bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional outcome of Metacarpal Fracture managed with Miniplate and Screws
Authors: Shah Gyanendra , KC Bachchu Ram , Chand Pankaj , Sah Deb Narayan
Published: July 2018

Background and Objectives: Early techniques of splint immobilization work well for simple metacarpal fractures. However, if significantly shorting, rotational deformity, and angulations occur, surgical treatment is required. The aim of this article was to study the functional outcome of metacarpal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with mini plates and screw in low resource condition of Nepal.Material and Methods: This retrospective study was done over a period of one year 2012 to 2013 in Bir Hospital, Patan hospital and Shree Birendra hospital. The functional outcome after treatment was assessed by ability to perform acts of daily life and calculating American Society for Surgery of the Hand Total Active Flexion (ASSH-TAF).Results: Out of 30 patients twenty three were male (76.7%) and seven were female (23.3%). Among them, 7 patients (23.3%) showed union in 6 weeks. 18 Patients (60%)  had union in 4 weeks. 3 patients (10%) had at five weeks and 2 patients had union at 6 weeks. We observed ASSH-TAF score at 2 weeks, 1month, 3 months, and 6 months. Results showed 24 patients (80%) had excellent, 4(13.3%) had good and 2(6.7%) had poor result.Conclusion: The use of miniplate and screws is a reasonable option for treating in displaced metacarpal fracture as it provides a rigid, Secure an anatomical stable reduction, which is sufficient to allow early mobilization of the adjacent joints, hence the mini plate fixation is effective means of immobilization of fracture of metacarpal with less complication and excellent functional outcome.
In-situ compaction and sintering of Al2O3 – GNP nanoparticles using a high-frequency induction system
Authors: Çavdar Uğur , Kusoglu İ. Murat , Altintas Ayberk
Published: July 2018

In-situ compaction and sintering of nanopowders are of great interest with respect to industrial production because they save time and energy. As a key study, Al2O3-1 wt.-% GNP composites were mixed in a V-type mixer for 2 hours at 35 cycle/min to obtain homogeneous mixtures. Mixed graphene nanoplatelets and alumina nanoparticles were compacted and sintered in-situ by applying uni-axial pressure in a graphite die, heated and generated by the ultra high-frequency induction system (UHFIHS). The graphite die was heated to 1500, 1550, 1600 and 1650 °C for 5, 10 and 20 minutes under a vacuum. The effect of sintering temperature and time on density, surface roughness, hardness and the microstructure of in-situ sintered nano graphene-alumina compacts were investigated.
Application of analytical electron microscopy and FIB-SEM tomographic technique for phase analysis in as-cast Allvac 718Plus superalloy
Authors: Kruk Adam , Cempura Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

The superalloys are usually used as structural material in jet engines due to their high-temperature stability and good endurance. Many components found in the hot-part of jet engines are of complex shape, therefore casting is utilized for to their production. One of the problems associated with the casting process of highly alloyed alloys, such as superalloys, is partitioning of alloying elements upon solidification. This segregation might lead to the formation of low melting temperature eutectics. Their presence in the material microstructure will have a negative effect on the weldability. Negative impact on weldability is one of the reasons why secondary phases should be avoided as microstructural elements in the welded materials. To eliminate such hazardous phases, the material should be subjected to a heat treatment with the aim of homogenizing the microstructure and chemical composition, which should enhance the weldability. The aim of this work was the application of analytical electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy as well as tomographic techniques for qualitative and quantitative characterization of structural elements in as-cast Allvac 718Plus Ni-based superalloy subjected to later heat treatment. Alloy 718Plus is a newly developed superalloy in which the secondary Laves phase forms as a low-melting eutectic upon casting. The development of innovative materials for aeronautics and clean energy systems requires the use of modern research methods for structure characterization on the level from micro- to the nanoscale. The performed analysis, allowed identification of phases (Laves and η) occurring in interdendritic regions of as-cast Allvac 718Plus superalloy and analyzing their microstructure down to the atomic scale, which revealed their complex nature. The experiments and investigation show that advanced microscopic techniques and test methods in conjunction with tomographic techniques enable complementary information about solidified structures of the alloy to be obtained that can be useful for the understanding process of casting and welding of the Allvac 718Plus.
THE CRYSTALIZATION REGULARITY OF POLYMER MICROCOMPOSITE MATERIALS IN DIFFERENT METHODS OF THEIR PREPARATION
Authors: Fialko N.М. , Dinzhos R.V. , Navrodskaya R.O. , Meranova N.O. , Sherenkovskiy Ju.V.
Published: July 2018

