bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Static Security Assessment of Power Systems Based on Lasso Algorithm
Authors: Li Yahui , Li Yang , Sun Yuanyuan
Published: August 2018

As one important means of ensuring secure operation in a power system, the contingency selection and ranking methods need to be more rapid and accurate. A novel method-based least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) algorithm is proposed in this paper to apply to online static security assessment (OSSA). The assessment is based on a security index, which is applied to select and screen contingencies. Firstly, the multi-step adaptive Lasso (MSA-Lasso) regression algorithm is introduced based on the regression algorithm, whose predictive performance has an advantage. Then, an OSSA module is proposed to evaluate and select contingencies in different load conditions. In addition, the Lasso algorithm is employed to predict the security index of each power system operation state with the consideration of bus voltages and power flows, according to Newton–Raphson load flow (NRLF) analysis in post-contingency states. Finally, the numerical results of applying the proposed approach to the IEEE 14-bus, 118-bus, and 300-bus test systems demonstrate the accuracy and rapidity of OSSA.
Experiment and Numerical Study on Deformation Measurement of Cast-in-Place Concrete Large-Diameter Pipe Pile Using Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer Technology
Authors: Gao Lei , Gong Yunhao , Liu Hanlong , Ji Baoquan , Xuan Yining , Ma Yuan
Published: August 2018

The Cast-in-place concrete large-diameter pipe (PCC) pile has been used as the foundation reinforcement and embankment in China due to its low cost and high bearing capacity. The deformation of PCC pile under different vertical loads is very important for the application of engineering. In order to study the deformation characteristics of PCC pile, a small-scale model test was carried out. The new distributed measuring technology, named Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR), was applied to measure the strain on the PCC pile. A single mode fiber (SMF) was used, and the methods of layout, packaging and protection of optical fiber are introduced in detail. The obtained data was dealt with by wavelet transform, and the strain curves were analyzed based on the experiments. The finite element (FE) analysis model was established by COMSOL Multiphysics, and the numerical results compared with the experiment results. It showed that the optical fiber sensor can measure the strain of PCC pile, and that the deformation of PCC pile can be successfully obtained by OFDR technology. The strain of the pile decreases with depth and increases with loading. The measured result agrees well with numerical simulation result. The potential application of OFDR technology to PCC pile in situ and PCC energy pile is discussed.
Recent Advances in Nanocomposites Based on Aliphatic Polyesters: Design, Synthesis, and Applications in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Armentano Ilaria , Gigli Matteo , Morena Francesco , Argentati Chiara , Torre Luigi , Martino Sabata
Published: August 2018

In the last decade, biopolymer matrices reinforced with nanofillers have attracted great research efforts thanks to the synergistic characteristics derived from the combination of these two components. In this framework, this review focuses on the fundamental principles and recent progress in the field of aliphatic polyester-based nanocomposites for regenerative medicine applications. Traditional and emerging polymer nanocomposites are described in terms of polymer matrix properties and synthesis methods, used nanofillers, and nanocomposite processing and properties. Special attention has been paid to the most recent nanocomposite systems developed by combining alternative copolymerization strategies with specific nanoparticles. Thermal, electrical, biodegradation, and surface properties have been illustrated and correlated with the nanoparticle kind, content, and shape. Finally, cell-polymer (nanocomposite) interactions have been described by reviewing analysis methodologies such as primary and stem cell viability, adhesion, morphology, and differentiation processes.
New Approximation Methods Based on Fuzzy Transform for Solving SODEs: I
Authors: ALKasasbeh Hussein , Perfilieva Irina , Ahmad Muhammad Zaini , Yahya Zainor Ridzuan
Published: August 2018

In this paper, new approximation methods for solving systems of ordinary differential equations (SODEs) by fuzzy transform (FzT) are introduced and discussed. In particular, we propose two modified numerical schemes to solve SODEs where the technique of FzT is combined with one-stage and two-stage numerical methods. Moreover, the error analysis of the new approximation methods is discussed. Finally, numerical examples of the proposed approach are confirmed, and applications are presented.
Research Progress on the Relationship between Atherosclerosis and Inflammation
Authors: Zhu Yuhua , Xian Xuemei , Wang Zhenzhen , Bi Yingchao , Chen Quangang , Han Xufeng , Tang Daoquan , Chen Renjin
Published: August 2018

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease; unstable atherosclerotic plaque rupture, vascular stenosis, or occlusion caused by platelet aggregation and thrombosis lead to acute cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis-related inflammation is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory signaling pathways, bioactive lipids, and adhesion molecules. This review discusses the effects of inflammation and the systemic inflammatory signaling pathway on atherosclerosis, the role of related signaling pathways in inflammation, the formation of atherosclerosis plaques, and the prospects of treating atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammation.
Associations of Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Gastric Adenocarcinoma with Circulating Mediators of Inflammation and Immune Response
Authors: Camargo M. Constanza , Sivins Armands , Isajevs Sergejs , Folkmanis Valdis , Rudzīte Dace , Gulley Margaret L. , Offerhaus G. Johan , Leja Marcis , Rabkin Charles S.
Published: August 2018

