bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Determination of Gas Relative Permeability Considering Slippage Effect in a Tight Formation
Authors: Liu Guangfeng , Fan Zhaoqi , Lu Yang , Li Siying , Feng Bo , Xia Yu , Zhao Qimeng
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the gas relative permeability considering slippage effect has been experimentally examined under various experimental conditions (i.e., ambient, high confining pressure, and high temperature). Experimentally, Klinkenberg permeabilities of 12 core samples have been measured by using steady-state flow experiment. It has been found that the Klinkenberg permeability is independent of the experimental temperature and dramatically decreases as confining pressure is increasing. Furthermore, linear correlations have been newly developed between the Klinkenberg permeability and the gas-measured permeability under various conditions. Subsequently, the developed correlations are correspondingly applied to calibrate the gas relative permeability. It has been found that the gas relative permeability can be overestimated without consideration of the slippage effect, i.e., Klinkenberg effect. In addition, the newly developed correlations have been applied to analyze the sensitivity of gas–water relative permeability to gas-measured permeability, confining pressure, and temperature. It is demonstrated that mobile water greatly alleviates the gas relative permeability in comparison to irreducible water. Although an increased confining pressure simultaneously reduces the effective water phase and gas phase permeability, the gas relative permeability increases and the water relative permeability decreases as the confining pressure increases. It is attributed to the fact that the effective water phase permeability is more sensitive to the confining pressure. Given an elevated experimental temperature, the gas relative permeability is reduced while the water relative permeability is enhanced, implying the significance of temperature effect on gas–water relative permeability measurements.
Advances in Residential Design Related to the Influence of Geomagnetism
Authors: Glaria Francisco , Arnedo Israel , Sánchez-Ostiz Ana
Published: February 2018

Since the origin of the Modern Movement, there has been a basic commitment to improving housing conditions and the well-being of occupants, especially given the prediction that 2/3 of humanity will reside in cities by 2050. Moreover, a compact model of the city with tall buildings and urban densification at this scale will be generated. Continuous constructive and technological advances have developed solid foundations on safety, energy efficiency, habitability, and sustainability in housing design. However, studies on improving the quality of life in these areas continue to be a challenge for architects and engineers. This paper seeks to contribute health-related information to the study of residential design, specifically the influence of the geomagnetic field on its occupants. After compiling information on the effects of geomagnetic fields from different medical studies over 23 years, a case study of a 16-story high-rise building is presented, with the goal of proposing architectural design recommendations for long-term occupation in the same place. The purpose of the present work is three-fold: first, to characterize the geomagnetic field variability of buildings; second, to identify the causes and possible related mechanisms; and third, to define architectural criteria on the arrangement of uses and constructive elements for housing.
Adaptive Component Selection-Based Discriminative Model for Object Detection in High-Resolution SAR Imagery
Authors: He Chu , Tu Mingxia , Xiong Dehui , Tu Feng , Liao Mingsheng
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes an innovative Adaptive Component Selection-Based Discriminative Model (ACSDM) for object detection in high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. In order to explore the structural relationships between the target and the components, a multi-scale detector consisting of a root filter and several part filters is established, using Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) features to describe the object from different resolutions. To make the detected components of practical significance, the size and anchor position of each component are determined through statistical methods. When training the root model and the corresponding part models, manual annotation is adopted to label the target in the training set. Besides, a penalty factor is introduced to compensate information loss in preprocessing. In the detection stage, the Small Area-Based Non-Maximum Suppression (SANMS) method is utilised for filtering out duplicate results. In the experiments, the aeroplanes in TerraSAR-X SAR images are detected by the ACSDM algorithm and different comparative methods. The results indicate that the proposed method has a lower false alarm rate and can detect the components accurately.
Indispensable Role of Proteases in Plant Innate Immunity
Authors: Balakireva Anastasia , Zamyatnin Andrey
Published: February 2018

Plant defense is achieved mainly through the induction of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMP)-triggered immunity (MTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI), systemic acquired resistance (SAR), induced systemic resistance (ISR), and RNA silencing. Plant immunity is a highly complex phenomenon with its own unique features that have emerged as a result of the arms race between plants and pathogens. However, the regulation of these processes is the same for all living organisms, including plants, and is controlled by proteases. Different families of plant proteases are involved in every type of immunity: some of the proteases that are covered in this review participate in MTI, affecting stomatal closure and callose deposition. A large number of proteases act in the apoplast, contributing to ETI by managing extracellular defense. A vast majority of the endogenous proteases discussed in this review are associated with the programmed cell death (PCD) of the infected cells and exhibit caspase-like activities. The synthesis of signal molecules, such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene, and their signaling pathways, are regulated by endogenous proteases that affect the induction of pathogenesis-related genes and SAR or ISR establishment. A number of proteases are associated with herbivore defense. In this review, we summarize the data concerning identified plant endogenous proteases, their effect on plant-pathogen interactions, their subcellular localization, and their functional properties, if available, and we attribute a role in the different types and stages of innate immunity for each of the proteases covered.
Molecular Modeling Study for the Design of Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Agonists Using 3D-QSAR and Molecular Docking
Authors: Jian Yaning , He Yuyu , Yang Jingjing , Han Wei , Zhai Xifeng , Zhao Ye , Li Yang
Published: February 2018

