bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framingham Risk Score and the Risk of Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia
Authors: Viticchi Giovanna , Falsetti Lorenzo , Buratti Laura , Sajeva Giulia , Luzzi Simona , Bartolini Marco , Provinciali Leandro , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: May 2017

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often represents the clinical manifestation of cognitive deterioration preceding Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Currently, there are no reliable approaches for an objective evaluation of the risk of developing AD in MCI patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify whether the Framingham cardiovascular risk profile (FCRP) could be useful to identify patients at the highest risk of conversion from MCI to AD.

Methods: Patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) were carefully investigated to assess their vascular risk profile. They were also submitted to a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. The FCRP was calculated for each patient and the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype was determined from peripheral blood cells. The main outcome was defined as a conversion to AD within 24 months after inclusion.

Results: 385 consecutive aMCI subjects were included. Age, FCRP, and vascular age showed a fairly predictive value on conversion to AD. Selecting the subpopulation of ApoE ɛ4 carriers, we observed that FCRP had an increased performance in predicting the conversion. The rate of conversion increased from 12.5% in the FCRP low-risk group to 43.2% in the high-risk group ( p < 0.0001). ApoE ɛ4 carriers had a 3.7-times increased probability of conversion with respect to the other subjects ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: FCRP assessment could be considered a reliable approach to predict conversion to AD in aMCI subjects. The presence of ApoE ɛ4 increases significantly the risk of conversion. These data confirm the narrow relationship between genetic and vascular risk factors in influencing the evolution of cognitive impairment.
Probability of mycotoxin contamination during post harvest operations of boro paddy
Authors: Zahan A , Ali MA , Alam MM
Published: May 2017

John Deere and Frugal Moisture meter were compared with that of Indosaw standard. Frugal moisture meter was similar to the Indosaw standard but John Deere moisture meter were, on average, 2% higher than the standard. It is believed the John Deere model can be recalibrated to provide accurate results. Baseline survey on mycotoxins among 200 households of two districts of Bangladesh through the questionnaire indicate that the farmers were familiar with grain discoloration due to mold contamination but they did not have any idea about mycotoxins production on grains. Grain samples, one kg from each of 200 households were collected during May and June (Boro 2015), 119 had moisture content >14% and 37 had moisture content >20%. Purity, discoloration, mold invasion, insects and germination were assessed in the laboratory. Inert matter was 10% in 142 samples and >15% in 15 samples. Molds were associated with grain discoloration. Samples with high moisture content had higher quantity of moldy grains and stored pests. There was 25% grain discoloration of which 18% were moldy when the moisture content was >20%. Blotter incubation test revealed 19% incidence of Aspergillus growth on the 19% of the grains and Fusarium growth in 9% of the grains and produce Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillis and fumonisins by Fusarium were detected in rough rice of India (Reddy et al., 1986). Detection and quantification has of these two mycotoxins have not yet been done in Bangladesh. Through the present study the paddy samples will be analyzed by USDA Romer Lab test kit strips to create a national database on mycotoxins in paddy of Bangladesh.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 135-140, December 2016
Selection of rapeseed mutants for higher yield and yield contributing traits
Authors: Malek MA , Rafii MY , Khatun MK
Published: May 2017

Seven mutants along with the mother variety were evaluated following randomized complete block design with four replicates at four rapeseed growing areas of Bangladesh during 2013-2014 to observe their performances regarding seed yield and yield attributes, and to select promising mutants having higher seed yield with short maturity period. Analysis of variance showed highly significant variations among the mutants and the check for most of the characters studied in individual location and combined over locations. The mutant RM-01-07 required the shortest maturity period except Rangpur and the mother variety Binasarisha-4 required the longest. At Mymensingh and Rangpur, mutant RM-02-07 produced the tallest plant. Both at Mymensingh and Magura, RM-01-07 produced the highest number of siliquae plant-1 and the mother variety produced the lowest siliquae plant-1. At Ishurdi, RM-10-07 produced the highest number siliquae followed by RM-03-07. Combined means over locations showed that the six mutants matured earlier except the mutant RM-03-07 and most of the mutants produced higher number of branches plant-1 compared to the mother variety. Results over different locations also showed that the three mutants RM-01-07, RM- 10-07 and RM-04-07 produced significantly higher seed yield (1912, 1846 and 1862 kg/ha, respectively) which was 15.1, 12.1 and 11.1% higher than the mother variety, Binasarisha-4 with seed yield of 1661 kg/ha. These three mutants had also the higher number of siliquae than the mother variety. This suggests that gamma rays irradiation can be fruitfully applied to develop mutants with higher seed yield and other improved agronomic traits in oleiferous Brassica.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 141-146, December 2016
Growth and yield of wheat at different dates of sowing under chrland ecosystem of Bangladesh
Authors: Kamrozzaman MM , Khan MAH , Ahmed S , Sultana N
Published: May 2017

