bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teknik Konservasi Energi Pada Pompa Submersible Dengan Menggunakan Variable Frequency Drive
Authors: M.Eng Haji Sofyar
Published: August 2018

Energy conservation is beneficial not only to reduce consumption and the cost of energy consumption, but also to give a better impact on the environment. In this study a simulation model is created which is a reflection of the relationship con-dition between variable frequency drive (VFD), induction motor and centrifugal pump. By creating a simulation model will be able to know the potential savings that will be provided if the variable frequency drive is used.
Implementasi Algoritma Apriori Untuk Market Basket Analysis Berbasis R
Authors: Brian Thomas , Sanwidi Ardhi
Published: August 2018

Semakin banyak transaksi penjualan maka diperlukan suatu sistem untuk menghasilkan informasi yang penting. Inovasi ini akan banyak memecahkan masalah di bidang sales marketing dan inventory, karena produk yang tidak begitu laku jika dipasangkan dengan tepat akan naik nilai penjualannya. Namun mencari asosiasi membutuhkan proses yang rumit karena masalah kombinasi produk yang besar apalagi jika bisnis ritel tersebut memiliki ribuan produk. Apriori adalah algoritma data mining untuk mencari hubungan antar item pada market basket analysis. Dengan menemukan pola transaksi penjualan maka diharapkan nilai bisnis meningkat. Pada proses yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini diimplementasikan menggunakan R dengan function apriori untuk mengolah data. Dimulai dari pembacaan dataset sampai dengan menemukan rekomendasi dari sistem yang sudah dibuat menggunakan function di R. Menentukan nilai support, confidence dan lift berpengaruh untuk menemukan itemset terbaik untuk penjualan selanjutnya. Uji coba yang sudah dilakukan dengan dataset transaksi menunjukkan hasil terbaik pada filter nilai support = 0,1 confidence = 0,8 dan lift > 1.
Scour around Bridge Piers: Numerical Investigations of the Longitudinal Biconcave Pier Shape
Authors: Guemou Bouabdellah , Seddini Abdelali , Ghenim Abderrahmane Nekkache
Published: August 2018

The flow pattern around a bridge pier and the scouring phenomenon are very complicated. The basic mechanism causing local scour is the down-flow at the upstream face of the pier. It is understood that the horseshoe vortex is the key mechanism that leads to the local scour around pier; existing literature revealed that the strength of the down-flow, horseshoe vortex and the wake vortex are greater in the case of square piers compared to circular piers. In this paper we have investigated a new longitudinal biconcave bridge pier shape that reduces better the bed shear stress. For that purpose, a number of numerical simulations have been carried out using a Finite Volume Method (FVM) and for the turbulence model we have chosen the Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) for its capability to capture the rich dynamics of the horseshoe vortex at the upstream junction between the pier and the bed.The present study shows that the new longitudinal biconcave bridge pier shape reduces 10 % to 12 % the bed shear stress at the junction between the pier and the bed in other hand this shape increases the bed shear stress about 20 % but at a distance of D downstream the bridge pier in the flow direction.
The Value of Public Sector Risk Management: An Empirical Assessment of Ghana
Authors: Kong Yusheng , Lartey Peter Yao , Bah Fatoumata Binta Maci , Biswas Nirmalya B.
Published: August 2018

This study investigates risk management practices in public entities in the Ghana. We relied on the popular framework designed by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission—COSO, to advocate for possible ways to minimize the occurrence and effects of risk in public organizations. The internal control elements used include: control environment, commitment to ethics, segregation of duties, review and information and communication. These constitute the explanatory variables used in performing multivariate data analysis to determine the dimensionality of the data set and possible outcomes. The exploratory research followed a quantitative approach using the survey method and a structured equation model. We established that, due to globalization and increases in the scale of operations, it is practically impossible for management through the help of auditors and those in charge of governance to validate the entire operations of the public sector to ensure strict compliance to internal control principles, in order to minimize the detrimental impacts of risk. However, an alternative sustainability depends on the prominence of quality financial reporting, compliance, commitment to ethical values and consistency in pursuit of the strategic and operational objectives based on good corporate governance. On the other hand, the implications of risks should be embedded in the minds of public servants as part of the organizational culture that will complement existing tools and techniques of internal control.
Gaseous Emissions after Soil Application of Pellet Made from Composted Pig Slurry Solid Fraction: Effect of Application Method and Pellet Diameter
Authors: Pampuro Niccolò , Busato Patrizia , Cavallo Eugenio
Published: August 2018

