bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human-Animal Interactions in Dairy Buffalo Farms
Authors: Napolitano Fabio , Serrapica Francesco , Braghieri Ada , Masucci Felicia , Sabia Emilio , De Rosa Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to assess the relationship between stockperson behavior and buffalo behavior. The research was carried out in 27 buffalo farms. The behavior of stockpeople and animals during milking and the avoidance distance at the feeding place were recorded. Recordings were repeated within one month to assess test-retest reliability. A high degree of test-retest reliability was observed for all the variables with Spearman rank correlation coefficients (rs) ranging from 0.578 (p = 0.002, df = 25) for the number of kicks performed during milking to 0.937 (p < 0.001, df = 25) for the percentage of animals moving when approached by ≤ 0.5 m. The number of negative stockperson interactions correlated positively with the number of kicks during milking (rs = 0.421, p < 0.028, df = 25) and the percentage of animals injected with oxytocin (rs = 0.424, p < 0.027), whereas the percentage of negative stockperson interactions correlated positively with the percentage of buffaloes moving when approached at a distance >1 m (rs = 0.415, p < 0.031, df = 25). In a subsample of 14 farms, milk yield was correlated positively with the number of positive interactions (rs = 0.588, p < 0.027, df = 12) and correlated negatively with the number of steps performed by the animals during milking (rs = −0.820, p < 0.001, df = 12). This study showed that the quality of stockpeople interactions may affect buffalo behavior and production.
Effect of Soybean Isoflavones on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Viral Protein 5 mRNA Expression in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Infectious Bursal Disease Virus
Authors: Azzam Mahmoud Mostafa , JIANG Shou-qun , CHEN Jia-li , LIN Xia-jing , GOU Zhong-yong , FAN Qiu-li , WANG Yi-bing , LI Long , JIANG Zong-yong
Published: May 2019

A total of 200 one-day-old male broilers were assigned to five groups, and each group consisted of four replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Chicks were fed the basal diet with 0 (non-infected control), 0 (infected control), 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg soybean isoflavones (SI) for 42 days. At 21 days of age, chickens were inoculated with an infectious bursal dose (causing 50% morbidity) of the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) BC 6/85 strain by the eye-drop and nasal route (except for the non-infected group). Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (p < 0.05) in broilers infected with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) from 22 to 42 days. However, infected broilers fed 10 and 20 mg SI/kg had the maximum (p <0.05) ADG and ADFI from 1 to 42 days. Body weight (BW) increased (p < 0.05) in infected broilers fed the 10 and 20 mg SI /kg diet. The bursa weight at 7 days post-infection (dpi) was increased (p < 0.05) by the supplemental 10 mg SI/kg diet. Infected broilers showed the highest (p < 0.05) bursa lesions, with an average score of 4.0 ± 0.0, while the severity of bursa lesions was decreased (p < 0.05) at 3 dpi and 7 dpi by the supplemental 20 mg SI/kg diet. Supplemental SI at 20 mg/kg decreased (p < 0.05) the viral protein 5 (VP5) mRNA expression at 3 dpi and 7 dpi. The level of interferon gamma (IFNγ) was elevated (p < 0.05) in the infected group at 3 dpi and 7 dpi as compared with the control group, while its level was decreased (p < 0.05) by supplemental 10 mg/kg SI at 3 dpi. The level of nuclear factor κB in the bursal tissue showed the lowest value (p < 0.05) with supplemental 10 and 20 mg SI/kg diet at 7 dpi. Supplemental 10, 20, 40 mg/kg SI improved (p < 0.05) the serum total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) in infected broilers at 3 dpi. In addition, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed 20 mg/kg SI at 7 dpi. In conclusion, supplemental 10~20 mg/kg SI may have a positive effect on broiler chickens infected with IBDV, probably because SI decrease the severity of bursa lesions and viral protein 5 mRNA expression, and have strong antioxidant activity.
Low-Frequency Magnetic Scanning Device and Algorithm for Determining the Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Fractions of Moving Metallurgical Raw Materials
Authors: Kochemirovsky Vladimir , Kochemirovskaia Svetlanav , Malygin Michael , Kuzmin Alexey , Novomlinsky Maxim , Fogel Alena , Logunov Lev
Published: May 2019

The development of an algorithm to automate the process of measuring the magnetic properties of macroscopic objects in motion is an important problem in various industries, especially in ferrous metallurgy and at factories where ferrous scrap is a strategic raw material. The parameter that requires work control is the hidden mass fraction of a non-magnetic substance that is present in the ferromagnetic raw material. The solution to this problem has no prototypes. In our work, a simple measuring device and a mathematical algorithm for calculating the mass fraction of the non-magnetic fraction in a strongly magnetic matrix were developed. The device is an inductance coil, in which the angle of the electromagnet losses is related to the mass of the magnetic material moving the coil. The magnitude of the instantaneous values of the lost angle integral was compared with the result of weighing the object on scales. This allowed us to calculate the proportion of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. The use of this prototype is herein illustrated. The experimental results of the determination of the magnetic-fractional composition depending on the mass of scrap metal and its bulk and the magnetic characteristics are presented.
Strength and Damping Properties of Cementitious Composites Incorporating Original and Alkali Treated Flax Fibers
Authors: Lai Pengfei , Zhi Xudong , Shen Shizhao , Wang Zheng , Yu Ping
Published: May 2019