The results of patterns studies of structure formation during the crysta- llization of a polymer microcomposite based on polyethylene filled with aluminum microparticles are presented. The data of a comparative analysis of the structure formation mechanisms in the use of different methods for the preparation of composites.
Penggunaan Mind Mapping Berbantuan Media LCD untuk Meningkatkan Keaktifan dan Hasil Belajar PKn Siswa Kelas IV SD Negeri Purwosari
Authors: Sricahyanti Nurini
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan  meningkatkan keaktifan  dan hasil belajar PKn  dengan menggunakan model  Mind Mapping Berbantuan Media LCD. Penelitian ini menggunakan model Penelitian Tindakan Kelas melalui 2 siklus. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada Semester Gasal Tahun Pelajaran 2016/2017 dengan subjek sebanyak 35 siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan jumlah siswa yang tuntas belajar dari 10 siswa (28,57%) pada kondisi awal, menjadi 11 siswa (31,43%) pada Siklus I pertemuan 1 dan 15 siswa (42,85%) pada pertemuan 2, serta 27 siswa (77,15%) pada Siklus 2 pertemuan 1 dan 30 siswa (85,70%) pada pertemuan 2. Rata – rata  nilai kelas adalah 59,43 pada kondisi awal, 60,57 pada Siklus I Pertemuan 1,  64,80 pada Siklus 1 Pertemuan 2 , Siklus 2  Pertemuan 1 mencapai 67,57, serta 75,86 pada Siklus  2 Pertemuan 2. Sedangkan prosentase keaktifan siswa antara siklus1 sampai dengan siklus 2 mengalami peningkatan dari 37,14% menjadi 100%. Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan model pembelajaran Mind Mapping dapat meningkatkan keaktifan dan prestasi belajar PKn.
Pemanfaatan Simulator EMS untuk Meningkatkan Minat dan Kompetensi Memperbaiki Sistem Injeksi Elektronik
Authors: Nurdiyanto Nanang
Published: July 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan minat dan kompetensi memperbaiki sistem injeksi elektronik melalui pemanfaatan simulator engine management system (EMS). Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan September sampai dengan November 2017, di kelas XII Otomotif D (OD) SMK Negeri 1 Magelang semester gasal Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode tindakan kelas. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi kelas untuk mendapatkan data tentang minat siswa. Sedangkan untuk mendapatkan data kompetensi memperbaiki sistem injeksi elektronik, penelitian ini menggunakan tes teori dan praktik. Teknik analisa data yang digunakan adalah deskriptif komparatif yang dilanjutkan dengan refleksi. Penelitian dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus. Siklus I berisi tindakan yang berupa penggunaan media simulator EMS pada saat pembelajaran. Pada siklus II, pembelajaran disempurnakan dengan adanya bimbingan secara intensif pada kelompok siswa oleh guru. Skor rata-rata minat siswa meningkat dari kondisi awal sebesar 63% menjadi 71% pada siklus I dan menjadi 84% pada siklus II. Sementara itu, nilai kompetensi rara-rata kelas meningkat dari 78,26 pada kondisi awal menjadi 84,09 pada kondisi akhir. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan media simulator EMS mampu meningkatkan minat belajar dan kompetensi memperbaiki sistem injeksi elektronik.
Peningkatan Keterampilan Menulis Descriptive Text melalui Genre Based Approach Berbantuan Media Instagram
Authors: Khasanah Marisatul
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan siswa dalam menulis descriptive text melalui Genre Based Approach berbantuan media Instagram. Desain penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SMP Negeri 2 Banjarnegara pada semester genap Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018. Subjek dari penelitian ini ialah siswa kelas 7H yang berjumlah 30 siswa. Data diperoleh selama perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, pengamatan dan refleksi melalui test, observasi kelas, serta dokumentasi. Test dilakukan sebanyak tiga kali (tes awal, tes siklus I, dan tes siklus II). Instrument penelitian yang digunakan yaitu soal tes keterampilan menulis descriptive text, lembar observasi, serta panduan dokumentasi. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan kelas, siswa terlihat lebih aktif dalam mengikuti kegiatan pembelajaran. Hasil dokumentasi dari teks yang dihasilkan oleh siswa menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pada kualitas tulisan. Begitu pula dengan Tes Awal, Siklus I dan Siklus II. Nilai tes mengalami peningkatan dari 62, 68, dan 71. Dengan demikian, hipotesis tindakan diterima atau dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan Genre Based Approach berbantuan media Instagram mampu meningkatkan keterampilan siswa dalam menulis descriptive text.
SAARC after Three Decades: An Assessment of Progress in Regional Cooperation in Functional Areas (1985–2015)
Authors: Manzoor Ahmed Naazer , Sumbul Hussan
Published: July 2018

The paper explores the progress of regional cooperation in various functional areas as identified by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since its inception in 1985. It also examines whether and to what extent SAARC has been successful in accomplishing the goals enshrined in its charter. SAARC was formed: to promote peace, amity, stability and progress in the region; to promote the welfare and quality of life of people; to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development, and; to attain collective and national self-reliance through joint efforts. SAARC made significant progress in several areas, such as: agriculture and rural development; environment; science and technology; human resource development including education, arts, culture and sports; transport; telecommunications, and information and communication technology; tourism, and energy. It has concluded several agreements and conventions besides setting up a few regional centres to realize its objectives. Generally, SAARC has not successful in implementing its programs and projects due to various reasons. It has been short of achieving several of its goals which makes its performance dismal.
Electoral Politics of Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan (1987-2009)
Authors: Manzoor Khan Afridi , Tabi Ullah
Published: July 2018

