bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synapsins regulate α-synuclein functions
Authors: Atias Merav , Tevet Yaara , Sun Jichao , Stavsky Alexandra , Tal Shani , Kahn Joy , Roy Subhojit , Gitler Daniel
Published: May 2019

The normal function of α-synuclein (α-syn) remains elusive. Although recent studies suggest α-syn as a physiologic attenuator of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling, mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that synapsin—a cytosolic protein with known roles in SV mobilization and clustering—is required for presynaptic functions of α-syn. Our data offer a critical missing link and advocate a model where α-syn and synapsin cooperate to cluster SVs and attenuate recycling.
Design of self-assembly dipeptide hydrogels and machine learning via their chemical features
Authors: Li Fei , Han Jinsong , Cao Tian , Lam William , Fan Baoer , Tang Wen , Chen Sijie , Fok Kin Lam , Li Linxian
Published: May 2019

Significance

Hydrogels maintain great potential for biomedical applications. However, predicting whether a chemical can form a hydrogel simply based on its chemical structure remains challenging. In this study, we developed a combinational approach to obtain a structurally diverse hydrogel library with over 2,000 peptides as a training dataset for machine learning. We calculated their chemical features, including topological and physicochemical properties, and utilized machine learning methods to predict the self-assembly behavior.
A novel approach for preparing disulfide-rich peptide-KLH conjugate applicable to the antibody production
Authors: Katayama Hidekazu , Mizuno Ryo , Mita Masatoshi
Published: May 2019

To produce the antiserum against a small peptide, the target peptide-keyhole limpet hemocyanine (KLH) conjugate is generally used as an antigen, although the disulfide-rich peptide-KLH conjugate is still difficult to prepare. In our previous study, we have developed a preparation method of the disulfide-rich peptide-KLH conjugate, and this method was applied to produce the antiserum against a relaxin-like peptide. However, this method is limited to the synthetic peptide antigen, and is not applicable to a native or a recombinant peptide. In this study, to expand the applicability of this method to wide variety of peptides, we newly designed a novel thiol probe enabling the conjugation between various peptides and KLH, and applied it to produce the antiserum against relaxin-like peptide of a starfish Asterias amurensis. The antiserum obtained here showed high antibody-titer and good specificity, strongly suggesting that the method developed in this study is applicable to various peptides.
Elucidation of biosynthetic pathway of a plant hormone abscisic acid in phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Takino Junya , Kozaki Takuto , Ozaki Taro , Liu Chengwei , Minami Atsushi , Oikawa Hideaki
Published: May 2019

Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the plant hormones that regulates physiological functions in various organisms, including plants, sponges, and humans. The biosynthetic machinery in plants is firmly established, while that in fungi is still unclear. Here, we elucidated the functions of the four biosynthetic genes, bcABA1-bcABA4, found in Botrytis cinerea by performing biotransformation experiments and in vitro enzymatic reactions with putative biosynthetic intermediates. The first-committed step is the cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate to give α-ionylideneethane catalyzed by a novel sesquiterpene synthase, BcABA3, which exhibits low amino acid sequence identities with sesquiterpene synthases. Subsequently, two cytochrome P450s, BcABA1 and BcABA2, mediate oxidative modifications of the cyclized product to afford 1ʹ,4ʹ-trans-dihydroxy-α-ionylideneacetic acid, which undergoes alcohol oxidation to furnish ABA. Our results demonstrated that production of ABA does not depend on the nucleotide sequence of bcABA genes. The present study set the stage to investigate the role of ABA in infections.
The effect of wake position and yaw misalignment on power loss in wind turbines
Authors: Urbán Albert M. , Liew Jaime , Dellwik Ebba , Larsen Gunner Chr.
Published: May 2019

For a single wind turbine, the efficiency of extracting energy from the wind depends on the ability to align the wind turbine with the dominating wind direction. Considering average power production, yaw misalignment is relevant when the wind turbine operates with maximum power coefficient. On the other hand, the power production is less sensitive to yaw misalignment in high wind speeds, where the available energy in the wind field is higher than the maximum wind turbine capacity. In a wind farm, the interaction between nearby wind turbines alters the flow, and the power production is reduced. The present study investigates how yaw misalignment affects the power production in these wake situations compared to yaw misalignment effects for a wind turbine in the free-stream. Two generic cases are presented in this paper, offshore and forest, where the atmospheric conditions alter the morphology of the wake and, therefore, the power output of a yawed wind turbine operating in wake conditions. The results show that, for a conventional downstream spacing further than 3 rotor diameters, yaw misalignment results in larger power loss in wake situations than in free-stream. In wake situations, the presented results also show that the spatial distribution of the deficit influences the relative power loss when the wind turbine is operating in yawed conditions.
Improvements to the Eddy Viscosity Wind Turbine Wake Model
Authors: Gunn K
Published: May 2019

This paper presents improvements to the eddy viscosity wake model to significantly improve its fidelity without compromising its low computational cost. The eddy viscosity wind turbine wake model, proposed by Ainslie, has been a staple component of the wind yield toolchain for decades. Its low computational cost and excellent predictive power are likely to keep it as such for years to come. However, the standard implementations of the model rely heavily on several heuristics which, although well validated, may not scale well for large turbines or large windfarms.

