bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous Costal Cartilage Graft—A New Method to Treat Articular Cartilage Defects: Case Report and Note of Surgical Technique
Authors: Gigante Antonio , Cianforlini Marco , Farinelli Luca , Girotto Riccardo , Aquili Alberto
Published: October 2019

Full-thickness articular cartilage defects do not heal spontaneously. Several techniques have been developed to address this issue, but none resulted in the restitutio ad integrum of the articular cartilage. The most frequent sites of chondral lesion in the knee are medial femoral condyle and patella. The patellofemoral lesions are characterized by outcomes that are generally worse than those of tibiofemoral ones. To date, it has been well recognized the chondrogenic potential of rib perichondrium, and costal cartilage grafts have been extensively used in reconstructive surgery. Considering the need to find a gold standard technique to restore articular defect, we developed and here described a new technique to repair cartilage lesions of the knee using autologous costal cartilage graft with its perichondrium. This innovative surgical approach can be used to treat full thickness articular defects using autologous hyaline cartilage, making it possible to cover wide defects. This one step technique is low invasive, not technically demanding with minimal donor site morbidity and it has low costs. The long-term clinical efficacy of the method remains to be evaluated.
Comment on “A periodic grain consolidation model of porous media” [Phys. Fluids A 1, 38 (1989)]
Authors: Khirevich Siarhei , Patzek Tadeusz W.
Published: October 2019

In this document, we correct the friction coefficient values presented in Table III in a study by Larson and Higdon [“A periodic grain consolidation model of porous media,” Phys. Fluids A 1, 38 (1989)]. The authors addressed the problem of Stokes flow through periodic arrays of (non)overlapping spheres and determined the friction coefficients. It appears that the volume of the overlapping region of spheres was not taken into account, which affected the total solid concentration and systematically biased the corresponding friction coefficient values. We correct the sphere concentration and friction coefficients, and validate our approach with lattice-Boltzmann simulations. The suggested correction is valid in the case of overlapping spheres only, when the volume of the overlapping region is positive.
Relationship between electrical properties and interface structures of SiO2/4H-SiC prepared by dry and wet oxidation
Authors: Indari Efi Dwi , Yamashita Yoshiyuki , Hasunuma Ryu , Oji Hiroshi , Yamabe Kikuo
Published: October 2019

We have investigated the relationship between the electrical properties and interfacial atomic structure of SiO2/4H-SiC interfaces, prepared by dry and wet thermal oxidation procedures with 4H-SiC (0001) and 4H-SiC (000-1) substrates, using extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and electrical methods. From the current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements, the gate leakage current onset and density of interface states were shown to depend on the thermal oxidation procedure used for creating SiO2/4H-SiC (000-1) interfaces. This dependence was not observed for SiO2/4H-SiC (0001) interfaces. From EXAFS oscillations, we found that C and Si vacancies formed at the SiC side of SiO2/4H-SiC (0001) and SiO2/4H-SiC (000-1) interfaces, respectively. Compressive stress at the SiC sides of SiO2/4H-SiC (0001) and SiO2/4H-SiC (000-1) interfaces prepared with the dry thermal oxidation procedure caused decreases in bond lengths. Stress at the interface was smaller in the case of wet oxidation. Wet oxidation released the interface stress more effectively for 4H-SiC (000-1) substrates than for 4H-SiC (0001) substrates. A high gate leakage current onset related to a high interface charge, while a high density of interface states related to a high interface stress and a high interface roughness.
Potential role of seed treatments in the management of emerging arthropod pests of canola
Authors: Umina Paul A.
Published: October 2019

Conservation agriculture has changed the farming landscape. Reduced tillage, stubble retention and changes in crop agronomy have provided considerable benefits to farmers and the environment, but such practices have also influenced arthropod communities residing in these landscapes. Within Australia, there has been an increase in the pest status of several introduced arthropods including Armadillidium vulgare (common pillbug), Forficula auricularia (European earwig) and Ommatoiulus moreleti (black Portuguese millipede). In the present study, the role of insecticide seed treatments in managing these species was examined. Species differed in their responses when exposed to seedlings coated with four commercially-available seed treatments. F. auricularia numbers were reduced by treatments of fipronil (Cosmos) and a mixture of clothianidin and imidacloprid (Poncho Plus). These treatments also reduced A. vulgare numbers, as did a third product, a mixture of thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin (Cruiser Opti). Mortality of O. moreleti was affected by all four seed treatments. Importantly, arthropod mortality did not always correlate with the levels of protection conferred by each treatment. This points to a complexity of interactions between plant, chemical and pest feeding behaviour. These results are discussed in the context of developing pest management options for these widespread arthropods.
How a Construction Grammar account solves the auxiliary controversy
Authors: van Trijp Remi
Published: October 2019

