bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization with genetic algorythms of PVT system global efficiency
Authors: G.Fabbri  , M.Greppi  , M.Lorenzini
Published: May 2017

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels generally produce electricity in the 6% to 12% efficiency range, the rest being dissipated in thermal losses. To recover this amount, hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems (PV/T) have been devised. These are devices that simultaneously convert solar energy into electricity and heat. A significant amount of research on PV/T collectors has been carried out over the last decade and water PV/T glazed flat plate collector systems turned out to be the most promising to develop (Zondag[1]). It is thus interesting to study the PV/T system as part of a closed loop single phase water CDU (coolant distribution unit) in laminar forced convection. In particular, the analysis was conducted on the optimal cooling performance of the thermal part, testing polynomial channel profiles of varying order (from zero to fourth) for channels of a real industrial module heat sink, under the following conditions: ideal flux of 1000 W/m² on one side, insulation on the opposite side, periodic conditions on the remaining sides, fully developed thermal and velocity profile in laminar flow of water. Through the use of a genetic algorithm, we have optimized the shape of the channel’s sidewalls in terms of heat transfer maximization. In terms of Nusselt number, results show that fourth order profiles are the most efficient. When limits to allowable pressure loss and module weight are introduced, these bring generally to a lower efficiency of the system than the unconstrained case.
Direct Driven Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generator for Small-Scale Wind Power Applications
Authors: A. P. Ferreira  , A. F. Costa
Published: May 2017

Small-scale wind power applications require a cost effective and mechanically simple generator in order to be a reliable energy source. The use of direct driven generators, instead of geared machines, reduces the number of drive components, which offers the opportunity to reduce costs and increases system reliability and efficiency. For such applications, characterized by low speed of rotation, the axial flux permanent magnet generator is particularly suited, since it can be designed with a large pole number and high torque density. This paper presents an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator, double sided with internal rotor and slotted stators. Such a structure gives a good compromise between performance characteristics and feasibility of construction. The design process of the machine is described and validated by test experiments.
Grounding System Modelling and Its Impact on Computational Refunding Analysis for Equipment Damages
Authors: I. N. Gondim  , J. C. de Oliveira  , C. E. Tavares  , J. A. F. Barbosa Jr.  , M. V. B. Mendonça
Published: May 2017

This paper is aimed at presenting the computational results of the influence of the grounding systems representation in the refunding request analysis of equipment damages due to distribution system disturbances. The assessments include representation of grounding systems with linear and nonlinear parameters to produce a better representation of the overall electrical system at abnormal operating conditions. The model is included in a existing computational programme to deal with the subject of establishing a relationship between system occurrences, dielectric and thermal impacts on equipments and their withstand capabilities. This paper proposed grounding representation is based on a non-linear approach combining method already published in the literature. The methodology is then implemented in a computational tool facility to deal with the mentioned subject and the new software version is then used to evaluate practical situations. Comparisons between results derived from a typical distribution disturbance using simple ground modelling and the new proposition are carried out so as to highlight the importance of a more realistic modelling for the overall electrical complex.
A Novel 3D TCAD Simulation of a Thermoelectric Couple configured for Thermoelectric Power Generation
Authors: C. A. Gould  , N. Y. A. Shammas  , S. Grainger  , I. Taylor
Published: May 2017

This paper documents the novel design, modelling and 3D simulation of a single thermoelectric couple using the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) semiconductor simulation software package by Synopsys. Preliminary simulation results are presented for thermoelectric power generation, and successfully demonstrate the basic thermoelectric effects, and how the application of a temperature gradient to a thermoelectric couple results in a small amount of electrical power being generated at a load resistor. The TCAD simulation model will enable further investigation in the future into different material structures, thermoelectric couple and module design, and the improvement in efficiency and thermoelectric module performance.
Combinatorial optimization for electric vehicles management
Authors: Nora Touati-Moungla  , Vincent Jost
Published: May 2017

Growing concerns about environmental quality of cities are calling for sustainable road transportation technologies. Electric Vehicles (EV), for public and private transport, can contribute significantly to the lowering of the current pollution levels. However, the EV use is currently facing several weaknesses among which are: limited driving range, high cost and overall limited efficiency. This paper aims at specifying some key contributions of combinatorial optimization for an efficient electric vehicles management. Electric vehicles management, Routing problem, Facility location, Vehicles redistribution.
Optimized Gas Pricing Policy to Have Maximally Peak Shaving
Authors: A.Sheikhi  , M.Khosravi  , B.Mozafari  , A.M.Ranjbar  , A. Hajjam
Published: May 2017

Today pricing policy in the electricity network is an effective way to oblige users to change their consumption during peak hours. At the same time by increasing distributed energy resources like Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and also gas network penetration level in huge areas it will be more attractive to use gas price as another motivated factor to alter electricity consumption curve. In this article, based on energy hub concept, an optimization approach related to the power dispatch through an energy hub is simulated and consequently an effective pricing policy of natural gas, to have a maximally electricity load shaving, is determined.
Hysteresis loss in Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Machines
Authors: M. Ahmadian  , B. Jandaghi  , H. Oraee
Published: May 2017

Brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) is a potential for future wind energy generation, due to its lower maintenance costs and higher reliability than conventional doubly fed systems. While efficiency and design optimization of the machine has become critical issues recently, no analytical core loss model is investigated in the literature. Furthermore, core loss modeling is different from conventional induction machines, because of double frequency excitation of the machine. In this paper, a dynamical system is used for modeling of hysteretic behavior of iron core, and hysteresis losses of BDFM are analyzed and modeled mathematically. The flux waveforms of BDFM are assumed pure double sine, as in wound rotor BDFM lower harmonic values than nested loop design exist.
Thermal design and analysis of a direct-water-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous generator for high-power direct-drive wind turbine applications
Authors: M. Polikarpova  , P. Röyttä  , S. Semken  , J. Nerg  , J. Pyrhönen
Published: May 2017

As the wind turbines become larger and larger each year, more powerful and reliable generators must be designed for them. The increase of the rated power implies higher current density to achieve the acceptable dimensions for the generator. A direct-water cooling system for the stator winding of the synchronous generator ensures removal of heat losses and therefore safe temperature of the stator winding. The aim of this paper is determine the performance attributes of the cooling system of the stator winding. The design and evaluation of the cooling system are executed on the basis of analytical calculations and by using Finite Element Method.
New Integrated Converter for Hydrogen Buffer Interfacing in Distributed Energy Systems
Authors: D. Vinnikov  , A. Andrijanovitš  , I. Roasto  , T. Lehtla
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a new integrated (multiport) DC/DC converter for hydrogen buffer interfacing in renewable energy systems. In comparison with traditional solutions based on individual converters for interfacing of electrolyser and fuel cell the proposed topology features the reduced energy conversion stages. The paper analyzes and discusses the operating principle of a new converter. Several guidelines are presented for the new converter design. Finally, theoretical background was verified by the simulations.
Losses Comparison Among Carrier-Based PWM Modulation Strategies in Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter
Authors: C. A. dos Santos  , F. L. M. Antunes
Published: May 2017

This   paper   investigates   the   power   losses   in semiconductors  for  a  three-phase,  three  level  neutral  point clamped  (3L-NPC)  inverter.  Analytical  expressions  for  the switching  and  conductor  losses  are  derived.  Three  different modulation   strategies   are   analyzed:   sinusoidal   modulation (SPWM);  sine  modulation  with  injection  of  the  third  harmonic (THIPWM);   carrier   based   space   vector   modulation   (CB-SVMPWM).  Based  on  these  strategies,  the  inverter  losses  are estimated   through   computational  simulation   under   different operating  conditions.  The  influence  of  these  strategies  on  the losses is also analyzed.
Comparing SCIG and DFIG for Wind Generating Conditions in Macedonia
Authors: Sanja Vitanova  , Vlatko Stoilkov  , Vladimir Dimcev
Published: May 2017

The wind energy has become the most potential renewable energy source recently. The technological and industrial development in the wind power generation indicates that wind power should be seen as one of the main domestic sources for electricity generation in all countries. This paper gives an overall observation of the most commonly used electrical machines, i.e. the squirrel cage induction generators (SCIG) and doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) in the wind generation systems. Using the Matlab/Simulink, a simulation of wind farm with the two types of generators has been made in order to compare the results and to comment on the best option based on the output characteristics of the generator and wind turbine.
Experimental Verification of Novel Bi-Directional qZSI Based DC/DC Converter for Short Term Energy Storage Systems
Authors: J. Zakis  , D. Vinnikov  , I. Roasto  , L. Ribickis
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a new bi-directional isolated DC/DC converter for supercapacitor (SC) interfacing. During the SC charging mode, the converter operates as a VSI-based step-down DC/DC converter and during the energy recovery mode, as a qZSI-based step-up DC/DC converter. For galvanic isolation and voltage matching a medium frequency transformer was implemented. To achieve higher SC voltage boost the qZSI with the two-stage quasi-Z-source (qZS) network was introduced. The paper discusses the PSIM simulation and experimental results of proposed converter operating with a 14.4 V 142 F supercapacitor
Rotating Electric Machine Thermal Study
Authors: A.-I. Chirilă  , C. Ghiţă  , A. Crăciunescu  , I.-D. Deaconu  , V. Năvrăpescu  , M. Catrinoiu
Published: May 2017

This  paper  presents  a  mathematical  model  and numerical simulation results for heat transfer analysis that takes place at the frame level of a rotating electric machines provided with  longitudinal  cooling  fins.  For  this  purpose  a  relatively complex  three-dimensional  model  is  used,  numerical  treatable with  affordable  hardware  and  software  resources.  The  frame-environment convective heat transfer process is considered. The frame is cooled by forced convection in two cases: the thermal radiation  heat  transfer  is  taken  into  account  and  without considering  it.  Numerical  simulation  results  reveal  the  heat transfer pathways from the frame to the environment, and allow assessment of important parameters in designing the machine's cooling.
Magnetic Field Density Analysis in Switchgears
Authors: J. A. Güemes  , J. Izagirre  , L. Del Rio  , J. E. Rodríguez-Seco  , A. M. Iraolagoitia  , P. Fernández
Published: May 2017

