bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does probiotics reduce crying time in infantile colic in exclusively breastfed babies? A comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Shabuj Kamrul Hassan , Shaha Chandan Kumar , Hossain Jesmin
Published: March 2018

Background : Infantile colic is one of the common pediatric problems that Pediatricians encounter in practice. This condition is associated with excessive crying in healthy thriving infants over a regular period during the day and is sustained for the first few months of life. It has been historically described as irritable or compulsive crying or paroxysmal fussing with multifactorial etiology. Although it affects 5-19% of young infants, it remains a frustrating problem for parents and caregivers, because it is difficult to treat and may result in significant psychosocial consequences. Different treatment options are available with no definitive and conclusive benefit. In this metaanalysis, we pooled relevant data regarding the use of probiotics in infantile colic and tried to find out any beneficial effect thereof.Objective : To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics supplementation in the reduction of the duration of crying time in infantile colic.Method : It is a comprehensive meta-analytic study where literature searches were conducted in the Pubmed using end note package and Google scholar. Randomized controlled trials those enrolled healthy, term breastfed infants with infantile colic were included for analysis. After meticulous scrutiny for methods and study population, five studies with a total of 384 breastfed infants were selected for final analysis. All these studies used Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as probiotics in the therapeutic intervention and supplementation of this was compared to placebo.Result : Analysis of pooled data showed that at Initiation of therapy mean difference of crying time 0.29 minutes; 95% CI-6.61, 7.20, p=0.89, after 3weeks of probiotics therapy mean difference of crying time -30.64, 95% CI- 34.48, -26.81, p=0.0001.Conclusions : Probiotics use for 3 weeks significantly reduced the duration of crying time in exclusively breastfed infants suffering from infantile colic.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.9(1) July 2017: 245-247
Pap smear in women with leucorrhea : Experience in a tertiary medical college hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mustafizur , Imam Shabnam , Nessa Mst Sayedatun , Saha Joyosree , Islam Farhana , Raza Abu Khalid Muhammad Maruf
Published: March 2018

Background : Poor genital hygiene has been responsible for high prevalence of excessive vaginal discharge. Leucorrhoea is the clinical evidence of infection and can be treated satisfactorily whenever diagnosed. Occurrence of various cervical epithelial lesion associated with discharge can be easily prevented if detected early. Majority of the patients with various cervical epithelial lesion attending in the hospital present with varying degree of vaginal discharge and cytological cellular aberrations in the cervical epithelium.Objective : The aim of the present study is to observe the various patterns of cervical epithelial lesions in cytopathology and associated infections in patients with Leucorrhoea.Methodology : This observational study was done over a period of ten months in Popular Medical college hospitals of Bangladesh. A total of 230 cases were included in the study with women of age range 15-45 years, complaining of leucorrhoea. After a thorough vaginal examination Pap smears were taken and immediately fixed in absolute alcohol and stained according to the papanicolaous technique. The cytopathological changes observed in the cervical smears were graded according to the Bethesda system for reporting cervical cytology.Results : Out of 230 cases the cytological patterns were found Normal in 4 (1.7%), Inflammatory 204 (88.3%), Low grade squamous intraepithelial (LSIL)10 (4.8%), High grade squamous intraepithelial (HSIL) 6(2.6%), Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) 6 (2.6%) and the distribution of different types of pathogens detected were Trichomonas 33 (70.62%), Candida albicans 19 (40.66%).Conclusion : In this study significant numbers of Leucorrhoea patients were detected with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in which LSIL (Low grade squamous intraepithelial) was higher. Associated infections were Trichomonas and Candida albicans. Therefore cytological screening for early detection of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion is essential routine medical examination for Leucorrhoea patients in gynaecological practice.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.9(1) July 2017: 252-254
Evaluation of Chronic Cough in Children: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Islam Mirza Md Ziaul , Kamruzzam Md , Yasmeen BH Nazma , Begum Nasreen , Imran AFM Ashik
Published: March 2018

Background : Chronic cough is a common complaint in children which causes distress, and affects the quality of life of parents and children. While cough may be seen as a common condition of childhood without serious consequences, ignoring a cough that may be the sole presenting symptom of an underlying illness can lead to delayed diagnosis and progression to a chronic respiratory morbidity.Objective : To evaluate the specific diagnosis and prognosis of chronic cough in children.Methods : A prospective study was done on children with chronic cough (history of cough>8 weeks) referred to Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, a tertiary hospital.Children aged 2 to 8 years with chronic cough referred by the general physicians, pediatricians and other peripheral hospitals were the study subjects. Exclusion criteria were children with immune-deficiency,congenital anomalies of lung,congenital heart disease, gastro-intestinal disorders (e.g. gastro-esophageal reflux, peptic ulcer disease), in born error of metabolism (e.g. cystic fibrosis) and other chronic conditions (e.g. gross neurodevelopmental delay). The evaluation of chronic cough was based on simple principles: careful history-taking concerning the characteristics of the cough, full clinical examination to look for any associated symptoms and relevant investigations done. Underlying diagnoses and outcomes were ascertained after follow-up for a period of six months and treatment was given as per the management protocol of the hospital.Results : The most common final diagnosis was allergic rhinitis (31%), followed by asthma (28.6%), rhinitis coexisting with asthma (23.8%), post viral cough (16.6). Cough resolved in 54.8%, partially improved in 40.5% and persisted in 4.7% of patients.Conclusion : Allergic rhinitis with or without co-existing asthma was the commonest cause of chronic cough in children referred to this hospital.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.9(1) July 2017: 264-266
Evaluation of Dengue Fever in A Tertiary Care Children Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Mobarak Mohammed Reaz , Islam Md Rafiqul , Bhuiyan AKM Tajuddin , Akand Nabila , Begum Ferdousi
Published: March 2018