In this paper, some non-physical heuristics are examined, and alternatives proposed which better reflect the underlying physics the model seeks to represent, which is shown to provide much better fidelity at no additional computational cost. The proposed model allows for better predictive capabilities of the performance of the next generation of offshore wind farms. The two key areas investigated are: first the impact of the ambient condition (TI, stability, …) on wake development; and second a re-examination of the wake combination method, leading to the inclusion of three additional processes in the model. It is shown that modifications to these areas provide a more verifiable wake model than the baseline implementations, and allow identification of the remaining physical processes to be further incorporated into future versions.
Unravelling the wind flow over highly complex regions through computational modeling and two-dimensional lidar scanning
Authors: Palma J.M.L.M. , Silva Lopes A. , Costa Gomes V.M. , Veiga Rodrigues C. , Menke R. , Vasiljević N. , Mann J.
Published: May 2019

Computational modeling and lidar scanning data of the atmospheric flow over a double-ridge (Perdigão) were used to study a 24-hour period on 14–15 May 2017 with a maximum wind speed of more than 6 ms−1. An influence of the stratification was observed throughout most of the time, in the form of a lee-wave triggered by the topography or flow separation further downstream of the ridge. The good agreement between the results obtained by lidar scanning and computational modeling increases our confidence in the use of either of these two techniques. See corresponding video at doi.org/10.11583/DTU.7863482.
Novel Aerodynamic Damping Identification Method for Operating Wind Turbines
Authors: Chen Chao , Duffour Philippe , Fromme Paul
Published: May 2019

This contribution introduces a novel method to determine the aerodynamic damping for operating wind turbines. Previous research typically estimated the modal damping ratios in the fore-aft and side-side directions as two decoupled degrees of freedom. This can result in misleading results, as the two directions are closely and unconventionally coupled through the wind-rotor interaction. This study proposes the identification of a novel type of aerodynamic damping matrix. This matrix arises from the linearization of the aerodynamic force resultant obtained from blade element momentum theory (blade modes not included). This linearized force is then applied to a beam finite element model of the tower with a lumped mass representing the rotor-nacelle assembly. This decoupled strategy efficiently describes the physics of the system including the coupling between the fore-aft and side-side motions. The identification of the damping matrix is shown to work for simulated wind time data.
Sub-seasonal to seasonal climate predictions for wind energy forecasting
Authors: Soret A , Torralba V , Cortesi N , Christel I , Palma Ll , Manrique-Suñén A , Lledó Ll , González-Reviriego N , Doblas-Reyes F J
Published: May 2019

Both renewable energy supply and electricity demand are strongly influenced by meteorological conditions and their evolution over time in terms of climate variability and climate change. However, knowledge of power output and demand forecasting beyond a few days remains poor. Current methodologies assume that long-term resource availability is constant, ignoring the fact that future wind resources could be significantly different from the past wind energy conditions. Such uncertainties create risks that affect investment in wind energy projects at the operational stage where energy yields affect cash flow and the balance of the grid. Here we assess whether sub-seasonal to seasonal climate predictions (S2S) can skilfully predict wind speed in Europe. To illustrate S2S potential applications, two periods with an unusual climate behaviour affecting the energy market will be presented. We find that wind speed forecasted using S2S exhibits predictability some weeks and months in advance in important regions for the energy sector such as the North Sea. If S2S are incorporated into planning activities for energy traders, energy producers, plant operators, plant investors, they could help improve management climate variability related risks.
Preliminary validation of ATOM: an aero-servo-elastic design tool for next generation wind turbines
Authors: Scott S , Macquart T , Rodriguez C , Greaves P , McKeever P , Weaver P , Pirrera A
Published: May 2019

Upscaling wind turbines has resulted in levelised cost of energy (LCoE) reductions. However, larger turbine diameters pose significant design challenges, often with conflicting requirements. For example, non-linear dynamics of aeroelastic tailored blades must be accurately predicted whilst, for the sake of efficient gradient-based design, it is also desirable to simplify the numerical definition of such blades—keeping design variables (DVs) to a minimum. This work presents and validates two features of the ATOM code (Aeroelastic Turbine Optimisation Methods), developed at the University of Bristol, that enable accurate and efficient modelling of large-scale wind turbine blades. Both an efficient parameterisation method and high-order beam elements illustrate the capacity for increasing the speed of gradient evaluations whilst accurately predicting blade dynamics—either by reducing DVs or simulation time. As a preliminary validation, aero-servo-elastic simulations from ATOM and an industry-standard software—DNV GL Bladed—are compared against field measurements gathered from an existing 7 MW turbine.
Wind tunnel setup for experimental validation of wind turbine control concepts under tailor-made reproducible wind conditions
Authors: Petrović V , Berger F , Neuhaus L , Hölling M , Kühn M
Published: May 2019

