bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computation of Atomic Astrophysical Opacities
Authors: Mendoza Claudio
Published: May 2018

The revision of the standard Los Alamos opacities in the 1980–1990s by a group from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (OPAL) and the Opacity Project (OP) consortium was an early example of collaborative big-data science, leading to reliable data deliverables (atomic databases, monochromatic opacities, mean opacities, and radiative accelerations) widely used since then to solve a variety of important astrophysical problems. Nowadays the precision of the OPAL and OP opacities, and even of new tables (OPLIB) by Los Alamos, is a recurrent topic in a hot debate involving stringent comparisons between theory, laboratory experiments, and solar and stellar observations in sophisticated research fields: the standard solar model (SSM), helio and asteroseismology, non-LTE 3D hydrodynamic photospheric modeling, nuclear reaction rates, solar neutrino observations, computational atomic physics, and plasma experiments. In this context, an unexpected downward revision of the solar photospheric metal abundances in 2005 spoiled a very precise agreement between the helioseismic indicators (the radius of the convection zone boundary, the sound-speed profile, and helium surface abundance) and SSM benchmarks, which could be somehow reestablished with a substantial opacity increase. Recent laboratory measurements of the iron opacity in physical conditions similar to the boundary of the solar convection zone have indeed predicted significant increases (30–400%), although new systematic improvements and comparisons of the computed tables have not yet been able to reproduce them. We give an overview of this controversy, and within the OP approach, discuss some of the theoretical shortcomings that could be impairing a more complete and accurate opacity accounting.
Intensity of Multilingual Language Use Predicts Cognitive Performance in Some Multilingual Older Adults
Authors: Pot Anna , Keijzer Merel , De Bot Kees
Published: May 2018

Cognitive advantages for bilinguals have inconsistently been observed in different populations, with different operationalisations of bilingualism, cognitive performance, and the process by which language control transfers to cognitive control. This calls for studies investigating which aspects of multilingualism drive a cognitive advantage, in which populations and under which conditions. This study reports on two cognitive tasks coupled with an extensive background questionnaire on health, wellbeing, personality, language knowledge and language use, administered to 387 older adults in the northern Netherlands, a small but highly multilingual area. Using linear mixed effects regression modeling, we find that when different languages are used frequently in different contexts, enhanced attentional control is observed. Subsequently, a PLS regression model targeting also other influential factors yielded a two-component solution whereby only more sensitive measures of language proficiency and language usage in different social contexts were predictive of cognitive performance above and beyond the contribution of age, gender, income and education. We discuss these findings in light of previous studies that try to uncover more about the nature of bilingualism and the cognitive processes that may drive an advantage. With an unusually large sample size our study advocates for a move away from dichotomous, knowledge-based operationalisations of multilingualism and offers new insights for future studies at the individual level.
Activation of Persulfate Using an Industrial Iron-Rich Sludge as an Efficient Nanocatalyst for Landfill Leachate Treatment
Authors: Soubh Alaa Mohamad , Baghdadi Majid , Abdoli Mohammad Ali , Aminzadeh Behnoush
Published: May 2018

In this research, the performance of nanomaterials obtained from the converter sludge (CS) of Esfahan Steel Company, Iran was investigated for the activation of persulfate (PS). The experiments were conducted on real and synthetic leachates. CS showed high catalytic activity for removal of chemical oxygen demand COD and NH3 because of its high iron oxide content. The effects of pH, CS dosage, and PS/COD ratio, temperature, and reaction time on the removal of COD and NH3 were evaluated to optimize operational conditions (pH 2, CS dosage: 1.2 g L−1, PS/COD: 4, and reaction time: 60 min). Maximum COD and NH3 removal efficiencies were 73.56 and 63.87%, respectively. Finally, the optimized process was applied for treatment of a real leachate sample. Although the treated leachate was not suitable to discharge into the environment, an increase in the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and biodegradability (BOD5/COD) of leachate after treatment indicated that the effluent can be biologically treated. As a consequence, it can be combined with sewage or can be returned to the landfill.
Miniaturized Single Chip Arrangement of a Wheatstone Bridge Based Calorimetric Gas Sensor
Authors: Illyaskutty Navas , Kansizoglu Onur , Akdag Oguzhan , Ojha Binayak , Knoblauch Jens , Kohler Heinz
Published: May 2018

The design and fabrication of a miniaturized calorimetric-type gas sensor in a single chip arrangement is presented. Active and passive thin-film Pt meanders are integrated in a single platform (7 × 7 mm2) together with a temperature sensor and a thin-film microheater at the reverse side. Active meanders are covered by a porous Al2O3/2 wt % Pt thick-film layer. The selection of substrate, position of meanders, and active catalysts (especially their concentration) play a crucial role in directing sensor performance. The presented results show that the sensor signal (Wheatstone bridge voltage) is generated by diffusion-limited exothermic reactions which point towards catalytically enhanced combustion reactions mainly inside the active porous layer. By extrapolation of the linear sensitivity curves, the sensitivity limit was estimated to be 4 ppm for propene and to be 18 ppm for CO. In general, the one-chip-sensing concept has high potential to be used as a gas sensor for analysis of combustible gases; however, further optimization of the meander design and the catalyst material as well as investigations of the sensing behavior under varying ambient temperatures are necessary before such applications shall be considered.
Development of the Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC): A Parent-Report Tool for Mental Synthesis Ability Assessment in Children with Language Delay
Authors: Braverman Julia , Dunn Rita , Vyshedskiy Andrey
Published: May 2018