Background : Dengue is a mosquito-borne (Ades Agepti) infection which in recent years has become a major public health problem. It is now endemic in more than 100 countries in Africa, America, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific areas. According to WHO currently approximately 50 million cases of dengue fever occur every year.Objective : To evaluate the current clinical picture, outcome and serology of children suffering from dengue fever admitted in a tertiary care children hospital.Methodology : It is a hospital based prospective observational study carried out among the children having Dengue infection admitted during the period of June to December 2016 in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital. After obtaining informed consent 78 suspected cases of dengue fever patients were enrolled for this study. Patient with any identified specific infection or febrile illness more than 14 days and serologically dengue negative cases were excluded from the study. A detailed history, demographic variables, clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations were assessed. The data were collected in a predesigned structured questionnaire and were analyzedwith the help of SPSS-21.Result : Out of 78 suspected dengue cases a total of 56 cases were serologically dengue positive. Therefore 22 serologically dengue negative cases were excluded. Most common presenting symptoms were fever (100%) followed by myalgia76.79%, retro-orbital pain73.21%, and conjunctival hemorrhage 55.35%, skin rash 55.35%, with other symptoms constituting the rest. Among the serologically positive dengue cases those who presented with fever for 3 days or of lesser duration, NS1 Ag was positive in 34 cases ( 43.58%) and those who presented with fever for 6 days or more, 14 cases (17.95%) were dengue IgM positive and 8 cases (10.25%) were dengue IgG positive with accompanying low level IgM positive; platelet count 94333/mm3 (±68330), PCV 35 (±3.95) and SGPT 210 U/L(±80).Among 56 dengue positive cases 31(55.4%) were male and 25 (44.6%) were female, The age range was 1 years to 18 years with mean 6.66 ±3.69, predominant age group was 6 years to 12 years. Final diagnosis according to WHO classification were DF 42.68%, DHF-l 32.14%, DHF–ll 16.07%,DHF-lll 8.93%. Outcome of the disease were 89.3% discharge with advice (DA),7.1% discharge on request(DOR), 3.6% left against medical advice(LAMA) and no death.Conclusion : The trend of Dengue infection in Bangladesh has been changing very rapidly. In this study our observation was incidence of dengue was more in male child, peak age group being 6 years to 12 years with most admissions during the month of September. Fever with pain (body ache, retro orbital pain), headache and maculopapular rash, positive NS1Ag and dengue IgM were the main findings found in children with dengue. Most of the dengue cases were DF and DHF-l in our study.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.9(1) July 2017: 274-277
Firm Readiness Level for Innovation Projects: A New Decision-Making Tool for Innovation Managers
Authors: Galvez Daniel , Enjolras Manon , Camargo Mauricio , Boly Vincent , Claire Johan
Published: March 2018

Innovation projects represent a major challenge for business managers due to their associated uncertainty degree. The already existing methodologies to support the innovation projects are aimed at piloting them and establishing the management stages in a flexible and agile way during their deployment. This paper proposes a complementary ex-ante methodology that seeks to aid the decision-making of companies to choose whether or not to launch a potential innovation project. This methodology evaluates to what extent the technological system of the company has the minimum required maturity degree of competencies to successfully achieve the innovation project. Thus, in first instance, an innovation project is characterized according to its novelty degree; both inside the company and in its environment. Subsequently, according to the previous characterization, the future project will have an impact on the technological system of the company. The capabilities of the firm are represented by a set of good practices associated with the innovation projects’ management that the company is able to deploy. Finally, the minimum maturity degree required by a particular project of these practices is determined. Then, the gap between the maturity requirement profile and the current profile of the company is established enabling to decide on the implementation of the project or not.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer and Chemistry in the Wake behind a Hypersonic Slender Body at Angle of Attack
Authors: Satchell Matthew , Layng Jeffrey , Greendyke Robert
Published: March 2018