The study aimed at determining ammonia and GHG emissions from soil fertilized with pellets made from composted pig slurry solid fraction and to evaluate the effects of pellet diameter and pellet application method on gaseous emissions. A laboratory scale experiment was carried out investigating two composts: pig slurry solid fraction compost (SSFC) and pig slurry solid fraction mixed with wood chips compost (WCC). The two composts were pelettized in two different diameters—6 and 8 mm—by means of mechanical pelletizer. In total, eight fertilized treatments plus one unfertilized control were included in the experiment. The investigated pellets were applied at the same nitrogen rate (equivalent to 200 kg ha−1) using two different methods (on soil surface and incorporated into the soil). Ammonia (NH3) emission was monitored immediately after pellet application, while nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) were measured on a 57-day incubation period. As expected, ammonia volatilization was not detected from any of the treatments investigated. At the end of the experiment, the cumulative amounts of N2O, CO2 and CH4 ranged from 2.70 mg N-N2O m−2 to 24.30 mg N-N2O m−2, from 601.89 mg C-CO2 m−2 to 1170.34 mg C-CO2 m−2 and from 1.22 mg C-CH4 m−2 to 1.31 mg C-CH4 m−2, respectively. The overall results of the investigation highlighted that application on the soil surface reduced nitrous oxide emission, while the carbon dioxide emission increased significantly with smaller pellet diameter.
Engineering IgG-Like Bispecific Antibodies—An Overview
Authors: Krah Simon , Kolmar Harald , Becker Stefan , Zielonka Stefan
Published: August 2018

Monoclonal antibody therapeutics have proven to be successful treatment options for patients in various indications. Particularly in oncology, therapeutic concepts involving antibodies often rely on the so-called effector functions, such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), which are programed in the antibody Fc region. However, Fc-mediated effector mechanisms often seem to be insufficient in properly activating the immune system to act against tumor cells. Furthermore, long term treatments can lead to resistance against the applied drug, which is monospecific by nature. There is promise in using specific antibodies to overcome such issues due to their capability of recruiting and activating T-cells directly at the tumor site, for instance. During the last decade, two of these entities, which are referred to as Blinatumomab and Catumaxomab, have been approved to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant ascites. In addition, Emicizumab, which is a bispecific antibody targeting clotting factors IXa and X, was recently granted market approval by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of hemophilia A. However, the generation of these next generation therapeutics is challenging and requires tremendous engineering efforts as two distinct paratopes need to be combined from two different heavy and light chains. This mini review summarizes technologies, which enable the generation of antibodies with dual specificities.
A Modular Cell Balancer Based on Multi-Winding Transformer and Switched-Capacitor Circuits for a Series-Connected Battery String in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Bui Thuc Minh , Kim Chang-Hwan , Kim Kyu-Ho , Rhee Sang Bong
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a cell balancing topology for a series-connected Lithium-Ion battery string (SCBS) in electric vehicles is proposed and experimentally verified. In particular, this balancing topology based on the modular balancer consists of an intra-module balancer based on a multi-winding transformer circuit and an outer-module balancer based on a switched capacitor converter, both offering the potential advantages and over conventional balancing methods, including short equalization time, simple control scheme, elimination of voltage sensors. In addition, a number of cells in the SCBS can be easily extended in this circuit. Furthermore, a system structure and an operating principle of the proposed topology are analyzed and experimentally verified for three different cases. The voltages of all cells in the SCBS reached the balanced state regardless of the various arrangement of the initial voltage, where the energy efficiency of the circuit reached 83.31%. Our experimental realization of the proposed balancing topology shows that such a technique could be employed in electric vehicles.
Classification of Children’s Sitting Postures Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Kim Yong Min , Son Youngdoo , Kim Wonjoon , Jin Byungki , Yun Myung Hwan
Published: August 2018

Sitting on a chair in an awkward posture or sitting for a long period of time is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. A postural habit that has been formed cannot be changed easily. It is important to form a proper postural habit from childhood as the lumbar disease during childhood caused by their improper posture is most likely to recur. Thus, there is a need for a monitoring system that classifies children’s sitting postures. The purpose of this paper is to develop a system for classifying sitting postures for children using machine learning algorithms. The convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm was used in addition to the conventional algorithms: Naïve Bayes classifier (NB), decision tree (DT), neural network (NN), multinomial logistic regression (MLR), and support vector machine (SVM). To collect data for classifying sitting postures, a sensing cushion was developed by mounting a pressure sensor mat (8 × 8) inside children’s chair seat cushion. Ten children participated, and sensor data was collected by taking a static posture for the five prescribed postures. The accuracy of CNN was found to be the highest as compared with those of the other algorithms. It is expected that the comprehensive posture monitoring system would be established through future research on enhancing the classification algorithm and providing an effective feedback system.
Influence of Wave State and Sea Spray on the Roughness Length: Feedback on Medicanes
Authors: Rizza Umberto , Canepa Elisa , Ricchi Antonio , Bonaldo Davide , Carniel Sandro , Morichetti Mauro , Passerini Giorgio , Santiloni Laura , Scremin Puhales Franciano , Miglietta Mario Marcello
Published: August 2018

