bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of buprenorphine and sustained-release buprenorphine after administration to adult alpacas
Authors: Dooley S. Bryce , Aarnes Turi K. , Lakritz Jeffrey , Lerche Phillip , Bednarski Richard M. , Hubbell John A. E.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE To determine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of buprenorphine after IV and SC administration and of sustained-release (SR) buprenorphine after SC administration to adult alpacas.

ANIMALS 6 alpacas.

PROCEDURES Buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg, IV and SC) and SR buprenorphine (0.12 mg/kg, SC) were administered to each alpaca, with a 14-day washout period between administrations. Twenty-one venous blood samples were collected over 96 hours and used to determine plasma concentrations of buprenorphine. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by use of noncompartmental analysis. Pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed via sedation, heart and respiratory rates, and thermal and mechanical antinociception indices.

RESULTS Mean ± SD maximum concentration after IV and SC administration of buprenorphine were 11.60 ± 4.50 ng/mL and 1.95 ± 0.80 ng/mL, respectively. Mean clearance was 3.00 ± 0.33 L/h/kg, and steady-state volume of distribution after IV administration was 3.8 ± l.0 L/kg. Terminal elimination half-life was 1.0 ± 0.2 hours and 2.7 ± 2.8 hours after IV and SC administration, respectively. Mean residence time was 1.3 ± 0.3 hours and 3.6 ± 3.7 hours after IV and SC administration, respectively. Bioavailability was 64 ± 28%. Plasma concentrations after SC administration of SR buprenorphine were below the LLOQ in samples from 4 alpacas. There were no significant changes in pharmacodynamic parameters after buprenorphine administration. Alpacas exhibited mild behavioral changes after all treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Buprenorphine administration to healthy alpacas resulted in moderate bioavailability, rapid clearance, and a short half-life. Plasma concentrations were detectable in only 2 alpacas after SC administration of SR buprenorphine.
Evaluation of contractile phenotype in airway smooth muscle cells isolated from endobronchial biopsy and tissue specimens from horses
Authors: Vargas Amandine , Peltier Aude , Dubé Jean , Lefebvre-Lavoie Josiane , Moulin Véronique , Goulet Francine , Lavoie Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE To develop a method to maintain the initial phenotype of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells isolated from equine endobronchial biopsy specimens in long-term cell culture.

SAMPLE Endobronchial tissue specimens (8 to 10/horse) collected from the lungs of previously healthy horses at necropsy (n = 12) and endobronchial biopsy specimens collected from standing, sedated, heaves-affected horses in clinical remission of the disease (5) and control horses (4).

PROCEDURES A sampling protocol was developed to recover and maintain a contractile phenotype in ASM cells from endobronchial specimens from freshly harvested equine lungs and from healthy and heaves-affected horses. Immunologic techniques were used to evaluate the contractile phenotype of ASM cells in culture.

RESULTS Characteristic ASM cells were successfully cultured from endobronchial tissue or biopsy specimens from both healthy and heaves-affected horses, and their contractile phenotype was maintained for up to 7 passages. Moreover, the capacity of cells at the seventh passage to contract in a collagen gel in response to methacholine was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE ASM cells isolated from equine endobronchial tissue and biopsy specimens were able to maintain a contractile phenotype in long-term cell cultures, suggesting they could be used for tissue engineering and in vitro studies of equine ASM cells.
Passive ureteral dilation and ureteroscopy after ureteral stent placement in five healthy Beagles
Authors: Vachon Catherine , Defarges Alice , Brisson Brigitte , Nykamp Stephanie , Weese J. Scott , Denstedt John , Berent Allyson C.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE To determine whether passive ureteral dilation (PUD) would occur after an indwelling ureteral stent was left in place in healthy dogs for 2 or 6 weeks, ureteroscopy would be possible at the time of stent removal, and PUD would be reversible after stent removal.

ANIMALS 5 healthy adult female Beagles.

PROCEDURES A ureteral stent was cystoscopically placed in each ureter of each dog with fluoroscopic guidance (week 0). One stent was removed from 1 ureter in each dog after 2 weeks (ureter group 1), and the other was removed after 6 weeks (ureter group 2); removal timing was randomized. Computed tomographic excretory urography was performed every 2 weeks from weeks 0 through 10 to measure ureteral diameters. Ureteroscopy was attempted at the time of ureteral stent removal in each group. Ureteral diameters were compared among measurement points.

