bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Through the Past Darkly: Some New Sources on the Founding of the Chinese Communist Party
Authors: Saich Tony
Published: January 2009

The current stress of the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party on the necessity of “seeking truth from facts” and the accompanying more liberal attitude to research have led to a re-vitalisation, as in other areas, of the study of party history. The portrayal of Mao Zedong in a more fallible light and the ending of the overemphasis on his role in the Chinese Revolution have led to the study, or re-study, of aspects of Chinese communist history in which Mao was not directly, or only marginally, involved, and to evaluations, or re-evaluations, of the contribution of other communist leaders. The contemporary view that the concept of “two-line struggle” has been overstressed in past historiography, particularly during the Cultural Revolution decade, has also helped historians in China to provide a more “objective” account of the role of other key figures. Differences of opinion no longer have to be castigated as outright opposition nor do later “failings” by individuals necessarily lead to a search by historians to expose a “counter-revolutionary” past throughout.
Drunken speech and the construction of meaning: Bilingual competence in the Southern Peruvian Andes
Authors: Harvey Penelope M.
Published: January 2009

This article examines the language use of drunken speakers in a bilingual community of the Southern Peruvian Andes. When drunk, speakers are less constrained in their linguistic choices by considerations of individual linguistic competence and of differential status between speaker and addressees. Cultural norms of heightened potency and diminished responsibility allow drunken speakers to extend their linguistic repertoires and to challenge established social relations. Spanish and Quechua carry very complex and ambiguous meanings related to local conceptions of power and evaluations of an Hispanic and a pre-Hispanic past. Drunks exploit the ambiguities in implicit social meanings that normally function to maintain the status quo as they use their extended communicative competence to present alternative views on the nature of social relations. (Bilingualism, language and power, social anthropology, South America)
A changing language situation: The decline of Dyirbal 1963–1989
Authors: Dixon R. M. W.
Published: January 2009

Dyirbal was probably originally spoken by about 5,000 people across its 10 dialects. In 1963, the northern dialects had just a few speakers (now all dead save one), but two southern dialects had formed a language community with several score speakers, including a number of children. Over the past quarter-century, younger people have switched to English, while among the older ones a new “merged dialect” has developed. The social situations and attitudes of speakers are described, in addition to changing language identifications. The writer has seen Dyirbal contract in lexical and grammatical complexity as it has moved toward an inevitable extinction. (Sociolinguistics, language death, Australian Aboriginal languages, field methods)
How to talk to the supernatural in Shakespeare
Authors: Yonglin Yang
Published: January 2009

The present study concerns itself mainly with Shakespeare's use of thou forms to individual ghosts, witches, and spirits. All of Shakespeare's 37 plays were examined; 10 were systematically searched for stretches of discourse that occur between human beings and supernatural beings. The proposition is advanced that there is a role-governed rule in the use of this pronoun to individual supernatural beings. The illustrations, statistical results, discussion, and citations from other sources support the proposition forcefully; unique exceptions are taken into consideration. Instances that indicate the possibility of a reciprocal use from and between such beings are given as well, together with possible reasons for the usage. (Pronouns of address, Shakespearean studies, supernatural beings)
Linguistic divergence in Fort Chipewyan
Authors: Cook Eung-Do
Published: January 2009

Scollon and Scollon (1979) claimed that the consonantal system of Chipewyan in Fort Chipewyan has been reduced to 16 segments from 39 influenced by Cree, a case of linguistic convergence. This conclusion was based on their incoherent and indiscriminate admixture of variable data. While there is no Chipewyan speaker whose consonantal inventory includes only 16 phonemes, there is ample evidence for the merger of two series of coronal affricates in an innovative system like in other Athapaskan languages that have had no intimate contact with Cree. That is, there is evidence for intralinguistic divergence, but not for interlinguistic convergence. Neither is there any evidence to support another major claim by the Scollons that the sibilant alternations in Chipewyan are correlated with “world views.” All the changes, including sibilant alternations and coronal mergers, recorded in Fort Chipewyan are those frequently observed in other Athapaskan communities. (Language contact, change, convergence, divergence, variability, obsolescence, register, sociolinguistic variable)
A comparative study of endolithic microborings in basaltic lavas from a transitional subglacial–marine environment
Authors: Cousins Claire R. , Smellie John L. , Jones Adrian P. , Crawford Ian A.
Published: January 2009

