bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric and Optical Properties of Pb(Er1/2Nb1/2)-Pb(Mg1/3Nb1/3)-PbTiO3 Crystals
Authors: Zhao Wei , Xi Zengzhe , Fang Pinyang , Li Xiaojuan , Long Wei , He Aiguo , Li Ying , Zhang Yuanmin
Published: November 2018

New ferroelectric crystals Pb(Er1/2Nb1/2)-Pb(Mg1/3Nb1/3)O-PbTiO3 (PEN-PMN-PT) were grown by using the flux method. Phase structure of the crystals was described by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Dielectric, ferroelectric and optical properties of the PEN-PMN-PT crystals were investigated systematically. Higher Curie temperature (Tc ~ 291 °C) and larger coercive field (Ec ~ 17.6 kV/cm) for the 40PEN-13PMN-47PT can be obtained, respectively, compared with those of the PMN-PT. Moreover, strong green and red emissions can be excited by using the 980 nm laser. The PEN-PMN-PT crystals with these performances have some promising applications in the electromechanical and optical devices.
Limited Cross-Shelf Variation in the Growth of Three Branching Corals on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Burn Deborah , Pratchett Morgan S. , Heron Scott F. , Thompson Cassandra A. , Pratchett Deborah J. , Hoey Andrew S.
Published: November 2018

Pronounced differences exist in the biodiversity and structure of coral reef assemblages with increasing distance from shore, which may be expected given marked cross-shelf gradients in environmental conditions. Cross-shelf variation in the abundance of coral reef organisms is likely to be caused, at least in part, by differences in demography (e.g., growth and survival), though this has rarely been tested. This study quantified growth of three distinct branching coral taxa (Acropora nasuta, Pocillopora spp. and Stylophora pistillata) at six locations on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR), encompassing inshore, mid-shelf and outer-shelf reefs. Replicate colonies (0–15 colonies per species, per reef) were stained using Alizarin Red in December 2015 and retrieved one year later to quantify linear extension on replicate branches for each colony. Annual linear extension varied within and among coral taxa, with pronounced differences among reefs. For A. nasuta. and S. pistillata, growth rates were highest at one of the inshore reefs, Orpheus Island. However, inter-reef differences in linear extension were not explained by shelf position. Based on differences in skeletal density, which did vary according to shelf position, branching corals at the inshore sites may actually have higher rates of calcification compared to conspecifics on mid-and outer-shelf reefs. This study shows that growth of branching corals is not lower at inshore sites (and perhaps even higher) compared to sites at mid-shelf and outer reefs, despite generally higher levels of sedimentation and turbidity.
Analysis of Application of Cluster Descriptions in Space of Characteristic Image Features
Authors: Gorokhovatskyi Oleksii , Gorokhovatskyi Volodymyr , Peredrii Olena
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose an investigation of the properties of structural image recognition methods in the cluster space of characteristic features. Recognition, which is based on key point descriptors like SIFT (Scale-invariant Feature Transform), SURF (Speeded Up Robust Features), ORB (Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF), etc., often relating to the search for corresponding descriptor values between an input image and all etalon images, which require many operations and time. Recognition of the previously quantized (clustered) sets of descriptor features is described. Clustering is performed across the complete set of etalon image descriptors and followed by screening, which allows for representation of each etalon image in vector form as a distribution of clusters. Due to such representations, the number of computation and comparison procedures, which are the core of the recognition process, might be reduced tens of times. Respectively, the preprocessing stage takes additional time for clustering. The implementation of the proposed approach was tested on the Leeds Butterfly dataset. The dependence of cluster amount on recognition performance and processing time was investigated. It was proven that recognition may be performed up to nine times faster with only a moderate decrease in quality recognition compared to searching for correspondences between all existing descriptors in etalon images and input one without quantization.
The Role of Statins in the Management of Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Siskos Dimitrios , Tziomalos Konstantinos
Published: November 2018

Each year, a large number of patients undergo coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that the preoperative administration of statins might be useful in preventing adverse events after CABG. In the present review, we discuss the role of statins in the perioperative management of patients undergoing CABG. Preoperative administration of statins in these patients substantially reduces the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation and shortens hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Atorvastatin appears to be more effective, particularly when administered at high doses. Given these benefits and the safety of statins, their administration should be considered in patients undergoing CABG, even though the statins do not appear to affect the incidence of cardiovascular events and overall mortality perioperatively.
Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis, Dysgeusia and Oral Dryness as Side-Effects of Head and Neck Radiotherapy in a Cancer Patient: A Case Report
Authors: El Mobadder Marwan , Farhat Fadi , El Mobadder Wassim , Nammour Samir
Published: November 2018

Successful management of oral mucositis, dysgeusia and oral dryness was made with five sessions of photobiomodulation. The severity of oral mucositis was measured according to the World Health Organization scale for the assessment of oral mucositis. Dysgeusia testing was performed according to the International Standards Organization (ISO). For the assessment of oral dryness or hyposalivation, quantity of the total resting and stimulated saliva (Q-sal, mL/min) was measured. Photobiomodulation parameters, applications, and treatment protocol used were suggested by an international multidisciplinary panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the area of supportive care in cancer and/or PBM clinical application and dosimetry. This case report confirms the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in the management of oral mucositis, dysgeusia, and oral dryness.
Short-Time Propagators and the Born–Jordan Quantization Rule
Authors: De Gosson Maurice A.
Published: November 2018

