfural. Ultra-small Au particles (less than 3 nm) were deposited on low (commercial MnO2) and high (NF, nanoflowers and NW, nanowires MnO2) surface area supports. High activity was observed for Au/MnO2-NF material with very high selectivity to furoic acid. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study confirmed the presence of a significant amount of highly active Auδ+ species on the surface of the Au/MnO2-NF catalyst. These species seem to be responsible for the high activity in oxidation of furfural under mild conditions (air as oxidant, 110 °C).
A System for Controlling and Monitoring IoT Applications
Authors: Lima Zebenzuy , García-Vázquez Hugo , Rodríguez Raúl , Khemchandani Sunil , Dualibe Fortunato , Del Pino Javier
Published: July 2018

In this work, the design and implementation of an open source software and hardware system for Internet of Things (IoT) applications is presented. This system permits the remote monitoring of supplied data from sensors and webcams and the control of different devices such as actuators, servomotors and LEDs. The parameters which have been monitored are brightness, temperature and relative humidity all of which constitute possible environmental factors. The control and monitoring of the installation is realised through a server which is managed by an administrator. The device which rules the installation is a Raspberry Pi, a small and powerful micro-computer in a single board with low consumption, low cost and reconfigurability.
A Mechanism of the Interdecadal Changes of the Global Low-Frequency Oscillation
Authors: Yang Ruowen , Chen Quanliang , Liu Yuyun , Wang Lin
Published: July 2018

Based on the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis dataset from 1948 to 2009, this study reveals that global low-frequency oscillation features two major temporal bands. One is a quasi-60-day period known as the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO), and the other is a quasi-15-day period known as the quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO). After the mid-1970s, both the ISO and QBWO become intensified and more active, and these changes are equivalently barotropic. The primitive barotropic equations are adopted to study the involved mechanism. It reveals that the e-folding time of the least stable modes of both the ISO and QWBO becomes shorter if the model is solved under the atmospheric basic state after the mid-1970s than if solved under the basic state before the mid-1970s. This result suggests that the atmospheric basic flow after the mid-1970s facilitates a more rapid growth of the ISO and QBWO, and thereby an intensification of the low-frequency oscillations at the two bands.
The Impact of Mount Washington on the Height of the Boundary Layer and the Vertical Structure of Temperature and Moisture
Authors: Kelsey Eric , Bailey Adriana , Murray Georgia
Published: July 2018

Discrimination of the type of air mass along mountain slopes can be a challenge and is not commonly performed, but is critical for identifying factors responsible for influencing montane weather, climate, and air quality. A field campaign to measure air mass type and transitions on the summit of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA was performed on 19 August 2016. Meteorological observations were taken at the summit and at several sites along the east and west slopes. Ozone concentrations were measured at the summit and on the valley floor. Additionally, water vapor stable isotopes were measured from a truck that drove up and down the Mount Washington Auto Road concurrent with radiosonde launches that profiled the free atmosphere. This multivariate perspective revealed thermal, moisture, and air mass height differences among the free atmosphere, leeward, and windward mountain slopes. Both thermally and mechanically forced upslope flows helped shape these differences by altering the height of the boundary layer with respect to the mountain surface. Recommendations for measurement strategies hoping to develop accurate observational climatologies of air mass exposure in complex terrain are discussed and will be important for evaluating elevation-dependent warming and improving forecasting for weather and air quality.
Traffic Sign Recognition based on Synthesised Training Data
Authors: Stergiou Alexandros , Kalliatakis Grigorios , Chrysoulas Christos
Published: July 2018

To deal with the richness in visual appearance variation found in real-world data, we propose to synthesise training data capturing these differences for traffic sign recognition. The use of synthetic training data, created from road traffic sign templates, allows overcoming the problems of existing traffic sing recognition databases, which are only subject to specific sets of road signs found explicitly in countries or regions. This approach is used for generating a database of synthesised images depicting traffic signs under different view-light conditions and rotations, in order to simulate the complexity of real-world scenarios. With our synthesised data and a robust end-to-end Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), we propose a data-driven, traffic sign recognition system that can achieve not only high recognition accuracy, but also high computational efficiency in both training and recognition processes.
Wine Traceability Using Chemical Analysis, Isotopic Parameters, and Sensory Profiles
Authors: Bonello Federica , Cravero Maria Carla , Dell’Oro Valentina , Tsolakis Christos , Ciambotti Aldo
Published: July 2018