Subglacially erupted Neogene basaltic hyaloclastites in lava-fed deltas in Antarctica were found to contain putative endolithic microborings preserved in fresh glass along hydrous alteration boundaries. The location and existence over the past 6 Ma of these lava deltas has exposed them to successive interglacials and subsequent percolation of the hyaloclastite with marine water. A statistical study of the hyaloclastites has found that endolithic microborings are distinctly more abundant within samples that show evidence for marine alteration, compared with those that have remained in a strictly freshwater (glacial) environment. Additionally, correlation between elevation and the abundance of microborings shows endolithic activity to be more prolific within lower elevation samples, where the hyaloclastites were influenced by marine fluids. Our study strongly suggests that endolithic microborings form more readily in marine-influenced, rather than freshwater environments. Indeed, marine fluids may be a necessary precondition for the microbial activity responsible. Thus, we suggest that the chemistry and origin of alteration fluids are controlling factors on the formation of endolithic microborings in basaltic glass. The study also contributes to the understanding of how endolithic microborings could be used as a biosignature on Mars, where basaltic lavas and aqueous alteration are known to have existed in the past.
Hadron bootstrap: triumph or frustration?
Authors: Chew Geoffrey F.
Published: January 2009

Physicists usually perceive their discipline's goal as the reduction of nature to fundamentals, and the high-energy arena has correspondingly been dominated by the search for “basic building blocks.” Finding the quark is for the moment regarded by many as the ultimate prospective triumph; failure to find some such fundamental entity is equated with frustration. There exists, nonetheless, a 180-degree inverted point of view, which envisions the absence of fundamentals as the ultimate triumph; this is the bootstrap attitude.
Mr Wizard revisited
Authors: Johnides Theodora
Published: January 2009

DON HERBERT, who spent 14 years trying as television's “Mr Wizard” to explain science to children, now thinks he can reach his 9–13-year-old audience better in the classroom with instructional films. Before turning to these films, Herbert also used the television medium for an adult-science series. However, he discovered that an adult's attitude to science is already molded in a fixed and often hostile form. So instead he determined to catch the child in school, where his interest in science usually begins. To this end, Herbert's classroom films draw upon the student's natural curiosity and maintain it with written responses during die presentation. The child's involvement, therefore, is personal rather than vicarious, as with ‘Mr Wizard.”
Physics in the open-door college
Authors: Aldridge Bill G.
Published: January 2009

THE EMERGING two-year community college faces special problems in teaching physics to nonphysics majors. All the teaching difficulties present at universities are compounded at the junior college, and in addition the character of the college itself introduces new problems. Our pre-engineering courses, curricula for liberal-arts majors and the very difficult ones for two-year technology courses each present their own problems.
CA repeat and RsaI polymorphisms in ERβ gene are not associated with infertility in Indian men
Authors: Khattri A. , Pandey R. K. , Gupta N. J. , Chakravarty B. , Deendayal M. , Singh L. , Thangaraj K.
Published: January 2009

Oestrogen Receptor β (ERβ) gene plays an important role in the regulation of fertility in both males and females. Polymorphism in CA repeat located in the flanking region of ERβ has been shown to be associated with several diseases, but its association with male infertility has not been analysed so far. However, RsaI polymorphism (rs1256049) in exon 5 of ERβ has been shown to be associated with male infertility in Caucasian patients. Hence, we have analysed 695 Indian men, including 443 infertile and 252 fertile men to evaluate the association of CA repeat length and RsaI polymorphisms in male infertility. Our results revealed no significant difference in the distribution of CA repeat length between infertile (mean ± SD 23.24 ± 2.06, median 24) and fertile men (mean ± SD 23.16 ± 2.27, median 24). The analysis of dosage effect by classifying samples into SS (short/short), SL (short/long) and LL (long/long) groups also did not show any significant difference between infertile and fertile men. Similarly, RsaI polymorphism also did not show any significant difference between infertile and fertile men. Furthermore, the combined analysis of CA repeat and RsaI polymorphisms by haplotyping showed that the distribution of haplotypes was not significantly different between fertile and infertile men. Our results suggest that CA repeat length and RsaI polymorphisms in ERβ are not associated with infertility in Indian men.
C. S. LEWIS: A DOCTRINE OF TRANSPOSITION
Authors: BRAZIER P.H.
Published: January 2009

This paper examines Lewis's doctrine of transposition, referred to by him as a contribution to the philosophy of the Incarnation. We show how it is rooted in Lewis's Platonism, in his reading of the works of Henry More and Bishop Berkeley, and how it discloses his understanding of scripture, revelation and reason. In taking the analysis beyond the limited number of theologians who have attempted to unravel what Lewis's proto‐doctrine was in this field, we describe Lewis's view of revelation as supra‐theological. Our conclusion is that the doctrine of transposition is key to all of Lewis's work (literary, apologetic and philosophical) – or, more exactly, a ‘flawed’ doctrine of transposition, itself transposed platonically. Lewis's doctrine is designed to explain how revelation works, how it is communicated – and, paradoxically, why revelation can never be fully imparted. We trace this back to the communicatio idiomatum, Trinitarian ontology, and human epistemic limitations.
Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis in East European countries
Authors: Sokolovskiy E , Frigo N , Rotanov S , Savicheva A , Dolia O , Kitajeva N , Hallén A , Unemo M , Domeika M , Ballard R , Network EESRH
Published: January 2009

The present guidelines aim to provide comprehensive and precise information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis in East European countries. These recommendations contain important information for laboratory staff working with STIs and/or STI‐related issues. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
Speaking genes or genes for speaking? Deciphering the genetics of speech and language
Authors: Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: January 2009

Background:  This article selectively reviews the status of the genetic research in the field of speech and language disorders.