Jamat-e-Islami (JI) started as a social movement in 1941 and became an influential group to support Islamic constitution in Pakistan. Later, the leaders of this movement decided to take part in electoral politics. And in 1957, the movement evolved into a political Party. In 1964, JI was banned by the dictator Ayub Khan, because they did not support the regimes' unconstitutional martial law. After Ayub khan, the Bhutto suppressed all opposition parties including JI. In addition to this, General Zia shared power with JI for some time but quickly stripped it of all authority. It can be concluded that JI was never allowed freely participate in the political system of Pakistan. JI also suffered the schisms in the organizational structure because of its strict rules and regulations. However, Qazi Hussain Ahmad took certain measures to push JI in main stream of Pakistani politics. An attempt to find out how JI was operated in electoral politics from 1987 to 2009 has been made in this paper. It has used the Columbian school of thought as a model. This model rationalizes election on the sociological perspective, where voters are influenced by the left-right, ideological orientations, and by religion, sect, ethnicity, class, caste, rural and urban divisions. The data is collected by researching secondary sources that discussed and evaluated the electoral politics in Pakistan. A content analysis method is used to analyze the data leading to the stated findings about JI's electoral strategies.
The State of Human Rights in Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan
Authors: Sohail Ahmed , Fasih Ahmed , Muhammad Zubair
Published: July 2018

The respect of human rights in a society determines the destination of that society or state. It is the level of satisfaction of citizens of a country which convinces them to work for the growth and progress of that state or society. The people of FATA are living under a draconian law which is known as Frontier Crime Regulations (FCR). There is agrave human rights violation of the people of FATA under this law. Freedom of speech, freedom of expression etc. are hampered by the FCR and the common people live under a threat of collective punishment as well. Moreover, due to military operations against the militants in the area, millions of people from FATA have been displaced. At times, there are grave violations of human rights of the displaced persons as well. This paper will explore the state of human rights in FATA in general and evaluates its impact on the Federation of Pakistan. The paper evaluates different instances of human rights violation in various agencies of FATA and their root causes as well.
Effect of Roof and Diaphragm Connectivity on Dynamic Behaviour of the PP-band Retrofitted Adobe Masonry Structures
Authors: Sathiparan Navaratnarajah
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses the shaking table test results of three PP-band (Polypropylene band) retrofitted quarter scale one-story masonry house models with different roof conditions. Better connections between masonry wall and roof connection are one factor to improve the seismic safety of the masonry houses. Past studies show that PP-band retrofitting improves the integrity of structural components and prevent the collapse of masonry structures during an earthquake. Although the effect of masonry unit type, surface plastering, the pitch of the PP-band mesh, PP-band connectivity in mesh and tightness of the mesh attachment to walls were studied by experiment program, the effect of the roof and its diaphragm connectivity on PP-band retrofitted masonry structure is nonexistent. Therefore, an experimental program was designed and executed for an understanding the effect of the roof and its connection on the dynamic behavior of the PP-band retrofitted box-shaped masonry house models. Results reveal that the PP-band retrofitted models with proper roof diaphragm improves the seismic behavior with respect to lateral drift, shear resistance and ductility.
Profiling of the Differential Abundance of Drought and Salt Stress-Responsive MicroRNAs Across Grass Crop and Genetic Model Plant Species
Authors: Pegler Joseph L. , Grof Christopher P. L. , Eamens Andrew L.
Published: July 2018

In recent years, it has become readily accepted among interdisciplinary agriculturalists that the current global crop yield to land capability ratio is significantly insufficient to achieve food security for the predicted population of 9.5 billion individuals by the year 2050. This issue is further compounded by the: (1) food versus biofuel debate; (2) decreasing availability of arable land; (3) required reductions to the extensive and ongoing environmental damage caused by either poor agricultural practices or agriculture expansion, and; (4) increasingly unfavorable (duration and severity) crop cultivation conditions that accompany man-made climate change, driven by ever-expanding urbanization and its associated industrial practices. Mounting studies are repeatedly highlighting the critical importance of linking genotypes to agronomically beneficial phenotypes and/or using a molecular approach to help address this global crisis, as “simply” clearing the remaining natural ecosystems of the globe for the cultivation of additional, non-modified crops is not efficient, nor is this practice sustainable. The majority of global food crop production is sourced from a small number of members of the Poaceae family of grasses, namely; maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). It is, therefore, of significant concern that all three of these Poaceae grass species are susceptible to a range of abiotic stresses, including drought and salt stress. Highly conserved among monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species, microRNAs (miRNAs) are now well-established master regulators of gene expression, influencing all aspects of plant development, mediating defense responses against pathogens and adaptation to environmental stress. Here we investigate the variation in the abundance profiles of six known abiotic stress-responsive miRNAs, following exposure to salt and drought stress across these three key Poaceae grass crop species as well as to compare these profiles to those obtained from the well-established genetic model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Additionally, we outline the variables that are the most likely primary contributors to instances of differential miRNA abundance across the assessed species following drought or salt stress exposure, specifically; (1) identifying variations in the experimental conditions and/or methodology used to assess miRNA abundance, and; (2) the distribution of regulatory transcription factor binding sites within the putative promoter region of a MICRORNA (MIR) gene that encodes the highly conserved, stress-responsive miRNA. We also discuss the emerging role that non-conserved, species-specific miRNAs play in mediating a plant’s response to drought or salt stress.
Therapeutic Agents with AHR Inhibiting and NRF2 Activating Activity for Managing Chloracne
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Fuyuno Yoko , Mitoma Chikage , Uchi Hiroshi , Tsuji Gaku
Published: July 2018

