bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic serum phenobarbital concentrations obtained using chronic transdermal administration of phenobarbital in healthy cats
Authors: Delamaide Gasper Joy A , Barnes Heller Heidi L , Robertson Michelle , Trepanier Lauren A
Published: August 2014

Seizures are a common cause of neurologic disease, and phenobarbital (PB) is the most commonly used antiepileptic drug. Chronic oral dosing can be challenging for cat owners, leading to poor compliance. The purpose of this study was to determine if the transdermal administration of PB could achieve serum PB concentrations of between 15 and 45 μg/ml in healthy cats. Nineteen healthy cats were enrolled in three groups. Transdermal PB in pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) was applied to the pinnae for 14 days at a dosage of 3 mg/kg q12h in group 1 (n = 6 cats) and 9 mg/kg q12h in group 2 (n = 7 cats). Transdermal PB in Lipoderm Activemax was similarly applied at 9 mg/kg q12h for 14 days in group 3 (n = 6 cats). Steady-state serum PB concentrations were measured at trough, and at 2, 4 and 6 h after the morning dose on day 15. In group 1, median concentrations ranged from 6.0–7.5 μg/ml throughout the day (observed range 0–11 μg/ml). Group 2 median concentrations were 26.0 μg/ml (observed range 18.0–37.0 μg/ml). For group 3, median concentrations ranged from 15.0–17.0 μg/ml throughout the day (range 5–29 μg/ml). Side effects were mild. One cat was withdrawn from group 2 owing to ataxia and sedation. These results show therapeutic serum PB concentrations can be achieved in cats following chronic transdermal administration of PB in PLO at a dosage of 9 mg/kg q12h. More individual variation was noted using Lipoderm Activemax. Transdermal administration may be an alternative for cats that are difficult to medicate orally.
Coming out with the media: The ritualization of self-disclosure in the Dutch television programme Uit de Kast
Authors: Boross Balázs , Reijnders Stijn
Published: August 2014

Using the media to disclose one’s sexual identity has become an increasingly salient practice in recent years. Yet little is known about the reasons for the emergence of this form of self-disclosure. Based on an analysis of the Dutch television programme Uit de Kast (‘Out of the Closet’), this article relates the rise of mediated coming out practices to the ritualizing power of the media: we argue that media plays a quintessential role in transforming the socially unscripted act of coming out into a patterned, culturally meaningful performance. Our analysis reveals that the ritual work of the programme is embedded in the way (1) the generic format of the show structures the self-disclosures, (2) the authority of the media is deployed to channel the coming out process and (3) the programme, while controlling diversity, reinforces dominant societal values and ideologies. The case not only highlights how unprecedented ritual forms come to flourish in the current era of ‘participatory’ media culture, but also demonstrates how ritualization supports and naturalizes the claim that media is an effective agent to create order in everyday, ordinary lives.
Feasibility and acceptability of a gardening-based nutrition education program in preschoolers from low-income, minority populations
Authors: Sharma Shreela V , Hedberg Ann Marie , Skala Katherine A , Chuang Ru-Jye , Lewis Tamara
Published: August 2014

Garden-based lessons are gaining popularity as a means of increasing fruit and vegetable intake among children. The study objective was to pilot test a garden-based preschool curriculum for feasibility and acceptability in Harris County Department of Education Head Start using qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 103, 3- to 5-year-old children at two Head Start centers in Harris County, Texas participated. PLANT Gardens (Preschoolers Learn About Nutrition Through Gardens), a theoretically grounded, teacher-led, garden-based nutrition education program for preschoolers was implemented over 8 weeks in spring 2008. Heights and weights were measured on participating children. Data regarding program feasibility and acceptability were obtained through post-intervention focus groups with teachers and parents, weekly lesson plan evaluation forms completed by project staff, and post intervention teacher surveys. Pre−post self-reported parent surveys were used to evaluate the effects of the program on their preschooler’s fruit and vegetable preferences and willingness. The results showed that, overall, 28.4 percent of the Head Start preschooler’s population were overweight or obese, yet only 3 percent of parents perceived their preschooler as overweight. This pilot test revealed strong acceptability and feasibility of the PLANT Gardens program in this Head Start population. Results of the parent surveys (n= 25) indicated a significant increase in their preschooler’s willingness to try new fruits and vegetables (67% at baseline vs 84% post-intervention; p = 0.026). Data were used to further refine the program components. In conclusion, the PLANT Gardens program showed good initial feasibility and acceptability and is a promising program to increase preference and intake of fruits and vegetables in a preschool population. Further evaluation of behavioral outcomes using a larger sample size and a prospective design is needed.
Nutritionally ‘empty’ but full of meanings: The socio-cultural significance of birthday cakes in four early childhood settings
Authors: Albon Deborah
Published: August 2014