Type 2 diabetes is becoming a global pandemic disease. As an important target for the generation and development of diabetes mellitus, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been widely studied. PPARγ agonists have been designed as potential anti-diabetic agents. The advanced development of PPARγ agonists represents a valuable research tool for diabetes therapy. To explore the structural requirements of PPARγ agonists, three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular docking studies were performed on a series of N-benzylbenzamide derivatives employing comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), and surflex-dock techniques. The generated models of CoMFA and CoMSIA exhibited a high cross-validation coefficient (q2) of 0.75 and 0.551, and a non-cross-validation coefficient (r2) of 0.958 and 0.912, respectively. The predictive ability of the models was validated using external validation with predictive factor (r2pred) of 0.722 and 0.682, respectively. These results indicate that the model has high statistical reliability and good predictive power. The probable binding modes of the best active compounds with PPARγ active site were analyzed, and the residues His323, Tyr473, Ser289 and Ser342 were found to have hydrogen bond interactions. Based on the analysis of molecular docking results, and the 3D contour maps generated from CoMFA and CoMSIA models, the key structural features of PPARγ agonists responsible for biological activity could be determined, and several new molecules, with potentially higher predicted activity, were designed thereafter. This work may provide valuable information in further optimization of N-benzylbenzamide derivatives as PPARγ agonists.
Temporospatial Analysis and New Players in the Immunology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Iyer Abhirami , Jones Kathryn , Sanders Virginia , Walker Chandler
Published: February 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of lower and upper motor neurons (MN) leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and eventually death. Although a highly varied etiology results in ALS, it broadly manifests itself as sporadic and familial forms that have evident similarities in clinical symptoms and disease progression. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge on molecular mechanisms leading to loss of MNs and neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) as major determinants of disease onset, severity and progression in ALS. Specifically, two main opposing hypotheses, the dying forward and dying back phenomena, exist to account for NMJ denervation. The former hypothesis proposes that the earliest degeneration occurs at the central MNs and proceeds to the NMJ, whereas in the latter, the peripheral NMJ is the site of precipitating degeneration progressing backwards to the MN cell body. A large body of literature strongly indicates a role for the immune system in disease onset and progression via regulatory involvement at the level of both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS). In this review, we discuss the earliest reported immune responses with an emphasis on newly identified immune players in mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (mSOD1) transgenic mice, the gold standard mouse model for ALS.
On the Metal Cofactor in the Tyrosinase Family
Authors: Solano Francisco
Published: February 2018

The production of pigment in mammalian melanocytes requires the contribution of at least three melanogenic enzymes, tyrosinase and two other accessory enzymes called the tyrosinase-related proteins (Trp1 and Trp2), which regulate the type and amount of melanin. The last two proteins are paralogues to tyrosinase, and they appeared late in evolution by triplication of the tyrosinase gene. Tyrosinase is a copper-enzyme, and Trp2 is a zinc-enzyme. Trp1 has been more elusive, and the direct identification of its metal cofactor has never been achieved. However, due to its enzymatic activity and similarities with tyrosinase, it has been assumed as a copper-enzyme. Recently, recombinant human tyrosinase and Trp1 have been expressed in enough amounts to achieve for the first time their crystallization. Unexpectedly, it has been found that Trp1 contains a couple of Zn(II) at the active site. This review discusses data about the metal cofactor of tyrosinase and Trps. It points out differences in the studied models, and it proposes some possible points accounting for the apparent discrepancies currently appearing. Moreover, some proposals about the possible flexibility of the tyrosinase family to uptake copper or zinc are discussed.
Common Coincidence Points and Common Fixed Points in Fuzzy Semi-Metric Spaces
Authors: Wu Hsien-Chung
Published: February 2018

We propose the so-called fuzzy semi-metric space in which the symmetric condition is not assumed to be satisfied. In this case, there are four kinds of triangle inequalities that should be considered. The purpose of this paper is to study the common coincidence points and common fixed points in the newly proposed fuzzy semi-metric spaces endowed with the so-called ⋈-triangle inequality. The other three different kinds of triangle inequalities will be the future research, since they cannot be similarly investigated as the case of ⋈-triangle inequality.
Assessment and Treatment of Pediatric Sleep Problems: Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Practices in a Group of Community Child Psychiatrists
Authors: Anwar Ali , Yingling Michael , Zhang Alicia , Ramtekkar Ujjwal , Nicol Ginger
Published: February 2018