The effect of thermal and chemical boundary conditions on the structure and chemical composition of the wake behind a 3D Mach 7 sphere-cone at an angle of attack of 5 degrees and an altitude of roughly 30,000 m is explored. A special emphasis is placed on determining the number density of chemical species which might lead to detection via the electromagnetic spectrum. The use of non-ablating cold-wall, adiabatic, and radiative equilibrium wall boundary conditions are used to simulate extremes in potential thermal protection system designs. Non-ablating, as well as an ablating boundary condition using the “steady-state ablation” assumption to compute a surface energy balance on the wall are used in order to determine the impacts of ablation on wake composition. On-body thermal boundary conditions downstream of an ablating nose are found to significantly affect wake temperature and composition, while the role of catalysis is found to change the composition only marginally except at very high temperatures on the cone’s surface for the flow regime considered. Ablation is found to drive the extensive production of detectable species otherwise unrelated to ablation, whereas if ablation is not present at all, air-species which would otherwise produce detectable spectra are minimal. Studies of afterbody cooling techniques, as well as shape, are recommended for further analysis.
A Study on the Influence of Stage Load on Health Monitoring of Axial Concrete Members Using Piezoelectric Based Smart Aggregate
Authors: Du Chengcheng , Zou Dujian , Liu Tiejun , Li Weijie
Published: March 2018

Piezoceramic based smart aggregate (SA) has been employed to monitor the strength development of early age concrete. The validity of SA-based active sensing method was tested and verified with loading and unloading conditions. However, the early age concrete in buildings is subjected to many load increments during the construction process. The influence of incremental load on the properties of the propagating waves is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of axial stage loads on the signal response of the SA. The concrete specimens that are embedded with SA’s were loaded step by step, and the amplitude and wave velocity of the sensing signals were measured at each stress state. The experimental results indicated that the amplitude of the received signal decrease with the increase of the stress level. As for the velocity of the propagated stress wave, however, the velocity shows an increasing trend before a sharp decline at high stress level.
Forward and Inverse Studies on Scattering of Rayleigh Wave at Surface Flaws
Authors: Wang Bin , Da Yihui , Qian Zhenghua
Published: March 2018

The Rayleigh wave has been frequently applied in geological seismic inspection and ultrasonic non-destructive testing, due to its low attenuation and dispersion. A thorough and effective utilization of Rayleigh wave requires better understanding of its scattering phenomenon. The paper analyzes the scattering of Rayleigh wave at the canyon-shaped flaws on the surface, both in forward and inverse aspects. Firstly, we suggest a modified boundary element method (BEM) incorporating the far-field displacement patterns into the traditional BEM equation set. Results show that the modified BEM is an efficient and accurate approach for calculating far-field reflection coefficients. Secondly, we propose an inverse reconstruction procedure for the flaw shape using reflection coefficients of Rayleigh wave. By theoretical deduction, it can be proved that the objective function of flaw depth d(x1) is approximately expressed as an inverse Fourier transform of reflection coefficients in wavenumber domain. Numerical examples are given by substituting the reflection coefficients obtained from the forward analysis into the inversion algorithm, and good agreements are shown between the reconstructed flaw images and the geometric characteristics of the actual flaws.
Evaluation of Lightning Forecasting Based on One Lightning Parameterization Scheme and Two Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Yi , Jin Shuanglong
Published: March 2018

Lightning forecasting is a vital item in server convective system short-time forecasting. However, lightning parameterization in mesoscale numerical prediction models is still in its early stages of development. Several lightning parameterization schemes are implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Data assimilation can provide a more accurate initial field, which could be useful for subsequent lightning forecasting. To evaluate its effect on lightning forecasting, a severe convective case that influenced Jiangsu and Anhui Province on 5 June 2009 is utilized and a series of experiments are conducted including assimilating radar reflectivity and lightning location network data via the three-dimensional variational (3DVar) method. Results show that data assimilation can effectively improve reflectivity forecasting and subsequent lightning forecasting. Lightning forecasting based on the PR92 lightning parameterization scheme, which is based on the convective cloud top height, offers a weaker magnitude forecast. The diagnostic method based on reflectivity and temperature has some spatial displacement. The potential forecast provided by lightning threat indexes produced an improvement in Anhui Province, while in other regions, it is located further east than the observation.
Assessment of the Performance of Three Dynamical Climate Downscaling Methods Using Different Land Surface Information over China
Authors: Liu Peng , Qiu Xiaobin , Yang Yi , Ma Yuanyuan , Jin Shuanglong
Published: March 2018