This article examines the socio-cultural significance of birthday cakes with the purpose of reflecting upon birthday cake practices enacted in four early childhood settings in England. I argue that birthday cakes occupy an ambiguous place in early childhood practice: seen to be both ‘risky’ – a term I problematise – and important in terms of the rituals each setting had developed in relation to them. The research also highlights the way in which children appropriate the medium of birthday cakes in their pretend play, creating birthday cakes from a range of resources to initiate contact with practitioners and peers. Despite the positive framing of birthday cakes in early childhood settings adopted in this article, it is important to recognise the Othering of some families’ food practices that takes place through the vehicle of foods such as birthday cakes brought from home. In addition, the rituals associated with birthday cakes might also be conceptualised as an enactment of ‘groupism’ as opposed to a celebration of individual identity. Nevertheless, it is argued that birthday cakes should not be prohibited in early childhood settings. To do so would ignore the meanings that are attached to certain foods and the practices associated with them.
Morpho-Syntactic Load in Judging Adjective Plural Agreement
Authors: Schiff Rachel , Ravid Dorit , Gur Adi
Published: August 2014

The study examined the impact of two grammatical factors on marking Hebrew adjectives in agreement with plural nouns in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with peers without ADHD. Participants were 36 adult speakers of Hebrew, who were administered a judgment test of 144 sentences, each containing an adjective in agreement with a plural noun in one of three different syntactic configurations—predicative adjectives, attributive adjectives in sentence–initial position, and attributive adjectives in sentence–final position. Noun suffixes were regular, semiregular (ambiguous), and irregular. Findings showed that participants with ADHD displayed lower accuracy and longer response time compared with controls. As morphological and morpho-syntactic difficulty simultaneously increased, participants with ADHD were significantly more likely to perform less well compared with controls on both accuracy and speed. These findings indicate that adults with ADHD might be suffering from a linguistic impairment exacerbated under more cognitively and linguistically demanding conditions.
Why do leaders practice amoral management? A conceptual investigation of the impediments to ethical leadership
Authors: Greenbaum Rebecca L. , Quade Matthew J. , Bonner Julena
Published: August 2014

We present a theoretical model of amoral management in an effort to understand impediments to ethical leadership. We posit that a number of anticipated negative consequences of engaging in ethical leadership are positively related to amoral management and these relationships are strengthened by contextual factors. Furthermore, we argue that under certain conditions, amoral managers may experience enough moral motivation to engage in initial ethical leadership practices. However, if the leader’s newly acquired ethical leadership practices are met with resistance, such that the leader experiences substantial role stressors and reductions in short-term performance and becomes a victim of supervisor-directed deviance and/or workplace ostracism, then the leader will abandon ethical leadership practices and return to the status quo of being an amoral manager.
A cohort study of duplex Doppler examinations of the carotid artery in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Marmion Vincent J , Aldoori Munther I , Woodcock John P , Stephenson John
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To explore the possibility of pathological change in the common carotid artery at the bifurcation and in the internal carotid artery beyond the bifurcation which could contribute to a reduced diastolic pressure as observed in primary open angle glaucoma.

Design

Duplex ultrasonic examinations of carotid bifurcations were conducted on 80 patients. Carotid artery defects were allocated into three types: no demonstrable flow defects, internal carotid artery abnormalities and disease in the carotid bulb.

Setting

Bristol Royal Infirmary Vascular Laboratory.

Participants

Eighty patients (mean age 69.6 years) providing a total of 160 sides to the analysis.

Main outcome measures

An estimated central retinal artery pressure, intraocular pressure and field loss were recorded for each side measured.

Results

Doppler investigations revealed significant levels of pathological change in the internal carotid distinct from changes at the carotid bulb. The disease revealed in the internal carotid artery was significantly associated with intraocular pressure ( p = 0.032), with an effect small to medium in magnitude. The Q2 measure, derived from mean arterial pressure and intraocular pressure, was also substantively associated with disease in the internal carotid artery. Both intraocular pressure and the Q2 measure effectively discriminated between groups, with field loss providing rather less discriminating capability. There was a strong trend towards a higher intraocular pressures and a greater visual field loss with internal carotid artery disease.

Conclusions

Pathological changes in the extra cranial carotid artery in primary open angle glaucoma exceed those in the arteries classified as normal. The presence of disease specifically in the internal carotid artery emphasised the need for a mechanism for the evaluation of the internal carotid apart from the carotid bulb. A basis for clarifying the presence of an ischaemic zone is proposed.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in a developing nation: a clinical guide
Authors: Nwobodo Ndubuisi
Published: August 2014