The English auxiliaries have been a matter of dispute for decades with two
opposing views: one analysis treats them as main verbs that take a VP
complement; the other considers them as feature carriers. Proponents of both
approaches have convincingly pointed out each other’s weaknesses without however
settling the debate and without accounting for the fact that the English VP is
still evolving today. The goal of this paper is to show that Construction
Grammar offers a way out of the current status quo. This claim is substantiated
by a computational formalization of the English verb phrase in Fluid
Construction Grammar that includes a bi-directional processing model for
formulation and comprehension available for online testing.
Factors Associated with Seclusion Use in Forensic Mental Health Settings: An Integrative Review
Authors: Hansen Alison , Hazelton Michael , Rosina Robyn , Inder Kerry
Published: October 2019

Seclusion is a restrictive practice used to protect the person or others from harm, however can result in trauma-related harm. While interventions to reduce seclusion have been successful, use in forensic mental health remains high. This integrative review aims to explore factors associated with the duration and frequency of seclusion in forensic mental health settings and determine sex differences in seclusion use. Results indicate that common factors associated with the use of seclusion in forensic mental health settings are younger age, diagnosis of psychotic disorder or personality disorder, and previous seclusion. Sex differences are inconsistent. Common reasons for initiating seclusion relate to actual violence and threats of violence. There is a lack of contemporary literature and current research has not considered how sex may affect seclusion use. Further research is required to identify specific risk factors for males and females and test timely and appropriate interventions to help reduce seclusion use in forensic mental health settings.
Socio‐demographic patterning of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviours in eight Latin American countries: Findings from the ELANS study
Authors: Ferrari Gerson Luis de Moraes , Kovalskys Irina , Fisberg Mauro , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Sanabria Lilia Yadira Cortés , García Martha Cecilia Yépez , Torres Rossina Gabriella Pareja , Herrera‐Cuenca Marianella , Zimberg Ioná Zalcman , Guajardo Viviana , Pratt Michael , Cristi‐Montero Carlos , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Fernando , Scholes Shaun , Celis‐Morales Carlos A. , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Solé Dirceu ,   ELANS Study Group
Published: October 2019

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) are two independent risk factors for non‐communicable diseases. However, there is a lack of objectively measured information on PA and SB in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The aim of this study was to use objective data to characterise socio‐demographic patterns of PA and SB in eight Latin American countries. 2732 participants (aged 15–65 years) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included. PA and SB data were collected using accelerometers. Overall and country‐specific average levels of time spent in PA and SB were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level. Overall, the mean time spent in SB was 571.6 min/day, ranging from 553.8 min/day in Chile to 596.7 min/day in Peru. Average levels of light, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total PA were 311.1 min/day (95% CI: 307.7; 314.5), 34.9 min/day (95% CI: 34.0; 35.9) and 7531.2 MET‐min/week (95% CI: 7450.4; 7611.9), respectively. MVPA and total PA were higher in men than women. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 40.6%, ranging from 26.9% (Chile) to 47% (Costa Rica and Venezuela). Women were more physically inactive than men (47.7% versus 33.0%). SB levels were highest among those with higher education; PA graded positively with socioeconomic level. Our findings can inform the planning of health policies and programmes designed to reduce levels of physical inactivity, as well as inform the local and cultural adaptation of these policies and programmes for implementation in Latin America.

Highlights

Worldwide studies of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) have historically under‐represented Latin American countries due to the lack of surveillance data.

Across eight Latin American countries, the ELANS study collected data on PA and SB using an objective method (accelerometers) which we have analysed to quantify and characterise socio‐demographic patterns.

Over four‐in‐ten participants were physically inactive (40.6%); with a gender gap (47.7% women; 33.0% men); and striking differences between countries (47% Costa Rica and Venezuela; 26.9% Chile).

In all countries, levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were lowest, and levels of SB were highest, among participants in the higher education groups.

Our findings on the unequal distribution of PA and SB increases the evidence base and can help to inform future intervention strategies in Latin America.
Sr atom interferometry with the optical clock transition as a gravimeter and a gravity gradiometer
Authors: Hu Liang , Wang Enlong , Salvi Leonardo , Tinsley Jonathan N , Tino Guglielmo M , Poli Nicola
Published: October 2019