Chloracne is the major skin symptom caused by dioxin intoxication. Dioxin activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)–cytochrome p450 1A1 (CYP1A1) system, generates oxidative stress, and induces hyperkeratinization of keratinocytes and sebocytes leading to chloracne. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) is a master switch that induces the expression of various antioxidative enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1. Cinnamaldehyde is an antioxidant phytochemical that inhibits AHR–CYP1A1 signaling and activates the NRF2–antioxidative axis. The cinnamaldehyde-containing Kampo herbal medicine Keishibukuryogan is capable of improving chloracne in Yusho patients who are highly contaminated with dioxin. Agents with dual functions in promoting AHR–CYP1A1 inhibition and NRF2 activation may be useful for managing dioxin-related health hazards.
Ultra-Low-Loss Silicon Waveguides for Heterogeneously Integrated Silicon/III-V Photonics
Authors: Tran Minh A. , Huang Duanni , Komljenovic Tin , Peters Jonathan , Malik Aditya , Bowers John E.
Published: July 2018

Integrated ultra-low-loss waveguides are highly desired for integrated photonics to enable applications that require long delay lines, high-Q resonators, narrow filters, etc. Here, we present an ultra-low-loss silicon waveguide on 500 nm thick Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) platform. Meter-scale delay lines, million-Q resonators and tens of picometer bandwidth grating filters are experimentally demonstrated. We design a low-loss low-reflection taper to seamlessly integrate the ultra-low-loss waveguide with standard heterogeneous Si/III-V integrated photonics platform to allow realization of high-performance photonic devices such as ultra-low-noise lasers and optical gyroscopes.
Grating-Assisted Fiber to Chip Coupling for SOI Photonic Circuits
Authors: Nambiar Siddharth , Sethi Purnima , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: July 2018

Fiber to chip coupling is a critical aspect of any integrated photonic circuit. In terms of ease of fabrication as well as wafer-scale testability, surface grating couplers are by far the most preferred scheme of the coupling to integrated circuits. In the past decade, considerable effort has been made for designing efficient grating couplers on Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) and other allied photonic platforms. Highly efficient grating couplers with sub-dB coupling performance have now been demonstrated. In this article, we review the recent advances made to develop grating coupler designs for a variety of applications on SOI platform. We begin with a basic overview of design methodology involving both shallow etched gratings and the emerging field of subwavelength gratings. The feasibility of reducing footprint by way of incorporating compact tapers is also explored. We also discuss novel grating designs like polarization diversity as well as dual band couplers. Lastly, a brief description of various packaging and wafer-scale testing schemes available for fiber-chip couplers is elaborated.
Characterization of Spatial Light Modulator Based on the Phase in Fourier Domain of the Hologram and Its Applications in Coherent Imaging
Authors: Wang Huaying , Dong Zhao , Fan Feng , Feng Yunpeng , Lou Yuli , Jiang Xianan
Published: July 2018

Although digital holography is used widely at present, the information contained in the digital hologram is still underutilized. For example, the phase values of the Fourier spectra of the hologram are seldom used directly. In this paper, we take full advantage of them for characterizing the phase modulation of a spatial light modulator (SLM). Incident plane light beam is divided into two beams, one of which passes the SLM and interferes with the other one. If an image with a single grey scale loads on the SLM, theoretical analysis proves that the phase of the Fourier spectra of the obtained hologram contains the added phase and a constant part relative to the optical distance. By subtracting the phase for the image with the grey scale of 0 from that for the image with other grey scales, the phase modulation can be characterized. Simulative and experimental results validate that the method is effective. The SLM after characterization is successfully used for coherent imaging, which reconfirms that this method is exact in practice. When compared to the traditional method, the new method is much faster and more convenient.
Modeling and Control of Negative-Buoyancy Tri-Tilt-Rotor Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Based on Immersion and Invariance Methodology
Authors: Wang Tao , Wu Chao , Wang Jianqin , Ge Tong
Published: July 2018