An experiment was conducted at Sadipur charland under Farming System Research and Development Site, Hatgobindapur, Faridpur, during rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to study the growth and yield performance of cv. BARI Gom-24 as affected by different dates of sowing under Agro-ecological Zone-12 (AEZ-12) of Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six replications, comprising five different dates of sowing viz. November 5, November 15, November 25, December 5 and December 15. Results reveal that the tallest plant, leaf area index, total dry matter, and crop growth rate were observed in November 25 sown crop and leaf area index, total dry matter and crop growth rate were higher at booting, grain filling, and tillering stages of the crop. Maximum effective tillers hill-1 (3.49), spikes m-2, (311), number of grains spike-1 (42.20) and 1000-grain weight (52.10 g) were produced by November 25 sown crop exhibited the highest grain (4.30 t ha-1) and straw yield (4.94 t ha-1) as well as harvest index (46.88%) of the crop. Lowest performance was observed both in early (November 5) and late sown crop (December 15). The overall results indicated that November 25 sown crop showed better performance in respect of growth and yield of wheat under charland ecosystem of Bangladesh.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 147-154, December 2016
Effect of sowing time on growth and yield attributes of three mustard cultivars grown in Tidal Floodplain of Bangladesh
Authors: Sharif MAR , Haque MZ , Howlader MHK , Hossain MJ
Published: May 2017

The experiment was conducted at the field laboratory of the Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh during the period from November, 2011 to March 2012 under the tidal Floodplain region to find out optimum sowing time for the selected three cultivars (BARI Sharisha-15, BINA Sharisha-5 and BARI Sharisha-9). There were four sowing dates viz. 30 November, 15 December, 30 December and 15 January. Significant variations due to different sowing dates were observed in plant height, total dry matter, leaf area index, number of siliqua plant-1, seeds silique-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and HI. Results showed that the highest grain yield (1.73 t ha-1) was obtained from the first sowing (30 November) with BINA Sharisha-5 and it was significantly different from the yields of all other combination.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 155-160, December 2016
Bio-stimulation by seed priming with Bacillus subtilis for suppressing seed-borne fungal pathogens of vegetables in Bangladesh
Authors: Tumpa FH , Sultana A , Alam MZ , Khokon MAR
Published: May 2017

Aqueous formulation of rhizopheric beneficial bacteria viz. Bacillus subtilis, an exotic strain collected from Russia was assayed for its performance to suppress the growth of various seed-borne fungi of vegetable. The performance of the bio-agent was appraised based on growth suppression by dual culture method and reduction of seed-borne fungi in the bio-agent treated seeds. Ten seed samples comprise of summer and winter vegetables were examined collected from different local farmers. A total of fourteen fungal species belongs to twelve genera viz. Fusarium moniliforme, Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus flavus, F. oxysporum, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Macrophomina phaseolina, A.niger, Cercospora sp., Phoma exigua, Rhizopus sp., Colletotrichum sp., Phytophthora sp., Penicillium sp., and Curvularia sp. were recorded from different untreated seeds. Vegetables seeds were treated in a concentration (10-3) of aqueous formulation of B. subtilis for two hours followed by air drying for 30 minutes. In general, the incidences of all fungal species of all kinds of vegetables seeds were reduced. But, selectively the best performances were observed in tomato, brinjal, cucumber, wax gourd and okra where most of the fungal species were completely suppressed by seed treatment with Bacillus subtilis. The growth of seed-borne fungi was inhibited highest in wax gourd (100%). The growth inhibition was also at satisfactory level in cucumber (95%), tomato (95%), brinjal (92%) and okra (86%) seeds. The findings of this research indicate the possibility of utilizing B. subtilis as seed treating agents instead of chemical fungicides to control seed-borne diseases of vegetables.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 177-184, December 2016
An economic study on maize residue practices in Dinajpur district
Authors: Uddin MT , Goswami A
Published: May 2017

The study was conducted to examine the maize residue practices and its impact on productivity, profitability on succeeding crop and farmers livelihood. A total of 60 farmers from Ghoraghat upazila of Dinajpur district were selected randomly for data collection. Descriptive statistics (i.e., sum, average, percentages, ratios, etc.), profitability analysis and logit model were employed to achieve the objectives. In case of pattern of maize residue retention, whole retention method was the highest and it was 78.2 percent. The whole retention of maize residue was found higher in far distance plots from homestead and it was 82.8 percent. The highest utilization of maize residue was identified as organic fertilizer and it was 82.2 percent. Due to maize residue practices, both crop and livestock were benefited through resource interdependences. The productivity, profitability and annual income of succeeding crop i.e., Aman rice were higher due to maize residue practicing. The result of logit regression model shows that the farm size, age of household head, farm income and non-farm income were found as significant variables in explaining the maize residue adoption. The access on human capital, social capital, financial capital, natural capital and physical capital were increased by 23.5, 22.7, 26.7, 10.6 and 18.8 percent, respectively due to the practice of maize residue in comparison to traditional farming. The study recommended that farmers could enhance their livelihood if they get proper training facilities and extension services for maize residue management.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 209-218, December 2016
Growth and production performance of carps in shaded pond in Barisal, Bangladesh
Authors: Rumpa RJ , Haque MM , Alam MM , Rahamatullah SM
Published: May 2017

