bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intimacy as Transgression and the Problem of Freedom
Authors: Maclaren Kym
Published: July 2018

“To consent to love or be loved,” said Merleau-Ponty, “is to consent also to influence someone else, to decide to a certain extent on behalf of the other.” This essay explicates that idea through a meditation on intimacy. I propose, first, that, on Merleau-Ponty’s account, we are always transgressing into each other’s experience, whether we are strangers or familiars; I call this “ontological intimacy.” Concrete experiences of intimacy are based upon this ontological intimacy, and can take place at two levels: (1) at-this-moment (such that we can experience intimacy even with strangers, by sharing a momentary but extra-ordinary mutual recognition) and (2) in shared interpersonal institutions, or habitual, enduring, and co-enacted visions of who we are, how to live, and what matters. Through particular examples of dynamics within these layers of intimacy (drawing upon work by Berne and by Russon), I claim that we are always, inevitably, imposing an “unfreedom” upon our intimate others. Freedom, then, can only develop from within and by virtue of this “unfreedom.” Thus, what distinguishes empowering or emancipating relationships from oppressive ones is not the removal of transgressive normative social forces; it is rather the particular character of those transgressive forces. Some transgressions upon others’ experience—some forms of “unfreedom”—will tend to promote freedom; others will tend to hinder it. This amounts to a call for promoting agency and freedom not only through critical analysis of public institutions, practices and discourses, but also through critical insight into and transformation of our most private and intimate relationships.
The Difference of Feminist Philosophy: The Case of Shame
Authors: Mann Bonnie
Published: July 2018

This essay is written in two parts. The first is a commentary on the affective politics of philosophy as a discipline. The theme here is philosophy’s reverence problem, an affective bond to the teacher and the text, which is threatened or even injured by feminist philosophy. Feminist philosophy emerges as disruptive irreverence in the midst of the discipline, and injured reverence becomes a powerful prereflective motivation for resistance to feminist thought. The second part of the essay is an exploration of the field of inquiry called feminist phenomenology. Is feminist phenomenology simply phenomenology from another point of view, that of the embodied female subject? Is it conducted, in other words, in a space beyond politics and power where the difference of this subject discloses values and meanings that have not yet been thematized in phenomenological inquiry, but which phenomenology is already competent to pursue? Or does feminist phenomenology disrupt or transform phenomenological practice as we traditionally understand it? In this paper, I claim that phenomenology must be critical in order to be feminist, that it must disrupt phenomenological practice rather than simply “applying” it to a new object, “woman.” In the work of Simone de Beauvoir we find a different phenomenological practice that feminists can count as a positive inheritance. The real difference of feminist phenomenology, however, only emerges in the practice itself. In order to capture something about this difference I take the phenomenon of shame as a case study, and compare three recent phenomenological accounts of shame.
Prevalence Acinetobacter spp. in Kemerovo Region Healthcare Settings
Authors: Shmakova M. A. , Shternis T. A. , Zhelnina T. P. , Brusina E. B.
Published: July 2018

The descriptive retrospective epidemiological study of Acinetobacter spp. cases in healthcare units was performed in Kemerovo regions (2012–2016). Total 113967 outcomes of treatment were studied and 1742 Acinetobacter spp. were identified. The incidence of Acinetobacter spp. was 15.29 per 1000 patients, the share of this pathogens was 1.32%. Frequency of Acinetobacter spp. cases in adults was 2.15 times higher than in children, χ2 = 105.609, p = 0.000. We revealed a trend to decrease the incidence of Acinetobacter spp. (the average growth rate is 53.7%, the average growth rate is 46.3%, y = -2.054x + 21.346, R² = 0.8692) during the long-term period (2012–2016). Acinetobacter spp. prevalence differed in 28.5 times from 2.55 to 72.16 per 1,000 patients, p = 0,000. Patients of neurosurgical units were under the highest infection risk. The Acinetobacter spp. incidence in the intensive care units was 34.84 per 1000 patients. Among all the isolated Acinetobacter spp. 46% of the strains were resistant to carbapenems (7.12 per 1000 patients), while for the units with a high risk of infection it reached to 19.0 per1000 patients (p = 0,000).
Tecnologia e subjetividade: poder e discursividade à luz da Microfísica do poder em Michel Foucault
Authors: Calçado Thiago
Published: July 2018