For many years the evaluation of the electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by transformer substations (TS) and switchgear assemblies has been an extremely cumbersome and expensive process. Manufacturers and users of TS and switchgear lacked a broadly-accepted assessment procedure specified in an international reference standard. The publication of the new Technical Report IEC/TR 62271-208 solves this situation since it describes a technique for the evaluation of the EMF generated by switchgear assemblies and TS and opens the possibility of employing simulation tools for this purpose. In this paper, preliminary stage of process for validation of simulation tests in order to substitute laboratory tests according to IEC/TR 62271-208, is described. With this purpose, magnetic field emission analysis is carried out using finite elements (FE) method, for a set of 5 identical switchgears (manufactured by Ormazabal), in series connection. Results obtained through simulation are compared to those measured in laboratory tests. Evaluation results are also compared with applicable limits (100 µT and 500 µT at 50 Hz, according to most human exposure regulations: ICNIRP Guidelines, EU Council Recommendation, Spanish Royal Decree 1066/2001, etc).
«La comedia palatina del Siglo de Oro», de Miguel Zugasti (dir.) y Mar Zubieta (ed.)
Authors: Otal Piedrafita Teresa
Published: May 2017

Reseña sobre el libro La comedia palatina del Siglo de Oro, de Miguel Zugasti (dir.) y Mar Zubieta (ed.)
As diferentes interpretações dos conceitos e aplicações em campo de Indicação Geográfica dadas pelas instituições brasileiras
Authors: Inhan Matos Ligia Aparecida , La Rovere Renata Lèbre
Published: May 2017

A  partir do fim do século XIX, a necessidade de elaboração de um acordo internacional que unificasse os mecanismos de proteção de indicação geográfica (IG) entre países que comercializavam bens entre si se fez premente. Vários acordos foram discutidos durante todo o século XX para culminar pouco antes da virada do milênio no Acordo sobre os Aspectos dos Direitos da Propriedade Intelectual Relacionados ao Comércio (ADIPC/TRIPS). O Brasil distingue os dois conceitos: Indicação de Procedência (IP) e Denominações de Origem (DO) na lei nº 9.279 de 14 de maio de 1996. Mas a institucionalização da lei não se faz sem imprecisões pelas instituições responsáveis pelo processo de reconhecimento do conhecimento regional de valor. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as instituições que trabalham com IG no Brasil e as consequências das interpretações e aplicações em campo dos conceitos de IG.
A precarização das condições de trabalho em “facções” do ramo têxtil/vestuário em Blumenau/SC: a face oculta da reestruturação produtiva
Authors: Krost Oscar , Brandão Leonardo
Published: May 2017

A colônia de Blumenau, criada em 1850, embora tenha sido ocupada inicialmente por pequenos agricultores originários da Alemanha, em pouco mais de 30 anos de existência vivenciou a criação de pequenas oficinas de costura e de fiação, cujo êxito levou à transformação em fábricas e à formação de um pólo fabril no setor. A partir da década de 1980, algumas dessas indústrias passaram por processos de reestruturação produtiva, transferindo parte de suas atividades a “terceiros”, também chamados de “facções”, ocasionando a redução do quadro de empregados e a precarização nas condições de trabalho. Em vista de tal realidade, pretende-se nesse artigo abordar os efeitos gerados pela “terceirização” por “facções” em Blumenau sobre a identidade profissional, a saúde e a renda dos operários, a fim de fornecer elementos para o debate e de permitir a elaboração de políticas públicas para seu enfrentamento.
Sustentabilidade urbana e o desenvolvimento da cidade de São Francisco (EUA)
Authors: Faria Ana Cristina de , Russi Rômulo Do Amaral , Marcato Angélica Felicidade Guião , Paschoalin Filho João Alexandre
Published: May 2017

Este trabalho objetiva identificar e descrever as práticas sustentáveis adotadas pela Administração Pública da cidade de São Francisco (EUA). Esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como bibliográfica e documental sobre a cidade de São Francisco, localizada no Estado da Califórnia (EUA) e destacada entre as cidades mais sustentáveis do mundo. Foram descritas as práticas sustentáveis empregadas pela Administração Pública da cidade de São Francisco, contemplando questões ambientais, econômicas e sociais, para o desenvolvimento sustentável da referida metrópole. Constatou-se na pesquisa práticas relacionadas à Bay Area, às áreas verdes, aos espaços verdes livres, às Construções Verdes ou Sustentáveis, a questão da Eficiência Energética, a Mobilidade Urbana e a gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos, com a implantação do Zero Waste, entre outras questões. A cidade de São Francisco, também tem implementado várias campanhas educacionais focadas em conscientizar os grupos vulneráveis sobre os cuidados ambientais. Os planos diretores desenvolvidos nos últimos anos contêm orientações para uso de terra mista, densificação, reciclagem urbana, preservação ambiental etc.; medidas que, além disso, contemplam a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos cidadãos e a otimização da eficiência econômica.
Transtorno de personalidade histriônica e transtorno conversivo: relato de caso em adolescente
Authors: Arruda Mariana Gianola , Trillo Ana Sofia Pontes , Correia Vivian Paulin , Silva Aline Romão da , Palma Sonia Maria Motta
Published: May 2017