We characterize the performance of a gravimeter and a gravity gradiometer based on the 1S0–3P0 clock transition of strontium atoms. We use this new quantum sensor to measure the gravitational acceleration with a relative sensitivity of

after 150 s of integration time, representing the first realisation of an atomic interferometry gravimeter based on a single-photon transition. Various noise contributions to the gravimeter are measured and characterized, with the current primary limitation to sensitivity seen to be the intrinsic noise of the interferometry laser itself. In a gravity gradiometer configuration, a differential phase sensitivity of 1.53 rad

was achieved at an artificially introduced differential phase of

rad. We experimentally investigated the effects of the contrast and visibility based on various parameters and achieved a total interferometry time of 30 ms, which is longer than previously reported for such interferometers. The characterization and determined limitations of the present apparatus employing 88Sr atoms provides a guidance for the future development of large-scale clock-transition gravimeters and gravity gradiometers with alkali-earth and alkali-earth-like atoms (e.g. 87Sr, Ca, Yb, Cd).
Spectroscopic ellipsometry and magneto-optical Kerr effect spectroscopy study of thermally treated Co60Fe20B20 thin films
Authors: Hoffmann Maria A , Sharma Apoorva , Matthes Patrick , Okano Shun , Hellwig Olav , Ecke Ramona , Zahn Dietrich R T , Salvan Georgeta , Schulz Stefan E
Published: October 2019

We report the optical and magneto-optical properties of amorphous and crystalline Co60Fe20B20 films with thicknesses in the range of 10 nm to 20 nm characterized using spectroscopy ellipsometry (SE) and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) spectroscopy. We derived the spectral dependence of the dielectric tensor from experimental data for samples prior and after annealing in vacuum. The features of the dielectric function can be directly related to the transitions between electronic states and the observed changes upon annealing can be ascribed to an increase of the crystalline ordering of CoFeB.
Linestrength ratio spectroscopy as a new primary thermometer for redefined Kelvin dissemination
Authors: Santamaria Amato Luigi , Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Bianco Giuseppe , Pastore Raffaele , Cancio Pastor Pablo
Published: October 2019

Experimental methods for primary thermometry, after Kelvin unit redefinition on May 2019, become based on a known value of the Boltzmann constant rather than by measuring temperature with respect to a reference point. In this frame, we propose linestrength ratio thermometry (LRT) as a candidate method for primary thermometry in the 9–700 K temperature range. Temperature accuracies at the ppm level are prospected for LRT applied to optical transitions of the CO molecule in the range 80–700 K and of a rare-earth-doped crystal in the 9–100 K one. Future implementations of this technique can contribute to measure the calibration-discrepancies in the ITS-90 metrological scale of thermodynamic temperature which can have a measurable impact in applications ranging from fundamental-physics to meteorology and climatology.
Field-free molecular orientation steered by combination of super-Gaussian and THz half-cycle laser pulses*
Authors: Cheng Qi-Yuan , Song Yu-Zhi , Meng Qing-Tian
Published: October 2019

The molecular orientation created by laser fields is important for steering chemical reactions. In this paper, we propose a theoretical scheme to manipulate field-free molecular orientation by using an intense super-Gaussian laser pulse and a time-delayed terahertz half-cycle pulse (THz HCP). It is shown that the degree of field-free orientation can be doubled by the combined pulse with respect to the super-Gaussian pulse or THz HCP alone. Moreover, different laser intensities, carrier envelop phases, shape parameters, and time delays have great influence on the positive and negative orientations, with other conditions unchanged. Furthermore, it is indicated that the maximum degree and direction of molecular orientation can be precisely controlled by half of the duration of the super-Gaussian pulse. Finally, by adjusting the laser parameters of the super-Gaussian laser pulse and THz HCP, the optimal results of negative orientation and corresponding rotational populations are obtained at different temperatures of the molecular system.
Interfacing the neural output of the spinal cord: robust and reliable longitudinal identification of motor neurons in humans
Authors: Vecchio A Del , Farina D
Published: October 2019

Objective. Non-invasive electromyographic techniques can detect action potentials from muscle units with high spatial dimensionality. These technologies allow the decoding of large samples of motor units by using high-density grids of electrodes that are placed on the skin overlying contracting muscles and therefore provide a non-invasive representation of the human spinal cord output. Approach. From a sample of  >1200 decoded motor neurons, we show that motor neuron activity can be identified in humans in the full muscle recruitment range with high accuracy. Main results. After showing the validity of decomposition with novel test parameters, we demonstrate that the same motor neurons can be tracked over a period of one-month, which allows for the longitudinal analysis of individual human neural cells. Significance. These results show the potential of an accurate and reliable assessment of large populations of motor neurons in physiological investigations. We discuss the potential of this non-invasive neural interfacing technology for the study of the neural determinants of movement and man-machine interfacing.
Considering embodied energy and carbon in heritage buildings – a review
Authors: Wise F , Moncaster A , Jones D , Dewberry E
Published: October 2019

Approximately 20% of UK buildings can be defined as ‘heritage buildings’, offering unique values that should be preserved. They tend to use more energy than newer buildings, creating a strong case for energy retrofits to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and improve thermal comfort. However, few studies of heritage retrofits examine embodied impacts, which are the energy and carbon impacts required to manufacture, transport and construct materials and components. This study considers the whole life (embodied plus operational) impacts of retrofitting heritage buildings, through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis. It concludes that; both embodied and operational impacts should be considered in retrofitting projects, retrofitting is better than demolish and rebuild in lifecycle terms, there is a lack of policy mandating for the measurement of lifecycle impacts and low impact retrofitting can be better for conserving heritage values and reducing embodied carbon.
Problems and barriers affecting sustainable commuting: Case study of people’s daily commute to Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Wethyavivorn P , Sukwattanakorn N
Published: October 2019

