bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influencia de un entrenamiento en discriminación de estímulos tonales en la conciencia fonológica de niños preescolares. Estudio piloto / Influence of tonal stimuli discrimination in the phonologic awareness of preschool children. Pilot study
Authors: Galicia Moyeda Iris Xóchitl
Published: November 2017

Los problemas de lectura están fuertemente asociados con el desarrollo del procesamiento fonológico y en particular con la conciencia fonológica. En el procesamiento fonológico esta involucrado el procesamiento de propiedades tonales y temporales de estímulos auditivos de carácter verbal y no-verbal. Este trabajo explora, por medio de un muestreo intencional, los efectos de un entrenamiento en discriminación de propiedades tonales de estímulos musicales en la conciencia fonológica de 28 niños de tercer grado de preescolar. Se aplicó una Batería de Conciencia Fonológica y la prueba Primary Measures of Music Audiation antes y después del entrenamiento. Posterior a la primera aplicación de los instrumentos, los participantes fueron asignados azarosamente a dos grupos: control y experimental. Los resultados revelaron que el grupo que recibió el entrenamiento tuvo mejores puntuaciones de manera significativa solo en dos tareas de la conciencia fonológica: identificación de sílaba inicial e identificación de la rima, sugiriendo que los efectos del entrenamiento tonal no son contundentes en la discriminación tonal de estímulos musicales ni en la conciencia fonológica. Relacionando estos resultados con lo reportado en otras investigaciones, se considera incluir otras actividades el entrenamiento.
El sonido como un elemento didáctico para el estudio del violonchelo / The Sound as a Didactic Element for the Cello Studies
Authors: López Prado José María , Salcedo Moncada Beania
Published: November 2017

El sonido es un elemento básico en el estudio de la música y tiene una técnica específica cuando de instrumentos de cuerda se trata. La finalidad de este estudio es presentar una propuesta metodológica que facilite técnicamente la emisión de los diferentes tipos de sonido en los instrumentos de cuerda, principalmente en el violonchelo para lograr la calidad del sonido como un elemento distintivo en la interpretación. Para esta investigación se utilizó el diseño de la teoría fundamentada, además de la técnica Delphi con un panel de 20 expertos de diferentes instituciones de enseñanza superior y conservatorios nacionales y extranjeros. El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo y analítico, lo que permitió abordar los diferentes métodos y las técnicas violonchelísticas utilizadas a través de la práctica docente para la mejora del sonido.Dentro del proceso de diseño sistemático, se utilizó la codificación abierta donde las categorías se basaron en los datos recolectados de las entrevistas. Los resultados arrojaron que el control del arco y el vibrato de la mano izquierda definen la calidad del sonido que pueda emitir un violonchelista y se logra a través de ejercicios específicos y el control de peso. La variación del timbre y la intensidad del sonido se adquiere delimitando los espacios físicos entre el puente y la tastiera y finalmente se aborda la preparación psicológica que se requiere para conseguir la expresividad y profundidad que debe de proyectar el intérprete.
MODULE FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE IN THE DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM BY THE CREW OF THE TANKER-GAS CARRIER
Authors: Epikhin Alexey Ivanovich
Published: November 2017

The article contains information on the development of a module for diagnosing an internal combustion engine in terms of a decision support system for a crew of a gas carrier. The diagnostic module of the internal combustion engine in the decision support system allows reducing the volumes of information processed by the operator, which helps minimize the influence of "a human factor" on safety of a gas carrier operation. The main function of the diagnostic module of internal combustion engines is to detect deviations in values of operational parameters that indicate violations in the state of the nodes and engine parts or failures in operation. Based on the detected deviations, the diagnostic subsystem of the developed module can determine malfunctions of the internal combustion engine at the initial stage and deter its damage. Further, appropriate proposals should be developed for a gas carrier operator to eliminate failures or minimize the negative impact. These imply correcting the modes of operation of the engine or its systems, or taking specific measures to perform maintenance or repair of the relevant units and parts. The module for diagnosing the internal combustion engine in terms of the decision support system is proposed to be built on three-level architecture: primary (lower) level; level of data transmission; control and analytical level. Technical implementation of the developed diagnostic module for internal combustion engine assumes the use of existing diagnostic tools and additional means of collecting information on various engine functional parameters. A block diagram of the internal combustion engine diagnostic module has been provided and the main functions of the decision support system modules have been described. As a result of functioning of the module for diagnosing the internal combustion engine in terms of decision support system for the gas carrier crew, specific recommendations have been developed and displayed, which allows avoiding dangerous and emergency situations in the operation process.
METHOD OF NON-GRADIENT MINIMIZATION POWELL'64 IN THE TASKS OF MONITORING OPERATION OF MARINE DIESEL ENGINES
Authors: Yeryganov Alexey Valerievich , Maulevych Vladyslav Olegovych , Varbanets Roman Anatolievich , Zholtikov Evgeniy Ivanovich , Ivanovskiy Valeriy Georgievitch , Kucherenko Yuriy Nickolaevich
Published: November 2017