O transtorno de personalidade histriônica é caracterizado por autodramatização, teatralidade e expressão exagerada de emoções, labilidade emocional, comportamentos inadequados, sexualmente provocadores ou sedutores. Já os transtornos dissociativos/conversivos caracterizam-se pela perda parcial ou completa da integração normal entre as memórias do passado, a consciência de identidade, as sensações imediatas e o controle dos movimentos corporais. Este estudo relata o caso de uma adolescente de 14 anos de idade, do sexo feminino, diagnosticada com quadro de transtorno dissociativo. Os autores descrevem o manejo do caso e discutem aspectos relevantes.
The Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alentorn-Geli Eduard , Samuelsson Kristian , Musahl Volker , Green Cynthia L. , Bhandari Mohit , Karlsson Jón
Published: May 2017

Study Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background

Running is a healthy and popular activity worldwide, but data regarding its association with osteoarthritis (OA) are conflicting.

Objectives

To evaluate the association of hip and knee OA with running and to explore the influence of running intensity on this association.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were used to identify studies investigating the occurrence of OA of the hip and/or knee among runners. A meta-analysis of studies comparing this occurrence between runners and controls (sedentary, nonrunning individuals) was conducted. Runners were regarded as “competitive” if they were reported as professional/elite athletes or participated in international competitions. Recreational runners were individuals running in a nonprofessional (amateur) context. The prevalence rate and odds ratio (with 95% confidence interval [CI]) for OA between runners (at competitive and recreational levels) and controls were calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted for OA location (hip or knee), sex, and years of exposure to running (less or more than 15 years).

Results

Twenty-five studies (n = 125810 individuals) were included and 17 (n = 114829 individuals) were meta-analyzed. The overall prevalence of hip and knee OA was 13.3% (95% CI: 11.6%, 15.2%) in competitive runners, 3.5% (95% CI: 3.4%, 3.6%) in recreational runners, and 10.2% (95% CI: 9.9%, 10.6%) in controls. The odds ratio for hip and/or knee OA in competitive runners was higher than that in recreational runners (1.34; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.86 and 0.86; 95% CI: 0.69, 1.07, respectively; controls as reference group; for difference, P<.001). Exposure to running of less than 15 years was associated with a lower association with hip and/or knee OA compared with controls (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.73).

Conclusion

Recreational runners had a lower occurrence of OA compared with competitive runners and controls. These results indicated that a more sedentary lifestyle or long exposure to high-volume and/or high-intensity running are both associated with hip and/or knee OA. However, it was not possible to determine whether these associations were causative or confounded by other risk factors, such as previous injury.

Level of Evidence

Etiology/harm, level 2a. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(6):373–390. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7137
West Nile virus surveillance in Europe: moving towards an integrated animal-human-vector approach
Authors: Gossner Céline M , Marrama Laurence , Carson Marianne , Allerberger Franz , Calistri Paolo , Dilaveris Dimitrios , Lecollinet Sylvie , Morgan Dilys , Nowotny Norbert , Paty Marie-Claire , Pervanidou Danai , Rizzo Caterina , Roberts Helen , Schmoll Friedrich , Van Bortel Wim , Gervelmeyer Andrea
Published: May 2017

This article uses the experience of five European countries to review the integrated approaches (human, animal and vector) for surveillance and monitoring of West Nile virus (WNV) at national and European levels. The epidemiological situation of West Nile fever in Europe is heterogeneous. No model of surveillance and monitoring fits all, hence this article merely encourages countries to implement the integrated approach that meets their needs. Integration of surveillance and monitoring activities conducted by the public health authorities, the animal health authorities and the authorities in charge of vector surveillance and control should improve efficiency and save resources by implementing targeted measures. The creation of a formal interagency working group is identified as a crucial step towards integration. Blood safety is a key incentive for public health authorities to allocate sufficient resources for WNV surveillance, while the facts that an effective vaccine is available for horses and that most infected animals remain asymptomatic make the disease a lesser priority for animal health authorities. The examples described here can support other European countries wishing to strengthen their WNV surveillance or preparedness, and also serve as a model for surveillance and monitoring of other (vector-borne) zoonotic infections.
A Much-Fathered Nation: Feminist Biography and Confederation Politics
Authors: Nielson Carmen
Published: May 2017

Although many Confederation biographies were written before the gender turn, even recent studies often neglect gender as a category of analysis. This neglect implies that thinking about gender would, at best, add to the story of Confederation but could not change it. It also leaves men's experience of gender unexamined, perpetuating the idea that men's monopoly over politics in this era was simply a fact – perhaps regrettable, but indisputable, and therefore unworthy of study. This article considers how dividing political (men's) history and gender (women's) history into separate domains has affected how biographers have written about Confederation. It also proposes that critical feminist biography can help historians re-entangle politics and gender and, thereby, re-evaluate what was at stake in the Confederation negotiations and on what bases support for this ongoing political project was won, lost, regained, and reconfigured.
Beyond Biography, Beyond Canada
Authors: Perry Adele
Published: May 2017

