bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Science and Christianity: Friends or Foes?
Authors: Woolnough Brian E.
Published: March 2010

In this article I will discuss the relationship between science and Christianity and argue that the two should be considered as complementary, not conflicting, ways of looking at God’s world. It is aimed primarily at those Christians without a scientific background, who have been lead to believe that science in general and the theory of evolution in particular, lead people away from God.After a short history to put the debate into context, underlying issues which can lead to misunderstanding will be discussed; issues relating to different forms of knowledge, different forms of truth, and, in particular, the use of metaphor in both science and in Christianity. In conclusion, dangers to the Church and the faith of believers by perpetuating the ‘conflict’ myth between science and faith will be suggested.
Electroencephalogram Discharges in Atypical Cognitive Development
Authors: Frye Richard E. , Butler Ian , Strickland David , Castillo Edwardo , Papanicolaou Andrew
Published: March 2010

To investigate the significance of electroencephalogram (EEG) discharges and their treatment, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 22 children with atypical cognitive development that did not respond to standard educational therapy and demonstrated discharges on EEG. Most children demonstrated no obvious symptoms of seizures, and developmental regression and/or fluctuations were uncommon. The majority of children demonstrated a language and attention disorder and autism symptomatology and had multifocal discharges on EEGs. Of the 20 patients treated with antiepileptic medications, 70% demonstrated definite improvement within 1 clinic visit. This study suggests that children with EEG discharges and developmental cognitive disorders demonstrate a unique pattern of symptomatology and discharges on EEG. This study suggests that children with developmental cognitive disorders that do not respond to standard therapy may benefit from screening with an EEG and a trial of antiepileptic mediation if discharges are detected.
Spinal Cord Infarction Due to Fibrocartilaginous Embolization: The Role of Diffusion Weighted Imaging and Short-Tau Inversion Recovery Sequences
Authors: Manara Renzo , Calderone Milena , Severino Maria Savina , Citton Valentina , Toldo Irene , Laverda Anna Maria , Sartori Stefano
Published: March 2010

Fibrocartilaginous embolization is a rare cause of ischemic myelopathy caused by embolization of intersomatic disk nucleus pulposus into spinal vasculature during Valsalva-like maneuvers. Diagnostic criteria are based on patient’s clinical history, magnetic resonance evidence of T2-hyperintense spinal cord lesion, and exclusion of other causes of ischemic myelopathy. These criteria do not take into account the development of magnetic resonance techniques able to enhance signal abnormalities within the neighboring intersomatic disc or vertebral body and to early characterize central nervous system lesions according to the presence of cytotoxic edema. We present 2 pediatric cases of progressive paraplegia attributed to fibrocartilaginous embolization in which short-tau inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences played a pivotal role showing the ischemic nature of spinal cord lesions. Due to its specificity, diffusion-weighted imaging should be included in the magnetic resonance criteria of fibrocartilaginous embolization and in standard magnetic resonance analysis when dealing with acute transverse myelopathy.
Occupational Sex Composition and the Gendered Availability of Workplace Support
Authors: Taylor Catherine J.
Published: March 2010

This study examines how occupational sex segregation affects women’s and men’s perceptions of the availability of workplace support. Drawing on theories of gender and empirical studies of workplace tokenism, the author develops the concept of an occupational minority. Although the notion of tokenism was developed to describe processes at the level of the workplace, the author explores how being a minority at the occupational level affects workers. Using nationally representative data, she finds that in mixed-sex occupations, women report higher levels of workplace support than men; in male-dominated occupations, they perceive relatively low levels of support. Men, by contrast, perceive relatively high levels of workplace support in female-dominated occupations. That is, being a member of a numerical minority in one’s occupation is an advantage for men and a disadvantage for women.
Trajectory Tracking and Vibration Suppression for General Spatial Motion of a Flexible Plate via Two-time Scale and Boundary Control Methods
Authors: Lotfazar Amir , Eghtesad Mohammad , Najafi Ali , Ashrafzadeh Saman
Published: March 2010

In this paper, general spatial trajectory tracking problem of a flexible plate is studied. To obtain dynamic equations of motion of the plate, Hamiltonian dynamics is used and then Lagrange’s equations of the plate dynamics and the corresponding expressions for boundary conditions are derived. Resulting equations show that the coupled plate dynamics including plate vibration and its rigid spatial motion take place in two different time domains. By using two-time scale (TTS) control theory, a control scheme is elaborated that makes the orientation and position of selected points of the plate track a desired trajectory while suppressing the plate’s vibration. TTS composite controller has two parts: one is a tracking controller designed for the slow (rigid) subsystem, and the other one is a stabilizing controller for the fast (flexible) subsystem. For the fast subsystem, the proposed boundary control method does not require any information about vibration of the interior points of the plate; nor requires discretizing the partial differential equation of the plate vibration to a set of ordinary differential equations. This part of the control commands consists of feedback of the velocities at the boundary points of the plate. So, the method avoids the need for instruments to measure data from vibration of any points inside the plate or designing an observer for estimating this information. Also the proposed method prevents control spillover due to discretization and resorting to truncation of the model. Simulation results show that the fast stabilizing control commands at the boundary are able to remove undesirable vibration of the flexible plate and the slow controller provides very good trajectory tracking with acceptable actuating forces/moments.
Hip Microfracture
Authors: McGill Kevin C. , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Nho Shane J.
Published: March 2010