The shaded nature of ponds in Barisal region constrained the pond polyculture. The present study was conducted with such shaded ponds to evaluate the growth and production performance of different carp species including rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla), mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in polyculture system. In this experiment, polyculture of carps at similar densities were conducted in two different types of shaded ponds selecting nine ponds at Dinar village in Charkawa Union of Barisal Sadar sub-district. Out of 9 ponds, 5 were heavily shaded ponds (HSP) and 4 were moderately shaded ponds (MSP) considered as T1 and T2, respectively. The average area of HSP and MSP was 0.03±0.01 and 0.07±0.03 ha, respectively which were experimented for a period of l80 days from July to December 2013. Carps were stocked at the rate of 14820/ha with the ratio of rohu, catla, mrigal and common carp - 2:1:2:1. Carps were fed with supplementary feed of the mixture of rice bran, wheat bran and mustard oilcake at the rate of 10% body weight for first 3 months and 5% body weight for last 3 months. The water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrite and ammonia were recorded. The highest weight gain was found in common carp (467.00±0.00 g) in T1 and lowest weight gained in mrigal (172.46±26.80 g) in T1. Apart from common carp, the individual growth and production of other species was higher in MSP compared to HSP. The higher production was obtained in T2 (2122.92±333.60 kg/ha/year) compared to T1 (1547.79±132.94 kg/ha/year).J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 235-241, December 2016
Thomas More and the “genius” of Utopia
Authors: Curtright Travis
Published: May 2017

Was Thomas More a “genius”? This essay examines the meaning and English translation of the Latin word ingenium in the prefatory letters to the 1518 edition of Utopia. In the context of the classical oratorical tradition and its important iteration and adjustment in De copia (1512–34), the uses of ingenium indicate how humanist readers of Utopia assessed More's rhetorical abilities.
A trace of equity in Utopia? On Raphael's reformulation of classical equity
Authors: Karlin Louis W. , Teti Jordan D.
Published: May 2017

“Equity,” a fertile concept for understanding justice in More's time, has its origins in Greek and Roman philosophy. As the putative emissary of Greek (and Ciceronian) philosophy in More's Utopia, it is thus fitting that Raphael Hythloday expressly acknowledges classical sources in his references to equity, such as in his allusion to the “leaden rule” of Aristotle and his paraphrase of Cicero's famous epigram, “summum ius, summa iniuria.” In substance, however, Raphael's understanding of equity differs from that of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero. For example, while classical thinkers sought flexibility in the application of written law so as to accord with a higher justice (as in the “leaden rule”), Raphael rejects such impure flexibility. Also, Utopia, itself, a land with few laws and fewer lawyers, lacks equity as it was traditionally understood—that is, as a justice-facilitating corrective to the imprecision of written law. Nevertheless, Raphael emotionally concludes Book Two by apparently praising the “fairness” (aequitas) of Utopia.

Despite his appeals to equity, Raphael actually appears to be an inequitable man in the action of the dialogue, with his brash monologues, tendentious citations of the Gospel, and dubious references to equity, itself. By contrast, Cardinal Morton and Morus embody the traits of the “equitable man,” a figure with a key role in promoting justice in Aristotle's Ethics and Rhetoric and in bringing about the best regime in Plato's Laws and Republic. This irony in Utopia helps readers appreciate the fruits and risks of incorporating philosophy into politics, especially as it relates to clamoring for reform. We see the important distinction between impassioned partisans of philosophy (such as Raphael) and the enlightened gentleness of men like Morton and Morus.
Outsiders of Hagnopolis: unbelief, fear, and religion in Thomas More's Utopia
Authors: Olmo Ismael del
Published: May 2017

This paper deals with unbelief and its relationship with fear and religion in Thomas More's Utopia. It stresses the fact that Epicurean and radical Aristotelian theses challenged Christian notions about immortality, Providence, and divine Judgement. The examples of Niccolò Machiavelli and Pietro Pomponazzi, contemporaries of More, are set to show a heterodox connection between these theses and the notion of fear of eternal punishment. More's account of the Utopian religion, on the contrary, distinguishes between human fear and religious fear. This distinction enables him to highlight the threat to spiritual and civic life posed by those who deny the soul and divine retribution.
The difference theology makes: a reflection on the first margin note in Thomas More's Utopia
Authors: Foley Michael
Published: May 2017

Because the distinction between mendacium dicere and mentiri is taken from a pre-Christian text on grammar, Utopia's opening margin note about a “theological difference” between uttering a falsehood and lying has long been seen as ironic or an instance of playful misdirection. Without denying these conclusions, this essay argues that the distinction is theological insofar as it reflects the theology of St. Augustine, especially as presented in his early “Cassiciacum” dialogues. Utopia's first and arguably most important margin note is even more ironic than previously thought.
Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Using Hydrolyzates of Spruce Sawdust: Comparison of Hydrolyzates Detoxification by Application of Overliming, Active Carbon, and Lignite
Authors: Kucera Dan , Benesova Pavla , Ladicky Peter , Pekar Miloslav , Sedlacek Petr , Obruca Stanislav
Published: May 2017