NMR/IRMS techniques are now widely used to assess the geographical origin of wines. The sensory profile of a wine is also an interesting method of characterizing its origin. This study aimed at elaborating chemical, isotopic, and sensory parameters by means of statistical analysis. The data were determined in some Italian white wines—Verdicchio and Fiano—and red wines—Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Nero d’Avola—produced from grapes grown in two different regions with different soil and climatic conditions during the years 2009–2010. The grapes were cultivated in Veneto (northwest Italy) and Marches (central Italy). The results show that the multivariate statistical analysis PCA (Principal Component Analysis) of all the data can be a useful tool to characterize the vintage and identify the origin of wines produced from different varieties. Moreover, it could discriminate wines of the same variety produced in regions with different soil and climatic conditions.
Role of Immunotherapy for Oncogene-Driven Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Miura Yosuke , Sunaga Noriaki
Published: July 2018

The clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to dramatic changes in the treatment strategy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the observation of improved overall survival in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs, their efficacy varies greatly among different immune and molecular profiles in tumors. Particularly, the clinical significance of ICIs for oncogene-driven NSCLC has been controversial. In this review, we provide recent clinical and preclinical data focused on the relationship between oncogenic drivers and immunological characteristics and discuss the future direction of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients harboring such genetic alterations
Metabolomics Biomarkers for Detection of Colorectal Neoplasms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Erben Vanessa , Bhardwaj Megha , Schrotz-King Petra , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2018

Background: Several approaches have been suggested to be useful in the early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Since metabolites are closely related to the phenotype and are available from different human bio-fluids, metabolomics are candidates for non-invasive early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Objectives: We aimed to summarize current knowledge on performance characteristics of metabolomics biomarkers that are potentially applicable in a screening setting for the early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Design: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science and searched for biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal neoplasms in easy-to-collect human bio-fluids. Information on study design and performance characteristics for diagnostic accuracy was extracted. Results: Finally, we included 41 studies in our analysis investigating biomarkers in different bio-fluids (blood, urine, and feces). Although single metabolites mostly had limited ability to distinguish people with and without colorectal neoplasms, promising results were reported for metabolite panels, especially amino acid panels in blood samples, as well as nucleosides in urine samples in several studies. However, validation of the results is limited. Conclusions: Panels of metabolites consisting of amino acids in blood and nucleosides in urinary samples might be useful biomarkers for early detection of advanced colorectal neoplasms. However, to make metabolomic biomarkers clinically applicable, future research in larger studies and external validation of the results is required.
Three-Dimensional Heteroatom-Doped Nanocarbon for Metal-Free Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis: A Review
Authors: Xiong Dongbin , Li Xifei , Fan Linlin , Bai Zhimin
Published: July 2018

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode is a fundamental process and functions a pivotal role in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. However, the electrochemical performance of these technologies has been still challenged by the high cost, scarcity, and insufficient durability of the traditional Pt-based ORR electrocatalysts. Heteroatom-doped nanocarbon electrocatalysts with competitive activity, enhanced durability, and acceptable cost, have recently attracted increasing interest and hold great promise as substitute for precious-metal catalysts (e.g., Pt and Pt-based materials). More importantly, three-dimensional (3D) porous architecture appears to be necessary for achieving high catalytic ORR activity by providing high specific surface areas with more exposed active sites and large pore volumes for efficient mass transport of reactants to the electrocatalysts. In this review, recent progress on the design, fabrication, and performance of 3D heteroatom-doped nanocarbon catalysts is summarized, aiming to elucidate the effects of heteroatom doping and 3D structure on the ORR performance of nanocarbon catalysts, thus promoting the design of highly active nanocarbon-based ORR electrocatalysts.
Effect of Alkali-Doping on the Performance of Diatomite Supported Cu-Ni Bimetal Catalysts for Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate
Authors: Han Dongmei , Chen Yong , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Lu Yixin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: July 2018