Therapeutic drug monitoring is aimed at using drug concentration measurements to manage a patient’s medication requirement and optimise clinical outcome, particularly in respect of drugs with narrow therapeutic index. Typically, immunoassay methods of various techniques are employed with the advantage of rapid turnaround time and ease of operation. The chromatographic methods are specific and cost effective, though more demanding and require technical expertise. The most crucial aspect of any therapeutic drug monitoring service is the expert clinical interpretation of drug concentration measurements taking into consideration individual pharmacokinetic variability in drug disposition across different populations. The setting up of a therapeutic drug monitoring service requires enormous resources, both in terms of equipment and trained personnel. This poses considerable constraints in developing countries due to limited scarce resources, coupled with ignorance among health practitioners on the relevance of therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice. Consequently, the need for advocacy, training and encouragement of health practitioners on the usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring in enhancing patient care and overall clinical outcome in a developing country such as Nigeria can never be over-emphasised.
Sequential strokes in a hyperacute stroke unit
Authors: Ganesalingam Jeban , Buddha Sandeep , Carlton-Jones Anoma L , Nicholas Richard
Published: August 2014

Vasculitis is a rare, but treatable condition that can present to hyperacute stroke units. Thrombolysis does not treat the underlying pathology, and a rapidly evolving clinical picture drives clinical decision often before all the investigation results are available.
Alcohol-related mortality following self-harm: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Bergen Helen , Hawton Keith , Webb Roger , Cooper Jayne , Steeg Sarah , Haigh Matthew , Ness Jennifer , Waters Keith , Kapur Navneet
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To assess alcohol-related premature death in people who self-harm compared to the general population, including variation by socioeconomic deprivation.

Design

A retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis from the Multicentre Study of self-harm in England, 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010, with cause-specific mortality follow-up through to 31 December 2012.

Setting

Six emergency departments in Oxford, Manchester and Derby.

Participants

All individuals aged 15 years or more who presented with self-harm ( n = 39,014) to general hospital emergency departments, together with follow-up mortality information from the Data Linkage Service of the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Main outcome measures

Standardised mortality ratios (observed/expected number of deaths: SMRs) and mean number of years of life lost (YLL) were estimated for alcohol-related mortality. Patients’ characteristics and clinical management following self-harm were also examined.

Results

After 7.5 years’ (median) follow-up, 2695 individuals (6.9%) had died, significantly more males (9.5%) than females (5.0%), including 307 (11.4%) from alcohol-related causes. Alcohol-related death was more frequent than expected in both males (SMR 8.5, 95% CI 7.3 to 9.8) and females (11.6, 9.8 to 13.7), equating to 33.7 YLL (95% CI 32.4 to 35.0) in males and 38.1 YLL (36.6 to 39.6) in females. It was not associated with area-level socioeconomic deprivation. Alcohol-related death was associated with unemployed/sick/disabled status, alcohol use during self-harm, referral to drug/alcohol services and lack of psychosocial assessment following self-harm.

Conclusions

Hospital-presenting self-harm patients should receive assessment following self-ham according to national guidance to enable early identification and treatment of alcohol problems.
Decomposition modes of austenite in 9Cr–W–V–Ta reduced activation ferritic–martensitic steels
Authors: Ravikirana  , Mythili R. , Raju S. , Saroja S. , Jayakumar T. , Rajendra Kumar E.
Published: August 2014

The present paper presents the results of an extensive electron microscopy investigation on the decomposition modes of high temperature austenite in 9Cr–W–V–Ta reduced activation ferritic–martensitic steels. Although the displacive martensitic transformation is predominant on austenitisation, low volume fraction of Fe rich M3C or M23C6 precipitates formed, when the tungsten content exceeded 1 wt-. The compositional inhomogeneity introduced in the austenite by the nature, chemistry and kinetics of dissolution of the pre-existing carbides is dependent on the steel composition and austenitisation conditions. The extent of repartitioning of tungsten between M23C6 and ferrite largely influences the kinetics of austenite and martensite transformation, for the same austenitisation conditions. Supporting evidence from calorimetry analysis is also presented.
The role of plasma gelsolin in cardiopulmonary bypass induced acute lung injury in infants and young children: a pilot study
Authors: Shi ShanShan , Chen Chi , Zhao DongYan , Liu XiWang , Cheng BaoLi , Wu ShuiJing , Lin Ru , Tan LinHua , Fang XiangMing , Shu Qiang
Published: August 2014

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, CPB-ALI) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery. And infants and young children are more prone to CPB-ALI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perioperative changes of plasma gelsolin (pGSN) in patients below 3years of age with cardiac surgeries and CPB, and determine whether pGSN are associated with the occurrence and severity of CPB-ALI.

Methods

Seventy-seven consecutive patients ≤3 years of age with congenital heart diseases (CHD) performed on open heart surgery with CPB were finally enrolled, and assigned to ALI and non-ALI groups according to the American-European Consensus Criteria. Plasma concentrations of gelsolin and total protein were measured at following 8 time points: before CPB (a), after CPB (b), 2 hours after CPB (c), 6 hours after CPB (d), 12 hours after CPB (e), 24 hours after CPB (f), 48 hours after CPB (g) and 72 hours after CPB (h).