Bangkok is one of the cities with the worst road traffic congestion in the world. The city needs to shift toward a more sustainable commuting mode as soon as practicable. This study aims to explore modes of transportation that students and staff of Kasetsart University, Bangkok, use to commute to the university. Data was collected from 315 students and staff through online questionnaires. Interviews with selected respondents were also conducted to gather more insights relating to the perceived barriers to sustainable commuting. Observation of surrounding infrastructure was also conducted. The daily commuting were divided into 4 categories: pure active commuting including walking and biking (19.05%), pure active commuting and public transportation (18.41%), combination modes including private motorized vehicles (25.40%), and the least sustainable mode, pure private motorized vehicles (37.14%). The study further investigated the perceived barriers to 5 modes of sustainable transportation available to most respondents, namely, walking, biking, city bus, public van, and rapid transit. The most significant barriers to pure active commuting was the hot weather and the lack of walking and biking infrastructure. The major barrier to using city buses was the waiting time, together with the longer travel time especially during rush hours. For public vans, the barrier was found to be the safety issue due to careless drivers as well as the van condition. Most of the respondents would like to use the rapid transit, however, they thought the cost was a little high for daily commute.
Urban building energy modelling and urban design for sustainable neighbourhood development-A China perspective
Authors: Yang Feng , Jiang Zhidian
Published: October 2019

Urban design at the neighbourhood scale has profound effects on urban microclimate, and thus on urban buildings energy consumption (in particular heating, cooling and lighting), extent of applicability of passive heating/cooling strategies, indoor/outdoor thermal comfort and street vehicle emissions dispersal (air quality). Previous studies, especially recent explorations in the emerging field of urban building energy modelling (UBEM), suggest clear neighbourhood-scale energy impact from building type, density, layout/orientation and facade/fenestration treatment. The purpose of research is to inform design, but how the research findings in urban building energy inform urban design practice is not straight-forward, in that real-world urban development involves all stakeholders and needs to take environmental, social and economical factors into account, in addition to energy and urban climate. If to support more healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient urban district/neighbourhood is one goal of green neighbourhood development (ND) rating tools, we should investigate possibilities to further and more efficiently integrate findings of UBEM into guidelines and credits system that inform climate-responsive urban design. This paper, based on a review on recent advancement in UBEM, investigates a more comprehensive and systematic prescriptive approach in ND to optimizing urban building energy performance by moderating urban form, fabric and land cover. Although UBEM as a scientific tool is diagnostic in evaluating urban design scenarios on a case basis, prescriptive design guidelines based on good science are suitable and useful for architects in integrating urban building energy issues in practice.
A study on the summer thermal comfort and behaviour patterns in the residential buildings of Kashgar old City, China
Authors: Li T , Li X , Wang X , Feng Y , Ma Y
Published: October 2019

Kashgar, located in China’s far west, has a typical hot-arid climate. There are a large number of low-rise high-density Islamic housing in Kashgar old City. The thermal comfort in these buildings has not yet been adequately researched. In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding about the real indoor thermal environment and the residents’ summer thermal comfort in Kashgar old City, a field investigation of 138 residential buildings was conducted in the summer time, including onsite environmental parameter measurements and simultaneous surveys using subjective thermal comfort questionnaires. Based on a statistical regression analysis of 182 valid questionnaires, a summer thermal comfort model was established. The results show that the measured summer neutral temperature of the local people is 23.4°C, and the upper limit of acceptable summer temperature for 80% of the residents is 26.9°C. The summer thermal tolerance of the residents in the Kashgar old City is lower than expected and also lower than that of the residents in rural Turpan with the same climate features. The survey also shows that the residents in the Kashgar old City have a habit of transfering living spaces over time, and the frequency of passive behaviours is higher than those of active behaviours. The above results are believed to be potentially valuable for the revision of energy conservation policies and the design practice of residential buildings in the hot-arid climate region of China, and also for areas under similar climate conditions in the world.
A simulation-based procedure for the holistic resilience testing of building performance
Authors: Clarke J A
Published: October 2019