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive gastric adenocarcinoma exhibits locally intense inflammation but systemic manifestations are uncertain. Our study examined whether circulating mediators of inflammation and immune response differ by tumor EBV status. From a Latvian series of 302 gastric cancer cases, we measured plasma levels of 92 immune-related proteins in the 28 patients with EBV-positive tumors and 34 patients with EBV-negative tumors. Eight markers were statistically significantly higher with tumor EBV positivity: chemokine C-C motif ligand (CCL) 20 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.6; p-trend = 0.001), chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 9 (OR = 3.6; p-trend = 0.003), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1; OR = 3.4; p-trend = 0.004), interleukin (IL)-10 (OR = 2.4; p-trend = 0.019), CCL19 (OR = 2.3; p-trend = 0.019), CCL11 (OR = 2.2; p-trend = 0.026), IL-17A (OR = 2.0; p-trend = 0.038) and CCL8 (OR = 1.9; p-trend = 0.049). Systemic responses to EBV-positive gastric cancer are characterized by alterations in chemokines and PD-L1. Profiling of these molecules may enable non-invasive diagnosis of EBV status when tumor tissue is unavailable. Our findings provide theoretical justification for clinical evaluations of immune checkpoint therapy for EBV-positive gastric cancer.
Co-Expression of the Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Latent Membrane Proteins and the Pathogenesis of Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Vrzalikova Katerina , Ibrahim Maha , Nagy Eszter , Vockerodt Martina , Perry Tracey , Wei Wenbin , Woodman Ciaran , Murray Paul
Published: August 2018

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present in the tumour cells of a subset of patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), yet the contribution of the virus to the pathogenesis of these tumours remains only poorly understood. The EBV genome in virus-associated cHL expresses a limited subset of genes, restricted to the non-coding Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs (EBERs) and viral miRNA, as well as only three virus proteins; the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1), and the two latent membrane proteins, known as LMP1 and LMP2, the latter of which has two isoforms, LMP2A and LMP2B. LMP1 and LMP2A are of particular interest because they are co-expressed in tumour cells and can activate cellular signalling pathways, driving aberrant cellular transcription in infected B cells to promote lymphomagenesis. This article seeks to bring together the results of recent studies of the latent membrane proteins in different B cell systems, including experiments in animal models as well as a re-analysis of our own transcriptional data. In doing so, we summarise the potentially co-operative and antagonistic effects of the LMPs that are relevant to B cell lymphomagenesis.
The Promotional Effects of ZrO2 and Au on the CuZnO Catalyst Regarding the Durability and Activity of the Partial Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Huang Hsiao-Yu , Chen Hao-I , Huang Yuh-Jeen
Published: August 2018

The promoter ZrO2 was applied to prevent Cu crystallites from sintering over CZ (ca. Cu 30 wt.% and Zn 70 wt.%) under partial oxidation of the methanol (POM) reaction. Gold was selected to promote the performance of CZrZ (ca. Cu 31 wt.%, Zr 16 wt.%, and Zn 53 wt.%) catalyst to overcome a high ignition temperature of 175 °C and CO selectivity (SCO) (>10% at T. > 200 °C). Experimentally, the deactivation rate constant of A5CZrZ (ca. Au 5 wt.%, Cu 31 wt.%, Zr 17 wt.%, and Zn 47 wt.%) and CZrZ was 1.7 times better than A5CZ (ca. Au 5 wt.%, Cu 31 wt.%, and Zn 64 wt.%) and CZ. The methanol conversion of CZrZ and A5CZrZ catalysts was kept higher than 70% for 12 h in an accelerated aging process. Meanwhile, the Au prompted more methoxy species oxidizing to formate on Cu+-rich A5CZrZ surface at lower temperature, and also improved CO transfer from formate reacting with moveable oxygen to form CO2. The SCO can lower to ca. 6% at 200 °C after adding 3–5% of gold promoter. These features all prove that the CZ catalyst with ZrO2 and Au promoters could enhance catalytic activity, lower the SCO and ignition temperature, and maintain good durability in the POM reaction.
Cytotoxic Constituents from the Sclerotia of Poria cocos against Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Inducing Mitochondrial Apoptosis
Authors: Lee Seulah , Lee Seul , Roh Hyun-Soo , Song Seong-Soo , Ryoo Rhim , Pang Changhyun , Baek Kwan-Hyuck , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: August 2018