The article touches upon the possibility of using the method of gradientless n-parametric minimization of Powell'64 in tasks of monitoring the working process of marine diesel engines. There is given an example of finding a global minimum of the Rosenbrock test function. Using the Powell'64 method, the Least-squares functionals in the synchronization and modelling tasks of compression-expansion curves in the working cylinder are minimized. The calculation results of data synchronization for low-speed two-stroke and medium-speed four-stroke marine diesel engines are shown. The synchronization problem can be solved in terms of equation P' = 0 derived for the sector from compression starting to combustion starting in the cylinder. The selection of the boundary conditions for simulation is shown. The advantage of Powell’64 method is its high efficiency for quadratic functionals. As opposed to gradient methods, the Powell'64 method does not require calculating derivatives and is universal for minimizing complex nonlinear general functionals. The original author's algorithm of data synchronization by analyzing the indicator diagrams using the Powell'64 method has been applied in the latest versions of monitoring systems of D4.0H marine diesel engine.
DESIGN AND CALCULATION OF A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR SHIP POWER PLANTS
Authors: Hoang Trung Huan  , Nguyen Cong Doan  , Vinogradov Sergey Vladimirovich
Published: November 2017

The article presents the design of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) for utilizing heat energy of exhaust gases of ship diesel engines. There have been chosen a TEG basic design and a technique for its efficiency raising. Geometric, heat and electric parameters of TEG have been calculated using RSD 49 ship project. Calculation of heat and electric parameters of TEG with intensive heat exchange on the surface of a hot node was made using sloping plates. The relation between TEG position (before and after exhaust boiler) and a Wartsila 6L20 main engine exhaust system has been determined. According to the analysis result, in case of TEG position after exhaust boiler and 100% load of main engine, estimates increased compared to a basic design: performance - 4%, capacity - 5%; output gas temperature decreased to 1%. At combined operation of TEGs positioned in the exhaust system of one main engine with exhaust boiler shut down and TEG positioned after exhaust boiler, estimates grew: capacity - 35%, performance - 14%; output gas temperature decreased to 19%. Total maximum capacity of TEGs positioned in the main engine exhaust systems makes 42.78 kW which is 1.78% of a ship power plant capacity.
WAVELETS AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVING OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY OF WATER TRANSPORT FACILITIES
Authors: Dmitrienko Dmitry Vladimirovich
Published: November 2017

To create new ways of information processing, control and monitoring of technical systems and technological complexes of water transport facilities, there are required tools, which can bring about radically new solutions. The mathematical apparatus of the wavelet provides such opportunity. The article shows that wavelet analysis, in contrast to the commonly used bases of signal processing, allows to analyze working modes of the objects presented by the frequency - time structures of non-stationary signals in the presence of interference. This helps to carry out qualitative comparison of the methods of processing the measured signals in different bases and to consider the wavelets the most promising tool in the study of the processes of multimodal dynamics of water transport facilities with rhythmic modes, removing frequencies from each other, using terms of instantaneous amplitudes, frequencies and phases of oscillations. The ability to define narrow-band "bursts" of signals, which usually precedes the occurrence of malfunctions in work of the internal combustion engine and other dynamic designs, allows to prevent emergencies by using wavelets and improving reliability and safety on water transport operation.
ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF STERN BEARING MATERIAL RIGIDNESS ONTO OPERABILITY OF THE SHIP SHAFT LINE
Authors: Razov Igor Olegovich , Kushner Guriy , Mamontov Victor Andreevich , Khalyavkin Aleksey Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2017

The article considers the dependence of the ship shaft line efficiency on a stiffness coefficient of the material, which stern bearings are made of. The obtained values of a stiffness coefficient used in calculating transverse vibrations of the ship shaft line have been analyzed. The influence of a stiffness coefficient on the value of eigen frequency of transverse vibrations of a propeller shaft has been studied. The design diagram of a propeller shaft is proposed where the propeller shaft is shown as a beam of constant section, which rests upon a hinged immovable and elastic support with a disk on the end. The elastic support models the fodder stern bearing. The influence of the shape of contact of a propeller shaft with a stern bearing onto the load distribution has been estimated. The technique of determining a stiffness coefficient subject to mechanical and geometric parameters of a ship shaft line and its stern bearings has been offered. The impact of a ship shaft line onto the stressed state of the stern bearings and their draft has been studied. The equation of determining a bearing stiffness coefficient has been obtained. There have been given numerical values of a stiffness coefficient of the stern bearing material for certain types of ships.
NOVEL APPROACH TO BUSINESS PROCESS PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Authors: Simeunović Barbara , Radović Milić , Slović Dragoslav
Published: November 2017