Results

Twenty-seven (35.1%) patients developed CPB-ALI in the study, including eleven (14.3%) patients with ARDS. The earliest significant drop of pGSN and normalized pGSN (pGSNN) of ALI group both occurred at 6 hours after CPB (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01), which was much earlier than those of non-ALI group (48 hours, p = 0.03 and 24 hours, p < 0.01); PGSN of ALI group before CPB and 6 hours after CPB were both significantly lower than those of non-ALI group (p < 0.01); PGSNN of ALI group before CPB and 6 hours after CPB were both significantly lower than those of non-ALI group (p < 0.01, p = 0.04); PGSN before CPB was the only independent risk factor predicting the occurrence of CPB-ALI (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.007-1.039; p < 0.01) with an AUC of 0.753 (95% CI, 0.626-0.880); The optimal cutoff value of pGSN before CPB was 264.2 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 58.3% and a specificity 94.7%. And lower pGSN before CPB was significantly associated with the severity of CS-AKI (r = −0.45, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients developing CPB-ALI had lower plasma gelsolin reservoir and a much more amount and rapid consumption of plasma gelsolin early after operation. PGSN before CPB was an early and sensitive predictor of CPB-ALI in infants and young children undergoing cardiac surgery, and was negatively correlated with the severity of CPB-ALI.
Functionalized silicon quantum dots by N-vinylcarbazole: synthesis and spectroscopic properties
Authors: Ji Jianwei , Wang Guan , You Xiaozeng , Xu Xiangxing
Published: August 2014

Silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) attract increasing interest nowadays due to their excellent optical and electronic properties. However, only a few optoelectronic organic molecules were reported as ligands of colloidal Si QDs. In this report, N-vinylcarbazole - a material widely used in the optoelectronics industry - was used for the modification of Si QDs as ligands. This hybrid nanomaterial exhibits different spectroscopic properties from either free ligands or Si QDs alone. Possible mechanisms were discussed. This type of new functional Si QDs may find application potentials in bioimaging, photovoltaic, or optoelectronic devices.
Worker adaptation and workplace accommodations after the onset of an illness
Authors: Høgelund Jan , Holm Anders
Published: August 2014

Workers who become work-incapacitated may try to change employer or stay with their current employer in an accommodated job. We study the effect of these strategies on sick-listed workers’ employment durations. We use survey and register data of 809 workers. We simultaneously estimate the duration until returning to work and the duration of employment using the timing-of-event approach. We find that workplace accommodations increase employment durations with the current employer. We also find that workers returning to work with a new employer have significantly shorter employment durations than workers returning to work with the current employer (with or without accommodations).

JEL codes

I12 ,J21; J28; J64
An Evaluative Case Study: Reflection-focused Assessment Performance
Authors: Mahdavinia Mehdi , Tabatabaei Badri Modarres , Rahimi Ali
Published: August 2014

This study is an assessment procedure which focuses on the learners' reflection administered as an alternative assessment strategy at a Teaching Language Course, Azad University, Tehran South Branch at graduate level. In fourteen sessions, thirty participants were involved in a progressive learning through reflection-focused assessment and leaner-centred education in contrast to the traditional approaches to education. This inquiry has expanded as a reflective, ongoing, formative, performance and authentic assessment. The purpose is concerned with the worth of an ongoing assessment program as a whole by focusing on the learners' reflective outcomes and making them more reflective, self-regulated and providing the sense of individuality. The results are used to determine whether to continue or terminate reflective-focused assessment at graduate levels of education, and also to help language teachers and learners to be aware of the effectiveness of different types of assessment. The significance of the study is to create an anxiety-free atmosphere for the learners to reflect their knowledge, educational strengths and weaknesses and difficulties and also to assess and evaluate both teaching and learning process by the use of learners' reflections. Providing timeliness feedback, note taking by the teacher and preparing remedial programs based on the learners' reflections and needs are other great significances of the study. The study explores to what extent reflection-focused assessment satisfies the objectives of the curriculum and real needs of the learners and make them reflective. A qualitative design was used to gather the data through triangular procedure: reviewing available documents such as reflective essays, course evaluation papers and teacher's notes, observation, voice and video recording and interviewing. Data were analyzed by descriptive and narrative methods. The findings showed that most of the curriculum objectives were satisfied; participants mastered the skills, grasped the related knowledge, become reflective, self-regulated learners and their sense of individuality were satisfied. The conclusion showed that reflective-focused assessment could be an approach focusing on the process rather than product and also it could work as a viable means to evaluate any level of education.
Cognitive Styles on C-Test and Cloze-Elide Test: Which Style Acts Better?
Authors: Soureshjani Kamal Heidari
Published: August 2014