Spot hover and high speed capabilities of underwater vehicles are essential for ocean exploring, however, few vehicles have these two features. Moreover, the motion of underwater vehicles is prone to be affected by the unknown hydrodynamics. This paper presents a novel negative-buoyancy autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with tri-tilt-rotor to obtain these two features. A detailed mathematical model is derived, which is then decoupled to altitude and attitude subsystems. For controlling the underwater vehicle, an attitude error model is designed for the attitude subsystem, and an adaptive nonlinear controller is proposed for the attitude error model based on immersion and invariance methodology. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, a three degrees of freedom (DOF) testbed is developed, and the performance of the controller is validated through a real-time experiment.
Global Radiative Flux and Cloudiness Variability for the Period 1959–2010 in Belgium: A Comparison between Reanalyses and the Regional Climate Model MAR
Authors: Wyard Coraline , Doutreloup Sébastien , Belleflamme Alexandre , Wild Martin , Fettweis Xavier
Published: July 2018

The use of regional climate models (RCMs) can partly reduce the biases in global radiative flux (Eg↓) that are found in reanalysis products and global models, as they allow for a finer spatial resolution and a finer parametrisation of surface and atmospheric processes. In this study, we assess the ability of the MAR («Modèle Atmosphérique Régional») RCM to reproduce observed changes in Eg↓, and we investigate the added value of MAR with respect to reanalyses. Simulations were performed at a horizontal resolution of 5 km for the period 1959–2010 by forcing MAR with different reanalysis products: ERA40/ERA-interim, NCEP/NCAR-v1, ERA-20C, and 20CRV2C. Measurements of Eg↓ from the Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA) and from the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMIB), as well as cloud cover observations from Belgocontrol and RMIB, were used for the evaluation of the MAR model and the forcing reanalyses. Results show that MAR enables largely reducing the mean biases that are present in the reanalyses. The trend analysis shows that only MAR forced by ERA40/ERA-interim shows historical trends, which is probably because the ERA40/ERA-interim has a better horizontal resolution and assimilates more observations than the other reanalyses that are used in this study. The results suggest that the solar brightening observed since the 1980s in Belgium has mainly been due to decreasing cloud cover.
A Comparative Analysis of the Impacts of Two Types of El Niño on the Central and Eastern Pacific ITCZ
Authors: Zhu Jinshuang , Liu Yudi , Xie Ruiqing , Chang Haijie
Published: July 2018

The precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and CPC Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) were used to investigate the discrepancy of Centre and Eastern Pacific ITCZ (CEP-ITCZ) during two types of El Niño years. Two models of the heat source distribution during two types of El Niño events were constructed, and the causes of different CEP-ITCZ anomalies for two types of El Niño events were analyzed through the Gill model. The results show that the CEP-ITCZ precipitation is approximately 4.0° southward, and the intensity is enhanced by 3.6 mm/day during the mature period of Eastern Pacific El Niño (EP-El Niño), while during the mature period of Central Pacific El Niño (CP-El Niño), it is only 0.8° southward, and the intensity is enhanced by 3.2 mm/day. The meridional mode of the SST anomaly by means of EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function) can indirectly affect the CEP-ITCZ by influencing the atmospheric Rossby wave response. In CP-El Niño years, the meridional mode of the SST anomaly is weak, and the atmospheric Rossby wave response enhances the northern and southern trade-wind zones at the same time. The anomaly of cross-equatorial flow is weak and the CEP-ITCZ moves southward a little. At the same time, the wind convergence zone is enhanced, and it is more conducive to the vertical transport of water vapor. In EP-El Niño years, the meridional mode of the SST anomaly is strong, and the atmospheric Rossby wave response strengthens the meridional wind on the northern side of the equator, leading to the southward shift of the CEP-ITCZ. At the same time, the wind convergence zone is weakened and widened, and to a certain extent, it suppresses the vertical transport increase of water vapor caused by the sea surface evaporation.
Durability of ETICS with Rendering in Norway—Experimental and Field Investigations
Authors: Kvande Tore , Bakken Noralf , Bergheim Einar , Thue Jan Vincent
Published: July 2018

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) with Rendering are widely used in both rehabilitation and new building projects, even in areas with harsh climates such as the western regions of Norway. However, we have seen extensive cases of defects involving such systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of Norwegian experiences regarding the durability of ETICS on walls. The presented results are based on building research conducted by SINTEF 61 as well as 30 accelerated climatic laboratory experiments over the last 25 years on similar façade systems. These systems generally perform satisfactorily if thoroughly designed and carefully erected. However, according to the survey, the systems are not very robust. Even minor errors in design techniques and/or craftsmanship can lead to rendering defects. The investigations clearly show that ETICS is particularly vulnerable when exposed to severe driving rain conditions. ETICS provides only a single-stage protection against wind and precipitation and do not dry effectively after being wetted. Hence, the resultant cracks and other rendering weaknesses could be disastrous, enabling moisture to penetrate into the thermal insulation and the wall behind. In areas with heavy driving rain, we recommend façade solutions erected in accordance with the principle of two-stage tightening rather than ETICS.
Current Status of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Targeted Therapies in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sobhani Navid , Ianza Anna , D’Angelo Alberto , Roviello Giandomenico , Giudici Fabiola , Bortul Marina , Zanconati Fabrizio , Bottin Cristina , Generali Daniele
Published: July 2018