As part of a university-based quality improvement project, we aimed to evaluate child psychiatrists’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices regarding assessment and treatment of pediatric sleep problems. We developed a nine-question survey of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices regarding assessing for and treating sleep complaints in pediatric patients, and administered this survey to child psychiatrists in training and in practice in the state of Missouri. Respondents reported sleep hygiene as the first-line treatment strategy, followed by the use of supplements or over-the-counter remedies. The most common barriers to evidence-based assessment and treatment of sleep problems were the lack of ability to obtain reliable history, and parental preference for medications over behavioral approaches for sleep concerns. These results suggest potential opportunities for enhancing knowledge regarding validated assessment tools and non-pharmacological treatment options for sleep problems. Additional research is needed to further assess the quality and type of sleep education provided in child psychiatry training programs.
Designing for Embodied Being-in-the-World: A Critical Analysis of the Concept of Embodiment in the Design of Hybrids
Authors: Van Dijk Jelle
Published: February 2018

This paper critically explores what it means to Design for Embodied Being-in-the-world (D4EB). It aims to uncover what this perspective means for designing hybrids, the new interactive physical-digital artefacts developed in wearable, tangible and ubiquitous computing and augmented reality. D4EB is contrasted with the principle of embodied representation, applied for example in designing tangible interfaces between users and digital information. In contrast, D4EB starts from our phenomenological ‘being-in-the-world’. Hybrids are conceived as participating in socially situated, sensorimotor couplings that govern the way the lived body operates in the lifeworld. D4EB rejects conceptual dualisms between the (representational) mind and the (physical) body and between (inner) mind and (outside) world. To illustrate its core principles, three design cases are presented. The cases are part of ongoing design-research that formed the basis for the framework. D4EB is further discussed in relation to personal identity, the role of external representations and the role of the designer. D4EB promises to open up a theoretically informed, largely unexplored design space, which can help designers utilize the full power of hybrid technologies. Hybrids may be designed to support people in their embodied being by sustaining, enriching and generating new ways of attuning to the lifeworld.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Actual Evapotranspiration and Its Causes in the Hai Basin
Authors: Yan Nana , Tian Fuyou , Wu Bingfang , Zhu Weiwei , Yu Mingzhao
Published: February 2018

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the eco-hydrological process. Comprehensive analyses of ET change at different spatial and temporal scales can enhance the understanding of hydrological processes and improve water resource management. In this study, monthly ET data and meteorological data from 57 meteorological stations between 2000 and 2014 were used to study the spatiotemporal changes in actual ET and the associated causes in the Hai Basin. A spatial analysis was performed in GIS to explore the spatial pattern of ET in the basin, while parametric t-test and nonparametric Mann-Kendall test methods were used to analyze the temporal characteristics of interannual and annual ET. The primary causes of the spatiotemporal variations were partly explained by detrended fluctuation analysis. The results were as follows: (i) generally, ET increased from northwest to southeast across the basin, with significant differences in ET due to the heterogeneous landscape. Notably, the ET of water bodies was highest, followed by those of paddy fields, forests, cropland, brush, grassland and settlement; (ii) from 2000 to 2014, annual ET exhibited an increasing trend of 3.7 mm per year across the basin, implying that the excessive utilization of water resources had not been alleviated and the water resource crisis worsened; (iii) changes in vegetation coverage, wind speed and air pressure were the major factors that influenced interannual ET trends. Temperature and NDVI largely explained the increases in ET in 2014 and can be used as indicators to evaluate annual ET and provide early warning for associated issues.
Using Satellite Error Modeling to Improve GPM-Level 3 Rainfall Estimates over the Central Amazon Region
Authors: Oliveira Rômulo , Maggioni Viviana , Vila Daniel , Porcacchia Leonardo
Published: February 2018

This study aims to assess the characteristics and uncertainty of Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) (IMERG) Level 3 rainfall estimates and to improve those estimates using an error model over the central Amazon region. The S-band Amazon Protection National System (SIPAM) radar is used as reference and the Precipitation Uncertainties for Satellite Hydrology (PUSH) framework is adopted to characterize uncertainties associated with the satellite precipitation product. PUSH is calibrated and validated for the study region and takes into account factors like seasonality and surface type (i.e., land and river). Results demonstrated that the PUSH model is suitable for characterizing errors in the IMERG algorithm when compared with S-band SIPAM radar estimates. PUSH could efficiently predict the satellite rainfall error distribution in terms of spatial and intensity distribution. However, an underestimation (overestimation) of light satellite rain rates was observed during the dry (wet) period, mainly over rivers. Although the estimated error showed a lower standard deviation than the observed error, the correlation between satellite and radar rainfall was high and the systematic error was well captured along the Negro, Solimões, and Amazon rivers, especially during the wet season.
Monitoring Rice Phenology Based on Backscattering Characteristics of Multi-Temporal RADARSAT-2 Datasets
Authors: He Ze , Li Shihua , Wang Yong , Dai Leiyu , Lin Sen
Published: February 2018

