bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The (the) fact is (that) construction in English and Dutch
Authors: Keizer Evelien
Published: September 2016

This paper deals with a frequently used construction in English and Dutch which can be broadly described as the (DET) (adj) fact is (that) construction. Using authentic data, it starts by presenting a detailed discussion of the differences and similarities between the English and the Dutch constructions in both form and function. Subsequently, it is argued that the formal differences between the English and Dutch constructions can be explained in terms of differences in function. It is shown that there are significant correlations between the various formal and functional properties in the two languages, which are taken to suggest that they are developing in different ways, with the Dutch construction tending towards specialization and the English construction towards further generalization (or bleaching). Finally, a Functional Discourse Grammar (FDG) analysis of constructions of this type is proposed reflecting their specific formal and functional properties. First, it is argued that the sequence (DET) fact is (that) is not to be regarded as a matrix clause, but rather as a semi-fixed pragmatic and/or discourse-organizational marker in extra-clausal position. Next, it will be shown that by exploiting the distinctive characteristics of FDG an insightful account can be provided of the interaction between the pragmatic, semantic, syntactic and phonological features of these constructions, demonstrating the non-arbitrary relationship between their function and their form. Finally, it is shown that analysis proposed can also be used to chart the different stages in the development of the construction in English and Dutch.
On the grammatical status of insubordinate if-clauses
Authors: Kaltenböck Gunther
Published: September 2016

Insubordinate clauses are a problem for grammatical analysis as they are subordinate in terms of their form but used like independent main clauses. This chapter investigates the grammatical status of insubordinate if-clauses in English on the basis of spoken data from the British Component of the International Corpus of English. The analysis shows that insubordinate if-clauses have highly specialised functions and fall into two main categories, viz. performatives and elaboratives. The former include directives, optatives, and exclamatives, while the latter express some elaboration of a previous utterance and as such are pragmatically linked to the preceding cotext. Directives represent the most frequent category and are shown to correspond with specific formal features which set them apart from ordinary conditional clauses: three dominant syntactic patterns (If you + [Verb: present], If you + [Modal: past], If you’d like to) and terminal prosodic contour. It is concluded that directive insubordinate if-clauses are not mere performance phenomena but represent a grammatical category in their own right in a Construction Grammar sense. It is further concluded that insubordinate if-clauses are part of a larger category of theticals (Heine et al. 2013), which also includes parenthetical if-clauses and conversational if-clauses (Dancygier 1998).
Effect of fluoride ions modifier and ceramic Al2O3 particles additives on plasma electrolytic oxidation of AZ31
Authors: Soliman H. , Hamdy A. S.
Published: September 2016

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process is proved to be an effective technique for forming highly protective oxide film on Mg alloy AZ31. A comparative study has been done to investigate the PEO films deposited from silicate solution with NaF, Al2O3 nano-additives. The surface morphology feature, phase composition and elemental composition were examined by field scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction. Doping of additives showed an obvious effect mainly on the peak of MgO and the thickness of the PEO films. Fluoride has a promising role and its presence considerably resulted in thicker and compacter films with improved corrosion resistance. Vice versa unexpected negative results had been obtained in the presence of alumina additives. It is assumed that fluoride ions enhanced ions conductivity during PEO process therefore promoted the film growth rate. On the other hand, the bulk Al2O3 particles hindered the ions movement through the coating deposition leading to thinner less compact films formation.
Cell cycle–dependent phosphorylation of Sec4p controls membrane deposition during cytokinesis
Authors: Lepore Dante , Spassibojko Olya , Pinto Gabrielle , Collins Ruth N.
Published: September 2016

Intracellular trafficking is an essential and conserved eukaryotic process. Rab GTPases are a family of proteins that regulate and provide specificity for discrete membrane trafficking steps by harnessing a nucleotide-bound cycle. Global proteomic screens have revealed many Rab GTPases as phosphoproteins, but the effects of this modification are not well understood. Using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rab GTPase Sec4p as a model, we have found that phosphorylation negatively regulates Sec4p function by disrupting the interaction with the exocyst complex via Sec15p. We demonstrate that phosphorylation of Sec4p is a cell cycle–dependent process associated with cytokinesis. Through a genomic kinase screen, we have also identified the polo-like kinase Cdc5p as a positive regulator of Sec4p phosphorylation. Sec4p spatially and temporally localizes with Cdc5p exclusively when Sec4p phosphorylation levels peak during the cell cycle, indicating Sec4p is a direct Cdc5p substrate. Our data suggest the physiological relevance of Sec4p phosphorylation is to facilitate the coordination of membrane-trafficking events during cytokinesis.
The lysosome as a command-and-control center for cellular metabolism
Authors: Lim Chun-Yan , Zoncu Roberto
Published: September 2016

