bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Fourteen Vietnamese Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars to High Temperatures during Grain Filling Period under Field Conditions
Authors: Thuy Tran , Saitoh Kuniyiki
Published: August 2017

High temperatures significantly affect rice grain yield and quality. However, little information is known about the response of indica cultivars, especially Vietnamese cultivars, to high temperature. In this study, field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the response of Vietnamese cultivars under high temperatures during the grain filling period. The high temperature was applied after the first cultivar started anthesis, by opening two sides of a plastic chamber that housed the cultivar when the temperature reached above 36 °C under field conditions. The difference in the maximum temperature between the control and the high temperature treatment was about 1.3 °C to 10.1 °C in 2015, and 0.73 °C to 10.2 °C in 2016. Decreases in crop growth rate (CGR) and yield were correlated with increased temperature conditions during the grain filling period. The grain yield of 14 Vietnamese cultivars fell to 81.5 and 79.4% of the control in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The variable with the greatest impact on grain yield was spikelet sterility induced by high temperature. Under high temperature conditions during the grain filling period, the percentage of grain chalkiness in the high temperature-treatment group increased compared to the control. Our study showed that Vietnamese rice yield and quality were significantly affected by high temperature.
A Novel Approach to Extract Significant Patterns of Travel Time Intervals of Vehicles from Freeway Gantry Timestamp Sequences
Authors: Wang Jing-Doo , Hwang Ming-Chorng
Published: August 2017

It is attractive to extract and determine the key features of traffic patterns for mitigating road congestion and predicting travel time of vehicles in traffic analysis. Based on the previous work that is a scalable approach via a Hadoop MapReduce programming model, this paper aims to extract significant patterns of travel time intervals of vehicles from freeway traffic in Taiwan, and meanwhile to compute the statistics of these patterns from the point of view one may concern. Experimental resources are the records of timestamp gantry sequences of vehicles passed in five months from 2016/11 to 2017/3 that were downloaded from the Traffic Data Collection System, one of Taiwan government open data platforms. To select one specific gantry sequence for demonstration, the longest sequence on the trip within the Taiwan National Freeway No. 5 is selected. Experimental results show that some statistics of vehicle travel time intervals according to 24 h per day are computed for illustration. These statistics can not only provide clues to experts to analyze traffic congestions, but also help drivers how to avoid rush hours. Furthermore, this work is able to handle a larger amount of real data and be promising for further traffic and transportation research in the future.
Degradation of Trace Organic Contaminants by a Membrane Distillation—Enzymatic Bioreactor
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Hai Faisal , Kang Jinguo , Van de Merwe Jason , Leusch Frederic , Yamamoto Kazuo , Price William , Nghiem Long
Published: August 2017

A high retention enzymatic bioreactor was developed by coupling membrane distillation with an enzymatic bioreactor (MD-EMBR) to investigate the degradation of 13 phenolic and 17 non-phenolic trace organic contaminants (TrOCs). TrOCs were effectively retained (90–99%) by the MD membrane. Furthermore, significant laccase-catalyzed degradation (80–99%) was achieved for 10 phenolic and 3 non-phenolic TrOCs that contain strong electron donating functional groups. For the remaining TrOCs, enzymatic degradation ranged from 40 to 65%. This is still higher than those reported for enzymatic bioreactors equipped with ultrafiltration membranes, which retained laccase but not the TrOCs. Addition of three redox-mediators, namely syringaldehyde (SA), violuric acid (VA) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT), in the MD-EMBR significantly broadened the spectrum of efficiently degraded TrOCs. Among the tested redox-mediators, VA (0.5 mM) was the most efficient and versatile mediator for enhanced TrOC degradation. The final effluent (i.e., membrane permeate) toxicity was below the detection limit, although there was a mediator-specific increase in toxicity of the bioreactor media.
An Overview of Additive Manufacturing of Titanium Components by Directed Energy Deposition: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Saboori Abdollah , Gallo Donato , Biamino Sara , Fino Paolo , Lombardi Mariangela
Published: August 2017

The directed energy deposition (DED) process can be employed to build net shape components or prototypes starting from powder or wires, through a layer-by-layer process. This process provides an opportunity to fabricate complex shaped and functionally graded parts that can be utilized in different engineering applications. DED uses a laser as a focused heat source to melt the in-situ delivered powder or wire-shaped raw materials. In the past years extensive studies on DED have shown that this process has great potential in order to be used for (i) rapid prototyping of metallic parts, (ii) fabrication of complex and customized parts, (iii) repairing/cladding valuable components which cannot be repaired by other traditional techniques. However, the industrial adoption of this process is still challenging owing to the lack of knowledge on the mechanical performances of the constructed components and also on the trustworthiness/durability of engineering parts produced by DED. This manuscript provides an overview of the additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys and focuses in particular on the mechanical properties and microstructure of components fabricated by DED.
Real-time Monitoring for Disk Laser Welding Based on Feature Selection and SVM
Authors: Wang Teng , Chen Juequan , Gao Xiangdong , Qin Yuxin
Published: August 2017