To speed up validation and prototyping of novel control and design concepts in wind energy, wind tunnel experiments should be used in synergy with numerical simulations and field experiments. The paper presents a wind tunnel setup consisting of a scaled wind turbine model MoWiTO and an active grid for generation of tailor-made and reproducible inflow conditions. To demonstrate that the presented experimental setup is suitable for fast validation of advanced control concepts, several control algorithms have been implemented and validated in various inflow conditions, such as turbulent and sheared inflows, and wind gusts. The tested control algorithms include the baseline collective pitch and torque control, individual pitch control for load reduction, and a control algorithms for compensation of static aerodynamic imbalances. All control algorithms resulted in an expected behaviour of the model wind turbine, thus emphasizing that the presented experimental setup can be used for fast and inexpensive testing of control concepts.
A Blade Load Feedback Control For Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Olondriz Joannes , Jugo Josu , Elorza Iker , Alonso-Quesada Santiago , Pujana-Arrese Aron
Published: May 2019

The platform-pitch motions of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines are highly influenced by the blade-pitch controller. However, in rough sea state conditions, the platform-pitch motions are dominated by the incident wave dynamics. Then, the properties of the designed controller to reduce the platform-pitch motions can be changed due to the sea state conditions. In this study, the drawbacks of a previously designed Aerodynamic Platform Stabiliser controller performance in rough sea state conditions are analysed. Furthermore, an additional blade load feedback control loop has been designed to improve the performance of the controller in rough sea state conditions. The preliminary results presented here show the potential of the blade load feedback control loop effectiveness to improve the Aerodynamic Platform Stabiliser control loop performance in rough sea state conditions. The time-domain simulations were carried out with the NREL 5-MW wind turbine mounted on the ITI Energy’s barge in the fully coupled non-linear aero-hydro-elastic simulation tool FAST.
Pitch bearing lifetime prediction considering the effect of pitch control strategy
Authors: Lopez A , Zurutuza A , Olave M , Portugal I , Muñiz-Calvente M , Fernandez-Canteli A
Published: May 2019

Ambitious worldwide renewable energy targets are pushing for wind energy to become a mainstream power source. Pitch bearings are some of the most vulnerable components of wind turbines. Inside bearings, damage in the inner raceways is significant due to the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) caused by balls. It is well known that methodologies for RCF recommended by international standards are not suitable for fatigue cases where fatigue mechanism encompass multiaxiality, as well as the loading being non-proportional, leading to unnecessary design over-costs. The objective of this work is to develop a new accurate methodology to predict the lifetime of the raceway for a pitch bearing under RCF failure mode and analyse the effect of the pitch control strategy. This methodology will help both, the manufacturer of the bearing and the manufacturer of the turbine, to design a concept focused on the overall performance of the machine.
Optimised de-rated wind turbine response and loading through extended controller gain-scheduling
Authors: Galinos Christos , Urbán Albert M. , Lio Wai Hou
Published: May 2019

An increasing number of wind turbines are expected to be able to participate in the ancillary services that would normally be provided by conventional power plants, as the penetration of the wind energy in the electricity grid is increasing. Specifically, the turbines are needed to be able to control their active power based on the operator command. Constraining the possible output power, i.e. decreasing the power to less than the maximum or rated power, is therefore important for the wind turbine control system. When a turbine is operating under a de-rating strategy, the operating points of the turbine, i.e. the steady-state blade pitch and the tip speed ratio, change compared to the normal case and this needs to be considered within the controller design. Thus, this paper is to study the influence of the de-rating on the turbine controller gain-scheduling and its effect to power output and fatigue damage of the key turbine components. The results show that the wind turbine response is refined through tuning under the different down-regulation operation points, that translate into less fatigue damage of the key turbine components. For a typical multi-megawatt turbine, it is found that the main component lifetime damage can be reduced substantially. In numerical terms, there are up to 6.5% for the tower BM in fore-aft direction and 2.7% for the blade root flapwise direction, which can lead in a prolonged operational lifetime of the wind turbine.
Load analysis of special operation conditions and implementation of derived load states in Bearing Robustness Test (BRT)
Authors: Hirt A. , Jacobs G. , Neumann S. , Kock S. , Bosse D.
Published: May 2019