The study was, in fact, an attempt to investigate any probable role of the cognitive style of language learners in their performance of two varieties of cloze test; that is, c-test and cloze-elide test. In other words, the study tried to see if being an FD or FI cause any significant difference in their performance on such two tests or not. To achieve such a purpose, 95 language learners were selected on the basis of availability sampling procedure and then their cognitive style was determined by using Group Embedded Figure Test (GEFT). After that, a series of c-test and cloze-elide tests were distributed among the two types of learners. In the end, the study revealed that there is a significant difference between the cognitive style of learners and their performance on the two intended tests. The study also showed that with regard to c-tests, FI learners have a better performance in comparison to FDs. However, regarding the cloze-elide test, FD learners outperform FIs.
Hybrid Modeling of Intelligence and Linguistic Factors as Predictors of L2 Writing Quality: A SEM Approach
Authors: Pishghadam Reza , Shams Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2014

The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of linguistic and intelligence factors in L2 writing. The sample included 347 Iranian learners of English. Six tests were administered to measure the participants' grammar knowledge, depth of vocabulary knowledge, breadth of vocabulary, verbal intelligence, narrative intelligence, and writing ability. Two SEM models were compared to each other. Model 1 only included grammar knowledge, depth and breadth of vocabulary knowledge as the linguistic factors of writing. Model 2, proposed by the researchers, included verbal and narrative intelligences as well. The models were then linked to the data to see which one fits better. The results of structural equation modeling show that Model 2 has better fit indices producing better parameter estimates. In the end, the applications and implications of the findings for L2 writing pedagogy and assessment are discussed.
The HIRA complex that deposits the histone H3.3 is conserved in Arabidopsis and facilitates transcriptional dynamics
Authors: Nie Xin , Wang Haifeng , Li Jing , Holec Sarah , Berger Frédéric
Published: August 2014

In animals, replication-independent incorporation of nucleosomes containing the histone variant H3.3 enables global reprogramming of histone modifications and transcriptional profiles. H3.3 enrichment over gene bodies correlates with gene transcription in animals and plants. In animals, H3.3 is deposited into chromatin by specific protein complexes, including the HIRA complex. H3.3 variants evolved independently and acquired similar properties in animals and plants, questioning how the H3.3 deposition machinery evolved in plants and what are its biological functions. We performed phylogenetic analyses in the plant kingdom and identified in Arabidopsis all orthologs of human genes encoding members of the HIRA complex. Genetic analyses, biochemical data and protein localisation suggest that these proteins form a complex able to interact with H3.3 in Arabidopsis in a manner similar to that described in mammals. In contrast to animals, where HIRA is required for fertilization and early development, loss of function of HIRA in Arabidopsis causes mild phenotypes in the adult plant and does not perturb sexual reproduction and embryogenesis. Rather, HIRA function is required for transcriptional reprogramming during dedifferentiation of plant cells that precedes vegetative propagation and for the appropriate transcription of genes responsive to biotic and abiotic factors. We conclude that the molecular function of the HIRA complex is conserved between plants and animals. Yet plants diversified HIRA functions to enable asexual reproduction and responsiveness to the environment in response to the plant sessile lifestyle.
Early History of Adsorption Measurements
Authors: Robens Erich , Jayaweera Shanath Amarasiri A.
Published: August 2014

This historical survey covers the initial investigations of adsorption measurements of the geometric microstructure of solid surfaces. Methods investigated are sorptometry, hygrometry, calorimetry, thermogravimetry and thermoporometry. The histories of these methods are short, beginning in modern times; only hygrometry can be traced back to ancient times.
Adsorption—Photometric and Test Determination of Copper Using Silica Gel Sequentially Modified with Polyhexamethylene Guanidine and Bathocuproinedisulphonic Acid
Authors: Losev V.N. , Didukh S.L. , Trofimchuk A.K. , Zaporozhets O.A.
Published: August 2014

The interface interaction of Cu(I) with 2,9-dimethyl-4, 7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulphonic acid immobilized onto silica modified with polyhexamethylene guanidine was studied. The high affinity of metal ion to the modified silica surface was found to be due to the presence of a complex, which is formed as a result of interaction between Cu(I) and immobilized 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulphonic acid. This reaction was successfully applied to develop an adsorption–photometric method for determining copper concentrations in waters of different types. The detection limit is 0.01 µg per 0.1 g of adsorbent. The calibration function is linear up to 10 µg per 0.1 g of adsorbent. The colour scale and indicator pipe technique were proposed for rapid test determination of copper concentrations in various water types. The detection limit for copper using the pipe technique is 1 µg/l (volume of the water, 50 ml).
Mesoporous Vanadium Nitride Synthesized by Chemical Routes
Authors: Mishra Pragnya P. , Theerthagiri J. , Panda Rabi N.
Published: August 2014