Accurate estimation and monitoring of rice phenology is necessary for the management and yield prediction of rice. The radar backscattering coefficient, one of the most direct and accessible parameters has been proved to be capable of retrieving rice growth parameters. This paper aims to investigate the possibility of monitoring the rice phenology (i.e., transplanting, vegetative, reproductive, and maturity) using the backscattering coefficients or their simple combinations of multi-temporal RADARSAT-2 datasets only. Four RADARSAT-2 datasets were analyzed at 30 sample plots in Meishan City, Sichuan Province, China. By exploiting the relationships of the backscattering coefficients and their combinations versus the phenology of rice, HH/VV, VV/VH, and HH/VH ratios were found to have the greatest potential for phenology monitoring. A decision tree classifier was applied to distinguish the four phenological phases, and the classifier was effective. The validation of the classifier indicated an overall accuracy level of 86.2%. Most of the errors occurred in the vegetative and reproductive phases. The corresponding errors were 21.4% and 16.7%, respectively.
A Fully Automatic Burnt Area Mapping Processor Based on AVHRR Imagery—A TIMELINE Thematic Processor
Authors: Plank Simon , Martinis Sandro
Published: February 2018

The German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) TIMELINE project (“Time Series Processing of Medium Resolution Earth Observation Data Assessing Long-Term Dynamics in our Natural Environment”) aims to develop an operational processing and data management environment to process 30 years of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) raw data into Level (L) 1b, L2, and L3 products. This article presents the current status of the fully automated L3 burnt area mapping processor, which is based on multi-temporal datasets. The advantages of the proposed approach are (I) the combined use of different indices to improve the classification result, (II) the provision of a fully automated processor, (III) the generation and usage of an up-to-date cloud-free pre-fire dataset, (IV) classification with adaptive thresholding, and (V) the assignment of five different probability levels to the burnt areas detected. The results of the AVHRR data-based burn scar mapping processor were validated with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burnt area product MCD64 at four different European study sites. In addition, the accuracy of the AVHRR-based classification and that of the MCD64 itself were assessed by means of Landsat imagery.
Adaptive Correlation Model for Visual Tracking Using Keypoints Matching and Deep Convolutional Feature
Authors: Li Yuankun , Xu Tingfa , Deng Honggao , Shi Guokai , Guo Jie
Published: February 2018

Although correlation filter (CF)-based visual tracking algorithms have achieved appealing results, there are still some problems to be solved. When the target object goes through long-term occlusions or scale variation, the correlation model used in existing CF-based algorithms will inevitably learn some non-target information or partial-target information. In order to avoid model contamination and enhance the adaptability of model updating, we introduce the keypoints matching strategy and adjust the model learning rate dynamically according to the matching score. Moreover, the proposed approach extracts convolutional features from a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to accurately estimate the position and scale of the target. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed tracker has achieved satisfactory performance in a wide range of challenging tracking scenarios.
Application of Improved 5th-Cubature Kalman Filter in Initial Strapdown Inertial Navigation System Alignment for Large Misalignment Angles
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Xiyuan
Published: February 2018

In view of the fact the accuracy of the third-degree Cubature Kalman Filter (CKF) used for initial alignment under large misalignment angle conditions is insufficient, an improved fifth-degree CKF algorithm is proposed in this paper. In order to make full use of the innovation on filtering, the innovation covariance matrix is calculated recursively by an innovative sequence with an exponent fading factor. Then a new adaptive error covariance matrix scaling algorithm is proposed. The Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method is used for improving the numerical stability of the fifth-degree CKF in this paper. In order to avoid the overshoot caused by excessive scaling of error covariance matrix during the convergence stage, the scaling scheme is terminated when the gradient of azimuth reaches the maximum. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has better alignment accuracy with large misalignment angles than the traditional algorithm.
The Demands of a Women’s College Soccer Season
Authors: Gentles Jeremy , Coniglio Christine , Besemer Matthew , Morgan Joshua , Mahnken Michael
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to use GPS, accelerometers, and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) to examine the demands of a Division II women’s soccer team. Data was collected on 25 collegiate Division II women’s soccer players over an entire regular season (17 matches and 24 practices). ZephyrTM BioHarnesses (BHs) were used to collect tri-axial acceleration information and GPS derived variables for all matches and practices. Acceleration data was used to calculate Impulse Load, a measure of mechanical load that includes only locomotor related accelerations. GPS was used to quantify total distance and distance in six speed zones. Internal Training Loads were assessed via sRPE. Mean Impulse Load, total distance, and sRPE during match play was 20,120 ± 8609 N·s, 5.48 ± 2.35 km, and 892.50 ± 358.50, respectively. Mean Impulse Load, total distance, and sRPE during practice was 12,410 ± 4067 N·s, 2.95 ± 0.95 km, and 143.30 ± 123.50, respectively. Several very large to nearly perfect correlations were found between Impulse Load and total distance (r = 0.95; p < 0.001), Impulse Load and sRPE (r = 0.84; p < 0.001), and total distance and sRPE (r = 0.82; p < 0.001). This study details the mechanical demands of Division II women’s soccer match play. This study also demonstrates that Impulse Load is a good indicator of total distance.
Farmers’ Perceptions and Factors Influencing the Adoption of No-Till Conservation Agriculture by Small-Scale Farmers in Zashuke, KwaZulu-Natal Province
Authors: Ntshangase Njabulo , Muroyiwa Brian , Sibanda Melusi
Published: February 2018