Premature bearing outages at the planetary and high speed shaft stage of gearboxes are responsible for long down time periods of wind turbines [1, 2]. In order to prevent premature bearing outages against certain failure mechanisms, a new robustness test procedure for original-sized WT gearbox bearings is developed within the project WT-Bearing Center.NRW. The BRT serves to qualify bearings for a damage-free operation over the entire service life [3]. It combines a fatigue load spectrum and also additional special load events [4]. This paper describes the analysis of wind turbine loads during different operation conditions and the definition of special load events, based on this analysis. The aim of including special loads to the BRT is to consider the complex real bearing loads within the test procedure as precisely as possible.
On wind turbine control for participation in grid frequency regulation
Authors: Elorza Iker , Calleja Carlos , Pujana-Arrese Aron
Published: May 2019

An energy mix with a large contribution from wind power requires wind farm participation in frequency regulation. To do this effectively, it is necessary for wind turbines to curtail their power production by a certain amount, or ‘delta’, which serves as a reserve. Although it is relatively straightforward to achieve this in certain conditions, doing so consistently normally requires wind speed observers to estimate available power. A delta control method is proposed here, which does not rely on said observers and naturally extends popular torque and pitch control algorithms.
Farm-wide assessment of wind turbine lifetime extension using detailed tower model and actual operational history
Authors: Kazemi Amiri A. , Kazacoks R. , McMillan D. , Feuchtwang J. , Leithead W.
Published: May 2019

Lifetime extension is receiving increasing attention because of ageing asset bases, the need for efficient use of capital budgets, and the optimistic lifetime assumptions used at the project design stage. Based on the industrial attention and the overall observable reduction in subsidies for new investments and repowering, especially in onshore wind energy, lifetime extension is expected to become essential in the future. This contribution presents a methodology for life extension assessment of individual onshore wind turbine towers, as the key structural components, using the joint aeroeastic-finite element analysis and taking account of wind directionality and stress magnification around the tower door. The results demonstrate that the spread in the wind rose provide the potential for tower lifetime extension, however, the stress concentration around the tower door and site-wide variations of wind characteristics have to be also taken into account. The outcomes of this paper indicates that the wind rose dispersion can also provide a lifetime extension potential in addition to a more benign weather and operational conditions.
Challenges of decommissioning offshore wind farms: Overview of the European experience
Authors: Topham Eva , Gonzalez Elena , McMillan David , João Elsa
Published: May 2019

In the coming years, an important number of offshore wind turbines will reach the end of their initially planned service life. In a wind turbine end-of-life scenario, owners can decide between extending the life of the asset, repowering the site or decommissioning. This decision-making process is affected by important sources of uncertainty, especially in offshore environments. The limited experience makes the decommissioning procedure challenging, as it is still largely unexplored. This work assesses the current state of knowledge about the challenges surrounding the decommissioning process of an offshore wind farm. The four main challenges encountered are identified and analysed in detail, namely the regulatory framework, the overall planning of the process, the logistics and vessels’ availability, and the environmental impacts confronted. Ultimately, this paper aims at stimulating the dialogue among stakeholders and raising the awareness of adequately regulating and preparing the upcoming decommissioning of offshore wind farms in Europe.
Increasing the Value of Offshore Wind by Integrating On-Board Energy Storage
Authors: Buhagiar D. , Sant T. , Farrugia R. N. , Farrugia D.
Published: May 2019

Energy storage technologies are considered a promising solution for overcoming one of the most pertinent hurdles to high renewable energy penetration: the mismatch between energy supply and consumer demand. The intermittent nature of variable renewable energy technologies at high penetration rates leads to a loss of value for each unit of energy produced. Generation-side energy storage can allow wind turbines to alter their generation strategies and derive additional value through improved market participation. On-board storage leads to more efficient use of space and a potential for cost reductions. In the present work, a brief review of existing work on these aspects was undertaken, followed by a time-series analysis of an offshore 6 MW wind turbine coupled to an energy storage system. The performance of the wind+storage system was simulated using one year of data from the Egmond aan Zee offshore wind farm site. A statistical analysis was undertaken to estimate the required charge/discharge cycles and establish the required storage capacity under different operating conditions. A lithium-ion battery was then considered as the competing energy storage technology, and a cumulative damage model was applied based on the depth-of-discharge characteristics. Findings indicate that despite their competitive capital costs, battery technologies would have a limited lifetime resulting from high charging/discharging cycles. A more viable approach in the long-term could be to opt for technologies that are less dependent on charge/discharge cycles and which have a lifetime that can match that of the wind turbine itself.
Optimized Energy Management Strategy for Wind Plants with Storage in Energy and Reserve Markets
Authors: González-Garrido Amaia , Villarreal Igor , Gaztañaga Haizea , Saez-de-Ibarra Andoni , Eguia Pablo
Published: May 2019