A partir da perspectiva de Michel Foucault, a tecnologia, ao mesmo tempo em que suscita a proliferação dos discursos, multiplica os mecanismos de dominação, pela distribuição regulada e controlada dos indivíduos, tal como pode ser percebido nas redes sociais digitais. Nesse sentido, a possível participação política efetuada via internet pode se apresentar tanto como um lugar de manifestação individual de contestação, quanto a reprodução das estratégias de poder vigentes. Trata-se de investigar, portanto, a subjetivação em relação a linguagem do mundo virtual e seus impactos não apenas na comunicação, mas na própria sociedade.Palavras-chave: Sujeito-Redes. Sociais-Filosofia-Poder-Tecnologia
Deuxième niveau de compétence pour l’échographie clinique en médecine d’urgence. Recommandations de la Société française de médecine d’urgence par consensus formalisé
Authors: Martinez M. , Duchenne J. , Bobbia X. , Brunet S. , Fournier P. , Miroux P. , Perrier C. , Pès P. , Chauvin A. , Claret P.-G. ,   les membres de la commission des référentiels de la SFMU
Published: July 2018

La Société française de médecine d’urgence a élaboré en 2016 des recommandations formalisées d’experts définissant le premier niveau de compétence en échographie clinique en médecine d’urgence. Ce niveau est maintenant complété par un deuxième niveau correspondant à une pratique plus avancée utilisant des techniques non envisagées dans le premier niveau comme l’utilisation du Doppler et nécessitant aussi une pratique et une formation plus poussées. Des champs déjà présents dans le premier référentiel sont complétés, et de nouveaux champs sont envisagés. La méthodologie utilisée est issue de la méthode « Recommandations par consensus formalisé » publiée par la Haute Autorité de santé et de la méthode Delphi pour quantifier l’accord professionnel. Ce choix a été fait devant l’insuffisance de littérature de fort niveau de preuve dans certaines thématiques et de l’existence de controverses. Ce document présente les items jugés appropriés et inappropriés par les cotateurs. Ces recommandations définissent un deuxième niveau de compétence en ECMU.
Training Writing Teachers: An Assignment in Mapping Writing Program Values
Authors: Grouling Jennifer
Published: July 2018

Drawing on the work of Broad (2003), I created a Value Mapping assignment that asked graduate TAs in a composition practicum course to map the values of their assigned teaching mentors. Through analysis of syllabi, assignments, grading, and personal interviews, TAs made visual maps of their assigned mentors' teaching values and shared them with the class. Together, they discovered not only the values of the first-year writing program but also how teaching materials convey those values to students. This assignment may be adapted to other types of courses to help students see the different values that underlie their majors or professions.
Editor's Note
Authors: Hall Susanne
Published: July 2018

I am delighted to share issue 2.2 of Prompt with you. Themes of genre, the value of failure, and the importance of student engagement drive this issue.
Authenticity and the Rhetoric of “Selling” on Social Media: A Role-writing Assignment Set
Authors: McCaughey Jessica
Published: July 2018

Rooted in a hybrid, themed, first-year writing course titled Please Like Us: Selling with Social Media and drawing on the disciplines of business, marketing, and writing studies, the two sequenced assignments explored here rely upon role-playing and “role-writing” for specific outside professional audiences. A semester-long blog project serves as a jumping off point for a researched, multi-disciplinary social media marketing proposal, providing students with the chance to examine social media in both rhetorical and professional terms. The accompanying article explores these assignments in the context of “authenticity” and with an eye toward not only principles of writing pedagogy, but also the transfer of knowledge and process between academic and professional writing.
Etude des cas de redoublement au primaire dans la commune de Parakou durant l'année scolaire 2016-2017
Authors: Ahinon Justin Sègbédji
Published: July 2018

Version française:La connaissance de l’état de la population scolaire d’un milieu est indispensable dans les prises de décisions relatives à l’éducation. L’un des aspects de cet état est le redoublement en milieu scolaire. Il serait en effet intéressant de pouvoir avoir des statistiques fiables sur les redoublements en milieu scolaire dans la commune de Parakou. C’est cet aspect qui fait l’objet de thématique pour le présent rapport de stage. On pourra ainsi essayer de présenter les individus ayant redoublés en fonction de certaines caractéristiques comme le sexe, le type d’établissement. English version:The knowledge of the state of the school population in a given environment is essential in educational decision-making. One aspect of this state is reduplication in primary school. It would indeed be interesting to be able to have reliable statistics on repetition in schools in the commune of Parakou. This aspect is the subject of this internship report. This way we can try to present individuals who have repeated grades according to certain characteristics such as the gender, type of institution.
Isolation of phytoconstituents and evaluation of biological potentials of Berberis hispanica from Algeria
Authors: Lemoui Redouane , Benyahia Samira , Noman Labib , Bencherchar Ilham , Oke-Altuntas Feyza , Rebbas Khellaf , Benayache Samir , Benayache Fadila , Demirtas Ibrahim
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to isolate the phytoconstituents and evaluate the biological activities of Berberis hispanica. Three phenolic compounds (tamarixetin, caffeic acid and rutin)  were isolated from B. hispanica. The structures of the pure compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses, including 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HPLC-TOF/MS. In addition, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative effects of the extracts, some fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated. The extracts of B. hispanica were evaluated against six bacterial strains and exhibited the highest activity against Klebsiella pneumonia (15 mm at 100 mg/mL). Fraction T36 (IC50<5 μg/mL) from the n-butanol extract displayed higher radical scavenging activity than butylated hydroxytoluene. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line by real time cell analyzer assay and tamarixetin exhibited the remarkable effect (IC50<50 μg/mL) on HeLa cells. This study supports the documented medicinal effects of B. hispanica.
Video Clip of Methodology:
Antiproliferative Assay: 4 min 31 sec   Click to watch
Evaluation of anticoagulant and thrombolytic activity of Berberis orthobotrys in animal model
Authors: Alamgeer . , Tarar Mahpara , Hasan Umme Habiba , Saleem Muhammad
Published: July 2018