Previous studies have revealed the antitumor potential of Poria cocos Wolf against a broad spectrum of cancers. However, the biological activity of P. cocos against lung cancer, which is known as the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, and its underlying chemical and molecular basis, remain to be investigated. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of P. cocos toward human lung adenocarcinoma cells with different p53 statuses, to identify the bioactive constituents of P. cocos, and explicate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of these constituents in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. An EtOH extract of the sclerotia of P. cocos exhibited cytotoxicity toward four human lung cancer cell lines: A549, H1264, H1299, and Calu-6, regardless of their p53 status. Chemical investigation of the extract resulted in the isolation of two triterpenoids, dehydroeburicoic acid monoacetate (1) and acetyl eburicoic acid (4); a sterol, 9,11-dehydroergosterol peroxide (2); and a diterpenoid, dehydroabietic acid (3). All of the isolated compounds were cytotoxic to the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, exhibiting IC50 values ranging from 63.6 μM to 171.0 μM at 48 h of treatment. The cytotoxicity of the extract and the isolated compounds were found to be mediated by apoptosis, and accompanied by elevated Bax expression and/or Bcl-2 phosphorylation along with caspase-3 activation. Our data demonstrate that the sclerotium of P. cocos and its four bioactive constituents (1–4) exert cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma cells, regardless of their p53 status, by inducing apoptosis associated with mitochondrial perturbation, and proposing the potential to employ P. cocos in the treatment of lung cancer.
Dental Adhesion Enhancement on Zirconia Inspired by Mussel’s Priming Strategy Using Catechol
Authors: Park Minsu , Ju Sungwon , Linstadt Roscoe , Ahn Jinsoo , Ahn Kollbe
Published: August 2018

Zirconia has recently become one of the most popular dental materials in prosthodontics being used in crowns, bridges, and implants. However, weak bonding strength of dental adhesives and resins to zirconia surface has been a grand challenge in dentistry, thus finding a better adhesion to zirconia is urgently required. Marine sessile organisms such as mussels use a unique priming strategy to produce a strong bonding to wet mineral surfaces; one of the distinctive chemical features in the mussel’s adhesive primer proteins is high catechol contents among others. In this study, we pursued a bioinspired adhesion strategy, using a synthetic catechol primer applied to dental zirconia surfaces to study the effect of catecholic priming to shear bond strength. Catechol priming provided a statistically significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in shear bond strength compared to the bonding strength without priming, and relatively stronger bonding than commercially available zirconia priming techniques. This new bioinspired dental priming approach can be an excellent addition to the practitioner’s toolkit to improve dental bonding to zirconia.
Electrodeposition Behavior of Polycrystalline Ni–Mo–La Composite in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Li Ning , Chen Weizeng , Lu Lirong , Gao Chenghui
Published: August 2018

The polycrystalline Ni–Mo–La composite coating was obtained by electrodeposition through the addition of La3+ ions into Ni, Mo ions main salt weak alkaline solution. The obtained composite contain 0.92 at.% La. According to the law of ionic activity, the redox reaction of three kinds of metal atoms was studied by polarography and cyclic voltammetry. It was found that the addition of lanthanum ions changed the composite structural, phase, and element, and the OH− ions were deduced during the electrodeposition in alkaline solution. The introduction of lanthanum and molybdenum ions negatively shifted the reduction potential of nickel ions and broadened the peaks significantly in the deposition process, retarding the reduction and deposition rate of Ni ions, which was characterized by a multi-step reduction process of Mo and La metal atoms.
Novel Devices for Transporting Protein Crystals to the Synchrotron Facilities and Thermal Protection of Protein Crystals
Authors: Flores-Ibarra Andrea , Campos-Escamilla Camila , Guerra Yasel , Rudiño-Piñera Enrique , Demitri Nicola , Polentarutti Maurizio , Cuéllar-Cruz Mayra , Moreno Abel
Published: August 2018

In this article, we use novel and non-conventional devices, based on polyolefins that help to increase the thermal protection of protein crystals in their crystallization conditions for crystallographic applications. The present contribution deals with the application of some ad hoc devices designed for transporting protein crystals to the synchrotron facilities. These new devices help transporting proteins without cryo-cooling them, therefore replacing the conventional dry Dewars. We crystallized four model proteins, using the classic sitting-drop vapor diffusion crystallization setups. The model proteins lysozyme, glucose isomerase, xylanase, and ferritin were used to obtain suitable crystals for high-resolution X-ray crystallographic research. Additionally, we evaluated the crystallization of apo-transferrin, which is involved in neurodegenerative diseases. As apo-transferrin is extremely sensitive to the changes in the crystallization temperature, we used it as a thermal sensor to prove the efficiency of these thermal protection devices when transporting proteins to the synchrotron facilities.
A Combined Molecular and Morphological Approach to Explore the Higher Phylogeny of Entimine Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with Special Reference to South American Taxa
Authors: Marvaldi Adriana E. , Del Río María Guadalupe , Pereyra Vanina A. , Rocamundi Nicolás , Lanteri Analía A.
Published: August 2018