This experimental investigation focused on the mechanical and damping properties of raw and alkali treated flax fibers reinforced cementitious composites. The objective of this study was to research the influence of flax fiber for the damping properties of cementitious composites. The mechanical strengths were obtained using compressive and flexural tests and damping properties were measured using a dynamic mechanical analysis. Structural modifications to the treated flax fibers were analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Results showed that cement compressive strength was decreased, and flexural strength was increased by the addition of untreated flax fibers. Alkali treatment improved the mechanical strength of flax reinforced cement. The addition of flax fibers improved cement damping properties, and the damping effect of untreated flax fibers was greater than that of alkali treated fibers. The loss tangent of the cementitious composites reinforced with raw and alkali treated flax fibers at an amount of 1 wt % of cement was improved by 45.83% and 37.5% at 20 Hz, respectively. The damping properties of flax fiber was attributed to friction between elementary fibers and between adjacent fiber cell walls and slipping between the fiber and matrix. Callouses, pectin, and lignocellulose in untreated flax fiber contributed to damping and their removal by alkali treatment was the main reason why untreated flax fibers had a greater damping effect as compared to alkali-modified flax fibers.
Geosynthetic Reinforced Steep Slopes: Current Technology in the United States
Authors: Kim Yoo-Jae , Kotwal Ashley Russell , Cho Bum-Yean , Wilde James , You Byung Hee
Published: May 2019

Geosynthetics is a crucial mechanism in which the earth structures can be mechanically stabilized through strength enforcing tensile reinforcement. Moreover, geosynthetic reinforcement stabilizes steep slopes through incorporating the polymeric materials, becoming one of the most cost-effective methods in not only accommodating budgetary restrictions but also alleviating space constraints. In order to explicate on the applicability and widen the understanding of geosynthetic reinforcement technology, a synthesis study was conducted on geosynthetic reinforced steep slope. This study is very important because in not only highlighting the advantages and limitations of using geosynthetic reinforcement but also in investigating the current construction and design methods with a view to determining which best practices can be employed. Furthermore, this study also identified and assessed the optimal condition of the soil, performance measures, construction specifications, design criteria, and geometry of the slope. To further concretize the understanding of these parameters or factors, two case studies were reviewed and a summary of the best practices, existing methods, and recommendations were drawn in order to inform the employment of geosynthetics in reinforcing steep slopes.
Short Overview of Early Developments of the Hardy Cross Type Methods for Computation of Flow Distribution in Pipe Networks
Authors: Brkić Dejan , Praks Pavel
Published: May 2019

Hardy Cross originally proposed a method for analysis of flow in networks of conduits or conductors in 1936. His method was the first really useful engineering method in the field of pipe network calculation. Only electrical analogs of hydraulic networks were used before the Hardy Cross method. A problem with flow resistance versus electrical resistance makes these electrical analog methods obsolete. The method by Hardy Cross is taught extensively at faculties, and it remains an important tool for the analysis of looped pipe systems. Engineers today mostly use a modified Hardy Cross method that considers the whole looped network of pipes simultaneously (use of these methods without computers is practically impossible). A method from a Russian practice published during the 1930s, which is similar to the Hardy Cross method, is described, too. Some notes from the work of Hardy Cross are also presented. Finally, an improved version of the Hardy Cross method, which significantly reduces the number of iterations, is presented and discussed. We also tested multi-point iterative methods, which can be used as a substitution for the Newton–Raphson approach used by Hardy Cross, but in this case this approach did not reduce the number of iterations. Although many new models have been developed since the time of Hardy Cross, the main purpose of this paper is to illustrate the very beginning of modeling of gas and water pipe networks and ventilation systems. As a novelty, a new multi-point iterative solver is introduced and compared with the standard Newton–Raphson iterative method.
A New Approach to Border Irregularity Assessment with Application in Skin Pathology
Authors: Kleczek Pawel , Dyduch Grzegorz , Graczyk-Jarzynka Agnieszka , Jaworek-Korjakowska Joanna
Published: May 2019

The border irregularity assessment of tissue structures is an important step in medical diagnostics (e.g., in dermatoscopy, pathology, and cardiology). The diagnostic criteria based on the degree of uniformity and symmetry of border irregularities are particularly vital in dermatopathology, to distinguish between benign and malignant skin lesions. We propose a new method for the segmentation of individual border projections and measuring their morphometry. It is based mainly on analyzing the curvature of the object’s border to identify endpoints of projection bases, and on analyzing object’s skeleton in the graph representation to identify bases of projections and their location along the object’s main axis. The proposed segmentation method has been tested on 25 skin whole slide images of common melanocytic lesions. In total, 825 out of 992 (83%) manually segmented retes (projections of epidermis) were detected correctly and the Jaccard similarity coefficient for the task of detecting retes was 0.798. Experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Our method is particularly well suited for assessing the border irregularity of human epidermis and thus could help develop computer-aided diagnostic algorithms for skin cancer detection.
PARNet: A Joint Loss Function and Dynamic Weights Network for Pedestrian Semantic Attributes Recognition of Smart Surveillance Image
Authors: Li Yong , Tong Guofeng , Li Xin , Wang Yuebin , Zou Bo , Liu Yujie
Published: May 2019