This study aims to assess the performance of different dynamical downscaling methods using updated land surface information. Particular attention is given to obtaining high-resolution climate information over China by the combination of an appropriate dynamical downscaling method and updated land surface information. Two group experiments using two land surface datasets are performed, including default Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) land surface data (OLD) and accurate dynamically accordant MODIS data (NEW). Each group consists of three types of experiments for the summer of 2014, including traditional continuous integration (CT), spectral nudging (SN), and re-initialization (Re) experiments. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to dynamically downscale ERA-Interim (reanalysis of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast, ECMWF) data with a grid spacing of 30 km over China. The simulations are evaluated via comparison with observed conventional meteorological variables, showing that the CT method, which notably overestimates 2 m temperature and underestimates 2 m relative humidity across China, performs the worst; the SN and Re runs outperform the CT method, and the Re shows the smallest RMSE (root means square error). A comparison of observed and simulated precipitation shows that the SN simulation is closest to the observed data, while the CT and Re simulations overestimate precipitation south of the Yangtze River. Compared with the OLD group, the RMSE values of temperature and relative humidity are significantly improved in CT and SN, and there is smaller improved in Re. However, obvious improvements in precipitation are not evident.
Exchange Processes in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Over Mountainous Terrain
Authors: Serafin Stefano , Adler Bianca , Cuxart Joan , De Wekker Stephan , Gohm Alexander , Grisogono Branko , Kalthoff Norbert , Kirshbaum Daniel , Rotach Mathias , Schmidli Jürg , Stiperski Ivana , Večenaj Željko , Zardi Dino
Published: March 2018

The exchange of heat, momentum, and mass in the atmosphere over mountainous terrain is controlled by synoptic-scale dynamics, thermally driven mesoscale circulations, and turbulence. This article reviews the key challenges relevant to the understanding of exchange processes in the mountain boundary layer and outlines possible research priorities for the future. The review describes the limitations of the experimental study of turbulent exchange over complex terrain, the impact of slope and valley breezes on the structure of the convective boundary layer, and the role of intermittent mixing and wave–turbulence interaction in the stable boundary layer. The interplay between exchange processes at different spatial scales is discussed in depth, emphasizing the role of elevated and ground-based stable layers in controlling multi-scale interactions in the atmosphere over and near mountains. Implications of the current understanding of exchange processes over mountains towards the improvement of numerical weather prediction and climate models are discussed, considering in particular the representation of surface boundary conditions, the parameterization of sub-grid-scale exchange, and the development of stochastic perturbation schemes.
Biosensors for Sustainable Food Engineering: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh , Ragavan Vasanth , Weng Xuan , Chand Rohit
Published: March 2018

Current food production faces tremendous challenges from growing human population, maintaining clean resources and food qualities, and protecting climate and environment. Food sustainability is mostly a cooperative effort resulting in technology development supported by both governments and enterprises. Multiple attempts have been promoted in tackling challenges and enhancing drivers in food production. Biosensors and biosensing technologies with their applications, are being widely applied to tackling top challenges in food production and its sustainability. Consequently, a growing demand in biosensing technologies exists in food sustainability. Microfluidics represents a technological system integrating multiple technologies. Nanomaterials, with its technology in biosensing, is thought to be the most promising tool in dealing with health, energy, and environmental issues closely related to world populations. The demand of point of care (POC) technologies in this area focus on rapid, simple, accurate, portable, and low-cost analytical instruments. This review provides current viewpoints from the literature on biosensing in food production, food processing, safety and security, food packaging and supply chain, food waste processing, food quality assurance, and food engineering. The current understanding of progress, solution, and future challenges, as well as the commercialization of biosensors are summarized.
Far-Sightedness vs. Emergency: A Matter for “Not Outstanding” European Cultural Landscapes
Authors: Salerno Rossella
Published: March 2018

A far-sighted policy, designed to safeguard a State’s land and culture, is one that would be able to go beyond emergency culture in the direction of shared far-sightedness in the territorial government, looking ahead to future generations. New and different visions capable of taking responsibility for fragile territories and landscapes are needed, rather than approaches that, to date, have only been considered as emergency policies. In order to realize such a new approach, some actions must be implemented, and this paper focuses on the most relevant ones: looking at heritage as a relationship among buildings, land, and intangible assets; garnering the attention of politicians and scholars to address fragile landscapes and inland areas; framing the issue in a European perspective; and pushing for moral and social commitment in identifying new working hypotheses and possible solutions.
Communicating Effectively in Pediatric Cancer Care: Translating Evidence into Practice
Authors: Blazin Lindsay , Cecchini Cherilyn , Habashy Catherine , Kaye Erica , Baker Justin
Published: March 2018

Effective communication is essential to the practice of pediatric oncology. Clear and empathic delivery of diagnostic and prognostic information positively impacts the ways in which patients and families cope. Honest, compassionate discussions regarding goals of care and hopes for patients approaching end of life can provide healing when other therapies have failed. Effective communication and the positive relationships it fosters also can provide comfort to families grieving the loss of a child. A robust body of evidence demonstrates the benefits of optimal communication for patients, families, and healthcare providers. This review aims to identify key communication skills that healthcare providers can employ throughout the illness journey to provide information, encourage shared decision-making, promote therapeutic alliance, and empathically address end-of-life concerns. By reviewing the relevant evidence and providing practical tips for skill development, we strive to help healthcare providers understand the value of effective communication and master these critical skills.
Dislocation Structures in Low-Angle Grain Boundaries of α-Al2O3
Authors: Tochigi Eita , Nakamura Atsutomo , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: March 2018