Alkali-adopted Cu-Ni/diatomite catalysts were designed and used for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from carbon dioxide and methanol. Alkali additives were introduced into Cu-Ni/diatomite catalyst as a promoter because of its lower work function (Ni > Cu > Li > Na > K > Cs) and stronger electron-donating ability. A series of alkali-promoted Cu-Ni/diatomite catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation method with different kind and different loading of alkali. The synthesized catalysts were fully characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and NH3/CO2-TPD. The experimental results demonstrated that alkali adoption can significantly promote the catalytic activity of Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts. Under the catalytic reaction conditions of 120 °C and 1.0 MPa; the highest CH3OH conversion of 9.22% with DMC selectivity of 85.9% has been achieved when using 15%(2Cu-Ni) 2%Cs2O/diatomite catalyst (CuO + NiO = 15 wt. %, atomic ratio of Cu/Ni = 2/1, Cs2O = 2 wt. %).
Plasma-Catalytic Mineralization of Toluene Adsorbed on CeO2
Authors: Jia Zixian , Wang Xianjie , Foucher Emeric , Thevenet Frederic , Rousseau Antoine
Published: July 2018

In the context of coupling nonthermal plasmas with catalytic materials, CeO2 is used as adsorbent for toluene and combined with plasma for toluene oxidation. Two configurations are addressed for the regeneration of toluene saturated CeO2: (i) in plasma-catalysis (IPC); and (ii) post plasma-catalysis (PPC). As an advanced oxidation technique, the performances of toluene mineralization by the plasma-catalytic systems are evaluated and compared through the formation of CO2. First, the adsorption of 100 ppm of toluene onto CeO2 is characterized in detail. Total, reversible and irreversible adsorbed fractions are quantified. Specific attention is paid to the influence of relative humidity (RH): (i) on the adsorption of toluene on CeO2; and (ii) on the formation of ozone in IPC and PPC reactors. Then, the mineralization yield and the mineralization efficiency of adsorbed toluene are defined and investigated as a function of the specific input energy (SIE). Under these conditions, IPC and PPC reactors are compared. Interestingly, the highest mineralization yield and efficiency are achieved using the in-situ configuration operated with the lowest SIE, that is, lean conditions of ozone. Based on these results, the specific impact of RH on the IPC treatment of toluene adsorbed on CeO2 is addressed. Taking into account the impact of RH on toluene adsorption and ozone production, it is evidenced that the mineralization of toluene adsorbed on CeO2 is directly controlled by the amount of ozone produced by the discharge and decomposed on the surface of the coupling material. Results highlight the key role of ozone in the mineralization process and the possible detrimental effect of moisture.
Mechanical Properties of Zr–Si–N Films Fabricated through HiPIMS/RFMS Co-Sputtering
Authors: Chang Li-Chun , Zheng Yu-Zhe , Chen Yung-I
Published: July 2018

Zr–Si–N films were fabricated through the co-deposition of high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) and radio-frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS). The mechanical properties of the films fabricated using various nitrogen flow rates and radio-frequency powers were investigated. The HiPIMS/RFMS co-sputtered Zr–Si–N films were under-stoichiometric. These films with Si content of less than 9 at.%, and N content of less than 43 at.% displayed a face-centered cubic structure. The films’ hardness and Young’s modulus exhibited an evident relationship to their compressive residual stresses. The films with 2–6 at.% Si exhibited high hardness of 33–34 GPa and high Young’s moduli of 346–373 GPa, which was accompanied with compressive residual stresses from −4.4 to −5.0 GPa.
Multivariate Multiscale Complexity Analysis of Self-Reproducing Chaotic Systems
Authors: He Shaobo , Li Chunbiao , Sun Kehui , Jafari Sajad
Published: July 2018

Designing a chaotic system with infinitely many attractors is a hot topic. In this paper, multiscale multivariate permutation entropy (MMPE) and multiscale multivariate Lempel–Ziv complexity (MMLZC) are employed to analyze the complexity of those self-reproducing chaotic systems with one-directional and two-directional infinitely many chaotic attractors. The analysis results show that complexity of this class of chaotic systems is determined by the initial conditions. Meanwhile, the values of MMPE are independent of the scale factor, which is different from the algorithm of MMLZC. The analysis proposed here is helpful as a reference for the application of the self-reproducing systems.
Ensemble Estimation of Information Divergence †
Authors: Moon Kevin R. , Sricharan Kumar , Greenewald Kristjan , Hero Alfred O.
Published: July 2018