Mental synthesis is the conscious purposeful process of synthesizing novel mental images from objects stored in memory. Mental synthesis ability is essential for understanding complex syntax, spatial prepositions, and verb tenses. In typical children, the timeline of mental synthesis acquisition is highly correlated with an increasing vocabulary. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), on the other hand, may learn hundreds of words but never acquire mental synthesis. In these individuals, tests assessing vocabulary comprehension may fail to demonstrate the profound deficit in mental synthesis. We developed a parent-reported Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC) designed to assess mental synthesis acquisition in ASD children. The psychometric quality of MSEC was tested with 3715 parents of ASD children. Internal reliability of the 20-item MSEC was good (Cronbach’s alpha >0.9). MSEC exhibited adequate test–retest reliability; good construct validity, supported by a positive correlation with the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) Communication subscale; and good known group validity reflected by the difference in MSEC scores for children of different ASD severity levels. The MSEC questionnaire is copyright-free and can be used by researchers as a complimentary subscale for the ATEC evaluation. We hope that the addition of MSEC will make the combined assessment more sensitive to small steps in a child’s development. As MSEC does not rely on productive language, it may be an especially useful tool for assessing the development of nonverbal and minimally verbal children.
Influence of Decadal Climate Variability on Growing Degree Day, Precipitation, and Drought in Crop-Growing Seasons
Authors: Jithitikulchai Theepakorn
Published: May 2018

Knowledge on the impact of climate variability on the decadal timescale is important for policy makers and planners in order for them to make decisions in a range of sectors, including agriculture, water resources, energy, and infrastructure. This study estimates the effects of the ocean-related decadal climate variability (DCV) on growing degree day, precipitation, and drought in the crop-growing seasons of major crops in the United States. The empirical results illustrate that DCV phase combinations are associated with variations in growing degree day, precipitation, and drought across the country using county-level data from 1950 to 2015. There are spatially-differentiated effects on the climate of major production areas of corn, soybeans, and wheat. The annual oscillations in growing degree day, precipitation, and drought reach extreme severity in some DCV scenarios. The results would facilitate the adoption of coping mechanisms with the potential to develop climate risk resiliency for agricultural planning and policy.
Stabilized SPEEK Membranes with a High Degree of Sulfonation for Enthalpy Heat Exchangers
Authors: Narducci Riccardo , Di Vona Maria Luisa , Marrocchi Assunta , Baldinelli Giorgio
Published: May 2018

In this investigation, we explored for the first time the use of cross-linked sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes in the fabrication of enthalpy heat exchangers. SPEEK is very sensitive to changes in relative humidity, especially when featuring high degrees of sulfonation (DS), though a poor mechanical stability may be observed in the latter case. Cross-linking is crucial in overcoming this issue, and here, we firstly employed the INCA method (ionomer counter-elastic pressure “nc” analysis) to assess the improvements in the mechanical properties. The cross-link was achieved following a simple thermal-assisted process that occurs directly on the performed membranes. After an initial screening, a degree of cross-link = 0.1 was selected as the better compromise between absorption of water vapor and mechanical properties. When implemented in the enthalpy heat exchanger system, these cross-linked SPEEK membranes enabled a high level of sensible heat exchange, as well as a remarkable variation in the mass (water vapor) transfer between the individual air flows. The performances resulted in being better than those for the system based on a benchmark commercially available perfluorinated Nafion membrane.
Low Salinity Waterflooding in Carbonate Reservoirs: Review of Interfacial Mechanisms
Authors: Derkani Maryam H. , Fletcher Ashleigh J. , Abdallah Wael , Sauerer Bastian , Anderson James , Zhang Zhenyu J.
Published: May 2018

Carbonate rock reservoirs comprise approximately 60% of the world’s oil and gas reserves. Complex flow mechanisms and strong adsorption of crude oil on carbonate formation surfaces can reduce hydrocarbon recovery of an oil-wet carbonate reservoir to as low as 10%. Low salinity waterflooding (LSW) has been confirmed as a promising technique to improve the oil recovery factor. However, the principal mechanism underpinning this recovery method is not fully understood, which poses a challenge toward designing the optimal salinity and ionic composition of any injection solution. In general, it is believed that there is more than one mechanism involved in LSW of carbonates; even though wettability alteration toward a more desirable state for oil to be recovered could be the main cause during LSW, how this alteration happens is still the subject of debate. This paper reviews different working conditions of LSW, previous studies, and field observations, alongside the proposed interfacial mechanisms which affect the colloidal interactions at oil–rock–brine interfaces. This paper provides a comprehensive review of studies on LSW in carbonate formation and further analyzes the latest achievements of LSW application in carbonates, which helps to better understand the challenges involved in these complicated multicomponent systems and potentially benefits the oil production industry.
One-Dimensional Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials for Application in High-Performance Advanced Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Ding Meng , Guo Zhen , Zhou Lianqun , Fang Xuan , Zhang Lili , Zeng Leyong , Xie Lina , Zhao Hongbin
Published: May 2018