The Entiminae are broad-nosed weevils constituting the most diverse subfamily of Curculionidae, with over 50 tribes. We performed Bayesian and Maximum Parsimony combined phylogenetic analyses with the main objective of testing higher-level relationships and the naturalness of the major Neotropical and Southern South American (Patagonia and Andes) tribes, including some members from other regions. We compiled a data matrix of 67 terminal units with 63 Entiminae species, as well as four outgroup taxa from Cyclominae, by 3522 molecular (from nuclear 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA, and mitochondrial 16S rDNA and COI gene sequences) and 70 morphological characters. The resulting trees recover a clade Entiminae with a monophyletic Cylydrorhinini and Premnotrypes branching off early. The tree resulting from parsimony analysis shows a clade of Leptopiini from the Australian region and another clade including taxa mainly distributed in the Palaearctic and Neotropical regions, but in the Bayesian tree the South American and Australian Leptopiini are grouped together. The mainly Palaearctic Entiminae (e.g., Brachyderini, Laparocerini, Otiorhynchini, Peritelini, Polydrusini, Phyllobiini and Sciaphylini) form a subclade separated from Southern Hemisphere taxa. Among the latter, the well-supported Naupactini are the sister group of the South American Tanymecini, excluding Platyaspistes, herein transferred to Leptopiini (new placement). Another well-justified clade is Eustylini–Geonemini, which also includes the enigmatic Galapagonotus, and the genus Artipus, thus corroborating its recent exclusion from Naupactini.
Entropic Equilibria Selection of Stationary Extrema in Finite Populations
Authors: Harper Marc , Fryer Dashiell
Published: August 2018

We propose the entropy of random Markov trajectories originating and terminating at the same state as a measure of the stability of a state of a Markov process. These entropies can be computed in terms of the entropy rates and stationary distributions of Markov processes. We apply this definition of stability to local maxima and minima of the stationary distribution of the Moran process with mutation and show that variations in population size, mutation rate, and strength of selection all affect the stability of the stationary extrema.
Robust Relative Error Estimation
Authors: Hirose Kei , Masuda Hiroki
Published: August 2018

Relative error estimation has been recently used in regression analysis. A crucial issue of the existing relative error estimation procedures is that they are sensitive to outliers. To address this issue, we employ the γ -likelihood function, which is constructed through γ -cross entropy with keeping the original statistical model in use. The estimating equation has a redescending property, a desirable property in robust statistics, for a broad class of noise distributions. To find a minimizer of the negative γ -likelihood function, a majorize-minimization (MM) algorithm is constructed. The proposed algorithm is guaranteed to decrease the negative γ -likelihood function at each iteration. We also derive asymptotic normality of the corresponding estimator together with a simple consistent estimator of the asymptotic covariance matrix, so that we can readily construct approximate confidence sets. Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. Real data analysis illustrates the usefulness of our proposed procedure.
An Entropy-Based Approach for Measuring Factor Contributions in Factor Analysis Models
Authors: Eshima Nobuoki , Tabata Minoru , Giovanni Borroni Claudio
Published: August 2018

In factor analysis, factor contributions of latent variables are assessed conventionally by the sums of the squared factor loadings related to the variables. First, the present paper considers issues in the conventional method. Second, an alternative entropy-based approach for measuring factor contributions is proposed. The method measures the contribution of the common factor vector to the manifest variable vector and decomposes it into contributions of factors. A numerical example is also provided to demonstrate the present approach.
A Case Study on the Problems of Teacher Training System Based on the Opinions of Faculty Members, School Administrators, Teachers, and Unionists in North Cyprus
Authors: Baskan Gulsun Atanur , Ayda Nedime Karasel
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to establish the problems in training teachers who will be working at primary schools in the North Cyprus based on the opinions of faculty members, school administrators, teachers, and unionists. Using the qualitative research approach, open-ended, semi-structured questions developed by the authors were directed to the participants in order to establish the “teacher training problems” and to obtain data. The study group of the research was made up of six primary school teachers of the Ministry of National Education of North Cyprus, six school principals, six unionists from the administrative board of the Cyprus Turkish Teachers Union, and six faculty members from universities in the North Cyprus, which makes up a total of 24 people. The data obtained were analyzed using the inductive content analysis technique. The research revealed problems such as the inadequacy of application lessons in the teacher training system in the North Cyprus, the existence of selecting teacher candidates without a control or criteria, inadequacy of the pedagogical formation education, existence of teacher candidates entitled to get into permanent teaching positions after working as temporary teachers for 36 months, problems of supervision during the years of candidacy, appointing teachers for political interests, a teacher training process becoming a business for profit, inadequacy of faculty members in developing themselves, and in-service trainings not being implemented in a planned manner. In conclusion, recommendations were developed for educational faculties and the Ministry of National Education towards solving the problems of the system.
Development, Uptake, and Wider Applicability of the Yo-yo Strategy in Biology Education Research: A Reappraisal
Authors: Knippels Marie-Christine P.J. , Waarlo Arend Jan
Published: August 2018

Heredity is a biological phenomenon that manifests itself on different levels of biological organization. The yo-yo learning and teaching strategy, which draws on the hierarchy of life, has been developed to tackle the macro-micro problem and to foster coherent understanding of genetic phenomena. Its wider applicability was suggested and since then yo-yo learning seems to be noticed in the biology education research community. The aim of this paper is to reappraise yo-yo thinking in biology education research based on its uptake and any well-considered adaptations by other researchers in the past fifteen years. Based on a literature search we identified research that explicitly and substantially build on the characteristics of yo-yo thinking. Seven questions guided the analysis of chosen cases focussing on how key concepts are matched to levels of biological organization, interrelated, and embedded in a pattern of explanatory reasoning. The analysis revealed that yo-yo thinking as a heuristic of systems thinking has been an inspiring idea to promote coherent conceptual understanding of various biological phenomena. Although, selective use has been made of the yo-yo strategy, the strategy was also further elaborated to include the molecular level. Its functioning as a meta-cognitive tool requires more specification, and teachers’ perceptions and experiences regarding yo-yo thinking should be addressed in future studies.
A “Smart” Trap Device for Detection of Crawling Insects and Other Arthropods in Urban Environments
Authors: Eliopoulos Panagiotis , Tatlas Nikolaos-Alexandros , Rigakis Iraklis , Potamitis Ilyas
Published: August 2018