The design of an energy efficient urban environment is a formidable task because the underlying processes are complex, coupled and time varying. Competing objectives from a variety of stakeholders relating to occupant wellbeing, fuel poverty alleviation, improved air quality, low energy use, emissions reduction, and legislative compliance then act to confound the attainment of operational quality and resilience of particular design solutions. This gives rise to a persistent and growing gap between design intent (in both new build and retrofit contexts) and the operational reality. Unfortunately, there are no current standards for building performance appraisal and operational resilience testing so that such assessments, where undertaken, are ad hoc and implemented as an arbitrary function of the particular project context. The result is that it is impossible to compare alternative proposals in terms of the performance that is likely to be delivered in practice. This paper reports recent developments in automating the application of building performance simulation as a means to address this deficiency.
Evaluating Incidental Thermal Performance Improvements of a Historic Timber-Framed Building in Central Hereford
Authors: Whitman Christopher J
Published: October 2019

As we strive to decarbonise our historic built environment, a balance must be struck between technical, aesthetic, philosophical and economic concerns. Compromises must be made and opportunities seized. At the same time, evaluation allows us to assess decisions previously made and reflect on their outcomes. This paper presents the evaluation of the refurbishment of The Old Mayor’s Parlour, Church Street, Hereford, a historic timber-framed building now used as a gallery and exhibition space. The conservation work undertaken was not specifically envisioned as an energy retrofit, however the necessary replacement of failing concrete block infill, the legacy of a 1970s renovation, allowed improvements to be made to the thermal performance of the external envelope. Environmental monitoring and digital simulation have been used to assess the impact of these interventions. In situ U-value measurements show the success of the replacement infill panels and associated internal lining, although digital energy simulations suggest a limited improvement to the building’s overall energy efficiency. At the same time thermography suggests a potential threat of increased condensation risk to the uninsulated ornate 17th century plaster ceiling. The results of this paper show the risk of unintended consequences and the challenges faced by sustainable building conservation.
Renovation activities by home-owners. Analysis of energy and non-energy renovation activities and possible connections
Authors: Gepts B , Nuyts E , Verbeeck G
Published: October 2019

In order to achieve a sustainable built environment by 2050, the European building stock needs to be retrofitted. Also in Belgium, with 75% of the residential buildings built before 1980, deep energy renovation is stimulated. The Flemish government premises long term goals for the energy performance of the existing building stock in the Renovation Pact (2014). To be able to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the Renovation Pact, knowledge of the actual renovation rate is indispensable. Since years, a renovation rate of 0.7% to 1% is communicated as an argument that renovation should be stimulated. However, there is little empirical evidence for this figure and how it reflects the actual energy renovation activity. Furthermore, non-energy renovation activities are considered as possible gate for home owners towards energy renovation, but little is known about these renovation activities. Since 2013, a yearly survey is done by Essencia Marketing, a marketing agency specialized in the construction sector, on the renovation activity of Belgian households. A representative sample of 1000 households indicates their renovation activity in the previous year through an online questionnaire on structural works (façade, wall, roof, etc.), technical works (HVAC, electricity, etc.) and energetic works (insulation, windows, etc.). For the period 2012-2018, the results show that each year almost 2,1% undertakes a deep energy renovation activity (excluding decorative works). To better estimate the energy renovation activity in Belgium, the paper will firstly discuss the different types of renovation works home-owners execute, and determine the share of energy related renovations. This will be confronted with official statistics on (energy) renovation. Then the non-energy renovation activity will be discussed to determine the share of renovations that could serve as a gate to promote deep energy renovation. This could inform policy makers on policy actions to stimulate combined renovations.
Scoping Low-Cost Measures to Nowcast Sub-Hourly Solar Radiations for Buildings
Authors: Chen L , Du H , Li Y
Published: October 2019

Solar energy, as a clear, renewable and promising resource, has brought tremendous value for carbon emission reduction in the last three decades. However, the uncertainty of solar radiation brings significant challenges to the renewable heat and electrical system for buildings. Thus, many different solar radiation forecasting methods, such as Numerical Weather Prediction Methods (NWP), Statistical Methods, Top-Down Methods, Bottom-Up Methods and Hybrid Methods have been developed to make the best guess on future solar radiations. Based on the meteorology definition, nowcasting refers to the forecast of the temporal horizon from the next few seconds up to six hours. Predicting solar radiation within this range are extremely challenging, but crucial for solar energy system operation. This paper firstly reviewed the state of art of solar radiation forecasting methods and compared the key features of each method. According to the advantage and costs of each method, this paper then proposed a methodology to generate high accuracy low-cost solar radiation nowcast data for optimising building solar thermal system performance and related control strategies. Note that this paper focused on the scoping study of methodology rather than field experiments, and further research with experiments data will be reported in a journal publication.
The Influence of Urban Green Systems on the Urban Heat Island Effect in London
Authors: Taher Hashem , Elsharkawy Heba , Newport Darryl
Published: October 2019