Alumina (α-Al2O3) is one of the representative high-temperature structural materials. Dislocations in alumina play an important role in its plastic deformation, and they have attracted much attention for many years. However, little is known about their core atomic structures, with a few exceptions, because of lack of experimental observations at the atomic level. Low-angle grain boundaries are known to consist of an array of dislocations, and they are useful to compose dislocation structures. So far, we have systematically fabricated several types of alumina bicrystals with a low-angle grain boundary and characterized the dislocation structures by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Here, we review the dislocation structures in { 11 2 ¯ 0 } / [ 0001 ] , { 11 2 ¯ 0 } / 〈 1 1 ¯ 00 〉 , { 1 1 ¯ 00 } / 〈 11 2 ¯ 0 〉 , ( 0001 ) / 〈 1 1 ¯ 00 〉 , { 1 ¯ 104 } / 〈 11 2 ¯ 0 〉 , and ( 0001 ) / [ 0001 ] low-angle grain boundaries of alumina. Our observations revealed the core atomic structures of b = 1 / 3 〈 11 2 ¯ 0 〉 edge and screw dislocations, 〈 1 1 ¯ 00 〉 edge dislocation, and 1 / 3 〈 1 ¯ 101 〉 edge and mixed dislocations. Moreover, the stacking faults on { 11 2 ¯ 0 } , { 1 1 ¯ 00 } , and ( 0001 ) planes formed due to the dissociation reaction of the dislocations are discussed, focusing on their atomic structure and formation energy.
Toward Generating More Diagnostic Features from Photoplethysmogram Waveforms
Authors: Elgendi Mohamed , Liang Yongbo , Ward Rabab
Published: March 2018

Photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals collected using a pulse oximeter are increasingly being used for screening and diagnosis purposes. Because of the non-invasive, cost-effective, and easy-to-use nature of the pulse oximeter, clinicians and biomedical engineers are investigating how PPG signals can help in the management of many medical conditions, especially for global health application. The study of PPG signal analysis is relatively new compared to research in electrocardiogram signals, for instance; however, we anticipate that in the near future blood pressure, cardiac output, and other clinical parameters will be measured from wearable devices that collect PPG signals, based on the signal’s vast potential. This article attempts to organize and standardize the names of PPG waveforms to ensure consistent terminologies, thereby helping the rapid developments in this research area, decreasing the disconnect within and among different disciplines, and increasing the number of features generated from PPG waveforms.
Some Iterative Properties of ( F 1 , F 2 ) -Chaos in Non-Autonomous Discrete Systems
Authors: Tang Xiao , Chen Guanrong , Lu Tianxiu
Published: March 2018

This paper is concerned with invariance ( F 1 , F 2 ) -scrambled sets under iterations. The main results are an extension of the compound invariance of Li–Yorke chaos and distributional chaos. New definitions of ( F 1 , F 2 ) -scrambled sets in non-autonomous discrete systems are given. For a positive integer k, the properties P ( k ) and Q ( k ) of Furstenberg families are introduced. It is shown that, for any positive integer k, for any s ∈ [ 0 , 1 ] , Furstenberg family M ¯ ( s ) has properties P ( k ) and Q ( k ) , where M ¯ ( s ) denotes the family of all infinite subsets of Z + whose upper density is not less than s. Then, the following conclusion is obtained. D is an ( M ¯ ( s ) , M ¯ ( t ) ) -scrambled set of ( X , f 1 , ∞ ) if and only if D is an ( M ¯ ( s ) , M ¯ ( t ) ) -scrambled set of ( X , f 1 , ∞ [ m ] ) .
Energy Exploitation of High-Temperature Geothermal Sources in Volcanic Areas—a Possible ORC Application in Phlegraean Fields (Southern Italy)
Authors: Algieri Angelo
Published: March 2018

This work aims to investigate the energy performances of small-scale Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs) for the exploitation of high temperature geothermal sources in volcanic areas. For this purpose, a thermodynamic model has been developed, and a parametric analysis has been performed that considers subcritical and transcritical configurations, and different organic fluids (isobutane, isopentane, and R245ca). The investigation illustrates the significant effect of the temperature at the entrance of the expander on the ORC behaviour and the rise in system effectiveness when the internal heat exchange (IHE) is adopted. As a possible application, the analysis has focused on the active volcanic area of Phlegraean Fields (Southern Italy) where high temperature geothermal reservoirs are available at shallow depths. The work demonstrates that ORC systems represent a very interesting option for exploiting geothermal sources and increasing the share of energy production from renewables. In particular, the investigation has been performed considering a 1 kg/s geothermal mass flow rate at 230 °C. The comparative analysis highlights that transcritical configurations with IHE guarantee the highest performance. Isopentane is suggested to maximise the ORC electric efficiency (17.7%), while R245ca offers the highest electric power (91.3 kWel). The selected systems are able to fulfil a significant quota of the annual electric load of domestic users in the area.
A Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous (NARX) Neural Network Model for the Prediction of the Daily Direct Solar Radiation
Authors: Boussaada Zina , Curea Octavian , Remaci Ahmed , Camblong Haritza , Mrabet Bellaaj Najiba
Published: March 2018

The solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has an important place among the renewable energy sources. Therefore, several researchers have been interested by its modelling and its prediction, in order to improve the management of the electrical systems which include PV arrays. Among the existing techniques, artificial neural networks have proved their performance in the prediction of the solar radiation. However, the existing neural network models don’t satisfy the requirements of certain specific situations such as the one analyzed in this paper. The aim of this research work is to supply, with electricity, a race sailboat using exclusively renewable sources. The developed solution predicts the direct solar radiation on a horizontal surface. For that, a Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous (NARX) neural network is used. All the specific conditions of the sailboat operation are taken into account. The results show that the best prediction performance is obtained when the training phase of the neural network is performed periodically.
Roof Deformation Characteristics and Preventive Techniques Using a Novel Non-Pillar Mining Method of Gob-Side Entry Retaining by Roof Cutting
Authors: Wang Yajun , Gao Yubing , Wang Eryu , He Manchao , Yang Jun
Published: March 2018

A new non-pillar mining technology, gob-side entry retaining by roof cutting (GERRC), different from the conventional gob-side entry retaining formed by a roadside filling support, is introduced in this study. In the new technology, roof cutting is conducted so that the roof plate forms a short cantilever beam structure within a certain range above the retained entry, thus changing the stress boundary condition of the roof structure. To explore the deformation characteristics of the roof under this special condition, a short cantilever beam mechanical model was established and solved using energy theory and displacement variational methods. Meanwhile, a theoretical and analytical control solution for roof deformation was obtained and verified via field-measured results. Based on the aforementioned calculation, the relationship between the roof deformation and main influence parameters was explored. It was concluded that the rotation of the upper main roof and width of the retained entry had the most significant impacts on roof deformation. Bolt and cable support and temporary support in the entry had a non-obvious influence on the roof deformation and could not prevent the given deformation that was caused by the rotation of the upper main roof. Based on comprehensive theoretical analysis and calculation results, ideas and countermeasures to control short cantilever roof deformation—that is, designing a reasonable height of roof cutting and a controlled width of retaining entry—were proposed and tested. Field monitoring shows that the entry control effects were satisfactory.
Effect of Temperature and Mineral Matter on the Formation of NOx Precursors during Fast Pyrolysis of 2,5-Diketopiperazine
Authors: Zhou Jianqiang , Gao Pan , Dong Changqing , Yang Yongping
Published: March 2018

2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP) was used as a N-containing model compound to investigate the formation pathway of NOx precursors (HCN, NH3, and HNCO) during biomass pyrolysis. The experiment was carried out using a tube furnace coupled with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer in an argon atmosphere. The results showed that NH3, HCN, and HNCO were the major N-containing species formed during DKP fast pyrolysis. The largest yield was HCN, followed by NH3 and lastly HNCO. When the pyrolysis temperature was increased, the yield of NH3 increased slowly, but the yield of HCN decreased slightly at 800~950 °C and the change accelerate rapidly above 950 °C. Then NH3 became the main product above 1020 °C. The temperature influence was negligible on the selectivity between HCN and NH3 from pyrolysis of DKP. H radicals played an important role in competitive reactions. It was also noted that the presence of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ exhibited a catalytic effect on nitrogen conversion during the DKP fast pyrolysis process. K+ and Na+ were beneficial to the yield of NH3, but not to the yield of HCN. Ca2+ and Mg2+ could promote the formation of HCN, but prevent the formation of NH3.
Voltage Distribution and Flashover Performance of 220 kV Composite Insulators under Different Icing Conditions
Authors: Lu Jiazheng , Xie Pengkang , Jiang Zhenglong , Fang Zhen , Wu Wei
Published: March 2018

Composite insulators are widely used in modern power systems to provide electrical insulation and mechanical support for transmission lines and substations. However, the insulation strength will decrease greatly under the combined conditions of ice-covering and contamination, and icing flashovers may take place under these serious conditions. In this paper, AC flashover tests of different artificially ice-covered 220 kV composite insulators were carried out in a multi-function artificial climate chamber under energized ice accumulation conditions. The test results indicate that, with the increasing of ice thickness, the flashover voltages decrease and tend to saturation. The icing flashover voltages can be increased by adding booster sheds, but excessive booster sheds can lead to lower flashover voltages under heavy icing conditions. The voltage distributions of the iced insulators were measured using experimental methods. The results show that, the air gaps withstand most of the applied voltage. The zinc oxide (ZnO) resistors that are contained in the insulators can influence the voltage distributions of the iced insulators, but have little affect on the icing flashover voltages. The work done in this paper can provide reference for the design and type selection of outdoor composite insulators in cold climate regions.
The Interplay between Forest Management Practices, Genetic Monitoring, and Other Long-Term Monitoring Systems
Authors: Kavaliauskas Darius , Fussi Barbara , Westergren Marjana , Aravanopoulos Filippos , Finzgar Domen , Baier Roland , Alizoti Paraskevi , Bozic Gregor , Avramidou Evangelia , Konnert Monika , Kraigher Hojka
Published: March 2018