Methods:  Major contributions to the field are selected, presented, and discussed.

Results:  The field presents itself through a variety of findings, characterized by both consistencies and inconsistencies.

Conclusions:  The last 30 + years of the field unequivocally testify to the importance of genetic factors in the acquisition of speech and language. However, the details of how these factors exert their influence are yet to be determined.
The importance of conservancies for enhancing the value of game ranch land for large mammal conservation in southern Africa
Authors: Lindsey P. A. , Romañach S. S. , Davies‐Mostert H. T.
Published: January 2009

Legislative changes during recent decades resulted in a massive shift away from livestock towards game ranching in southern Africa, resulting in significant increases in the abundance and distribution of many wildlife species. However, there are problems associated with game ranching from a conservation perspective, including persecution of predators, overstocking, introductions of exotic species and genetic manipulation of ‘huntable’ species. We suggest here that most of these problems could be overcome through promoting the formation of conservancies, where adjacent ranches remove internal fencing to form larger collaborative wildlife areas. Larger areas permit the reintroduction of the full range of indigenous mammals, tending to result in a land‐use shift from high‐offtake, low‐value consumptive utilization towards higher value forms of hunting and ecotourism. Under these land‐use conditions, ranchers tend to be more tolerant of predators and often actively reintroduce them. Freedom of movement for wildlife populations increases resilience to environmental shocks. The collaborative management agreements typical of conservancies tend to align more closely with conservation objectives than on single ranches. Fortuitously, there are financial advantages associated with conservancies: land‐use options in conservancies are more profitable and there are economies of scale associated with cooperative management. Land within conservancies is likely to appreciate in value and attract external investment. In addition, conservancies are more conducive to developing partnerships with indigenous communities and investors and may thus increase the political and social sustainability of game ranching. However, ranchers are fiercely independent and may be resistant to removing fences due to the perception that they may relinquish control over their land and wildlife. Strategies are required to overcome such reluctance and promote the formation of conservancies to enhance the conservation value of game ranch land.
Thrombin generation and clot formation in methylene blue–treated plasma and cryoprecipitate
Authors: Cardigan Rebecca , Philpot Katherine , Cookson Philip , Luddington Roger
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Methylene blue (MB) treatment of plasma is known to reduce the activity of clotting factors, but its effect on thrombin generation and clot formation is not well documented.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Individual clotting factors and inhibitors and global tests of thrombin generation and clot formation using rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) were assessed in a paired study of standard or MB plasma and cryoprecipitate (n = 20 each).

RESULTS: MB treatment resulted in a 10 percent reduction in endogenous thrombin potential and 30 percent decrease in peak thrombin as well as the expected 20 to 35 percent loss of Factor (F)VIII, fibrinogen, and FXI activity. MB treatment had no effect on the rate of clot formation and increased the clot firmness by 20 percent as assessed by ROTEM. There were minimal further changes in either coagulation factor levels or thrombin generation when thawed plasma was stored for an additional 24 hours. FVIII and fibrinogen content of MB cryoprecipitate was reduced by 30 and 40 percent, respectively, but this was not associated with altered clot time or rate of clot formation by ROTEM and only an 8 percent decrease in clot firmness.

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that MB treatment is associated with a reduction in the thrombin‐generating capacity of plasma, but has very little effect on the strength of clot formation as assessed by thrombelastometry. The thrombin‐generating capacity of standard and MB plasma is relatively unaltered by subsequent storage of thawed plasma at 4°C for 24 hours.
Internal and secreted bioluminescence of the marine polychaete Odontosyllis phosphorea (Syllidae)
Authors: Deheyn Dimitri D. , Latz Michael I.
Published: January 2009

Abstract. The syllid polychaete Odontosyllis phosphorea produces brilliant displays of green bioluminescence during mating swarms. We studied freshly collected individuals of O. phosphorea in the laboratory to understand the characteristics of its luminescent system. Light emission appeared as an intense glow after stimulation with potassium chloride, and was associated with secreted mucus. The mucus was viscous, blue in color, and exhibited a long‐lasting glow that was greatly intensified by addition of peroxidase or ammonium persulfate. The emission spectrum of mucus‐associated bioluminescence was unimodal, with a maximum emission in the green spectrum between 494 and 504 nm. The fluorescence emission spectrum was similar, but the fluorescence intensity was low unless it originated from mucus that had already produced light, suggesting that the oxidized product of the light production is the source of fluorescence. Individuals as small as 0.5–1.0 mm produced bioluminescence that was mainly internal and not secreted as mucus. The early occurrence of bioluminescence in the life cycle of members of O. phosphorea suggests that bioluminescence may be used for purposes other than attracting mates. The luminous system was functional at temperatures as low as −20°C and was degraded above 40°C. Mixing hot and cold extracts of the mucus did not result in reconstituting original levels of light emission. Additionally, mucus samples exposed to oxygen depletion by bubbling with argon or nitrogen were still able to produce intense bioluminescence. These results suggest that bioluminescence from the mucus may involve a photoprotein rather than a luciferin–luciferase reaction.
Inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system: Why and in which patients
Authors: Berra Kathy , Miller Nancy Houston
Published: January 2009