This paper addresses the joint operation of wind plants with energy storage systems in multiple markets to increase the value of wind energy from an economic and technical point of view. The development of an optimized energy management allows scheduling the wind generation in energy markets, as well as contributing to the system stability through the joint participation in frequency ancillary services. The market optimization maximizes market revenues considering overall storage costs, while avoiding energy imbalances and market penalties. Moreover, wind power fluctuations, forecast errors and real-time reserve requirements are controlled by the energy storage system and managed afterward through the participation in continuous intraday market. Furthermore, model predictive control approach enables a high compliance of reserve requirements and a huge reduction of energy imbalances in real-time operation. Different energy storage capacities are selected in order to evaluate their cost-effectiveness enhancing the wind plant operation under the considered study case.
Analysing Current Signature Data to Diagnose an In-Service Wind Turbine Generator
Authors: Artigao Estefania , Gonzalez Elena , Honrubia-Escribano Andres , Gomez-Lazaro Emilio
Published: May 2019

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is currently seen as the preferred approach to optimise operation and maintenance (O&M) strategies by the early detection and diagnosis of critical failures for wind turbines (WT). WT reliability is highly affected by failures of the mechanical components from the drive train, although doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG) also contribute to high failure rates and downtime. As DFIG is the dominant technology employed for variable speed WTs, dedicated failure detection and diagnosis techniques are required. Current signature analysis (CSA) has emerged as a powerful tool for this purpose, despite some limitations. In this work, the variability of CSA through time by means of spectra waterfall and the wavelet transform are investigated to overcome these limitations. The analysis of a faulty in-service WT DFIG presented in this work raises the usefulness of the suggested approaches to identify patterns related to failure development through time.
A Novel Probabilistic Long-Term Fault Prediction Framework Beyond SCADA Data - With Applications in Main Bearing Failure
Authors: Herp Jürgen , Pedersen Niels L. , Nadimi Esmaeil S.
Published: May 2019

Prognostic and health monitoring addresses the issue of detecting faults and monitoring the current state of a wind turbine. Details about the fault’s progression, and from there, the remaining useful lifetime, are key features in monitoring and industrial operation and maintenance planning. In order to avoid increase in operation and maintenance cost, as well as subjective human involvement, we present an online and automated monitoring framework for prediction of the remaining useful lifetime based on deep learning models. This framework includes training and re-training of predictive models with minimal oversight by the operators.

Further, we explore the dependency of various models’ predictive abilities based on the input variables available, such as SCADA and secondary measurements. Especially deep learning approaches, such as neural networks, benefit greatly from the volume of data that can be extracted from modern-day turbines. This work utilizes upon the volume of data to present a case study on main bearing failures for 108 turbines. In the presented setting, predictions of the remaining useful lifetime of more than 90 days can be expected on average, outperforming the closest state-of-the-art estimate by almost a factor of two on average.
Drivetrain reliability improvements from long-term field data processed in the cloud
Authors: Peeters Cédric , Gioia Nicoletta , Daems Pieter-Jan , Verbeke Jonas , Verstraeten Timothy , Nowé Ann , Helsen Jan
Published: May 2019

This work describes an autonomous condition monitoring framework to process and analyze data measured on wind turbine gearboxes. Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things open the door for much more elaborate measurement and data analysis campaigns thanks to the reduction in cost of sensors and of processing power. This increase in data acquisition and handling potential is especially useful considering that most current state-of-the-art methods in signal processing often lead to large quantities of health indicators due to the multiple processing steps. Such large numbers of indicators become unfeasible to inspect manually when the data volume and the number of monitored turbines increases. Therefore, this paper illustrates a hybrid analysis approach that combines advanced signal processing methods with machine learning and anomaly detection. This approach is validated on an experimental wind turbine gearbox vibration data set.
Framework for managing the operations and maintenance of wind farms
Authors: Izquierdo J. , Erguido A. , Zubizarreta P.X. , Uribetxebarria J.
Published: May 2019

The operations and maintenance of a wind farm constitutes a considerable source of expenditures therefore a holistic framework is herein presented aiming at optimising their management. The principles upon which the framework was developed belongs to the asset management discipline oriented towards the wind energy sector. Besides, it is understood from a cross functional perspective which also embraces information management and business aspects. The framework comprehends different modules conceived with the following purposes: (i) creation of an integral and comprehensive failure database, (ii) modelling of the wind turbines’ reliability taking into account their operational context and (iii) defining of maintenance strategy within a life-cycle perspective. The practical aspects of the framework are demonstrated through a case study based on real-field data from the sector. Furthermore, the present research sets the foundation to consider all the proposed algorithms, processes and techniques within a Product-Service System approach, which entails important benefits for the OEMs an for the operators.
Marine N2O emissions during a Younger Dryas-like event: the role of meridional overturning, tropical thermocline ventilation, and biological productivity
Authors: Joos Fortunat , Battaglia Gianna , Fischer Hubertus , Jeltsch-Thömmes Aurich , Schmitt Jochen
Published: May 2019