We have shown in previous work that the equivalence of the Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures of quantum mechanics requires the use of the Born and Jordan quantization rules. In the present work we give further evidence that the Born–Jordan rule is the correct quantization scheme for quantum mechanics. For this purpose we use correct short-time approximations to the action functional, initially due to Makri and Miller, and show that these lead to the desired quantization of the classical Hamiltonian.
Robust Signaling for Bursty Interference
Authors: Villacrés Grace , Koch Tobias , Sezgin Aydin , Vazquez-Vilar Gonzalo
Published: November 2018

This paper studies a bursty interference channel, where the presence/absence of interference is modeled by a block-i.i.d. Bernoulli process that stays constant for a duration of T symbols (referred to as coherence block) and then changes independently to a new state. We consider both a quasi-static setup, where the interference state remains constant during the whole transmission of the codeword, and an ergodic setup, where a codeword spans several coherence blocks. For the quasi-static setup, we study the largest rate of a coding strategy that provides reliable communication at a basic rate and allows an increased (opportunistic) rate when there is no interference. For the ergodic setup, we study the largest achievable rate. We study how non-causal knowledge of the interference state, referred to as channel-state information (CSI), affects the achievable rates. We derive converse and achievability bounds for (i) local CSI at the receiver side only; (ii) local CSI at the transmitter and receiver side; and (iii) global CSI at all nodes. Our bounds allow us to identify when interference burstiness is beneficial and in which scenarios global CSI outperforms local CSI. The joint treatment of the quasi-static and ergodic setup further allows for a thorough comparison of these two setups.
Optimal Design of Permanent Magnet Linear Generator and Its Application in a Wave Energy Conversion System
Authors: Fang Hong-wei , Song Ru-nan , Xiao Zhao-xia
Published: November 2018

The emerging global wave energy industry has great potential to contribute to the world’s energy needs. However, one of the key challenges in designing a wave energy converter (WEC) is the wave energy generator. Thus, this paper focuses on the optimal design of a cylindrical permanent magnet linear generator (CPMLG), which is used for the wave energy conversion system. To reduce the end effect and enhance the magnetic field performance of the CPMLG, the level-set method is applied to the design of the topology and size for the generator. In the paper, the objective air gap magnetic field is given by the mathematical analysis method and appropriate measuring points are predetermined. The measuring points can fully reflect the distribution characteristics of the air gap magnetic field. Then, topology evolution on the permanent magnet (PM) and yoke based on the level-set method are performed. The level set function corresponding to the initial shape of the PM is constructed. The algorithm is programmed and computed iteratively using the discrete time and space variables. Finally, the performances of the CPMLG with the updated PM and width of yoke are analyzed by ANSYS Maxwell. Results show that the magnetic field distortion and the unbalance of three-phase electromotive force (EMF) of the CPMLG is reduced by the optimization of the level-set method. It has also been verified that the designed CPMLG with the level-set method could be used for WEC at different wave conditions.
Suppression of Switching Crosstalk and Voltage Oscillations in a SiC MOSFET Based Half-Bridge Converter
Authors: Zaman Haider , Wu Xiaohua , Zheng Xiancheng , Khan Shahbaz , Ali Husan
Published: November 2018

The silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET is characterized by high operating voltage, temperature, switching frequency and efficiency which enables a converter to achieve high power density. However, at high switching frequency, the crosstalk phenomenon occurs when the gate voltage spike introduced by high dv/dt and voltage ringing forces false turn-on of SiC MOSFET which causes a crow-bar current thereby increasing switching losses. In order to increase the immunity against the crosstalk phenomenon in a half-bridge configuration, this paper presents a gate driver for SiC MOSFET capable of generating the negative turn-off voltage without using a negative power supply. In addition, the effect of parasitic inductances on the switching response is analyzed and an RC snubber is designed using high-frequency based circuit reduction technique to dampen the switching ringing. The performance of the proposed gate driver and the designed RC snubber is validated using simulation and experiment at the 1 MHz switching frequency. The results show that the proposed gate driver with RC snubber eliminates crosstalk by maintaining any spurious gate spike below the gate threshold voltage.
A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterials Developed Using Electrophoresis Process for High-Efficiency Energy Conversion and Storage Systems
Authors: Lee Seok Hee , Woo Sung Pil , Kakati Nitul , Kim Dong-Joo , Yoon Young Soo
Published: November 2018