RESULTS The degree of PUD was significant after 2 and 6 weeks of stent placement in both ureter groups. Mean diameter of the midportion of the ureter in both groups prior to stent placement was 1.70 mm (range, 1.3 to 2.7 mm). At stent removal, mean diameter of the midportion of the ureter was 2.86 mm (range, 2.4 to 3.1 mm) in group 1 and 2.80 mm (range, 2.1 to 3.4 mm) in group 2. Ureteroscopy was successfully performed in all dogs up to the renal pelvis. Compared with week 0 values for diameter of the midportion of the ureter, the degree of PUD induced by stent placement had reversed by week 8 in group 1 (mean diameter, 2.00 mm [range, 1.5 to 2.3 mm]).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that ureteral stent placement for 2 weeks would result in sufficient PUD in healthy dogs to allow ureteroscopy at the time of stent removal and that the original ureteral diameter would eventually be restored. Additional research is needed to determine whether findings would be similar for dogs with urinary tract disease.
Multiple acquisitions of STIs: invitation to precision in clinical care and summons to intangibles in laboratory diagnosis
Authors: Nirmal Kirti , Saha Rumpa , Ramachandran Vishnampettai G. , Battacharya Sambit N. , Das Shukla , Mogha Narendra S.
Published: February 2017

Background Co-existence of one sexually transmitted infection (STI) with another viral or bacterial agent may change the classical behavior of the genital infection and may provide the stimulus for reactivation. The objectives of this study were to document and appraise the relevance and importance of co-infection in STIs in their prevailing permutation and combination.Material and methods This cross-sectional study included 200 consecutive patients, attended the STI clinic of a tertiary care hospital in East Delhi with one or more complaints related to STI. Samples were collected, stained, cultured and antibody detection was done.Results A number of STIs patients had significant association with multiple co-infecting agents. Dual coinfection was seen in 53.1%, while ≥ 3 STIs pathogens were seen in18% cases. Importance of serology in detecting subclinical cases is also highlighted in the study.Conclusion Present study highlights the requirement for periodic need based surveillance of STIs for clinical intervention with challenge to clinicians for diagnosing multiple co-infections. The number of subclinical STIs in the present study underscores the importance of serology for detection of common STIs in all patients presenting to the STI clinic.
Die Toten im dritten Raum: Grabmäler als Orte der Begegnung zwischen Angehörigen verschiedener Religionen bei Wolfram von Eschenbach und Wirnt von Grafenberg
Authors: Lembke Astrid
Published: February 2017

This article explores the question as to how and when tombs in medieval narrative texts can be viewed as ‘third spaces’ that are used in order to define relations between members of different religious communities. In Wolfram von Eschenbach’s ‘Parzival’ and ‘Willehalm‘ as well as in Wirnt von Grafenberg’s ‘Wigalois’ tombs and the spaces around these tombs are presented as places where Christians and ‘Heathens’ negotiate their coexistence. In ‘Parzival’, for example, Gahmuret's tomb is a memorial to a shared past that does not cause any future cooperations. In ‘Willehalm’ the burials of members of both groups demonstrate the present need to strictly distinguish between the religious spheres. In ‘Wigalois’, however, a ‘heathen’ princess’s tomb becomes a place in which new alliances can be formed. It can thus be considered a ‘third space’ – if only temporarily. Moreover, it illustrates how a narrative text about the encounter between religious and worldly semiotic systems integrates Christian imperatives but also uses them in order to create new norms of courtly existence.
Relation between periodontal disease and ischemic heart disease
Authors: Siddiqui Tanzir Hassan , Choudhury Sohel Reza , Hossain Mozammal , Khondker Lubna
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the association between periodontal diseases and ischemic heart disease among 30 exercise tolerance test (ETT) positive and 30 ETT negative of ischemic heart disease patients attending the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. The presence of gum swelling for the two groups were statistically significant. The results revealed that 80% ETT positive and 23% ETT negative respondent had gum bleeding, 53% ETT positive and 7% ETT negative had ulceration of gingiva. Furthermore, severely inflamed with spontaneous bleeding was found in 53.3% ETT positive and 6.7% negative respondents. It can be concluded that oral hygiene should be promoted as a part of prevention of ischemic heart disease.
Diversity and dynamics of rhizobial populations in acidic soils with aluminum and manganese toxicities in forest zones
Authors: Manet Linda , Boyomo Onana , Ngonkeu Eddy Léonard Mangaptche , Begoudé Aimé Didier Boyogueno , Sarr Papa Saliou
Published: February 2017

Soil acidity in the humid forest zones of Cameroon is one of the major constraints to agricultural productivity. This study was carried out to assess the rhizobial communities of two acidic soils; with aluminum toxicity (Nkoemvone) and manganese toxicity (Nkolbisson) for their potential to improve soil fertility in Cameroon. These two soils were used to inoculate to the host plants cowpea and siratro. At harvest, 120 rhizobacterial isolates were extracted from the nodules of these two hosts and subjected to morphological characterization. Twenty isolates per site were selected and analyzed for their 16S rDNA genetic profile following restrictions with endonucleases of PCR products and electrophoresis. The restriction patterns of the 16S rDNA of the 40 isolates showed 12 different profiles. Eight occurred in both types of soils, where as 4 were specific to the manganese-toxic-acidic soil. While the Al toxicity reduced the nodulation and growth of both plants, the Mn toxicity mostly affect the cowpea. This study ascertained the distribution of rhizobia based on soil characteristics. Further molecular analyses would allow the identification of the isolates recovered as well as their phylogenetical relationships.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 12-23, December, 2016
Determination of priority of the construction of irrigation network
Authors: Azis Subandiyah , Widodo Hari
Published: February 2017