The adoption of conservation agriculture among small-scale farmers is still low despite the proven economic and environmental benefits of the technology. This study was conducted in Ingwe Municipality in Kwa-Zashuke, Ward 8, in KwaZulu-Natal province. The main aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence the adoption of no-till conservation agriculture (CA) in the study area and to explore farmers’ perceptions of no-till CA and the impact of no-till CA on maize yield. A quantitative approach employing a cross-sectional design was used to gather data. Stratified random sampling was employed and a total of 185 small-scale farmers (97 adopters and 88 non-adopters) were sampled. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics and econometric modeling using the logistic regression model. Findings show that farmers’ positive perceptions were positively correlated with higher maize yields. While an increase in extension visits, age, education and farmers’ positive perceptions significantly increased the likelihood of a farmer adopting no-till CA, an increase in land size was negatively related to no-till CA adoption. The findings confirm the important role of extension in the promotion of no-till CA, particularly the intensity of the extension services. The study recommends a deliberate effort by all stakeholders to promote the participation of young people in farming and tailor-make current no-till CA programs to suit the illiterate households. The capacity of extension programs to adequately support farmers should be enhanced through improvements in extension services. There is also need to change people’s mindsets and the way they view no-till CA.
A Tale of North and South: Balanced and Sustainable Development of Primary Education in Ningxia, China
Authors: Wan Jiali , Liu Yanfang , Chen Yiyun , Hu Jiameng , Wang Zhengyu
Published: February 2018

Education is the driving force of social development, while regional differences have restricted the balance of educational development. This paper provides a political and geospatial analysis of regional inequality across the province from 1990–2015 under a comparative spatiotemporal conceptual framework. Great differences in terms of the distribution and dynamic changes in primary school were found between southern and the northern Ningxia. The southern region has a large number of primary schools with a sharp reduction in these numbers, especially in recent years, while the north has a small but stable number of schools. Spatial accessibility analyses revealed that due to the imbalance between the south and the north, the spatial accessibility of the southern region is much worse than that of the northern region. Our study found the imbalance in the number and spatial distribution of primary schools in the north and south of Ningxia was formed because of multiple factors of policy, geography, and social-economy. The government has pursued a policy of promoting education fairness. However, neglecting differences between north and south, on the contrary, has brought negative effects to the south, worsened the educational environment, and increased education inequities. Our case study in the Ningxia district demonstrates that this research can provide a practical basis for the formulation of policies to guide the rational planning of primary education in Ningxia and/or other similar areas.
Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Wood Use in Civil Engineering in Japan Based on Life-Cycle Assessment
Authors: Kayo Chihiro , Noda Ryu
Published: February 2018

Throughout its life-cycle, wood contributes to climate change mitigation through carbon storage and material and energy substitution. Focusing on wood use for piles, check dams, paved walkways, guardrails, and noise barriers, we quantified the nationwide potential for climate change mitigation in civil engineering in Japan through 2050. To assess mitigation potential, we examined life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are avoided by storing carbon in wood and forests, substituting wooden materials for non-wooden materials (cement, concrete, steel, and asphalt), and substituting processing residue and waste wood salvaged from defunct civil engineering structures for fossil fuels (heavy oil). Our projections suggest that there will be a maximum potential domestic log volume of 6.80 million m3/year available for civil engineering use in Japan in 2050, and that it would be possible to produce this volume while increasing Japan’s forest resources over the long term. A maximum nationwide avoided GHG emissions potential of 9.63 million t-CO2eq/year could be achieved in 2050, which is equivalent to 0.7% of Japan’s current GHG emissions. The breakdown of avoided emissions is 73%, 19%, and 8% for carbon storage, material substitution, and energy substitution, respectively, with the greatest contributions coming from carbon storage through the use of log piles.
Density Fluctuations in the Solar Wind Driven by Alfvén Wave Parametric Decay
Authors: Bowen Trevor A. , Badman Samuel , Hellinger Petr , Bale Stuart D.
Published: February 2018