In the paper, some of the most important performance measurement models are considered, and it is noticed that the majority of models takes into account the strat egy or goals while determining performance, most of them don’t specify performance indicators, but give an indication for their determination and none of them link directly organizational goals and performance indicators. In other words, none of them speci fy their interdependence, which would allow model flexibility. Furthermore, the novel approach to business process performance measurement is proposed, which starts from business system goals, decompose them on the lower level objectives and link them to the key processes of business system. Suggested approach allows interconnection between organization’s top level goals and key process performance indicators, by using lower level objectives, which enable model flexibility.
ISO CERTIFICATIONS DIFFUSION IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES 2007-2014 AND FORECASTINNG FOR 2022-STARE OF THE ART
Authors: Raweni Abuajila M.S , Majstorović Vidosav D
Published: November 2017

Since 1987, when first certification issuing, ISO has been considered as the leader of development of business standardization process and numbe r of certifications speedy grows in all over the planet. In this article, quantitative analysis, we displays the diffusion of ISO certifications in European countries among the recording data for seven common models of ISO (ISO 9001, 13485, 14001, 16949, 2 2000, 27001, 50001) in the European countries in the past eight years 2007 -2014. Italy leads European countries with 26% from total number of certificates, and ISO 90001 ISO 9001 comprises 78% from the total number of certificate in this period. Forecast o f new certifications growth, number of certifications will issue in the future for all ISO models (after eight years) increasable and will not reach the saturation level in general. In qualitative analysis, we use statistical analysis of collected data to provide the effect of the number of certificates on the economic development for each country (relationship between number of certificates, number of inhabitant, and gross domestic product GDP).
THE HIGH QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY AS CHARACTERISTICS OF DOING BUSINESS IN DIGITAL CONNECTED WORLD
Authors: Vidas Bubanja Marijana M , Bubanja Iva
Published: November 2017

This paper analyzed the changes in modern business environment based on potentials of information communication technologies and caused by the process of digital economy creation. Serbia, being at the beginning of information society development, has to define proper infrastructure -organization-human framework in order totap all the advantages offered by new technologies for more competitive work of domestic enterprises and long-term sustainable development of national economy.
THREE EXAMPLES OF INTEGRATIVE AUGMENTATION IN HEALTH CARE AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION SERVICES
Authors: Fernandez-Ruiz Elena , Karapetrović Stanislav , Rahman Khan Mohammad Ashiqur
Published: November 2017

Integrative augmentation of standardized management systems, though proposed more than ten years ago, remains underexplored. This paper presents three examples of such integrative augmentation in health care and engineering education services in Western Canada. The first example illustrates how ISO 10003 could be selectively and comprehensively used in an ISO 10002-based process for handling concerns in a provincial health care system. The second shows a case of ISO 10004 augmenting an ISO 10001-based “Customer Satisfaction Promise” in an inpatients care unit of a hospital. Finally, different instances of integrative augmentation involving ISO 10001, 10002 and 10004 in engineering education are reported in the third example. This paper is likely the first to present examples of ISO 10000 systems being augmented by other ISO 10000 subsystems, and aims to promote the integrative use of augmenting management system standards by showcasing various approaches to the related augmentation in two different service industries, namely health and education.
AN ANALISYS OF IMPORTANCE OF CSR CONCEPT APPLICATION IN FUNCTION OF IMPROVING COMPANIES' COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: Ćoćkalo Dragan , Bogetić Srđan , Đorđević Dejan , Bešić Cariša
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the authors are analysing the effects of implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) concepts so far, both in Serbia and partly in other Central Europe countries. The companies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE countries), in generaly, are familiar with the term CSR, but the application of tools and methods is different. Due to the comprehensive notion of CSR, the companies usually undertake philanthropic and voluntary activities, thus dealing with certain social problems. However, the concept of CSR itself encompasses much broader aspects, such as: environmental protection, care for employees’ satisfaction, application of international standards etc. In Serbia, managers are trying to keep up with the trend of CSR implementation, but unfortunately they still do not understand fully the scope of this concept, as well as its application for the development of the company’s competitiveness. Among the analiysis of trends in filed of CSR implementation, the central part of this paper is presentation of some results from research, conducted among managerial student polulation, in 2016.
EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS OF SMS/IMS ON TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS PERFORMANCES
Authors: Tomović Nena , Tarle Pejčić Snežana , Gladović Pavle
Published: November 2017

Transport organizations in Serbia are mostly aware of need and importance of aligning of their business with norms and principles which are applied in EU states. Therefore, each research in area which is not sufficiently explored can be concerned as important for development of integration practices of SMS in transport organizations in Serbia. The paper presents a ethodology for assesment of SMS/IMS effects on transport organizations performances
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AS THE BASIS OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - POSSIBILITY, ADVANTAGE OR NECESSITY
Authors: Šević Dragoljub D , Delić Milan , Brkljač Nebojša , Vulanović Srđan
Published: November 2017