Research carried out over the last few decades has shown that nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion require higher performance and greater stability. The nanomaterials synthesized by diverse techniques, such as sol-gel, hydrothermal, microwave, and co-precipitation methods, have brought energy storage and conversion systems to the center stage of practical application but they still cannot meet the capacity and mass production demands. Most reviews in the literature discuss in detail the issues related to nanomaterials with a range of structures synthesized using the above methods to enhance the performance. On the other hand, there have been few critical examinations of use of the electrophoresis process for the synthesis of nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion. The nanomaterials synthesized by electrophoresis processes related to colloidal interface science in the literature are compared according to the conditions to identify promising materials that are being or could be developed to satisfy the capacity and mass production demands. Therefore, a literature survey is of the use of electrophoresis deposition processes to synthesize nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion and the correlations of the electrophoresis conditions and properties of the resulting nanomaterials from a practical point of view.
Toward Green Vehicles Digitalization for the Next Generation of Connected and Electrified Transport Systems
Authors: Mihet-Popa Lucian , Saponara Sergio
Published: November 2018

This survey paper reviews recent trends in green vehicle electrification and digitalization, as part of a special section on “Energy Storage Systems and Power Conversion Electronics for E-Transportation and Smart Grid”, led by the authors. First, the energy demand and emissions of electric vehicles (EVs) are reviewed, including the analysis of the trends of battery technology and of the recharging issues considering the characteristics of the power grid. Solutions to integrate EV electricity demand in power grids are also proposed. Integrated electric/electronic (E/E) architectures for hybrid EVs (HEVs) and full EVs are discussed, detailing innovations emerging for all components (power converters, electric machines, batteries, and battery-management-systems). 48 V HEVs are emerging as the most promising solution for the short-term electrification of current vehicles based on internal combustion engines. The increased digitalization and connectivity of electrified cars is posing cyber-security issues that are discussed in detail, together with some countermeasures to mitigate them, thus tracing the path for future on-board computing and control platforms.
Improvement of Tubular Permanent Magnet Machine Performance Using Dual-Segment Halbach Array
Authors: Duong Minh-Trung , Chun Yon-Do , Bang Deok-Je
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a modification of the dual-segment permanent magnet (PM) Halbach array is investigated to improve the performance of the tubular linear machine, in terms of flux density and output power. Instead of a classical Halbach array with only radial and axial PMs, the proposed model involves the insertion of mig-magnets, which have a magnetized angle shifted from the reference magnetized angles of axial and radial PMs. This structure leads to the elimination of flux leakage and the concentration of flux linkage in middle of the coil; therefore, the output power is increased by 13.2%.
The Effects of the Downstream Contraction Ratio of Organ-Pipe Nozzle on the Pressure Oscillations of Self-Resonating Waterjets
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Kang Yong , Zhang Mengda , Yuan Miao , Li Deng
Published: November 2018

Self-resonating waterjets (SRWJs) are being widely used in the fields of energy exploitation, due to the significantly increased penetration rate of roller bits in deep-hole drilling. To further improve the impact and erosion abilities of SRWJs, the effects of the downstream contraction ratio of organ-pipe nozzle on the axial pressure oscillations were experimentally studied. The axial pressure oscillation peak and amplitude were used to evaluate the effects under two inlet pressures and various standoff distances. The results show that the downstream contraction ratio can affect the development trends of the pressure oscillations and determines the values of the peaks and amplitudes. Under the experimental conditions, 2.5 is the ratio that leads to the maximum peaks and amplitudes at almost all the testing standoff distances, while the ratio of 2 always results in the minimum ones. The development trend of the pressure oscillation peak for the ratio of 3.5 has a great change at an inlet pressure of 20 MPa. Generally, the relative pressure oscillations are more violent at an inlet pressure of 10 MPa, which is regardless of the contraction ratio. This study helps provide a guideline for determining the physical parameters required in the fabrication of organ-pipe nozzles used for deep-hole drilling.
Active and Reactive Power Compensation Control Strategy for VSC-HVDC Systems under Unbalanced Grid Conditions
Authors: Liu Weiming , Zheng Tingting , Liu Ziwen , Fan Zhihua , Kang Yilong , Wang Da , Zhang Mingming , Miao Shihong
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a power compensation strategy to suppress the double frequency power ripples of Voltage source converter high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) systems under unbalanced grid voltage conditions. The mathematical control equations of the double frequency ripple power of VSC under unbalanced operating conditions are firstly derived and established, where the dynamic behaviors of the double frequency ripples in active and reactive power are regarded as being driven by current-relevant components and voltage-relevant components, respectively. Based on the equations, a power compensation control strategy of VSC-HVDC is proposed via the passivity-based control with disturbance observer to suppress both the current-relevant and voltage-relevant components in the power ripples. With this control strategy, the double frequency ripples in active and reactive power are suppressed simultaneously and system performance is significantly enhanced with the implementation of the disturbance observer in the passivity-based control. Theoretical stability analysis and simulation cases show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed strategy.
Use of Hydrogen in Off-Grid Locations, a Techno-Economic Assessment
Authors: Gracia Lorién , Casero Pedro , Bourasseau Cyril , Chabert Alexandre
Published: November 2018