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bacterial polyesters which are considered biodegradable alternatives to petrochemical plastics. PHAs have a wide range of potential applications, however, the production cost of this bioplastic is several times higher. A major percentage of the final cost is represented by the price of the carbon source used in the fermentation. Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia sacchari are generally considered promising candidates for PHA production from lignocellulosic hydrolyzates. The wood waste biomass has been subjected to hydrolysis. The resulting hydrolyzate contained a sufficient amount of fermentable sugars. Growth experiments indicated a strong inhibition by the wood hydrolyzate. Over-liming and activated carbon as an adsorbent of inhibitors were employed for detoxification. All methods of detoxification had a positive influence on the growth of biomass and PHB production. Furthermore, lignite was identified as a promising alternative sorbent which can be used for detoxification of lignocellulose hydrolyzates. Detoxification using lignite instead of activated carbon had lower inhibitor removal efficiency, but greater positive impact on growth of the bacterial culture and overall PHA productivity. Moreover, lignite is a significantly less expensive adsorbent in comparison with activated charcoal and; moreover, used lignite can be simply utilized as a fuel to, at least partially, cover heat and energetic demands of fermentation, which should improve the economic feasibility of the process.
Catalyst Residue and Oxygen Species Inhibition of the Formation of Hexahapto-Metal Complexes of Group 6 Metals on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wright Kourtney , Barron Andrew
Published: May 2017

The reaction of Group 6 metals with SWCNT has the potential to bridge the resistive SWCNT…SWCNT junctions by the formation of “Cr(SWCNT)2” complexes analogous to Cr(C6H6)2. This study reports that the formation of such species is very sensitive to oxidation by a residual iron oxide catalyst used for the growth of the SWCNTs and adsorbed/bound oxygen functionality. The reaction of raw HiPco SWCNTs with M(CO)6 and (C7H8)M(CO)3 (M = Cr, W) or (C6H6)Cr(CO)3 results in the formation of the Group 6 metal oxides. Annealing and acid treating the HiPco SWCNTs to reduce the catalyst content allows for the observation of zero valent metals by XPS, while the use of very high purity SWCNTs and graphene allows for the addition of primarily zero valent Group 6 metals, including the bis-hexahapto metal complex.
Analysis of the Efficient High-Temperature in Situ Photoluminescence from GaN Layers during Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Prall Christoph , Erni Daniel , Rueter Dirk
Published: May 2017

Photoluminescence (PL) in GaN or InGaN layers monitored during epitaxial growth at high temperatures permits a quasi-continuous in situ characterization of opto-electronic properties. Therefore, epitaxial parameters can now be optimized at the earliest possible stage. A pulsed and high-power UV laser was required for PL excitation at high temperatures. Herein, the underlying nonlinear mechanism was studied via time-resolved PL experiments and rate equation-based modeling. A temperature-activated and saturable path for quenching over defects was identified. Beyond the saturation threshold, reasonably-intensive PL sets in. At high temperatures not only is the near band gap-PL present, but also—as a new observation—a defect-assisted PL emerges. Apart from these specific electronic transitions in high-temperature PL of GaN, a simple, but reasonably predictive model of the luminescent thin film has been set up to track down interference fringes in the PL spectra. It is worth mentioning that the spectral PL modulation (aiming at the Purcell effect) is often mixed up with ordinary Fabry–Pérot interference. A distinction has become key to properly analyze the spectral signatures of high-temperature PL in order to provide a reliable in situ characterization of GaN layers during epitaxial growth.
Effect of Al Substitution on Structural, Magnetic, and Magnetocaloric Properties of Er6Fe23−xAlx (x = 0 and 3) Intermetallic Compounds
Authors: Jemmali M. , Alleg S. , Dhahri E. , Bessais L.
Published: May 2017

The structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of Er6Fe23−xAlx (x = 0 and 3) intermetallic compounds have been studied systematically. Samples were prepared using the arc furnace by annealing at 1073 K for one week. Rietveld analysis of XRD shows the formation of pure crystalline phase with cubic Fm-3m structure. Refinement results show that the unit cell volume decreases with increasing Al content. The Curie temperature Tc of the prepared samples was found to be strongly dependent on the aluminum content. This reduces magnetization and the ferrimagnetic phase transition temperature (Tc) from 481 K (for x = 0) to 380 K (for x = 3), is due to the substitution of magnetic element (Fe) by non-magnetic atoms (Al). With the increase of the Al content, a decrease in the values of magnetic entropy is observed. The magnitude of the isothermal magnetic entropy (|∆SM|) at the Tc decreases from 1.8 J/kg·K for x = 0 to 0.58 J/kg·K for x = 3 for a field change 14 kOe. Respectively, the relative cooling power (RCP) decreases with increasing Al content reaching 42 Jkg−1 for x = 0 to 28 Jkg−1 for x = 3.
Unit Roots and Structural Breaks
Authors: Perron Pierre
Published: May 2017