Considering the publication of the new versions of the organizational standards, considering above all, environmental management system - ISO 14001:2015, the question is whether that standard can be independently implemented in the company and later be used as a suitable basis for the implementation of other organizational standards, such as ISO 9001: 2015. The question and the dilemma arise because of major structural changes of the ISO 14001:2015 standard considering its previous version.
LEAN SYSTEM AS THE BASIS OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Brkljač Nebojša , Beker Ivan , Delić Milan , Kamberović Bato , Vulanović Srđan
Published: November 2017

This study is aimed to assess the organisational competitiveness, and readiness of our economy to compete in the open market, after accession to European Union. The concept of organisational competitiveness and business excellence is discussed and viewed through the implementation of LEAN practices. To assess the maturity of LEAN, over 200 organisations from various industries were included into the survey design. The questionnaire was used as a research instrument. In order to avoid the negative effect of a superior competition, it is necessary to help our organizations to reduce the difference between them and their main competitors in the European Union. The first step in a situation like this, has always been establishing the points of greatest differences and vulnerabilities of our economic organizations. The study shows the lack of awareness about some LEAN drivers. Such shortcomings might negatively impact the competitiveness of our economy, due to the fact that many of EU companies are heavily oriented towards the implementation of key LEAN concepts
QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT AT THE MACHINING OF WEAR RESISTANT HARD COATS
Authors: Monka Peter , Monkova Katarina , Kološ David , Urban Marek
Published: November 2017

The article deals with the quality and productivity increasing at the machining of wear resistant hard coats. The goal of the authors was to understand the main factors that influence final surface quality at machining of the coatings from cobalt - chrome alloys. This type of alloy is generally selected to the operating conditions in which it is necessary to resist various forms of wear, high temperatures and corrosion. Efficient production of these components can be achieved by appropriate combination of economically preferred core material components of which the common characteristic is defined by toughness and coating optimized for specific operating conditions.
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis in Association with Hydroxyzine and Cetirizine
Authors: Nevo Ofir Noah , La Grenade Lois , Diak Ida-Lina , Levin Robert
Published: November 2017

Purpose: Describe our review of the occurrence of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) with hydroxyzine, and its active metabolites, cetirizine, and levocetirizine.Methods: The Division of Pharmacovigilance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) searched the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the medical literature for cases of AGEP reported in association with use of hydroxyzine, cetirizine, and levocetirizine. Causality was assessed using a modified World Health Organization Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) causality assessment tool.Results: The FDA identified 26 cases of AGEP reported in association with the use of hydroxyzine (n = 21), cetirizine (n = 5), and levocetirizine (n = 3) (three cases included more than one drug product). Hydroxyzine causality was probable in five of the cases, and cetirizine causality was probable in two of the cases. All levocetirizine cases were assessed as unlikely. Conclusions: Our findings supported an association between hydroxyzine and cetirizine and AGEP. As a result, FDA has required labeling changes for hydroxyzine products to inform clinicians to avoid using hydroxyzine, cetirizine, and levocetirizine in patients who have experienced AGEP or other hypersensitivity reactions to any one of the above agents due to the risk of cross-reactivity.
Corporate Governance and Strategic Management Accounting Disclosure
Authors: Honggowati Setianingtyas , Rahmawati Rahmawati , Aryani Y. Anni , Probohudono Agung Nur
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to examine the corporate governance influence on strategic management accounting disclosure. The strategic management accounting disclosure in this study was measured by the disclosure level regarding strategic management accounting published in the company's annual report according to the index (made by the author). The corporate governance is proxied by board size, independent board, and managerial ownership. The data of this study are 497 manufacturing companies in Indonesia in the period of 2011-2015 and the method employed in this study is regression analysis method. The findings show that board size has significant positive influence on the disclosure level of strategic management accounting of manufacturing companies in Indonesia, and the proportion of independent board does not influence SMA disclosure, while managerial ownership has negative influence the disclosure level of strategic management accounting.
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of DMSO Solvent Recovery from Hazardous Waste Water
Authors: Zajáros Anett , Szita Klára , Matolcsy Károly , Horváth Dániel
Published: November 2017

The protection of continuous drinking water supply is really important all over the world, also in Hungary. Many kinds of hazardous chemicals could pollute the natural water resources, arsenic is one of the most occurring pollutant in Hungary. Recently, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer based arsenic removal adsorbent has been developed. During the manufacturing process hazardous waste water is produced, which is burned in the incineration plant, so this open production process needs fresh solvent every time. However, if the different fraction of the waste water is separated by distillation both the volume of the hazardous waste water can be reduced extremely and the recovered solvent and water can be reused in the manufacturing process. Beside analytical measurements Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) was prepared to identify and compare the environmental, economic and social effects of the current technology and the new one. The results proved that the technology closed by distillation is better than the current open one in each aspect of LCSA.
Impact of Graphene on the Polarizability of a Neighbour Nanoparticle: A Dyadic Green’s Function Study
Authors: Amorim B. , Gonçalves P. A. D. , Vasilevskiy M. I. , Peres N. M. R.
Published: November 2017