Fundamental to this research was the evaluation of anticoagulant and thrombolytic potential of Berberis orthobotrys using clotting time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time performed at 2.5, 5, 10% concentration. Aqueous-methanol extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the coagulation parameters both in human blood as well as in rabbit blood and exhibited the more salient effect on prolongation of these coagulation parameters at 10% concentration. Aqueous methanol extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) produced the preferential increase in bleeding time and clotting time nevertheless the effect was more perceptible after 90 min at 100 mg/kg. Moreover, the crude extract presented a substantial increase in coagulation parameters after 7 days of administration in rabbits with more pronounced effects at the highest dose. HPLC profile of aqueous methanol extract revealed the presence of quercetin, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid. Thus, the present study provides the pharmacological basis for its medical use in cardiovascular and other thrombotic disorders.
Lycorine inhibits MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion that are associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Chen Xia-Liang
Published: July 2018

This study was aimed to determine the effects of lycorine, a toxic crystalline alkaloid, on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and to investigate the mechanism involved. The cells were cultured with different concentrations of lycorine in vitro. MTT assays were performed to determine the proliferation of cells. Transwell assays were performed to measure the migration and invasion of cells. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and expression were assayed by Western blot. This study showed that proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells could be inhibited by lycorine. Furthermore, we found that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was markedly blocked in MDA-MB-321 cells treated with lycorine. In conclusion, lycorine inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that is associated with the suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Video Clip of Methodology:
5 min 39 sec:   Click to watch
Suicide Attempts in Michigan HealthCare System; Racial Differences
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: July 2018

Background. Community-based studies have documented racial differences in social, psychiatric, and medical determinants of suicidal ideation; however, less is known about racial differences in the profile of suicide attempts in clinical settings. Aim. The current study aimed to compare Blacks and Whites who attempted suicide for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, medical history, psychiatric disorders, and outcomes. Methods. This retrospective study was a retrospective chart review of DataDirect, which is an electronic data repository of the Michigan Health Care System, 2014 to 2017. This analysis included 6147 suicide attempts (5388 Whites and 759 Blacks). Race, sociodemographic factors, medical history, psychiatric disorders, and outcomes were measured. Results. Blacks and Whites with suicide attempt did not differ in age or gender, but varied by insurance type. Blacks were more commonly under Medicare and Medicaid, while Whites were more commonly under private insurance or self-pay (p < 0.05). Blacks with suicide attempt were more likely to be obese, while Whites with suicide attempt were more likely to be underweight. Frequency of psychiatric disorders, including depression, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and psychosis, were not different between Whites and Blacks with suicide attempt; however, medical conditions showed a different profile across racial groups. When compared to Whites, Blacks had higher prevalence of uncomplicated hypertension, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coagulopathy, and obesity (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). In contrast, Whites had higher prevalence of other neurological disorders than Blacks. There were no differences in in-patient survival rate between Whites and Blacks who attempted suicide. Conclusion. There are considerable differences between Blacks and Whites with at least one suicide attempt. Although their psychiatric diagnoses seem to be similar, Blacks who have attempted suicide attempt have more medical comorbidities than their White counterparts. Lack of racial disparities in in-patient mortality rate of suicide attempts in the Michigan Health Care System is promising news given the higher physical health needs of Blacks when compared to Whites.
A 20-Questions-Based Binary Spelling Interface for Communication Systems
Authors: Tonin Alessandro , Birbaumer Niels , Chaudhary Ujwal
Published: July 2018

Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) enables people with motor impairments to communicate using their brain signals by selecting letters and words from a screen. However, these spellers do not work for people in a complete locked-in state (CLIS). For these patients, a near infrared spectroscopy-based BCI has been developed, allowing them to reply to “yes”/”no” questions with a classification accuracy of 70%. Because of the non-optimal accuracy, a usual character-based speller for selecting letters or words cannot be used. In this paper, a novel spelling interface based on the popular 20-questions-game has been presented, which will allow patients to communicate using only “yes”/”no” answers, even in the presence of poor classification accuracy. The communication system is based on an artificial neural network (ANN) that estimates a statement thought by the patient asking less than 20 questions. The ANN has been tested in a web-based version with healthy participants and in offline simulations. Both results indicate that the proposed system can estimate a patient’s imagined sentence with an accuracy that varies from 40%, in the case of a “yes”/”no” classification accuracy of 70%, and up to 100% in the best case. These results show that the proposed spelling interface could allow patients in CLIS to express their own thoughts, instead of only answer to “yes”/”no” questions.
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas on Copper, Zinc and Iron Oxide Impregnated on MFI Zeolite Assisted by Electric Power
Authors: Alamdari Amin , Karimzadeh Ramin
Published: July 2018

Olefin was produced with a non-conventional method using an electric field exerted on zeolites. The lattice oxygen mobility increases with a decrease in band gap, leading to an increase in olefin yield. By impregnating the transition metal, an increase in carrier concentration occurs. The external electric field changes the Fermi level. In this research, HZSM-5 was placed in an external DC electric field with strength appropriate for studying its catalytic performance. The Fermi level changed with the metal type and the external electric field. The increase in permittivity with temperature extracts higher energy from the external electric field. In catalytic reactions assisted by the external DC electric field, at 510 °C, the yield was approximately equal to the yield in a conventional reaction at 650 °C. With regard to TGA, in the catalytic reaction assisted by the external DC electric field, the produced coke declined. The results showed that the maximum yield value (50.54%) and conversion (92.81%) were be obtained at 650 °C with an input electrical current of 12 mA, a gap distance of 10 mm and a metal loading of 4 wt. % over FeHZSM-5.
Automated Crude Constituent Extractor for Partitioning of Refined Crude and Extraction and Distribution of Individual Constituents
Authors: Rohi Godall , Ofualagba Warrior , Ejofodomi Esere , Ejofodomi O’tega , Ofualagba Godswill , Tsidkenu El Elyon
Published: July 2018

The current extraction process in the Oil and Gas Industry today takes 10–32 h for 2 tonnes of refined crude, incurs 16–25% of the total volume spill, has an extraction efficiency of 50–74%, experiences $820—$4250 CAD of revenue loss for every 1% spilled and costs $280,000–$650,000 CAD to clean up a single percent. The Automated Crude Constituent Extractor extracts constituents from 2 tonnes of refined crude in 34–46 min, incurs no volume spill, has an extraction efficiency of 76–98%, results in no revenue loss and no remediation cost. This system needs to be implemented immediately in the Oil and Gas Industry today so that oil producing nations can start enjoying these benefits.
Diffusion on Middle-ξ Cantor Sets
Authors: Khalili Golmankhaneh Alireza , Fernandez Arran , Khalili Golmankhaneh Ali , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we study Cζ-calculus on generalized Cantor sets, which have self-similar properties and fractional dimensions that exceed their topological dimensions. Functions with fractal support are not differentiable or integrable in terms of standard calculus, so we must involve local fractional derivatives. We have generalized the Cζ-calculus on the generalized Cantor sets known as middle-ξ Cantor sets. We have suggested a calculus on the middle-ξ Cantor sets for different values of ξ with 0<ξ<1. Differential equations on the middle-ξ Cantor sets have been solved, and we have presented the results using illustrative examples. The conditions for super-, normal, and sub-diffusion on fractal sets are given.
Complex Affine Arithmetic-Based Power Flow Analysis for Zonal Medium Voltage Direct Current Shipboard Power Systems in the Presence of Power Variation
Authors: Lu Fang , Yan Liang , Liu Hongda , Liu Fanming
Published: July 2018

The medium-voltage direct-current (MVDC) ship power system has been extensively investigated and discussed in recent years. This paper presents an alternating current/direct-current (AC/DC) power flow algorithm based on complex affine arithmetic for the zonal MVDC shipboard power system in the presence of power variation. The power converter effect is considered, and an affine power converter model is proposed in the power flow model. An affine-analysis-based sequential method is adopted to solve AC/DC power flows. With the proposed algorithm, the bounds of bus voltages can be effectively obtained. A relative influence factor is defined to quantitatively assess the effect of power variation on voltage profile. Four cases are studied in detail to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm is useful in network architecture design, planning, and online operations of MVDC power systems when such decisions are subject to power variation.
Optimal Design of Power-Split HEVs Based on Total Cost of Ownership and CO2 Emission Minimization
Authors: Finesso Roberto , Misul Daniela , Spessa Ezio , Venditti Mattia
Published: July 2018