Purpose: To review the clinical benefits of inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) through blood pressure (BP)–lowering and BP‐independent mechanisms and to identify the benefits and potential limitations of RAS‐blocking agents in various patient populations.

Data sources: PubMed search using the key terms renin‐angiotensin system, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin‐receptor blockers, aliskiren, heart failure, diabetes, and nephropathy. Current published guidelines from the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, American Diabetes Association, and National Kidney Foundation were reviewed.

Conclusion: Antihypertensive treatment with an agent that inhibits the RAS effectively lowers BP in a broad range of patients. Whether these agents improve clinical outcomes is the subject of ongoing investigation. Results of recent trials suggest that for patients with or at risk of high‐risk conditions, such as heart failure or diabetes, risk reduction with RAS‐blocking agents may be independent of BP reduction. Inhibition of the RAS may also reduce risk of renal impairment.

Implications for practice: RAS‐blocking agents are important in a variety of patient populations at high cardiovascular risk, but while angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors have proven benefits in some cases, angiotensin receptor blockers may be preferred in others. Direct renin inhibitors are currently being evaluated. The nurse practitioner should become familiar with the evidence for use of these agents to reduce risk and improve outcomes in specific populations.
THE ANALYTIC RELATIONSHIP: INTEGRATING JUNGIAN, ATTACHMENT THEORY AND DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Knox Jean
Published: January 2009

abstract  This paper highlights some key features of a Jungian approach to transference and countertransference and suggests that a Jungian model has crucial aspects in common with contemporary views in attachment theory on the nature of the analytic relationship. The analytic relationship is examined in terms of the fundamental processes of psychic development described in attachment theory and affective neuroscience, namely affect regulation and development of reflective function and of self‐agency. The relative value of three analytic techniques, those of interpretation, new relational experience and regression, are discussed in relation to these processes. I suggest that each of the traditional psychoanalytic and Jungian analytic models concentrates on differing aspects of these psychic processes and analytic techniques. I construct a grid to illustrate this and to demonstrate how attachment theory and developmental neuroscience offer a theoretical basis on which we can develop an integrated model of the nature of the analytic relationship and tasks.
Steady-State Behavior of a Two-Phase Natural Circulation Loop With Thermodynamic Nonequilibrium
Authors: Basu Dipankar N. , Bhattacharyya Souvik , Das P. K.
Published: January 2009

A model to predict the steady-state behavior of a rectangular two-phase natural circulation loop has been proposed. The analysis employs a one-dimensional two-fluid model to identify various system parameters, with particular emphasis on the subcooled boiling region. The onset of two-phase region and point of net vapor generation and associated liquid temperatures and vapor qualities have been estimated using a few widely recognized correlations. Predicted results demonstrate that the consideration of subcooled boiling may have significant effect on system behavior, particularly around the transition regions. The interaction of saturated bubbles and subcooled liquid and associated change in heat transfer and frictional forces has been discussed in detail. Fluid stream has been observed to have different combinations of flow stream conditions at boiler exit and condenser inlet. Five probable combinations have been identified and a generalized working-regime map has been proposed on Nsub−NZu plane. Attempts have been made to identify the influence of various control parameters. A favorable sink condition (higher coolant flow rate or lower coolant entry temperature) has been found to be of particular importance to attain a wider operating range of wall heat flux and better heat transfer characteristics. A design map has been proposed to identify favorable operating condition in terms of control parameters to ensure complete condensation.
The Study of Partitioning of Heavy Metals During Fluidized Bed Combustion of Sewage Sludge and Coal
Authors: Gulyurtlu I. , Lopes M. Helena , Abelha P. , Cabrita I. , Oliveira J. F. Santos
Published: January 2009