Diesel generators are currently used as an off-grid solution for backup power, but this causes CO2 and GHG emissions, noise emissions, and the negative effects of the volatile diesel market influencing operating costs. Green hydrogen production, by means of water electrolysis, has been proposed as a feasible solution to fill the gaps between demand and production, the main handicaps of using exclusively renewable energy in isolated applications. This manuscript presents a business case of an off-grid hydrogen production by electrolysis applied to the electrification of isolated sites. This study is part of the European Ely4off project (n° 700359). Under certain techno-economic hypothesis, four different system configurations supplied exclusively by photovoltaic are compared to find the optimal Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE): photovoltaic-batteries, photovoltaic-hydrogen-batteries, photovoltaic-diesel generator, and diesel generator; the influence of the location and the impact of different consumptions profiles is explored. Several simulations developed through specific modeling software are carried out and discussed. The main finding is that diesel-based systems still allow lower costs than any other solution, although hydrogen-based solutions can compete with other technologies under certain conditions.
Physicochemical, Performance, Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Melaleuca Cajuputi Oil-Refined Palm Oil Hybrid Biofuel Blend
Authors: Che Mat Sharzali , Idroas Mohamad Yusof , Teoh Yew Heng , Hamid Mohd Fadzli
Published: November 2018

To reduce the economic impact caused by the fossil fuel crisis and avoid relying on existing biofuels, it is important to seek locally available and renewable biofuel throughout the year. In the present work, a new light biofuel—Melaleuca Cajuputi oil (MCO)—was introduced to blend with refined palm oil (RPO). The physicochemical properties, combustion characteristics, engine performance, and exhaust emissions were comprehensively examined. It was found that the higher the percentage of MCO, the lower the viscosity and density of the blends obtained. Calorific value (CV) was increased with the increase of MCO fraction in the blend. Regression analysis has suggested that the blend of 32% (v/v) of RPO and 68% (v/v) of MCO (RPO32MCO68) is optimal to obtain viscosity and density in accordance with ASTM 6751/EN 14214 standards. The experimental results show that the in-cylinder pressure, brake torque, and brake power of the optimal blend were slightly lower than those of baseline diesel fuel. Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) were found to be slightly higher compared to diesel fuel. Notably, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and smoke opacity were found to be decreased over the entire range of the test. Overall, the optimal blend of RPO32MCO68 has shown a decent result which marks it as a potential viable source of biofuel.
Design and Implementation of Novel Multi-Converter-Based Unified Power Quality Conditioner for Low-Voltage High-Current Distribution System
Authors: Yang Bin , Liu Kangli , Zhang Sen , Zhao Jianfeng
Published: November 2018

This paper introduces a novel multi-converter-based unified power quality conditioner (MCB-UPQC). Three optimization methods are proposed based on the traditional UPQC: (1) The shunt converter is substituted with multi-modular parallel converters. Hence, the reactive power and harmonic currents can be increased greatly, which are suitable for low-voltage high-current distribution systems. (2) The series converters consist of three H-bridge inverters, and each of the H-bridge inverters is controlled separately. The control strategy is easier to achieve and can improve the control performance of voltage regulation under unbalanced voltage sag or swell. (3) A three-phase four-leg (3P4L) converter is connected to the common DC bus of the proposed UPQC to connect the renewable energy and energy storage system. The detailed mathematical models of shunt and series converters are analyzed, respectively. A multi-proportional resonant (PR) controller is presented in the voltage regulation and reactive power compensation control algorithms. The simulation results verify the feasibility of the control algorithms. Finally, the experimental platform is established, and the experimental results are presented to verify the validity and superiority of the proposed topology and algorithms.
High Precision Individual Tree Diameter and Perimeter Estimation from Close-Range Photogrammetry
Authors: Mokroš Martin , Výbošťok Jozef , Tomaštík Julián , Grznárová Alžbeta , Valent Peter , Slavík Martin , Merganič Ján
Published: November 2018

Close-range photogrammetry (CRP) can be used to provide precise and detailed three-dimensional data of objects. For several years, CRP has been a subject of research in forestry. Several studies have focused on tree reconstruction at the forest stand, plot, and tree levels. In our study, we focused on the reconstruction of trees separately within the forest stand. We investigated the influence of camera lens, tree species, and height of diameter on the accuracy of the tree perimeter and diameter estimation. Furthermore, we investigated the variance of the perimeter and diameter reference measurements. We chose four tree species (Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Abies alba Mill.). The perimeters and diameters were measured at three height levels (0.8 m, 1.3 m, and 1.8 m) and two types of lenses were used. The data acquisition followed a circle around the tree at a 3 m radius. The highest accuracy of the perimeter estimation was achieved when a fisheye lens was used at a height of 1.3 m for Fagus sylvatica (root mean square error of 0.25 cm). Alternatively, the worst accuracy was achieved when a non-fisheye lens was used at 1.3 m for Quercus petraea (root mean square error of 1.27 cm). The tree species affected the estimation accuracy for both diameters and perimeters.
The Use of qPCR Reveals a High Frequency of Phytophthora quercina in Two Spanish Holm Oak Areas
Authors: Mora-Sala Beatriz , Berbegal Mónica , Abad-Campos Paloma
Published: November 2018