How can feminist scholarship, postcolonial history and Indigenous Studies prompt historians to reflect on the categories of biography and Confederation? Reflecting on her research on the lives of James Douglas, Amelia Connolly Douglas and nineteenth-century north-western North America more generally, Adele Perry argues that historians need to go beyond biography and Confederation to consider more complicated ways of engaging individual lives and nation states.
The intercostal nerve as a target for diagnostic biopsy
Authors: Nguyen Khoi D. , Choudhri Haroon F. , Macomson Samuel D.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

Peripheral nerve biopsy is a useful tool in diagnosing peripheral neuropathies. Sural and gracilis nerves have become the most common targets for nerve biopsy. However, the yield of sural nerve biopsy is limited in patients who have motor neuropathies, and gracilis nerve biopsy presents technical challenges and increased complications. The authors propose the intercostal nerve as an alternative motor nerve target for biopsy.

METHODS

A total of 4 patients with suspected peripheral neuropathies underwent intercostal nerve biopsy at the authors’ institution. A rib interspace that is inferior to the pectoralis muscle and anterior to the anterior axillary line is selected for the procedure. Generally the lower intercostal nerves (i.e., T7–11) are targeted. An incision is made over the inferior aspect of the superior rib at the chosen interspace. Blunt dissection is carried down to the neurovascular bundle and the nerve is isolated, ligated, and cut to send for pathological examination.

RESULTS

The average operative time for all cases was 73 minutes, with average blood loss of 8 ml. Biopsy results from 1 patient exhibited axonopathy, and the other 3 patients demonstrated axonopathy with demyelination. There were no short- or long-term postoperative complications. None of the patients reported sensory or motor deficits related to the biopsy at 6 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The intercostal nerve can be an alternative target for biopsy, especially in patients with predominantly motor neuropathies, due to its mixed sensory and motor fibers, straightforward anatomy, minimal risk of serious sensory deficits, and no risk of motor impairment.
Effect of Citric Acid on MoO3/Al2O3 Catalysts for Sulfur-Resistant Methanation
Authors: Meng Dajun , Wang Baowei , Yu Wenxia , Wang Weihan , Li Zhenhua , Ma Xinbin
Published: May 2017

A series of MoO3/Al2O3 catalysts with different amounts (molar ratio of CA/Mo = 0, 1, 1.5, and 2) of citric acid (CA) prepared by simultaneous impregnation were evaluated for sulfur-resistant methanation. Based on the evaluation results, catalytic activity increased accompanied with the rise of citric acid amount. Combine with the analysis of N2-physisorption, XRD, H2-TPR, XPS, and TEM, the catalyst saturated loading capacity improved, resulting in increasing dispersion of Mo species on Al2O3 surface clearly. According to H2-TPR result, the Mo oxide precursors can be more easily sulfureted when citric acid is added. Moreover, based on the Raman analysis, increasingly tetrahedrally coordinated Mo6+ species with high methanation performance are generated after citric acid treatment. These factors probably together accelerate MoO3/Al2O3 catalytic activity growth for methanation.
Transmission Range Evaluations for Connected Vehicles at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
Authors: Hsu Chung-Jen , Jones Elizabeth G.
Published: May 2017

This study evaluates the transmission range requirements of Connected Vehicles (CVs) at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs) in terms of safety improvement. The safety improvement of HRGCs is evaluated by using a reliability-based risk analysis that calculates risk of collision for CVs and non-CVs. Trains are assumed to have onboard units that transmit train location and speed information to CVs via vehicle to vehicle communications. The stopping distance and time to collision of a vehicle are the demand functions in reliability-based risk analysis. The demand functions consist of probability density functions of a vehicle’s initial speed, perception-reaction time, initial deceleration rate, final speed, and final deceleration rate. Train arrival time depending on the train speed and transmission range is the supply threshold for calculating the CV’s risk of collision at passive HRGCs. The transmission range’s projected highway distance is the supply threshold for CVs at active HRGCs. After deriving probability density functions of demand functions from the published data, Monte Carlo simulations generate the probabilities or risks that a CV would fail to stop within the transmission range or train arrival time. With the provision of a 600 m transmission range, the risk of collision for the CV is lower than that for the non-CV with a 300 m sight distance to the train at the passive HRGC. The CV’s risk of collision is lower than the non-CV’s with a 300 m transmission range at active HRGCs. The CV application at HRGCs can improve safety by reducing CVs’ risk of collision. A 600 m transmission range is desirable at passive HRGCs. A 300 m transmission is sufficient for CVs at active HRGCs. Overall, a 600 m transmission range is feasible to improve the safety at passive and active HRGCs.
Comparison of Direct Sequencing, Real-Time PCR-High Resolution Melt (PCR-HRM) and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) Analysis for Genotyping of Common Thiopurine Intolerant Variant Alleles NUDT15 c.415C>T and TPMT c.719A>G (TPMT*3C)
Authors: Fong Wai-Ying , Ho Chi-Chun , Poon Wing-Tat
Published: May 2017