Unlike conventional bulk or film materials, one-dimensional (1D) semiconducting zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures exhibit excellent photoelectric properties including ultrahigh intrinsic photoelectric gain, multiple light confinement, and subwavelength size effects. Compared with polycrystalline thin films, nanowires usually have high phase purity, no grain boundaries, and long-distance order, making them attractive for carrier transport in advanced optoelectronic devices. The properties of one-dimensional nanowires—such as strong optical absorption, light emission, and photoconductive gain—could improve the performance of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, solar cells, nanogenerators, field-effect transistors, and sensors. For example, ZnO nanowires behave as carrier transport channels in photoelectric devices, decreasing the loss of the light-generated carrier. The performance of LEDs and photoelectric detectors based on nanowires can be improved compared with that of devices based on polycrystalline thin films. This article reviews the fabrication methods of 1D ZnO nanostructures—including chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal reaction, and electrochemical deposition—and the influence of the growth parameters on the growth rate and morphology. Important applications of 1D ZnO nanostructures in optoelectronic devices are described. Several approaches to improve the performance of 1D ZnO-based devices, including surface passivation, localized surface plasmons, and the piezo-phototronic effect, are summarized.
Transitions and Geometric Evolution of Cu309 Nanocluster during Slow Cooling Process
Authors: Ji Pengfei , Zhao Yi , Wan Mingli , He Jinna , Tian Mingli , Song Yueli , Li Yong
Published: May 2018

Since the nucleation and growth of clusters is usually a non-equilibrium condensation process, a distribution of structural isomers for a given cluster size may be encountered even under the same conditions. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are performed on sets of molten clusters of Cu309 to study their structures at low temperatures while controlling the cooling rate. Several different final structures including perfect icosahedra (ICO), imperfect Mark’ decahedra (MDEC) and imperfect FCC truncated octahedra (TOCT) are obtained even at the same cooling rate. It is calculated that the most favorable structure is icosahedra, which becomes more and more favorable as the cooling rate is slowed. To better understand the process of crystallization, several techniques, including potential-temperature curves, common neighbor analysis (CNA) and radial distribution function (RDF), are used to analyze and study the structural transition. Results show that different structures are obtained under identical conditions due to the stochastic nature of nucleation and relatively small energy difference between isomers. The process of geometrical evolution for icosahedra is given by comparing and analyzing the time evolution of the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of atoms located in every shell.
Design and Optimization of Fuel Injection of a 50 kW Micro Turbogas
Authors: Capata Roberto , Achille Manuele
Published: May 2018

The present article deals with the design of a micro turbogas turbine suitable for on board applications, e.g., as a power generator on hybrid transit bus, characterized by a simple constructive approach. Deriving the machine layout from an existing KJ-66 aircraft model engine, the authors propose a theoretical design of a compact, lightweight turbogas turbine, by investigating the technical possibility and limits of the proposed design. In particular, a different combustion chamber layout has been proposed, and fuel adduction channels for different swirler designs have been simulated via ANSYS Fluent in order to identify a satisfactory fuel spreading. As a result, the complete characterization of the design parameters and geometries has been performed, and a series of RANS simulations has been used in order to identify an optimal swirler configuration.
Heat Shock Gene Inactivation and Protein Aggregation with Links to Chronic Diseases
Authors: Martins Ian James
Published: May 2018

The heat shock response involved in protein misfolding is linked to the formation of toxic immunogenic proteins with heat shock proteins (HSP) as regulators of amyloid beta aggregation. The defective amyloid beta trafficking between different intracellular compartments is now relevant to HSPs and autoimmunity. Overnutrition, temperature dysregulation, and stress repress the heat shock gene Sirtuin 1 with the induction of HSP regulated amyloid beta aggregation involved in the autoimmune response. Defective circadian rhythm alterations are connected to inactivation of the peripheral sink amyloid beta clearance pathway and related to insulin resistance, protein aggregation, and autoimmune disease in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Nutritional therapy is critical to prevent immunosenescence, and plasma Sirtuin 1 levels should be determined to reverse, stabilize, and prevent protein aggregation with relevance to mitochondrial apoptosis and programmed cell death in chronic diseases.
Flow and Heat Transfer in the Tree-Like Branching Microchannel with/without Dimples
Authors: Shui Linqi , Sun Jianhui , Gao Feng , Zhang Chunyan
Published: May 2018