We discuss the renormalization of the polarizability of a nanoparticle in the presence of either: (1) a continuous graphene sheet; or (2) a plasmonic graphene grating, taking into account retardation effects. Our analysis demonstrates that the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons in graphene produces a large enhancement of the real and imaginary parts of the renormalized polarizability. We show that the imaginary part can be changed by a factor of up to 100 relative to its value in the absence of graphene. We also show that the resonance in the case of the grating is narrower than in the continuous sheet. In the case of the grating it is shown that the resonance can be tuned by changing the grating geometric parameters.
An Heuristic Framework for Non-Conscious Reasoning
Authors: Lara-Rosano Felipe
Published: November 2017

Human non-conscious reasoning is one of the most successful procedures evolved for the purposes of solving everyday problems in an efficient way. This is why the field of artificial intelligence should analyze, formalize and emulate the multiple ways of non-conscious reasoning with the purpose of applying them in human problem solving tasks, like medical diagnostics and treatments, educational diagnostics and intervention, organizational and political decision making, artificial intelligence knowledge based systems and neurocomputers, automatic control systems and similar devices for aiding people in the problem-solving process. In this paper, a heuristic framework for those non-conscious ways of reasoning is presented based on neurocognitive representations, heuristics, and fuzzy sets.
Evolution of Multispectral Aerosol Absorption Properties in a Biogenically-Influenced Urban Environment during the CARES Campaign
Authors: Gyawali Madhu , Arnott W. , Zaveri Rahul , Song Chen , Flowers Bradley , Dubey Manvendra , Setyan Ari , Zhang Qi , China Swarup , Mazzoleni Claudio , Gorkowski Kyle , Subramanian R. , Moosmüller Hans
Published: November 2017

We present the evolution of multispectral optical properties through urban aerosols that have aged and interacted with biogenic emissions, resulting in stronger short wavelength absorption and the formation of moderately brown secondary organic aerosols. Ground-based aerosol measurements were made in June 2010 within the Sacramento urban area (site T0) and at a 40-km downwind location (site T1) in the forested Sierra Nevada foothills area. Data on black carbon (BC) and non-refractory aerosol mass and composition were collected at both sites. In addition, photoacoustic (PA) instruments with integrating nephelometers were used to measure spectral absorption and scattering coefficients for wavelengths ranging from 355 to 870 nm. The daytime absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) indicated a modest wavelength-dependent enhancement of absorption at both sites throughout the study. From 22 to 28 June 2010, secondary organic aerosol mass increased significantly at both sites, which was due to increased biogenic emissions coupled with intense photochemical activity and air mass recirculation in the area. During this period, the median BC mass-normalized absorption cross-section (MAC) values for 405 nm and 532 nm at T1 increased by ~23% and ~35%, respectively, compared with the relatively less aged urban emissions at the T0 site. In contrast, the average MAC values for the 870 nm wavelength were similar for both sites. These results suggest the formation of moderately brown secondary organic aerosols in biogenically-influenced urban air.
Digital Platforms in the Assessment and Monitoring of Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Rajagopalan Arvind , Shah Pooja , Zhang Melvyn , Ho Roger
Published: November 2017

This paper aims to review the application of digital platforms in the assessment and monitoring of patients with Bipolar Disorder (BPD). We will detail the current clinical criteria for the diagnosis of BPD and the tools available for patient assessment in the clinic setting. We will go on to highlight the difficulties in the assessment and monitoring of BPD patients in the clinical context. Finally, we will elaborate upon the impact that diital platforms have made, and have the potential to make, on healthcare, mental health, and specifically the management of BPD, before going on to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the use of such technology.
Green Synthesis of Ultraviolet Absorber 2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate: Experimental Design and Artificial Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Huang Shang-Ming , Hung Tzu-Hsiang , Liu Yung-Chuan , Kuo Chia-Hung , Shieh Chwen-Jen
Published: November 2017

2-Ethylhexyl salicylate, an ultraviolet filter, is widely used to protect skin against sunlight-induced harmful effects in the cosmetic industry. In this study, the green synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl salicylate using immobilized lipase through a solvent-free and reduced pressure evaporation system was investigated. A Box–Behnken design was employed to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The parameters for an optimal architecture of an ANN were set out: a quick propagation algorithm, a hyperbolic tangent transfer function, 10,000 iterations, and six nodes within the hidden layer. The best-fitting performance of the ANN was determined by the coefficient of determination and the root-mean-square error between the correlation of predicted and experimental data, indicating that the ANN displayed excellent data-fitting properties. Finally, the experimental conditions of synthesis were well established with the optimal parameters to obtain a high conversion of 2-ethylhexyl salicylate. In conclusion, this study efficiently replaces the traditional solvents with a green process for the synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl salicylate to avoid environmental contamination, and this process is well-modeled by a methodological ANN for optimization, which might be a benefit for industrial production.
Hydrogen and Deuterium Solubility in Commercial Pd–Ag Alloys for Hydrogen Purification
Authors: Paolone Annalisa , Tosti Silvano , Santucci Alessia , Palumbo Oriele , Trequattrini Francesco
Published: November 2017