Development of the irrigation network is one of the factors that give the great impact to economic growth in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has the authority on this development. However, the handling of the irrigation network has not been maximum and cannot meet the expectations/needs during this time. This is because the limitation of government funding which is not in a good proportion to the increasing of the damage of the irrigation network from year to year and the priority scale is only based on the proposed community and the desire of some of the stakeholders. Therefore, a research is important to determine priority scale, which is appropriate to the real needs in the field. The method applied in this research was descriptive research by spread over the questioner to the stakeholders related to the development of the irrigation network and analyzed the data using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The location of the research was in Sidoarjo Regency that covers 10 locations. The analysis results showed the priority order execution of irrigation network development in accordance with the requirements of the irrigation network. It is expected that this method can be applied to the entire development of the irrigation networks and other infrastructures, therefore, limited government funds can be used efficiently and effectively.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 61-68, December, 2016
How the timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Uganda
Authors: Karubanga Gabriel , Kibwika Paul , Okry Florent , Sseguya Haroon
Published: February 2017

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 77-81, December, 2016
Impact of substrate on soilless tomato cultivation
Authors: Suvo TP , Biswas H , Jewel MH , Islam MS , Khan MSI
Published: February 2017

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of four different media based hydroponics on plant growth, yield and nutritional values at Biochemistry laboratory of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh during November 2014 to April 2015. Tomato plants were grown in closed soilless system where Hoagland solution as nutrient solution and jute fiber, cotton (jhut), coconut husk as substrate. Among four types of media, the media composed with Hoagland solution and jute fiber showed good impact on growth and nutritional values than the other three media (media of Hoagland solution with coconut husk, Hoagland solution with cotton and only Hoagland solution. It was revealed that the highest plant height, yield, vitamin C, fruit protein, fat and fiber content of all were related to media combination of jute fiber and Hoagland solution. Among all the verities, the highest plant height (106 cm), yield (5.3 kg plant-1), fruit Vitamin C content (64.54 mg 100 g-1), fruit protein (17.67 %), fat (5.2%) and fiber (7.9%) content was recorded from Patharkuchi tomato variety.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 82-86, December, 2016
The Effects of Dominant Driving Forces on Summer Precipitation during Different Periods in Beijing
Authors: Li Fuxing , He Li
Published: February 2017

Wavelet analysis methods (CWT, XWT, WTC) were employed to evaluate the impact of dominant climatic driving factors on summer precipitation in the Beijing area based on monthly precipitation data of Beijing ranging from 1880 to 2014. The two climatic driving factors, i.e., the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and the Northern Limit of Western Pacific Subtropical High (NWPSH) were considered in particular. The relationships between summer precipitation and EASM/NWPSH were also examined. The results revealed similar periods in low-frequency oscillation (76–95 years) and mid-range frequency oscillation (32–60 years) for the summer precipitation in the Beijing area and EASM/NWPSH. The summer precipitation correlated positively with the NWPSH and EASM, especially for periods of 43 years and 33 years, respectively. This indicates that summer precipitation during 1880–1960 and during the years after 1960 was significantly affected by NWPSH and EASM, respectively. Based on the periodic change of 33 years for both summer precipitation and EASM, heavy precipitation can be expected to occur again in Beijing at approximately 2026. Understanding the relationships between summer precipitation and climatic factors is of significant importance for precipitation predictions and water resource variations in the Beijing area.
Application of Linear Mixed-Effects Models in Human Neuroscience Research: A Comparison with Pearson Correlation in Two Auditory Electrophysiology Studies
Authors: Koerner Tess , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2017