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in every eukaryotic cell. They are widely known as terminal catabolic stations that rid cells of waste products and scavenge metabolic building blocks that sustain essential biosynthetic reactions during starvation. In recent years, this classical view has been dramatically expanded by the discovery of new roles of the lysosome in nutrient sensing, transcriptional regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. These discoveries have elevated the lysosome to a decision-making center involved in the control of cellular growth and survival. Here we review these recently discovered properties of the lysosome, with a focus on how lysosomal signaling pathways respond to external and internal cues and how they ultimately enable metabolic homeostasis and cellular adaptation.
PKA regulatory IIα subunit is essential for PGD2-mediated resolution of inflammation
Authors: Kong Deping , Shen Yujun , Liu Guizhu , Zuo Shengkai , Ji Yong , Lu Ankang , Nakamura Masataka , Lazarus Michael , Stratakis Constantine A. , Breyer Richard M. , Yu Ying
Published: September 2016

The kinetic participation of macrophages is critical for inflammatory resolution and recovery from myocardial infarction (MI), particularly with respect to the transition from the M1 to the M2 phenotype; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the deletion of prostaglandin (PG) D2 receptor subtype 1 (DP1) in macrophages retarded M2 polarization, antiinflammatory cytokine production, and resolution in different inflammatory models, including the MI model. DP1 deletion up-regulated proinflammatory genes expression via JAK2/STAT1 signaling in macrophages, whereas its activation facilitated binding of the separated PKA regulatory IIα subunit (PRKAR2A) to the transmembrane domain of IFN-γ receptor, suppressed JAK2–STAT1 axis–mediated M1 polarization, and promoted resolution. PRKAR2A deficiency attenuated DP1 activation–mediated M2 polarization and resolution of inflammation. Collectively, PGD2–DP1 axis–induced M2 polarization facilitates resolution of inflammation through the PRKAR2A-mediated suppression of JAK2/STAT1 signaling. These observations indicate that macrophage DP1 activation represents a promising strategy in the management of inflammation-associated diseases, including post-MI healing.
DM-BLD: differential methylation detection using a hierarchical Bayesian model exploiting local dependency
Authors: Wang Xiao , Gu Jinghua , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena , Clarke Robert , Xuan Jianhua
Published: September 2016

Motivation

The advent of high-throughput DNA methylation profiling techniques has enabled the possibility of accurate identification of differentially methylated genes for cancer research. The large number of measured loci facilitates whole genome methylation study, yet posing great challenges for differential methylation detection due to the high variability in tumor samples.

Results

We have developed a novel probabilistic approach, differential methylation detection using a hierarchical Bayesian model exploiting local dependency (DM-BLD), to detect differentially methylated genes based on a Bayesian framework. The DM-BLD approach features a joint model to capture both the local dependency of measured loci and the dependency of methylation change in samples. Specifically, the local dependency is modeled by Leroux conditional autoregressive structure; the dependency of methylation changes is modeled by a discrete Markov random field. A hierarchical Bayesian model is developed to fully take into account the local dependency for differential analysis, in which differential states are embedded as hidden variables. Simulation studies demonstrate that DM-BLD outperforms existing methods for differential methylation detection, particularly when the methylation change is moderate and the variability of methylation in samples is high. DM-BLD has been applied to breast cancer data to identify important methylated genes (such as polycomb target genes and genes involved in transcription factor activity) associated with breast cancer recurrence.

Availability and Implementation

A Matlab package of DM-BLD is available at http://www.cbil.ece.vt.edu/software.htm.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Parasitic infection: a missing piece of the ocean acidification puzzle
Authors: MacLeod Colin D.
Published: September 2016