Urban areas are typically warmer than rural ones. This is mainly due to denser configuration dominated by impermeable surfaces such as buildings and roads, compared to rural areas which are less densely built and mainly dominated by open spaces. Rapid urban expansion in dense cities bares direct impact on surface and air temperature patterns within street canyons; a phenomena which is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Thus, several UK city councils such as Birmingham, Manchester, and London have started to develop strategies aiming at enhancing urban green systems (UGS) through trees, green walls and green roofs. Some of those strategies include considering the green space factor, and increasing green areas within the cities to improve street canyon microclimate and reduce UHI. The Mayor of London has adopted a strategy for London 2050 aspiring to transform it to be the greenest city in the world by increasing the green areas up to 50%. This paper investigates the influence of increasing the UGS percentage which is considered as a key solution to mitigate UHI effect which will, in turn, provide thermally comfortable outdoor environments for pedestrians. The investigation is undertaken by comparing the morphology of precincts and streets in relation to air temperature, mean radiant temperature and surface temperature within Oxford Street canyons in London city centre; being one of the world’s busiest streets. The results from this research demonstrate that different UGS interventions with varying percentage are required depending on particular canyon orientations and geometries. The study found that, in general, more trees would have significant thermal comfort effect followed by living façade, while high albedo pavement (HAP) came last. However, HAP had high influence on improving thermal comfort in North-South orientated streets with minor variance to trees and living facades which, changing their percentage levels was insignificant.
Design of Earthship for Climate Conditions in Macedonia
Authors: Samardzioska Todorka , Salih Nena , Grujoska Vesna , Jovanoska Milica
Published: October 2019

The Earthship, as a sustainable nearly zero house, built of natural and recycled materials, represents one of the solutions for the numerous environmental issues. A specific location is chosen by the Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. The house is designed for a single family, with dimensions and materials selected according to recommendations in the literature. It is not connected to the public infrastructural network, reducing its dependence on public services and the use of fossil fuels. It is built of natural and recycled materials, having thermal solar heating and cooling, collection and storage of rain water, controlled wastewater treatment, power from sun or wind and food self-production. Static and dynamic analysis has been performed and stability in this highly seismic region is confirmed, followed by the analysis of the energy efficiency and bill of quantities. This design meets the passive house criteria and the planned investment is considerably lower in comparison to a passive house built of “standard” building materials. The potential benefits of this designed Earthship might have an impact in the future building construction and architecture in Macedonia, especially for suburbs. They might help raise people’s awareness of the benefits of sustainable architecture: reduction of the greenhouse gas emission, saving fresh water reserves by harvesting rainwater and reusing it as grey water, controlling the micro climate of the suburban areas by using energy efficient materials and choosing the right location for building.
Growing Greener: Creating a New Values-based Environmental Engagement Toolkit for SME Intermediaries
Authors: Hampton Sam , Blundel Richard , Fawcett Tina , Shaw Chris
Published: October 2019

This paper explores a radically different way of facilitating energy and environmental initiatives in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In terms of energy policy, smaller firms in Europe are exempted from most of the major fiscal and regulatory mechanisms that are applied to larger organisations. Policies to reduce energy demand and associated carbon emissions in SMEs are largely based on providing incentives, such as face-to-face support and grants for energy efficiency in buildings. Energy advisors are therefore key intermediaries, providing advice and encouraging the uptake of low carbon technologies and practices by SMEs.

Previous studies have found that advisors often find it difficult to engage effectively with SME owners and managers, and that traditional ‘win-win’ messaging can have limited impact, resulting in implementation problems such as under-investment in energy-saving technologies, reluctance to adopt new environmental practices, and a tendency to revert to previous ways of operating once the incentive is removed. Recent research also suggests that SME owners’ and managers’ personal values play an important mediating role in their response to environmental issues, acting in combination with more established factors such as educational background, access to resources and the views of customers and suppliers. The implication is that policy interventions in this area could be delivered in more cost-effective ways if accompanied by a more nuanced, values-based approach to engagement.

This paper reports findings from ‘Growing Greener’ a UK multi-disciplinary project that aims to equip advisors and other types of intermediary with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need in order to incorporate a values-based approach into their existing interactions with SMEs. It opens with an overview of the policy context and a brief overview of the relevant research literature.

The main section explains how the research team co-produced a values-based engagement toolkit in conjunction with a group of energy advisors and external specialists. The design process included a series of facilitated ‘narrative workshops’, where advisors shared their experiences and experimented with early versions of the engagement tools. This is followed by an outline of the completed engagement ‘toolkit’, which includes free-to-access online course, a communication guide and an interactive engagement tool. These three inter-related components are designed to help advisors to engage SMEs beyond a narrow, cost-benefit framework, and in turn help SME owners and managers to connect low carbon choices with the personal and business values that are important to them as individuals.