Occasionally, storms that share many features with tropical cyclones, including the presence of a quasi-circular “eye” a warm core and strong winds, are observed in the Mediterranean. Generally, they are known as Medicanes, or tropical-like cyclones (TLC). Due to the intense wind forcings and the consequent development of high wind waves, a large number of sea spray droplets—both from bubble bursting and spume tearing processes—are likely to be produced at the sea surface. In order to take into account this process, we implemented an additional Sea Spray Source Function (SSSF) in WRF-Chem, model version 3.6.1, using the GOCART (Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport) aerosol sectional module. Traditionally, air-sea momentum fluxes are computed through the classical Charnock relation that does not consider the wave-state and sea spray effects on the sea surface roughness explicitly. In order to take into account these forcing, we implemented a more recent parameterization of the sea surface aerodynamic roughness within the WRF surface layer model, which may be applicable to both moderate and high wind conditions. The implemented SSSF and sea surface roughness parameterization have been tested using an operative model sequence based on COAWST (Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Wave Sediment Transport) and WRF-Chem. The third-generation wave model SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore), two-way coupled with the WRF atmospheric model in the COAWST framework, provided wave field parameters. Numerical simulations have been integrated with the WRF-Chem chemistry package, with the aim of calculating the sea spray generated by the waves and to include its effect in the Charnock roughness parametrization together with the sea state effect. A single case study is performed, considering the Medicane that affected south-eastern Italy on 26 September 2006. Since this Medicane is one of the most deeply analysed in literature, its investigation can easily shed some light on the feedbacks between sea spray and drag coefficients.
Potential Impact of Oral Inflammations on Cardiac Functions and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Aarabi Ghazal , Schnabel Renate B. , Heydecke Guido , Seedorf Udo
Published: August 2018

Inflammation may be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral infections frequently lead to chronic inflammation, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and endodontic lesions. In this narrative review, we consider five basic pathogenic mechanisms that involve oral infections and inflammations in the pathogenesis of AF: (1) low level bacteremia by which oral bacteria enter the blood stream at inflamed sites of the oral cavity and invade the heart; (2) Systemic inflammation induced by inflammatory mediators, which are released from the sites of oral inflammation into the blood stream, affecting cardiac remodeling; (3) autoimmunity against molecular structures expressed in the heart caused by the host immune response to specific components of oral pathogens; (4) potentially arrhythmic effects mediated by activation of the autonomous nervous system triggered by oral inflammations; and (5) arrhythmic effects resulting from specific bacterial toxins that are produced by oral pathogenic bacteria. A number of studies support the involvement of all five mechanisms, suggesting a potentially complex contribution of oral inflammations to the pathogenesis of AF.
Viability Assessment Following Anticancer Treatment Requires Single-Cell Visualization
Authors: Mirzayans Razmik , Andrais Bonnie , Murray David
Published: August 2018

A subset of cells within solid tumors become highly enlarged and enter a state of dormancy (sustained proliferation arrest) in response to anticancer treatment. Although dormant cancer cells might be scored as “dead” in conventional preclinical assays, they remain viable, secrete growth-promoting factors, and can give rise to progeny with stem cell-like properties. Furthermore, cancer cells exhibiting features of apoptosis (e.g., caspase-3 activation) following genotoxic stress can undergo a reversal process called anastasis and survive. Consistent with these observations, single-cell analysis of adherent cultures (solid tumor-derived cell lines with differing p53 status) has demonstrated that virtually all cells—irrespective of their size and morphology—that remain adherent to the culture dish for a long time (weeks) after treatment with anticancer agents exhibit the ability to metabolize 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl- tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The purpose of this commentary is to briefly review these findings and discuss the significance of single-cell (versus population averaged) observation methods for assessment of cancer cell viability and metabolic activity.
The Low Temperature Solvent-Free Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexene to Cyclohexane Diol over Highly Active Au/Graphite and Au/Graphene Catalysts
Authors: Rogers Owen , Pattisson Samuel , Macginley Joseph , Engel Rebecca V. , Whiston Keith , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: August 2018

The selectivity and activity of gold-catalysts supported on graphite and graphene have been compared in the oxidation of cyclohexene. These catalysts were prepared via impregnation and sol immobilisation methods, and tested using solventless and radical initiator-free reaction conditions. The selectivity of these catalysts has been directed towards cyclohexene epoxide using WO3 as a co-catalyst and further to cyclohexane diol by the addition of water, achieving a maximum selectivity of 17% to the diol. The sol immobilisation catalysts were more reproducible and far more active, however, selectivity towards the diol was lower than for the impregnation catalyst. The results suggest that formation of cyclohexane diol through solventless oxidation of cyclohexene is limited by a number of factors, such as the formation of an allylic hydroperoxyl species as well as the amount of in situ generated water.
A Comparative Review on the Catalytic Mechanism of Nonheme Iron Hydroxylases and Halogenases
Authors: Timmins Amy , De Visser Sam P.
Published: August 2018