The conservation and sustainable use of forests and forest genetic resources (FGR) is a challenging task for scientists and foresters. Forest management practices can affect diversity on various levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem. Understanding past natural disturbance dynamics and their level of dependence on human disturbances and management practices is essential for the conservation and management of FGR, especially in the light of climate change. In this review, forest management practices and their impact on genetic composition are reviewed, synthesized, and interpreted in the light of existing national and international forest monitoring schemes and concepts from various European projects. There is a clear need and mandate for forest genetic monitoring (FGM), while the requirements thereof lack complementarity with existing forest monitoring. Due to certain obstacles (e.g., the lack of unified FGM implementation procedures across the countries, high implementation costs, large number of indicators and verifiers for FGM proposed in the past), merging FGM with existing forest monitoring is complicated. Nevertheless, FGM is of paramount importance for forestry and the natural environment in the future, regardless of the presence or existence of other monitoring systems, as it provides information no other monitoring system can yield. FGM can provide information related to adaptive and neutral genetic diversity changes over time, on a species and/or on a population basis and can serve as an early warning system for the detection of potentially harmful changes of forest adaptability. In addition, FGM offers knowledge on the adaptive potential of forests under the changing environment, which is important for the long-term conservation of FGR.
Genome-Wide Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Comprehensive Response of Two Susceptible Poplar Sections to Marssonina brunnea Infection
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Tian Longyan , Yan Dong-Hui , He Wei
Published: March 2018

Marssonina leaf spot disease of poplar (MLDP), caused by the hemibiotrophic pathogen Marssonina brunnea, frequently results in damage to many poplar species. In nature, two formae speciales of M. brunnea exist that are susceptible to different poplar subgenera. Marssonina brunnea f. sp. monogermtubi infects poplar hosts from Populus sect. Aigeiros (Aig), while M. brunnea f. sp. multigermtubi always infects poplar hosts from Populus sect. Leuce Duby (Leu). Based on the fungal penetration structures, a comprehensive transcriptomic approach was used to investigate the gene expression patterns of these two poplar subgenera at three crucial infection stages. MLDP significantly altered the expression patterns of many genes involved in mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and calcium signaling, transcription factors, primary and secondary metabolism, and other processes in both poplar subgenera. However, major differences in gene expression were also observed between the two poplar subgenera. Aig was most responsive at the initial infection stage, while Leu largely interacted with M. brunnea at the necrotrophic phase. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in pathways related to biotic stress also differed substantially between the two poplar subgenera. Further analysis indicated that the genes involved in cell wall metabolism and phenylpropanoid metabolism were differentially expressed in the progression of the disease. By examining the expression patterns of genes related to the defense against disease, we found that several genes annotated with causing hypersensitive cell death were upregulated at the necrotrophic phase of MLDP, inferring that plant immune response potentially happened at this infection stage. The present research elucidated the potential molecular differences between the two susceptible interaction systems in MLDP and provided novel insight into the temporal regulation of genes during the susceptible response. To the best of our knowledge, this study also constitutes the first to reveal the molecular mechanisms of poplar in response to the transition of hemibiotrophic fungal pathogens from the biotrophic phase to the necrotrophic phase.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the PYL Gene Family and Identification of PYL Genes That Respond to Abiotic Stress in Brassica napus
Authors: Di Feifei , Jian Hongju , Wang Tengyue , Chen Xueping , Ding Yiran , Du Hai , Lu Kun , Li Jiana , Liu Liezhao
Published: March 2018

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an endogenous phytohormone that plays important roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress responses. The pyrabactin resistance 1-like (PYR/PYL) protein is a core regulatory component of ABA signaling networks in plants. However, no details regarding this family in Brassica napus are available. Here, 46 PYLs were identified in the B. napus genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis, BnPYR1 and BnPYL1-3 belong to subfamily I, BnPYL7-10 belong to subfamily II, and BnPYL4-6 and BnPYL11-13 belong to subfamily III. Analysis of BnPYL conserved motifs showed that every subfamily contained four common motifs. By predicting cis-elements in the promoters, we found that all BnPYL members contained hormone- and stress-related elements and that expression levels of most BnPYLs were relatively higher in seeds at the germination stage than those in other organs or at other developmental stages. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment showed that BnPYL genes mainly participate in responses to stimuli. To identify crucial PYLs mediating the response to abiotic stress in B. napus, expression changes in 14 BnPYL genes were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR after drought, heat, and salinity treatments, and identified BnPYR1-3, BnPYL1-2, and BnPYL7-2 in respond to abiotic stresses. The findings of this study lay a foundation for further investigations of PYL genes in B. napus.
Unified Geomorphological Analysis Workflows with Benthic Terrain Modeler
Authors: Walbridge Shaun , Slocum Noah , Pobuda Marjean , Wright Dawn
Published: March 2018