The behaviour of Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg during the combustion tests of granular dry sewage sludges on a pilot FBC of about 0,3 MW was evaluated. The emissions of these heavy metals from mono-combustion were compared with those of co-combustion of the sludge with a bituminous coal. The effect of the addition of limestone was also studied in order to retain sulphur compounds and to verify its influence on the retention of heavy metals. Heavy metals were collected and analysed from different locations of the installation, which included the stack, the two cyclones and the material removed from the bed. The results showed that the volatility of metals was rather low, resulting in emissions below the legal limits of the new directive on incineration, with the exception of Hg during the mono-combustion tests. The partitioning of metals, except for Hg, appeared to follow that of ashes, amounting to levels above 90% in the bed streams in the mono-combustion case. For co-combustion, there was a lower fixation of HM in the bed ashes, mostly originating essentially from the sewage sludge, ranging between 40 and 80%. It is believed that in this latter case, a slightly higher bed temperature could have enhanced the volatilisation, especially of Cd and Pb. However these metals were then retained in cyclone ashes. In the case of Hg, the volatilisation was complete. The bed ashes were free of Hg and part of it was retained in the cyclone and emitted as both fine ash particles and in gaseous forms. In mono-combustion the Hg emissions from the stack (particles and gas) accounted for about 50%, although there was a significant amount unaccounted for. This appeared to have significantly decreased in the case of co-combustion, as only about 15% has been emitted, due to the retention effect of cyclone ashes which presented high quantities of unburned carbon and possibly condensed sulphur species.
Ash Cooling Screws: A Retrospective and Looking Ahead
Authors: Kerner Jeff W. , Stetler Gary W.
Published: January 2009

The first commercial screw cooler on record for cooling bottom ash from fluidized bed combustion (FBC) boilers was installed in 1979. Since then, over 300 ash screw cooler (ASC) machines have been used for this duty worldwide. The relatively quick upsurge in developing and building FBC boilers in the early 1980’s forced the industry to select existing cooling screw designs, typically used in less severe services in the chemical, grain, plastics and food industry. At the time, these were the only reasonable and readily available machines thought capable of handling abrasive, corrosive and extremely hot bottom ash. The extreme difficulties of operating and maintaining these units in this service quickly became apparent, but only after quite a number of initial designs had already been designed, purchased and installed. Today, 23 years later, both the manufacturers and users of ASC’s can look back and point to installations where, thanks to communication and cooperation between operators and the manufacturer, operating units and their installations have been successfully modified, resulting in smoother operation and much less frequent maintenance. New units can incorporate a range of features, depending upon the anticipated ash quality. As a result, ASC are now reportedly ranked low on the list of FBC operator’s and manager’s concerns. This paper will address what has been learned by both manufacturers and operators. The results of a survey of the operating and maintenance experience as well as maintenance costs of a wide sample of ASC users will be presented. A look ahead as to where ash screw cooler technology is moving is addressed, with help and continued input from current users of the equipment.
Mechanical Integrity Issues of Fuel Cells
Authors: Travis Rowland P.
Published: January 2009

The conditions under which fuel cells are required to operate apply constraints upon the components and the entire structure of a fuel cell. These can then affect the mechanical integrity of the cells. For high and medium temperature cells such conditions might include differential expansion due to thermal property mismatch of the materials in the cell, residual stresses after manufacture and material behaviour such as creep at temperature. For lower temperature cells the effects of hydration expansion and contraction may introduce significant effects. However, to date, there has been little concentration on the mechanical integrity of fuel cells because of the paramount initial consideration of developing the technology itself, particularly from and electrical and materials standpoint. The aim of this paper is to summarise some of the factors affecting the mechanical integrity fuel cells and the work conducted to assess these at Imperial College London. Residual stresses due to thermal expansion mismatch after cooling during manufacture are evaluated; creep in high-temperature cells due to the operating temperature is measured, and thermally induced stresses due to temperature variations are predicted by a combination of thermo-mechanical computational-fluid dynamics and experimental work. The results are indicative of considerable stresses within the fuel cells and identify mechanical integrity as a significant issue.
Design and Performance of the Van Geet Off-Grid Home
Authors: Barley C. Dennis , Torcellini Paul , Van Geet Otto
Published: January 2009

The Van Geet home near Denver, Colorado, demonstrates the successful integration of energy conservation measures and renewable energy supply in a beautiful, comfortable, energy-efficient, 295-m2 (3,176-ft2) off-grid home in a cold, sunny climate. Features include a tight envelope, energy-efficient appliances, passive solar heating (direct gain and Trombe wall), natural cooling, solar hot water, and photovoltaics. In addition to describing this house and its performance, this paper describes the recommended design process of (1) setting a goal for energy efficiency at the outset, (2) applying rules of thumb, and (3) using computer simulation to fine-tune the design. Performance monitoring and computer simulation are combined for the best possible analysis of energy performance. In this case, energy savings are estimated as 89% heating and cooling, 83% electrical, and nearly 100% domestic water heating. The heating and cooling energy use is 8.96 kJ/°C·day·m2 (0.44 Btu/°F·day·ft2).
Light-Induced Performance Degradation and Its Annihilation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Devices
Authors: Saitoh T. , Hashigami H. , Dhamrin M.
Published: January 2009