The capability for recognizing pedestrian semantic attributes, such as gender, clothes color and other semantic attributes is of practical significance in bank smart surveillance, intelligent transportation and so on. In order to recognize the key multi attributes of pedestrians in indoor and outdoor scenes, this paper proposes a deep network with dynamic weights and joint loss function for pedestrian key attribute recognition. First, a new multi-label and multi-attribute pedestrian dataset, which is named NEU-dataset, is built. Second, we propose a new deep model based on DeepMAR model. The new network develops a loss function, which joins the sigmoid function and the softmax loss to solve the multi-label and multi-attribute problem. Furthermore, the dynamic weight in the loss function is adopted to solve the unbalanced samples problem. The experiment results show that the new attribute recognition method has good generalization performance.
Winter Weather Regimes in Southeastern China and its Intraseasonal Variations
Authors: Wang Yongdi , Jin Shuanggen , Sun Xinyu , Wang Fei
Published: May 2019

Extreme precipitation has often occurred in Southeastern China, while the possible mechanism is not clear. In order to bridge the scale gap between large-scale circulation and extreme precipitation, in this paper, the k-means clustering technique—a common method of weather-type (WT) analysis—was applied to regional 850-hPa wind fields. The reasonable determination of k values can make the later WT analyses more reliable. Thus, the Davies–Bouldin (BD) criterion index is used in the clustering process, and the optimal value of the k was determined. Then, we obtain and analyze the frequency, persistence, and progression of WTs. The rule of transitions from one WT to another may help explain some of the physical processes in winter. We found a special evolutionary chain (WT3→WT1→WT2→WT5→WT3) that can be used to explain the cold wave weather process in winter. Different WTs in the evolutionary chain correspond well to different stages of the cold wave weather process (gestation (WT3), outbreak (WT1), eastward withdrawal (WT2), and extinction (WT5)). In addition, we found that there are obvious differences in precipitation between December and February. After reassembling five kinds of WTs, two modes are formed: dry WTs and wet WTs. Our research shows that the intraseasonal variation of precipitation can be attributed to the fluctuation between the wet and dry WTs, and the different phases of teleconnection can correspond well with it. For example, the relative frequencies of wet WTs are higher in February. These WTs correspond to the positive phase of the WP and ENSO, the negative phase of the EA and EU, and the strong MJO state of the second, third, and eighth phase. Our work has well established the relationship between synoptic scale and large-scale circulation, which provides a reference for climate model simulation and future climate prediction.
Crossing Multiple Gray Zones in the Transition from Mesoscale to Microscale Simulation over Complex Terrain
Authors: Chow Fotini , Schär Christoph , Ban Nikolina , Lundquist Katherine , Schlemmer Linda , Shi Xiaoming
Published: May 2019

This review paper explores the field of mesoscale to microscale modeling over complex terrain as it traverses multiple so-called gray zones. In an attempt to bridge the gap between previous large-scale and small-scale modeling efforts, atmospheric simulations are being run at an unprecedented range of resolutions. The gray zone is the range of grid resolutions where particular features are neither subgrid nor fully resolved, but rather are partially resolved. The definition of a gray zone depends strongly on the feature being represented and its relationship to the model resolution. This paper explores three gray zones relevant to simulations over complex terrain: turbulence, convection, and topography. Taken together, these may be referred to as the gray continuum. The focus is on horizontal grid resolutions from ∼10 km to ∼10 m. In each case, the challenges are presented together with recent progress in the literature. A common theme is to address cross-scale interaction and scale-awareness in parameterization schemes. How numerical models are designed to cross these gray zones is critical to complex terrain applications in numerical weather prediction, wind resource forecasting, and regional climate modeling, among others.
A Review of Aerosol Chemical Composition and Sources in Representative Regions of China during Wintertime
Authors: Wang Yichen , Wang Qiyuan , Ye Jianhuai , Yan Mengyuan , Qin Quande , Prévôt André S. H. , Cao Junji
Published: May 2019