Our findings indicate the potential for more effective, longer-lasting interventions beyond the low hanging fruit of building efficiency measures.
Atomistic simulations of hydrogen and carbon segregation in α-iron grain boundaries
Authors: Hamza Mohamed H , Hendy Mohamed A , Hatem Tarek M.
Published: October 2019

During material deformation, the coincidence site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries (GBs) are exhibiting deviations from their ideal lattice structure. Hence, this will change the atomic structural integrity by generating full and partial dislocation joints on the ideal CSL boundaries. In this analysis, the ideal Σ5 (310) GB structures and its angular deviations in
α
-iron within the limit of Brandon criterion, in order to conserve the dislocation core structure, will be studied in depth using molecular statics simulations. Firstly, the hydrogen and carbon atoms energetics within the GBs core structure and their free surfaces are calculated. Then Rice-Wang cohesive structure model is applied to compute the embrittlement/strengthening effect of the solute atoms on the ideal and deviated GB structures. Hydrogen showed significant embrittlement and degradation in the mechanical properties of
α
-iron, while carbon showed a desirable atomic strengthening effect.
Multi-sensory data fusion for high performance attitude estimation
Authors: Hanafi Mohamed E , Abozied Mohammed A H , Elhalwagy Yehia Z , Elfarouk Ahmed Omar
Published: October 2019

In this paper, attitude angles estimation utilizing low power consumption and efficient approaches will be focused on. The trade-off between power consumption and efficiency is a leading factor in enhancing the overall performance of the navigation system in most of the autonomous system applications, so Complementary and Mahony filters as accelerometer, gyro, and magnetometer data fusion algorithms with high performance and less computation complexity are utilized. A real time implementation for Complementary and Mahony filters was achieved using raw data from Vector NAV VN-100 IMU.Estimated Euler angels using each filter were compared with Euler angels from Vector NAV VN-100 which are estimated using Kalman filter. A comparative study was carried out for analyzing the performance of each algorithm. The study presented that the Complementary filter introduces better efficiency than Mahony filter in case of stationary situations and steady flight. On the other hand, Mahony filter presents better efficiency than Complementary filter in case of motion and high dynamics.
Fuzzy estimation of the mean for electric load consumption based on different algorithms
Authors: Nigm Khaled Abu-Bakr , Elsherif Ahmed K , Ismail Ahmed Salah
Published: October 2019

Five new fuzzy algorithms for estimating the mean have been presented. First, we provide the estimation of the mean with considering the given data is crisp and standard deviation parameter is known and defined as triangular fuzzy number (TFN). Second, the algorithm will be defined by considering the data is a TFN and standard deviation parameter is known and crisp. Third, by combining first and second algorithms and considering both the data and standard deviation parameter are TFNs. Fourth, the same of the third algorithm but considering standard deviation parameter is unknown. Fifth, an estimation for the mean has been provided by considering both data and standard deviation parameter are crisp, and the membership function of the mean has been calculated by the means of confidence interval for different significance levels. Then, the advantages and disadvantage of using fuzzy algorithms have been presented. Finally, the calculation for the mean power consumed for an electric load in a certain compound inside Cairo for one month will be calculated based on fuzzy data and parameter.
Factors affecting stress distribution in wind turbine blade
Authors: Elsherif Diaaeldin M , Abd El-Wahab Ayman A , Abdellatif Mohamed Hazem
Published: October 2019

In this study three factors affecting stress distribution in horizontal axis wind turbine blade are studied using ANSYS Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) simulation. The first factor is the cross-section of the wind turbine blade which is selected to be an airfoil. The second factor is the twist angle of the blade while the third factor is the material. A study of two different airfoils is made for three different blades’ twist angles and two different materials to obtain the results of total deformation, stress distribution and maximum equivalent stress (von-Mises) along the blade length. This study emphasizes the importance of a multi-disciplinary research where computer, mechanics, and materials engineering are involved. The fields Computational Mechanics, Mechanical Design and Materials Engineering are used in the analysis of wind turbine blade in this study. Also understanding in depth the stress distribution in wind turbine blades could improve the design of wind turbines and lessen the cost of the clean wind energy.
Mechanical and corrosion behaviour of conventional and high-speed remote scanner laser welding for duplex stainless steel: A comparative study
Authors: Khier Mahmoud Abu El , El-Aziz Ahmed M , Exner Horest
Published: October 2019