In order to automatically evaluate the welding quality during high-power disk laser welding, a real-time monitoring system was developed. The images of laser-induced metal vapor during welding were captured and fifteen features were extracted. A feature selection method based on a sequential forward floating selection algorithm was employed to identify the optimal feature subset, and a support vector machine (SVM) classifier was built to recognize the welding quality. The experiment results demonstrated that this method had satisfactory performance, and could be applied in laser welding monitoring applications.
Origins of Moist Air in Global Lagrangian Simulations of the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Haertel Patrick , Boos William , Straub Katherine
Published: August 2017

Many recent studies have characterized the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) as a moisture mode, suggesting that its amplification and eastward propagation result from processes that build up moisture to the east of the MJO’s convective center, including frictionally driven boundary layer convergence, surface fluxes, and shallow convection. Discussions of MJO moistening under this theory often implicitly assume an Eulerian framework; i.e., that local increases in moisture result from physical processes acting in the same location as the moistening is observed. In this study, the authors examine MJO moistening in a Lagrangian framework using a model that simulates atmospheric circulations by predicting the motions of individual air parcels. Back trajectories are presented for parcels in moist convecting regions of the MJO, and the effects of different physical processes on their moisture and moist static energy budgets are quantified. The Lagrangian MJO simulations suggest that much of the low-level moist air in heavily precipitating regions of the MJO arrives via the mid troposphere, coming from nearby equatorial regions, where it has been moistened largely by convective processes. Consequently, a thorough understanding of MJO moistening requires knowledge of the origin of the moist air and information about remote moisture sources.
Spatial Distributions of Tropical Cyclone Tornadoes by Intensity and Size Characteristics
Authors: Moore Todd , Sokol Nicholas , Blume Robert
Published: August 2017

Tropical cyclones that make landfall often spawn tornadoes. Previous studies have shown that these tornadoes are not uniformly distributed in the United States or in the tropical cyclone environment. They show that tornadoes tend to occur relatively close to the coastline and that they tend to cluster to the east-of-center in the tropical cyclone environment, particularly in the northeast and east-of-center quadrants. This study contributes to these studies by analyzing the spatial distributions of tropical cyclone tornadoes by intensity, path length, path width, and the damage potential index. The analyses confirm that most tornadoes occur relatively close to the coastline, but show that stronger tornadoes with larger paths are disproportionately common farther inland. They also confirm that the highest amount of activity is located within the northeast and east-of-center quadrants and show that the most potentially damaging tornadoes cluster in a sub region near the intersection of these two quadrants.
Reviews of European Patents on Nickel/Metal Hydride Batteries
Authors: Chang Shiuan , Young Kwo-Hsiung , Lien Yu-Ling
Published: August 2017

Patent applications in the field of nickel/metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries are reviewed to provide a solid technology background and directions for future developments. As the fourth review article in the series of investigations into intellectual properties in this area, this article focuses on 126 patent applications filed by European companies at the European Patent Office, while the earlier articles dealt with those from USA, Japan, and China. The history and current status of the key companies in the Ni/MH battery business are briefly discussed. These companies are categorized by their main roles in the industry, i.e., battery manufacturer, metal hydride alloy supplier, separator supplier, and others. While some European companies are pioneers in bringing the Ni/MH product to customers, others have made significant contributions to the development of the technology, especially in the button cell, bipolar cell, and separator areas.
tRNA Modification Detection Using Graphene Nanopores: A Simulation Study
Authors: Onanuga Khadijah , Begley Thomas , Chen Alan , Ranganathan Srivathsan
Published: August 2017

There are over 100 enzyme-catalyzed modifications on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. The levels and identity of wobble uridine (U) modifications are affected by environmental conditions and diseased states, making wobble U detection a potential biomarker for exposures and pathological conditions. The current detection of RNA modifications requires working with nucleosides in bulk samples. Nanopore detection technology uses a single-molecule approach that has the potential to detect tRNA modifications. To evaluate the feasibility of this approach, we have performed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of a five-layered graphene nanopore by localizing canonical and modified uridine nucleosides. We found that in a 1 M KCl solution with applied positive and negative biases not exceeding 2 V, nanopores can distinguish U from 5-carbonylmethyluridine (cm5U), 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine (mcm5U), 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine (mcm5s2U), and 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2′-O-methyluridine (mcm5Um) based on changes in the resistance of the nanopore. Specifically, we observed that in nanopores with dimensions less than 3 nm diameter, a localized mcm5Um and mcm5U modifications could be clearly distinguished from the canonical uridine, while the other modifications showed a modest yet detectable decrease in their respective nanopore conductance. We have compared the results between nanopores of various sizes to aid in the design, optimization, and fabrication of graphene nanopores devices for tRNA modification detection.
Investigation of Mechanical, Chemical and Adsorptive Properties of Novel Silicon-Based Adsorbents with Activated Carbon Structure
Authors: Bläker Christian , Heib Stefanie , Pasel Christoph , Atakan Burak , Bathen Dieter
Published: August 2017