Neurophysiological studies are often designed to examine relationships between measures from different testing conditions, time points, or analysis techniques within the same group of participants. Appropriate statistical techniques that can take into account repeated measures and multivariate predictor variables are integral and essential to successful data analysis and interpretation. This work implements and compares conventional Pearson correlations and linear mixed-effects (LME) regression models using data from two recently published auditory electrophysiology studies. For the specific research questions in both studies, the Pearson correlation test is inappropriate for determining strengths between the behavioral responses for speech-in-noise recognition and the multiple neurophysiological measures as the neural responses across listening conditions were simply treated as independent measures. In contrast, the LME models allow a systematic approach to incorporate both fixed-effect and random-effect terms to deal with the categorical grouping factor of listening conditions, between-subject baseline differences in the multiple measures, and the correlational structure among the predictor variables. Together, the comparative data demonstrate the advantages as well as the necessity to apply mixed-effects models to properly account for the built-in relationships among the multiple predictor variables, which has important implications for proper statistical modeling and interpretation of human behavior in terms of neural correlates and biomarkers.
Catalytic Dehydration of Glycerol to Acrolein over a Catalyst of Pd/LaY Zeolite and Comparison with the Chemical Equilibrium
Authors: Pala Rosas Israel , Contreras José , Salmones José , Tapia Carlos , Zeifert Beatriz , Navarrete Juan , Vázquez Tamara , García Diana
Published: February 2017

Glycerol dehydration to acrolein was studied with three catalysts using zeolite-Y. This zeolite in its protonic form (HY), with La (LaY) and Pd with La (Pd/LaY), was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with pyridine, BET, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)–Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy X-ray (EDS) and the catalytic activity tests were carried out under H2 atmosphere. It was found that La ions exchanged in the zeolite-Y resulted in the improvement of both glycerol conversion and yield to acrolein, also a relatively constant glycerol conversion was achieved up to three hours, due to the presence of Pd on the catalyst and H2 in the feed. The comparison of the calculated and experimental yields obtained from the catalytic tests of the Pd/LaY catalyst indicates a greater activity for the reaction to acrolein than for the reaction to acetol. The calculated equilibrium yields of the dehydration reaction from glycerol to acrolein, acetol, ethanal, methanol, and water and the experimental yields of a Pd/LaY catalyst were compared. Thermodynamically, a complete conversion of glycerol can be achieved since the general system remains exothermic and promotes the path to acetol below 480 K. Above this temperature the system consumes energy and favors the production of acrolein, reaching its maximum concentration at 600 K.
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Weight Gain in Children with and without Asthma
Authors: Jensen Megan , Gibson Peter , Collins Clare , Hilton Jodi , Wood Lisa
Published: February 2017

A higher proportion of children with asthma are overweight and obese compared to children without asthma; however, it is unknown whether asthmatic children are at increased risk of weight gain due to modifiable lifestyle factors. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare weight-gain risk factors (sleep, appetite, diet, activity) in an opportunistic sample of children with and without asthma. Non-obese children with (n = 17; age 10.7 (2.4) years) and without asthma (n = 17; age 10.8 (2.3) years), referred for overnight polysomnography, underwent measurement of lung function, plasma appetite hormones, dietary intake and food cravings, activity, and daytime sleepiness. Sleep latency (56.6 (25.5) vs. 40.9 (16.9) min, p = 0.042) and plasma triglycerides (1.0 (0.8, 1.2) vs. 0.7 (0.7, 0.8) mmol/L, p = 0.013) were significantly greater in asthmatic versus non-asthmatic children. No group difference was observed in appetite hormones, dietary intake, or activity levels (p > 0.05). Sleep duration paralleled overall diet quality (r = 0.36, p = 0.04), whilst daytime sleepiness paralleled plasma lipids (r = 0.61, p =0.001) and sedentary time (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). Disturbances in sleep quality and plasma triglycerides were evident in non-obese asthmatic children referred for polysomnography, versus non-asthmatic children. Observed associations between diet quality, sedentary behavior, and metabolic and sleep-related outcomes warrant further investigation, particularly the long-term health implications.
A 130 GHz Electro-Optic Ring Modulator with Double-Layer Graphene
Authors: Wu Lei , Liu Hongxia , Li Jiabin , Wang Shulong , Qu Sheng , Dong Lu
Published: February 2017

The optical absorption coefficient of graphene will change after injecting carriers. Based on this principle, a high-speed double-layer graphene electro-optic modulator with a ring resonator structure was designed in this paper. From the numerical simulations, we designed a modulator. Its optical bandwidth is larger than 130 GHz, the switching energy is 0.358 fJ per bit, and the driven voltage is less than 1.2 V. At the same time, the footprint of the proposed modulator is less than 10 microns squared, which makes the process compatible with the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS) process. This will provide the possibility for the on-chip integration of the photoelectric device.
Optimization of Alpha-Beta Log-Det Divergences and their Application in the Spatial Filtering of Two Class Motor Imagery Movements
Authors: Thiyam Deepa , Cruces Sergio , Olias Javier , Cichocki Andrzej
Published: February 2017