Microfracture is a marrow-stimulating technique used in the hip to treat cartilage defects associated with femoro-acetabular impingement, instability, or traumatic hip injury. These defects have a low probability of healing spontaneously and therefore often require surgical intervention. Originally adapted from the knee, microfracture is part of a spectrum of cartilage repair options that include palliative procedures such as debridement and lavage, reparative procedures such as marrow-stimulating techniques (abrasion arthroplasty and microfracture), and restorative procedures such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and osteochondral allograft/autografts. The basic indications for microfracture of the hip include focal and contained lesions typically less than 4 cm in diameter, full-thickness (Outerbridge grade IV) defects in weightbearing areas, unstable lesions with intact subchondral bone, and focal lesions without evidence of surrounding chondromalacia. Although not extensively studied in the hip, there are some small clinical series with promising early outcomes. Although the widespread use of microfracture in the hip is hindered by difficulties in identifying lesions on preoperative imaging and instrumentation to circumvent the femoral head, this technique continues to gain acceptance as an initial treatment for small, focal cartilage defects.
Surgical management of mediastinal liposarcoma extending from hypopharynx to carina: Case report
Authors: Gethin-Jones Thomas L , Evans Nathaniel R , Morse Christopher R
Published: March 2010

We describe the complete resection of a giant, well-differentiated mediastinal liposarcoma extending retropharynx to envelop the aortic arch, trachea and esophagus following preoperative radiotherapy.
Microrna profiling analysis of differences between the melanoma of young adults and older adults
Authors: Jukic Drazen M , Rao Uma NM , Kelly Lori , Skaf Jihad S , Drogowski Laura M , Kirkwood John M , Panelli Monica C
Published: March 2010

Background

This study represents the first attempt to perform a profiling analysis of the intergenerational differences in the microRNAs (miRNAs) of primary cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms in young adult and older age groups. The data emphasize the importance of these master regulators in the transcriptional machinery of melanocytic neoplasms and suggest that differential levels of expressions of these miRs may contribute to differences in phenotypic and pathologic presentation of melanocytic neoplasms at different ages.

Methods

An exploratory miRNA analysis of 666 miRs by low density microRNA arrays was conducted on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissues (FFPE) from 10 older adults and 10 young adults including conventional melanoma and melanocytic neoplasms of uncertain biological significance. Age-matched benign melanocytic nevi were used as controls.

Results

Primary melanoma in patients greater than 60 years old was characterized by the increased expression of miRs regulating TLR-MyD88-NF-kappaB pathway (hsa-miR-199a), RAS/RAB22A pathway (hsa-miR-204); growth differentiation and migration (hsa-miR337), epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) (let-7b, hsa-miR-10b/10b*), invasion and metastasis (hsa-miR-10b/10b*), hsa-miR-30a/e*, hsa-miR-29c*; cellular matrix components (hsa-miR-29c*); invasion-cytokinesis (hsa-miR-99b*) compared to melanoma of younger patients. MiR-211 was dramatically downregulated compared to nevi controls, decreased with increasing age and was among the miRs linked to metastatic processes. Melanoma in young adult patients had increased expression of hsa-miR-449a and decreased expression of hsa-miR-146b, hsa-miR-214*. MiR-30a* in clinical stages I-II adult and pediatric melanoma could predict classification of melanoma tissue in the two extremes of age groups. Although the number of cases is small, positive lymph node status in the two age groups was characterized by the statistically significant expression of hsa-miR-30a* and hsa-miR-204 (F-test, p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings, although preliminary, support the notion that the differential biology of melanoma at the extremes of age is driven, in part, by deregulation of microRNA expression and by fine tuning of miRs that are already known to regulate cell cycle, inflammation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)/stroma and more specifically genes known to be altered in melanoma. Our analysis reveals that miR expression differences create unique patterns of frequently affected biological processes that clearly distinguish old age from young age melanomas. This is a novel characterization of the miRnomes of melanocytic neoplasms at two extremes of age and identifies potential diagnostic and clinico-pathologic biomarkers that may serve as novel miR-based targeted modalities in melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
Zooming of states and parameters using a lumping approach including back-translation
Authors: Sunnåker Mikael , Schmidt Henning , Jirstrand Mats , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: March 2010

Background

Systems biology models tend to become large since biological systems often consist of complex networks of interacting components, and since the models usually are developed to reflect various mechanistic assumptions of those networks. Nevertheless, not all aspects of the model are equally interesting in a given setting, and normally there are parts that can be reduced without affecting the relevant model performance. There are many methods for model reduction, but few or none of them allow for a restoration of the details of the original model after the simplified model has been simulated.