This special issue deals with problems related to unit roots and structural change, and the interplay between the two.[...]
Measurement of Soot Volume Fraction and Temperature for Oxygen-Enriched Ethylene Combustion Based on Flame Image Processing
Authors: Yan Weijie , Chen Dongmei , Yang Zuomei , Yan Enyu , Zhao Peitao
Published: May 2017

A method for simultaneously visualizing the two-dimensional distributions of temperature and soot volume fraction in an ethylene flame was presented. A single-color charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was used to capture the flame image in the visible spectrum considering the broad-response spectrum of the R and G bands of the camera. The directional emissive power of the R and G bands were calibrated and used for measurement. Slightly increased temperatures and reduced soot concentration were predicted in the central flame without self-absorption effects considered, an iterative algorithm was used for eliminating the effect of self-absorption. Nine different cases were presented in the experiment to demonstrate the effects of fuel mass flow rate and oxygen concentration on temperature and soot concentration in three different atmospheres. For ethylene combustion in pure-air atmosphere, as the fuel mass flow rate increased, the maximum temperature slightly decreased, and the maximum soot volume fraction slightly increased. For oxygen fractions of 30%, 40%, and 50% combustion in O2/N2 oxygen-enhanced atmospheres, the maximum flame temperatures were 2276, 2451, and 2678 K, whereas combustion in O2/CO2 atmospheres were 1916, 2322, and 2535 K. The maximum soot volume fractions were 4.5, 7.0, and 9.5 ppm in oxygen-enriched O2/N2 atmosphere and 13.6, 15.3, and 14.8 ppm in oxygen-enriched O2/CO2 atmosphere. Compared with the O2/CO2 atmosphere, combustion in the oxygen-enriched O2/N2 atmosphere produced higher flame temperature and larger soot volume fraction. Preliminary results indicated that this technique is reliable and can be used for combustion diagnosis.
Failure Mechanical Behavior of Australian Strathbogie Granite at High Temperatures: Insights from Particle Flow Modeling
Authors: Yang Sheng-Qi , Tian Wen-Ling , Ranjith Pathegama Gamage
Published: May 2017

Thermally induced damage has an important influence on rock mechanics and engineering, especially for high-level radioactive waste repositories, geological carbon storage, underground coal gasification, and hydrothermal systems. Additionally, the wide application of geothermal heat requires knowledge of the geothermal conditions of reservoir rocks at elevated temperature. However, few methods to date have been reported for investigating the micro-mechanics of specimens at elevated temperatures. Therefore, this paper uses a cluster model in particle flow code in two dimensions (PFC2D) to simulate the uniaxial compressive testing of Australian Strathbogie granite at various elevated temperatures. The peak strength and ultimate failure mode of the granite specimens at different elevated temperatures obtained by the numerical methods are consistent with those obtained by experimentation. Since the tensile force is always concentrated around the boundary of the crystal, cracks easily occur at the intergranular contacts, especially between the b-b and b-k boundaries where less intragranular contact is observed. The intergranular and intragranular cracking of the specimens is almost constant with increasing temperature at low temperature, and then it rapidly and linearly increases. However, the inflection point of intergranular micro-cracking is less than that of intragranular cracking. Intergranular cracking is more easily induced by a high temperature than intragranular cracking. At an elevated temperature, the cumulative micro-crack counts curve propagates in a stable way during the active period, and it has no unstable crack propagation stage. The micro-cracks and parallel bond forces in the specimens with elevated temperature evolution and axial strain have different characteristics than those at lower temperature. More branch fractures and isolated wider micro-cracks are generated with increasing temperature when the temperature is over 400 °C. Therefore, the total number of cracks is almost constant when the temperature is below 400 °C; next, it linearly increases when the temperature is over 400 °C. This trend is the same as that observed by experimentation.
Wind Turbine Wake Mitigation through Blade Pitch Offset
Authors: Dilip Deepu , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: May 2017

The reduction in power output associated with complex turbine-wake interactions in wind farms necessitates the development of effective wake mitigation strategies. One approach to this end entails the downregulation of individual turbines from its maximum power point with the objective of optimizing the overall wind farm productivity. Downregulation via blade pitch offset has been of interest as a potential strategy, though the viability of this method is still not clear, especially in regard to its sensitivity to ambient turbulence. In this study, large-eddy simulations of a two-turbine arrangement, with the second turbine in the full wake of the first, were performed. The effects of varying the blade pitch angle of the upstream turbine on its wake characteristics, as well as the combined power of the two, were investigated. Of specific interest was the effect of turbulence intensity of the inflow on the efficacy of this method. Results showed enhanced wake recovery associated with pitching to stall, as opposed to pitching to feather, which delayed wake recovery. The increased wake recovery resulted in a noticeable increase in the power of the two-turbine configuration, only in conditions characterized by low turbulence in the incoming flow. Nevertheless, the low turbulence scenarios where the use of this method is favorable, are expected in realistic wind farms, suggesting its possible application for improved power generation.
Robust Frequency and Voltage Stability Control Strategy for Standalone AC/DC Hybrid Microgrid
Authors: Asghar Furqan , Talha Muhammad , Kim Sung
Published: May 2017