In this article, for the first time the chemical and mechanical properties of novel adsorbents based on the coating of activated carbons with silicon carbide are reported. The adsorbents are prepared by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of activated carbons with tetramethylsilane (TMS) as a precursor. A comparison of two different modified types of activated carbon, C40/4 Extra and A35/4 Extra, each infiltrated with 25%-mass at infiltration temperatures of 973.15 and 1098.15 K, respectively, is presented. Adsorption properties were characterized by measuring nitrogen isotherms and volatile organic compounds (VOC) isotherms in gas phase and excess isotherms in liquid phase. In addition, the physico-chemical properties including the bulk density, ash content, particle hardness, abrasion, conductivity, water-soluble components, and pH value were determined. Furthermore, the first experiments in a fluidized bed adsorber are presented. The results show that the adsorption properties of the modified adsorbents are mainly maintained. The particle hardness and the abrasion resistance increases with increasing infiltration temperature, which leads to an overall increasing of mechanical stability. A modification of the chemical stability as a result of the infiltration experiments is not observed.
Nano-Array Integrated Structured Catalysts: A New Paradigm upon Conventional Wash-Coated Monolithic Catalysts?
Authors: Weng Junfei , Lu Xingxu , Gao Pu-Xian
Published: August 2017

The monolithic catalyst, namely the structured catalyst, is one of the important categories of catalysts used in various fields, especially in catalytic exhaust after-treatment. Despite its successful application in conventional wash-coated catalysts in both mobile and stationary catalytic converters, washcoat-based technologies are facing multi-fold challenges, including: (1) high Pt-group metals (PGM) material loading being required, driving the market prices; (2) less-than ideal distribution of washcoats in typically square-shaped channels associated with pressure drop sacrifice; and (3) far from clear correlations between macroscopic washcoat structures and their catalytic performance. To tackle these challenges, the well-defined nanostructure array (nano-array)-integrated structured catalysts which we invented and developed recently have been proven to be a promising class of cost-effective and efficient devices that may complement or substitute wash-coated catalysts. This new type of structured catalysts is composed of honeycomb-structured monoliths, whose channel surfaces are grown in situ with a nano-array forest made of traditional binary transition metal oxide support such as Al2O3, CeO2, Co3O4, MnO2, TiO2, and ZnO, or newer support materials including perovskite-type ABO3 structures, for example LaMnO3, LaCoO3, LaNiO, and LaFeO3. The integration strategy parts from the traditional washcoat technique. Instead, an in situ nanomaterial assembly method is utilized, such as a hydro (solva-) thermal synthesis approach, in order to create sound structure robustness, and increase ease and complex-shaped substrate adaptability. Specifically, the critical fabrication procedures for nano-array structured catalysts include deposition of seeding layer, in situ growth of nano-array, and loading of catalytic materials. The generic methodology utilization in both the magnetic stirring batch process and continuous flow reactor synthesis offers the nano-array catalysts with great potential to be scaled up readily and cost-effectively. The tunability of the structure and catalytic performance could be achieved through morphology and geometry adjustment and guest atoms and defect manipulation, as well as composite nano-array catalyst manufacture. Excellent stabilities under various conditions were also present compared to conventional wash-coated catalysts.
Design of Nano-Porous Multilayer Antireflective Coatings
Authors: Loh Joel , Kherani Nazir
Published: August 2017

We present an overview of the design potential of nano-porous anti-reflection coatings (ARCs) and the associated challenges in its fabrication. Genetic algorithm optimization for the most effective ARCs on glass for normal and all incident angles is carried out and an admittance loci-based pictorial is used to visualize their performance. We then describe the advantages of using nano-porous multi-layers vis-à-vis other types of moth-eye type nano-grating films: Principally trading high performance and high cost of fabrication for good performance and lower cost facile synthesis. We describe some of the issues involved in the fabrication of such multi-layer stacks on glass and polymeric substrates and provide suggestions for overcoming these limitations.
Substituent Effects on the Crystal Structures of Salts Prepared from (R)-2-Methoxy-2-(1-naphthyl)propanoic Acid and (R)-1-Arylethylamines
Authors: Ichikawa Akio , Ono Hiroshi , Mikata Yuji
Published: August 2017