High-speed remote scanner laser-welding is a relatively new technique that is being tried out at the Mittweida Laser institute to weld stainless steel sheets of high thicknesses; the material used was (1.4462) 8mm thick. For comparison, the material was welded also by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or TIG. The welding processes were evaluated by several testing techniques; mechanical testing using (tensile testing and hardness). Optical microscopy was employed to investigate the phase changes and weld defects inside the material. Scanning electron Microscope investigated the grain size before and after weld with the precipitate. Electrochemical corrosion testing was used to evaluate the corrosion behaviour of the weld zone. For each experiment, base metal and heat affected zone (HAZ) have been selected. Microstructure investigation of HAZ revealed the formation of finer microstructures with different grain boundaries due to the melting and the resolidification of the base metal and extensive microstructure changes inside the materials. In comparison to TIG, many weld defects were observed and carbide precipitations formed at the grain boundaries. Hardness measurements revealed that hardness increases towards the centre of both laser and TIG. Tensile testing revealed that the weld has the potential to have very high strength approaching that of the original material, particularly for laser welding. Measuring corrosion rates shows that the welded material is more susceptible to corrosion and to pitting, the pitting potential was estimated reflecting higher pitting resistance for base metal than laser and TIG weld respectively, thus can be explained due to the formation of precipitates of carbide and ferrite particularly for TIG Weldament.
Hyperspectral imaging and analysis of swirling flames issued from two and four slots circumferential burners
Authors: Saad A. A. , Abdulnaim A. M. , Ibrahim M. M. , Emara A. A. , Moneib H. A. , Ayoub H. S. , El-Sherif Ashraf F.
Published: October 2019

A spectroscopy and visual investigation for turbulent swirling flames formed by four-circumferential swirling turbojet EV in comparison with a two-circumferential swirling air entries configuration burner using hyper spectral camera. The special design of the EV-burner guarantees flame stabilization at the burner exit by a recirculation of hot gases and entrained fresh reactance mixture. A recirculation zone (vortex breakdown) can be generated when a sufficient strong swirling flow exist. The main parameter of combustion diagnostics based on optical devices is the flame itself, whose spectrum is closely related to the process state, as a fingerprint of the instantaneous operational condition, in terms of energetic yield, fuel consumption and pollutants emissions. The hyperspectral imaging technique in the aspect of flame analysis to give a complete description for the flame zones behavior and distribution of reactions through the whole flame. The spectral peaks for issued flames have been studied to give complete vision for the effect of changing the equivalence ratio and different burner arrangement four and two circumferential swirling entries.
Estimating uncertainties for the driving torque in continuous flight Augur machine during space sampling drilling operation
Authors: Abdeldayem Mohamed A A , Mabrouk Mohamed H , Abo_Elnor Mootaz
Published: October 2019

Auger drilling operation is considered as one of the ideal ways for space sampling as it depends on a dry drilling method. This study represents a measurement uncertainty model for the driving torque in Continuous Flight Augur machine during soil drilling operation. The measuring system is established to provide a simple way for driving torque measurement that involves the usage of a combination of different sensors. A simple data acquisition software is resolved using Labview® software package. This program enables displaying and recording the directly measured data mainly from transducers. Type-A and type-B uncertainties are estimated in detail for measuring results. The two different types are combined to evaluate the deviation of readings resulted from several sources. The overall system accuracy for the drilling torque is derived from estimating uncertainties of the measured torque. An error bar is provided for each reading to indicate the possible deviation with 95 % level of confidence. Uncertainty detailed calculation for the driving torque in Continuous Flight Auger machine during drilling operation is computed as a function of the directly measured values.
A generic analytical formula for range side-lobes cancellation filters in pulse compression phase coded waveforms
Authors: Metwally Ibrahim M , Elbardawiny Abd El Rahman H , Ahmed Fathy M , Fahim Hazem Z
Published: October 2019

Pulse Compression (PC) is applied in radar systems to enhance range resolution and simultaneously preserve a high duty cycle. PC phase coded radars suffer from unwanted side-lobes at the Matched Filter (MF) output which may mask weak nearby signals. Different methods have been applied to deal with this problem. Each method is designed and applied particularly for certain phase coded signal. In this paper, a generic mathematical formula for a Side-Lobe Cancelling (SLC) Optimum Filter (OP-F) in phase coded pulse compression waveforms is presented. The derived filter followed the MF and can be applied to any type of phase coded signals with any length. The validity of the derived formula is verified for Barker, polyBarker and polyphase coded signals. The enhanced detection performance of the OP-F over MF alone is verified though receiver detection curves. Also, Implementation issues of the OP-F in either time and frequency domain are discussed.
Design and validation of a sliding mode disturbance observer-based control for a CubesSat nano-satellite
Authors: Hassan Amr M. , ElBadawy Ayman A.
Published: October 2019

Cubesat-class nanosatellites are characterized by their inexpensive cost of manufacturing and launch; thus, have gained a lot of interest in research recently. An actuator model for the three Magnetorquers and three reaction wheels is derived, as well as the kinematical and dynamical model of the Cubesat, for implementing an Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS). Two different control approaches are investigated. Firstly, a Quaternion Feedback (QF) algorithm is derived and applied to assess the response of the system. Furthermore, a Sliding Mode Disturbance Observer-Based Control (SMDO) is implemented to achieve robustness against the un-modeled dynamics represented in the high coupling between the reaction wheels and the satellite dynamics. The SMDO controller has reduced the oscillations in the states response as well as the stabilization time in comparison to the QF controller. Finally, the effectiveness of SMDO has shown a significant decrease in the control effort compared to conventional sliding mode control.