Thiopurine intolerance and treatment-related toxicity, such as fatal myelosuppression, is related to non-function genetic variants encoding thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) and Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15). Genetic testing of the common variants NUDT15:NM_018283.2:c.415C>T (Arg139Cys, dbSNP rs116855232 T allele) and TPMT: NM_000367.4:c.719A>G (TPMT*3C, dbSNP rs1142345 G allele) in East Asians including Chinese can potentially prevent treatment-related complications. Two complementary genotyping approaches, real-time PCR-high resolution melt (PCR-HRM) and PCR-restriction fragment length morphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis were evaluated using conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing genotyping as the gold standard. Sixty patient samples were tested, revealing seven patients (11.7%) heterozygous for NUDT15 c.415C>T, one patient homozygous for the variant and one patient heterozygous for the TPMT*3C non-function allele. No patient was found to harbor both variants. In total, nine out of 60 (15%) patients tested had genotypic evidence of thiopurine intolerance, which may require dosage adjustment or alternative medication should they be started on azathioprine, mercaptopurine or thioguanine. The two newly developed assays were more efficient and showed complete concordance (60/60, 100%) compared to the Sanger sequencing results. Accurate and cost-effective genotyping assays by real-time PCR-HRM and PCR-RFLP for NUDT15 c.415C>T and TPMT*3C were successfully developed. Further studies may establish their roles in genotype-informed clinical decision-making in the prevention of morbidity and mortality due to thiopurine intolerance.
An Experience-Based Framework for Evaluating Tourism Mobile Commerce Platforms
Authors: Lyu Hongbo , Zhang Zuopeng
Published: May 2017

This research presents and studies an evaluation framework for tourism mobile commerce platforms based on tourists’ experience. Synthesizing from prior literature, relevant theories, and the results of online questionnaires, we select 24 evaluation indices for preliminary evaluation. Using exploratory factor analysis method, we then extract from these indices the following five principal factors: interactive experience, infrastructure experience, personalization experience, product or service quality experience, and product operation experience. We further employ the confirmatory factor analysis to test the construction of the evaluation framework and demonstrate that the evaluation framework is both robust and effective. Finally, based on our proposed evaluation framework, we empirically evaluate the most popular mobile commerce platforms (Ctrip and Qunaer) in China by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.
The Reduction of Static Friction of Rubber Contact under Sea Water Droplet Lubrication
Authors: Zhou Yong-Jie , Wang De-Guo , Guo Yan-Bao
Published: May 2017

In this work, a series of experimental tests is carried out in laboratory conditions which set the rubber compound (soft and stiff), the normal load, and the direction of propagation of sea water droplets into the interface of rubber–steel pipe contact as variables. The results show that the maximum static frictions (F) of rubber–pipe contacts increase as the normal load increases in both dry and lubricating conditions, and the values of F for the softer rubber are higher than that for the stiffer rubber. However, significant reduction in static friction is found due to the lubrication of sea water droplets. The influence of lubrication is stronger when the droplets propagate into the contact interfaces at the tail edge than that at the front edge. Capture sequences of the contact region facilitate the lubrication of seawater droplets by accelerating the progress of separation in the contact interfaces, thus reducing the static friction force. This investigation improves our understanding of the lubrication of sea water droplets during pipe-laying operation, and it will help us to conduct further research on the accuracy and safety of offshore engineering.
Not a ‘Straitjacket Affair’: Anthropometrically Derived Obesity Index Correlates of Elevated Blood Pressure among University Undergraduates
Authors: Ejike Chukwunonso , Ukegbu Patricia
Published: May 2017

Obesity is known to correlate with measures of blood pressure (BP). The nature of the correlations has, however, remained a subject of scientific enquiry, especially when BP phenotypes are disaggregated and obesity is determined by a variety of methods. This study examined the relationship between obesity and BP in young-adult Nigerians. A total of 1610 subjects (53.9% females) were recruited from five universities in the Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria. Relevant BP and anthropometric data were obtained following standard protocols. Appropriate statistical tools were used for data analyses. The results show that 42.2% (49.5% males, 36.1% females) and 13.3% (15.2% males, 11.6% females) of the population had point prehypertension and hypertension, respectively. By body mass index (BMI) standards, 20.6% (12.4% males, 27.5% females) of the population were overweight/obese. Despite the weak positive and significant correlations between BP and the measures of obesity in both males and females in the general population (r = +0.110 to +0.261; p < 0.05), the correlations were found to exist essentially in normotensives, taper in the prehypertensives, and disappear (or became negative) among hypertensives. When analysed along weight status lines, a discordant relationship was found between the sexes. Overall, the relationship between blood pressure and measures of obesity is not linear throughout the BP spectrum. Clearly the said relationship is not a ‘straitjacket affair’.
Pastoralism versus Agriculturalism—How Do Altered Land-Use Forms Affect the Spread of Invasive Plants in the Degraded Mutara Rangelands of North-Eastern Rwanda?
Authors: Wronski Torsten , Bariyanga Jean , Sun Ping , Plath Martin , Apio Ann
Published: May 2017

Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) originates from tropical Central and South America and has become invasive in about 50 countries. It causes problems when invading rangelands due to its toxicity to livestock and its tendency to form dense, monotonous thickets. Its invasiveness can partly be explained by the high tannin content largely protecting the species from being browsed, its tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, as well as its general preference for anthropogenically disturbed habitats. The dispersal of L. camara is facilitated by birds and other animals consuming its drupes (endozoochory), and so both wild and domestic ungulates could contribute to its spread. In our study, we investigated the distribution of L. camara in the Mutara rangelands of north-eastern Rwanda, an area that faced dramatic landscape changes in recent decades. We assessed 23 ecological factors and factors related to land-use and conservation-political history. Major effects on the local abundance of L. camara were found in that the relative canopy cover of L. camara was negatively correlated with the occurrence of other shrubs (suggesting competition for space and nutrients), while encounter rates of houses, ‘living fences’ (Euphorbia tirucalli L.) and cattle tracks were positively correlated with L. camara cover. Hence, the spread of non-native L. camara in the Mutara rangelands appears to be linked to landscape alterations arising from the transformation of rangelands supporting traditional pastoralist communities to other agricultural land-use forms.
The Inclusion of the Communist/Socialist Heritage in the Emerging Representations of Eastern Europe: The Case of Bulgaria
Authors: Ivanova Milka
Published: May 2017

After the fall of the Iron Curtain and the end of the communist/socialist regimes many Eastern European countries sought to establish new separate, unique identities as part of the Western World and the European political and economic organizations. The old totalitarian identities,
histories, and heritages have mostly been excluded from the desired and preferred representations about and of these countries and in many instances even silenced and suppressed. Tourism as major creator and mediator of knowledges and images about places, peoples, and pasts is an important
factor in these processes of identity making, inclusion, and exclusion. In the case of Bulgaria, the communist/socialist heritage has been marginalized and silenced in the past 20 years as the country's new European identity has been made, established, mediated, and announced. However, in
the past 5 or so years with the hardships of the transitional period still continuing and with an emerging sense of nostalgia towards the socialist/communist period, the totalitarian heritage has slowly started to become visible in the public discourse. Moreover, there has been registered
desire by authoritative agents in the country to revisit that part of the Bulgarian history and include it through heritage sites in the exhibited and represented images of Bulgaria including through/in tourism. The proposed article offers an examination of these slow and contested processes
of inclusion of the communist/socialist heritage and how this inclusion (or continued exclusion) is the interplay of power, identity, and tourism. These issues are examined within the context of a qualitative critical interpretive study of Bulgaria.
Isolation by distance and isolation by environment contribute to population differentiation in Protea repens (Proteaceae L.), a widespread South African species
Authors: Prunier Rachel , Akman Melis , Kremer Colin T. , Aitken Nicola , Chuah Aaron , Borevitz Justin , Holsinger Kent E.
Published: May 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa is renowned for its botanical diversity, but the evolutionary origins of this diversity remain controversial. Both neutral and adaptive processes have been implicated in driving diversification, but population‐level studies of plants in the CFR are rare. Here, we investigate the limits to gene flow and potential environmental drivers of selection in Protea repens L. (Proteaceae L.), a widespread CFR species.

METHODS:

We sampled 19 populations across the range of P. repens and used genotyping by sequencing to identify 2066 polymorphic loci in 663 individuals. We used a Bayesian FST outlier analysis to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) marking genomic regions that may be under selection; we used those SNPs to identify potential drivers of selection and excluded them from analyses of gene flow and genetic structure.

RESULTS:

A pattern of isolation by distance suggested limited gene flow between nearby populations. The populations of P. repens fell naturally into two or three groupings, which corresponded to an east‐west split. Differences in rainfall seasonality contributed to diversification in highly divergent loci, as do barriers to gene flow that have been identified in other species.

CONCLUSIONS:

The strong pattern of isolation by distance is in contrast to the findings in the only other widespread species in the CFR that has been similarly studied, while the effects of rainfall seasonality are consistent with well‐known patterns. Assessing the generality of these results will require investigations of other CFR species.
Assembly of metallic nanoparticle arrays on glass via nanoimprinting and thin-film dewetting
Authors: Lee Sun-Kyu , Hwang Sori , Kim Yoon-Kee , Oh Yong-Jun
Published: May 2017

We propose a nanofabrication process to generate large-area arrays of noble metal nanoparticles on glass substrates via nanoimprinting and dewetting of metallic thin films. Glass templates were made via pattern transfer from a topographic Si mold to an inorganically cross-linked sol–gel (IGSG) resist on glass using a two-layer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp followed by annealing, which turned the imprinted resist into pure silica. The transparent, topographic glass successfully templated the assembly of Au and Ag nanoparticle arrays via thin-film deposition and dewetting at elevated temperatures. The microstructural and mechanical characteristics that developed during the processes were discussed. The results are promising for low-cost mass fabrication of devices for several photonic applications.
Pregnant Women Positioning in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: Integrative Review
Authors: Pinto Sarah Lima , Melo Geórgia Alcântara Alencar , Barros Lívia Moreira , Neto Nelson Miguel Galindo , Lisboa Kenya Waleria de Siqueira Coêlho , Gomes Emiliana Bezerra , Oliveira Mirna Fontenele de , Caetano Joselany Áfio
Published: May 2017

Objective: to analyze the scientific evidence on the positioning of pregnant women in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

Method: an integrative review of the literature in the Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS and PubMed databases using the descriptors "patient positioning", "spinal anesthesia" and "obstetrics" and their synonyms "patient position" and "spinal anesthetics".