The struggling Spanish holm oak woodland situation associated with Phytophthora root rot has been studied for a long time. Phytophthora cinnamomi is considered the main, but not the only species responsible for the decline scenario. This study verifies the presence and/or detection of Phytophthora species in two holm oak areas of Spain (southwestern “dehesas” and northeastern woodland) using different isolation and detection approaches. Direct isolation and baiting methods in declining and non-declining holm oak trees revealed Phytophthora cambivora, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora gonapodyides, Phytophthora megasperma, and Phytophthora pseudocryptogea in the dehesas, while in the northeastern woodland, no Phytophthora spp. were recovered. Statistical analyses indicated that there was not a significant relationship between the Phytophthora spp. isolation frequency and the disease expression of the holm oak stands in the dehesas. Phytophthora quercina and P. cinnamomi TaqMan real-time PCR probes showed that both P. cinnamomi and P. quercina are involved in the holm oak decline in Spain, but P. quercina was detected in a higher frequency than P. cinnamomi in both studied areas. Thus, this study demonstrates that molecular approaches complement direct isolation techniques in natural and seminatural ecosystem surveys to determine the presence and distribution of Phytophthora spp. This is the first report of P. pseudocryptogea in Europe and its role in the holm oak decline should be further studied.
Fungal Communities Associated with Bark Beetles in Pinus radiata Plantations in Northern Spain Affected by Pine Pitch Canker, with Special Focus on Fusarium Species
Authors: Bezos Diana , Martínez-Álvarez Pablo , Sanz-Ros Antonio V. , Martín-García Jorge , Fernandez M. Mercedes , Diez Julio J.
Published: November 2018

Fusarium spp., as well as other endophytic or pathogenic fungi that form communities, have been reported to be phoretically associated with bark beetles (Coleoptera; Scolytinae) worldwide. This applies to Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg and O’Donnell, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), which threatens Pinus radiata D. Don plantations in northern Spain. The main objective of this study was to study the fungal communities associated with bark beetles and their galleries in stands affected by PPC, with special attention given to Fusarium species. Funnel traps and logs were placed in a P. radiata plot known to be affected by F. circinatum. The traps were baited with different attractants: four with (E)-pityol and six with ethanol and α-Pinene. In addition, fresh green shoots with Tomicus piniperda L. feeding galleries were collected from the ground in 25 P. radiata plots affected by PPC. Extracts of whole insects and gallery tissues were plated on agar medium to isolate and identify the associated fungi. A total of 24 different fungal species were isolated from the bark beetle galleries constructed in logs and shoots, while 18 were isolated from the insect exoskeletons. Ten different Fusarium species were isolated from tissue and insects. Fusarium circinatum was isolated from bark beetle exoskeletons (1.05% of the Pityophthorus pubescens Marsham specimens harboured F. circinatum) and from the galleries (3.5% of the T. piniperda feeding galleries harboured the pathogen). The findings provide information about the fungal communities associated with bark beetles in P. radiata stands in northern Spain.
Role of Eddies in the Maintenance of Multiple Jets Embedded in Eastward and Westward Baroclinic Shears
Authors: Khatri Hemant , Berloff Pavel
Published: November 2018

Multiple zonal jets observed in many parts of the global ocean are often embedded in large-scale eastward and westward vertically sheared background flows. Properties of the jets and ambient eddies, as well as their dynamic interactions, are found to be different between eastward and westward shears. However, the impact of these differences on overall eddy dynamics remains poorly understood and is the main subject of this study. The roles of eddy relative vorticity and buoyancy fluxes in the maintenance of oceanic zonal jets are studied in a two-layer quasigeostrophic model. Both eastward and westward uniform, zonal vertically sheared cases are considered in the study. It is shown that, despite the differences in eddy structure and local characteristics, the fundamental dynamics are essentially the same in both cases: the relative-vorticity fluxes force the jets in the entire fluid column, and the eddy-buoyancy fluxes transfer momentum from the top to the bottom layer, where it is balanced by bottom friction. It is also observed that the jets gain more energy via Reynolds stress work in the layer having a positive gradient in the background potential vorticity, and this is qualitatively explained by a simple reasoning based on Rossby wave group velocity.
Field Survey of 2018 Typhoon Jebi in Japan: Lessons for Disaster Risk Management
Authors: Takabatake Tomoyuki , Mäll Martin , Esteban Miguel , Nakamura Ryota , Kyaw Thit Oo , Ishii Hidenori , Valdez Justin Joseph , Nishida Yuta , Noya Fuma , Shibayama Tomoya
Published: November 2018

Typhoon Jebi struck Japan on the 4 September 2018, damaging and inundating many coastal areas along Osaka Bay due to the high winds, a storm surge, and wind driven waves. In order to understand the various damage mechanisms, the authors conducted a field survey two days after the typhoon made landfall, measuring inundation heights and depths at several locations in Hyogo Prefecture. The survey results showed that 0.18–1.27 m inundation depths were caused by Typhoon Jebi. As parts of the survey, local residents were interviewed about the flooding, and a questionnaire survey regarding awareness of typhoons and storm surges, and their response to the typhoon was distributed. The authors also mapped the location of some of the containers that were displaced by the storm surge, aiming to provide information to validate future simulation models of container displacement. Finally, some interesting characteristics of the storm surge are summarized, such as possible overtopping at what had initially been thought to be a low risk area (Suzukaze town), and lessons learnt in terms of disaster risk management are discussed.
Unusual Isolated Large Clasts from the Periphery of the Lagonaki Highland, Western Caucasus: New Evidence of Classification and Origin
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: November 2018