We introduce a device for the automatic detecting and reporting of crawling insects in urban environments. It is a monitoring device for urban pests that complies with the context of smart homes and smart cities, and is compatible with the emerging discipline of the Internet of Things (IoT). We believe it can find its place in every room of a hotel, hospital, military camp, and residence. This box-shaped device attracts targeted insect pests, senses the entering insect, and takes automatically a picture of the internal space of the box. The e-trap includes strong attractants (pheromone and/or food) to increase capture efficiency and traps the insect on its sticky floor. The device carries the necessary optoelectronic sensors to monitor all entrances of the trap. As the insect enters it interrupts the infrared light source. This triggers a detection event; a picture is taken, and a time-stamp is set before delivering the picture through the Wi-Fi to an authorized person/stakeholder. The device can be integrated seamlessly in urban environments and operates unobtrusively to human activities. We report results on various insect pests and depending on the insect species, can reach a detection accuracy ranging from 96 to 99%.
A Review of Urban Wind Energy Research: Aerodynamics and Other Challenges
Authors: Micallef Daniel , Van Bussel Gerard
Published: August 2018

Urban wind energy research is crucial for the success or failure of wind turbines installed in the built environment. Research in this field is fragmented into various research groups working on different topics in isolation with seemingly few efforts of integrating the various fields. This review aims at highlighting the synergies between the various advances, particularly in aerodynamics, but also in other areas. Past and current work has been focused on establishing reliable wind statistics at the site of interest. Advances in building aerodynamics have provided new insight on the local flow occurring at the rotor location. An outlook toward future research and the need to treat the different flow scales in a holistic manner is emphasized given also the recent advances in rotor aerodynamics related to the effect of flow skewness and turbulence. This will shed light on the critical issues that need to be addressed by scientists in order to make urban wind energy viable for decentralized generation. Various other present challenges are discussed briefly including structural aspects, noise emissions, economics and visual impact. Research in this field should be the guidepost for more targeted certification standards, in an effort to regularize the small wind energy market.
Coordinated Control for Large-Scale Wind Farms with LCC-HVDC Integration
Authors: He Xiuqiang , Geng Hua , Yang Geng , Zou Xin
Published: August 2018

Wind farms (WFs) controlled with conventional vector control (VC) algorithms cannot be directly integrated to the power grid through line commutated rectifier (LCR)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission due to the lack of voltage support at its sending-end bus. This paper proposes a novel coordinated control scheme for WFs with LCC-HVDC integration. The scheme comprises two key sub-control loops, referred to as the reactive power-based frequency (Q-f) control loop and the active power-based voltage (P-V) control loop, respectively. The Q-f control, applied to the voltage sources inverters in the WFs, maintains the system frequency and compensates the reactive power for the LCR of HVDC, whereas the P-V control, applied to the LCR, maintains the sending-end bus voltage and achieves the active power balance of the system. Phase-plane analysis and small-signal analysis are performed to evaluate the stability of the system and facilitate the controller parameter design. Simulations performed on PSCAD/EMTDC verify the proposed control scheme.
A Fuzzy Logic Energy Management Strategy for a Photovoltaic/Diesel/Battery Hybrid Ship Based on Experimental Database
Authors: Yuan Yupeng , Zhang Tianding , Shen Boyang , Yan Xinping , Long Teng
Published: August 2018

Energy management strategy is a key technology of hybrid power ships. In recent years, renewable energy ship technologies have become a popular research field and one promising development direction to realize reasonable utilization of energy resource, as well as energy conservation and emission reduction. Among these technologies, the solar energy hybrid ship technology is currently attracting attention all over the word. In this paper, a 5000-car space solar energy hybrid ship is used as the research objective, and an energy management strategy that is based on fuzzy logic is proposed to distribute the ship power generation, solar energy, and battery output power according to the ship’s electrical load demand, and the fuzzification and stochasticity of solar energy. By comparing the simulation results with real ship testing results, it is identified that the proposed fuzzy logic energy management strategy can optimize the operation conditions of individual power generation sources, improve the overall performance of power system, and reduce the ship’s overall fuel consumption.
Sliding-Mode Control of Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking Converters Featuring Overvoltage Protection
Authors: Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres , Gonzalez Montoya Daniel , Bastidas-Rodriguez Juan David
Published: August 2018