Past variations in atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) allow important insight into abrupt climate events. Here, we investigate marine N2O emissions by forcing the Bern3D Earth System Model of Intermediate Complexity with freshwater into the North Atlantic. The model simulates a decrease in marine N2O emissions of about 0.8 TgN yr−1 followed by a recovery, in reasonable agreement regarding timing and magnitude with isotope-based reconstructions of marine emissions for the Younger Dryas Northern Hemisphere cold event. In the model the freshwater forcing causes a transient near-collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) leading to a fast adjustment in thermocline ventilation and an increase in O2 in tropical eastern boundary systems and in the tropical Indian Ocean. In turn, net production by nitrification and denitrification and N2O emissions decrease in these regions. The decrease in organic matter export, mainly in the North Atlantic where ventilation and nutrient supply is suppressed, explains the remaining emission reduction. Modeled global marine N2O production and emission changes are delayed, initially by up to 300 years, relative to the AMOC decrease, but by less than 50 years at peak decline. The N2O perturbation is recovering only slowly and the lag between the recovery in AMOC and the recovery in N2O emissions and atmospheric concentrations exceeds 400 years. Thus, our results suggest a century-scale lag between ocean circulation and marine N2O emissions, and a tight coupling between changes in AMOC and tropical thermocline ventilation.
Varying climate response across the tundra, forest-tundra and boreal forest biomes in northern West Siberia
Authors: Miles Martin W , Miles Victoria V , Esau Igor
Published: May 2019

Satellite studies using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) have revealed changes in northern Eurasian vegetation productivity in recent decades, including greening in tundra and browning in the boreal forests. However, apparent NDVI changes and relationships to climate depend on the temporal and spatial sampling and the biome and forest-land cover type studied. Here we perform a consistent analysis of NDVI and climate across four bioclimatic zones (tundra, forest-tundra, northern and middle taiga) in northern West Siberia (NWS), further stratified into eight forest-land cover types. We utilize NDVI data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and climate reanalysis data from 2000 to 2016, a period including the record warm anomaly in 2016 (+2 °C–5 °C June–July surface air temperature (SAT) across NWS). Statistically significant (α = 0.05) correlations were found for two bivariate relationships at the biome level: between NDVImax and June–July surface air temperature (SAT)(r ∼ +0.79), and between middle taiga NDVImax and July precipitation (r ∼ +0.48). No significant statistical relationships were found for the northern taiga and forest-tundra biomes. However, within these biomes we found that deciduous needle-leaf (larch) NDVImax is significantly correlated with July temperature (r ∼ +0.48). Qualitatively, spatial composites of NDVI and climate variables were effective for revealing insights and patterns of these relationships at the sub-regional scale. The spatial heterogeneity of NDVI patterns indicates divergent reactions of specific types of vegetation, as well as local effects that are clearly important on the background of a regional climate response.
Comparison of 3D Imaging Technologies for Wheat Phenotyping
Authors: Mohamed Imran , Dudley Richard
Published: May 2019

The in-field measurement of phenotypes or traits of wheat such as ear size is important data for use in the development of newer wheat varieties. The data is currently gathered manually from hundreds of test plots by random sampling of the what within each plot. To improve the data quality and data collection speed, we investigate and compare the use three different 3D imaging technologies: multistereo imaging, time-of-flight and structured light laser scanning to produce point clouds of a wheat plant in-situ. Measurements of the wheat plant’s ear is made from the generated point clouds.
Exploring the impact of innovation adoption in agriculture: how and where Precision Agriculture Technologies can be suitable for the Italian farm system?
Authors: Bucci G , Bentivoglio D , Finco A , Belletti M
Published: May 2019

Starting from the twenty-first century, the digital paradigm has brought with it a new way of thinking about innovation within the firms through the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), keys factors of digital transformation technologies. In addition, the use of Precision Agriculture (PA) has created a new approach to farming practices, allowing farmers to reduce the inputs, while protecting natural resources. Today, also in Italy PA is starting to be an effective technological innovation potentially capable to improve farms efficiency and sustainability. Given these considerations, the present paper aims, firstly, to review the factors more affect the adoption of precision agriculture technologies (PATs); secondly, to investigate where the PATs could be convenient to apply in Italy. A multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method is performed to achieve this goal. The analysis shows that the geographical area more likely to use PATs in Italy is the North East territory. However, in Italy, the adoption of these technologies in agriculture meets various obstacles: the cultural barrier to innovation and a limited awareness of benefits; the reduced average size of farms, with the difficulty of investing in and appreciating the benefits of PATs.
Design a Web Platform to manage environmental monitoring information to be used in multicriteria evaluations of Green Infrastructures
Authors: Gallo R , Ristorto G , Bojeri A , Zorzi N , Rinaldi M F , Sauli G , Mazzetto F
Published: May 2019

The aim of the WEQUAL project “WEb service centre for QUALity multidimensional design and tele-operated monitoring of Green Infrastructures”) is the development of a system able to support a quick environmental monitoring of watercourses where new hydraulic structures are intended to be built, encouraging the identification of design solutions supporting the diffusion of Green Infrastructures (GI). The WEQUAL’s idea is to organize a service centre where users (designer, technician, researcher) can access the service through a personal account and carry out an assessment of alternative GI projects.