Measurements and simulations of inertial compressive turbulence in the solar wind are characterized by anti-correlated magnetic fluctuations parallel to the mean field and density structures. This signature has been interpreted as observational evidence for non-propagating pressure balanced structures, kinetic ion-acoustic waves, as well as the MHD slow-mode. Given the high damping rates of parallel propagating compressive fluctuations, their ubiquity in satellite observations is surprising and suggestive of a local driving process. One possible candidate for the generation of compressive fluctuations in the solar wind is the Alfvén wave parametric instability. Here, we test the parametric decay process as a source of compressive waves in the solar wind by comparing the collisionless damping rates of compressive fluctuations with growth rates of the parametric decay instability daughter waves. Our results suggest that generation of compressive waves through parametric decay is overdamped at 1 au, but that the presence of slow-mode-like density fluctuations is correlated with the parametric decay of Alfvén waves.
Le bonheur dans la modernité
Authors: Brunier Sylvain
Published: February 2018

À partir de l’étude du groupe professionnel des conseillers agricoles, ce livre propose de renouveler l’histoire sociale et politique de la modernisation de l’agriculture française durant les Trente Glorieuses. Il décrit les conditions d’émergence du métier de conseiller et examine les ressorts utilisés pour obtenir l’adhésion des agriculteurs aux politiques de modernisation. L’ouvrage montre que les conseillers agricoles sont les véritables chevilles ouvrières de ces politiques, qui entendent concilier l’intensification des modes de production avec le maintien, et même la promotion, des exploitations familiales. Il éclaire ainsi la spécificité de la séquence historique de l’après-guerre et la mise en crise de ce projet modernisateur, à partir des années 1970. L’ouvrage s’adresse non seulement aux spécialistes de sociologie et d’histoire rurale mais aussi à l’ensemble de celles et ceux qui souhaitent comprendre dans quelles dynamiques sociales et historiques s’inscrivent les transformations sans précédent du monde agricole au xxe siècle.
Application Experience of Bored Micropiles in the Conditions of Permafrost Soil
Authors: Fedorova Galina D. , Matveeva O.I. , Prokopiev Rivas B.
Published: February 2018

Results of pilot studies executed when strengthening foundation and tape bases of architecture monument – the building of National library of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Yakutsk are given. The article presents data on the kinetics of hardening of cement mortar with a complex additive NN+S-3 at low temperatures of permafrost soils. It is shown that the rate of hardening and strength of the solution greatly depend on the dosage of antifreeze component. A feature of the technology was also to determine the strength of cement mortar, with which possible pressure testing of the well. The strength of the mortar for re-injection should be not less than 10 MPa and not more than 20 MPa. The device technology of bored micropiles in permafrost soil is approved by the contractor – the Yakut branch “Svratka”, Czech Republic. The received results indicate an opportunity and efficiency of micropiles application in conditions of permafrost soil.
Using of Plastic Hinges in the Calculation of Buildings against Progressive Collapse under Fire Exposure
Authors: Avetisyan Levon
Published: February 2018

This article presents a study of the strength of a 25-storey reinforced concrete frame against progressive collapse in fire conditions. Taking into account the angles of disclosure of plastic hinges as norming for the strength of reinforced concrete elements, a computer technology program has been developed and included in PR Wolfram Mathematica 10 for the dynamic calculation of compressed reinforced concrete elements under fire exposure on the basis of the conducted experimental studies. Dynamic calculation of the strength of eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete columns was carried out, with operation in normal conditions and under high temperatures. The diagram «moment-curvature» and the graph of the change of the static and dynamic strength of the column depending on the temperature were developed. Nonlinear dynamic analysis of a 25-storey reinforced concrete frame was conducted, taking into account the changes of the dynamic characteristics of reinforced concrete elements in fire and, the estimation of resistance of the frame was given.
The Study on the Relationship between Spatial Network Structure of Teaching Architecture and Students' Flow Behavior Based on Complex Network Analysis
Authors: Xie Ke , Wu Fang , Wu Jia Li , Li Sheng , Wang Jia Hui , Wu Yi Feng , Bao Zi Yang , Bao Ling Xue , Chen Yun Dao
Published: February 2018

Informal learning is an important part of active learning in higher education. It is of great significance to create a good informal learning space for higher education. However, the current design of university buildings is lack of quality informal learning space. This paper analyzes the relationship between complex network analysis and student behavior, and finds that there exists a close relationship between them. The spatial structure has the essential impact on the distribution of the informal learning. The construction of streamline system places an important role in the formation of learning space network. The density of the network relationship is not a key factor, but the relationship model presents more important. The cohesion of network plays an important role in the formation of spatial network of learning. In the network structure, since the groups with cohesion power are capable to convey the information even faster, the regeneration inside the groups can be achieved through the flow of resource/information.
The Green Building Environment of the Gymnasium
Authors: Qian Feng , Yang Li
Published: February 2018