The crystal structures of salts 6–9 prepared from (R)-2-methoxy-2-(1-naphthyl)propanoic acid [(R)-MαNP acid, (R)-1] and (R)-1-arylethylamines [salt 6, (R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylamine∙(R)-1; salt 7, (R)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethylamine∙(R)-1; salt 8, (R)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylamine∙(R)-1; and salt 9, (R)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)ethylamine∙(R)-1] were elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The solid-state associations and conformations of the MαNP salts were defined using the concepts of supramolecular- and planar chirality, respectively, and the crystal structures of salts 6–9 were interpreted as a three-step hierarchical assembly. The para-substituents of the (R)-1-arylethylammonium cations were found on sheet structures consisting of 21 columns. Thus, salts possessing smaller para-substituents, that is, salt 7 (p-F) and salt 9 (p-H), and larger para-substituents, that is, salt 6 (p-OMe) and salt 8 (p-Cl), crystallized in the space groups P21 and C2, respectively. Additionally, weak intermolecular interactions, that is, aromatic C–H···π, C–H···F, and C–H···O interactions, were examined in crystalline salts 6–9.
Assessing the Role of Strategic Choice on Organizational Performance by Jacquemin–Berry Entropy Index
Authors: Ceptureanu Sebastian Ion , Ceptureanu Eduard Gabriel , Marin Irinel
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates effects of strategic choice on organizational performance for Romanian family-owned Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). Using adapted Jacquemin–Berry entropy index for both product and international diversification and using a regression model, our study discusses family involvement as a moderating factor for organizational performance assessment. We discovered that there are multiple interactions between strategic choice and organizational performance while family involvement fails to have a significant role in moderating these interactions.
Harvesting Large Scale Entanglement in de Sitter Space with Multiple Detectors
Authors: Kukita Shingo , Nambu Yasusada
Published: August 2017

We consider entanglement harvesting in de Sitter space using a model of multiple qubit detectors. We obtain the formula of the entanglement negativity for this system. Applying the obtained formula, we find that it is possible to access to the entanglement on the super horizon scale if a sufficiently large number of detectors are prepared. This result indicates the effect of the multipartite entanglement is crucial for detection of large scale entanglement in de Sitter space.
Electrochemical Model-Based Condition Monitoring via Experimentally Identified Li-Ion Battery Model and HPPC
Authors: Rahman Md , Anwar Sohel , Izadian Afshin
Published: August 2017

Electrochemical model-based condition monitoring of a Li-Ion battery using an experimentally identified battery model and Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC) cycle is presented in this paper. LiCoO2 cathode chemistry was chosen in this work due to its higher energy storage capabilities. Battery electrochemical model parameters are subject to change under severe or abusive operating conditions resulting in, for example, Navy over-discharged battery, 24 h over-discharged battery, and overcharged battery. Stated battery fault conditions can cause significant variations in a number of electrochemical battery model parameters from nominal values, and can be considered as separate models. Output error injection based partial differential algebraic equation (PDAE) observers have been used to generate the residual voltage signals in order to identify these abusive conditions. These residuals are then used in a Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE) algorithm to detect the ongoing fault conditions of the battery. HPPC cycle simulated load profile based analysis shows that the proposed algorithm can detect and identify the stated fault conditions accurately using measured input current and terminal output voltage. The proposed model-based fault diagnosis can potentially improve the condition monitoring performance of a battery management system.
A Decision Framework for Electric Vehicle Charging Station Site Selection for Residential Communities under an Intuitionistic Fuzzy Environment: A Case of Beijing
Authors: Wu Yunna , Xie Chao , Xu Chuanbo , Li Fang
Published: August 2017

Electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) site selection occupies a prominent position in the development of the electric community to solve the hard problem of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging. However, two critical issues have not been solved by the existing research. Firstly, the scope of EVCS site selection only considers the whole city, which deviates from the actual situation. Secondly, the uncertainty and hesitation of decision information is not well expressed. To handle the above problems, this paper builds a comprehensive EVCS site selection decision framework for Residential Communities (EVCSRC) with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TIFNs). First of all, the distinctive index system of EVCSRC site selection factors including economy, social, environment, planning and feature portrait of residential communities is established. Then, the TIFNs is utilized for decision makers (DMs) to express the indeterminate information. Furthermore, a fuzzy Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (Fuzzy-VIKOR) is approach is utilized to rank the alternative EVCSRC sites. Finally, a case of Beijing is studied to demonstrate the validity of the proposed site selection framework. The result shows the EVCSRC site located at Sijiqing community in Haidian district should be selected as the optimal site. This paper presents a feasible and easy-to-use decision-making framework for investors.
A Study on the Prediction of the Optimum Performance of a Small-Scale Desalination System Using Solar Heat Energy
Authors: Jun Yong-Joon , Song Young-Hak , Park Kyung-Soon
Published: August 2017