Nanocrystalline vanadium nitride (VN) materials are synthesized by two different routes, namely, the urea route and the ammonia route, using various V2O5 precursors obtained by citric acid–based sol–gel method. The VN nanomaterials obtained are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET method. The XRD patterns show the presence of pure cubic phase with line broadening. The lattice parameters were found to be 4.1266 and 4.1136 Å for the urea route and 4.1125 and 4.1120 Å for the ammonia route using V2O5 precursors heat treated at 350 and 550 °C, respectively. The estimated crystallite sizes are found to be 9 and 7 nm for the urea route and 22 and 28 nm for the ammonia route using V2O5 precursors synthesized at 350 and 550 °C, respectively. The SEM images show the presence of agglomerates having particle dimensions of 115 and (300 × 15) nm for the urea route and 111 and 68 nm for the ammonia route using V2O5 precursors heat treated at 350 and 550 °C, respectively. The maximum BET surface area of 57 m2/g was obtained for VN sample synthesized by the urea route using V2O5 precursors synthesized at 350 °C. The isotherms show typical Type IV with H2 hysteresis, which is characteristic of the mesoporous particles. The production of high-surface-area nitride materials has been correlated to synthetic procedure, precursor used and formation of mesopores in the material.
Proposed Mathematical Model for Semi-Rigid Joint Behaviour (M-θ) in Space Structures
Authors: Chenaghlou Mohammad Reza , Nooshin Hoshyar , Harding John E
Published: August 2014

In the present paper, an exponential mathematical model for prediction of moment-rotation behaviour of semi-rigid connections in space structures is proposed. This model has two parameters in relation to mechanical properties of the semi-rigid connection. The parameters include the ultimate moment capacity of the connection and the initial stiffness of the connection corresponding to flexural deformation. An analytical method is proposed to find the ultimate moment capacity. Also, initial stiffness could be found from analytical or simple experimental test. The validity of the proposed model has been verified using a number of experimental results. The results indicate that the proposed model has good capability to simulate the behaviour of joints where exhibit elastic-plastic hardening characteristics with the curve flattening out near the final stage of loading.
A Proposal for a New Type of Prefabricated Stone Wall
Authors: Brocato M. , Deleporte W. , Mondardini L. , Tanguy J.-E.
Published: August 2014

This article deals with the proposal of a stone prefabricated structure. Today, prefabrication promises convenience when applied to the construction industry, in terms of project costs abatement, ecology and final results quality. Notwithstanding, it implies some technological expedients that cannot be overlooked and that should be solved with an accurate engineering effort. Furthermore, freestone manifests qualities related to sustainable development, durability and aesthetic that lead us to want to extend this material use in contemporary architecture. Our proposal combines these issues. We present a design description of a sandwich structure in dimension stone and an analysis of its mechanical behavior that could confirm it responds positively to all the typical loading conditions of a prefabricated structure. In conclusion, we also report a record of a first constructive experimentation performed on this type of structure as a further confirmation of its efficacy.
Design Procedure for Tubular Lattice Towers for Small Wind Turbines
Authors: Adhikari Ram C. , Wood David H. , Sudak Les
Published: August 2014

Despite having been used for a long time, tubular lattice towers with three or four legs have not been systematically analysed for use with small wind turbines. We present a design procedure based on modelling the towers as either tripods or quadrapods to allow analytic approximations to the tower stresses. Following the IEC standard for small wind turbine design, the critical load occurs at the 50-year extreme wind speed acting on a stationary turbine and tower. To avoid buckling in the downwind leg, three separate methods of estimating the critical buckling resistance are shown to give very similar results. The analytic models also allow the tower-top deflection to be simply approximated. We use an arbitrary limit on deflection as 5% of the tower height, to ensure linear, static behaviour for extreme wind loads. Two example tower designs are considered: an 18 m tower for a 5 kW turbine and a 12 m tower for a 500 W turbine.
A New Algorithm for Ultra-Short Term Wind Prediction Based on Dynamic Relative Turbine Locations
Authors: Shensi She , Zheng Li , Xu Cai
Published: August 2014

This paper is focusing on ultra-short term wind prediction, using the wind speed of so called “leading turbine” as a reference to calculate the distribution wind speed in a wind farm, where the leading turbine is the first one to contact the wind determined by relative location of every turbine in wind farm. Then wake effect, time-lag effect and dynamic relative locations algorithms are introduced and integrated into the calculation to get every input wind speed of remained wind turbines. The illustrative cases take a wind farm in China as study subject to forecast wind speed of every wind turbine based on actual captured data of “leading turbine”. Then the comparison demonstrates difference of selected turbine's time-varying wind speed and power output in wind farm estimated by wake effect factor and time-lag effect factor. The conclusion reflects feature that wake effect will reduce power output and time-lag effect will smooth power output. At last we transform the integrated wind speed prediction results into the total power output data, and compare it with actual captured output power data of wind farm, the result shows that the accurate and rapid calculation method based on dynamic relative location of turbines in wind farm is authentic and effective.
Large Wind Turbine Structural Load Control: Trailing Edge Deformation Mechanism for Active Variable-Camber Blade
Authors: Dicker Michael , Kosasih Buyung
Published: August 2014