Ocean acidification (OA) research has matured into a sophisticated experimental and theoretical scientific discipline, which now utilizes multiple stressor, mesocosm experiments, and mathematical simulation models to predict the near-future effects of continued acidification on marine ecosystems. These advanced methodological approaches to OA research also include the study of inter-specific interactions that could be disrupted if participant species exhibit differential tolerances to stressors associated with OA. The host-parasite relationship is one of the most fundamental ecological interactions, alongside competition and predation, which can regulate individuals, populations, and communities. The recent integration of competition and predation into OA research has provided great insight into the potential effects of differential tolerances to acidified seawater, and there is no reason to believe that expanding OA research to include parasitology will be less fruitful. This essay outlines our current, limited understanding of how OA will affect parasitism as an ecological process, describes potential pitfalls for researchers who ignore parasites and the effects of infection, and suggests ways of developing parasitology as a sub-field of OA research.
Taste Engineering: An Extended Consumer Model of Cultural Competence Constitution
Authors: Maciel Andre F , Wallendorf Melanie
Published: September 2016

Since industrialization, both beauty and refinement have been highlighted in many consumer markets, including home decoration, clothing, and fine foods and beverages. Consumers whose habitus resonates with these markets often formulate the goal of developing aesthetic expertise in them; they learn complex systems of taste evaluation to judge their aesthetic experiences. Extant research shows these systems’ effects on many aspects of consumer behavior, from information search and memory to strategies for participating in status games. This study extends consumer research by illuminating how these taste evaluation systems are constituted in consumers, after habitus has instilled generic dispositions in them. The multimethod ethnography studies US middle-class, male craft beer aficionados seeking to become connoisseurs. This work makes two main contributions to consumer research. First, it places the often-neglected world of the senses at the center of taste theorizing. It details three learning practices (benchmarking, autodidactics, and scaffolding) that consumers use to bind together the sensory and discursive dimensions of social practices. Second, it reveals interconsumer cooperation as a key mechanism in building consensus on social practices that involve ambiguous aesthetic experiences. This theorization complements prior research on status competition as a dominant type of sociality in taste-centered consumption domains.
Diversity in Antioxidant Capacity, Phenolic Contents, and Flavonoid Contents of 42 Edible Beans from China
Authors: Gan Ren‐You , Wang Ming‐Fu , Lui Wing‐Yee , Wu Kao , Dai Shu‐Hong , Sui Zhong‐Quan , Corke Harold
Published: September 2016

Edible beans are among the most important grain legumes consumed by humans. To provide new information on the antioxidant phenolics of edible beans, the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in both soluble and bound fractions of 42 edible beans from China were systematically evaluated, with main phenolic compounds identified and quantified in 10 beans possessing the highest TPC. Edible beans contained a wide range of total antioxidant capacity and TPC generally comparable with common grains, fruits, and vegetables, and their bound fractions had significant antioxidant capacity, TPC, and TFC. Red sword bean was found for the first time to show extremely high total antioxidant capacity (ferrous[II] at 235 ± 13.2 μmol/g and Trolox at 164 ± 10.5 μmol/g) and TPC (1767 ± 58.3 mg of GAE/100 g). Phenolic compounds such as catechin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and protocatechuic acid were widely detected in selected beans. A positive correlation was found between antioxidant capacity (ferric‐reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity [TEAC] values) and TPC, with correlation coefficient r = 0.974 (FRAP value versus TPC) and r = 0.914 (TEAC value versus TPC). Therefore, beans with high antioxidant capacity and phenolic content can be valuable sources of dietary natural antioxidants for the prevention of oxidative stress‐related chronic diseases.
Defining the Overall Quality of Cowpea‐Enriched Rice‐Based Breakfast Cereals
Authors: Marengo Mauro , Baffour Leonora C. , Buratti Susanna , Benedetti Simona , Saalia Firibu K. , Carpen Aristodemo , Manful John , Johnson Paa‐Nii T. , Barbiroli Alberto , Bonomi Francesco , Pagani Ambrogina , Marti Alessandra , Iametti Stefania
Published: September 2016