Comparisons of aerosol composition and sources in different cities or regions are rather limited, yet important for an in-depth understanding of the spatial diversity of aerosol pollution in China. In this study, the data originating from 25 different winter aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS)/aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) studies were used to provide spatial coverage of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), Guanzhong (GZ), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and Pearl River Delta (PRD) regions. The spatial distribution and diurnal variations in aerosol composition and organic sources were analyzed to investigate the aerosol characteristics in the four regions. It was found that there were differences in the compositions of non-refractory particulate matter across the regions, e.g., more sulfate in the PRD versus more nitrate in the YRD, as well as in the organic sources, e.g., more coal combustion in BTH versus more biomass burning in GZ. The characteristics of the composition of NR-PM are similar when the campaigns were classified according to the winter of different years or the cities of different regions. The diurnal variation of the PRD-sulfate indicated its regional nature, whereas the organics from burning sources in two regions of northern China exhibited local characteristics. Based on these findings, we suggest that strict control policies for coal combustion and biomass burning emissions should be enforced in the BTH and GZ regions, respectively.
Evaluation of Angiogenesis Assays
Authors: Stryker Zachary I. , Rajabi Mehdi , Davis Paul J. , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: May 2019

Angiogenesis assays allow for the evaluation of pro- or anti-angiogenic activity of endogenous or exogenous factors (stimulus or inhibitors) through investigation of their pro-or anti- proliferative, migratory, and tube formation effects on endothelial cells. To model the process of angiogenesis and the effects of biomolecules on that process, both in vitro and in vivo methods are currently used. In general, in vitro methods monitor specific stages in the angiogenesis process and are used for early evaluations, while in vivo methods more accurately simulate the living microenvironment to provide more pertinent information. We review here the current state of angiogenesis assays as well as their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations.
The Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Mechanism through which Exercise Influences Episodic Memory Function
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Zou Liye , Li Hong
Published: May 2019

Emerging research demonstrates that exercise, including both acute and chronic exercise, may influence episodic memory function. To date, mechanistic explanations of this effect are often attributed to alterations in long-term potentiation, neurotrophic production, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. Herein, we discuss a complementary mechanistic model, suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may, in part, influence the effects of exercise on memory function. We discuss the role of the endocannabinoid system on memory function as well as the effects of exercise on endocannabinoid alterations. This is an exciting line of inquiry that should help delineate new insights into the mechanistic role of exercise on memory function.
Acidification is an Essential Process of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Promotes the Anti-Cancer Effect on Malignant Melanoma Cells
Authors: Schneider Christin , Gebhardt Lisa , Arndt Stephanie , Karrer Sigrid , Zimmermann Julia L. , Fischer Michael J. M. , Bosserhoff Anja-Katrin
Published: May 2019

(1) Background: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is ionized gas near room temperature. The anti-cancer effects of CAP were confirmed for several cancer types and were attributed to CAP-induced reactive species. However, the mode of action of CAP is still not well understood. (2) Methods: Changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ level after CAP treatment of malignant melanoma cells were analyzed via the intracellular Ca2+ indicator fura-2 AM. CAP-produced reactive species were determined by fluorescence spectroscopic and protein nitration by Western Blot analysis. (3) Results: CAP caused a strong acidification of water and solutions that were buffered with the so-called Good buffers, while phosphate-buffered solutions with higher buffer capacity showed minor pH reductions. The CAP-induced Ca2+ influx in melanoma cells was stronger in acidic pH than in physiological conditions. NO formation that is induced by CAP was dose- and pH-dependent and CAP-treated solutions only caused protein nitration in cells under acidic conditions. (4) Conclusions: We describe the impact of CAP-induced acidification on the anti-cancer effects of CAP. A synergistic effect of CAP-induced ROS, RNS, and acidic conditions affected the intracellular Ca2+ level of melanoma cells. As the microenvironment of tumors is often acidic, further acidification might be one reason for the specific anti-cancer effects of CAP.
Clinical Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): From the Molecular Genetic Point of View
Authors: Wu Chiao-En , Tzen Chin-Yuan , Wang Shang-Yu , Yeh Chun-Nan
Published: May 2019

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originating from the interstitial cells of Cajal are mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and have been found to harbor c-KIT mutations and KIT (CD117) expression since 1998. Later, PDGFRA mutations, SDH alterations, and other drive mutations were identified in GISTs. In addition, more and more protein markers such as DOG1, PKCθ were found to be expressed in GISTs which might help clinicians diagnose CD117-negative GISTs. Therefore, we plan to comprehensively review the molecular markers and genetics of GISTs and provide clinicians useful information in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of GISTs. Twenty years after the discovery of KIT in GISTs, the diagnosis of GISTs became much more accurate by using immunohistochemical (IHC) panel (CD117/DOG1) and molecular analysis (KIT/PDGFRA), both of which constitute the gold standard of diagnosis in GISTs. The accurately molecular diagnosis of GISTs guides clinicians to precision medicine and provides optimal treatment for the patients with GISTs. Successful treatment in GISTs prolongs the survival of GIST patients and causes GISTs to become a chronic disease. In the future, the development of effective treatment for GISTs resistant to imatinib/sunitinib/regorafenib and KIT/PDGFRA-WT GISTs will be the challenge for GISTs.
Dose-Dependent Sorafenib-Induced Immunosuppression Is Associated with Aberrant NFAT Activation and Expression of PD-1 in T Cells
Authors: Iyer Renuka V. , Maguire Orla , Kim Minhyung , Curtin Leslie I. , Sexton Sandra , Fisher Daniel T. , Schihl Sarah A. , Fetterly Gerald , Menne Stephan , Minderman Hans
Published: May 2019