Recent research on light-induced degradation of crystalline Si solar cells and modules is reviewed. The first paper on the issue was published in 1973 when efficiency of solar cells using 1 Ω·cm, B-doped CZ wafers degraded under illumination. Since mid 1990’s, several studies have been performed to investigate the mechanism of the light degradation and also to provide practical solutions to annihilate the degradation. Numerous experiments have been carried out regarding the effects of impurities including B, Ga, P, O and processing parameters such as annealing temperature. Recent analysis on weathered solar modules supported the LID is in agreement with a model attributing the lifetime degradation to oxygen and boron complex. The reduction of the concentration of B and O or substitution of boron by gallium are found to suppress the degradation and to realize cell efficiency further.
Performance Assessment and Prediction of a PV Array Installed Vertically on Building Walls
Authors: Yoshioka Kazuya , Saitoh Tadashi , Yatabe Satoru
Published: January 2009

This paper predicts relationship between array performance and surrounding ambient including installation conditions for PV array installed on building walls. A PV system assumed for calculation is a PV array installed on the north, south, east and west walls of a building which was constructed as a NEDO field-test project. In the case of performance simulation for the actual PV system, calculated performance generally agrees with real measured data. Based on them, produced electrical energy is simulated as a function of ground albedo, array tilt angle and space between the PV array and the wall for installation. In addition, shading effect on produced electrical energy is also estimated by assuming some neighboring buildings. Effect of sub-array installation on different walls on DC power output is also estimated.
Status of the Advanced Dish Development System Project
Authors: Diver Richard B. , Andraka Charles E. , Rawlinson K. Scott , Moss Timothy A. , Goldberg Vern , Thomas Gary
Published: January 2009

The Advanced Dish Development System (ADDS) project is a system-level dish/engine development activity aimed at the extensive but challenging remote power market. The ADDS project involves integration and test of advanced dish/Stirling systems. The ADDS designs utilize the WGAssociates solar concentrator and controls, and the SOLO 161 Stirling Power Conversion Unit. Development has focused on extending the application of dish/Stirling systems to water pumping, and reliability and performance improvement. Testing includes unattended, automatic operation of stand-alone dish/Stirling solar power generation systems in both on and off-grid modes at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) in Albuquerque, NM. In 1999, a first generation (Mod 1) system was fielded at the NSTTF and routine unattended operation initiated. In 2000, a system reliability tracking system was implemented on the Mod 1 system and an upgraded, second-generation (Mod 2) system, including a stand-alone water-pumping capability was developed. In 2001 and 2002 system performance and reliability were improved. Overall, the ADDS project has been successful with most of the original system specifications and objectives having been met or exceeded. The ADDS designs are efficient and maintainable and have proven the ability to operate autonomously in a remote environment. The Mod 1 system net power rating was increased from 9 to 10 kWe even while the concentrator mirror area was reduced by over 14%. The Mod 2 design is the first modern dish/engine system to operate independent of the utility grid and is capable of interfacing with standard three-phase, 480-volt, water-pump or other single motor applications. In this paper, the ADDS project plan and history, technical approach, and the major system components and features are briefly described. Project milestones and status along with test results are also presented.
Was the EPA Right?
Authors: Wilson Willard
Published: January 2009

Polk County owns and operates two starved air mass burn municipal solid waste combustors serving a five County region in rural Northwest Minnesota. The plant was constructed in 1987 and began burning MSW in 1988. Each unit has a combustion capacity of 40 tons per day producing energy in the form of saturated steam for two customers in the adjacent industrial park. The plant utilizes a two field electrostatic precipitator (ESP) as the air pollution control device for each unit. In 1996, a materials recovery system was constructed in front of the waste combustors to remove problem/objectionable items. This facility is providing many benefits including reduced stack emissions, lower O & M costs for the WTE units, and revenues from the sales of extracted recyclables. Both facilities have operated successfully since startup. EPA emission guidelines for existing small waste combustors were originally promulgated in December 1995. These guidelines set more stringent limits for pollutants currently regulated and added limits for several other pollutants previously unregulated. However, litigation set aside these 1995 emission guidelines for small waste combustors until they were re-established by EPA in December 2000. Pending release of the year 2000 emission guidelines, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency stayed the State rule and issued a Rule variance in 1998 that included new limits for mercury, and dioxins/furans. In order to attain compliance with the new State limit for dioxin/furans, Polk began injecting powdered activated carbon into the flue gas of each unit upstream of the ESP. The emission guidelines are technology based, and EPA concluded that small existing waste combustors could maintain operation of the electrostatic precipitators. Compliance with the guidelines could be attained with an ESP upgrade or added collection field in conjunction with the addition of other pollution control equipment. Was the EPA right? Can this technology comply with the guidelines? This paper will discuss the development of an APC retrofit project for a small waste combustor whose goal was to attain full compliance with the revised air emission guidelines while maintaining operation of the existing electrostatic precipitators.
Reliability of Stiffened Cylindrical Shells Using Random Polar Sampling Technique
Authors: Radha P. , Rajagopalan K.
Published: January 2009