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and second only to lung cancer in terms of mortality in women. Despite the incredible progress made in this field, metastatic breast cancer has a poor prognosis. In an era of personalized medicine, there is an urgent need for better knowledge of the biology leading to the disease, which can lead to the design of increasingly accurate drugs against patients’ specific molecular aberrations. Among one of the actionable targets is the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathway, triggered by specific ligands. The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors/Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFRs/FGFs) axis offers interesting molecular targets to be pursued in clinical development. This mini-review will focus on the current knowledge of FGFR mutations, which lead to tumor formation and summarizes the state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies for targeted treatments against the FGFRs/FGFs axis in the context of BC.
Controlling the Synthesis Conditions for Tuning the Properties of Hydrotalcite-Like Materials at the Nano Scale
Authors: Trujillano Raquel , González-García Inés , Morato Alvaro , Rives Vicente
Published: July 2018

Three series of layered double hydroxides (LDH) with a hydrotalcite-like structure and composition corresponding to [Mg4Al2(OH)12(CO3)]·3H2O have been prepared from a common batch by applying three different aging procedures, namely, stirring at room temperature, hydrothermal treatment, and microwave-hydrothermal treatment. It has been found that the tested properties of the samples (mainly related to their crystallinity) are considerably improved by using the microwave-hydrothermal treatment. Shorter times are also evinced than in the other two aging treatments; however, if the microwave-hydrothermal treatment is too far extended, incipient destruction of the particles is observed.
Microdrop Deposition Technique: Preparation and Characterization of Diluted Suspended Particulate Samples
Authors: Macis Salvatore , Cibin Giannantonio , Maggi Valter , Baccolo Giovanni , Hampai Dariush , Delmonte Barbara , D’Elia Alessandro , Marcelli Augusto
Published: July 2018

The analysis of particulate matter (PM) in dilute solutions is an important target for environmental, geochemical, and biochemical research. Here, we show how microdrop technology may allow the control, through the evaporation of small droplets, of the deposition of insoluble materials dispersed in a solution on a well-defined area with a specific spatial pattern. Using this technology, the superficial density of the deposited solute can be accurately controlled. In particular, it becomes possible to deposit an extremely reduced amount of insoluble material, in the order of few μg on a confined area, thus allowing a relatively high superficial density to be reached within a limited time. In this work, we quantitatively compare the microdrop technique for the preparation of particulate matter samples with the classical filtering technique. After having been optimized, the microdrop technique allows obtaining a more homogeneous deposition and may limit the sample amount up to a factor 25. This method is potentially suitable for many novel applications in different scientific fields such as demanding spectroscopic studies looking at the mineral fraction contained in ice cores or to pollution investigations looking at the detection of heavy metals present in ultra-trace in water.
Predicting Extinction Risk for Data Deficient Bats
Authors: Welch Jessica Nicole , Beaulieu Jeremy M.
Published: July 2018

Conservation biology aims to identify species most at risk of extinction and to understand factors that forecast species vulnerability. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a leading source for extinction risk data of species globally, however, many potentially at risk species are not assessed by the IUCN owing to inadequate data. Of the approximately 1150 bat species (Chiroptera) recognized by the IUCN, 17 percent are categorized as Data Deficient. Here, we show that large trait databases in combination with a comprehensive phylogeny can identify which traits are important for assessing extinction risk in bats. Using phylogenetic logistic regressions, we show that geographic range and island endemism are the strongest correlates of binary extinction risk. We also show that simulations using two models that trade-off between data complexity and data coverage provide similar estimates of extinction risk for species that have received a Red List assessment. We then use our model parameters to provide quantitative predictions of extinction risk for 60 species that have not received risk assessments by the IUCN. Our model suggests that at least 20 bat species should be treated as threatened by extinction. In combination with expert knowledge, our results can be used as a quick, first-pass prioritization for conservation action.
Free Final Time Input Design Problem for Robust Entropy-Like System Parameter Estimation
Authors: Jakowluk Wiktor
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a novel method is proposed to design a free final time input signal, which is then used in the robust system identification process. The solution of the constrained optimal input design problem is based on the minimization of an extra state variable representing the free final time scaling factor, formulated in the Bolza functional form, subject to the D-efficiency constraint as well as the input energy constraint. The objective function used for the model of the system identification provides robustness regarding the outlying data and was constructed using the so-called Entropy-like estimator. The perturbation time interval has a significant impact on the cost of the real-life system identification experiment. The contribution of this work is to examine the economic aspects between the imposed constraints on the input signal design, and the experiment duration while undertaking an identification experiment in the real operating conditions. The methodology is applicable to the general class of systems and was supported by numerical examples. Illustrative examples of the Least Squares, and the Entropy-Like estimators for the system parameter data validation where measurements include additive white noise are compared using ellipsoidal confidence regions.
Fluid Structure Interaction Modelling of Tidal Turbine Performance and Structural Loads in a Velocity Shear Environment
Authors: Badshah Mujahid , Badshah Saeed , Kadir Kushsairy
Published: July 2018