Enzymatic halogenation and haloperoxidation are unusual processes in biology; however, a range of halogenases and haloperoxidases exist that are able to transfer an aliphatic or aromatic C–H bond into C–Cl/C–Br. Haloperoxidases utilize hydrogen peroxide, and in a reaction with halides (Cl−/Br−), they react to form hypohalides (OCl−/OBr−) that subsequently react with substrate by halide transfer. There are three types of haloperoxidases, namely the iron-heme, nonheme vanadium, and flavin-dependent haloperoxidases that are reviewed here. In addition, there are the nonheme iron halogenases that show structural and functional similarity to the nonheme iron hydroxylases and form an iron(IV)-oxo active species from a reaction of molecular oxygen with α-ketoglutarate on an iron(II) center. They subsequently transfer a halide (Cl−/Br−) to an aliphatic C–H bond. We review the mechanism and function of nonheme iron halogenases and hydroxylases and show recent computational modelling studies of our group on the hectochlorin biosynthesis enzyme and prolyl-4-hydroxylase as examples of nonheme iron halogenases and hydroxylases. These studies have established the catalytic mechanism of these enzymes and show the importance of substrate and oxidant positioning on the stereo-, chemo- and regioselectivity of the reaction that takes place.
Implementing Integrative Nursing in a Pediatric Setting
Authors: Voss Megan E. , Kreitzer Mary Jo
Published: August 2018

Pediatric blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) is one of the most challenging allopathic treatments a patient and family can be faced with. A large Midwest academic health center, and leader in pediatric BMT, made the decision in 2013 to incorporate integrative nursing as the care delivery model. Nurses trained in advanced nursing practice and specialized in integrative health and healing performed a deep-dive needs assessment, national benchmarking, a comprehensive review of the literature, and ultimately designed a comprehensive integrative program for pediatric patients and their families undergoing BMT. Four years after implementation, this paper discusses lessons learned, strengths, challenges and next phases of the program, including a research agenda. The authors conclude that it is feasible, acceptable and sustainable to implement a nurse-led integrative program within an academic health center-based pediatric BMT program.
Surface Analysis and Optical Properties of Cu-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Chen Guo-Ju , Jian Sheng-Rui , Juang Jenh-Yih
Published: August 2018

In this study, Cu-doped ZnO (CZO) thin films were grown on glass substrates by using the radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique. The effects of Cu doping on the structural, surface morphological, optical properties, and wettability behaviors of CZO thin films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement, respectively. The XRD results indicated that all CZO thin films were textured, having a preferential crystallographic orientation along the hexagonal wurtzite (002) axis. The average transmittance in the visible wavelength region was above 80% for all CZO thin films. The optical band gap of the CZO films decreased from 3.18 to 2.85 eV when the Cu-doping was increased from 2% to 10%. In addition, the water contact angle measurements were carried out to delineate the Cu-doping effects on the changes in the surface energy and wettability of the films.
Random Finite Set Based Parameter Estimation Algorithm for Identifying Stochastic Systems
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Ge , Peng Yong , Ju Rusheng
Published: August 2018

Parameter estimation is one of the key technologies for system identification. The Bayesian parameter estimation algorithms are very important for identifying stochastic systems. In this paper, a random finite set based algorithm is proposed to overcome the disadvantages of the existing Bayesian parameter estimation algorithms. It can estimate the unknown parameters of the stochastic system which consists of a varying number of constituent elements by using the measurements disturbed by false detections, missed detections and noises. The models used for parameter estimation are constructed by using random finite set. Based on the proposed system model and measurement model, the key principles and formula derivation of the proposed algorithm are detailed. Then, the implementation of the algorithm is presented by using sequential Monte Carlo based Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter and simulated tempering based importance sampling. Finally, the experiments of systematic errors estimation of multiple sensors are provided to prove the main advantages of the proposed algorithm. The sensitivity analysis is carried out to further study the mechanism of the algorithm. The experimental results verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Analysis of Solar Irradiation Time Series Complexity and Predictability by Combining Kolmogorov Measures and Hamming Distance for La Reunion (France)
Authors: Mihailović Dragutin T. , Bessafi Miloud , Marković Sara , Arsenić Ilija , Malinović-Milićević Slavica , Jeanty Patrick , Delsaut Mathieu , Chabriat Jean-Pierre , Drešković Nusret , Mihailović Anja
Published: August 2018