The microgrid (MG) concept is attracting considerable attention as a solution to energy deficiencies, especially in remote areas, but the intermittent nature of renewable sources and varying loads cause many control problems and thereby affect the quality of power within a microgrid operating in standalone mode. This might cause large frequency and voltage deviations in the system due to unpredictable output power fluctuations. Furthermore, without any main grid support, it is more complex to control and manage the system. In past, droop control and various other coordination control strategies have been presented to stabilize the microgrid frequency and voltages, but in order to utilize the available resources up to their maximum capacity in a positive way, new and robust control mechanisms are required. In this paper, a standalone microgrid is presented, which integrates renewable energy-based distributed generations and local loads. A fuzzy logic-based intelligent control technique is proposed to maintain the frequency and DC (direct current)-link voltage stability for sudden changes in load or generation power. Also from a frequency control perspective, a battery energy storage system (BESS) is suggested as a replacement for a synchronous generator to stabilize the nominal system frequency as a synchronous generator is unable to operate at its maximum efficiency while being controlled for stabilization purposes. Likewise, a super capacitor (SC) and BESS is used to stabilize DC bus voltages even though maximum possible energy is being extracted from renewable generated sources using maximum power point tracking. This newly proposed control method proves to be effective by reducing transient time, minimizing the frequency deviations, maintaining voltages even though maximum power point tracking is working and preventing generators from exceeding their power ratings during disturbances. However, due to the BESS limited capacity, load switching (load shedding scheme) as last option is also introduced in this paper. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy from both frequency and voltage perspectives.
Recycling of Rolling Stocks
Authors: Silva Rafael , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: May 2017

This review paper highlights feasible and practicable approaches for managing end-of-life rolling stocks. It aims to promote and enable sustainable procurement policy for rolling stocks. Firstly, it demonstrates that modern rolling stocks can potentially gain the environmental benefits since almost all of their materials used in the rolling stock manufacturing can be recycled and reused. In this study, a brief definition and concept of various train types are introduced and discussed, accompanied by some demonstrative illustrations. Then, component analyses, recovery rates and percent proportion of each material in various rolling stock assemblies have been evaluated. The estimation of material quantities that can potentially be recycled has been carried out using industry data sources. The suitable management procedures for end-of-life rail vehicles are then discussed, together with the life cycle of the key materials in which the recyclability criteria take into account the environmental risks and the best and safest approaches to deal with them. The aim of this study is to increase the awareness of the public, train manufacturers and rail industries on the benefits to the environment from rolling stock recycling, which could result in sustainable society and urban livings.
Production of Bioethanol from Agricultural Wastes Using Residual Thermal Energy of a Cogeneration Plant in the Distillation Phase
Authors: Cutzu Raffaela , Bardi Laura
Published: May 2017

Alcoholic fermentations were performed, adapting the technology to exploit the residual thermal energy (hot water at 83–85 °C) of a cogeneration plant and to valorize agricultural wastes. Substrates were apple, kiwifruit, and peaches wastes; and corn threshing residue (CTR). Saccharomyces bayanus was chosen as starter yeast. The fruits, fresh or blanched, were mashed; CTR was gelatinized and liquefied by adding Liquozyme® SC DS (Novozymes, Dittingen, Switzerland); saccharification simultaneous to fermentation was carried out using the enzyme Spirizyme® Ultra (Novozymes, Dittingen, Switzerland). Lab-scale static fermentations were carried out at 28 °C and 35 °C, using raw fruits, blanched fruits and CTR, monitoring the ethanol production. The highest ethanol production was reached with CTR (10.22% (v/v) and among fruits with apple (8.71% (v/v)). Distillations at low temperatures and under vacuum, to exploit warm water from a cogeneration plant, were tested. Vacuum simple batch distillation by rotary evaporation at lab scale at 80 °C (heating bath) and 200 mbar or 400 mbar allowed to recover 93.35% (v/v) and 89.59% (v/v) of ethanol, respectively. These results support a fermentation process coupled to a cogeneration plant, fed with apple wastes and with CTR when apple wastes are not available, where hot water from cogeneration plant is used in blanching and distillation phases. The scale up in a pilot plant was also carried out.
Epidemiological Features and Forecast Model Analysis for the Morbidity of Influenza in Ningbo, China, 2006–2014
Authors: Wang Chunli , Li Yongdong , Feng Wei , Liu Kui , Zhang Shu , Hu Fengjiao , Jiao Suli , Lao Xuying , Ni Hongxia , Xu Guozhang
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to identify circulating influenza virus strains and vulnerable population groups and investigate the distribution and seasonality of influenza viruses in Ningbo, China. Then, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for prediction was established. Influenza surveillance data for 2006–2014 were obtained for cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) (n = 129,528) from the municipal Centers for Disease Control and virus surveillance systems of Ningbo, China. The ARIMA model was proposed to predict the expected morbidity cases from January 2015 to December 2015. Of the 13,294 specimens, influenza virus was detected in 1148 (8.64%) samples, including 951 (82.84%) influenza type A and 197 (17.16%) influenza type B viruses; the influenza virus isolation rate was strongly correlated with the rate of ILI during the overall study period (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). The ARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 0)12 model could be used to predict the ILI incidence in Ningbo. The seasonal pattern of influenza activity in Ningbo tended to peak during the rainy season and winter. Given those results, the model we established could effectively predict the trend of influenza-related morbidity, providing a methodological basis for future influenza monitoring and control strategies in the study area.
Lithium in the Natural Waters of the South East of Ireland
Authors: Kavanagh Laurence , Keohane Jerome , Cleary John , Garcia Cabellos Guiomar , Lloyd Andrew
Published: May 2017