Through some automatic procedures, accessible via a suitable web platform, a set of algorithms may be applied to process raw data collected by an UAV (Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle) equipped with a 3D Lidar, multispectral camera and RGB camera, for the purpose of calculating the WEQUI Index. The WEQUI index is used to assesses the eco-morphological status of the monitored watercourse, taking advantage from data related to NDVI index, Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Digital Surface Model (DSM) and a 3D point cloud classification.

The computed value of the WEQUI index may be used to assess the eco-morphological quality at ex-ante and ex-post river stabilization or protection intervention. The platform will provide a shared environment integrating indices calculations and environmental-parameters assessment for multidimensional evaluations.
Proposal of an ontological approach to design and analyse farm information systems to support Precision Agriculture techniques
Authors: Mazzetto F , Gallo R , Riedl M , Sacco P
Published: May 2019

After a comparative evaluation around the concepts of Industry 4.0, Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming, the paper discusses the necessity of identifying solutions able to apply the methods of the so-called Knowledge Management 4.0 in the agri-environmental enterprises. To this aim, an ontology based on a conceptual map derived from the data-to-information transformation is here proposed to support the design of a new generation of Farm Information Systems (FIS) able to fit the production needs of agri-environmental enterprises. The data-to-information cycle is split into four phases: A) Data collection, B) Data processing, C) Data analysis and evaluation, and D) Use of information. Phases A and D comprise tools of “light digitization” typically referring to OLTP components (On Line Transactional Processes). On their turn, phases B and C are typically formed by “heavy digitization” components (On Line Analytical Processes), generally more complicated to be managed by the farmers directly. The conceptual map defined by the ontology is firstly useful to plan the composition of the FIS according to a modular approach, possibly following a strategy that starts to consider the introduction of OLTP components, for then evolving gradually towards more articulated solutions that include also OLAP component and related functions. In this way, decision makers can manage practical planning instrument able to show clearly the level of complexity a FIS can reach, thus evaluating its sustainability with respect to the financial, cultural and professional resources available at the farm. Finally, after having underlined the opportunities offered by Cloud Computing and widespread connectivity, that provide an easier adoption of OLAP tools, some application cases are presented and discussed.
Scanning Probe Microscopy for polymer film characterization in food packaging
Authors: Marinello F , Pezzuolo A , Passeri D , La Storia A , Mauriello G
Published: May 2019

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a branch of microscopy allowing characterization of surfaces at the micro-scale by means of a physical probe (with a size of a few microns) raster scanning the sample. SPMs monitor the interaction between such probe and the surface and, depending on the specific physical principles causing the interaction, they allow generation of a quantitative map of topographic properties: geometrical, optical, electrical, magnetic, etc. This is of the greatest interest, in particular whenever functional surfaces have to be characterized in a quantitative manner. The present paper discusses the different applications of Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques for a thorough characterization of polymer surfaces, of specific interest in particular for the case of food packaging applications.
Modelling the distribution of Shorea leprosula in Kalimantan, Indonesia: a tool for conservation planning
Authors: Lestari N S , Elith J
Published: May 2019

Shorea leprosula belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family, a dominant family in Indonesia’s rainforest. The population of this species has been depleted due to extensive logging, high rates of deforestation and forest degradation in the past several decades. However, the current status of the species’ range and distribution remains unknown. This research project aims to understand and predict the distribution of S. leprosula in Kalimantan using species distribution models (SDMs). This study used presence records and presence-absence records from field surveys and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database. Two modelling methods, MaxEnt and generalized linear models (GLMs), were used to predict species distribution. Prediction maps varied with modelling methods and different datasets, producing different emphases on areas suitable for S. leprosula. Even though the descriptive and predictive capabilities of the models are considered modest, the models provide useful insights about environmental factors that affect the distribution pattern of S. leprosula. Given the limitations of species records used in this study, the model outputs also need to be cautiously interpreted to avoid prediction biases. This research project also highlights some issues that arise in using small sample sizes in developing the model. Despite its limitations, the prediction maps generated by the models can give some hints to identify the areas with high possibility of the presence of S. leprosula in Kalimantan. In addition, this research project also provides some important information on how to improve model predictions for future development to support species conservation in Indonesia’s rainforests.
Promoting community forestry to reduce deforestation surrounding Gunung Rinjani National Park in Central Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Nurrochmat D R , Massijaya M Y , Jaya I N S , Abdulah L , Ekayani M , Astuti E W , Erbaugh J T
Published: May 2019