The Alpha-Beta Log-Det divergences for positive definite matrices are flexible divergences that are parameterized by two real constants and are able to specialize several relevant classical cases like the squared Riemannian metric, the Steins loss, the S-divergence, etc. A novel classification criterion based on these divergences is optimized to address the problem of classification of the motor imagery movements. This research paper is divided into three main sections in order to address the above mentioned problem: (1) Firstly, it is proven that a suitable scaling of the class conditional covariance matrices can be used to link the Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) solution with a predefined number of spatial filters for each class and its representation as a divergence optimization problem by making their different filter selection policies compatible; (2) A closed form formula for the gradient of the Alpha-Beta Log-Det divergences is derived that allows to perform optimization as well as easily use it in many practical applications; (3) Finally, in similarity with the work of Samek et al. 2014, which proposed the robust spatial filtering of the motor imagery movements based on the beta-divergence, the optimization of the Alpha-Beta Log-Det divergences is applied to this problem. The resulting subspace algorithm provides a unified framework for testing the performance and robustness of the several divergences in different scenarios.
A LiBr-H2O Absorption Refrigerator Incorporating a Thermally Activated Solution Pumping Mechanism
Authors: Eames Ian
Published: February 2017

This paper provides an illustrated description of a proposed LiBr-H2O vapour absorption refrigerator which uses a thermally activated solution pumping mechanism that combines controlled variations in generator vapour pressure with changes it produces in static-head pressure difference to circulate the absorbent solution between the generator and absorber vessels. The proposed system is different and potentially more efficient than a bubble pump system previously proposed and avoids the need for an electrically powered circulation pump found in most conventional LiBr absorption refrigerators. The paper goes on to provide a sample set of calculations that show that the coefficient of performance values of the proposed cycle are similar to those found for conventional cycles. The theoretical results compare favourably with some preliminary experimental results, which are also presented for the first time in this paper. The paper ends by proposing an outline design for an innovative steam valve, which is a key component needed to control the solution pumping mechanism.
An Entropy-Assisted Shielding Function in DDES Formulation for the SST Turbulence Model
Authors: Zhou Ling , Zhao Rui , Shi Xiao-Pan
Published: February 2017

The intent of shielding functions in delayed detached-eddy simulation methods (DDES) is to preserve the wall boundary layers as Reynolds-averaged Navier–Strokes (RANS) mode, avoiding possible modeled stress depletion (MSD) or even unphysical separation due to grid refinement. An entropy function fs is introduced to construct a DDES formulation for the k-ω shear stress transport (SST) model, whose performance is extensively examined on a range of attached and separated flows (flat-plate flow, circular cylinder flow, and supersonic cavity-ramp flow). Two more forms of shielding functions are also included for comparison: one that uses the blending function F2 of SST, the other which adopts the recalibrated shielding function fd_cor of the DDES version based on the Spalart-Allmaras (SA) model. In general, all of the shielding functions do not impair the vortex in fully separated flows. However, for flows including attached boundary layer, both F2 and the recalibrated fd_cor are found to be too conservative to resolve the unsteady flow content. On the other side, fs is proposed on the theory of energy dissipation and independent on from any particular turbulence model, showing the generic priority by properly balancing the need of reserving the RANS modeled regions for wall boundary layers and generating the unsteady turbulent structures in detached areas.
Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of a Biogas-Fuelled Micro-Gas Turbine with a Bottoming Organic Rankine Cycle for Sewage Sludge and Food Waste Treatment Plants
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Sung Taehong , Kim Kyung
Published: February 2017

In the Republic of Korea, efficient biogas-fuelled power systems are needed to use the excess biogas that is currently burned due to a lack of suitable power technology. We examined the performance of a biogas-fuelled micro-gas turbine (MGT) system and a bottoming organic Rankine cycle (ORC). The MGT provides robust operation with low-grade biogas, and the exhaust can be used for heating the biodigester. Similarly, the bottoming ORC generates additional power output with the exhaust gas. We selected a 1000-kW MGT for four co-digestion plants with 28,000-m3 capacity. A 150-kW ORC system was selected for the MGT exhaust gas. We analysed the effects of the system size, methane concentration, and ORC operating conditions. Based on the system performance, we analysed the annual performance of the MGT with a combined heat and power (CHP) system, bottoming ORC, or both a bottoming ORC and CHP system. The annual net power outputs for each system were 7.4, 8.5, and 9.0 MWh per year, respectively.
Tuning the Complexity of Photovoltaic Array Models to Meet Real-time Constraints of Embedded Energy Emulators
Authors: Lattanzi Emanuele , Dromedari Matteo , Freschi Valerio , Bogliolo Alessandro
Published: February 2017