The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the only standard first-line therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report the dose-dependent effects of sorafenib on the immune response, which is related to nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFAT1) activity. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed with low and high doses of sorafenib using human T cells and spontaneous developed woodchuck HCC models. In vitro studies demonstrated that following exposure to a high dose of sorafenib the baseline activity of NFAT1 in T cells was significantly increased. In a parallel event, high dose sorafenib resulted in a significant decrease in T cell proliferation and increased the proportion of PD-1 expressing CD8+ T cells with NFAT1 activation. In the in vivo model, smaller tumors were detected in the low-dose sorafenib treated group compared to the placebo and high-dose treated groups. The low-dose sorafenib group showed a significant tumor growth delay with significantly more CD3+ cells in tumor. This study demonstrates that sorafenib has immunomodulatory effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Higher dose of sorafenib treatment was associated with immunosuppressive action. This observed effect of sorafenib should be taken into consideration in the selection of optimum starting dose for future trials.
Cross-Talk between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors and Other Cell Surface Proteins
Authors: Latko Marta , Czyrek Aleksandra , Porębska Natalia , Kucińska Marika , Otlewski Jacek , Zakrzewska Małgorzata , Opaliński Łukasz
Published: May 2019

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) constitute signaling circuits that transmit signals across the plasma membrane, regulating pivotal cellular processes like differentiation, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. The malfunction of FGFs/FGFRs signaling axis is observed in numerous developmental and metabolic disorders, and in various tumors. The large diversity of FGFs/FGFRs functions is attributed to a great complexity in the regulation of FGFs/FGFRs-dependent signaling cascades. The function of FGFRs is modulated at several levels, including gene expression, alternative splicing, posttranslational modifications, and protein trafficking. One of the emerging ways to adjust FGFRs activity is through formation of complexes with other integral proteins of the cell membrane. These proteins may act as coreceptors, modulating binding of FGFs to FGFRs and defining specificity of elicited cellular response. FGFRs may interact with other cell surface receptors, like G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The cross-talk between various receptors modulates the strength and specificity of intracellular signaling and cell fate. At the cell surface FGFRs can assemble into large complexes involving various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The interplay between FGFRs and CAMs affects cell–cell interaction and motility and is especially important for development of the central nervous system. This review summarizes current stage of knowledge about the regulation of FGFRs by the plasma membrane-embedded partner proteins and highlights the importance of FGFRs-containing membrane complexes in pathological conditions, including cancer.
Glycerol-Plasticized Films Obtained from Whey Proteins Denatured at Alkaline pH
Authors: Abdalrazeq Manar , Giosafatto C. Valeria L. , Esposito Marilena , Fenderico Maria , Di Pierro Prospero , Porta Raffaele
Published: May 2019

Whey represents the major by-product of cheese industry. One possibility to recycle the whey wastes is the use of their globular proteins as a polymer source for the production of biodegradable plastic materials. Whey protein (WP)-based films are usually obtained by protein heat treatment in the presence of glycerol (GLY) as plasticizer at pH 7, a method which would require commercially high costing process. In this work we explored the possibility of producing manageable whey-derived materials without any heat-treatment but under alkaline conditions. The reported results demonstrated that the casting at pH 12 of the unheated WP film forming solutions (FFSs), containing either 40% or 50% GLY, led to produce more resistant and flexible materials than the ones obtained at pH 7. Film opacity was observed significantly increased, being higher in the samples obtained at alkaline pH without WP heating and with higher GLY concentrations. Finally, moisture content decreased with the reduction of GLY content, both in heated and unheated WP-based films, whereas water uptake of the different films prepared at pH 12 did not significantly change.
Informational Structures and Informational Fields as a Prototype for the Description of Postulates of the Integrated Information Theory
Authors: Kalita Piotr , Langa José A. , Soler-Toscano Fernando
Published: May 2019

Informational Structures (IS) and Informational Fields (IF) have been recently introduced to deal with a continuous dynamical systems-based approach to Integrated Information Theory (IIT). IS and IF contain all the geometrical and topological constraints in the phase space. This allows one to characterize all the past and future dynamical scenarios for a system in any particular state. In this paper, we develop further steps in this direction, describing a proper continuous framework for an abstract formulation, which could serve as a prototype of the IIT postulates.
A Novel Uncertainty Management Approach for Air Combat Situation Assessment Based on Improved Belief Entropy
Authors: Zhou Ying , Tang Yongchuan , Zhao Xiaozhe
Published: May 2019

Uncertain information exists in each procedure of an air combat situation assessment. To address this issue, this paper proposes an improved method to address the uncertain information fusion of air combat situation assessment in the Dempster–Shafer evidence theory (DST) framework. A better fusion result regarding the prediction of military intention can be helpful for decision-making in an air combat situation. To obtain a more accurate fusion result of situation assessment, an improved belief entropy (IBE) is applied to preprocess the uncertainty of situation assessment information. Data fusion of assessment information after preprocessing will be based on the classical Dempster’s rule of combination. The illustrative example result validates the rationality and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in German Special Education—State of Research and Discussion
Authors: Blumenthal Yvonne , Hartke Bodo , Voß Stefan
Published: May 2019