Illegal logging and encroachment are the main drivers of deforestation in Lombok Island. However, recent increases in the frequency of floods and landslides has enhanced local awareness of ecosystem restoration. This study confirms that community participation is an important factor for protecting forests, among others through involvement in ecotourism activities at Gunung Rinjani National Park and participation in agroforestry program in the park’s buffer zone. Since 2010, Community Forestry Program in Central Lombok has been integrated with a scheme of reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD). Although Community Forestry has been successfully implemented in several areas of production forests and protection forests, this scheme is a newly introduced government policy for reforming the management of conservation areas in Indonesia. Through this scheme, local communities have a bundle of rights to manage a parcel of forestland around Gunung Rinjani National Park. In addition to giving access to manage forestland, this scheme also supports the empowerment of local communities to manage forests in more sustainable ways, e.g. through the utilization of non-timber forest products, the cultivation of crops on land under the forest stand, and the rehabilitation of degraded forest lands. This study investigates the trajectories of deforestation, identifies direct and underlying causes of deforestation, and describes the role of Community Forestry to reduce deforestation in Central Lombok.
Stakeholder’s movement on forest resource management: a study in Merangin, Jambi Province
Authors: Hidayat H
Published: May 2019

This study investigates three critical issues related to forest resource management in Merangin District, Jambi Province. First, it emphasizes how forest land conversion from coffee plantations, palm oil, and mining resulted in deforestation. Second, it highlights how migrant tribes from South Sumatera establish coffee plantations in the National Park of Kerinci Sebelat in Merangin district. Third, it highlights the impact of deforestation due to encroachment, coffee plantations, and mining as well as the related ecological damage. Confronting these three issues requires considering stakeholders’ movements and views on the role of government, private companies, NGOs, and participation of local communities. This research finds the role of government, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, as well as Forestry Agency Offices at the province and district levels, is important to the issue and regulation of sanctions for logging concession holders and migrant tribes from South Sumatera. Therefore, in order to implement sustainable forest management (SFM), the government invites logging concession holder and participation of local community on developing forest resource by planting trees which the scheme of social forestry and village forest. This livelihood strategy is an alternative to previous strategies that focused on paddy rice cultivation and coffee agroforestry. This livelihood change is especially notable for migrant tribes and members from local community. In contrast, the role of NGOs is very important in launching a critique concerning the impact of ecological damage, including soil erosion, flood and water contamination, which results from forest encroaching and mining.
Migration of Talc From the Perineum to Multiple Pelvic Organ Sites
Authors: McDonald Sandra A , Fan Yuwei , Welch William R , Cramer Daniel W , Godleski John J
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Genital talc use is associated with increased risk for ovarian carcinoma in epidemiologic studies. Finding talc in pelvic tissues in women with ovarian carcinoma who have used talc is important in documenting exposure and assessing talc’s biologic potential, but tissue-based morphology studies have been rarely reported.

Methods

We report five patient cases with documented perineal talc use, each of whom had talc (by both polarized light and scanning electron microscopy) in multiple pelvic sites distant from the perineum. Six negative-exposure control patients were also analyzed.

Results

Talc particles were found in exposed patients, typically within two or more of the following locations: pelvic region lymph nodes, cervix, uterine corpus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Conclusions

Our report adds new insights into the biologic potential of talc and suggests additional anatomic sites that should be closely examined for talc by oncologic surgical pathologists in the setting of perineal talc use.
Two-Phase, Generalized Case-Control Designs for the Study of Quantitative Longitudinal Outcomes
Authors: Schildcrout Jonathan S , Haneuse Sebastien , Tao Ran , Zelnick Leila R , Schisterman Enrique F , Garbett Shawn P , Mercaldo Nathaniel D , Rathouz Paul J , Heagerty Patrick J
Published: May 2019

We propose a general class of 2-phase epidemiologic study designs for quantitative, longitudinal data that are useful when phase 1 longitudinal outcome and covariate data are available but data on the exposure (e.g., a biomarker) can only be collected on a subset of subjects during phase 2. To conduct a study using a design in the class, one first summarizes the longitudinal outcomes by fitting a simple linear regression of the response on a time-varying covariate for each subject. Sampling strata are defined by splitting the estimated regression intercept or slope distributions into distinct (low, medium, and high) regions. Stratified sampling is then conducted from strata defined by the intercepts, by the slopes, or from a mixture. In general, samples selected with extreme intercept values will yield low variances for associations of time-fixed exposures with the outcome and samples enriched with extreme slope values will yield low variances for associations of time-varying exposures with the outcome (including interactions with time-varying exposures). We describe ascertainment-corrected maximum likelihood and multiple-imputation estimation procedures that permit valid and efficient inferences. We embed all methodological developments within the framework of conducting a substudy that seeks to examine genetic associations with lung function among continuous smokers in the Lung Health Study (United States and Canada, 1986–1994).