Results

We present a reduction method that allows for such a back-translation from the reduced to the original model. The method is based on lumping of states, and includes a general and formal algorithm for both determining appropriate lumps, and for calculating the analytical back-translation formulas. The lumping makes use of efficient methods from graph-theory and ϵ-decomposition and is derived and exemplified on two published models for fluorescence emission in photosynthesis. The bigger of these models is reduced from 26 to 6 states, with a negligible deviation from the reduced model simulations, both when comparing simulations in the states of the reduced model and when comparing back-translated simulations in the states of the original model. The method is developed in a linear setting, but we exemplify how the same concepts and approaches can be applied to non-linear problems. Importantly, the method automatically provides a reduced model with back-translations. Also, the method is implemented as a part of the systems biology toolbox for matlab, and the matlab scripts for the examples in this paper are available in the supplementary material.

Conclusions

Our novel lumping methodology allows for both automatic reduction of states using lumping, and for analytical retrieval of the original states and parameters without performing a new simulation. The two models can thus be considered as two degrees of zooming of the same model. This is a conceptually new development of model reduction approaches, which we think will stimulate much further research and will prove to be very useful in future modelling projects.
Minireview: Update on Incretin Biology: Focus on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
Authors: Brubaker Patricia L.
Published: March 2010

The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is now being used in the clinic to enhance insulin secretion and reduce body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although much is already known about the biology of GLP-1, much remains to be understood. Hence, this review will consider recent findings related to the potential for enhancing endogenous levels of GLP-1 through selective use of secretagogues and the beneficial cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects of GLP-1, as well as the possible effects of GLP-1 to enhance β-cell growth and/or to induce pancreatitis or thyroid cancer. Finally, the potential for molecular medicine to enhance the success of GLP-1 therapy in the clinic is considered. A better understanding of the fundamental biology of GLP-1 may lead to new therapeutic modalities for the clinical use of this intestinal hormone.
Surface analysis of the elastomer in lip seals run against shafts manufactured with micro-cavity patterns
Authors: Kanakasabai V , Warren K H , Stephens L S
Published: March 2010

Radial lip seals are used to retain lubricants and to prevent external contamination. When running against a plain stainless steel shaft, it is generally accepted that the micro-asperities that are developed on the lip seal elastomer by the shaft surface characteristics are responsible for the sealing mechanism in the form of reverse pumping. In this study, lip seals are tested against conventional stainless steel shafts and shafts manufactured with deterministic triangular micro-cavities of different orientations. Comprehensive surface characterization and wear ana-lysis are done using a scanning electron microscope and an optical profilometer to investigate the elastomer micro-asperities and shaft micro-cavities. Surface parameters are computed from the lip seal wear track of both the initial (before testing) and final (after testing) shaft surface. The lip seal elastomer surface wears away depending on the surface characteristics of the shaft. Previous work has concluded that incorporating surface textures on the shaft surface allows for control of the pumping direction through the seal but that the magnitude of that pumping rate has a large variability even for identical shaft surface textures. This study finds that this large variability may be due to the large variability in the elastomer sealing zone surface characteristics that develop due to wear over time. This study also confirms the previous results showing that the deterministic surface textures manufactured on the shaft surface dominate the lip seal pumping direction in spite of the large variation in the elastomer surface. Finally and most interestingly, this study finds a correlation between the axial location of the smoothest portion of the lip seal elastomer and the pumping rate of the lip seals.
A static friction model for the contact of fractal surfaces
Authors: You J-M , Chen T-N
Published: March 2010

A static friction model for elastic-plastic contacting fractal surfaces was proposed based on the modified Majumdar and Bhushan (MB) model. In this model, four regimes were taken into account: fully elastic, first elastoplastic, second elastoplastic, and fully plastic of a deformed asperity contacting with a rigid surface. The work reveals that the static friction coefficient is determined by the material properties of rough surfaces, the fractal parameters for surface topography, and the normal load. Especially, from the results comparison and analysis, it was found that the present model is more complete than the MB model in describing the elastic-plastic contacting fractal surfaces, and the results of the real contact area and the static friction coefficient predicted by the model are larger than those by the MB model for a range of fractal parameters studied. In addition, the results also show that the effect of the normal load on the static friction coefficient is contrary to that by the Chang, Etsion, and Bogy (CEB) friction model.
On the cycle mean value modelling of a large two-stroke marine diesel engine
Authors: Theotokatos G
Published: March 2010