The South East of Ireland (County Carlow) contains a deposit of the valuable lithium-bearing mineral spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2). This resource has recently attracted interest and abstractive mining in the area is a possibility for the future. The open cast mining of this resource could represent a potential hazard in the form of metalliferous pollution to local water. The population of County Carlow is just under 60,000. The local authority reports that approximately 75.7% of the population’s publicly supplied drinking water is abstracted from surface water and 11.6% from groundwater. In total, 12.7% of the population abstract their water from private groundwater wells. Any potential entry of extraneous metals into the area’s natural waters will have implications for people in county Carlow. It is the goal of this paper to establish background concentrations of lithium and other metals in the natural waters prior to any mining activity. Our sampling protocol totaled 115 sites along five sampling transects, sampled through 2015. From this dataset, we report a background concentration of dissolved lithium in the natural waters of County Carlow, surface water at x ¯ = 0.02, SD = 0.02 ranging from 0 to 0.091 mg/L and groundwater at x ¯ = 0.023, SD = 0.02 mg/L ranging from 0 to 0.097 mg/L.
Gender Differences of Arterial Stiffness and Arterial Age in Smokers
Authors: Mozos Ioana , Maidana Jean , Stoian Dana , Stehlik Milan
Published: May 2017

The present study aimed to find gender differences for arterial stiffness and arterial aging in smokers. A total of 147 smokers (71 male and 76 female, matched for age) were explored using an Arteriograph in a cross-sectional survey. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial age (AA), brachial and aortic augmentation index (AixBrach, AixAo), and blood pressure variables were assessed. Data about smoking intensity, such as the number of cigarettes smoked daily, smoking period, and smoking pack years (SPY) were used. No significant differences were found for PWV, AA, AixBrach and AixAo. Significant correlations were found between SPY and PWV, augmentation indices, and AA, respectively. The cut-off values for SPY were higher for an increased arterial stiffness in male compared to female smokers (18.5 and 7.5 pack year, respectively). SPY is significantly associated with an increased arterial stiffness in smokers regardless of gender, and with an increased SBPAo only in female smokers. The results of our study indicate gender differences for arterial stiffness and arterial age in smokers.
Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals and the Environmental Quality of Soil in the Northern Plateau of Spain by Geostatistical Methods
Authors: Santos-Francés Fernando , Martínez-Graña Antonio , Zarza Carmelo , Sánchez Antonio , Rojo Pilar
Published: May 2017

The environmental quality of soil in the central part of the Northern Plateau of Spain has been analyzed by studying the heavy metal content of 166 samples belonging to the horizons A, B and C of 89 soil profiles. The analysis to assess the environmental risk of heavy metals in the soil was carried out by means of the spatial distribution of nine heavy metals and the use of several pollution indices. The results showed that the concentration values of heavy metals (x ± S) in the superficial soil horizons were the following: With a total of 6.71 ± 3.51 mg kg −1, the contents of Cd is 0.08 ± 0.06 mg kg−1, Co is 6.49 ± 3.21 mg kg−1, Cu is 17.19 ± 10.69 mg kg−1, Cr is 18.68 ± 12.28 mg kg−1, Hg is 0.083 ± 0.063 mg kg−1, Ni is 12.05 ± 6.76 mg kg−1, Pb is 14.10 ± 11.32 mg kg−1 and Zn is 35.31 ± 14.63 mg kg−1. These nine metals exceed the values of the natural geological background level of Tertiary period sediments and rocks that form part of the Northern Plateau in Spain. Nemerow and Potential Ecological Risk indices were calculated, with the “improved” Nemerow index allowing pollution within the soil superficial horizons to be determined. The data obtained indicated that the majority of the soil (54.61%) showed low to moderate contamination, 22.31% showed moderate contamination and 21.54% of the samples were not contaminated. If we consider the Potential of Ecological Risk Index (RI), the largest percentage of soil samples showed low (70.79%) to moderate (25.38%) ecological risk of potential contamination, where the rest of the soil presented a considerable risk of contamination. The nine trace elements were divided into three principal components: PC1 (Cu, Cr, Ni, Co and Zn), PC2 (As and Hg) and PC3 (Cd). All metals accumulated in the soil came from parent rock, agricultural practices and the run-off of residual waters towards rivers and streams caused by industrial development and an increase in population density. Finally, cartography of the spatial distribution of the heavy metal contents in the soil of the Northern Plateau of Spain was generated using Kriging interpolation methods. Furthermore, the total heavy metal contents in three soil orders present in the area, namely Entisols, Inceptisols, and Alfisols, were analyzed. Other soil parameters, such as the organic matter content, pH, clay content and cation exchange capacity, was measured to determine their influence on and correlation with the heavy metal contents.
Geographical Environment Factors and Risk Assessment of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Hulunbuir, Northeastern China
Authors: Li Yifan , Wang Juanle , Gao Mengxu , Fang Liqun , Liu Changhua , Lyu Xin , Bai Yongqing , Zhao Qiang , Li Hairong , Yu Hongjie , Cao Wuchun , Feng Liqiang , Wang Yanjun , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2017