This paper reviews the discourse on the concept of evidence-based special education in Germany. A short overview of the current situation in regard to available evidence-based educational materials for schools in Germany and the USA is given. Critical objections on the topic within Germany will be outlined thereafter. With these in mind, a discussion on the described points of criticism will follow in closing. Overall, the concept’s essential elements, such as the social and internal evidence, are not given sufficient consideration.
A Compound Current Limiter and Circuit Breaker
Authors: Heidary Amir , Radmanesh Hamid , Bakhshi Ali , Rouzbehi Kumars , Pouresmaeil Edris
Published: May 2019

The protection of sensitive loads against voltage drop is a concern for the power system. A fast fault current limiter and circuit breaker can be a solution for rapid voltage recovery of sensitive loads. This paper proposes a compound type of current limiter and circuit breaker (CLCB) which can limit fault current and fast break to adjust voltage sags at the protected buses. In addition, it can act as a circuit breaker to open the faulty line. The proposed CLCB is based on a series L-C resonance, which contains a resonant transformer and a series capacitor bank. Moreover, the CLCB includes two anti-parallel power electronic switches (a diode and an IGBT) connected in series with bus couplers. In order to perform an analysis of CLCB performance, the proposed structure was simulated using MATLAB. In addition, an experimental prototype was built, tested, and the experimental results were reported. Comparisons show that experimental results were in fair agreement with the simulation results and confirm CLCB’s ability to act as a fault current limiter and a circuit breaker.
Turning Filling Material into Proppant for Coalbed Methane in Poland—Crush Test Results
Authors: Knez Dariusz , Wiśniowski Rafał , Owusu Winnie Ampomaa
Published: May 2019

The search for unconventional energy resources such as coalbed methane (CBM) is on the rise in Poland due to the demand for energy resources and protection of the environment. CBM production has a lower impact on the environment when compared with coal production. Its development is known to be cost effective due to its use of shallow depths with large gas quantities. Sand is one of the by-products (waste) from open-pit mining operations. Conventional disposal of this material is achieved by storage in heaps and its deployment as landfill as well as filling material for mine pits. This paper investigates the potential use of sand (filler) as a proppant for hydraulic fracturing in coalbed methane formations in Poland through crush test measurements in both single and cyclic loadings. The crush test helps to identify proppant strength under various load applications. Test results show that the sand qualifies for the 4 K (maximum allowable stress is 27.58 MPa) and 3 K (maximum allowable stress 20.68 MPa) crush classifications under single and cyclic conditions, respectively. This finding shows the viability and potential of the investigated sand as a proppant for hydraulic fracturing in shallow coalbed methane formations in Poland. Furthermore, its use could help filler-providing companies to maintain their production level and save jobs. Notably, it would contribute to the reduction of environmental problems associated with the management of waste, such as that from open-pit mining operations.
Multi-Step Wind Speed Forecasting Based On Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, Long Short Term Memory Network and Error Correction Strategy
Authors: Huang Yuansheng , Yang Lei , Liu Shijian , Wang Guangli
Published: May 2019

It is of great significance for wind power plant to construct an accurate multi-step wind speed prediction model, especially considering its operations and grid integration. By integrating with a data pre-processing measure, a parameter optimization algorithm and error correction strategy, a novel forecasting method for multi-step wind speed in short period is put forward in this article. In the suggested measure, the EEMD (Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition) is applied to extract a series of IMFs (intrinsic mode functions) from the initial wind data sequence; the LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) measure is executed as the major forecasting method for each IMF; the GRNN (general regression neural network) is executed as the secondary forecasting method to forecast error sequences for each IMF; and the BSO (Brain Storm Optimization) is employed to optimize the parameter for GRNN during the training process. To verify the validity of the suggested EEMD-LSTM-GRNN-BSO model, eight models were applied on three different wind speed sequences. The calculation outcomes reveal that: (1) the EEMD is able to boost the wind speed prediction capacity and robustness of the LSTM approach effectively; (2) the BSO based parameter optimization method is effective in finding the optimal parameter for GRNN and improving the forecasting performance for the EEMD-LSTM-GRNN model; (3) the error correction method based on the optimized GRNN promotes the forecasting accuracy of the EEMD-LSTM model significantly; and (4) compared with all models involved, the proposed EEMD-LSTM-GRNN-BSO model is proved to have the best performance in predicting the short-term wind speed sequence.
Design Optimization of a Permanent-Magnet Saturated-Core Fault-Current Limiter
Authors: Linden John , Nikulshin Yasha , Friedman Alex , Yeshurun Yosef , Wolfus Shuki
Published: May 2019