This work displays a numerical and experimental investigation on the flow and heat transfer in tree-like branching microchannels and studies the effects of dimples on the heat transfer enhancement. The numerical approach is certified by a smooth branching microchannel experiment. The verification result shows that the SSG turbulence model can provide a reasonable prediction. Thus, further research on the convective heat transfer in dimpled branching microchannels is conducted with the SSG turbulence model. The results indicate that the dimples can significantly improve the averaged heat transfer performance of branching microchannels, and the heat transfer increment of the branch segment increases with the increase in the branching level. However, the flow dead zones in some dimples at bifurcations and bends suppress the turbulent flow and heat transfer. Furthermore, the Nu number ratio (Nua/Nus) and thermal enhancement factor (η) both monotonously decrease as the Re number increases, while the friction factor ratio (fa/fs) changes nonlinearly. The entropy generation rates of S ˙ t and S ˙ p in all dimpled cases are lower than those in the smooth case, and the dimpled case with the streamwise spacing to diameter ratio s/D = 3 obtains the lowest value of augmentation entropy generation (Ns) under the high Re number conditions. Nua/Nus, fa/fs, and η decline with the increase in the streamwise spacing to diameter ratio (s/D) from 3 to 9; therefore, the dimpled case with s/D = 3 shows the best overall thermal performance.
The Human Development Index as Isoelastic GDP: Evidence from China and Pakistan
Authors: Bechtel Gordon
Published: May 2018

Gross domestic product (GDP) is shown to possess three new desiderata. First, GDP is almost perfectly correlated over time with the first principal component of its three classical indicators. Second, this principal component is in a class of weighted indexes ancillary to GDP. Each ancillary index informs policy as to allocation of resources over the three GDP indicators. Third, a country-specific power of GDP almost perfectly predicts the United Nation’s Human Development Index (HDI). These findings are brought by principal components and regression analyses of time series supplied by the World Bank and the United Nations. Axiomatic HDI computation is carried out without survey sampling, probabilistic inference, significance testing, or even HDI data.
Degradation of Low Concentrated Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) from Water Samples Using Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma (NTAP)
Authors: Jovicic Vojislav , Khan Muhammad Jehanzaib , Zbogar-Rasic Ana , Fedorova Nataliia , Poser Alexander , Swoboda Peter , Delgado Antonio
Published: May 2018

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are manmade chemicals, containing the covalent C-F bond, which is among the strongest chemical bonds known to organic chemistry. Abundant use of these chemicals contaminates air, water, and soil around the world. Despite recent initiatives and legal regulations set to reduce their omnipresence, conventional water purification processes are either inefficient or very expensive, especially for low PFC contamination levels. This research is focused on the non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) decomposition of very low concentrations (<1 µg/L) of PFCs (especially perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS)), present in the wastewater produced during the process of PFCs removal from contaminated soil. The efficiency of the decomposition process was investigated for air, oxygen, and nitrogen plasma, with exposure times of 1–10 min and different plasma nozzle- and reactor sizes. Experiments demonstrated that the NTAP treatment is an efficient alternative method for degradation of more than 50% of the initial PFC concentration in the water samples, in less than 200 s. The final concentration of PFC showed strong dependency on the tested parameters. The treatment effect showed to be strongly non-linear with time, followed by the reduction of the pH-value of the treated sample, which might present a limiting factor for further PFC decomposition.
Experimental Investigation of the Loading Strategy of an Automotive Diesel Engine under Transient Operation Conditions
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Zhongchang , Han Yongqiang , Tian Jing , Wang Jun , Fang Jian
Published: May 2018

Targeting the performance optimization of an automotive diesel engine under transient operation conditions, in this research, the effect of several non-linear loading strategies on diesel performance have been experimentally analyzed using a heavy-duty turbocharged diesel engine running under transient conditions based on the constant 1650 r/min speed, the load is increased from 10% to 100% in a 5 s transition time The results show that the larger the early loading rate and change point load, the better the dynamic torque response. The peak values of smoke and CO and the transient average of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), soot and CO can be decreased by increasing the early loading rate by the loading strategies with the appropriate change point load during transient operation. However, combustion deteriorates under the loading process with an overlarge change point load, causing emissions to increase, and the larger the early loading rate, the worse the worsening. Based on the trade-off consisting of torque dynamic response, transient total and transient average of the BSFC and brake specific emissions, peak values of smoke and CO emissions, it is concluded that the loading strategy with the early loading rate is the 50% load per second and the change point load in the 25% load is the most suitable in these strategies.
Parameterized Disturbance Observer Based Controller to Reduce Cyclic Loads of Wind Turbine
Authors: Imran Raja , Hussain D. , Chowdhry Bhawani
Published: May 2018