Pd–Ag alloys with compositions close to 23–25% Ag are considered as a benchmark for hydrogen permeability. They are used in small scale reactors for hydrogen separation and purification. Permeability and solubility are strictly mathematically correlated, and the temperature dependence of solubility can provide useful information about the physical state of the material, the hydrogenation enthalpy, and the occurrence of different thermodynamic states. While the permeability of Pd–Ag alloys has been largely investigated, solubility measurements are available only in a restricted temperature range. In this paper, we extend solubility measurements up to 7 bar for Pd77Ag23 in the temperature range between 25 °C and 400 °C and for Pd30Ag70 for temperatures between 190 °C and 300 °C. The occurrence of solid solutions or hydride phases is discussed, and the hydrogenation enthalpy is calculated.
On the Uniqueness Theorem for Pseudo-Additive Entropies
Authors: Jizba Petr , Korbel Jan
Published: November 2017

The aim of this paper is to show that the Tsallis-type (q-additive) entropic chain rule allows for a wider class of entropic functionals than previously thought. In particular, we point out that the ensuing entropy solutions (e.g., Tsallis entropy) can be determined uniquely only when one fixes the prescription for handling conditional entropies. By using the concept of Kolmogorov–Nagumo quasi-linear means, we prove this with the help of Darótzy’s mapping theorem. Our point is further illustrated with a number of explicit examples. Other salient issues, such as connections of conditional entropies with the de Finetti–Kolmogorov theorem for escort distributions and with Landsberg’s classification of non-extensive thermodynamic systems are also briefly discussed.
Robust and Sparse Regression via γ-Divergence
Authors: Kawashima Takayuki , Fujisawa Hironori
Published: November 2017

In high-dimensional data, many sparse regression methods have been proposed. However, they may not be robust against outliers. Recently, the use of density power weight has been studied for robust parameter estimation, and the corresponding divergences have been discussed. One such divergence is the γ -divergence, and the robust estimator using the γ -divergence is known for having a strong robustness. In this paper, we extend the γ -divergence to the regression problem, consider the robust and sparse regression based on the γ -divergence and show that it has a strong robustness under heavy contamination even when outliers are heterogeneous. The loss function is constructed by an empirical estimate of the γ -divergence with sparse regularization, and the parameter estimate is defined as the minimizer of the loss function. To obtain the robust and sparse estimate, we propose an efficient update algorithm, which has a monotone decreasing property of the loss function. Particularly, we discuss a linear regression problem with L 1 regularization in detail. In numerical experiments and real data analyses, we see that the proposed method outperforms past robust and sparse methods.
Business Time Sampling Scheme with Applications to Testing Semi-Martingale Hypothesis and Estimating Integrated Volatility
Authors: Dong Yingjie , Tse Yiu-Kuen
Published: November 2017

We propose a new method to implement the Business Time Sampling (BTS) scheme for high-frequency financial data. We compute a time-transformation (TT) function using the intraday integrated volatility estimated by a jump-robust method. The BTS transactions are obtained using the inverse of the TT function. Using our sampled BTS transactions, we test the semi-martingale hypothesis of the stock log-price process and estimate the daily realized volatility. Our method improves the normality approximation of the standardized business-time return distribution. Our Monte Carlo results show that the integrated volatility estimates using our proposed sampling strategy provide smaller root mean-squared error.
Analysis of Supply and Demand to Enhance Educational Tourism Experience in the Smart Park of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Wijayanti Ani , Damanik Janianton , Fandeli Chafid , Sudarmadji
Published: November 2017

The Smart Park (also known as Taman Pintar) is a major educational tourist destination in Yogyakarta, which offers a variety of attractions that are very interesting for tourists. The main purpose of tourists visiting Smart Park is to obtain an educational tourism experience. This subjective experience raises specific challenges for Smart Park as it works towards being a competitive destination. The purpose of this study is to analyze the aspects of the educational tourism experience that are affected by tourism demand and supply. Data were collected from surveys that were sent to 150 respondents and were analyzed using path analysis. The results show that tourism demand and supply contributed to the variation of tourism activities by 45.1%, while the remaining was explained by other variables, such as national budget, local budget, ticket sale, and cooperation with some stakeholders. Tourism supply had a higher effect than tourism demand. Tourism demand did not particularly affect tourism experience. However, the results of the path analysis indicate that tourism supply had direct and indirect effects on tourism experience through the variation of tourism activities, with the indirect effect being the most predominant. In the management of Smart Park, there is still a gap between tourism demand and supply, so the tourism experience has not been maximized to its full potential.
High Efficiency Power Amplifiers for Modern Mobile Communications: The Load-Modulation Approach
Authors: Ramella Chiara , Piacibello Anna , Quaglia Roberto , Camarchia Vittorio , Pirola Marco
Published: November 2017