Designs of saturated-cores fault current limiters (FCLs) usually implement conducting or superconducting DC coils serving to saturate the magnetic cores during nominal grid performance. The use of coils adds significantly to the operational cost of the system, consuming energy, and requiring maintenance. A derivative of the saturated-cores FCL is a design implementing permanent magnets as an alternative to the DC coils, eliminating practically all maintenance due to its entirely passive components. There are, however, various challenges such as the need to reach deep saturation with the currently available permanent magnets as well as the complications involved in the assembly process due to very powerful magnetic forces between the magnets and the cores. This paper presents several concepts, achieved by extensive magnetic simulations and verified experimentally, that help in maximizing the core saturation of the PMFCL (Permanent Magnet FCL), including optimization of the permanent magnet to core surface ratios and asymmetrical placement of the permanent magnets, both creating an increase in the cores’ magnetic flux at crucial points. In addition, we point to the importance of splitting the AC coils to leave the center core point exposed to best utilize their variable inductance parameters. This paper also describes the stages of design and assembly of a laboratory-scale single phase prototype model with the proposed PMFCL design recommendations, as well as an analysis of real-time results obtained while connecting this prototype to a 220   V grid during nominal and fault states.
Development of Floquet Multiplier Estimator to Determine Nonlinear Oscillatory Behavior in Power System Data Measurement
Authors: Choi Namki , Cho Hwanhee , Lee Byongjun
Published: May 2019

Measurement-based technology has been developed in the area of power transmission systems with phasor measurement units (PMU). Using high-resolution PMU data, the oscillatory behavior of power systems from general electromagnetic oscillations to sub-synchronous resonances can be observed. Studying oscillations in power systems is important to obtain information about the orbital stability of the system. Floquet multipliers calculation is based on a mathematical model to determine the orbital stability of a system with the existence of stable or unstable periodic solutions. In this paper, we have developed a model-free method to estimate Floquet multipliers using time series data. A comparative study between calculated and estimated Floquet multipliers has been performed to validate the proposed method. The results are provided for a sample three-bus power system network and the system integrated with a doubly fed induction generator.
Photovoltaic System Design and Performance
Authors: van Sark Wilfried
Published: May 2019

This editorial summarizes the collection of papers in the Special Issue entitled Photovoltaic System Design and Performance, which was published in MDPI’s Energies journal. Papers on this topic were submitted in 2017 and 2018, and a total of 21 papers were published. Main topics included data analysis for optimal performance and fault analysis, causes for energy loss, and design and integration issues. The papers in this Special Issue demonstrate the importance of designing and properly monitoring photovoltaic systems in the field in order to ensure maintaining good performance.
Energy Balance and Local Unsteady Loss Analysis of Flows in a Low Specific Speed Model Pump-Turbine in the Positive Slope Region on the Pump Performance Curve
Authors: Lu Guocheng , Zuo Zhigang , Liu Demin , Liu Shuhong
Published: May 2019

The positive slope on the pump performance curve of pump-turbines suggests potential operational instabilities in pump mode. Previous research has indicated that the increase of the hydraulic loss caused by sudden changes of flow patterns in pump-turbines is responsible for the positive slope, however its detailed flow mechanism is still unclear. A low specific speed model pump-turbine was numerically investigated against experiments in the present study, by applying unsteady RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations) simulations with a v2-f turbulence model. The mechanism of occurrence of the positive slope on the pump performance curve was discussed regarding the energy balance, as this region appears when the value of ∂ P u ∂ Q is larger than the critical value P u Q . An unsteady local loss analysis, derived from the energy equation, was conducted to illustrate the contribution of local flow patterns to the loss in corresponding hydraulic components. The variation of the kinetic energy of the mean flow was taken into account for the first time so that this method can be applied to highly time dependent flow patterns, e.g., a rotating stall in the present study. The investigations on the flow patterns revealed that some guide vane channels stalled with a larger discharge coefficient than the positive slope region. Several guide vane channels near the stalled channels were stalling with minor decrease of the discharge coefficient, leading to sudden increases of the input power and the loss. When the discharge coefficient slightly decreased in further, the pump-turbine operated into the positive slope region, and the rotating stall with 3 stall cells appeared, proven by the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) and cross-phase analysis on the pressure fluctuations.
Design, Analysis and Test of a Hyperbolic Magnetic Field Voice Coil Actuator for Magnetic Levitation Fine Positioning Stage
Authors: Zhou Yiheng , Kou Baoquan , Zhang He , Zhang Lu , Wang Likun
Published: May 2019

The multi-degree-of-freedom high-precision positioning system (MHPS) is one of the key technologies in many advanced industrial applications. In this paper, a novel hyperbolic magnetic field voice coil actuator using a rhombus magnet array (HMF-VCA) for MHPS is proposed. Benefiting from the especially designed rhombus magnet array, the proposed HMF-VCA has the advantage of excellent force uniformity, which makes it suitable for multi-degree-of-freedom high-precision positioning applications. First, the basic structure and operation principles of the HMF-VCA are presented. Second, the six-degree-of-freedom force and torque characteristic of the HMF-VCA is studied by three-dimensional finite element analysis (3-D FEA). Third, the influence of structural parameters on force density and force uniformity is investigated, which is conducive to the design and optimization of the HMF-VCA. Finally, a prototype is constructed, and the comparison between the HMF-VCA and conventional VCAs proves the advantage of the proposed topology.
Salicylic Acid Alleviated Salt Damage of Populus euphratica: A Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Rao Shupei , Du Chao , Li Aijia , Xia Xinli , Yin Weilun , Chen Jinhuan
Published: May 2019