The development of innovative legume‐enriched rice products is a promising way to exploit rice varieties with a low sensory grade. In this work, a multidisciplinary approach was applied to the characterization of extruded breakfast cereals prepared from African‐grown Oryza glaberrima (cv. Viwonor) or Oryza sativa (cv. Jasmine 85) enriched with 30% cowpea flour, obtained from sprouted or nonsprouted cowpea. Regardless of the rice species, addition of sprouted cowpea flour conferred a peculiar volatiles profile, rich in sour, bitter, and astringent taste. Protein structural indices provided molecular insights about the macroscopic differences among samples. Extruded products from O. glaberrima were characterized by lower expansion rates with respect to those obtained from O. sativa, regardless of the type of cowpea flour. Sprouting time had a positive influence on the hardness of extruded glaberrima‐based products, facilitating formation of a more compact matrix, but it did not influence sativa‐based products. Therefore, the breakdown of protein during sprouting appeared fundamental for the incorporation of legume proteins in more compact matrices, such as the one from sativa rice. In the glaberrima‐based products, addition of sprouted cowpea resulted in further loosening of the structure, and this was more evident at increased sprouting times.
Macromolecular and Micronutrient Profiles of Sprouted Chickpeas to Be Used for Integrating Cereal‐Based Food
Authors: Marengo Mauro , Carpen Aristodemo , Bonomi Francesco , Casiraghi Maria Cristina , Meroni Erika , Quaglia Lucio , Iametti Stefania , Pagani Maria Ambrogina , Marti Alessandra
Published: September 2016

Pulse flour may be used to improve nutritional traits of gluten and gluten‐free formulations in traditional food such as bread or pasta. However, owing to some intrinsic nutritional, textural, and sensory properties, the use of pulses as ingredients for production of enriched food remains limited. In this study, we investigated the modification in macromolecules and micronutrients in industrial‐scale flour from partially sprouted chickpeas to define its possible use as an ingredient in cereal‐based foods. Controlled sprouting resulted in significant decrease of antinutritional compounds (e.g., phytic acid and serine protease inhibitors) and in an increase of free minerals and vitamins. Sprouting also affected the overall structural organization of proteins (such as aggregate formation) and their thiol/disulfide balance, and it promoted release of peptides. All of these had a positive effect on dough mixing properties, in particular for dough development. Formulations with enrichment in sprouted chickpea flour (wheat/chickpea ratio = 100:20) were tested also as for their dough leavening properties, which improved with respect to flour from nonsprouted chickpeas. Taking into account the modifications induced by partial sprouting on an industrial scale, we can conclude that sprouted chickpea flour represents an interesting ingredient for production of enriched cereal‐based food with better nutritional and rheological characteristics.
Quantitative Trait Loci and Resistance Gene Analogs Associated with Maize White Spot Resistance
Authors: Lana Ubiraci Gomes de Paula , Prazeres de Souza Isabel Regina , Noda Roberto Willians , Pastina Maria Marta , Magalhaes Jurandir Vieira , Guimaraes Claudia Teixeira
Published: September 2016

Maize white spot (MWS), caused by the bacterium Pantoea ananatis, is one of the most important maize foliar diseases in tropical and subtropical regions, causing significant yield losses. Despite its economic importance, genetic studies of MWS are scarce. The aim of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with MWS resistance and to identify resistance gene analogs (RGA) underlying these QTL. QTL mapping was performed in a tropical maize F2:3population, which was genotyped with simple-sequence repeat and RGA-tagged markers and phenotyped for the response to MWS in two Brazilian southeastern locations. Nine QTL explained approximately 70% of the phenotypic variance for MWS resistance at each location, with two of them consistently detected in both environments. Data mining using 112 resistance genes cloned from different plant species revealed 1,697 RGA distributed in clusters within the maize genome. The RGA Pto19, Pto20, Pto99, and Xa26.151.4 were genetically mapped within MWS resistance QTL on chromosomes 4 and 8 and were preferentially expressed in the resistant parental line at locations where their respective QTL occurred. The consistency of QTL mapping, in silico prediction, and gene expression analyses revealed RGA and genomic regions suitable for marker-assisted selection to improve MWS resistance.
Identification of quercetin from fruits to immediately fight Zika
Authors: Roy Amrita , Lim Liangzhong , Song Jianxing
Published: September 2016

Zika virus is spread mainly by the bite of an infected mosquito, which can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, thus leading to birth defects including more than microcephaly. It has been recently estimated that one-third of the world population will be infected by Zika in the near future, but unfortunately so far there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. In particular, the special concern on the vaccine treatment to Zika and Dengue arising from antibody-dependent enhancement strongly emphasizes the key role of its NS2B-NS3 protease (NS2B-NS3pro) as a target for anti-Zika drug discovery/design due to its absolutely-essential role in viral replication. In response to the current global health emergency triggered by the Zika outbreak, we successfully obtained several active forms of Zika NS2B-NS3pro and further attempted to discover its inhibitors from eatable plants and traditional herbal medicines to immediately fight Zika. Here, for the first time, we discovered that quercetin, a flavonoid extensively existing in many fruits and vegetables, effectively inhibits Zika NS2B-NS3pro. We further quantify its inhibitory activity with IC50 of 26 uM; and Ki of 23 uM. As quercetin has been extensively found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains, our discovery would benefit the public to immediately fight Zika.
Thermally moderated firefly activity is delayed by precipitation extremes
Authors: Hermann Sara L. , Xue Saisi , Rowe Logan , Davidson-Lowe Elizabeth , Myers Andrew , Eshchanov Bahodir , Bahlai Christie A.
Published: September 2016