Recent work has focused on the problem of nonparametric estimation of information divergence functionals between two continuous random variables. Many existing approaches require either restrictive assumptions about the density support set or difficult calculations at the support set boundary which must be known a priori. The mean squared error (MSE) convergence rate of a leave-one-out kernel density plug-in divergence functional estimator for general bounded density support sets is derived where knowledge of the support boundary, and therefore, the boundary correction is not required. The theory of optimally weighted ensemble estimation is generalized to derive a divergence estimator that achieves the parametric rate when the densities are sufficiently smooth. Guidelines for the tuning parameter selection and the asymptotic distribution of this estimator are provided. Based on the theory, an empirical estimator of Rényi-α divergence is proposed that greatly outperforms the standard kernel density plug-in estimator in terms of mean squared error, especially in high dimensions. The estimator is shown to be robust to the choice of tuning parameters. We show extensive simulation results that verify the theoretical results of our paper. Finally, we apply the proposed estimator to estimate the bounds on the Bayes error rate of a cell classification problem.
Evaluating the Impact of Optical Interconnects on a Multi-Chip Machine-Learning Architecture
Authors: Ro Yuhwan , Lee Eojin , Ahn Jung Ho
Published: July 2018

Following trends that emphasize neural networks for machine learning, many studies regarding computing systems have focused on accelerating deep neural networks. These studies often propose utilizing the accelerator specialized in a neural network and the cluster architecture composed of interconnected accelerator chips. We observed that inter-accelerator communication within a cluster has a significant impact on the training time of the neural network. In this paper, we show the advantages of optical interconnects for multi-chip machine-learning architecture by demonstrating performance improvements through replacing electrical interconnects with optical ones in an existing multi-chip system. We propose to use highly practical optical interconnect implementation and devise an arithmetic performance model to fairly assess the impact of optical interconnects on a machine-learning accelerator platform. In our evaluation of nine Convolutional Neural Networks with various input sizes, 100 and 400 Gbps optical interconnects reduce the training time by an average of 20.6% and 35.6%, respectively, compared to the baseline system with 25.6 Gbps electrical ones.
Investigation of Injection Strategy of Branched-Preformed Particle Gel/Polymer/Surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery after Polymer Flooding in Heterogeneous Reservoirs
Authors: He Hong , Fu Jingyu , Hou Baofeng , Yuan Fuqing , Guo Lanlei , Li Zongyang , You Qing
Published: July 2018