An optimal design toolbox for hybrid electric vehicles has been developed and applied to three different vehicle segments (a compact vehicle, a small SUV and a medium-size SUV) for two separate power-split hybrid layouts, both equipped with a diesel engine. One layout features a (3gTR) whereas the other lacks of the additional 3-gear transmission. The toolbox combines the optimization of the vehicle design to that of the control strategy and is based on the minimization of the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the vehicle lifetime. The tool still retains the capability of complying with different performance and emission constraints. The identified optimal designs have proved to lead to a reduction of the CO2 emissions by 50 to 55% and to a reduction of the TCO by 9 to 10% if compared to the conventional vehicle. Such results held for all classes of vehicle. A cost-benefit analysis and a break-even analysis have also been carried out. A mileage of 20,000 km/year over an urban driving scenario has turned out to possibly allow the driver to break even in about four years for the SUVs and in about six years for the compact vehicle. Finally, a linear correlation between the TCO and the specifications of the design components has been detected with a mean percentage error of about 0.1%. Such a correlation can be very helpful for vehicle design tasks.
Optimization Scheduling Method for Power Systems Considering Optimal Wind Power Intervals
Authors: Hu Mengyue , Hu Zhijian
Published: July 2018

Wind power intervals with different confidence levels have an impact on both the economic cost and risk of dispatch plans for power systems with wind power integration. The higher the confidence level, the greater the bandwidth of corresponding intervals. Thus, more reserves are needed, resulting in higher economic cost but less risk. In order to balance the economic cost and risk, a unit commitment model based on the optimal wind power confidence level is proposed. There are definite integral terms in the objective function of the model, and both the integrand function and integral upper/lower bound contain decision variables, which makes it difficult to solve this problem. The objective function is linearized and solved by discretizing the wind power probability density function and using auxiliary variables. On the basis, a rolling dispatching model considering the dynamic regulation costs among multiple rolling plans is established. In addition to balancing economic cost and risk, it can help to avoid repeated regulations among different rolling plans. Simulations are carried on a 10-units system and a 118-bus system to verify the effectiveness of the proposed models.
Research and Application of a Hybrid Wind Energy Forecasting System Based on Data Processing and an Optimized Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Jingrui , Wang Jianzhou , Gao Chengze
Published: July 2018

Accurate wind speed forecasting plays a significant role for grid operators and the use of wind energy, which helps meet increasing energy needs and improve the energy structure. However, choosing an accurate forecasting system is a challenging task. Many studies have been carried out in recent years, but unfortunately, these studies ignore the importance of data preprocessing and the influence of numerous missing values, leading to poor forecasting performance. In this paper, a hybrid forecasting system based on data preprocessing and an Extreme Learning Machine optimized by the cuckoo algorithm is proposed, which can overcome the limitations of the single ELM model. In the system, the standard genetic algorithm is added to reduce the dimensions of the input and utilize the time series model for error correction by focusing on the optimized extreme learning machine model. And according to screened results, the 5% fractile and 95% fractile are applied to compose the upper and lower bounds of the confidence interval, respectively. The assessment results indicate that the hybrid system successfully overcomes some limitations of the single Extreme Learning Machine model and traditional BP and Mycielski models and can be an effective tool compared to traditional forecasting models.
A Novel Triple-Permanent-Magnet-Excited Vernier Machine with Double-Stator Structure for Low-Speed and High-Torque Applications
Authors: Liu Xinbo , Zhong Xu , Du Yi , Chen Xun
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a novel triple-permanent-magnet-excited vernier (TPMEV) machine with double-stator (DS) is proposed, of which the power density and the torque density are effectively improved to satisfy the operating requirements of low speed and high torque density for direct drive systems. Three sets of permanent magnets (PMs) are placed on the two stators and the rotor, respectively, and the magnetic fields excited by these PMs are modulated to effective magnetic field harmonics with low pole-pair numbers and high speeds based on bi-directional field modulation effect of the non-uniform airgap permeance. Then two sets of armature windings respectively accommodated in two stators are designed according to the effective magnetic field harmonics, thus achieving the coupling between the PM magnetic fields produced by three sets of PMs and armature windings. Firstly, the topology of the TPMEV-DS machine is introduced. Secondly, the airgap flux density of the machine is analyzed based on the equivalent magnetic circuit method, which proves the improvement potentiality of power density and torque density due to the bi-directional field modulation effect. Finally, the performance of the TPMEV-DS machine is calculated and analyzed by the finite element method, verifying the advantages of high power density and high torque density for the direct drive systems.
Building Retrofit with Photovoltaics: Construction and Performance of a BIPV Ventilated Façade
Authors: Martín-Chivelet Nuria , Gutiérrez Juan Carlos , Alonso-Abella Miguel , Chenlo Faustino , Cuenca José
Published: July 2018