Large clasts are in focus of the modern geoscience research, but their broadly-accepted classification is absent and specialists tend to over-emphasize on clasts of coastal zones. New field investigations in the Western Caucasus have permitted the finding of isolated large clasts of carbonate composition that occur above the Early–Middle Jurassic shale sequence and that are covered by modern soils. These clasts can be determined either as large boulders or megaclasts (blocks) depending on the preferred classification. Their shape is chiefly irregular, although smoothened surfaces and rounded angles (resulting from previous karstification) are also registered. These large clasts are located quite far from the natural outcrops of the Late Jurassic carbonates, which are their parent rocks. The origin of these clasts can be linked to collapses of the Pleistocene cliff of a cuesta-type mountain range, which later retreated to its present position. The evidence from the study area implies the size of 1 m or 2 m as a plausible criterion for distinction of boulders and megaclasts, and it also makes claims towards the development of a wider genetic typology of megaclasts.
Present Glaciers of Tavan Bogd Massif in the Altai Mountains, Central Asia, and Their Changes since the Little Ice Age
Authors: Ganyushkin Dmitry A. , Chistyakov Kirill V. , Volkov Ilya V. , Bantcev Dmitry V. , Kunaeva Elena P. , Andreeva Tatyana A. , Terekhov Anton V. , Otgonbayar Demberel
Published: November 2018

The Tavan Bogd mountains (of which, the main peak, Khuiten Uul, reaches 4374 m a.s.l.) are situated in the central part of the Altai mountain system, in the territories of Russia, Mongolia and China. The massif is the largest glacierized area of Altai. The purposes of this study were to provide a full description of the scale and structure of the modern glacierized area of the Tavan Bogd massif, to reconstruct the glaciers of the Little Ice Age (LIA), to estimate the extent of the glaciers in 1968, and to determine the main glacial trends, and their causes, from the peak of the LIA. This work was based on the results of long-term field studies and analysis of satellite and aerial data. At the peak of the LIA, Tavan Bogd glaciation comprised 243 glaciers with a total area of 353.4 km2. From interpretation of Corona images, by 1968 the number of glaciers had decreased to 236, with a total area of 242 km2. In 2010, there were 225 glaciers with a total area of 201 km2. Thus, since the peak of the LIA, the glacierized area of the Tavan Bogd mountains decreased by 43%, which is somewhat less than for neighboring glacial centers (i.e., Ikh-Turgen, Tsambagarav, Tsengel-Khairkhan and Mongun-Taiga mountains). The probable causes are higher altitude and the predominance of larger glaciers resistant to warming. Accordingly, the smallest decline in Tavan Bogd occurred in the basins of the Tsagan-Gol (31.7%) and Sangadyr (36.4%) rivers where the largest glaciers are located. In contrast, on the lower periphery of the massif, where small glaciers predominate, the relative reduction was large (74–79%). In terms of general retreat trends, large valley glaciers retreated faster in 1968–1977 and after 2010. During the 1990s, the retreat was slow. After 2010, glacial retreat was rapid. The retreat of glaciers in the last 50–60 years was caused by a trend decrease in precipitation until the mid-1970s, and a sharp warming in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Technical Note on the Dynamic Changes in Kalman Gain when Updating Hydrodynamic Urban Drainage Models
Authors: Borup Morten , Madsen Henrik , Grum Morten , Mikkelsen Peter Steen
Published: November 2018

To prevent online models diverging from reality they need to be updated to current conditions using observations and data assimilation techniques. A way of doing this for distributed hydrodynamic urban drainage models is to use the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), but this requires running an ensemble of models online, which is computationally demanding. This can be circumvented by calculating the Kalman gain, which is the governing matrix of the updating, offline if the gain is approximately constant in time. Here, we show in a synthetic experiment that the Kalman gain can vary by several orders of magnitude in a non-uniform and time-dynamic manner during surcharge conditions caused by backwater when updating a hydrodynamic model of a simple sewer system with the EnKF. This implies that constant gain updating is not suitable for distributed hydrodynamic urban drainage models and that the full EnKF is in fact required.
“I Shall Endeavor for Her Aims”: Women’s Alliances and Relational Figurations of Freedom
Authors: Morrison Sara
Published: November 2018