Owing to their simplicity and their ability to represent the engine behaviour sufficiently well, cycle mean value models have been used for investigations of the transient response of marine diesel engines as well as the development of engine control schemes. In the present paper, two cycle mean value approaches of different complexities applied to the modelling of a large two-stroke marine diesel engine are described. The first modelling approach is less detailed since only two differential equations are used to represent the engine crankshaft and turbocharger shaft dynamics, whereas the other engine operating parameters are calculated after the solution of a non-linear algebraic system. In the second approach, more comprehensive modelling is obtained by using four additional differential equations, so that the dynamics of engine scavenging and exhaust receivers are captured. Using both modelling approaches, cases of the engine transient operation are simulated and the derived results are presented. Then, by comparing the simulation results with previously published data, the advantages and drawbacks of each approach are discussed.
Resurgence of yaws in Tanna, Vanuatu: time for a new approach?
Authors: Fegan David , Glennon Mary J , Thami Yogendra , Pakoa George
Published: March 2010

Recent reports from the island of Tanna in Vanuatu suggest that yaws has resurged. We carried out a serological and clinical survey to determine the prevalence and clinical presentation of yaws on the island. A total of 306 random serum samples were tested for rapid plasma reagin and rapid diagnostic determine syphilis: 31.04% were positive for one or both tests; 39.8% of children surveyed in three schools had skin lesions consistent with yaws; and there were only two cases of secondary yaws osteitis and no cases of tertiary yaws. These results confirm that the disease has resurged but appears to be attenuated. Intramuscular benzathine penicillin is the currently recommended treatment for yaws. We suggest that a stat dose of oral azithromycin would be a more accessible treatment as it could be prescribed by village health workers and therefore enable yaws control to be more easily incorporated into other primary health-care programmes.
Coalbed Methane Resources and Reservoir Characteristics of NO. II1 Coal Seam in the Jiaozuo Coalfield, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Liu Yanhao , Wang Geoff , Liu Hao
Published: March 2010

Jiaozuo coalfield is located in the northwest of Henan province, China, and close to the Southern Qinshui coal basin, the most successfully commercial CBM resource developed area in China. The No. II1 coal seam is the main economic coal seam in Jiaozuo coalfield and its average thickness exceeds 5.36m. The maximum reflectance of vitrinite (RO,max) of the No. II1 coal across the Jiaozuo is between 3.16% and 4.78%. The coalbody structure of the No. II1 coal seam changes greatly in different part and can be generally divided into 1∼3 sub-layers. The micropores in the No.II1 coal seam is the major pores, secondly are transitional pores, and then less macropores and mesopores. The No. II1 coal seam has stronger adsorption, and the reservoir natural permeability has an evident heterogeneity vary from 0.0001 to 83.71mD. High permeability region is often near fault structure or the boundary of fault block. The CBM genetic type is homologous thermal cracking gas of humic coal with high matunity. Gas content with the burial depth of 163∼1070m varies very greatly from 4.65 to 45.75m3/t, with an average value of 18.3m3/t, and gradually increases from northeast to southwest. According to the latest evaluation for CBM resource in Jiaozuo coalfield, the existing total in-place CBM resources in the No. II1 coal seam with the depth of shallower than 2000 m are close to 1.2 × 1012m3, most of them mainly distribute in the depth of 1000 ∼ 1500 m. The existing total in-place CBM resources is dominated by the inferred CBM resource reserves (more than 70%), which distribute the undrilled places with few coal geological knowledge and deeper than 1000m. The resource concentration of the No. II1 coal seam in Jiaozuo coalfield is in the range of (0.513–3.478)x108 m3/km2, with an average value of 1.805×108 m3/km2. Based on the CBM resource investigation and reservoir evaluation, the most prospective target zones for CBM production in Jiaozuo coalfield include Guhanshan coal mine, Jiulishan coal mine and the west part of Qiangnan coal district.
Concentration of Gallium in the Permo-Carboniferous Coals of China
Authors: Zhao Cunliang , Qin Shenjun , Yang Yinchao , Li Yanheng , Lin Mingyue
Published: March 2010

Gallium is widely used in electronic industry and its current price is about 500 US dollars pro kilogram. It has been found that its contents are very high in Permo-Carboniferous coal of China. In order to look for valuable associated gallium deposits in coal, gallium contents of 177 coal samples were determined by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the data of 873 coal samples from Chinese Permo-Carboniferous coalfields were collected. The results show that the average gallium concentration of Chinese Permo-Carboniferous coals is 15.49μg·g−1. There are two concentration types of gallium in Chinese Permo-Carboniferous coals: One type is that gallium has enriched to an ore deposit, and another type is that gallium is locally enriched in coal seams, but has not formed a valuable associated gallium ore deposit. The gallium concentration in Chinese Permo-Carboniferous coal may have several different sources: concentration in sedimentation stage, magmatic hydrothermal inputs and low-temperature hydrothermal fluids.
Sedimentological Characteristics of the Coal Seams of Yacheng Formation in Qiongdongnan Basin, China
Authors: Li Zengxue , Han Meilian , Zhang Gongcheng , Liu Haiyan , Wang Dongdong , Lv Dawei , Li Ying
Published: March 2010