Building retrofit offers the opportunity to reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources. The photovoltaic (PV) technology can be integrated into the building envelope, where conventional construction materials can be easily substituted by PV modules. Prices are competitive with some other solutions and good architectural building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solutions enhance the appearance of the buildings. All this makes BIPV an attractive solution for effectively and sustainably retrofitting building envelopes, providing savings in materials and in conventional electricity consumption and, at the same time, improving the energy efficiency of the buildings. This paper shows a building retrofit case study in which standard PV modules are integrated into a new ventilated façade, aiming at serving as an easy-to-implement example for large-scale actions.
A Single-Stage Asymmetrical Half-Bridge Flyback Converter with Resonant Operation
Authors: Ting Chung-Yi , Hsu Yi-Chieh , Lin Jing-Yuan , Chen Chung-Ping
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a single-stage asymmetrical half-bridge fly-back (AHBF) converter with resonant mode using dual-mode control. The presented converter has an integrated boost converter and asymmetrical half-bridge fly-back converter and operates in resonant mode. The boost-cell always operates in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to achieve high power factor. The presented converter operates simultaneously using a variable-frequency-controller (VFC) and pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller. Unlike the conventional single-stage design, the intermediate bus voltage of this controller can be regulated depending on the main power switch duty ratio. The asymmetrical half-bridge fly-back converter utilizes a variable switching frequency controller to achieve the output voltage regulation. The asymmetrical half-bridge fly-back converter can achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operation and significantly reduce the switching losses. Detailed analysis and design of this single-stage asymmetrical half-bridge fly-back converter with resonant mode is described. A wide AC input voltage ranging from 90 to 264 Vrms and output 19 V/120 W prototype converter was built to verify the theoretical analysis and performance of the presented converter.
Decentralized Circulating Currents Suppression for Paralleled Inverters in Microgrids Using Adaptive Virtual Inductances
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Hou Shuaicheng , Li Xiang
Published: July 2018

Droop-controlled inverters, which are the main interfaces between distributed generators (DGs) and grid AC bus, are widely adopted in today’s microgrids. Because the DGs are usually dispersed along with the microgrids, which may spread out in a wide area, the impedances of transmission lines that connect different DGs and the point of common coupling (PCC) may be different. Large circulating currents among paralleled inverters would be induced eventually, which not only results in decreased system efficiency, but also makes some DGs impossible to operate at their rated power. In this paper, the relationship between circulating current and line impedances among paralleled inverters with conventional droop control is analyzed in detail. To mitigate the circulating current, an adaptive virtual output inductance control method for the DG inverter is proposed. With the help of the added adaptive virtual inductances, huge reduction on the circulating currents can be obtained regardless of the differences in line impedances. The implementation details of the proposed method and the optimum design rules for system parameters are elaborated, which are swiftly followed by the operational principle and stability analyses. Because neither communications nor global signals are needed in the proposed method, it is a total discrete approach, which evidently indicates high flexibility and scalability. The validity of the proposed method is finally verified by simulations and experiments.
A Numerical Study of Small-Scale Longitudinal Heat Conduction in Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Borjigin Saranmanduh , Ma Ting , Zeng Min , Wang Qiuwang
Published: July 2018

Longitudinal heat conduction has a significant effect on the heat transfer performance of plate heat exchangers, but longitudinal heat conduction is usually neglected in numerical studies and the thermal design of a heat exchanger. In this paper, heat transfer models with and without longitudinal heat conduction are proposed to analyze the effect of small-scale longitudinal heat conduction in a plate heat exchanger. The performance of small-scale longitudinal heat conduction is illustrated by temperature and heat flux contours in the heat transfer models with and without longitudinal heat conduction. The results show that small-scale longitudinal heat conduction occurs in the plate and a more uniform temperature profile of the plate is obtained due to small-scale longitudinal heat conduction. In balanced flow, the contributions of longitudinal heat conduction for counter-flow, cross-flow and parallel-flow plate heat exchangers are −3.15%, −0.09% and 0, respectively, whereas, for the respective unbalanced flows they are evaluated to be −1.73%, 0.53% and 0.05%, respectively. Moreover, it is observed that small-scale longitudinal heat conduction in plates is influenced by the thermal conductivity of the plate. The higher the thermal conductivity, the larger is the reduction of thermal performance. The contribution of longitudinal heat conduction varies from −0.54% to −4.01%.
Fuzzy Control for Smart PV-Battery System Management to Stabilize Grid Voltage of 22 kV Distribution System in Thailand
Authors: Mansiri Kongrit , Sukchai Sukruedee , Sirisamphanwong Chatchai
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a fuzzy logic based algorithm developed to bring smart functionality to an ordinary PV-battery system in order to maintain the grid voltage stability of the 22 kV distribution system in Thailand. This research focuses on minimizing grid voltage fluctuations by converting a typical PV system into a smart PV-battery system (SPVs-BSS). A SPVs-BSS will be able to control the electrical power from a PV system to maintain the grid voltage in case of unexpected events or emergencies. Grid support functions such as a variable reactive power control and active power control will be discussed, leading to strategies for charging and discharging the battery system in response to the status of grid voltage. Fuzzy Logic was used to develop this control algorithm, which is named the Voltage Stability Fuzzy Logic Algorithm (VSFL Algorithm). The methodology of this research consists of three parts. First, testing the grid inverter operated on grid support functions. Second, the VSFL algorithm was developed to manage both the grid inverter and the battery system. Third, a SPVs-BSS equipped with the VSFL algorithm was simulated by using DIgsilent PowerFactory software. Results showed that the SPVs-BSS equipped with the VSFL Algorithm successfully maintained grid voltage in target range.
Effects of Electrode Composition and Thickness on the Mechanical Performance of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Fang Xiurong , Zhu Jiang , Lin Zijing
Published: July 2018