Rational design of stiffened cylindrical shell structures calls for the calculation of reliability. Random variables occur in modelling loads and strengths. The reliability can be evaluated with ‘Monte-Carlo Simulation’ (MCS) which consists of obtaining cumulative distribution functions for each and every random variable and simulating the ultimate strength of stiffened shells for combinations of random variable values. However for MCS to be successful, the sample size should be very large. Hence methods have been proposed to reduce the sample size without however sacrificing any accuracy on reliability. ‘Point Estimation Method’ (PEM), ‘Response Surface Technique’ (RST), ‘Importance Sampling Procedure Using Design points’ (ISPUD), ‘Latin Hypercube Sampling’ (LHS) etc., are some of these methods. In this paper, a method based on ‘Random Polar Sampling Technique’ (RPST) is proposed, in which combinations of variates are obtained using a polar sampling of Latin Hypercube sampled values. A typical example has been worked out using this method.
Load and Resistance Modelling of the Penguins Pipe-in-Pipe Flowline Under Lateral Buckling
Authors: Carr Malcolm , Matheson Ian , Peek Ralf , Saunders Paul , George Nigel
Published: January 2009

The Penguins pipeline is a 60 km PIP system design to buckle laterally on the seabed. For a PIP system, a key failure mode is wrinkling of the outer pipe at the field joint due to excessive bending. For the Penguins PIP it was decided to use a moment-based approach to this failure mode, but to reduce the uncertainties on the load and capacity so that higher design factors could be justified. A structural reliability assessment (SRA) was employed in order to confirm suitable safety factors. This paper describes the development of the capacity and response functions required to undertake the SRA for the pipeline. The response function defines the maximum bending moment as a function of key uncertain parameters. The required relationships were based on an extensive series of lateral buckling analyses of the PIP system. The resulting response function can also be used to assess to what extent the loading is moment-controlled or curvature-controlled. To define the capacity function full-scale testing of the PIP field joint configuration was undertaken and was supported by extensive FEA modelling.
Seismic Analysis Considering Soil-Structure Interaction
Authors: Dulam Gangadhara Tilak , Sundaravadivelu R.
Published: January 2009

The case study on LNG storage tank, Inchon, Korea which is supported by pile foundation system is carried out using Abaqus. The dynamic analysis is carried out on a single pile of this storage tank varying the ground accelerations, as 0.08g, 0.18g, 0.28g and 0.38g and maintaining the duration constant as 25 s. The spectral acceleration at the different levels of the piles are used to obtain the transfer function which is the ratio of spectral acceleration of the pile to ground acceleration. This paper will present the seismic response of single pile subjected to an earthquake at its bottom.
On Heat Load for Engineering Purpose Related to Process Industry
Authors: Berge Geir , Olstad Harald , Brandt O̸yvin
Published: January 2009

Comparison between different standards on recommended heat loads from flames show great variation. In general, heat loads from flames do vary in space and are dependent on fuel and surrounding conditions. Recommended heat load in standards should be a characteristic heat representing the average exposure of an object. It is difficult to identify a characteristic heat load by measuring heat flux in local points of a flame. This article presents an approach for identification of average heat load from flame suitable for engineering purpose. The principle is to compare effects on a specimen by a known heat load, with the effect of an object exposed to a real flame. The article describes the experimental equipment together with some experimental results. To compare experiments with real flame exposure, the simulation software packages VessFire and Brilliant, are used. First the simulation software has been validated against the experiments documented in this paper. Then the software has been used to reproduce the effects on a specimen exposed to a real flame. This article further presents simulation results from both experiments and real flame exposure. The results of the simulations are in agreements with the experiments and give a good tool for identifying relevant heat loads. The real flame experiment is a test of a pipe according to the standard jet flame procedure described in [9]. The heat load from the real flame is shown to give the same influence to the exposed object as a constant uniform heat load of 180 kW/m2.
Rapidly Deployable Intermodal Facility (RDIF): A New Ship Systems Technology
Authors: Buck Jon
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a description of a new ship technology called the Mobil Ocean System. The Mobil Ocean System (RDIF) is a recently patented marine platform technology that is both high speed and very stable in open ocean conditions, (Patent No. 6,341,573 B1). The RDIF is configured as a transformable ship with an upper hull and lower catamaran hulls. The upper hull contains the habitability spaces, prime movers, and operational platform. The lower catamaran hulls are pivotal at each end; they separate at the center and swing down to form a spar hull configuration. The RDIF employs the principle of the spar hull, which provides a very stable platform in the seaway. Combining the spar catamaran hulls as part of a horizontal ship configuration provides the capability for the ship to be transformed from a conventional ship into a stable ocean platform and back again. The RDIF has both multi-industrial and military uses including: 1. Seabasing platform, RDIF/SB. 2. Missile Defense, RDIF/MD. 3. Open-ocean aquaculture and fish process plant, RDIF/A. 4. Renewable energy generation, possible hydrogen and potable water production plant, RDIF/E. 5. Space vehicle launch platform, equatorial and polar launches, RDIF/L. The RDIF has applicability to the private sector or Government customers who have requirements for a high speed and an open ocean mobile stable platform. We are developing the RDIF to meet specified customer requirements, we are providing the naval architecture and engineering design, and we will oversee construction of the platform. As with many new enabling technologies, the military or industry user may not see a current requirement because the capability that new technology provides has not been available before. Projecting into the future, applying entrepreneurial thinking to develop new applications and mission requirements, and operational scenario, are what is needed to take full advantage of this new emerging technology. Thinking “outside the box” will gain the best advantage when applying the new novel RDIF technology. This paper presents a description of the RDIF technology, data on validation of concept, and expands on how the technology may be deployed both in the military and commercial use.
Nonlinear Water Waves in the Presence of Submerged Elliptic Cylinder
Authors: Makarenko Nikolai I.
Published: January 2009