Modern mobile communication signals require power amplifiers able to maintain very high efficiency in a wide range of output power levels, which is a major issue for classical power amplifier architectures. Following the load-modulation approach, efficiency enhancement is achieved by dynamically changing the amplifier load impedance as a function of the input power. In this paper, a review of the widely-adopted Doherty power amplifier and of the other load-modulation efficiency enhancement techniques is presented. The main theoretical aspects behind each method are introduced, and the most relevant practical implementations available in recent literature are reported and discussed.
An Adaptive Model Predictive Load Frequency Control Method for Multi-Area Interconnected Power Systems with Photovoltaic Generations
Authors: Zeng Guo-Qiang , Xie Xiao-Qing , Chen Min-Rong
Published: November 2017

As the penetration level of renewable distributed generations such as wind turbine generator and photovoltaic stations increases, the load frequency control issue of a multi-area interconnected power system becomes more challenging. This paper presents an adaptive model predictive load frequency control method for a multi-area interconnected power system with photovoltaic generation by considering some nonlinear features such as a dead band for governor and generation rate constraint for steam turbine. The dynamic characteristic of this system is formulated as a discrete-time state space model firstly. Then, the predictive dynamic model is obtained by introducing an expanded state vector, and rolling optimization of control signal is implemented based on a cost function by minimizing the weighted sum of square predicted errors and square future control values. The simulation results on a typical two-area power system consisting of photovoltaic and thermal generator have demonstrated the superiority of the proposed model predictive control method to these state-of-the-art control techniques such as firefly algorithm, genetic algorithm, and population extremal optimization-based proportional-integral control methods in cases of normal conditions, load disturbance and parameters uncertainty.
Analysis of Analytical Models Developed under the Uniaxial Strain Condition for Predicting Coal Permeability during Primary Depletion
Authors: Li Chuanming , Wang Zhiqiang , Shi Lei , Feng Ruimin
Published: November 2017

The stress-dependent permeability of coal during coalbed methane production has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically. However, how permeability changes as a function of stress variation is somewhat unclear to date, and currently used analytical models fail to accurately predict permeability evolution with gas depletion. Considering that the role played by changes in in situ stress in permeability evolution is critical, a comprehensive theoretical study was first conducted, through which it was found that coal permeability is determined by mean effective stress. Moreover, the influence of matrix shrinkage on cleat deformation and then coal permeability was overestimated by currently used models, leading to inaccuracy of the predicted permeability. By taking both mean effective stress and the influence of matrix shrinkage on cleat deformation into account, a new permeability model was developed under the uniaxial strain condition in order to precisely estimate permeability evolution during gas depletion. An in-depth investigation and comparison among four commonly-used permeability models, the Palmer and Mansoori (P&M) model, Improved P&M model, Shi and Durucan (S&D) model, and Cui and Bustin (C&B) model, was then conducted. It was experimentally verified that a good match can be achieved between the lab data and the results predicted by the proposed model. Permeability variation of coalbed reservoirs associated with gas depletion is a consequence of two opposing effects: mechanical compaction and matrix shrinkage. In comparison, it was found that the coefficients of these two effects incorporated in those four models have a significant impact on permeability variation; and the accuracy of the values of initial cleat porosity and cleat compressibility, the bridges connecting permeability, and those two effects in analytical models, is extremely critical to permeability estimations. This study can shed light on improving the accuracy of analytical coal permeability models and the prediction of gas production.
Indicative Fault Diagnosis of Wind Turbine Generator Bearings Using Tower Sound and Vibration
Authors: Mollasalehi Ehsan , Wood David , Sun Qiao
Published: November 2017

The idea of indicative fault diagnosis based on measuring the wind turbine tower sound and vibration is presented. It had been reported by a wind farm operator that a major fault on the generator bearing causes shock and noise to be heard from the bottom of the wind turbine tower. The work in this paper was conceived to test whether tower top faults could be identified by taking simple measurements at the tower base. Two accelerometers were attached inside the wind turbine tower, and vibration data was collected while the wind turbine was in operation. Tower vibration signals were analyzed using Empirical Mode Decomposition and the outcomes were correlated with the vibration signals acquired directly from the generator bearings. It is shown that the generator bearing fault signatures were present in the vibrations from the tower. The results suggest that useful condition monitoring of nacelle components can be done even when there is no condition monitoring system installed on the generator bearings, as is often the case for older wind turbines. In the second part of the paper, acoustic measurements from a healthy and a faulty wind turbine are shown. The preliminary analysis suggests that the generator bearing fault increases the overall sound pressure level at the bottom of the tower, and is not buried in the background noise.
Life-Cycle Assessment of an Innovative Ground-Source Heat Pump System with Upstream Thermal Storage
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Aquino Andrea
Published: November 2017