In oppressive cultures that marginalize various identity positions, a woman might find it difficult to imagine herself as autonomous or capable of self-definition. Forging alliances with other women offers opportunities for self-discovery, transformation, and autonomous agency. Considering Queen Elizabeth’s correspondence with Safiye Sultana and Phillip Massinger’s The Renegado, this essay argues that tropes of seeing, achieved either through material images or through vivid discursive descriptions, foster imaginative renderings of the possibilities of self-expression and agency. Both cases, one diplomatic and the other dramatic, demonstrate successful—even though temporary and politically motivated—alliances mediated through both patriarchal constraints and material markers of identity. Drawing on these epistolary and dramatic texts, this essay explores tropes of imaginative seeing, the materiality of identity, and physical spaces that enact women’s alliances invested in questions of women’s freedom across tributaries both political and dramatic.
Extensive Distribution of the Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, in Multiple Tick Species Parasitizing Avian and Mammalian Hosts across Canada
Authors: Scott John D. , Clark Kerry L. , Foley Janet E. , Anderson John F. , Bierman Bradley C. , Durden Lance A.
Published: November 2018

Lyme disease, caused by the spirochetal bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), is typically transmitted by hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Whenever this tick-borne zoonosis is mentioned in medical clinics and emergency rooms, it sparks a firestorm of controversy. Denial often sets in, and healthcare practitioners dismiss the fact that this pathogenic spirochetosis is present in their area. For distribution of Bbsl across Canada, we conducted a 4-year, tick–host study (2013–2016), and collected ticks from avian and mammalian hosts from Atlantic Canada to the West Coast. Overall, 1265 ticks representing 27 tick species belonging to four genera were collected. Of the 18 tick species tested, 15 species (83%) were positive for Bbsl and, of these infected ticks, 6 species bite humans. Overall, 13 of 18 tick species tested are human-biting ticks. Our data suggest that a 6-tick, enzootic maintenance cycle of Bbsl is present in southwestern B.C., and five of these tick species bite humans. Biogeographically, the groundhog tick, Ixodes cookei, has extended its home range from central and eastern Canada to southwestern British Columbia (B.C.). We posit that the Fox Sparrow, Passerella iliaca, is a reservoir-competent host for Bbsl. The Bay-breasted Warbler, Setophaga castanea, and the Tennessee Warbler, Vermivora peregrina, are new host records for the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. We provide the first report of a Bbsl-positive Amblyomma longirostre larva parasitizing a bird; this bird parasitism suggests that a Willow Flycatcher is a competent reservoir of Bbsl. Our findings show that Bbsl is present in all provinces, and that multiple tick species are implicated in the enzootic maintenance cycle of this pathogen. Ultimately, Bbsl poses a serious public health contagion Canada-wide.
Filling the Gaps in Adolescent Care and School Health Policy-Tackling Health Disparities through Sports Medicine Integration
Authors: Noel-London Kemba , Breitbach Anthony , Belue Rhonda
Published: November 2018

The School-Based Health Centre (SBHC) model of healthcare delivery in community health is designed to address the unique needs of adolescents. Through a collaborative interprofessional approach, they aim to provide comprehensive care with the goal of reducing health disparities in underserved, at-risk adolescents. Integration of sports medicine health professionals is a novel approach to increasing available services, as well as patient utilization, while addressing multiple public health issues, including lack of athletic training services for youth athletes.
Development of a System Measurement Model of the Brazilian Hospital Accreditation System
Authors: Corrêa João Éderson , Turrioni João Batista , Mello Carlos Henrique Pereira , Santos Ana Carolina Oliveira , Da Silva Carlos Eduardo Sanches , De Almeida Fabrício Alves
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a measurement model that evaluates the Brazilian hospital accreditation methodology (ONA), based on a multivariate model using structural equation modeling (SEM). The information used to develop the model was obtained from a questionnaire sent to all organizations accredited by the ONA methodology. A model was built based on the data obtained and tested through a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using the LISREL® software (Scientific Software International, Inc., Skokie, IL, USA). Four different tests were performed: Initial, calibrated, simulated, and cross-validation models. By analyzing and validating the proposed measurement model, it can be verified that the selected factors satisfy the required criteria for the development of a structural model. The results show that leadership action is one of the most important factors in the process of health services accredited by ONA. Although, leadership, staff management, quality management, organizational culture, process orientation, and safety are strongly linked to the development of health organizations, and directly influence the accreditation process.
Geographic Analysis of Motor Neuron Disease Mortality and Heavy Metals Released to Rivers in Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Díaz Germán , Escobar Francisco , Badland Hannah , Arias-Merino Greta , Posada de la Paz Manuel , Alonso-Ferreira Verónica
Published: November 2018

The etiology of motor neuron disease (MND) is still unknown. The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze MND mortality at a fine-grained level; and (2) explore associations of MND and heavy metals released into Spanish river basins. MND deaths were extracted from the Spanish nationwide mortality registry (2007–2016). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for MND were estimated at a municipal level. Sites that emitted quantities of heavy metals above the regulatory thresholds were obtained from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register database (2007–2015). The relative risks for non-exposed and exposed municipalities (considering a downstream 20 km river section) by type of heavy metal were analyzed using a log-linear model. SMRs were significantly higher in central and northern municipalities. SMRs were 1.14 (1.10–1.17) higher in areas exposed to heavy metals than in non-exposed areas: 0.95 (0.92–0.96). Considering the different metals, we found the following increased MND death risks in exposed areas: 20.9% higher risk for lead, 20.0% for zinc, 16.7% for arsenic, 15.7% for chromium, 15.4% for cadmium, 12.7% for copper, and 12.4% for mercury. This study provides associations between MND death risk and heavy metals in exposed municipalities. Further studies investigating heavy metal exposure are needed to progress in MND understanding.
Characteristics of Indoor PM2.5 Concentration in Gers Using Coal Stoves in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Lim Miyoung , Myagmarchuluun Sainnyambuu , Ban Hyunkyung , Hwang Yunhyung , Ochir Chimedsuren , Lodoisamba Delgerzul , Lee Kiyoung
Published: November 2018