The heterogeneous phase combination flooding (HPCF) system which is composed of a branched-preformed particle gel (B-PPG), polymer, and surfactant has been proposed to enhance oil recovery after polymer flooding in heterogeneous reservoirs by mobility control and reducing oil–water interfacial tension. However, the high cost of chemicals can make this process economically challenging in an era of low oil prices. Thus, in an era of low oil prices, it is becoming even more essential to optimize the heterogeneous phase combination flooding design. In order to optimize the HPCF process, the injection strategy has been designed such that the incremental oil recovery can be maximized using the corresponding combination of the B-PPG, polymer, and surfactant, thereby ensuring a more economically-viable recovery process. Different HPCF injection strategies including simultaneous injection and alternation injection were investigated by conducting parallel sand pack flooding experiments and large-scale plate sand pack flooding experiments. Results show that based on the flow rate ratio, the pressure rising area and the incremental oil recovery, no matter whether the injection strategy is simultaneous injection or alternation injection of HPCF, the HPCF can significantly block high permeability zone, increase the sweep efficiency and oil displacement efficiency, and effectively improve oil recovery. Compared with the simultaneous injection mode, the alternation injection of HPCF can show better sweep efficiency and oil displacement efficiency. Moreover, when the slug of HPCF and polymer/surfactant with the equivalent economical cost is injected by alternation injection mode, as the alternating cycle increases, the incremental oil recovery increases. The remaining oil distribution at different flooding stages investigated by conducting large-scale plate sand pack flooding experiments shows that alternation injection of HPCF can recover more remaining oil in the low permeability zone than simultaneous injection. Hence, these findings could provide the guidance for developing the injection strategy of HPCF to further enhance oil recovery after polymer flooding in heterogeneous reservoirs in the era of low oil prices.
Extraction of Junction Temperature of SiC MOSFET Module Based on Turn-On dIDS/dt
Authors: Huang Delei , Tan Guojun , Geng Chengfei , Zhang Jingwei , Liu Chang
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a method of extracting the junction temperature based on the turn-on current switching rate (dIDS/dt) of silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) is proposed. The temperature dependence of dIDS/dt is analyzed theoretically, and experimentally to show that dIDS/dt increases with the rising junction temperature. In addition, other factors affecting dIDS/dt are also discussed by using the fundamental device physics equations and experiments. The result shows that the increase of the DC-link voltage VDC, the external gate resistance RG-ext, and the decrease of the driving voltage VGG can increase the temperature sensitivity of the dIDS/dt. A PCB (printed circuit board) Rogowski coil measuring circuit based on the fact that the SiC MOSFET chip temperature and dIDS/dt is estimated in a linear way is designed to obtain the junction temperature. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed junction temperature extracting is effective.
Extremely Pure Mg2FeH6 as a Negative Electrode for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Brutti Sergio , Farina Luca , Trequattrini Francesco , Palumbo Oriele , Reale Priscilla , Silvestri Laura , Panero Stefania , Paolone Annalisa
Published: July 2018

Nanocrystalline samples of Mg-Fe-H were synthesized by mixing of MgH2 and Fe in a 2:1 molar ratio by hand grinding (MIX) or by reactive ball milling (RBM) in a high-pressure vial. Hydrogenation procedures were performed at various temperatures in order to promote the full conversion to Mg2FeH6. Pure Mg2FeH6 was obtained only for the RBM material cycled at 485 °C. This extremely pure Mg2FeH6 sample was investigated as an anode for lithium batteries. The reversible electrochemical lithium incorporation and de-incorporation reactions were analyzed in view of thermodynamic evaluations, potentiodynamic cycling with galvanostatic acceleration (PCGA), and ex situ X-ray Diffraction (XRD) tests. The Mg2FeH6 phase underwent a conversion reaction; the Mg metal produced in this reaction was alloyed upon further reduction. The back conversion reaction in a lithium cell was here demonstrated for the first time in a stoichiometric extremely pure Mg2FeH6 phase: the reversibility of the overall conversion process was only partial with an overall coulombic yield of 17% under quasi-thermodynamic control. Ex situ XRD analysis highlighted that the material after a full discharge/charge in a lithium cell was strongly amorphized. Under galvanostatic cycling at C/20, C/5 and 1 C, the Mg2FeH6 electrodes were able to supply a reversible capacity with increasing coulombic efficiency and decreasing specific capacity as the current rate increased.
Experimental Study of Flow-Induced Whistling in Pipe Systems Including a Corrugated Section
Authors: LIM Hee-Chang , RAZI Faran
Published: July 2018