The timing of events in the life history of temperate insects is most typically primarily cued by one of two drivers: photoperiod or temperature accumulation over the growing season. However, an insect’s phenology can also be moderated by other drivers like rainfall or the phenology of its host plants. When multiple drivers of phenology interact, there is greater potential for phenological asynchronies to arise between an organism and those with which it interacts. We examined the phenological patterns of a highly seasonal group of fireflies (Photinus spp, predominantlyP. pyralis) over a 12-year period (2004–2015) across 10 plant communities to determine if interacting drivers could explain the variability observed in the adult flight activity density (i.e.mating season) of this species. We found that temperature accumulation was the primary driver of phenology, with activity peaks usually occurring at a temperature accumulation of ~800 degree days (base 10°C), however, our model found this peak varied by nearly 180 degree day units among years. This variation could be explained by a quadratic relationship with the accumulation of precipitation in the growing season; in years with either high and low precipitation extremes at our study site, flight activity was delayed. More fireflies were captured in general in herbaceous plant communities with minimal soil disturbance (alfalfa and no-till field crop rotations), but only weak interactions occurred between within-season responses to climatic variables and plant community. The interaction we observed between temperature and precipitation accumulation suggests that, although climate warming has potential to disrupt phenology of many organisms, changes to regional precipitation patterns can magnify these disruptions.
Global Reduction of Information Exchange during Anesthetic-Induced Unconsciousness
Authors: Hamilton Christina , Ma Yuncong , Zhang Nanyin
Published: September 2016

During anesthetic-induced unconsciousness (AIU), the brain undergoes a dramatic change in its capacity to exchange information between regions. However, the spatial distribution of information exchange loss/gain across the entire brain remains elusive. In the present study, we acquired and analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data in rats during wakefulness and graded levels of consciousness induced by incrementally increasing the concentration of isoflurane. We found that, regardless of spatial scale, theabsolutefunctional connectivity (FC) change was significantly dependent on the FC strength at the awake state across all connections. This dependency became stronger at higher doses of isoflurane. In addition, therelativeFC change (i.e. the FC change normalized to the corresponding FC strength at the awake state) exhibited a spatially homogenous reduction across the whole brain particularly after animals lost consciousness, indicating a globally uniform disruption of meaningful information exchange. To further support this notion, we showed that during unconsciousness, the entropy of rsfMRI signal increased to a value comparable to random noise while the mutual information decreased appreciably. Importantly, consistent results were obtained when unconsciousness was induced by dexmedetomidine, an anesthetic agent with a distinct molecular action than isoflurane. This result indicates that the observed global reduction in information exchange may be agent invariant. Taken together, these findings provide compelling neuroimaging evidence suggesting that the brain undergoes a widespread, uniform disruption in the exchange of meaningful information during AIU, and that this change may represent a common systems-level neural mechanism of AIU.
Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family’s story
Authors: King Julie , Edwards Niki , Correa-Velez Ignacio , Darracott Rosalyn , Fordyce Maureen
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of a refugee family navigating complex disability and restrictive practice service systems. Living with disability, or caring for someone with disability can compound the disadvantage and marginalisation already experienced by refugees. The nexus between disability and refugee status, particularly intellectual disability and restrictive practices, has received little scholarly attention and almost nothing is known of people’s experiences in this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis of a case study is used to illustrate the experiences of a refugee family in this situation. The case study presented was part of a larger ethnographic study exploring the experiences of people of refugee background living with disability.

Findings

There were numerous barriers to accessing appropriate services. The family experienced high levels of stress simultaneously navigating the resettlement process and the disability service system. They were poorly informed and disempowered regarding the care of their loved one and the use of restrictive practices. Experiences in the country of origin, employment responsibilities, and unfamiliarity with the service system were key factors in this family’s difficulty in safeguarding the rights of their family member with disability.