This paper is concerned with bump-less transfer of parameterized disturbance observer based controller with individual pitch control strategy to reduce cyclic loads of wind turbine in full load operation. Cyclic loads are generated due to wind shear and tower shadow effects. Multivariable disturbance observer based linear controllers are designed with objective to reduce output power fluctuation, tower oscillation and drive-train torsion using optimal control theory. Linear parameterized controllers are designed by using a smooth scheduling mechanism between the controllers. The proposed parameterized controller with individual pitch was tested on nonlinear Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence (FAST) code model of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)’s 5 MW wind turbine. The closed-loop system performance was assessed by comparing the simulation results of proposed controller with a fixed gain and parameterized controller with collective pitch for full load operation of wind turbine. Simulations are performed with step wind to see the behavior of the system with wind shear and tower shadow effects. Then, turbulent wind is applied to see the smooth transition of the controllers. It can be concluded from the results that the proposed parameterized control shows smooth transition from one controller to another controller. Moreover, 3p and 6p harmonics are well mitigated as compared to fixed gain DOBC and parameterized DOBC with collective pitch.
Pretreatment of Corn Stover Using Organosolv with Hydrogen Peroxide for Effective Enzymatic Saccharification
Authors: Park Yong Cheol , Kim Jun Seok , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: May 2018

In this study, the chemical pretreatment method using ethanol organosolv with hydrogen peroxide was investigated to improve enzymatic saccharification of corn stover. The pretreatment method using ethanol with hydrogen peroxide in a flow-through reaction was proposed to lower the reaction severity such as the pretreatment temperature. With the same reaction time, the pretreatment process using organosolv (30 wt.% ethanol) containing 1 wt.% hydrogen peroxide at 150 °C resulted in a similar conversion yield as the result of the alkali pretreatment method using 15 wt.% aqueous ammonia at 170 °C. When corn stover was pretreated with 30 wt.% ethanol solution containing 5 wt.% hydrogen peroxide, a glucose conversion yield of 69.7 wt.% and glucose production of 23.8 g were achieved.
Comparative Analysis of Bearing Current in Wind Turbine Generators
Authors: Liu Ruifang , Ma Xin , Ren Xuejiao , Cao Junci , Niu Shuangxia
Published: May 2018

Bearing current problems frequently appear in wind turbine systems, which cause wind turbines the break down and result in very large losses. This paper investigates and compares bearing current problems in three kinds of wind turbine generators, namely doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), and semi-direct-drive PMSG turbines. Common mode voltage (CMV) of converters is introduced firstly. Then stray capacitances of three kinds of generators are calculated and compared through the finite element method. The bearing current equivalent circuits are proposed and simulations of the bearing current are carried out. It is verified that the bearing currents of DFIGs are more serious than the two kinds of PMSG, while common mode current (CMC) of the direct-drive PMSG is much greater than the other two types of wind turbine generators.
Risk Assessment and Reduction for an Innovative Subsurface Well Completion System
Authors: Zhen Xingwei , Moan Torgeir , Gao Zhen , Huang Yi
Published: May 2018

In recent years, many oil and gas fields have been discovered in ultra-deep sea (UDS). Some of these fields are evaluated to have no commercial value if existing oil field development approaches are used, especially while the oil prices remain low. A new alternative field development solution, termed as Subsurface Well Completion (SWC) system, is proposed with the aim to produce oil and gas in a cost-effective manner in UDS. This system primarily consists of four parts: a tethered subsurface platform, the rigid riser, SWC equipment and flexible jumper. Obviously, central to the evaluation and application of the new SWC technology is the inherent risk relative to acceptance level. In particular, an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons to sea, which may lead to catastrophical consequences involving personnel risk, environmental damage and economic losses, is a main contributor to the total risk and of great concern to the offshore petroleum industry. As for the new SWC system, any failure will not be a direct source of risk for the personnel on the surface installation due to its offset feature. In this context, this paper proposes a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) framework to assess such uncontrolled releases to sea with regard to the SWC system for an oil field in the production phase based on the new Subsurface Tension Leg Production (STLP) facility. According to the QRA results presented in this paper, the identified scenarios representing uncontrolled releases to sea are subsea wellhead leaks, rigid riser leaks, subsurface wellhead leaks, releases from X-mas tree and flexible jumper leaks. Among these scenarios, subsea wellhead is found to be the high-risk area. Compared with the established risk acceptance criteria (RAC), the environmental risk levels for the subsea wellhead’s leak lie within the As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) region while other risks are all below ALARP limits, which means that there is a need for improved consideration of the existing design with regard to the subsea wellhead area, and the corresponding risk reduction measures are proposed. Furthermore, the sources and effects of uncertainties are reviewed and sensitivity studies are carried out to illustrate the effect of some of the important assumptions in the risk model. It can be found that some assumptions made are conservative or optimistic while others are unknown. However, the final QRA results can be regarded as somewhat conservative. This paper concludes that the new SWC technology has a distinct advantage with respect to the leakage duration time in UDS, and thus mitigates the environmental and commercial impacts to a large extent. Besides, relaxed design requirements for the X-mas tree and flexible jumper can be accepted. It is also concluded that there are no serious and major commercial losses for all the identified accidental release scenarios, which is of great importance and attractiveness to oil producers.
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Water Quality in Drought Prone Areas of Pune and Satara Districts of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Dhawde Rutuja , Surve Nuzhat , Macaden Ragini , Wennberg Aina Charlotte , Seifert-Dähnn Isabel , Ghadge Appasaheb , Birdi Tannaz
Published: May 2018