Mechanical damage is a major factor limiting the long-term stability of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Here, the mechanical stability of planar SOFCs consisting of Ni-YSZ anode/YSZ electrolyte/LSM-YSZ cathode (Ni=Nickel, YSZ=yttria-stabilized zirconia, LSM=lanthanum strontium manganite) is analyzed by a structural mechanics model with composition dependent mechanical properties. Influencing factors considered include: the Ni and LSM volume fractions, the thicknesses of anode, cathode and electrolyte layers, and the cell types of anode-, cathode-, and electrolyte-supported designs. It is found that (i) the anode failure probability increases with the Ni content. However, SOFCs remain mechanically safe if the Ni volume fraction is below 65%. (ii) An LSM volume fraction of over 40% is required to maintain the mechanical integrity of cathode. (iii) For an anode-supported cell with a 20 μm thick electrolyte, the anode thickness should be more than 0.5 mm to be mechanically stable. (iv) The anode-supported cell is found to be mechanically safer than that of the electrolyte-supported cell.
Three-Dimensional Visualization Solution to Building-Energy Diagnosis for Energy Feedback
Authors: Oh Tae-Keun , Lee Donghwan , Park Minsoo , Cha Gichun , Park Seunghee
Published: July 2018

Owing to the large ratio of consumption in the building sector, energy-saving strategies are required. Energy feedback is an energy-saving strategy that prompts consumers to change their energy-consumption behaviors. The strategy has been principally focused on providing energy-consumption information. However, the realization of energy savings using only consumption information remains limited. In this paper, a building-energy, three-dimensional (3D) visualization solution is thus proposed. The aim is to determine if the building manager will replace the facility after our recommendation to improve the building-energy efficiency derived from the energy information is given. This solution includes the process of diagnosing a building and providing a prediction of energy requirements if a building improvement effort is undertaken. Accurate diagnostic information is provided by real-time measurement data from sensors and building models using a close-range photogrammetry method, without depending on blueprints. The information is provided by employing visualization effects to increase the energy-feedback efficiency. The proposed strategy is implemented on two testbeds, and building diagnostics are performed accordingly. For the first testbed, the predicted energy improvement amount resulting from the facility upgrade is provided. The second testbed is provided with a 3D visualization of the energy information. The predicted value of energy improvement was derived from the improvement plan through energy diagnosis in each testbed as about 30% and as about 28%, respectively. Unlike existing systems, which provide only ambiguous data that lack quantitative information, this study is meaningful because it provides energy information with the aid of visualization effects before and after building improvements.
Modeling Production Processes in Forest Stands: An Adaptation of the Solow Growth Model
Authors: Soukhovolsky Vlad , Ivanova Yulia
Published: July 2018

The model of forest stand growth proposed in this study is based on R. Solow’s model of economic growth. The variables introduced into the model are the “capital” (the phytomass of the non-synthesizing tree components in the stand—the stem, roots, and branches) and the “labor” (the phytomass of the photosynthesizing tree components in the stand—leaves or needles). Root phytomass is calculated with a special independent model. The process of energy production by the trees is described with the Cobb-Douglas equation. The proposed approach is used to describe growth processes in the forest stands comprising various species in Siberia and the age dynamics of net primary production. The model can explain a number of effects (such as death of the forest stand after the needles have been consumed by defoliating insects) that cannot be explained by standard logistic models.
Dynamic Contributions to a Public Project: The Impact of Rising Marginal Benefit and Completion Benefits
Authors: Baker Ronald , Halloran Matthew
Published: July 2018

Many public projects are funded in a dynamic manner in which contributors are able to make gradual increases in contributions and condition additional contributions on the cooperation of others. This study presents results from experiments in which subjects with an initial fixed endowment make contributions to a public project gradually over a series of rounds. A 2 × 2 experimental design is used to examine the effectiveness of multiple thresholds that once crossed increase the marginal benefit of a contribution to the public project and the existence of a completion benefit upon project completion. Results reveal that when the multiple threshold design is combined with a completion benefit, overall contributions and project completion rates increase relative to other treatments. Without the presence of a completion benefit, contributions in the multiple threshold design are not significantly different from a constant marginal benefit design. In addition, completion benefits are shown to strongly encourage additional cooperation and project completion. Finally, projects are more likely to be completed when substantial contributions occur in the early rounds.
High Body Mass Index Is Associated with the Extent of Muscle Damage after Eccentric Exercise
Authors: Kim Jooyoung , So Wi-Young
Published: July 2018