Originality/value

This case study examines the complexity experienced when disability intersects with refugee background. Areas for additional research and significant gaps in service provision are identified. The case study clearly demonstrates the importance of understanding people’s pre- and post-settlement experiences to inform policy and service provision.
Contextualizing employability
Authors: Kovalenko Maxim , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Individual employability has become a crucial element in ensuring labor security in flexibilizing labor markets. The importance of agency-side factors as antecedents of employability has been emphasized in the relevant literature, spurring the criticism that some worker groups may be more restricted than others by contextual factors in respect to their employment prospects. The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically how labor market groups differ in what shapes their employability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a representative sample of 1,055 employees to detect differences in the impact of career self-directedness (agency-side) and several contextual factors (structure-side) on employability, comparing workers with and without higher education and workers in and outside managerial positions. Confirmatory factor analysis with subsequent tests of invariance was used.

Findings

Results confirm that employability is affected both by contextual factors and by self-directedness. No significant differences were observed between the compared groups in the extent to which self-directedness and the contextual factors influence employability. An important finding is that self-directedness itself is affected by preceding career history (career mobility and previous unemployment), which may suggest a vicious-circle relationship between past and future career precariousness.

Practical/implications

The findings support the view prevailing in policy circles that fostering agency-side factors such as self-directedness is instrumental toward achieving higher employment security. At the same time, individual agency cannot replace traditional policy measures in tackling structural labor market inequalities.

Originality/value

This study uses robust methodology and a representative respondent sample to statistically disentangle the effects of agency and context on employability. Its key contribution pertains to the explicit comparison of different worker groups, with separate contrasts on each model parameter.
Political skill reduces the negative impact of distrust
Authors: Coleman Gallagher Vickie , Meurs James A. , Harris Kenneth J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

A number of studies have explored the benefits (e.g. enhanced job performance and reduced strain), of being politically skilled. Within the framework of uncertainty management theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of high political skill to affective commitment, job satisfaction, and perceived job mobility, under conditions of distrust in management.

Design/methodology/approach

Sales representatives were surveyed and moderated multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors found that as distrust increased, affective commitment decreased for all persons, but was most pronounced for persons low on political skill. However, distrust in management had no impact on job satisfaction for those high on political skill, allowing persons high on political skill to enjoy their jobs despite high levels of distrust (an intrapsychic benefit of political skill). Finally, as distrust in management increased, persons high on political skill had increased perceived job mobility.

Research limitations/implications

This study is cross-sectional, limiting conclusions about causality in the relationships studied and leaving open the possibility of reverse causation.

Practical implications

This research has important implications, such that, under conditions of distrust, persons low on political skill are less committed, more dissatisfied, and feel a sense of job immobility, which could lead to poor work outcomes, such as decreased job performance.

Originality/value

The study is the first to examine how being politically skilled benefits employee outcomes when the employee distrusts management.
Spectral modelling of force ripples in permanent magnet bearingless motors
Authors: Lapôtre B. , Takorabet N. , Meibody-Tabar F. , Lateb R. , Da Silva J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an analytical model for the calculation of forces ripples in bearingless permanent magnet motor.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on a spectral modeling of the forces based on a spectral analysis of the air-gap flux density.

Findings

The proposed methodology allows the prediction of the ripples of the levitation according the design of the machine and the topology of the winding. It can be used in the design procedure of bearingless motor in order to avoid mechanical resonance of the rotor shaft.

Research limitations/implications

This model cannot be used for high saturated machines.

Originality/value

The main originality of this paper consists in the evaluation of the field harmonics according to their sources and the contribution of the different harmonics to the force ripples. This can help the designer to focus on reducing or eliminating only the harmonics of flux density which create the force ripples.
Three phase z-source neutral point clamped inverter with multicarrier PWM technique
Authors: Edwin Deepak F.X. , Rajasekaran V.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the three phase seven-level Z-source neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter with multicarrier pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique. Despite numerous topologies and modulation methods, there is a dire need of developing PWM techniques that can be deployed in multilevel inverters. These inverters decrease the total harmonic distortion and it has a good performance for various electrical power system applications. The proposed inverter is investigated for its performance by executing it in shoot through and non-shoot through modes.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose is validated through MATLAB/Simulink software platform for implementing the proposed seven-level Z-source NPC inverter outlined with multicarrier based phase disposition technique. The experimental results are verified using SPARTAN 3E FPGA controller with the same control strategy.