Drinking water quality is determined by the water’s biological, chemical, and physical features. Water sampling was carried out in 20 villages in the Pune and Satara districts of Maharashtra, with 15 falling in a low rainfall zone. Samples were collected from rivers, open wells, and bore wells, four times in a period of a year covering all seasons. A total of 206 water samples were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and bacteriological properties. Physical and chemical properties were expressed in the form of a modified Water Quality Index (WQI). Additionally, the modified WQI was compared to an Overall Pollution Index (OIP) for rivers. The present investigation is an attempt to analyze the impact of seasonal changes on water quality of different water bodies using two different WQIs. To understand the degree to which water quality is affected by faecal bacteria, modified WQI with exclusion of faecal coliforms (FC) and OIP with inclusion of FC were compared with each other in river water bodies. Modified WQI values and bacterial counts were at a maximum during the onset of the monsoon. In terms of bacteriological contamination, the number of FC and intestinal enterococci (IE) in the water bodies was of major concern since it would impact human health.
The Application of Two Approaches Using GIS Technology Implementation in Forest Road Network Planning in an Italian Mountain Setting
Authors: Picchio Rodolfo , Pignatti Giuseppe , Marchi Enrico , Latterini Francesco , Benanchi Mirko , Foderi Cristiano , Venanzi Rachele , Verani Stefano
Published: May 2018

A well-planned forest road network is essential for meeting the goal of sustainable forest management. Forest roads play a key role in commercial purposes, fire prevention, and recreational activities. The aim of this work was to apply precision forestry in the analysis of the forest network of two forest ownerships in Tuscany. A proposal was formulated based on the information obtained regarding future forest road construction. This proposal takes into consideration technical effectiveness and environmental sustainability, with particular attention paid to low-impact logging. Two systems were tested so as to gain a better comprehension of different technical approaches. One system was reported by other researchers and the other was developed by the authors of this paper. The aim was to provide a valid instrument and possible alternative for forest managers involved in decision making. This study highlights the importance of precision forestry, even on a small-scale technical application level in forest road planning, thus helping managers and owners during the decision-making process in forestry operations.
Photon-Pair Sources Based on Intermodal Four-Wave Mixing in Few-Mode Fibers
Authors: Rottwitt Karsten , Koefoed Jacob Gade , Christensen Erik Nicolai
Published: May 2018

Four-wave mixing in optical fibers has been proven to have many applications within processing of classical optical signals. In addition, recent developments in multimode fibers have made it possible to achieve the necessary phase-matching for efficient four-wave mixing over a very wide bandwidth. Thus, the combination of multimode fiber optics and four-wave mixing is very attractive for various applications. This is especially the case for applications in quantum communication, for example in photon-pair generation. This is the subject of this work, where we discuss the impact of fluctuations in core radius on the quality of the heralded single-photon states and demonstrate experimental results of intermodal spontaneous four-wave mixing for photon-pair generation.
Experimental Modelling of the Caprock/Cement Interface Behaviour under CO2 Storage Conditions: Effect of Water and Supercritical CO2 from a Cathodoluminescence Study
Authors: Jobard Emmanuel , Sterpenich Jérôme , Pironon Jacques , Corvisier Jérôme , Randi Aurélien
Published: May 2018

In the framework of CO2 geological storage, one of the critical points leading to possible important CO2 leakage is the behaviour of the different interfaces between the rocks and the injection wells. This paper discussed the results from an experimental modelling of the evolution of a caprock/cement interface under high pressure and temperature conditions. Batch experiments were performed with a caprock (Callovo-Oxfordian claystone of the Paris Basin) in contact with a cement (Portland class G) in the presence of supercritical CO2 under dry or wet conditions. The mineralogical and mechanical evolution of the caprock, the Portland cement, and their interface submitted to the attack of carbonic acid either supercritical or dissolved in a saline water under geological conditions of pressure and temperature. This model should help to better understand the behaviour of interfaces in the proximal zone at the injection site and to prevent risks of leakage from this critical part of injection wells. After one month of ageing at 80 °C under 100 bar of CO2 pressure, the caprock, the cement, and the interface between the caprock and cement are investigated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and cathodoluminescence (CL). The main results reveal (i) the influence of the alteration conditions: with dry CO2, the carbonation of the cement is more extended than under wet conditions; (ii) successive phases of carbonate precipitation (calcite and aragonite) responsible for the loss of mechanical cohesion of the interfaces; (iii) the mineralogical and chemical evolution of the cement which undergoes successive phases of carbonation and leaching; (iv) the limited reactivity of the clayey caprock despite the acidic attack of CO2; and (v) the influence of water on the transport mechanisms of dissolved species and thus on the location of mineral precipitations.
Fatalities Caused by Hydrometeorological Disasters in Texas
Authors: Paul Srikanto H. , Sharif Hatim O. , Crawford Abigail M.
Published: May 2018