Analysis of daily solar irradiation variability and predictability in space and time is important for energy resources planning, development, and management. The natural variability of solar irradiation is being complicated by atmospheric conditions (in particular cloudiness) and orography, which introduce additional complexity into the phenomenological records. To address this question for daily solar irradiation data recorded during the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 at 11 stations measuring solar irradiance on La Reunion French tropical Indian Ocean Island, we use a set of novel quantitative tools: Kolmogorov complexity (KC) with its derivative associated measures and Hamming distance (HAM) and their combination to assess complexity and corresponding predictability. We find that all half-day (from sunrise to sunset) solar irradiation series exhibit high complexity. However, all of them can be classified into three groups strongly influenced by trade winds that circulate in a “flow around” regime: the windward side (trade winds slow down), the leeward side (diurnal thermally-induced circulations dominate) and the coast parallel to trade winds (winds are accelerated due to Venturi effect). We introduce Kolmogorov time (KT) that quantifies the time span beyond which randomness significantly influences predictability.
Fault Location Method for DC Distribution Systems Based on Parameter Identification
Authors: Xu Yan , Liu Jingyan , Jin Weijia , Fu Yuan , Yang Hui
Published: August 2018

When a short circuit fault occurs on the DC side line, the fault current reaches the peak within a few milliseconds, and the voltage drops significantly. This phenomenon can cause overcurrent flowing through the DC line, semiconductor devices, and AC side, which is a major threat to the operation of the entire system. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a fault location scheme based on parameter identification. Firstly, the entire DC distribution system is regarded as a graph. The intersections of the distribution system lines are regarded as vertices. The current flow of each line is regarded as a directed edge. The network topology matrix is constructed and a fault type recognition algorithm is proposed based on graph theory. Secondly, the mathematical model of the pole-to-pole short-circuit fault and pole-to-ground short-circuit fault are analyzed with double-ended electrical quantities. Transform the fault location problem into a parameter identification problem, four parameters to be identified are extracted, and the fitness function is constructed separately for two kinds of fault cases. Thirdly, a genetic algorithm (GA) is adopted to identify the value of parameters. Considering the fault types, transition resistance and fault location, the Matlab/Simulink simulation platform is used to simulate 18 fault conditions. The simulation results show that the positioning error of the fault location method is less than 1%, which is not affected by the transition resistance and has strong robustness.
Experimental Study of Mixed Gas Hydrates from Gas Feed Containing CH4, CO2 and N2: Phase Equilibrium in the Presence of Excess Water and Gas Exchange
Authors: Legoix Ludovic Nicolas , Ruffine Livio , Deusner Christian , Haeckel Matthias
Published: August 2018

This article presents gas hydrate experimental measurements for mixtures containing methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) with the aim to better understand the impact of water (H2O) on the phase equilibrium. Some of these phase equilibrium experiments were carried out with a very high water-to-gas ratio that shifts the gas hydrate dissociation points to higher pressures. This is due to the significantly different solubilities of the different guest molecules in liquid H2O. A second experiment focused on CH4-CO2 exchange between the hydrate and the vapor phases at moderate pressures. The results show a high retention of CO2 in the gas hydrate phase with small pressure variations within the first hours. However, for our system containing 10.2 g of H2O full conversion of the CH4 hydrate grains to CO2 hydrate is estimated to require 40 days. This delay is attributed to the shrinking core effect, where initially an outer layer of CO2-rich hydrate is formed that effectively slows down the further gas exchange between the vapor phase and the inner core of the CH4-rich hydrate grain.
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Gasifier-Specific Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Fernandes Alvaro , Brabandt Joerg , Posdziech Oliver , Saadabadi Ali , Recalde Mayra , Fan Liyuan , Promes Eva O. , Liu Ming , Woudstra Theo , Aravind Purushothaman Vellayan
Published: August 2018

This paper describes the steps involved in the design, construction, and testing of a gasifier-specific solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The design choices are based on reported thermodynamic simulation results for the entire gasifier- gas cleanup-SOFC system. The constructed SOFC system is tested and the measured parameters are compared with those given by a system simulation. Furthermore, a detailed exergy analysis is performed to determine the components responsible for poor efficiency. It is concluded that the SOFC system demonstrates reasonable agreement with the simulated results. Furthermore, based on the exergy results, the components causing major irreversible performance losses are identified.
A Fully Distributed Approach for Economic Dispatch Problem of Smart Grid
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Yudong , Li Jian , Cao Shengxian
Published: August 2018

The cooperative, reliable and responsive characteristics make smart grid more popular than traditional power grid. However, with the extensive employment of smart grid concepts, the traditional centralized control methods expose a lot of shortcomings, such as communication congestion, computing complexity in central management systems, and so on. The distributed control method with flexible characteristics can meet the timeliness and effectiveness of information management in smart grid and ensure the information collection timely and the power dispatch economically. This article presents a decentralized approach based on multi agent system (MAS) for solving data collection and economic dispatch problem of smart grid. First, considering the generators and loads are distributed on many nodes in the space, a flooding-based consensus algorithm is proposed to achieve generator and load information for each agent. Then, a suitable distributed algorithm called λ-consensus is used for solving the economic dispatch problem, eventually, all generators can automatically minimize the total cost in a collective sense. Simulation results in standard test cases are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Decision Support System for Development of an Energy-Efficient Built Environment
Authors: Kaklauskas Arturas , Dzemyda Gintautas , Tupenaite Laura , Voitau Ihar , Kurasova Olga , Naimaviciene Jurga , Rassokha Yauheni , Kanapeckiene Loreta
Published: August 2018