Yacheng Formation has been divided into one cycle sequence of ultra long-period, three cylce sequences of long-period and 12 cycle sequences of intermediate period based on data from comprehensive drilling cores, logging, the seismic survey and former studies. Every sequence and its interface have the corresponding response in lithology, facies, logging, and earthquake data. The development and transformation of the base level cycle of intermediate period in Yacheng Formation were controlled by the tectonic subsidence and the global sea level eustacy. Because the rising rate of the tectonic subsidence was obviously higher than that of the global sea-level. The dominating action of the tectonic subsidence was more obviously on the base-level cycle. The coal formation of Yacheng Formation was mainly caused by gelatination. The coal seams were mainly developed in the peat swamp of the delta plain of braided river and the upper intertidal zone and the supralittoral zone of tidal plat. In the early period of Yacheng Formation, the main coal-forming systems was mainly the braided river—braided river delta system, while in the late period, it was mainly the tidal plat—lagoon system.
The Key Geological Factors Influencing on Development of Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Taizhao Area in the Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Zeng Lianbo , Liu Hongtao
Published: March 2010

As a typical low-permeability reservoir in the periphery of the Daqing oilfield, the Putaohua reservoir in the Taizhao area has a development characteristic similar to that of the low-permeability sandstone reservoirs in China. Through a synthetic analysis of its geology, logging and dynamic data, sandbody connectivity, small faults, tiny structures, fractures and present-day stress are the geological factors influencing the developmental effects. The connectivity of single sandbody and its anisotropy influence distribution of oil and water and inhomogenous fluid flow. The early water breakthrough in some oil wells was mostly caused by high permeability sandbobies. Sand bodies together with small faults and tiny structures influence the development effect of low-permeability reservoirs throuh impacting on fluid flow. Fractures are the main factor for high-water-cut oil-producing wells. Fractures developed in the paleotectonic stress field. The preservation and permeability of every assemblage of fractures are controlled by the present-day stress field, which also influences cracking and injection. There developed four assemblages of tectonic fractures of high dip angle in the Putaohua reservoir. Affected by the present-day stress field, the E-W fractures that have a good connectivity and permeability and big apertures, are the main seepage orientation. At present, the injection pressure has exceeded the unsealing pressure of E-W fractures. Therefore, water content appears early and goes up quickly, causing a serious water flood in the E-W array of oil wells. However, oil wells of other directions show a poor effect.
Developing Probabilistic Well Construction Estimates Using Regression Analysis
Authors: Jablonowski Christopher J. , MacEachern Douglas P.
Published: March 2010

This paper proposes regression analysis as an appropriate method to develop probabilistic estimates for well construction cost and schedule estimates. These estimates are of sufficient quality for use in portfolio management decisions, lease sales, property valuations, project feasibility studies, and in the early stages of concept selection. The paper provides a brief theoretical overview of the method and discusses potential problems encountered in its implementation. A demonstration is provided using recent deepwater drilling data from the Gulf of Mexico.
Probabilistic Assessment of Human Response to Footbridge Vibration
Authors: Z̆ivanović Stana , Pavia Aleksandar
Published: March 2010

Modern pedestrian bridges are becoming increasingly slender due to more demanding aesthetic requirements and increased strength of structural materials. As a consequence, they might suffer from excessive vibration under pedestrian-induced dynamic loading and therefore have their vibration serviceability compromised. For a reliable assessment of acceptability of vibrations to bridge users, it is necessary to define subjective vibration limits for pedestrians – human vibration receivers who are moving across a vibrating surface, rather than being stationary. This paper aims to develop a methodology for defining vibration limits for walking humans. For this, substantial pedestrian traffic across a lively box girder footbridge was monitored. After interviewing 100 randomly chosen pedestrians about their subjective assessment of the vibration felt during the crossing significant variability in subjective rating of vibrations was observed. To account for this variability, the vibration limit for walking people was defined in a probabilistic sense. The limit defined allows for estimating the percentage of people who would complain about footbridge liveliness.
Parameters Identification for Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Driven by Sensorless Control
Authors: Kosaka Manabu , Uda Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