Texas ranks first in the U.S in number of fatalities due to natural disasters. Based on data culled from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from 1959 to 2016, the number of hydrometeorological fatalities in Texas have increased over the 58-year study period, but the per capita fatalities have significantly decreased. Spatial review found that non-coastal flooding is the predominant hydrometeorological disaster in a majority of the Texas counties located in “Flash Flood Alley” and accounts for 43% of all hydrometeorological fatalities in the state. Flooding fatalities occur most frequently on “Transportation Routes” followed by heat fatalities in “Permanent Residences”. Seasonal and monthly stratification identifies Spring and Summer as the deadliest seasons, with the month of May registering the highest number of total fatalities dominated by flooding and tornado fatalities. Demographic trends of hydrometeorological disaster fatalities indicated that approximately twice as many male fatalities occurred from 1959-2016 than female fatalities, but with decreasing gender disparity over time. Adults are the highest fatality risk group overall, children are most at risk to die in flooding, and the elderly at greatest risk of heat-related death.
Selected Metal Content and Binding Behaviour in Riverbed Sediments of the Kavala–Philippi Area (Northern Greece)
Authors: Giouri Katerina , Melfos Vasilios , Papadopoulou Lamprini , Vavelidis Michael , Alifragkis Dimitrios
Published: May 2018

The broader Philippi area (NE Macedonia, Northern Greece), which was chosen for the present study, is characterized by the presence of various metals. An approach to the correlation of selected parameters (grain-size distribution, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, MnO, SiO2 content, environmentally available concentrations of Cu and Zn) was carried out in samples collected downstream of Palea Kavala River and Kryoneri and Philippi streams. The abundance of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in relation to four binding fractions (exchangeable, bound to carbonates, Fe–Mn oxides, organic matter complexes) was also investigated. The enrichment of the studied metals was determined by evaluating the enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Considering the results, Si was the most abundant major element oxide in sediments, followed by Al, Ca, Fe, and Mn. The sediments are dominated by sand and reveal minor Cu and Fe enrichment and moderate Mn and Zn enrichment. Statistical analyses revealed a significant correlation between Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, suggesting their common sources. They probably originate naturally, since the weathering of metal assemblages occurring in the broader Philippi area, comprising minerals such as chalcopyrite, pyrite, goethite, pyrolusite and sphalerite, may contribute to the concentrations of these elements in the sediments.
Does Molimina Indicate Ovulation? Prospective Data in a Hormonally Documented Single-Cycle in Spontaneously Menstruating Women
Authors: Prior Jerilynn C. , Konishi Chiaki , Hitchcock Christine L. , Kingwell Elaine , Janssen Patti , Cheung Anthony P. , Fairbrother Nichole , Goshtasebi Azita
Published: May 2018

Approximately 33% of normal-length (21–35 days) cycles have subclinical ovulatory disturbances and lack sufficient progesterone, although their normal length ensures enough estrogen. Subclinical ovulatory disturbances are related to significant premenopausal spine bone loss (−0.86%/year). Molimina, non-distressing premenstrual experiences, may detect ovulation within normal-length cycles. This prospective study assessed the relationship between molimina and ovulation. After 1-cycle of daily diary and first morning urine collections, women answered the Molimina Question (MQ): “Can you tell by the way you feel that your period is coming?” and were invited to share (a) predictive premenstrual experience(s). A 3-fold increase in follicular-luteal pregnanediol levels confirmed ovulation. In 610 spontaneously menstruating women (not on hormonal contraception, mean age 31.5 ± 5.3, menarche age 12.7 ± 1.5, cycle length [CL] 29 days, MQ positive in 89%), reported premenstrual experiences which included negative moods (62%), cramps (48%), bloating (39%), and front (26%) or axillary (25%) breast tenderness. Of 432 women with pregnanediol-documented cycles, 398 (92%) were ovulatory (CL: 29 ± 5) and 34 (8%) had ovulatory disturbances (CL: 32 ± 14). Women with/without ovulatory cycles were similar in parity, body mass index, smoking, dietary restraint and the MQ; ovulatory-disturbed cycles were longer. Molimina did not confirm ovulation. A non-invasive, inexpensive ovulation indicator is needed to prevent osteoporosis.
Premature Spinal Bone Loss in Women Living with HIV is Associated with Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length
Authors: Kalyan Shirin , Pick Neora , Mai Alice , Murray Melanie C. M. , Kidson Kristen , Chu Jackson , Albert Arianne Y. K. , Côté Hélène C. F. , Maan Evelyn J. , Goshtasebi Azita , Money Deborah M. , Prior Jerilynn C.
Published: May 2018