Results: the sample of 8 articles showed that the fastest onset of blockade in pregnant women occurs in the lateral horizontal decubitus position and in the sitting position with legs downwards. Lateral decubitus with elevated head presented insufficient blockade. Lateral position was related to greater comfort, and its maintenance for 15 minutes before the supine position, after infiltration with the anesthetic was associated with lower incidence of hypotension.

Conclusion: Scientific evidence has shown that positioning influences the effect, potentiation and delay of anesthesia, comfort and the pregnant woman's blood pressure, being relevant to the perioperative and obstetric multidisciplinary practice.
Formal Solutions for Polarized Radiative Transfer. I. The DELO Family
Authors: Janett Gioele , S. Carlin Edgar , Steiner Oskar , Belluzzi Luca
Published: May 2017

The discussion regarding the numerical integration of the polarized radiative transfer equation is still open and the comparison between the different numerical schemes proposed by different authors in the past is not fully clear. Aiming at facilitating the comprehension of the advantages and drawbacks of the different formal solvers, this work presents a reference paradigm for their characterization based on the concepts of order of accuracy, stability, and computational cost. Special attention is paid to understand the numerical methods belonging to the Diagonal Element Lambda Operator family, in an attempt to highlight their specificities.
On Kinetic Slow Modes, Fluid Slow Modes, and Pressure-balanced Structures in the Solar Wind
Authors: Verscharen Daniel , Chen Christopher H. K. , Wicks Robert T.
Published: May 2017

Observations in the solar wind suggest that the compressive component of inertial-range solar-wind turbulence is dominated by slow modes. The low collisionality of the solar wind allows for nonthermal features to survive, which suggests the requirement of a kinetic plasma description. The least-damped kinetic slow mode is associated with the ion-acoustic (IA) wave and a nonpropagating (NP) mode. We derive analytical expressions for the IA-wave dispersion relation in an anisotropic plasma in the framework of gyrokinetics and then compare them to fully kinetic numerical calculations, results from two-fluid theory, and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). This comparison shows major discrepancies in the predicted wave phase speeds from MHD and kinetic theory at moderate to high β. MHD and kinetic theory also dictate that all plasma normal modes exhibit a unique signature in terms of their polarization. We quantify the relative amplitude of fluctuations in the three lowest particle velocity moments associated with IA and NP modes in the gyrokinetic limit and compare these predictions with MHD results and in situ observations of the solar-wind turbulence. The agreement between the observations of the wave polarization and our MHD predictions is better than the kinetic predictions, which suggests that the plasma behaves more like a fluid in the solar wind than expected.
X-Ray Superflares on CC Eri
Authors: Karmakar Subhajeet , Pandey J. C. , Airapetian V. S. , Misra Kuntal
Published: May 2017

We present an in-depth study of two superflares (F1 and F2) detected on an active binary star CC Eridani by the Swift observatory. These superflares triggered the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) in the hard X-ray band on 2008 October 16 and 2012 February 24. The rise phases of both the flares were observed only with BAT, whereas the decay phases were observed simultaneously with the X-ray Telescope. It has been found that the flares decay faster in the hard X-ray band than in the soft X-ray band. Both flares F1 and F2 are highly energetic with respective peak X-ray luminosities of ∼

and ∼

erg s−1 in 0.3–50 keV energy band, which are larger than any other flares previously observed on CC Eri. The time-resolved spectral analysis during the flares shows the variation in the coronal temperature, emission measure, and abundances. The elemental abundances are enhanced by a factor of ∼8 to the minimum observed in the post-flare phase for the flare F1. The observed peak temperatures in these two flares are found to be 174 and 128 MK. Using the hydrodynamic loop modeling, we derive loop lengths for both the flares as 1.2 ± 0.1 × 1010 cm and 2.2 ± 0.6 × 1010 cm, respectively. The Fe Kα emission at 6.4 keV is also detected in the X-ray spectra and we model the Kα emission feature as fluorescence from the hot flare source irradiating the photospheric iron. These superflares are the brightest, hottest, and shortest in duration observed thus far on CC Eri.
L’efficience scolaire en Afrique australe et orientale : impact de l’isolement
Authors: Figueiredo De Oliveira Gabriel , Dieng Abou Moussa
Published: May 2017

Ce papier propose d’étudier l’efficience de 2 522 établissements scolaires situés dans 647 districts des 12 pays de l’Afrique australe et orientale, puis d’analyser la portée du nombre d’inspections effectuées dans ces établissements, mais aussi de l’isolement de ces derniers, sur leur efficience scolaire. Il ressort de cette étude que les inspections, ainsi que la localisation des établissements en milieu urbain et la proximité entre l’école et le domicile des élèves, jouent un rôle important sur l’efficience. Codes JEL : I2, I22.