Findings

The efficiency of the proposed inverter is confirmed in terms of increased and faster conversion in the shoot-through mode. By using PDPWM technique the maximum boost gain is achieved with lower modulation index. High control of DC voltage is obtained with only one DC voltage source and one Z network.

Originality/value

Three phase multilevel inverters are widely used in improving the output voltage quality and reducing the encountered electromagnetic interference in electronic device or circuitry. They are employed in medium and high –power applications to attain increased power ratings while decreasing the switching losses. The performance results shown in this paper will satisfy the above needs of usage in certain applications and less switching losses.
Adaptive impulse detection based selective window median filter for removal of random-valued impulse noise in digital images
Authors: Ashok K. , Kalaiselvi A. , Vijaykumar V.R.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

One of the fundamental tasks in the field of image processing is image denoising. Images are often corrupted by different types of noise and the restoration of images degraded with random-valued impulse noise is still a challenging task. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an adaptive threshold-based impulse noise detection following by a novel selective window median filter for restoration of RVIN pixels.

Findings

The proposed method emphasis a local image statistics using an exponential nonlinear function with an adaptive threshold is derived from the rank-ordered trimmed median absolute difference (ROTMAD) are deliberated to detect the noisy pixels. In the filtering stage, a selective 3×3 moving window median filter is applied to restore the detected noisy pixel.

Originality/value

Experimental result shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing state-of-art techniques in terms of noise removal and quantitative metrics such as peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), mean absolute error (MAE), structural similarity index metric (SSIM) and miss and false detection rate.
Wide area adaptive hybrid fuzzy STATCOM controller for dynamic stability enhancement
Authors: Ganesh Aman , Dahiya Ratna , Singh Girish Kumar
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an adaptive fuzzy controller for STATCOM to damp low-frequency inter-area oscillation over wide operating range using wide area signals in multimachine power system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper tuneable fuzzy model is proposed where the parameters of the fuzzy inference system are tuned by using the adaptive characteristic of the artificial neural network. Based on back propagation algorithm and method of least square estimation, the fuzzy inference rule base is tweaked according to the data from which they are modelled. The wide area control signals, for the proposed controller, available in the power system are selected on the basis of eigenvalue sensitivity defined in terms of participation factor.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed controller with wide area signals is tested on two test cases, namely, two area network and IEEE 12 bus benchmark system. The comparative analysis of the proposed adaptive fuzzy controller is carried out with conventional STATCOM controller along with fuzzy-and neural-based supplementary controller all using selected wide area signals. The results show that neural network tuned fuzzy controller leads to better system identification and have enhanced damping characteristics over wide operating range.

Originality/value

In the available literature, numerous researchers have indicated the use of fuzzy logic controller and neural controller along with their hybrid schemes as STATCOM controller for improving the dynamics of the multimachine power system using local signals. The main contribution of the paper is in using the hybrid intelligent control scheme for STATCOM using wide area signals. The advantage of proposed scheme is that the performance of well-designed fuzzy system can be enhanced with the same training data that are used for designing a neural controller thus giving enhanced performance in comparison to individual intelligent control scheme.
Statistical soft error rate estimation of combinational circuits using Bayesian networks
Authors: Sabet M. Amin , Ghavami Behnam
Published: September 2016

Purpose

With continuous scaling of digital circuit CMOS technology, the vulnerability of these circuits are significantly increasing against the soft errors. On the other hand, the effects of process variation in the electrical properties of nano-scale circuits, have introduced the statistical methods as an unavoidable choice for the soft error rate (SER) estimation. The purpose of this paper is to provide a statistical soft error rate (SSER) estimation approach for combinational circuits in the presence of process variation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a new method is proposed for the SSER estimation of combinational circuits based on the Bayesian networks (BNs). This allows to factor the joint probability distributions over variables in a circuit graph. The distribution of the initial transient fault pulse is estimated by the pre-characterization tables. Timing signals are propagated by BN theory and the probability distribution of electrical and timing masking are calculated.

Findings

Simulation results for some benchmark circuits show that the proposed method is accurate with 3.7 percent difference with the Monte-Carlo SPICE simulation and with orders of magnitude improvement in runtime.