When air flows through pipe systems that include a corrugated segment, a whistling tone is generated and increases in intensity with increasing flow velocity. This whistling sound is related to the particular geometry of corrugated pipes, which is in the form of alternating cavities. This whistling is an environmental noise problem as well as a possible structural danger because of the resulting induced vibration. This paper studies the whistling behavior of various pipe systems with a combination of smooth and corrugated pipes through a series of experiments. The considered pipe systems consist of two smooth pipes attached at the upstream and downstream ends of a corrugated segment. Experiments with smooth and corrugated pipes, which had inner diameters of 15.25 and 16.5 mm, respectively, and various lengths, were performed for flow velocities of up to approximately 30 m/s. The minimum and maximum Strouhal numbers (St) obtained during our experiments were 0.25 and 0.38, respectively. For all pipe configurations investigated in this study, the lowest Mach number at which whistling was observed was 0.017, and the maximum was 0.093. The lowest frequency at which whistling was detected in our experiments was 650 Hz, and the highest was 3080 Hz. The results presented in the form of different variables and dimensionless parameters, including the frequency, Mach number, Strouhal number, and Helmholtz number. The average mode gap and number of excited acoustic modes were also taken into account for all considered configurations. The pipe systems with longer corrugated segments had broader whistling ranges than did configurations with shorter segments, indicating that the number of cavities inside the corrugated pipe has a direct effect on whistling. Increasing the smooth pipe length (either upstream or downstream) resulted in a decrease in the average mode gap between successive modes. The number of excited acoustic modes was primarily related to the corrugated segment length, but the smooth pipe length also had a pronounced effect on the excited modes for a constant corrugation length. The highest number of excited modes (13) was seen in the case of corrugated length 450 mm and smooth pipe length (either upstream or downstream) 400 mm while the lowest number of excited modes (1) was observed for corrugated length 250 mm and smooth pipe length (downstream) 300 mm and 400 mm.
Novel Distributed Optimal Control of Battery Energy Storage System in an Islanded Microgrid with Fast Frequency Recovery
Authors: Qi Xiao , Bai Yan , Luo Huanhuan , Zhang Yiqing , Zhou Guiping , Wei Zhonghua
Published: July 2018

Highly intermittent renewable energy sources pose new challenges to microgrid operation and control. Thus, many distributed control strategies have been proposed to solve this problem. However, for most previous studies, the system frequency fluctuation can be further controlled on the basis of the optimal control strategy. This paper proposes a novel distributed optimal control strategy of a battery energy storage system in an islanded microgrid to provide desired optimal control performance and fast frequency recovery. The proposed control strategy is implemented through a multi-agent system based on consensus algorithm, which only requires information collected through a local communication network. Furthermore, the measurement of supply–demand mismatch is replaced by the control signal obtained from a supplementary controller with the improved linear active disturbance rejection control algorithm. The stability of microgrid frequency can be greatly enhanced through this improvement. Finally, the validity of proposed method is demonstrated by various case studies which are given in this paper.
Analysis of Fine Dust Removal Time Using Circular Hole Electrodes of Various Sizes by Corona Discharge
Authors: Kim Do-Hyun , Kim Min-Soo , Adil Khan Muhammad , Kim Hee-Je
Published: July 2018

Corona discharge technology is used widely for air purification in laboratory experiments and industry. On the other hand, corona discharge technology has the disadvantage of requiring large-sized electrodes. Therefore, research is needed to reduce the size of the electrodes. In this study, circular hole aluminum electrodes and an air purifier system were designed to reduce the size of the electrodes. Several sets of power conversions were performed to generate a corona discharge. The system consisted of a half bridge inverter, step-up transformer, and Cockcroft Walton circuit. The range of input and output voltages was 30–70 V and 20–25 kV, respectively. A corona discharge was generated by the output voltage. The system could remove smoke in less time with a combination of 13 kHz and an electrode with a hole diameter of 0.2 cm than with the other combinations. The electrode hole diameter affected the removal time of species such as hydrogen carbon hydrogen oxygen (HCHO, formaldehyde), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and fine dust, which was confirmed by laboratory experiments. Mathematical derivation and experiments were carried out to prove the validity of the approach; the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) index was 480 μm/m3.
Dual-Temperature Evaluation of a High-Temperature Insulation System for Liquid-Immersed Transformer
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Ren Lu , Yu Haichuan , Xu Yang , Lei Qingquan , Li Xin , Han Baojia
Published: July 2018

A high-temperature oil–paper insulation system offers an opportunity to improve the overloading capability of distribution transformers facing seasonal load variation. A high-temperature electrical insulation system (EIS) was chosen due to thermal calculation based on a typical loading curve on the China Southern Power Grid. In order to evaluate candidate high-temperature insulation systems, Nomex® T910 (aramid-enhanced cellulose) immersed in FR3 (natural ester) was investigated by a dual-temperature thermal aging test compared with a conventional insulation system, Kraft paper impregnated with mineral oil. Throughout the thermal aging test, mechanical, chemical, and dielectric parameters of both paper and insulating oil were investigated in each aging cycle. The thermal aging results determined that the thermal class of the FR3-T910 insulation system meets the request of overloading transformer needs.