In Photovoltaic (PV) systems with Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) architecture each panel is connected to a DC/DC converter, whose outputs are connected in series to feed a grid-connected inverter. The series-connection forces the output voltage of those converters to be proportional to the converter’ output power; therefore, under mismatched conditions, the output voltage of a highly-irradiated converter may exceed the rating (safe) value, causing an overvoltage condition that could damage the converter. This paper proposes a sliding-mode controller (SMC) acting on each converter to regulate both the input and output voltages, hence avoiding the overvoltage condition under partial shading. The proposed control strategy has two operation modes: maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and Protection. In MPPT mode the SMC imposes to the PV panel the voltage reference defined by an MPPT technique. The Protection mode is activated when the output voltage reaches the safety limit, and the SMC regulates the converter’ output voltage to avoid overvoltage condition. The SMC has a bilinear sliding surface designed to provide a soft transition between both MPPT and Protection modes. The SMC analysis, parameters design and implementation are presented in detail. Moreover, simulation and experimental results illustrate the performance and applicability of the proposed solution.
A Critical Approach on Sustainable Renewable Energy Sources in Rural Area: Evidence from North-West Region of Romania
Authors: Chiciudean Gabriela O. , Harun Rezhen , Arion Felix H. , Chiciudean Daniel I. , Oroian Camelia F. , Muresan Iulia C.
Published: August 2018

In the favorable context of a potential increase in the use of renewable energy sources in Romania, a research was conducted among the rural population in the North-West region of development in order to analyze public perception regarding this alternative energy production. A survey was conducted on a sample of 322 respondents and data was analyzed using different statistical methods (Principal Component Analysis, Cluster analysis, etc.). Results indicated a positive attitude towards renewable energy and support mainly from young and highly educated people. The percentage of users is relatively low and there is little intention in the future to switch to a renewable energy source even if it is perceived as a sustainable way of living. Lack of knowledge regarding renewable energy sources is the most important aspect and authorities should assume a mission in the public education of citizens in order to implement the measures and achieve the goals established in the national strategy plans.
Soil Aggregation and Organic Carbon Dynamics in Poplar Plantations
Authors: Ge Zhiwei , Fang Shuiyuan , Chen Han Y.H. , Zhu Rongwei , Peng Sili , Ruan Honghua
Published: August 2018

Soil resident water-stable macroaggregates (diameter (Ø) > 0.25 mm) play a critical role in organic carbon conservation and fertility. However, limited studies have investigated the direct effects of stand development on soil aggregation and its associated mechanisms. Here, we examined the dynamics of soil organic carbon, water-stable macroaggregates, litterfall production, fine-root (Ø < 1 mm) biomass, and soil microbial biomass carbon with stand development in poplar plantations (Populus deltoides L. ‘35’) in Eastern Coastal China, using an age sequence (i.e., five, nine, and 16 years since plantation establishment). We found that the quantity of water-stable macroaggregates and organic carbon content in topsoil (0–10 cm depth) increased significantly with stand age. With increasing stand age, annual aboveground litterfall production did not differ, while fine-root biomass sampled in June, August, and October increased. Further, microbial biomass carbon in the soil increased in June but decreased when sampled in October. Ridge regression analysis revealed that the weighted percentage of small (0.25 mm ≤ Ø < 2 mm) increased with soil microbial biomass carbon, while that of large aggregates (Ø ≥ 2 mm) increased with fine-root biomass as well as microbial biomass carbon. Our results reveal that soil microbial biomass carbon plays a critical role in the formation of both small and large aggregates, while fine roots enhance the formation of large aggregates.
Coarse Woody Debris Variability Due to Human Accessibility to Forest
Authors: Behjou Farshad Keivan , Lo Monaco Angela , Tavankar Farzam , Venanzi Rachele , Nikooy Mehrdad , Mederski Piotr S. , Picchio Rodolfo
Published: August 2018

Coarse woody debris (CWD) plays an important role in supporting biodiversity and assisting ecological processes. Sometimes local people intervene modifying the expected distribution of CWD components, harvested as fuel wood. The effect of the human accessibility (HA) on the volume and characteristics of CWD (snag, downed log and stump) was investigated in the natural uneven-age mixed hardwood stands of the Hyrcanian forests of Iran to quantify the impact on CWD. The HA was classified into three classes (easy, medium and difficult) on the basis of slope class, slope direction to the nearest road and road type. As expected, a negative relationship between the degree of accessibility was found with respect to the main qualitative and quantitative indices referring to CWD. The results showed that the volume of CWD decreased with an increase in human accessibility class (HAC), thus the mean volume of CWD in the difficult, medium and easy accessibility classes were 14.87 m3 ha−1, 8.84 m3 ha−1 and 4.03 m3 ha−1, respectively. The decrease in CWD volume was more associated with the decreasing volume of small diameter of low decayed downed logs. The ratio of snag volume to standing volume, the ratio of downed log volume to the volume of trees and the ratio of CWD volume to standing volume increased with a decrease in HAC, while the ratio of downed log volume to snag volume decreased with a decrease in HAC. No selective behaviour on the botanical species of CWD was recorded. For ecological forest management, the effect of HAC on CWD should be considered. A constant supply of snags and downed logs must be preserved to assure a high level of biodiversity. To balance social needs and biodiversity requirements, an increased level of CWD retention might be needed in areas with easy accessibility. The obtained results may be useful when ecological and socio-economical needs have to be taken into consideration in future policy-making decisions.
Mediterranean Islands Hosting Marginal and Peripheral Forest Tree Populations: The Case of Pinus brutia Ten. in Cyprus
Authors: Eliades Nicolas-George H. , Aravanopoulos Filippos (Phil) A. , Christou Andreas K.
Published: August 2018