Tidal Current Turbine (TCT) blades are highly flexible and undergo considerable deflection due to fluid interactions. Unlike Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) models are able to model this hydroelastic behavior. In this work a coupled modular FSI approach was adopted to develop an FSI model for the performance evaluation and structural load characterization of a TCT under uniform and profiled flow. Results indicate that for a uniform flow case the FSI model predicted the turbine power coefficient CP with an error of 4.8% when compared with experimental data. For the rigid blade Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) CFD model this error was 9.8%. The turbine blades were subjected to uniform stress and deformation during the rotation of the turbine in a uniform flow. However, for a profiled flow the stress and deformation at the turbine blades varied with the angular position of turbine blade, resulting in a 22.1% variation in stress during a rotation cycle. This variation in stress is quite significant and can have serious implications for the fatigue life of turbine blades.
Assessing the Demand Side Management Potential and the Energy Flexibility of Heat Pumps in Buildings
Authors: Arteconi Alessia , Polonara Fabio
Published: July 2018

The energy demand in buildings represents a considerable share of the overall energy use. Given the significance and acknowledged flexibility of thermostatically controlled loads, they represent an interesting option for the implementation of demand side management (DSM) strategies. In this paper, an overview of the possible DSM applications in the field of air conditioning and heat pumps is provided. In particular, the focus is on the heat pump sector. Three case studies are analyzed in order to assess the energy flexibility provided by DSM technologies classified as energy efficient devices, energy storage systems, and demand response programs. The load shifting potential, in terms of power and time, is evaluated by varying the system configuration. Main findings show that energy efficient devices perform strategic conservation and peak shaving strategies, energy storage systems perform load shifting, while demand response programs perform peak shaving and valley filling strategies.
Analysis and Optimization of Material Flow inside the System of Rotary Coolers and Intake Pipeline via Discrete Element Method Modelling
Authors: Hlosta Jakub , Žurovec David , Rozbroj Jiří , Ramírez-Gómez Álvaro , Nečas Jan , Zegzulka Jiří
Published: July 2018

There is hardly any industry that does not use transport, storage, and processing of particulate solids in its production process. In the past, all device designs were based on empirical relationships or the designer’s experience. In the field of particulate solids, however, the discrete element method (DEM) has been increasingly used in recent years. This study shows how this simulation tool can be used in practice. More specifically, in dealing with operating problems with a rotary cooler which ensures the transport and cooling of the hot fly ash generated by combustion in fluidized bed boilers. For the given operating conditions, an analysis of the current cooling design was carried out, consisting of a non-standard intake pipeline, which divides and supplies the material to two rotary coolers. The study revealed shortcomings in both the pipeline design and the cooler design. The material was unevenly dispensed between the two coolers, which combined with the limited transport capacity of the coolers, led to overflowing and congestion of the whole system. Therefore, after visualization of the material flow and export of the necessary data using DEM design measures to mitigate these unwanted phenomena were carried out.
Reversible and Irreversible Potentials and an Inaccuracy in Popular Models in the Fuel Cell Literature
Authors: Chakraborty Uday K.
Published: July 2018

Modeling is an integral part of fuel cell design and development. This paper identifies a long-standing inaccuracy in the fuel cell modeling literature. Specifically, it discusses an inexact insertion, in popular models, of cell/stack current into Nernst’s equation in the derivation of output (load) voltage. The origin of the inaccuracy is traced to the nature of reversible and irreversible potentials (equilibrium and non-equilibrium states) in the cell. The significance of the inaccuracy is explained in the context of the electrochemistry and thermodynamics of the fuel cell.
Effects of Asymmetric Gas Distribution on the Instability of a Plane Power-Law Liquid Jet
Authors: Guo Jin-Peng , Wang Yi-Bo , Bai Fu-Qiang , Zhang Fan , Du Qing
Published: July 2018

As a kind of non-Newtonian fluid with special rheological features, the study of the breakup of power-law liquid jets has drawn more interest due to its extensive engineering applications. This paper investigated the effect of gas media confinement and asymmetry on the instability of power-law plane jets by linear instability analysis. The gas asymmetric conditions mainly result from unequal gas media thickness and aerodynamic forces on both sides of a liquid jet. The results show a limited gas space will strengthen the interaction between gas and liquid and destabilize the power-law liquid jet. Power-law fluid is easier to disintegrate into droplets in asymmetric gas medium than that in the symmetric case. The aerodynamic asymmetry destabilizes para-sinuous mode, whereas stabilizes para-varicose mode. For a large Weber number, the aerodynamic asymmetry plays a more significant role on jet instability compared with boundary asymmetry. The para-sinuous mode is always responsible for the jet breakup in the asymmetric gas media. With a larger gas density or higher liquid velocity, the aerodynamic asymmetry could dramatically promote liquid disintegration. Finally, the influence of two asymmetry distributions on the unstable range was analyzed and the critical curves were obtained to distinguish unstable regimes and stable regimes.
Design, Analysis and Model Predictive Control of an Axial Field Switched-Flux Permanent Magnet Machine for Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Zhao Jilong , Quan Xiaowei , Jing Mengdie , Lin Mingyao , Li Nian
Published: July 2018