With advances in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), people living with HIV are now surviving to experience aging. Evidence suggests that individuals living with HIV are at greater risk for low bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and fractures. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of bone health in women living with HIV (WLWH) is important for treatment strategies. The goal of this study was to explore new biological factors linked to low BMD in WLWH. Standardized BMD measures of WLWH were compared to reference values from an unselected population of women from the same geographical region of the same age range. Linear regression analysis was used to assess relationships among health-related characteristics, cellular aging (measured by leukocyte telomere length; LTL), cART, and BMD of WLWH. WLWH (n = 73; mean age 43 ± 9 years) had lower BMD Z-scores at the lumbar spine (LS) (mean difference = −0.39, p < 0.001) and total hip (TH) (−0.29, p = 0.012) relative to controls (n = 290). WLWH between 50 and 60 years (n = 17) had lower Z-scores at the LS (p = 0.008) and TH (p = 0.027) compared to controls (n = 167). Among WLWH, LS BMD was significantly associated with LTL (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.009) and BMI (R2 = 0.06, p = 0.042). Spinal BMD was adversely affected in WLWH. Reduction of LTL was strongly associated with lower BMD and may relate to its pathophysiology and premature aging in WLWH.
Analysis of Short-Term Smoking Effects in PBMC of Healthy Subjects—Preliminary Study
Authors: Wieczfinska Joanna , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Sitarek Przemyslaw , Skała Ewa , Pawliczak Rafal
Published: May 2018

Early structural changes exist in the small airways before the establishment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These changes are believed to be induced by oxidation. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of short-term smoking on the expression of the genes contributing to airway remodeling and their relationship with the oxidative status of human blood cells. Blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 16 healthy volunteers and treated with cigarette smoke ingredients (CSI): nicotine, 1-Nitrosodimethylamine, N-Nitrosopyrrolidyne, vinyl chloride, acetone, and acrolein. The expression of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, SOD1, and arginase I was determined by qPCR. Additionally, thiol groups and TBARs were assessed. CSI induced TGF and TIMP-1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and apocynin alleviated this effect. The changes were more noticeable in the smoking group (p < 0.05). TBARs concentrations were higher in smokers, and in this group, apocynin acted more effectively. SOD1 correlated with arginase expression in smokers (p < 0.05). MMP-9 showed a significant correlation with SOD1 in both groups, but only on the protein level. Blood cells appear to mirror the general changes caused by cigarette smoke ingredients, which seem to be connected with the oxidative status of the cell. Our findings indicate that a short period of smoking influences the gene expression and oxidative balance of blood cells, which might result in the development of serious disorders such as COPD.
Views and Experiences of Persons with Chronic Diseases about Strategies that Aim to Integrate and Re-Integrate Them into Work: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Esteban Eva , Coenen Michaela , Ito Elizabeth , Gruber Sonja , Scaratti Chiara , Leonardi Matilde , Roka Olga , Vasilou Evdokia , Muñoz-Murillo Amalia , Ávila Carolina C. , Kovačič Dare S. , Ivandic Ivana , Sabariego Carla
Published: May 2018

The effectiveness of strategies targeting professional integration and reintegration strongly depends on the experiences of participants. The aim of this systematic literature review is to synthesize European qualitative studies exploring views and experiences of persons with chronic conditions regarding strategies for integration and reintegration into work. The systematic search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, CDR-HTA, CDR-DARE and Cochrane Systematic Reviews. Overall, 24 studies published in English between January 2011 and April 2016 were included. Most studies were carried out in Nordic countries or in the UK, and most participants were persons with either mental or musculoskeletal disorders. Ten themes emerged: individual and holistic approach, clarity of strategy and processes, timing of rehabilitation processes, experience with professionals, at the workplace and with peer groups, changes in the understanding of health and work, active involvement in the process, competencies development and motivating aspects of work. Findings highlight, among others, the need to actively involve participants in the return to work process and to provide timely and clearly structured processes and interventions. This review provides stakeholders key information to develop, plan, implement and evaluate interventions to integrate and re-integrate persons with chronic conditions into work in Europe.
Effects of Different Spectral Shapes and Amplitude Modulation of Broadband Noise on Annoyance Reactions in a Controlled Listening Experiment
Authors: Schäffer Beat , Pieren Reto , Schlittmeier Sabine J. , Brink Mark
Published: May 2018

Environmental noise from transportation or industrial infrastructure typically has a broad frequency range. Different sources may have disparate acoustical characteristics, which may in turn affect noise annoyance. However, knowledge of the relative contribution of the different acoustical characteristics of broadband noise to annoyance is still scarce. In this study, the subjectively perceived short-term (acute) annoyance reactions to different broadband sounds (namely, realistic outdoor wind turbine and artificial, generic sounds) at 40 dBA were investigated in a controlled laboratory listening experiment. Combined with the factorial design of the experiment, the sounds allowed for separation of the effects of three acoustical characteristics on annoyance, namely, spectral shape, depth of periodic amplitude modulation (AM), and occurrence (or absence) of random AM. Fifty-two participants rated their annoyance with the sounds. Annoyance increased with increasing energy content in the low-frequency range as well as with depth of periodic AM, and was higher in situations with random AM than without. Similar annoyance changes would be evoked by sound pressure level changes of up to 8 dB. The results suggest that besides standard sound pressure level metrics, other acoustical characteristics of (broadband) noise should also be considered in environmental impact assessments, e.g., in the context of wind turbine installations.