High resolution remotely sensed bathymetric data is rapidly increasing in volume, but analyzing this data requires a mastery of a complex toolchain of disparate software, including computing derived measurements of the environment. Bathymetric gradients play a fundamental role in energy transport through the seascape. Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) uses bathymetric data to enable simple characterization of benthic biotic communities and geologic types, and produces a collection of key geomorphological variables known to affect marine ecosystems and processes. BTM has received continual improvements since its 2008 release; here we describe the tools and morphometrics BTM can produce, the research context which this enables, and we conclude with an example application using data from a protected reef in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
Accidents of Electrical and Mechanical Works for Public Sector Projects in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Francis , Chan Albert , Wong Andy , Hon Carol , Choi Tracy
Published: March 2018

A study on electrical and mechanical (E&M) works-related accidents for public sector projects provided the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the causes of accidents by analyzing the circumstances of all E&M works accidents. The research aims to examine accidents of E&M works which happened in public sector projects. A total of 421 E&M works-related accidents in the “Public Works Programme Construction Site Safety and Environmental Statistics” (PCSES) system were extracted for analysis. Two-step cluster analysis was conducted to classify the E&M accidents into different groups. The results identified three E&M accidents groups: (1) electricians with over 15 years of experience were prone to ‘fall of person from height’; (2) electricians with zero to five years of experience were prone to ‘slip, trip or fall on same level’; (3) air-conditioning workers with zero to five years of experience were prone to multiple types of accidents. Practical measures were recommended for each specific cluster group to avoid recurrence of similar accidents. The accident analysis would be vital for industry practitioners to enhance the safety performance of public sector projects. This study contributes to filling the knowledge gap of how and why E&M accidents occur and promulgating preventive measures for E&M accidents which have been under researched.
A National County-Level Assessment of U.S. Nursing Facility Characteristics Associated with Long-Term Exposure to Traffic Pollution in Older Adults
Authors: Wang Yi , Fan Hao , Banerjee Rudy , Weaver Anne , Weiner Michael
Published: March 2018

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution increases disease risk in older adults. Nursing facilities located near major roadways potentially expose older adults to traffic pollution. No studies, however, have described the association between nursing facilities and traffic pollution. We obtained data on facility- and census-tract-level characteristics of 15,706 U.S. facilities from the Medicare Nursing Home Compare datasets. We calculated distance to major roadways and traffic density for each facility. In the contiguous U.S. (as of 2014), 345,792 older adults, about 27% of residents in non-hospital facilities, lived within 150 m major roadways (A1 or A2) in 3876 (28% of sampled) facilities. Nationally, for-profit facilities, high-occupancy facilities, and facilities in census tracts with higher percentages of minorities were more likely to have higher exposure to traffic. Counties in Virginia, New York City, and Rhode Island have the highest percent of residents and facilities near major roads. Nationally, over one-quarter of sampled facilities are located near major roadways. Attributes potentially associated with higher exposure to traffic included “for-profit” and “higher minority census tract”. Proximity to major roadways may be an important factor to consider in siting nursing facilities. Our results inform potential intervention strategy at both county and facility level.
Work Environment, Stress, and Driving Anger: A Structural Equation Model for Predicting Traffic Sanctions of Public Transport Drivers
Authors: Montoro Luis , Useche Sergio , Alonso Francisco , Cendales Boris
Published: March 2018

Public transport is an effective and sustainable alternative to private vehicle usage, also helping to reduce the environmental impact of driving. However, the work environment of public transport operators is full of adverse conditions, which, together with their high mileage, may increase the occurrence of negative safety outcomes such as traffic accidents, often preceded by risky road behaviors enhanced by stress, anger, and difficult operating conditions. The aims of this study were, first, to determine the association between work-related psychosocial factors and individual characteristics of public transport drivers and the rate of traffic sanctions they are subject to; and second, to assess the mediation of driving anger in this relationship. A sample of professional drivers (57.4% city bus, 17.6% taxi, and 25% inter-urban bus male operators) was used for this cross-sectional study, responding to a five-section survey including demographic data and driving-related factors, psychosocial work factors including job stress, driving stress, risk predisposition, and driving anger. The results of this study showed significant associations between work-related factors: measures of stress and self-reported rates of traffic fines. Second, it was found that driving anger mediates the associations between driving stress, risk predisposition, and traffic sanctions; and partially mediates the association between driving experience, hourly intensity, and job stress. This study supports the idea that traffic penalties reported by public transport rates are preceded by work-related, personality, and other individual factors that, when combined with driving anger, enhance the occurrence of road misbehavior that may affect overall road safety.