Mediterranean islands have served as important Tertiary and glacial refuges, hosting important peripheral and ecologically marginal forest tree populations. These populations, presumably harboring unique gene complexes, are particularly interesting in the context of climate change. Pinus brutia Ten. is widespread in the eastern Mediterranean Basin and in Cyprus in particular it is the most common tree species. This study evaluated genetic patterns and morphoanatomical local adaptation along the species geographical distribution and altitudinal range in Cyprus. Analysis showed that the Cyprus population of P. brutia is a peripheral population with high genetic diversity, comprised of different subpopulations. Evidence suggests the presence of ongoing dynamic evolutionary processes among the different subpopulations, while the most relic and isolated subpopulations exhibited a decreased genetic diversity compared to the most compact subpopulations in the central area of the island. These results could be the consequence of the small size and prolonged isolation of the former. Comparing populations along an altitude gradient, higher genetic diversity was detected at the middle level. The phenotypic plasticity observed is particularly important for the adaptive potential of P. brutia in an island environment, since it allows rapid change in local environmental conditions.
So Many Lovely Girls
Authors: Hoyle Sally
Published: August 2018

A little over 20 years ago I was reunited with my daughter, who had been adopted at the age of six weeks. We have become friends since then and I felt I owed it to her to explain the circumstances surrounding her birth and relinquishment. I have done this as an adult, in conversation with her, but there is only so much we can say to each other face to face. She knows my adult self but I wanted her to understand how my teenage self felt about losing a child, and to understand the shame surrounding illegitimacy at the time she was born. In the 1960s in England, “bastard” was still a dirty word. My parents dealt with the shame of my pregnancy by never speaking of it. They built a wall of silence. It took me 30 years to climb that wall: The attitudes I encountered as a teenager have not disappeared altogether. The shame of teenage pregnancy is still very much an issue in Ireland, for instance. The events I have written about took place in the late 60s in England, and I have tried to give a picture of the culture of the time. Women who gave birth to illegitimate children in the 60s and into the 70s were judged harshly by doctors and nurses and treated with less care than married women. So Many Lovely Girls is an extract from a longer memoir piece, which could be termed relational, because it deals with an intimate relationship, but I prefer the classification of autogynography, a term coined by feminist critic Donna Stanton in The Female Autograph. Stanton uses the term to differentiate women’s life writing from men’s.
Comparative Transcriptomics of Root Development in Wild and Cultivated Carrots
Authors: Machaj Gabriela , Bostan Hamed , Macko-Podgórni Alicja , Iorizzo Massimo , Grzebelus Dariusz
Published: August 2018

The carrot is the most popular root vegetable worldwide. The genetic makeup underlying the development of the edible storage root are fragmentary. Here, we report the first comparative transcriptome analysis between wild and cultivated carrot roots at multiple developmental stages. Overall, 3285, 4637, and 570 genes were differentially expressed in the cultivated carrot in comparisons made for young plants versus developing roots, young plants versus mature roots, and developing roots versus mature roots, respectively. Of those, 1916, 2645, and 475, respectively, were retained after filtering out genes showing similar profiles of expression in the wild carrot. They were assumed to be of special interest with respect to the development of the storage root. Among them, transcription factors and genes encoding proteins involved in post-translational modifications (signal transduction and ubiquitination) were mostly upregulated, while those involved in redox signaling were mostly downregulated. Also, genes encoding proteins regulating cell cycle, involved in cell divisions, development of vascular tissue, water transport, and sugar metabolism were enriched in the upregulated clusters. Genes encoding components of photosystem I and II, together with genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, were upregulated in the cultivated roots, as opposed to the wild roots; however, they were largely downregulated in the mature storage root, as compared with the young and developing root. The experiment produced robust resources for future investigations on the regulation of storage root formation in carrot and Apiaceae.
Forensic Investigations of Geohazards: The Norcia 2016 Earthquake
Authors: Barone Pier Matteo , Di Maggio Rosa Maria
Published: August 2018

Earthquakes represent one of the world’s most significant hazards in terms of damage to human and animal life, and property. Earthquakes also cause many other related fatalities and damage to urban structures. This paper presents the forensic investigation of failures induced by the Norcia 2016 earthquake in Italy. The detailed geophysical field investigations were carried out at selected locations in two cities: Rome and Amelia. The places of investigation were 150 km and 90 km, respectively, from the epicenter. A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was carried out at the sites to highlight structural failures, and included a partially damaged urban bridge, and the cracked wall of a private house. These failures have been discussed with reference to the field measurements carried out. In both cases, the GPR radargram showed clear lesions along with their geometry and location. This forensic geoscientific analysis highlights the importance of detecting structural damage immediately after a geohazard event to help plan proper interventions, efforts to prevent human losses and help law enforcement to focus their forensic investigations.
Agronomic Management for Enhancing Plant Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses: High and Low Values of Temperature, Light Intensity, and Relative Humidity
Authors: Ferrante Antonio , Mariani Luigi
Published: August 2018