Implementing energy-efficient solutions in a built environment is important for reaching international energy reduction targets. For advanced energy efficiency-related solutions, computer-based decision support systems are proposed and rapidly used in a variety of spheres relevant to a built environment. Present research proposes a novel artificial neural network-based decision support system for development of an energy-efficient built environment. The system was developed by integrating methods of the multiple criteria evaluation and multivariant design, determination of project utility and market value, and visual data mining by artificial neural networks. It enables a user to compose up to 100,000,000 combinations of the energy-efficient solutions, analyze strengths and weaknesses of a built environment projects, provide advice for stakeholders, and calculate market value and utility degree of the projects. For visual data mining, self-organizing maps (type neural networks) are used, which may influence the choosing of the final set of alternatives and criteria in the decision-making problem, taking into account the discovered similarities of alternatives or criteria. A system was validated by the real case study on the design of an energy-efficient individual house.
Active-Current Control of Large-Scale Wind Turbines for Power System Transient Stability Improvement Based on Perturbation Estimation Approach
Authors: Shen Peng , Guan Lin , Huang Zhenlin , Wu Liang , Jiang Zetao
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes an active-current control strategy for large-scale wind turbines (WTs) to improve the transient stability of power systems based on a perturbation estimation (PE) approach. The main idea of this control strategy is to mitigate the generator imbalance of mechanical and electrical powers by controlling the active-current of WTs. The effective mutual couplings of synchronous generators and WTs are identified using a Kron-reduction technique first. Then, the control object of each WT is assigned based on the identified mutual couplings. Finally, an individual controller is developed for each WT using a PE approach. In the control algorithm, a perturbation state (PS) is introduced for each WT to represent the comprehensive effect of the nonlinearities and parameter variations of the power system, and then it is estimated by a designed perturbation observer. The estimated PS is employed to compensate the actual perturbation, and to finally achieve the adaptive control design without requiring an accurate system model. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach on improving the system transient stability is validated in the modified IEEE 39-bus system.
Design Issues for Claw Pole Machines with Soft Magnetic Composite Cores
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Lu Jiawei , Wang Youhua , Lei Gang , Zhu Jianguo , Guo Youguang
Published: August 2018

By using global ring winding, the torque coefficient of the transverse flux machine (TFM) is proportional to its number of pole pairs, and thus the TFM possesses high torque density ability when compared with other electrical machines. As a special kind of TFM, the claw pole machine (CPM) can have more torque due to its special claw pole teeth. The manufacturing of CPM or TFM with silicon steels was very difficult in the past, and is a handicap for the progress of this kind of machine. Thanks to the advent of soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials, the manufacturing process of CPM has become more and more simple. More attention has been paid to this kind of technology, and some mass production CPMs with SMC cores have appeared. However, there are few works that discuss the key design issues for this kind of machine. In this paper, a small CPM with SMC is used as as a research benchmark. Various design methods that can be adopted to improve its performance have been studied, including unequal stator claw pole teeth, a skewing magnet design, consequent pole design, and etc. The 3D finite element method (FEM) is used for the machine analysis, and it is verified by the experimental results of a CPM with SMC cores.
Risk Analysis of Lightning and Surge Protection Devices for Power Energy Structures
Authors: Liu Chien-Hsun , Muna Yirga Belay , Chen Yu-Tung , Kuo Cheng-Chien , Chang Hung-Yi
Published: August 2018

This paper studies the risk data and protection measurements of lightning based on the IEC62305 standard. In addition, Visual Basic (VB) is used to build a lightning risk calculation program with a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The data structure, including environment data, line data, zone data, economic data, and protection measures is designed to simulate risk of loss of human life (R1) and risk of loss of economic value (R4). To achieve the most economical protection structure design, additional protection measurements and annual savings are considered. In the practical application, the main purpose is to discuss effective protection distances of surge protective devices (SPDs) for low-voltage power distribution. This paper takes advantage of Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP) to simulate the voltage of equipment with different types of loads and length of the cable. After using the protection measures, the value of risk of human life reduces form 21.299 × 10−5 to 0.439 × 10−5 and the value of risk of economic value reduces from 2696.754 × 10−5 to 98.062 × 10−5. The results mean that the protection measures let the values of the risk below the tolerance. By considering the annual cost saving. Assume the cost of protection measures, the interest rate, the depreciation rate, and the maintenance rate are 150,000 $, 4%, 5%, and 1%, respectively. The annual cost before using protective measures, the annual cost after using protective measures, the annual cost of protective measures, and the annual cost saving are $925,000, $33,635, $15,000 and $876,365, respectively. Consequently, it is feasible that the simulation result can provide users with great suggestions to choose the best installation location and achieve the most effective protection design.
Development and Optimization of a Building Energy Simulation Model to Study the Effect of Greenhouse Design Parameters
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , Lee Jong Won , Lee Hyun Woo
Published: August 2018