An innovative space-conditioning system is proposed and a life-cycle assessment (LCA) is presented. The layout is obtained starting from a ground-source heat pump system (GSHP) and includes upstream thermal storage (TS). A prototype of the system, implemented following this new approach, is currently in use for space heating and cooling of an industrial building. As a result of the TS designed to decouple the geothermal side from the heat-pump side, the system is able to provide the required thermal energy to the building with a reduced-size geothermal installation (i.e., shorter/fewer boreholes (BHs)). The performance was monitored for over 2 years, both in cooling and heating modes. A LCA study of this system is performed on the basis of specific data for implementation and operation phases. The results are given in terms of the comprehensive ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint indicator suite and are compared with literature studies of other conventional technologies for space conditioning.
Application of High-Throughput Assays to Examine Phospho-Modulation of the Late Steps of Regulated Exocytosis
Authors: Abbineni Prabhodh , Coorssen Jens
Published: November 2017

Abstract: Regulated exocytosis enables a range of physiological functions including neurotransmission, and the late steps (i.e., docking, priming and Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion) are modulated by a highly conserved set of proteins and lipids. Many of the molecular components and biochemical interactions required have been identified; the precise mechanistic steps they modulate and the biochemical interactions that need to occur across steps are still the subject of intense investigation. Particularly, although the involvement of phosphorylation in modulating exocytosis has been intensively investigated over the past three decades, it is unclear which phosphorylation events are a conserved part of the fundamental fusion mechanism and/or serve as part of the physiological fusion machine (e.g., to modulate Ca2+ sensitivity). Here, the homotypic fusion of cortical vesicles was monitored by utilizing new high-throughput, cost-effective assays to assess the influence of 17 small molecule phospho-modulators on docking/priming, Ca2+ sensitivity and membrane fusion. Specific phosphatases and casein kinase 2 are implicated in modulating the Ca2+ sensitivity of fusion, whereas sphingosine kinase is implicated in modulating the ability of vesicles to fuse. These results indicate the presence of multiple kinases and phosphatases on the vesicles and critical phosphorylation sites on vesicle membrane proteins and lipids that directly influence late steps of regulated exocytosis.
Clinical Usefulness of the Platelet-to Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Angiosarcoma of the Face and Scalp
Authors: Suzuki Gen , Yamazaki Hideya , Aibe Norihiro , Masui Koji , Sasaki Naomi , Shimizu Daisuke , Kimoto Takuya , Asai Jun , Wada Makoto , Komori Satoshi , Katoh Norito , Yamada Kei
Published: November 2017

Angiosarcoma of the face and scalp (ASFS) is an extremely aggressive tumor that frequently metastasizes, often leading to death. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) are inflammatory markers that predict outcome of various cancers. We aimed to examine the relationship between pretreatment inflammatory markers and ASFS outcome. We included 17 patients with ASFS and a control group of 56 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Total white blood counts, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts were recorded; NLR, PLR, and LMR were calculated. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to calculate overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Optimal cut-off values for each inflammatory marker were calculated using receiver operating curve analysis. Median follow-up was 22 months (range, 6–75). There was a statistically significant difference in absolute neutrophil counts and NLR between patient and control groups. Two-year OS and DMFS rates were 41% and 35%, respectively. In patients with tumors < 10 cm, PLR was highly correlated with DMFS, with the 2-year DMFS for those with a high PLR being 50% compared with 100% for those with a low PLR (p = 0.06). This study suggests that PLR is superior to NLR and LMR, and is a clinically useful marker in patients with ASFS with small tumors.
Physical Localization of a Locus from Agropyron cristatum Conferring Resistance to Stripe Rust in Common Wheat
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Song Liqiang , Han Haiming , Zhou Shenghui , Zhang Jinpeng , Yang Xinming , Li Xiuquan , Liu Weihua , Li Lihui
Published: November 2017

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. (2n = 28, PPPP), one of the wild relatives of wheat, exhibits resistance to stripe rust. In this study, wheat-A. cristatum 6P disomic addition line 4844-12 also exhibited resistance to stripe rust. To identify the stripe rust resistance locus from A. cristatum 6P, ten translocation lines, five deletion lines and the BC2F2 and BC3F2 populations of two wheat-A. cristatum 6P whole-arm translocation lines were tested with a mixture of two races of Pst in two sites during 2015–2016 and 2016–2017, being genotyped with genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and molecular markers. The result indicated that the locus conferring stripe rust resistance was located on the terminal 20% of 6P short arm’s length. Twenty-nine 6P-specific sequence-tagged-site (STS) markers mapped on the resistance locus have been acquired, which will be helpful for the fine mapping of the stripe rust resistance locus. The stripe rust-resistant translocation lines were found to carry some favorable agronomic traits, which could facilitate their use in wheat improvement. Collectively, the stripe rust resistance locus from A. cristatum 6P could be a novel resistance source and the screened stripe rust-resistant materials will be valuable for wheat disease breeding.