Although water is an essential element for the survival of all humankind, there are, however, still areas where water is not sufficiently supplied. It is a reality today that supplying energy for producing clean water is also difficult in such areas. This study develops a fresh water generator using solar heat, which is a clean energy source, and a small-scale desalination system which can be configured in parallel so that it can cope with various changes in the water supply situation. In addition, this study has developed a simulation program capable of estimating the optimum installation angle of a solar collector in such a way as to be suitable for the period of water demand, as well as the environment of the installation area, by allowing for the fact that it is difficult to change the installation angle or conditions after the installation of a fixed solar collector. In order to carry out these issues, this study has set up the experimental apparatus of a small-scale desalination system and obtained data on the amounts of fresh water generation depending on solar heat storage temperatures through empirical experiments. By applying the data in the simulation program, this study proposed the optimum installation angle for the necessary conditions.
The Effect of Imbalanced Carrier Transport on the Efficiency Droop in GaInN-Based Blue and Green Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Jun Hyuk , Cho Jaehee , Schubert E. Fred , Kim Jong Kyu
Published: August 2017

The effect of strongly-imbalanced carrier concentration and mobility on efficiency droop is studied by comparing the onset voltage of high injection, the onset current density of the droop, and the magnitude of the droop, as well as their temperature dependence, of GaInN-based blue and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs). An n-to-p asymmetry factor is defined as σn/σp, and was found to be 17.1 for blue LEDs and 50.1 for green LEDs. Green LEDs, when compared to blue LEDs, were shown to enter the high-injection regime at a lower voltage, which is attributed to their less favorable p-type transport characteristics. Green LEDs, with lower hole concentration and mobility, have a lower onset current density of the efficiency droop and a higher magnitude of the efficiency droop when compared to blue LEDs. The experimental results are in quantitative agreement with the imbalanced carrier transport causing the efficiency droop, thus providing guidance for alleviating the phenomenon of efficiency droop.
Experimental Investigation of the Condensation Heat Transfer Coefficient of R134a inside Horizontal Smooth and Micro-Fin Tubes
Authors: Li Qingpu , Tao Leren , Li Lei , Hu Yongpan , Wu Shengli
Published: August 2017

The condensation heat transfer coefficient of R134a was experimentally studied inside two smooth and four micro-fin tubes. The working conditions and structural parameters of the test tubes were selected as the influencing factors, and the experiment was conducted under mass velocities of 400–1100 kg·m−2·s−1, condensation temperatures of 35–45 °C and water-testing Reynolds numbers of 8000–22,000, with an inlet superheat of 1–2 °C and outlet subcooling of 1–2 °C at the test section for the refrigerant. Experimental results indicate that the heat transfer coefficient increases with increasing mass velocity and decreasing condensation temperature and water-testing Reynolds number. The heat transfer coefficient of the micro-fin tube with a helix angle of 28° is the highest and that of smooth tube is the lowest for test tubes with the same inner diameter. Tube diameter has a small influence on the heat transfer coefficient for the smooth tubes while the heat transfer coefficient increases with decreasing tube diameter for the micro-fin tubes. The heat transfer coefficient inside the test tube was compared with some well-known existing correlations, and results show that correlations by Cavallini et al., Thome et al., Shah and Akers et al. can estimate the experimental data with mean absolute deviation of less than 30%, and correlations of Dobson and Chato et al. and Jung et al. cannot be used to capture the heat transfer coefficient with mean absolute deviations of 140.18% and 146.23%, respectively. While the Miyara et al. correlation overestimates the heat transfer coefficient, correlations of Cavallini et al., Koyama et al. and Oliver et al. all underestimate the experimental data for the micro-fin tube. Their deviations are from 25 to 55% for micro-fin tubes 3 and 4, while their deviations keep to within 30% for micro-fin tubes 5 and 6. Finally, to improve the correlation prediction accuracy, a dimensionless parameter was introduced to the correlations of Dobson and Chato et al. and Jung et al., and correlations of Cavallini et al., Koyama et al. and Oliver et al. were modified by enhancing the turbulence effect. The prediction accuracy of all modified correlations can be controlled to within 30%.
Optimization Design Method and Experimental Validation of a Solar PVT Cogeneration System Based on Building Energy Demand
Authors: Zhou Chao , Liang Ruobing , Zhang Jili
Published: August 2017

Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology refers to the integration of a photovoltaic (PV) and a conventional solar thermal collector, representing the deep exploitation and utilization of solar energy. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of a solar PVT cogeneration system based on specific building energy demand using theoretical modeling and experimental study. Through calculation and simulation, the dynamic heating load and electricity load is obtained as the basis of the system design. An analytical expression for the connection of PVT collector array is derived by using basic energy balance equations and thermal models. Based on analytical results, an optimized design method was carried out for the system. In addition, the fuzzy control method of frequency conversion circulating water pumps and pipeline switching by electromagnetic valves is introduced in this paper to maintain the system at an optimal working point. Meanwhile, an experimental setup is established, which includes 36 PVT collectors with every 6 PVT collectors connected in series. The thermal energy generation, thermal efficiency, power generation and photovoltaic efficiency have been given in this paper. The results demonstrate that the demonstration solar PVT cogeneration system can meet the building energy demand in the daytime in the heating season.
Development of a Transmission and Distribution Integrated Monitoring and Analysis System for High Distributed Generation Penetration
Authors: Suh Jaewan , Hwang Sungchul , Jang Gilsoo
Published: August 2017

To date, power system analysis has been performed separately for transmission and distribution systems. Due to the small influence of distribution systems on transmission systems, separate analyses have had no accuracy problems in existing power systems. However, as the amount of distributed generation (DG) in distribution systems increases, neighboring distribution systems and even transmission systems can be affected by the distributed generation. Therefore, a power system operator needs a new system to analyze the power system, one that considers the mutual interactions between the transmission and distribution systems. This paper presents with applications and case studies a transmission and distribution integrated monitoring and analysis system for high DG penetration. The integrated system analyzes the mutual interaction between the transmission and distribution systems due to DG. The preliminary evaluation of the DG connections is automated in this system, using real time online data. Case studies with practical data show the need and effectiveness of transmission and distribution integrated monitoring and analysis for real power systems with high DG penetration.
Age-Effect Radial Growth Responses of Picea schrenkiana to Climate Change in the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, Northwest China
Authors: Jiao Liang , Jiang Yuan , Wang Mingchang , Zhang Wentao , Zhang Yiping
Published: August 2017

The climate changed from warm-dry to warm-wet during the 1960s in northwest China. However, the effects of climate change on the response of radial growth from different age-class trees have been unclear. We assessed the age-effect radial growth responses in three age-classes (ml-old: ≥200 years, ml-middle: 100–200 years and ml-young: <100 years) of Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana Fisch. et Mey.) in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. The primary conclusions were as follows: the developed chronologies of the three age-class trees contained significant climate information and exhibited high similarity as shown by calculating the statistical parameter characteristics and Gleichlaufigkeit index. The three age-class trees were consistent for annual variation trends of radial growth under climate change, showing similar fluctuations, tree-ring width chronology trends, time trends of cumulative radial growth, and basal area increment. In addition, the old and middle trees were found to be more sensitive to climate variability by analyzing Pearson correlations between radial growth from three age-class trees and climate factors. As a result, the drought caused by reduced total precipitation and higher mean temperature was a limiting factor of tree radial growth, and the trees with ages of up to 100 years were more suitable for studies on the growth-climate relationships. Thus, the studies on age-effect radial growth responses of Schrenk spruce can help not only in understanding the adaptive strategies of different-age trees to climate change, but also provide an accurate basis for climate reconstruction.
Seasonal Dynamics of Litterfall in a Sub-Alpine Spruce-Fir Forest on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau: Allometric Scaling Relationships Based on One Year of Observations
Authors: Fu Changkun , Yang Wanqin , Tan Bo , Xu Zhenfeng , Zhang Yu , Yang Jiaping , Ni Xiangyin , Wu Fuzhong
Published: August 2017

Litterfall is the primary source of carbon and nutrients that determine soil fertility in forest ecosystems. Most current studies have focused on foliar litter, but the seasonal dynamics and allometric scaling relationships among different litter components (e.g., foliar litter, woody litter, reproductive litter, and epiphytic litter) are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the litter production of various litter components in a sub-alpine spruce-fir forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau based on one year of observations (from August 2015 to July 2016). Our results showed that total litter production (LT) was 2380 kg·ha−1·year−1 (3% of the aboveground forest biomass), of which 73.6% was foliar litter (LF), 15.6% was woody litter (LW), 3.0% was reproductive litter (LR), 1.3% was epiphytic litter (LE), and 6.5% was miscellaneous material (LM). The total litterfall was bimodal (with peaks occurring in April and October) and was dominated by tree species (85.4% of LT, whereas shrubs accounted for 6.8% of LT). The litter production of evergreen species (68.4% of LT) was higher than that of deciduous species (23.8% of LT). Isometric relationships were observed between litter components and the total litter (i.e., LF∝LT0.99≈1 and LR∝LT0.98≈1), and allometric relationships were also found (i.e., LW∝LT1.40>1 and LM∝LT0.82<1). However, because some components did not exhibit obvious seasonal dynamics (i.e., LE), some relationships could not be expressed using allometric equations (i.e., LE versus LT, LF versus LE, LW versus LE, and LE versus LM). Thus, the different litter components showed different seasonal dynamics, and the total litter dynamics were primarily determined by the variation in foliar litter. In addition, the allometric relationships of the forest litterfall varied with the litter components, functional types (evergreen versus deciduous) and vertical structures (tree versus shrub). This study provides basic data and a new insight for future plant litter studies.
Climate Response of Larch and Birch Forests across an Elevational Transect and Hemisphere-Wide Comparisons, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far East
Authors: Deck Clara , Wiles Gregory , Frederick Sarah , Matsovsky Vladimir , Kuderina Tatiana , D’Arrigo Rosanna , Solomina Olga , Wiesenberg Nicholas
Published: August 2017