Coal combustion in ger areas is the main source of ambient air pollution in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). This study determined the characteristics of indoor PM2.5 concentrations in gers using coal stoves during winter. The study population consisted of 60 gers in the Chingeltei district of Ulaanbaatar. The indoor particle number concentration (PNC) in each ger was measured using a Dylos DC1700 particle counter for 24 h in January and February 2016. The PNC by Dylos was converted into the mass concentration using a calibration equation developed using a collocated real-time light scattering monitor adjusted by gravimetric measurement. The average 24 h PM2.5 concentration was 203.9 ± 195.1 μg/m3 in gers with traditional stoves (n = 29) and 257.5 ± 204.4 μg/m3 in those with improved stoves (n = 31). In the daily profile, concentrations were lower at night, increased in the early morning, and peaked up to noon. The temperature in gers was slightly higher than that recommended in winter. Many development-assistance programs have supported the installation of improved energy-efficient stoves. Better control measures are needed to improve the indoor air quality of gers.
Effect of Comorbidity Assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index on the Length of Stay, Costs and Mortality among Older Adults Hospitalised for Acute Stroke
Authors: Ofori-Asenso Richard , Zomer Ella , Chin Ken Lee , Si Si , Markey Peter , Tacey Mark , Curtis Andrea J. , Zoungas Sophia , Liew Danny
Published: November 2018

The burden of comorbidity among stroke patients is high. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of comorbidity on the length of stay (LOS), costs, and mortality among older adults hospitalised for acute stroke. Among 776 older adults (mean age 80.1 ± 8.3 years; 46.7% female) hospitalised for acute stroke during July 2013 to December 2015 at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, we collected data on LOS, costs, and discharge outcomes. Comorbidity was assessed via the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), where a CCI score of 0–1 was considered low and a CCI ≥ 2 was high. Negative binomial regression and quantile regression were applied to examine the association between CCI and LOS and cost, respectively. Survival was evaluated with the Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. The median LOS was 1.1 days longer for patients with high CCI than for those with low CCI. In-hospital mortality rate was 18.2% (22.1% for high CCI versus 11.8% for low CCI, p < 0.0001). After controlling for confounders, high CCI was associated with longer LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR]; 1.35, p < 0.0001) and increased likelihood of in-hospital death (hazard ratio [HR]; 1.91, p = 0.003). The adjusted median, 25th, and 75th percentile costs were AUD$2483 (26.1%), AUD$1446 (28.1%), and AUD$3140 (27.9%) higher for patients with high CCI than for those with low CCI. Among older adults hospitalised for acute stroke, higher global comorbidity (CCI ≥ 2) was associated adverse clinical outcomes. Measures to better manage comorbidities should be considered as part of wider strategies towards mitigating the social and economic impacts of stroke.
Knowledge Management for Fostering Biostatistical Collaboration within a Research Network: The RTRN Case Study
Authors: Lee Jae Eun , Sung Jung Hye , Sarpong Daniel , Efird Jimmy T. , Tchounwou Paul B. , Ofili Elizabeth , Norris Keith
Published: November 2018

Purpose: While the intellectual and scientific rationale for research collaboration has been articulated, a paucity of information is available on a strategic approach to facilitate the collaboration within a research network designed to reduce health disparities. This study aimed to (1) develop a conceptual model to facilitate collaboration among biostatisticians in a research network; (2) describe collaborative engagement performed by the Network’s Data Coordinating Center (DCC); and (3) discuss potential challenges and opportunities in engaging the collaboration. Methods: Key components of the strategic approach will be developed through a systematic literature review. The Network’s initiatives for the biostatistical collaboration will be described in the areas of infrastructure, expertise and knowledge management and experiential lessons will be discussed. Results: Components of the strategic approach model included three Ps (people, processes and programs) which were integrated into expert management, infrastructure management and knowledge management, respectively. Ongoing initiatives for collaboration with non-DCC biostatisticians included both web-based and face-to-face interaction approaches: Network’s biostatistical capacities and needs assessment, webinar statistical seminars, mobile statistical workshop and clinics, adjunct appointment program, one-on-one consulting, and on-site workshop. The outreach program, as a face-to-face interaction approach, especially resulted in a useful tool for expertise management and needs assessment as well as knowledge exchange. Conclusions: Although fostering a partnered research culture, sustaining senior management commitment and ongoing monitoring are a challenge for this collaborative engagement, the proposed strategies centrally performed by the DCC may be useful in accelerating the pace and enhancing the quality of the scientific outcomes within a multidisciplinary clinical and translational research network.