The natural ventilation of residential areas has placed more and more emphasis on residential area planning, according to the relationship between natural ventilation environments and the layout of architecture, we can reduce the energy consumption and the adverse effect of wind outdoors, improve the living environment and quality of life, making harmony between human and the nature. In this paper, we use Air-Pak to simulate the wind environment of residential areas. Through analyzing and simulating the air field which forms when the wind blows around the residential buildings by Air-Pak, we explain the advantage of the combination of computer simulation software and residential area planning. And we give some advice to the layout of the outdoor environment early in the residential planning area by the simulation of outdoor environments of buildings.
Ensuring the Radiation-Related Ecological Safety of Buildings
Authors: Stefanenko I.V. , Sidelnikova O.P.
Published: February 2018

Nowadays, both builders and public have started to pay more and more interest to such a physical property of building materials as radioactivity. This is due to the fact that on the one hand, in the so-called "nuclear era", the problem of reducing radiation doses for people has acquired a global character, and on the other hand - millions of tons of construction raw materials containing natural radionuclides are extracted from bowels and are used in construction, where the structure of these doses of radiation is sharply deformed. Naturally occurring radionuclides make the largest contribution to the dose of human exposure to radiation. Economic activities lead to a significant redistribution of naturally occurring radionuclides in the environment. The background radiation in buildings is considered to be one of the main types of radiation impact on human beings, since people spend a larger part of time indoors. The radiation control of construction objects is necessary to ensure public radiation safety.
Fine Dust Concentration РМ10 in the Atmosphere of the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, in Spring Months
Authors: Stefanenko I.V. , Solovyeva T.V. , Nasimi M.H. , Azarov V.N.
Published: February 2018

This research work investigates the problem of air pollution with fine dust РМ10using the city of Kabul as an example. Data from environmental pollution monitoring data during the transition period of March, April and May has been analyzed. The calculation model for РМ10is obtained depending on three factors: wind speed, humidity and air temperature. The dust concentration was described using the theory of stationary random functions. For the maximum daily concentration of РМ10in Kabul, estimates of the parameters of the distribution functions were determined, a density function and an integrated distribution function were obtained as well. It is shown that, according to Chi-square and Kolmogorov-Smirnov criteria, the best distribution law of maximum daily concentration of dust is the normal law.
Dust Collecting System for the Cleaning of Atmospheric Ventilation Emissions
Authors: Stefanenko I.V. , Azarov V.N. , Sergina Natalia M.
Published: February 2018

The paper gives a description of a dust collecting system for the cleaning of atmospheric ventilation emissions. The system includes two successively installed vortex dust collectors with countercurrent swirled flows. The exhaust is organized from the first-stage hopper. After the cleaning in the additional device of the same design, the exhaust dust-air mixture is delivered to the lower inlet of the second-stage dust collector. The forecast evaluation of the system efficiency was carried out on the basis of the solution of balance equations for dust flows. The experimental evaluation of the system efficiency was carried out in industrial conditions on the basis of the full factorial experiment. The dependence characterizing the efficiency of the suggested system was obtained on the basisof the investigation results, and the most rational modes of the system operation were determined.
Quadrilateral Shape Rib Forming by Roll Forming Process
Authors: Jung Dong Won
Published: February 2018

The roll forming is one of the simplest manufacturing processes for meeting the continued needs of various industries. The roll forming is increasingly used in the automotive industry to form High Strength Steel (HSS) and Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) for making structural components. In order to reduce the thinning of the sheet product, traditionally the roll forming has been suggested instead of the stamping process. The increased product performance, higher quality, and the lowest cost with other advantages have made roll forming processes suitable to form any shapes in the sheets. In this numerical study, a Finite Element Method is applied to estimate the stress, strain and the thickness distribution in the metal sheet with quadrilateral shape, ribs formed by the 11 steps roll forming processes using a validated model. The metal sheet of size 1,000 × 662 × 1.6 mm taken from SGHS steel was used to form the quadrilateral shape ribs on it by the roll forming process. The simulation results of the 11 step roll forming show that the stress distribution was almost uniform and the strain distribution was concentrated on the ribs. The maximum thinning strain was observed in the order of 15.5 % in the middle rib region possibly due to the least degree of freedom of the material.
Interaction of a Circular Cylindrical Shell with an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Andreev Vladimir I. , Leontiev Andrey N.
Published: February 2018

The problem of static analysis of a circular cylindrical shell, which is located on elastic Winkler foundation and reinforced by the longitudinal edges are considered. There is rib stiffness of rectangular cross section. Exposure is represented evenly distributed along the longitudinal axis forces. The forces acting on the edges of the rigidity of the upper structure. Agreed that the ends of the envelope is flat, vertical walls, giving the contour of the absolute rigidity in the transverse direction and does not prevent the longitudinal displacement of points of the envelope. To solve the problem, the total moment theory of circular cylindrical shell was used. To implement the proposed algorithm is the calculation of computer program. With the help of the program is executed a number of examples of calculation. In these examples, analyze the impact of stress on the shell of such factors as the relative length and thickness, angle mortar shell, the value of the relative rigidity of airborne elements and other.
New Type Multi-Footed Wheel Machinery Design and Analysis
Authors: Xi Chuan Kai , Zhao Dong , Cai Dong Mei , Fan Zhuang Zhuang , Zhou Yan , Qin Li Xiang
Published: February 2018