In this paper, a new parameter identification method for Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) sensorless control is proposed. Noise and vibration in mechanical plant is increased if rotor position estimation error occurs. Furthermore, the rotor position estimation error causes noise and vibration. When load torque and reference motor speed are constant, and phase voltages and phase currents in multiple stationary states are measured, motor parameters can be identified even if an estimated rotor position does not correspond with the actual rotor position. Furthermore, this paper proposes a new sensorless control method that derives the position by solving the motor voltage equation. It is shown that the method is able to estimate the true position even if the motor is in acceleration. Numerical simulations with the implementation of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverter are illustrated to verify the effect of the methods.
Teaching of Space Structures with Initial Stresses
Authors: Motro René
Published: March 2010

Teaching of space structures with initial stresses requires an adapted pedagogy. This paper describes some important features of such a teaching, which is delivered for architects, engineers and sometimes artists. The indispensable dialogue between theoretical and experimental methods is underlined. Some characteristics related to the so-called “parametric method” used to understand and design space structures are described. Original pedagogical experiences are presented: bi-cable model, graph theory, formfinding procedure, and construction of prototypes. Teaching of space structures with initial stresses has been mainly included and experimented for more than ten years, both at the University of Montpellier and at the School of Architecture, in academic courses the contents of which are presented.
Double-Curved Space Structures – Function and Construction
Authors: Wagner Rosemarie , Bögle Annette
Published: March 2010

Efficient double curved structures like reinforced concrete shells, membrane- and cable-net-structures are less well represented in contemporary structural engineering. To apply these structures sensibly in practice, dominated by short planning phases, rapid construction and tremendous financial pressure, an in-depth knowledge of these complex structures is needed. Dealing with large open areas and three-dimensional shapes requires an extensive insight already during the design-process with creative freedom being restricted by technical and economical as well as functional and aesthetical aspects, due to the relationship between shape, function and structure.
Developing a Better Understanding of the Engineer's Creative Role in Design
Authors: Addis Bill
Published: March 2010

Both architects and engineers are unconsciously drawn towards the two dimensional world – the ubiquity of the plan and elevation, and the ease of analysing 2-D structures. Yet the best architecture always exploits the three dimensional world, and the majority of structural problems and collapses occur when engineers have failed to think in the third dimension. Space structures offer an ideal learning environment for students of both architecture and engineering. They stimulate and challenge both the imagination and the intellect by forcing students out of the cosy, and often dull familiarity of two dimensions. They encourage students to conceive structures in three dimensions and drop down to two when necessary or convenient, rather than the other way round. In a world where form and forces so strongly interact, space structures force architects to step into the world of statics, and engineers into the world of geometry. An important result is a better understanding, for both architects and engineers, of the role engineers can play in helping create imaginative and practical structures.
Teaching Tension Structures
Authors: Mollaert Marijke
Published: March 2010

The main purpose of the course “Form Active Structures” [6] is to waken the students' interest in the design of space and structural systems and to clarify the principles to obtain lightweight constructions. Concepts, calculation techniques, detailing and erection are first illustrated. The practical part linked to this course consists of four topics: building physical models, numerical form-finding and analysis, a study trip and the design for a real case. Especially in this last part the need to design both geometry and pretension together, and the consequences if this is not properly done, comes to the students' consciousness.
Space Structures at Princeton University
Authors: Katzman Gayle M. , Billington David P.
Published: March 2010

Space structures at Princeton University are taught to undergraduate engineering, architecture and liberal arts students in a course called Structures and the Urban Environment. The course takes numerical, historical and aesthetic approaches to studying structures. It examines the relationship between form and forces through examples of modern structures like thin shell concrete roofs and space frames. Because the course is so popular, several teaching assistants help the lecturer. Many of these graduate students are also taking the course for the first time, thus acting as student and teacher, as well as researcher because graduate projects and theses become reference material for the course.
A Novel Unified Approach for the Analysis and Design of Wind-Driven SEIGs Using Nested GAs
Authors: Karthigaivel R. , Kumaresan N. , Raja P. , Subbiah M.
Published: March 2010

A unified procedure for the design optimization and performance predetermination of wind-driven three-phase Self-Excited Induction Generators (SEIGs) has been attempted using Genetic Algorithm (GA) twice, in two nested loops. The outer loop is meant for the calculation of the values of turns per coil of the stator winding and the excitation capacitor which would meet the specified performance constraints of the generator. The inner loop applies the GA tool for the first time, for a straightforward predetermination of these performance quantities. Further, additional schemes such as, switching of the stator connection from delta to star, at times of lower wind speed and short shunt arrangement suitable for lagging power loads, have also been included. Method of estimating the ranges for the variables, required to be given as input data into each of these two loops for the application of GA, has been explained. Experimental results obtained on a test machine and performance values predicted employing Genetic Algorithm, have been shown to agree closely, validating the comprehensive methodology proposed for the first time for the economical design of SEIGs for wind-driven applications.
Extent of Traffic Induced Noise in the Noise Sensitive Institutions of Chittagong City, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Rubel Biswas , Dey Rubel , Alam M. Shafiul , Chakraborty Priyanka
Published: March 2010