Energy management of the greenhouse is considered to be one of the most important challenges of greenhouse farming. Energy saving measures need considered, besides applying energy supplying techniques. To address this issue, a model was developed to simulate the thermal environment of a greenhouse using a Transient Systems Simulation Program (TRNSYS 17) as a building energy simulation (BES) platform. The model was calibrated by modifying the input parameters to minimize the uncertainties obtained from the results. Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients of 0.958 and 0.983 showed good agreement between the computed and experimental results. The proposed model was used to evaluate the effects of greenhouse design parameters, including roof shape, orientation, double-glazing, natural ventilation, coverings and their thickness, on its energy conservation capacity. It was found that the most suitable design for a greenhouse located in Daegu (latitude 35.53° N, longitude 128.36° E) South Korea would be east-west (E-W) oriented, with a gothic-shaped roof and double-glazing of PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) covering. Natural ventilation reduced the inside temperature of greenhouse, thereby reducing the energy demand of cooling. The model developed can help greenhouse farmers and researchers make pre-design decisions regarding greenhouse construction, taking their local environment and specific needs into consideration.
Stability Analysis of Grid-Connected Converters with Different Implementations of Adaptive PR Controllers under Weak Grid Conditions
Authors: Li Xing , Lin Hua
Published: August 2018

Adaptive proportional resonant (PR) controllers, whose resonant frequencies are obtained by the phase-locked loop (PLL), are employed in grid connected voltage source converters (VSCs) to improve the control performance in the case of grid frequency variations. The resonant frequencies can be estimated by either synchronous reference frame PLL (SRF-PLL) or dual second order generalized integrator frequency locked loop (DSOGI-FLL), and there are three different implementations of the PR controllers based on two integrators. Hence, in this paper, system stabilities of the VSC with different implementations of PR controllers and different PLLs under weak grid conditions are analyzed and compared by applying the impedance-based method. First, the αβ-domain admittance matrixes of the VSC are derived using the harmonic linearization method. Then, the admittance matrixes are compared with each other, and the influences of their differences on system stability are revealed. It is demonstrated that if DSOGI-FLL is used, stabilities of the VSC with different implementations of the PR controllers are similar. Moreover, the VSC using a DSOGI-FLL is more stable than that using a SRF-PLL. The simulation and experimental results are conducted to verify the correctness of theoretical analysis.
Joint Operation between a PSO-Based Global MPP Tracker and a PV Module Array Configuration Strategy under Shaded or Malfunctioning Conditions
Authors: Chen Pi-Yun , Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Liao Bo-Jyun
Published: August 2018

This paper aims to present a smart, particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based, real time configuration strategy for a photovoltaic (PV) module array in the event of shadow cast on a PV module(s) and/or module failure as an effective approach to power generation efficiency elevation. At the first step, the respective maximum output power levels provided by a normal operating array at various levels of irradiation and module surface temperatures are measured and entered as references into a database. Subsequently, the maximum output power (MPP) level, tracked by a MPP tracker, is feedbacked for a comparison with an aforementioned reference as a way to tell whether there is either a shadow or a malfunction event on a PV module(s). Once an abnormal operation is detected, the presented smart configuration algorithm is performed to reconfigure the PV module array such that the array is operated at the global MPP as intended. Furthermore, by use of a PIC microcontroller that is a family of microcontrollers made by Microchip Technology for compact implementation, this study is experimentally validated as an effective approach to locating the global MPP at all events.
Qualitative Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Services: The Stakeholders’ Point of View in Support of Landscape Planning
Authors: De Meo Isabella , Cantiani Maria Giulia , Ferretti Fabrizio , Paletto Alessandro
Published: August 2018

In the last decades, the ecosystem services (ES) concept has become one of the main challenges of study and discussion in the scientific community. The quantitative and qualitative assessment of ES is as a tool to address forest management planning on a local scale. Forest landscape management planning is the most suitable level for integrating social needs and demands in the enhancement of different forest ES. Some regions in Italy have developed forest landscape management plans taking into account the social preferences for the different ES. In this paper, we refer to five case studies in three pilot areas in Italy. A survey collected and analyzed the opinions and preferences, from 362 stakeholders, for ten ES included in three categories (provisioning, regulating and cultural services). The main aim of this study is to understand what type of variables (study area, the groups of interest and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents) most influence stakeholder preferences for ES. The results show that for the sample of stakeholders involved in the survey, the most important ES category is regulating services followed by cultural services. In addition, the results show that the group of stakeholders’ interest is the most important variable influencing their preferences for ES.
Provenance Variation in Pinus palustris Foliar δ13C
Authors: Samuelson Lisa , Johnsen Kurt , Stokes Tom , Anderson Peter , Nelson C. Dana
Published: August 2018