A new type of multi-footed wheel walking system is designed to break the limitations of the existing walking system. The multi-footed wheel can be used in a variety of complex terrain and can better protect the vegetation on the ground. In this paper, we established a mathematical model and analyzed the mechanics theory of the multi-footed wheel. At the same time, structural analyses of key parts were done using workbench and the rationality and safety of the structure was verified by the studies above.
Influence of Salts on the Spinnability of Poly(Ethylene Glycol)
Authors: Blomberg Tobias , Borgmeier Nicole , Kramer Lars Torben , Witzke Pascal , Grothe Timo , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2018

Electrospinning allows producing nanofiber mats from diverse polymers. In “green electrospinning”, aqueous and other non-hazardous solutions are used as spinning solutions, especially for biopolymers. Physical and chemical material properties of the solutions as well as the nanofiber mats can partly be tailored by co-spinning different materials. Especially for smart textile applications, conductive nanofiber mats are of high interest. However, electrospinning from highly conductive solutions is technically impossible. This article thus investigates the influence of different salts on the conductivity of poly(ethylene glycol) solutions and nanofiber mats and gives an estimate for the maximum possible conductivity of an aqueous polymer solution for electrospinning.
Research on Calculation and Analysis of Clamping Force of Power Cut Self-Locking Device
Authors: Xi Chuan Kai , Zhao Dong , Cai Dong Mei , Fan Zhuang Zhuang , Zhou Yan , Qin Li Xiang
Published: February 2018

Self-locking clamping device is an important part of self locking wind power hydraulic cylinder. When the wind power system is shut down, the hydraulic cylinder must be reliably locked. This paper mainly studies the principle of self-locking device, the calculation of clamping force, the performance factors and the analysis of the elastic deformation force of the lock ring in order to meet the performance requirements of hydraulic cylinder in the process of wind system lock.
Potential External Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beam Using Natural Fiber Composite Plate
Authors: Chin Siew Choo , Tong Foo Sheng , Doh Shu Ing , Gimbun Jolius , Foo Yuen Kei , Siregar Januar Parlaungan
Published: February 2018

A study has been conducted to investigate the potential use of mengkuang leaves or Pandanus atrocarpus bonded with epoxy resin as external strengthening material for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Physical and mechanical properties as well as structural properties of the mengkuang leaves-epoxy composite plates (MLECP) were evaluated in this study. Chemical treatment was performed on the dried mengkuang leaves using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with concentrations of 2%, 5% and 8%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and flexural strength tests were conducted on the mengkuang leaves and flexural specimens, respectively. All the beams were tested to failure under four-point loading. Results showed that the flexural strength of the composite with 0.3 fiber volume ratio exhibited the highest flexural strength. Strengthening of RC beam using MLECP managed to increase the beam capacity.
Analysis on the Wind Flow Measuring of Surrounding Areas in Accordance with Installation of Road Facilities
Authors: You Jang Youl , Nam Byung Hee , Park Hyeon Ku , You Ki Pyo
Published: February 2018

As 70% of the terrain of Korea consists of mountains, it is required to incorporate embankments, bridges and tunnels, etc. into road construction plans. The change in wind flow caused by the construction of embankment, in particular, has led to the increase of wind flow damage. In this study, a research was conducted on the method to facilitate wind flow, changed by the road embankment using culvert. There were a total of 52 points, of which 26 points were in front of the road embankment and 26 points in the back of the road embankment. When the number of two culverts were the same, the wind speed around the culvert was greater by more than 5% ~ 40% in the culvert size 6.0m x 4.5m than in the culver size 3.0m x 2.5m. The findings of the experiment indicates that the reduced wind speed of the wind flow entering and passing through the inlet of culvert can mitigate the congestion of wind flow that would otherwise be caused by the installation of the culvert.
The relative contribution of alternative capital flows to South Africa: An empirical investigation
Authors: Adeola Omolola , Aziakpono Meshach
Published: February 2018

The need for external capital flows to developing countries to supplement domestic savings for investment and growth cannot be over-emphasised, especially in Africa, where there are high levels of poverty and low domestic capacity to save. To achieve sustainable economic growth, countries require other sources of capital from outside the domestic economy. This study uses co-integration and error correction modelling techniques together with tests for weak exogeneity to analyse the effects of four major capital flows into South Africa. This is done for the period 1970 to 2012 in order to determine the relative contribution of these capital flows to South Africa