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI), which is an obesity index, on the change in the muscle damage index after eccentric exercise. Methods: Forty healthy male university students participated in this study and were classified into normal (BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m2, n = 20) and high BMI groups (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 20). For eccentric exercise, a modified preacher curl machine was used. Participants performed two exercise sets with 25 repetitions in each set. With regard to the muscle damage index, maximum strength, muscle soreness, and the creatine kinase (CK) level were measured. Results: Loss of maximum strength, muscle soreness, and the CK level were higher in the high BMI group than in the normal BMI group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, BMI is one of the potential factors related to muscle damage after eccentric exercise.
Comparison of Ground-Based PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations in China, India, and the U.S.
Authors: Yang Xingchuan , Jiang Lei , Zhao Wenji , Xiong Qiulin , Zhao Wenhui , Yan Xing
Published: July 2018

Urbanization and industrialization have spurred air pollution, making it a global problem. An understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm and 10 μm, respectively) is necessary to mitigate air pollution. We compared the characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and their trends of China, India, and the U.S. from 2014 to 2017. Particulate matter levels were lowest in the U.S., while China showed higher concentrations, and India showed the highest. Interestingly, significant declines in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were found in some of the most polluted regions in China as well as the U.S. No comparable decline was observed in India. A strong seasonal trend was observed in China and India, with the highest values occurring in winter and the lowest in summer. The opposite trend was noted for the U.S. PM2.5 was highly correlated with PM10 for both China and India, but the correlation was poor for the U.S. With regard to reducing particulate matter pollutant concentrations, developing countries can learn from the experiences of developed nations and benefit by establishing and implementing joint regional air pollution control programs.
Association between the General Practitioner Workforce Crisis and Premature Mortality in Hungary: Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Health Insurance Data from 2006 to 2014
Authors: Sándor János , Pálinkás Anita , Vincze Ferenc , Sipos Valéria , Kovács Nóra , Jenei Tibor , Falusi Zsófia , Pál László , Kőrösi László , Papp Magor , Ádány Róza
Published: July 2018

The workforce crisis of primary care is reflected in the increasing number of general medical practices (GMP) with vacant general practitioner (GP) positions, and the GPs’ ageing. Our study aimed to describe the association between this crisis and premature mortality. Age-sex-standardized mortality for 18–64 years old adults was calculated for all Hungarian GMPs annually in the period from 2006 to 2014. The relationship of premature mortality with GPs’ age and vacant GP positions was evaluated by standardized linear regression controlled for list size, urbanization, geographical location, clients’ education, and type of the GMP. The clients’ education was the strongest protective factor (beta = −0175; p < 0.001), followed by urban residence (beta = −0.149; p < 0.001), and bigger list size (beta1601–2000 = −0.054; p < 0.001; beta2001−X = −0.096; p < 0.001). The geographical localization also significantly influenced the risk. Although GMPs with a GP aged older than 65 years (beta = 0; p = 0.995) did not affect the risk, GP vacancy was associated with higher risk (beta = 0.010; p = 0.033), although the corresponding number of attributable cases was 23.54 over 9 years. The vacant GP position is associated with a significant but hardly detectable increased risk of premature mortality without considerable public health importance. Nevertheless, employment of GPs aged more than 65 does not impose premature mortality risk elevation.
Local Food Environments, Suburban Development, and BMI: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Murphy Maureen , Badland Hannah , Jordan Helen , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Giles-Corti Billie
Published: July 2018

More than half the world’s population now live in urban settlements. Worldwide, cities are expanding at their fringe to accommodate population growth. Low-density residential development, urban sprawl, and car dependency are common, contributing to physical inactivity and obesity. However, urban design and planning can modify urban form and enhance health by improving access to healthy food, public transport, and services. This study used a sequential mixed methods approach to investigate associations between food outlet access and body mass index (BMI) across urban-growth and established areas of Melbourne, Australia, and identify factors that influence local food environments. Population survey data for 3141 adults were analyzed to examine associations, and 27 interviews with government, non-government, and private sector stakeholders were conducted to contextualize results. Fast food density was positively associated with BMI in established areas and negatively associated in urban-growth areas. Interrelated challenges of car dependency, poor public transport, and low-density development hampered healthy food access. This study showed how patterns of suburban development influence local food environments and health outcomes in an urbanized city context and provides insights for other rapidly growing cities. More nuanced understandings of the differential effect of food environments within cities have potential to guide intra-city planning for improving health and reducing inequities.