In this paper, an axial field switched-flux permanent magnet (AFSFPM) machine with stator-PM, which has a high power/torque density and efficiency feature as well as shorter axial length, is designed, analyzed and controlled. The topology, operating principle and design procedure of the AFSFPM machine are labored and discussed. The electromagnetic performance, including the flux linkage, back-EMF, cogging torque, winding inductance and field-control capability, are studied based on 3-D finite-element analysis (FEA). In order to investigate the operating performance of the machine in the whole speed range, a continuous-control-set model predictive control (MPC) method for the AFSFPM machine is proposed. Based on the stage control targets, the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) and maximum output power flux-weakening strategies are presented in constant torque and constant power regions, respectively. Finally, a prototype of AFSFPM machine has been manufactured and experimentally evaluated and the results show that the MTPA strategy increases the load capability and the flux-weakening strategy broadens the constant power operation range. Moreover, the anti-load-disturbance capacity and dynamic response performance are improved under the MPC method. As a result, the proposed AFSFPM machine drive system is excellent alternative for electrical vehicles (EVs) or hybrid EVs (HEVs).
Oxidative Destruction of Organic Pollutants on the Polypropylene Fiber Modified by Nanodispersed Iron
Authors: Naumova Ludmila , Minakova Tamara , Gorlenko Nikolay , Kurzina Irina , Vasenina Irina
Published: July 2018

This study aims to solve the problem of deep destruction of organic pollutants in industrial effluents by creating new composite materials with prescribed functional properties. This paper researches the possibility of using composites based on a polypropylene fiber under conditions of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous and aqueous-organic media. Dye that are water soluble (eosin, brilliant green, rhodamine C) and fat-soluble (blue, yellow and red) have been chosen as organic contaminants. Composites based on the polypropylene fiber have been obtained by introducing nanodispersed iron onto the surface of the initial polymer, using ion implantation and super high frequency irradiation methods. The obtained composites are characterized, and their photocatalytic activity is studied with respect to the pollutants under study in the conditions of the Fenton-like system and visible radiation. The results show that the obtained composite materials are effective catalysts for oxidative photodestruction of organic dyes in aqueous and aqueous-organic media, and their decolorization degree reaches 80–100%.
Toward Sustainable Cultivation of Pinus occidentalis Swartz in Haiti: Effects of Alternative Growing Media and Containers on Seedling Growth and Foliar Chemistry
Authors: Hubbel Kyrstan L. , Ross-Davis Amy L. , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Burney Owen T. , Davis Anthony S.
Published: July 2018

Haiti has suffered great losses from deforestation, with little forest cover remaining today. Current reforestation efforts focus on seedling quantity rather than quality. This study examined limitations to the production of high-quality seedlings of the endemic Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis Swartz). Recognizing the importance of applying sustainable development principles to pine forest restoration, the effects of growing media and container types on seedling growth were evaluated with the goal of developing a propagation protocol to produce high-quality seedlings using economically feasible nursery practices. With regard to growing media, seedlings grew best in compost-based media amended with sand. Topsoil, widely used in nurseries throughout Haiti, produced the smallest seedlings overall. Despite a low water holding capacity and limited manganese, compost-based media provided adequate levels of essential mineral nutrients (particularly nitrogen), which allowed for sufficient seedling nutrition. Seedling shoot and root growth, as well as the ratio of shoot biomass to root biomass, were greater in polybags relative to D40s. Results indicate that economically feasible improvements to existing nursery practices in Haiti can improve the early growth rates of P. occidentalis seedlings.
Multistep Optimization of β-Glucosidase Extraction from Germinated Soybeans (Glycine max L. Merril) and Recovery of Isoflavone Aglycones
Authors: Yoshiara Luciane Yuri , Madeira Tiago Bervelieri , De Camargo Adriano Costa , Shahidi Fereidoon , Ida Elza Iouko
Published: July 2018

Epicotyls from germinated soybeans (EGS) have great potential as sources of endogenous β-glucosidase. Furthermore, this enzyme may improve the conversion of isoflavones into their corresponding aglycones. β-Glucosidase may also increase the release of aglycones from the cell wall of the plant materials. Therefore, the aim of this work was to optimize both the extraction of β-glucosidase from EGS and to further examine its application in defatted soybean cotyledon to improve the recovery of aglycones, which were evaluated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). A multistep optimization was carried out and the effects of temperature and pH were investigated by applying a central composite design. The linear effect of pH and the quadratic effect of pH and temperature were significant for the extraction of β-glucosidase and recovery aglycones, respectively. Optimum extraction of β-glucosidase from EGS occurred at 30 °C and pH 5.0. Furthermore, the maximum recovery of aglycones (98.7%), which occurred at 35 °C and pH 7.0–7.6 during 144 h of germination, increased 8.5 times with respect to the lowest concentration. The higher bioaccessibility of aglycones when compared with their conjugated counterparts is well substantiated. Therefore, the data provided in this contribution may be useful for enhancing the benefits of soybean, their products, and/or their processing by-products.