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of natural foci diseases transmitted by ticks. Its distribution and transmission are closely related to geographic and environmental factors. Identification of environmental determinates of TBE is of great importance to understanding the general distribution of existing and potential TBE natural foci. Hulunbuir, one of the most severe endemic areas of the disease, is selected as the study area. Statistical analysis, global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis, and regression methods were applied to detect the spatiotemporal characteristics, compare the impact degree of associated factors, and model the risk distribution using the heterogeneity. The statistical analysis of gridded geographic and environmental factors and TBE incidence show that the TBE patients mainly occurred during spring and summer and that there is a significant positive spatial autocorrelation between the distribution of TBE cases and environmental characteristics. The impact degree of these factors on TBE risks has the following descending order: temperature, relative humidity, vegetation coverage, precipitation and topography. A high-risk area with a triangle shape was determined in the central part of Hulunbuir; the low-risk area is located in the two belts next to the outside edge of the central triangle. The TBE risk distribution revealed that the impact of the geographic factors changed depending on the heterogeneity.
Identification of a Blue Zone in a Typical Chinese Longevity Region
Authors: Huang Yi , Mark Jacquez Geoffrey
Published: May 2017

Influenced by a special local environment, the proportion of centenarians is particularly high in some places, known as “blue zones”. Blue zones are mysterious regions that continue to attract research. This paper explores the spatial distribution of the longevity population in a typical Chinese longevity region. Longevity evaluation indexes are used to analyze the longevity phenomenon in 88 towns between 2011 and 2015. Our research findings show that longevity is more important than birth rate and migration in shaping the degree of deep aging in the research region. Fluctuations in the proportion of centenarians are much higher than for nonagenarians, both in relation to towns and to years. This is because there are so few centenarians that data collected over a short time period cannot accurately represent the overall degree of longevity in a small region; data and statistics must be collected over a longer time period to achieve this. GIS analysis revealed a stable longevity zone located in the center of the research region. This area seems to help people live more easily to 90–99 years old; however, its ability to help nonagenarians live to 100 is a weaker effect.
The Effects of the Global Economic Recession and a Reduced Alcohol Tax on Hospitalizations Due to Alcohol-Attributed Diseases in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Chen-Mao , Lin Chih-Ming
Published: May 2017

This study is to assess the effects of the 2008 economic crisis and a 2009 alcohol tax reduction on alcohol-related morbidity for men of different socioeconomic statuses in Taiwan. Admissions data for the period from 2007 to 2012 for men aged 24–59 years in 2007 was retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database. With stratification over three income levels, an interrupted time-series analysis examining the effects of the crisis and taxation reduction on incidence rates of hospitalization for alcohol-attributed diseases (AADs) was employed. The low income group showed a significant (p < 0.05) change in the rate of AAD-related hospitalizations in July 2008; specifically, an abrupt 7.11% increase that was then sustained for several months thereafter. In contrast, while the middle income group exhibited a significant 22.9% decline in the rate of AAD-related hospitalizations over the course of the crisis, that downward trend was gradual. The reduction of the alcohol tax resulted in increased rates of AADs among both the low and high income groups. The economic recession and the reduction of the alcohol tax resulted in an increased rate of AAD among low income men.
Biological and Physicochemical Functions of Ubiquitylation Revealed by Synthetic Chemistry Approaches
Authors: Morimoto Daichi , Walinda Erik , Sugase Kenji , Shirakawa Masahiro
Published: May 2017

Most intracellular proteins are subjected to post-translational modification by ubiquitin. Accordingly, it is of fundamental importance to investigate the biological and physicochemical effects of ubiquitylation on substrate proteins. However, preparation of ubiquitylated proteins by an enzymatic synthesis bears limitations in terms of yield and site-specificity. Recently established chemical ubiquitylation methodologies can overcome these problems and provide a new understanding of ubiquitylation. Herein we describe the recent chemical ubiquitylation procedures with a focus on the effects of ubiquitylation on target proteins revealed by the synthetic approach.