Reproducibility of experimental conditions is a fundamental requirement for designing energy efficient, self-sustainable wireless sensor networks (WSNs). At the same time, it represents a significant challenge because of the variability and the unpredictability of many energy harvesting sources, and because of the dynamic operating conditions of the devices to which energy is supplied. Energy source emulation is considered a suitable solution to enable the exploration of the design space of networked embedded systems. However, in order to guarantee the compatibility with real-time performance of resource-constrained embedded platforms, particular attention has to be paid to the complexity of the models. In this paper, we propose an approach aimed at tuning the complexity of models of photovoltaic (PV) arrays implemented on a target embedded emulator, featuring low cost and small form factor. Experimental results performed on different models of PV array, show that the proposed solution is flexible and accurate enough to meet the real-time constraints of typical sensor networks applications without impairing the precision in the emulation of the energy sources.
Relative Voltage Control of the Wind Farms Based on the Local Reactive Power Regulation
Authors: Zhao Yangyang , Chai Jianyun , Sun Xudong
Published: February 2017

The fast and coordinated voltage control of distributed nodes inside a large scale wind farm is a stringent issue. To achieve the reactive power compensation without a dedicated upper communication system, this paper proposes a relative control strategy based on the local reactive power regulation. This method can realize the voltage coordination of the key equipment and feeder line nodes, on the basis of the relative voltage observations. Firstly, the stability analysis of a certain wind farm with pre-known parameters and structure is studied under the wind power fluctuations. Secondly, the optimal capacity configurations of the reactive power compensators are discussed, with multiple nodes inside the wind farms. Simulation results of a specific wind farm in North Hebei, China, validate the effectiveness of the proposed control, which is equipped with fast and stable voltage dynamic responses, as well as local reactive power compensations without remote communication.
Performance Analyses of Counter-Flow Closed Wet Cooling Towers Based on a Simplified Calculation Method
Authors: Wei Xiaoqing , Li Nianping , Peng Jinqing , Cheng Jianlin , Hu Jinhua , Wang Meng
Published: February 2017

As one of the most widely used units in water cooling systems, the closed wet cooling towers (CWCTs) have two typical counter-flow constructions, in which the spray water flows from the top to the bottom, and the moist air and cooling water flow in the opposite direction vertically (parallel) or horizontally (cross), respectively. This study aims to present a simplified calculation method for conveniently and accurately analyzing the thermal performance of the two types of counter-flow CWCTs, viz. the parallel counter-flow CWCT (PCFCWCT) and the cross counter-flow CWCT (CCFCWCT). A simplified cooling capacity model that just includes two characteristic parameters is developed. The Levenberg–Marquardt method is employed to determine the model parameters by curve fitting of experimental data. Based on the proposed model, the predicted outlet temperatures of the process water are compared with the measurements of a PCFCWCT and a CCFCWCT, respectively, reported in the literature. The results indicate that the predicted values agree well with the experimental data in previous studies. The maximum absolute errors in predicting the process water outlet temperatures are 0.20 and 0.24 °C for the PCFCWCT and CCFCWCT, respectively. These results indicate that the simplified method is reliable for performance prediction of counter-flow CWCTs. Although the flow patterns of the two towers are different, the variation trends of thermal performance are similar to each other under various operating conditions. The inlet air wet-bulb temperature, inlet cooling water temperature, air flow rate, and cooling water flow rate are crucial for determining the cooling capacity of a counter-flow CWCT, while the cooling tower effectiveness is mainly determined by the flow rates of air and cooling water. Compared with the CCFCWCT, the PCFCWCT is much more applicable in a large-scale cooling water system, and the superiority would be amplified when the scale of water distribution system increases. Without multiple iterative calculations and extensive experimental data, the simplified method could be used to effectively analyze the thermal performance of counter-flow CWCTs in operation. It is useful for optimization operation of counter-flow CWCTs such that to improve the energy efficiency of the overall cooling water system.
Effect of Soil Moisture on the Response of Soil Respiration to Open-Field Experimental Warming and Precipitation Manipulation
Authors: Li Guanlin , Kim Seongjun , Han Seung , Chang Hanna , Son Yowhan
Published: February 2017

Soil respiration (RS, Soil CO2 efflux) is the second largest carbon (C) flux in global terrestrial ecosystems, and thus, plays an important role in global and regional C cycling; moreover, it acts as a feedback mechanism between C cycling and global climate change. RS is highly responsive to temperature and moisture, factors that are closely related to climate warming and changes in precipitation regimes. Here, we examined the direct and interactive effects of climate change drivers on RS of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. seedlings in a multifactor climate change experiment involving atmospheric temperature warming (+3 °C) and precipitation manipulations (−30% and +30%). Our results indicated that atmospheric temperature warming induced significant changes in RS (p < 0.05), enhancing RS by an average of 54.6% and 59.7% in the control and elevated precipitation plots, respectively, whereas atmospheric temperature warming reduced RS by 19.4% in plots subjected to lower rates of precipitation. However, the warming effect on RS was influenced by soil moisture. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that atmospheric temperature warming significantly influenced RS, but the warming effect on RS may be weakened by warming-induced soil drying in water-limited environments.
Framing REDD+ at National Level: Actors and Discourse around Nepal’s Policy Debate
Authors: Bastakoti Rishi , Davidsen Conny
Published: February 2017