Abiotic stresses have direct effects on plant growth and development. In agriculture, sub-optimal values of temperature, light intensity, and relative humidity can limit crop yield and reduce product quality. Temperature has a direct effect on whole plant metabolism, and low or high temperatures can reduce growth or induce crop damage. Solar radiation is the primary driver of crop production, but light intensity can also have negative effects, especially if concurrent with water stress and high temperature. Relative humidity also plays an important role by regulating transpiration and water balance of crops. In this review, the main effects of these abiotic stresses on crop performance are reported, and agronomic strategies used to avoid or mitigate the effects of these stresses are discussed.
Switching to Green Lifestyles: Behavior Change of Ant Forest Users
Authors: Yang Zhaojun , Kong Xiangchun , Sun Jun , Zhang Yali
Published: August 2018

Ant Forest is an emerging mobile application platform that engages people in environment-friendly behavior with fragmented time and helps them cultivate ecological awareness and habit. Users grow virtual trees on the platform with the energy saved from daily low-carbon activities, and Ant Forest plants real saplings in desertified areas when the “trees” become big enough. Facilitating the public’s participation in such green welfare, Ant Forest is a new-generation persuasive system with functions like social media and gamification. In addition to perceived persuasiveness in the existing literature, this study includes sense of achievement and perceived entertainment as extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, respectively, to explain people’s continuous use of such a system and consequent behavior change. The results of a survey suggest that primary task support, perceived credibility, and perceived social support associated with Ant Forest positively affect the user’s continuance intention through the mediation of perceived persuasiveness, sense of achievement, and perceiving entertaining. Furthermore, perceived persuasiveness and continuance intention lead to ultimate behavior change. The findings suggest the importance of both persuasive and motivational considerations in the implementation of new-generation persuasive systems to make them effective in the long run.
Study on the Factors Affecting the Start-Up of Iron-Manganese Co-Oxide Filters for Ammonium and Manganese Removal from Groundwater
Authors: Cheng Ya , Huang Tinglin , Cheng Lijie , Wu Junbin
Published: August 2018

The high concentration of ammonium (NH4+-N) and manganese (Mn2+) in underground water poses a major problem for drinking water treatment plants. Effective catalytic oxidative removal of NH4+-N and Mn2+ by iron-manganese co-oxide film (MeOx) filters was first developed by our group in a previous study. In this study, several identical pilot-scale filters were employed to optimize the start-up process for simultaneous removal of NH4+-N and Mn2+ from potable water supplies. Experiments were conducted to assess the influence of Mn2+ concentration, Fe2+ concentration, filtration rate and dosing time on the start-up period of the filter. Results demonstrated that the ability of the filter to remove completely 1.5 mg/L NH4+-N could be achieved on the sixth day at the soonest and the removal of Mn2+ could reach 1 mg/L by the 18th day. Filter R3 feeding with 1 mg/L Fe2+, 2 mg/L Mn2+ and 3.5 mg/L MnO4− during the start-up period exhibited the optimum NH4+-N and Mn2+ removal effect. Short dosing time was not conducive to attaining full NH4+-N removal in filters, especially the activity of NO2−-N conversion to NO3−-N. The compositional analysis and element distribution analysis results demonstrated that there was an abundance of C, O, Mn, Mg, Fe, Ca and Si across the entire area of the surface of the filter media and the elemental distribution was homogeneous, which was different from the biofilter media. Knowledge-guided performance optimization of the active iron-manganese co-oxide could pave the way for its future technological use.
Association of Dietary Behaviors and Sleep Quality: Results from the Adults Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors Survey of 2015 in Ningbo, China
Authors: Kong Fanqian , Li Hui , Xu Guodong , Ying Yanyan , Gong Qinghai , Zhao Jinshun , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhang Lina , Liu Shiwei , Han Liyuan
Published: August 2018

Objective: We estimated the relationship between dietary behaviors and sleep quality in adults. Methods: Using data from the 2015 Ningbo Adult Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors Survey, a total of 5160 participants were included in this study. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). PSQI score ≥ 7 was defined as poor sleep quality. Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between dietary behaviors and sleep quality. Linear regression was used to explore the associations between dietary behaviors and PSQI total score. Results: Approximately 8.6% (n = 442) participants reported poor sleep quality. After adjusted for multivariates, there was 0.022 point increase in PSQI score for every gram increase in each meal consumption of soy sauce (β = 0.022, p = 0.001). Less intake of dark fruits, water and more intake of alcohol were associated with higher PSQI score (β = −0.394, p = 0.001; β = −0.246, p = 0.001; and β = 0.217, p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: About 8.6% (n = 442) adults reported poor sleep quality in Ningbo. Intake of soy sauce and alcohol were positively associated with poor sleep quality, and consumption of dark fruits and water were positively associated with good sleep quality.