Kamchatka’s forests span across the peninsula’s diverse topography and provide a wide range of physiographic and elevational settings that can be used to investigate how forests are responding to climate change and to anticipate future response. Birch (Betula ermanii Cham.) and larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen) were sampled at eight new sites and together with previous collections were compared with monthly temperature and precipitation records to identify their climate response. Comparisons show that tree-ring widths in both species are primarily influenced by May through August temperatures of the current growth year, and that there is a general increase in temperature sensitivity with altitude. The ring-width data for each species were also combined into regional chronologies. The resulting composite larch chronology shows a strong resemblance to a Northern Hemisphere (NH) tree-ring based temperature reconstruction with the larch series tracking NH temperatures closely through the past 300 years. The composite birch ring-width series more closely reflects the Pacific regional coastal late summer temperatures. These new data improve our understanding of the response of forests to climate and show the low frequency warming noted in other, more continental records from high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Also evident in the ring-width record is that the larch and birch forests continue to track the strong warming of interior Kamchatka.
Changes of Scots Pine Phyllosphere and Soil Fungal Communities during Outbreaks of Defoliating Insects
Authors: Beule Lukas , Grüning Maren , Karlovsky Petr , L-M-Arnold Anne
Published: August 2017

Outbreaks of forest pests increase with climate change, and thereby may affect microbial communities and ecosystem functioning. We investigated the structure of phyllosphere and soil microbial communities during defoliation by the nun moth (Lymantria monacha L.) (80% defoliation) and the pine tree lappet (Dendrolimus pini L.) (50% defoliation) in Scots pine forests (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Germany. Ribosomal RNA genes of fungi and bacteria were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and subsequently sequenced for taxonomic assignments. Defoliation by both pests changed the structure of the dominant fungal (but not bacterial) taxa of the phyllosphere and the soil. The highly abundant ectomycorrhizal fungal taxon (Russula sp.) in soils declined, which may be attributed to insufficient carbohydrate supply by the host trees and increased root mortality. In contrast, potentially pathogenic fungal taxa in the phyllosphere increased during pest outbreaks. Our results suggest that defoliation of pines by insect pest, change the structure of fungal communities, and thereby indirectly may be contributing to aggravation of tree health.
Disk Heating, Galactoseismology, and the Formation of Stellar Halos
Authors: Johnston Kathryn , Price-Whelan Adrian , Bergemann Maria , Laporte Chervin , Li Ting , Sheffield Allyson , Majewski Steven , Beaton Rachael , Sesar Branimir , Sharma Sanjib
Published: August 2017

Deep photometric surveys of the Milky Way have revealed diffuse structures encircling our Galaxy far beyond the “classical” limits of the stellar disk. This paper reviews results from our own and other observational programs, which together suggest that, despite their extreme positions, the stars in these structures were formed in our Galactic disk. Mounting evidence from recent observations and simulations implies kinematic connections between several of these distinct structures. This suggests the existence of collective disk oscillations that can plausibly be traced all the way to asymmetries seen in the stellar velocity distribution around the Sun. There are multiple interesting implications of these findings: they promise new perspectives on the process of disk heating; they provide direct evidence for a stellar halo formation mechanism in addition to the accretion and disruption of satellite galaxies; and, they motivate searches of current and near-future surveys to trace these oscillations across the Galaxy. Such maps could be used as dynamical diagnostics in the emerging field of “Galactoseismology”, which promises to model the history of interactions between the Milky Way and its entourage of satellites, as well examine the density of our dark matter halo. As sensitivity to very low surface brightness features around external galaxies increases, many more examples of such disk oscillations will likely be identified. Statistical samples of such features not only encode detailed information about interaction rates and mergers, but also about long sought-after dark matter halo densities and shapes. Models for the Milky Way’s own Galactoseismic history will therefore serve as a critical foundation for studying the weak dynamical interactions of galaxies across the universe.
Systematic Review of Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Cognition and Behavioral Symptoms in Patients of Chinese Descent with Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, or Mixed Dementia
Authors: Leung Ka-Chun , Li Victor , Ng Yuey-Zhun , Chan Tsz-Tai , Chang Richard , Wong Roger
Published: August 2017

Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the primary pharmacologic treatment for dementia. Their efficacy in patients of Chinese descent is not well described. We reviewed how ChEIs could affect cognition and behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in Chinese patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), or mixed (AD with vascular component) dementia. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL were systematically searched for controlled trials of ChEIs, including donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine, for Chinese patients with AD, VaD, or mixed dementia. Outcomes for cognition and BPSD were extracted for discussion. Fifty-four studies were identified. While one larger study found that dementia patients of Chinese descent treated with ChEIs had significantly higher mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, other studies showed no significant difference. Evidence on BPSD after use of ChEIs was also conflicting. ChEIs may be effective in improving cognition among patients of Chinese descent with dementia. Further studies are needed to examine the possible effects of ChEIs on BPSD in Chinese patients with dementia in view of the small number of studies and limitations in their methodologies.
Increase of Elderly Population in the Rainstorm Hazard Areas of China
Authors: Liang Pujun , Xu Wei , Ma Yunjia , Zhao Xiujuan , Qin Lianjie
Published: August 2017

In light of global warming, increased extreme precipitation events have enlarged the population exposed to floods to some extent. Extreme precipitation risk assessments are of great significance in China and allow for the response to climate change and mitigation of risks to the population. China is one of the countries most influenced by climate change and has unique national population conditions. The influence of extreme precipitation depends on the degree of exposure and vulnerability of the population. Accurate assessments of the population exposed to rising rainstorm trends are crucial to mapping extreme precipitation risks. Studying the population exposed to rainstorm hazard areas (RSHA) at the microscale is extremely urgent, due to the local characteristics of extreme precipitation events and regional diversity of the population. The spatial distribution of population density was mapped based on the national population census data from China in 1990, 2000 and 2010. RSHA were also identified using precipitation data from 1975–2015 in China, and the rainstorm tendency values were mapped using GIS in this paper. The spatial characteristics of the rainstorm tendencies were then analyzed. Finally, changes in the population in the RSHA are discussed. The results show that the extreme precipitation trends are increasing in southeastern China. From 1990 to 2010, the population in RSHA increased by 110 million, at a rate of 14.6%. The elderly in the region increased by 38 million at a rate of 86.4%. Studying the size of the population exposed to rainstorm hazards at the county scale can provide scientific evidence for developing disaster prevention and mitigation strategies from the bottom up.
Improved Housing Accessibility for Older People in Sweden and Germany: Short Term Costs and Long-Term Gains
Authors: Slaug Björn , Chiatti Carlos , Oswald Frank , Kaspar Roman , Schmidt Steven
Published: August 2017

The physical housing environment is important to facilitate activities of daily living (ADL) for older people. A hindering environment may lead to ADL dependence and thus increase the need for home services, which is individually restricting and a growing societal burden. This study presents simulations of policy changes with regard to housing accessibility that estimates the potential impact specifically on instrumental activities of daily living (I-ADL), usage of home services, and related costs. The models integrate empirical data to test the hypothesis that a policy providing funding to remove the five most severe environmental barriers in the homes of older people who are at risk of developing dependence in I-ADL, can maintain independence and reduce the need for home services. In addition to official statistics from state agencies in Sweden and Germany, we utilized published results from the ENABLE-AGE and other scientific studies to generate the simulations. The simulations predicted that new policies that remove potentially hindering housing features would improve I-ADL performance among older people and reduce the need for home services. Our findings suggest that a policy change can contribute to positive effects with regard to I-ADL independence among older people and to a reduction of societal burden.
Neighbourhood Environmental Attributes Associated with Walking in South Australian Adults: Differences between Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Berry Narelle , Coffee Neil , Nolan Rebecca , Dollman James , Sugiyama Takemi
Published: August 2017

Although the health benefits of walking are well established, participation is lower in rural areas compared to urban areas. Most studies on walkability and walking have been conducted in urban areas, thus little is known about the relevance of walkability to rural areas. A computer-assisted telephone survey of 2402 adults (aged ≥18 years) was conducted to determine walking behaviour and perceptions of neighbourhood walkability. Data were stratified by urban (n = 1738) and rural (n = 664). A greater proportion of respondents reported no walking in rural (25.8%) compared to urban areas (18.5%). Compared to urban areas, rural areas had lower walkability scores and urban residents reported higher frequency of walking. The association of perceived walkability with walking was significant only in urban areas. These results suggest that environmental factors associated with walking in urban areas may not be relevant in rural areas. Appropriate walkability measures specific to rural areas should be further researched.