The fully nonlinear problem on unsteady two-dimensional water waves generated by elliptic cylinder, that is horizontally submerged beneath a free surface, is considered. An analytical boundary integral equations method using a version of Milne-Thomson transformation is developed. Boundary equations (the BEq system) determine immediately exact wave elevation and fluid velocity at free surface. Small-time solution expansion is obtained in the case of accelerated cylinder starting from rest.
The Influence of Bending Stiffness on the Deformation of Axisymmetric Networks
Authors: O’Neill F. G.
Published: January 2009

The aftmost part of a trawl fishing gear, the cod-end, has been successfully modelled as an axisymmetric network. Here we investigate the influence that the bending stiffness of the component twines has on the deformation of the network and accordingly on the degree to which the netting meshes open. A non-dimensional parameter EI/NM4P, where EI is the twine bending stiffness, N is the number of meshes around, M is the mesh size, and P is the internal pressure, is shown to characterize network deformation. We identify upper bounds on the network radius when subject to a constant internal pressure and demonstrate numerically how this varies as the value of this non-dimensional parameter increases. We also look at some specific examples and discuss how an increase in twine bending stiffness may affect fish escape from the cod-end.
Annulus Testing for Condition Assessment and Monitoring of Flexible Pipes
Authors: Bondevik Jon Olav , Lunde Sigmund , Haakonsen Rune
Published: January 2009

The Norwegian operator Norsk Hydro has more than 80 flexible dynamic risers and service lines in operation at different platforms. Riser integrity monitoring programs have been established for the flexible risers in order to ensure safe and reliable operation. SeaFlex has performed annulus testing on a large number of these risers as a part of the programs. The free annulus volume of a flexible pipe is defined as the volume between the extruded internal pressure barrier layer and the extruded external sheath subtracted the volume occupied by pressure- and tension armor, tape and eventual other layers. Two methods are presently used by the industry for annulus free volume testing of flexible pipes, namely nitrogen pressure testing and vacuum testing. Both methods identify trends of volume reduction with time and to detect annulus flooding. Annulus testing has proven to be an efficient and reliable tool for detecting annulus flooding, blocked vent ports and outer sheet damages. This paper address the challenges related to annulus testing of flexible pipes, advantages, experiences and how such tests and the results are used for condition assessment and monitoring of the risers.
Consequence and Utility Modeling in Rational Decision Making
Authors: Maes Marc A. , Faber Michael H. , Abdelatif Sherif S.
Published: January 2009

Offshore design and risk assessment are typically marked by far-reaching choices and important one-time decisions. Decision analysis involving large structures, sensitive environments, and difficult operations, requires a very careful formulation of utility and consequences. It is shown in this paper that one of the most important shortcomings of such analyses stems from an incomplete definition of the system, and from the failure to include various “follow-up” consequences. “Follow-up” consequences are, generally speaking, triggered by extreme losses, such as excessive business losses, consequences from unexpected cascade effects, collateral and indirect losses, or other intangible losses. The non-inclusion of such losses occurs either voluntarily or involuntarily. Often the identification and the valuation of follow-up consequences can be prohibitively difficult. For such cases, it is possible to use a simple model based on risk aversion to the consequences associated with extreme discrete hazards during the lifetime of a system. This model is developed in the framework of a lifecycle utility optimization. To add practical value to this model, we also introduce the concept of a Bayesian updating of utility functions. Since utility functions are all about expressing the preferences of expert decision makers, we refer to the Bayesian parameters as “preference” parameters. The paper shows that the approaches developed lead to better and more risk-consistent decision making. An illustrative example is given in the paper, highlighting the significance of the findings.