In this study, we have investigated the amplitude and intensity of traffic induced noise at noise sensitive institutions of Chittagong city in Bangladesh. The study has been conducted covering four types of sensitive institutions (for instance: schools, colleges and hospitals) from each of the three deliberately selected wards (administrative areas) out of 41 wards of the city. Maximum and minimum sound levels in all the sensitive institutions in average ranged from 65.84 to 79.69 dB and 59.73 to 69.03 dB respectively. In all the 12 different sensitive institutions, noise has exceeded the safe limit (45 dB) as set for noise sensitive institutions such as schools, colleges, hospital, parks by the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh and World Health Organization (WHO). In all the three wards, sound level reached the maximum between 11am and 1pm, both at entrance, in the premises and inside the rooms. Sound levels showed a significant ( P=0.000) declining trend with increase in the distance from the source of noise. The majority of the respondents (73%) have indicated vehicular noise as the main source of noise in their institutes. Buses (29%), Private Cars (27%), Trucks (21%) and Three Wheeler Auto Rickshaws (14%) have been given as the major sources of traffic noise by the respondents. Adverse impacts of traffic induced noise on people inside the sensitive institutions (students in the classroom, and patients, nurses, doctors in the hospitals) have been divided into three categories physical health problems, mental health problems and other noise related problems. Among noise induced physical health problems – headache (79%), and among mental health problems – impaired concentration (82%) have been pointed out by the maximum number of respondents. Moreover, among all other noise induced problems, interference in communication (81%) has been reported as the highest one. The findings of the present study can be considered as baseline data for the decision makers in formulating policies and guidelines regarding the control of noise pollution in context of noise sensitive institutions.
Shifting Patterns of Fuel and Wood Use by Households in Rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Vermeulen S. J. , Campbell B. M. , Mangono J. J.
Published: March 2010

A questionnaire survey of fuel and wood use was administered to approximately 1500 households in rural Zimbabwe in 1994 and repeated in 1999. The nine localities covered by the survey fell into four strata distinguished by woodland cover, distance from urban centres and whether communal or resettlement (ex-commercial farming) areas. Over time household assets increased, but incomes remained constant in all but one stratum. Simultaneously wood became scarcer according to respondents. In all four strata firewood consumption fell markedly between 1994 and 1999. This was partially, but not entirely, due to switches to other fuels, either electricity near towns or non-wood biomass fuel in deforested areas further from towns. In other areas, non-wood biomass fuels declined considerably. Kerosene use showed mixed patterns, with decreases in the numbers of consumers but increased rates of consumption. Wealthier households were more likely to use modern fuels such as kerosene for cooking, candles and electricity. The general reduction in firewood consumption entailed changes in collection practices and increased purchase of wood, but it is not clear how fuel use efficiency was improved by such a great margin. Utilisation of wood for construction also declined over the five year period.
Renewable Energy in Australia
Authors: Mills David
Published: March 2010

Australia is rich in renewable energy resources and is a world leader in the development of some renewable energy technologies. However, with the exception of hydro-electricity, Australia's renewable energy resources lay largely untapped. This paper presents a review of the status and prospects of Australia's renewable energy industries and resource base. Over the last few years, much has happened to further the development of renewable energy in Australia. Green Power schemes, a mandatory 2% Renewables Measure and a number of other measures have provided the impetus for strong growth in solar, wind and biomass industries. Government grants are supporting the development of new projects in geothermal, tidal, wave, wind, solar thermal, photovoltaics, biomass, waste-to-energy and supporting industries. These initiatives are discussed and problem areas are explored. Key areas of contention include which energy technologies benefit from the different support measures, how the different support measures interrelate with one another and the impact of different State policies on an industry that competes across State boundaries.
Asymmetric Learning by Doing and Dynamically Efficient Policy: Implications for Domestic and International Emissions Permit Trading of Allocating Permits Usefully
Authors: Read Peter
Published: March 2010

Learning by doing leads to cost reductions as suppliers move down the ‘experience curve’. This results in a beneficial supply side inter-temporal externality that, for dynamic efficiency, requires a higher incentive for abatement innovations than the penalty on emissions. This effect can be achieved by a dedicated emissions tax or by a proportionate abatement obligation or by allocating permits usefully. The latter arrangement is compatible with the effective cap on emissions that is secured by an emissions trading scheme. Each of the three possibilities results in a reduced loss of international competitivity in policy-committed regions, in less ‘leakage’, and in more technology transfer. Implications for trading in emissions permits and in project-related credits are discussed.
Baseline Setting Using Optimising Energy Models
Authors: Fichtner W. , Graehl S. , Rentz O.
Published: March 2010