Populus euphratica Oliv. is a model tree for studying abiotic stress, especially salt stress response. Salt stress is one of the most extensive abiotic stresses, which has an adverse effect on plant growth and development. Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signaling molecule that plays an important role in modulating the plant responses to abiotic stresses. To answer whether the endogenous SA can be induced by salt stress, and whether SA effectively alleviates the negative effects of salt on poplar growth is the main purpose of the study. To elucidate the effects of SA and salt stress on the growth of P. euphratica, we examined the morphological and physiological changes of P. euphratica under 300 mM NaCl after treatment with different concentrations of SA. A pretreatment of P. euphratica with 0.4 mM SA for 3 days effectively improved the growth status of plants under subsequent salt stress. These results indicate that appropriate concentrations of exogenous SA can effectively counteract the negative effect of salt stress on growth and development. Subsequently, transcripts involved in salt stress response via SA signaling were captured by RNA sequencing. The results indicated that numerous specific genes encoding mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium-dependent protein kinase, and antioxidant enzymes were upregulated. Potassium transporters and Na+/H+ antiporters, which maintain K+/Na+ balance, were also upregulated after SA pretreatment. The transcriptome changes show that the ion transport and antioxidant enzymes were the early enhanced systems in response of P. euphratica to salt via SA, expanding our knowledge about SA function in salt stress defense in P. euphratica. This provides a solid foundation for future study of functional genes controlling effective components in metabolic pathways of trees.
Factors Influencing the Geographical Distribution of Dendroctonus armandi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytidae) in China
Authors: Ning Hang , Dai Lulu , Fu Danyang , Liu Bin , Wang Honglin , Chen Hui
Published: May 2019

In order to prevent any further spread of Dendroctonus armandi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytidae), it is important to clarify its geographic distribution in China. Species Distribution Models were used to identify the variables influencing the distribution of D. armandi in China, and to create maps of its distribution. D. armandi almost exclusively attacked Pinus armandi Franch (IP (frequency of its incidence) = 98.2%), and its distribution is focused on the Qinling Mountains and the Ta-pa Mountains. The current distribution of P. armandi does not limit the distribution of D. armandi, despite the host occurring in in northern and southwestern China. Temperature and precipitation limit the current distribution of this beetle. The mean temperature of coldest quarter (−5 °C) does not guarantee that D. armandi larvae can overwinter in northern China, and the precipitation of wettest quarter plays an important role in the dispersal and colonization of D. armandi adults in southwestern China. Therefore, the ecological niche of this beetle is relatively narrow when it comes to these environmental variables. The climatic conditions where this beetle inhabit are different from the prevalent climate in the Qinling Mountains and the Ta-pa Mountains. At the meso- and micro-scale levels, terrain variables create habitat selection preferences for D. armandi. D. armandi predominately colonizes trees on the southern slopes of valleys and canyons with elevations between 1300 m a.s.l and 2400 m a.s.l.
Livelihood Dependency on Non-Timber Forest Products: Implications for REDD+
Authors: Soe Khaing Thandar , Yeo-Chang Youn
Published: May 2019

Deforestation and forest degradation are occurring continuously and posing serious threats to forests and people worldwide. In Myanmar, poor regulation and unsustainable extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is affecting millions of hectares of natural forests; overexploitation of forest resources is one of the main drivers of forest degradation. Although evidence shows that the extraction of NTFPs results in forest degradation, there have been few studies on what drives rural people to depend on NTFPs and how to address these drivers in terms of policies and measures. Policies and measures are nationally enacted policies and actions that countries undertake to address the causes of deforestation and forest degradation. This study identifies which factors determine the dependence on NTFPs in forest-dependent communities. From these factors, we derived policy implications for the main causes of overexploitation of NTFPs to provide suggestions for developing policies and measures in the design of national Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) strategies. Focusing on the Taungoo District as a case of dependence on NTFPs by local communities, we conducted a qualitative and quantitative data collection procedure based on interviewing households in the local communities. NTFPs contributed the most to total household income and the main types of NTFPs exploited were charcoal making and bamboo selling. Households with lower education level, less agricultural land, less income from off-farm activities, lived under the poverty line or used only charcoal were more dependent on NTFPs in the study areas. Poverty and fuelwood usage were factors affecting NTFPs dependence for landowners while rice insufficiency, off-farm income and fuelwood usage most affected the NTFPs dependence for landless people. The results suggested that national strategies for REDD+ should take into account local features such as income opportunities and land tenure in order to make local people cooperate with the government to avoid deforestation and forest degradation.