Blade root fatigue stress, primarily resulting from wind shear and turbulence, is a critical factor in wind turbine design. Blade mounted aerodynamic control devices have been shown to have the potential to reduce this. However, limited research exists into suitable devices. The blade designed in this work addresses this by employing an actuated compliant mechanism, contained within a flexible matrix composite structure. The resulting mechanism design achieves a sectional change in lift coefficient of ΔC L + 0.4 to −0.15. The performance of the blade is analysed with a quasi-steady time marching BEM model. A reduction of 21.59% in the standard deviation of the flap-wise bending moment comparable to previous load control investigations has been achieved.
Significance of Effective Lubrication in Mitigating System Failures — A Wind Turbine Gearbox Case Study
Authors: Sinha Yashwant , Steel John A , Andrawus Jesse A , Gibson Karen
Published: August 2014

The effectiveness of lubrication in machines mainly depends on the physical and chemical properties of lubricating oil, like quantity, level of suspended particles, effect of external load/shear forces, temperature amongst others. Periodic inspection of lubricating oil for its grade of viscosity, H2O content, fuel content, amount and nomenclature of suspended particles etc. assists maintenance personal in assessing the quality of oil and its residual life. Such assessments are also useful in determining health of the system in which the lubricating oil was used. This work discusses about industrial Wind Turbine Gearbox lubrication, its importance, applications, oil analysis method and lists constituents found in the oil. Results lead us to the conclusion that additives in the oil protect the gearbox from wear and tear during initial years of operation. Analysis also suggests that re-lubrication process should be performed every 18 months time interval to optimise the life of gearbox components. Other results and advice for lubrication are also listed.
‘Peak Oil’ as Classical Economic Process
Authors: Meynard François
Published: August 2014

Forecasts about ‘peak oil“, the limits of oil production, are the subject of controversies. ‘Peak oil’ forecasts are based on extrapolations of a priori chosen mathematical models fitted to field data. Scientifically that is not very sound. To clarify this point, in this paper ‘peak oil’ is modelled in a generic reductionist, approach, in which the conflicting dynamic between economic forces and physical laws are well identified. This model finds a natural interpretation just supress in a classical economic analysis frame. The ‘peak oil’ controversy is thus brought into the field of economic thought as a debate between classical and mainstream economics, in particular between an objective and a faith based appraisal about this historical event. The goal is not to improve forecasts about ‘peak oil’, which is very likely not a predictable event, but to propose an objective framework for the analysis of its systemic effects on economic production.
Assessing the Socio-Economic Effects of Korea's Nuclear Power Policy
Authors: Hwang Won-Sik , Oh Inha , Lee Jeong-Dong
Published: August 2014

Although nuclear power is one of the most critical issues in Korean energy policy, there are few comprehensive studies on its direct and indirect economic impacts. In this study, we analyze the economic changes caused by alternative nuclear power policies, including caps for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For this purpose, we construct three scenarios: Expansion, no change, and reduction in the share of nuclear power in total power generation. Methodologically, we develop a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model with detailed energy and electricity sector representation and apply the model by utilizing current and projected data on the Korean economy and its energy demand structure. The simulation results quantitatively demonstrate economic and welfare losses when the share of nuclear power in total power generation decreases.
Are Green Jobs Real Jobs? The Case of Photovoltaic Power in Italy
Authors: Lavecchia Luciano , Stagnaro Carlo
Published: August 2014

The European Union has made the promotion of renewable energies a key objective of its energy, environmental, and industrial policies. The underlying assumption is that several benefits may be delivered: Preventing the perceived environmental externalities, insuring energy security through reduced import dependency of conventional energy sources, promoting innovation and creating new jobs. This paper addresses this latter issue. Unfortunately, a fair assessment of the net occupational impact of green subsidies is quite complex because, among other reasons, reliable data are lacking. We try to estimate whether subsidies to solar power in Italy actually created more jobs than they destroyed (or prevented the creation thereof) because of the negative macroeconomic effect of higher electricity prices.
Analysis Method for Estimating Diffuseness of Sound Fields by Using Decay-Cancelled Impulse Response
Authors: Hanyu Toshiki
Published: August 2014

An analysis method for estimating diffuseness of sound fields by measuring the time variation in reflected sound energy of impulse responses is proposed. In this method, first a decay-cancelled impulse response is obtained by removing the reverberation decay from the impulse response using a Schroeder decay curve. The degree of diffusion of the sound field is determined by evaluating the time variation in the reflected sound energy of the decay-cancelled impulse response. By using this method, the frequency characteristics of diffuseness in sound fields can be analysed from the impulse response measured at a single point. The average degree of diffusion in a room can also be evaluated by averaging the analysis results at several points in the room, similar to the analysis of reverberation time.