Forests and carbon sequestration have become fundamental themes in climate change mitigation. The idea of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) has generated significant interest in forest governance from United Nations (UN) climate strategies over the past decade. REDD+ was initially hailed as a smart and cost-effective way to mitigate climate change. As it is rolling out, ambiguities and controversies are increasingly surfacing to the stakeholders at different levels. Examining the forest governance of Nepal in detail, this research examines how relationships between national and local forest actors have changed, and how REDD+ discourses have evolved among them at the interface between global interests in carbon commodification on one hand, and local realities of community forestry on the other hand. To better understand these competing positions, the study uses a post-structural political ecology perspective with elements of discourse analysis. Using data from interviews with policy actors and members of three local community forest user groups, focus group discussions, policy event observations, and document reviews, this paper highlights how global forest carbon commodification has been affecting community forestry governance. It also illustrates different storylines that actors employ to influence policy discourse and REDD+ debates, indicating a considerable range of problem definitions and policy solutions of climate change among the actors. The analysis highlights the connection between power relationships and the evolution of discourses surrounding REDD+, and how an external discourse can reinforce or challenge local governance and the centralization of forest authority. As such, the research also offers a new application of discursive storylines to climate change discourse analysis across national and local scales. The findings emphasize the importance of a more open and transparent dialogue across Nepal’s forest governance and management levels to ensure actual benefits for healthy forests, strong communities, and effective climate change mitigation. Nepal's findings also suggest highly relevant lessons to other developing countries with significant community forest governance, and a strong planned focus on REDD+.
Generalized Models: An Application to Identify Environmental Variables That Significantly Affect the Abundance of Three Tree Species
Authors: Antúnez Pablo , Hernández-Díaz José , Wehenkel Christian , Clark-Tapia Ricardo
Published: February 2017

In defining the environmental preferences of plant species, statistical models are part of the essential tools in the field of modern ecology. However, conventional linear models require compliance with some parametric assumptions and if these requirements are not met, imply a serious limitation of the applied model. In this study, the effectiveness of linear and nonlinear generalized models was examined to identify the unitary effect of the principal environmental variables on the abundance of three tree species growing in the natural temperate forests of Oaxaca, Mexico. The covariates that showed a significant effect on the distribution of tree species were the maximum and minimum temperatures and the precipitation during specific periods. Results suggest that the generalized models, particularly smoothed models, were able to detect the increase or decrease of the abundance against changes in an environmental variable; they also revealed the inflection of the regression. In addition, these models allow partial characterization of the realized niche of a given species according to some specific variables, regardless of the type of relationship.
Implementing Forest Landscape Restoration in Ethiopia
Authors: Pistorius Till , Carodenuto Sophia , Wathum Gilbert
Published: February 2017

Driven by various initiatives and international policy processes, the concept of Forest Landscape Restoration, is globally receiving renewed attention. It is seen internationally and in national contexts as a means for improving resilience of land and communities in the face of increasing environmental degradation through different forest activities. Ethiopia has made a strong voluntary commitment in the context of the Bonn Challenge—it seeks to implement Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) on 15 million ha. In the context of rural Ethiopia, forest establishment and restoration provide a promising approach to reverse the widespread land degradation, which is exacerbated by climate change and food insecurity. This paper presents an empirical case study of FLR opportunities in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia’s largest spans of degraded and barren lands. Following the Restoration Opportunity Assessment Methodology, the study categorizes the main types of landscapes requiring restoration, identifies and prioritizes respective FLR options, and details the costs and benefits associated with each of the five most significant opportunities: medium to large‐scale afforestation and reforestation activities on deforested or degraded marginal land not suitable for agriculture, the introduction of participatory forest management, sustainable woodland management combined with value chain investments, restoration of afro‐alpine and sub‐afro‐alpine areas and the establishment of woodlots.
Hydrology of a Water‐Limited Forest under Climate Change Scenarios: The Case of the Caatinga Biome, Brazil
Authors: Pinheiro Everton , Van Lier Quirijn , Bezerra Andre
Published: February 2017