Feasible approaches to baseline setting represent an indispensable requirement for the evaluation of project-based flexible instruments. However, until now methodological differences and drawbacks have hampered fair crediting as well as the comparability of projects. In this paper different methodologies for baseline setting are discussed for a set of relevant criteria. Project-specific and aggregate approaches for baseline setting are analysed as to their pros and cons. On the basis of this discussion, an approach based on the optimising energy model PERSEUS is presented. By using a detailed representation of specific power plants the model determines the “cost-optimal” structure of the future energy system of a country; the sector specific baseline is given by a strategy without greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. In order to avoid the rather large complexity and cost of this model approach for baseline setting, a more simplified methodology is proposed.
Success and Failure of JI and CDM Projects: Forestry
Authors: Phillips G.B. , Aalders E.
Published: March 2010

Projects developed under the KP's flexibility mechanisms must address a range of “hard” and “soft” criteria. Hard criteria, which can be derived directly from the text of the relevant articles of the Protocol, include national and international acceptability, additionality, leakage, and sustainable development. Soft criteria relate to the project developer's ability to implement the technical interventions described in the project documentation. Confidence in the project developer's ability to deliver eligible, tradable benefits is essential to success. To gain such confidence, developers must address the key issues of risk and uncertainty in the design of their projects.
International CO2 Abatement Projects: Experience from the Swiss AIJ Pilot Program
Authors: Sutter Christoph , Brodmann Urs , Lüchinger Alexander
Published: March 2010

This paper analyses the two most advanced Swiss AIJ (Activities Implemented Jointly) projects. Key success and failure factors are derived from practical experience in developing and implementing these projects. The assessment of uncertainties shows that the counterfactual nature of baselines forms the most relevant factor for uncertainty with regard to climate benefits. Different strategies to minimise this uncertainty are described. For the investor, the performance of the project during its lifetime is the main source of uncertainty, since this will usually have a direct influence on the amount of emission reduction credits produced. Consequently, adequate legal structure and incentives for project hosts are crucial to ensure.
Swedish Nuclear Power and Economic Rationalities
Authors: Kåberger Tomas
Published: March 2010

The economic characteristics of nuclear power, with high investment cost and fuel costs lower than conventional fuels, make it possible to achieve low electricity prices when reactors supply marginal electricity. The support for nuclear power by the Swedish electricity consuming industry may be understood as efforts to create and defend a situation of over-capacity in the electricity production sector rather than as support for nuclear power as such. Politically the external costs of routine emissions of radioactive materials are difficult to internalise because they, like carbon dioxide, have global long-term effects. However, like the air pollutants already regulated, costs of reactor accidents, as well as the motives for taking on management costs of nuclear waste, are regional and within a generation in time. The market evaluation of accident risks has been deliberately destroyed by legislation set to favour nuclear power reactors. Societal economic rationality may be successfully applied in the energy sector. This paper describes how climate change risks were internalised in Sweden using carbon taxes under favourable political conditions. The resulting development of biofuels was surprisingly successful, indicating a potential for further modernisation of the energy supply system. Possible ways to restore the nuclear risk market in order to internalise nuclear reactor accident risks and waste costs by legislation are described. This may be done without the difficult quantification of environmental costs. Appropriate legislation may internalise the cost while creating conditions for market evaluation of these uncertain costs.
Assessing the Impacts of International Emissions Reduction Scenarios on the Acidification of Freshwaters in Great Britain with the First-Order Acidity Balance (FAB) Model and the Hull Acid Rain Model (HARM)
Authors: Curtis C.J. , Whyatt J.D. , Metcalfe S.E. , Allott T.E.H. , Harriman R.
Published: March 2010

Critical loads models for acidity underpin international negotiations for the reduction of acid deposition through emissions controls. In Great Britain and Scandinavia, critical loads for freshwater ecosystems are calculated with the First-order Acidity Balance (FAB) model, which can provide a catchment based estimate of deposition reduction requirements of sulphur and nitrogen species in order to protect any aquatic target organism for which a critical chemical threshold is defined. The FAB model is applied to a national freshwaters database for Great Britain using three deposition scenarios generated with the Hull Acid Rain Model (HARM). Critical load exceedance and changes in three important chemical indicators (non-marine sulphate, nitrate and acid neutralising capacity) are assessed for 1990 baseline deposition levels, planned emissions reductions under existing international commitments (REF scenario), and a potential stringent emission reduction scenario under a multi-pollutant, multi-effect strategy (E10 scenario). Model outputs indicate that the number of sampled sites exceeding their critical load would be reduced by 60% and 73% respectively under the two future deposition scenarios. There is a clear need for a strategy to reduce both S and N deposition from 1990 levels if British freshwaters in sensitive areas are to be protected.