In order to verify the proposed method, the impulse responses in rooms having different types of diffusers were calculated by the wave acoustics computer simulation. The frequency characteristics of diffuseness were analysed from the calculated impulse responses, by using the proposed method. The results showed that the frequency characteristics of diffuseness change depending on the size of the diffusers. Thus, the proposed method can be used for evaluating the effect of diffusers on the degree of diffusion in a sound field.
Visualization and Evaluation of Reflections inside an Enclosed Space Using Sound Intensity Measurement
Authors: Omoto Akira , Sugiura Kohta
Published: August 2014

To examine the relationship between surface scattering and the properties of a sound field, a visualization technique based on the sound intensity measurement is introduced. Measurement of the impulse responses at four closely located points yields the intensity response in three orthogonal directions. Dominant peaks in the intensity response could be recognized as the dominant reflections from the certain room surface. Our method projects such information onto the spherical panoramic photo of the field. In addition to such qualitative visualization, quantitative examination is also tried. We have introduced here the index called uniformity of arrival directions, UAD, as one measure of sound field. The UAD is defined by the temporal changes of uniformity of arriving directions of reflections and is calculated by the intensity levels observed at equally divided solid angles on the surface of an imaginary sphere around the measurement point.
Structural Modal Parameter Identification from Forced Vibration with Analytical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Wang Zuo-Cai , Zhang De , Ren Wei-Xin , Chen Gen-Da
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a recently developed analytical mode decomposition method is proposed for modal parameters identification of structures subjected to impulsive, harmonic, and ambient excitations. The decomposed modal response for a structure subjected to an impulsive load is free vibration, thus, the instantaneous amplitude and phase angle of each decomposed modal response can be directly used to identify the modal parameters by using the least-squares fit procedure. For a structure subjected to a harmonic load, the transient response is first extracted from the measured response. Then, the extracted transient response can be decomposed into modal responses and the modal parameters can be evaluated. The proposed method in combination with the conventional random decrement technique is proposed for modal parameter identification for structures under ambient vibration. The random decrement technique is used to extract the free vibration information from which modal parameters are evaluated. A 3 degree-of-freedom mechanical system with closely-spaced modes subjected to impulsive, harmonic, and ambient loads is simulated as a numerical example. The new method is then validated with shake table testing of a 3-story building frame subjected to white noise and earthquake excitations. Both experiments and simulations showed high accuracy and effectiveness of the new method for structural modal parameters identification.
Protection Effect of Railway Wind Barrier on Running Safety of Train under Cross Winds
Authors: Xiang Huoyue , Li Yongle , Chen Bo , Liao Haili
Published: August 2014

The wind tunnel test is conducted to measure the wind loads of a train and the wind pressure distribution above track. The dynamic responses of vehicle are calculated by using the coupling vibration method of wind-vehicle-bridge (line) systems with the aid of the self-developed software BANSYS(Bridge Analysis System) to determine the protection effect of wind barrier. Three kinds of porosities and four kinds of heights are installed on three line structural forms. The aerodynamic mechanism of wind barriers on the railway is investigated and the effects of sudden changes of vehicle wind loads are examined by measuring the aerodynamic coefficients of a single train. The quantity of wind loads' sudden change and the dynamic responses of vehicles is considered as the input index. The protection effect of wind barrier is evaluated by data envelopment analysis (DEA) when the output is the same. The results show that the wind barrier with a certain height could increase the lift-drag ratio and is more likely to increase the lift coefficient. The method of comprehensive evaluation can be applied in the protection effect evaluation of the railway wind barrier and the comprehensive evaluation using the indexes of sudden change of vehicle wind loads is in agreement with the vehicle response index.
Control of Seismic Response of a Building Frame by Using Hybrid System with Magnetorheological Dampers and Isolators
Authors: Chen Bo , Sun Yu-Zhou , Li Yong-Le , Zhao Sheng-Lin
Published: August 2014

The traditional isolation approach can suppress the seismic responses of upper structure and at the same time induce substantial deformation of isolation layer. Excessive base drift may cause the degradation and even the damage of the isolation system. Therefore, supplemental control devices can be implemented in the common base isolation system to construct hybrid control system and reduce the base drifts of structures. The seismic mitigation of a building frame with hybrid control system is carried out in this study. The mechanical model of magnetorheological (MR) damper is presented by involving the effects of brace stiffness of the damper. The equation of motion of a frame structure with stiffness eccentricity incorporated with intelligent hybrid control system disturbed by seismic excitations is established by considering the effects of both isolators and MR dampers. A clipped-optimal strategy based on fuzzy control principle is proposed for MR dampers. A building frame is taken as the example to examine the feasibility and reliability of the proposed intelligent control approach. The efficacy of the hybrid control approach is compared with the base isolation approach. An extensive parametric study is carried out to find the optimal parameters of MR dampers, by which the maximum reduction of seismic responses may be achieved, and to assess the effects of earthquake intensity and brace stiffness on damper performance. The work on example buildings showed that the installation of the smart dampers with proper parameters and proper control strategy could significantly reduce seismic responses of structures, and the performance of the smart damper is better than that of the common base isolation system. The optimal parameters of the MR dampers could be identified through a parametric study.