Given the strong interactions between climate and vegetation, climate change effects on natural and agricultural ecosystems are common objects of research. Reduced water availability is predicted to take place across large regions of the globe, including Northeastern Brazil. The Caatinga, a complex tropical water‐limited ecosystem and the only exclusively Brazilian biome, prevails as the main natural forest of this region. The aim of this study was to examine the soil‐water balance for this biome under a climate‐warming scenario and with reduced rainfall. Climate change projections were assessed from regional circulation models earlier applied to the Brazilian territory. A statistical climate data generator was used to compose a synthetic weather dataset, which was later integrated into a hydrological model. Compared to simulations with current climate for the same site, under the scenario with climate change, transpiration was enhanced by 36%, and soilwater evaporation and interception were reduced by 16% and 34%, respectively. The greatest change in soil‐water components was observed for deep drainage, accounting only for 2% of the annual rainfall. Soil‐plant‐atmosphere fluxes seem to be controlled by the top layer (0.0-0.2 m), which provides 80% of the total transpiration, suggesting that the Caatinga forest may become completely soil‐water pulse dominated under scenarios of reduced water availability.
MYC in Regulating Immunity: Metabolism and Beyond
Authors: Gnanaprakasam J.N. , Wang Ruoning
Published: February 2017

Myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) family members, including cellular MYC (c-Myc), neuroblastoma derived MYC (MYCN), and lung carcinoma derived MYC (MYCL), have all been implicated as key oncogenic drivers in a broad range of human cancers. Beyond cancer, MYC plays an important role in other physiological and pathological processes, namely immunity and immunological diseases. MYC largely functions as a transcription factor that promotes the expression of numerous target genes to coordinate death, proliferation, and metabolism at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. It has been shown that the expression of MYC family members is tightly regulated in immune cells during development or upon immune stimulations. Emerging evidence suggests that MYC family members play essential roles in regulating the development, differentiation and activation of immune cells. Through driving the expression of a broad range of metabolic genes in immune cells, MYC family members coordinate metabolic programs to support immune functions. Here, we discuss our understanding of MYC biology in immune system and how modulation of MYC impacts immune metabolism and responses.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors in Colombian Collegiate Students: The FUPRECOL-Adults Study
Authors: Martínez-Torres Javier , Correa-Bautista Jorge , González-Ruíz Katherine , Vivas Andrés , Triana-Reina Héctor , Prieto-Benavidez Daniel , Carrillo Hugo , Ramos-Sepúlveda Jeison , Villa-González Emilio , García-Hermoso Antonio , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: February 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the major public health problems worldwide. The objective of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and the associated variables of MetS in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 890 (52% women) healthy collegiate students (21.3 ± 3.2 years old). The prevalence of MetS was determined by the definition provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). We further examined associations between the prevalence of MetS and related factors, such as age, gender, anthropometric and body composition, weight status, and nutrition profile. The overall prevalence of MetS was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.5% to 7.6%), and it was higher in men than women. The most prevalent components were low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels. The predisposing factors for having a MetS included: being male, over 23 years old, overweight or obese, and having an unhealthy waist-to-height ratio. In conclusion, the occurrence of MetS in young adults is substantial. These findings may be relevant to health promotion efforts for collegiate students in order to develop prospective studies and screening for young adults, which will aid in targeted intervention development to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of the Use of Urban Green Spaces and External Factors Contributing to Their Use in Central Beijing
Authors: Li Fangzheng , Zhang Fen , Li Xiong , Wang Peng , Liang Junhui , Mei Yuting , Cheng Wenwen , Qian Yun
Published: February 2017

Urban green spaces encourage outdoor activity and social communication that contribute to the health of local residents. Examining the relationship between the use of urban green spaces and factors influencing their utilization can provide essential references for green space site selection in urban planning. In contrast to previous studies that focused on internal factors, this study highlights the external factors (traffic convenience, population density and commercial facilities) contributing to the use of urban green spaces. We conducted a spatiotemporal analysis of the distribution of visitors in 208 selected green spaces in central Beijing. We examined the relationship between the spatial pattern of visitor distribution within urban green spaces and external factors, using the Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation, and geographical detectors. The results of the study were as follows. The spatial distribution of visitors within central Beijing’s green spaces was concentrated, forming different agglomerations. The three examined external factors are all associated with the use of green spaces. Among them, commercial facilities are the important external factor associated with the use of green spaces. For the selection of sites for urban green spaces, we recommend consideration of external factors in order to balance urban green space utilization.
Towards a Landmark-Based Pedestrian Navigation Service Using OSM Data
Authors: Rousell Adam , Zipf Alexander
Published: February 2017

With the advent of location-aware smartphones, the desire for pedestrian-based navigation services has increased. Unlike car-based services where instructions generally are comprised of distance and road names, pedestrian instructions should instead focus on the delivery of landmarks to aid in navigation. OpenStreetMap (OSM) contains a vast amount of geospatial information that can be tapped into for identifying these landmark features. This paper presents a prototype navigation service that extracts landmarks suitable for navigation instructions from the OSM dataset based on several metrics. This is coupled with a short comparison of landmark availability within OSM, differences in routes between locations with different levels of OSM completeness and a short evaluation of the suitability of the landmarks provided by the prototype. Landmark extraction is performed on a server-side service, with the instructions being delivered to a pedestrian navigation application running on an Android mobile device.