Longleaf pine forests are currently being restored in the southern U.S. To aid in the deployment of longleaf pine under current and future climate conditions, we tested the hypothesis that genetic variability in foliar carbon isotope composition (δ13C) exists in this species. Foliar δ13C, height and diameter were measured at ages of 5 and 6 years, and needle length, specific leaf weight (SLW) and foliar N concentration were measured at an age of 6 years in 16 longleaf pine families representing a large portion of the species’ range. Families were grown in common garden tests in North Carolina and Mississippi and grouped for analysis into six provenances based on climate, soils, and discontinuities in the species’ range. No genetic by environment interactions were observed. Greater foliar δ13C was observed in trees from the provenance consisting of the Piedmont and Montane Uplands than from the provenances representing the western and eastern Gulf Coastal Plains. Foliar δ13C was not significantly correlated to height at age 6, suggesting that it may be possible to select for improved foliar δ13C without sacrificing growth. These results represent a first step in identifying potential genetic variation in leaf water use efficiency and drought tolerance of longleaf pine.
Genetic Variation of European Beech Populations and Their Progeny from Northeast Germany to Southwest Switzerland
Authors: Müller Markus , Cuervo-Alarcon Laura , Gailing Oliver , K.C. Rajendra , Chhetri Meena Suyal , Seifert Sarah , Arend Matthias , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Finkeldey Reiner
Published: August 2018

Climate change can adversely affect the growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) across its entire distribution range. Therefore, knowledge of the adaptive potential of this species to changing climatic conditions is of foremost importance. Genetic diversity is the basis for adaptation to environmental stress, and the regeneration phase of forests is a key stage affecting genetic diversity. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of climate change on the genetic diversity of adult trees compared to their progeny. Here, we present genetic diversity data for 24 beech populations ranging from northeast Germany to southwest Switzerland. Potentially adaptive genetic variation was studied using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in candidate genes that are possibly involved in adaptive trait variation. In addition, more than 2000 adult trees and 3000 of their seedlings were genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to determine selectively neutral genetic diversity and differentiation among populations. All populations showed high SSR and SNP variation, and no differences in genetic diversity were found between adult trees and their offspring. The genetic differentiation between adults and seedlings within the same stands was also insignificant or very low. Therefore, we can conclude tentatively that the transfer of genetic variation among tree generations, currently, is not much affected by climate change, at least in the studied beech populations.
Synteny-Based Development of CAPS Markers Linked to the Sweet kernel LOCUS, Controlling Amygdalin Accumulation in Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb)
Authors: Ricciardi Francesca , Del Cueto Jorge , Bardaro Nicoletta , Mazzeo Rosa , Ricciardi Luigi , Dicenta Federico , Sánchez-Pérez Raquel , Pavan Stefano , Lotti Concetta
Published: August 2018

The bitterness and toxicity of wild-type seeds of Prunoideae is due to the cyanogenic glucoside amygdalin. In cultivated almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb), a dominant mutation at the Sk locus prevents amygdalin accumulation and thus results in edible sweet kernels. Here, we exploited sequence similarity and synteny between the genomes of almond and peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) to identify cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) molecular markers linked to the Sk locus. A segregant F1 population was used to map these markers on the Sk genomic region, together with Sk-linked simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers previously described. Molecular fingerprinting of a cultivar collection indicated the possibility to use CAPS polymorphisms identified in this study in breeding programs arising from different parental combinations. Overall, we highlight a set of codominant markers useful for early selection of sweet kernel genotypes, an aspect of primary importance in almond breeding. In addition, by showing collinearity between the physical map of peach and the genetic map of almond with respect to the Sk genomic region, we provide valuable information for further marker development and Sk positional cloning.
Olfactory Communication via Microbiota: What Is Known in Birds?
Authors: Maraci Öncü , Engel Kathrin , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: August 2018

Animal bodies harbour a complex and diverse community of microorganisms and accumulating evidence has revealed that microbes can influence the hosts’ behaviour, for example by altering body odours. Microbial communities produce odorant molecules as metabolic by-products and thereby modulate the biochemical signalling profiles of their animal hosts. As the diversity and the relative abundance of microbial species are influenced by several factors including host-specific factors, environmental factors and social interactions, there are substantial individual variations in the composition of microbial communities. In turn, the variations in microbial communities would consequently affect social and communicative behaviour by influencing recognition cues of the hosts. Therefore, microbiota studies have a great potential to expand our understanding of recognition of conspecifics, group members and kin. In this review, we aim to summarize existing knowledge of the factors influencing the microbial communities and the effect of microbiota on olfactory cue production and social and communicative behaviour. We concentrate on avian taxa, yet we also include recent research performed on non-avian species when necessary.