Originality/value

The proposed framework is the scheme giving the low estimation time with plausible accuracy compared to other schemes. The comparison exhibits that the designer can save its estimation time in terms of performance and complexity. The deterministic-based methods also are able to evaluate the SER of combinational circuit, yet in an unacceptable time.
Multiphysical computation of the structural bending in a bottom-drive VCM
Authors: García-Moreno Salatiel , Bandala-Sánchez Manuel
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper intends to lay a background knowledge towards the feasibility of developing a bottom-drive variable capacitance micromotor (VCM) using a surface micromachining process (SMP). The purpose of this paper is to determine the possibility of neglecting the bending of the rotor plates caused by the electrostatic normal forces when deploying a set of mechanical supports.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiphysics simulation approach is considered in order to analyse the coupled electromechanical effects in a steady state and to evaluate if the proposed geometries are useful to reduce the bending of the plates.

Findings

A surfaced micromachined bottom-drive VCM requires mechanical reinforcement in order to eliminate the risk of an electrical short circuit caused by the deformation in the rotor plates. The combination of an external supporting ring and anchored structural ribs on top of the rotor poles is sufficient to neglect the deformation in the poles of the rotor.

Originality/value

An original analysis with the objective of setting a background in the development of a bottom-drive electrostatic micromotor using a SMP is presented.
A comprehensive approach to single and double line contingency screening
Authors: Montagna Mario
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show some techniques to perform line contingency screening efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

Computation efficiency and speed are mandatory requirements of contingency screening, especially when multiple outages need to be considered. The classical bounding principle, i.e. the idea that the effects of an outage are restricted to the area where the outage occurs, becomes increasingly difficult to apply to multiple contingencies. In the present work a comprehensive strategy, based on a systematic elimination of non-dangerous outages, is shown to be easily applicable to both single and double contingencies.

Findings

Tests show the efficiency of the proposed methods with reference to test systems and to an actual network with up to 800 buses.

Originality/value

The bounding approach is the basis of most efficient contingency screening methods based on the linear dc load flow model. In the present work the method is re-considered to improve computational efficiency. The symmetry of the dc Jacobian and the sparse inverse technique are suitably exploited in the evaluation of line outage distribution factors; this also allows a combination of single and double line contingency screening into a single procedure.
Congestion management in deregulated power system using hybrid cat-firefly algorithm with TCSC and SVC FACTS devices
Authors: Avudayappan Naraina , Deepa S.N.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The loading and power variations in the power system, especially for the peak hours have abundant concussion on the loading patterns of the open access transmission system. During such unconditional state of loading the transmission line parameters and the line voltages show a substandard profile, which depicts exaction of congestion management of the power line in such events. The purpose of this paper is to present an uncomplicated and economical model for congestion management using flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach desires a two-step procedure, first by optimal placement of thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) and static VAR compensator (SVC) as FACTS devices in the network; second tuning the control parameters to their optimized values. The optimal location and tuning of TCSC and SVC represents a hectic optimization problem, due to its multi-objective and constrained nature. Hence, a reassuring heuristic optimization algorithm inspired by behavior of cat and firefly is employed to find the optimal placement and tuning of TCSC and SVC.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed model is tested through simulation on standard IEEE 14-bus system. The proposed approach proves to be better than the earlier existing approaches in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

With the completed simulation and results, it is proved that the proposed scheme has reduced the congestion in line, thereby increasing the voltage stability along with improved loading capability for the congested lines.

Practical implications

The usefulness of the proposed scheme is justified with the computed results, giving convenience for implementation to any practical transmission network.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study exaction of congestion management of the power line.
Coordinated reactive power optimization for multi-TSO grids in an autonomous way
Authors: Zhang Anan , Chen Shi , Zhang Fan , Zhang Xuliang , Li Hongwei , Gong Xue
Published: September 2016

Purpose

It is very indispensable for the various control centers of multi-transmission system owners (TSOs) grids to coordinate their reactive power optimization (RPO) efforts. However, such coordinated equilibrium point is comparatively hard to achieve unless one TSO control center could obtain all grids’ information in detail, which may lead to confidential issue and heavy communicating load. The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution to optimizing the reactive power control efforts among multi-TSOs grids with a mathematic interconnection model and reasonable communication cost.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the interconnected power network equation, the stability-related optimum reactive power injection and the power-loss-related optimum reactive power injection were derived, respectively. Furthermore, according to the decomposition-and-coordination-based computing methodology, a coordinated RPO model for interconnected TSOs was designed, taking into consideration both the static voltage stability and economy.

Findings

The extreme values for the indicator L of power grid voltage stability and active power loss function were found and proved to be minimums. According to these extreme values, an expression for the reactive power injection at interconnected nodes between TSOs grids was obtained, and a coordinated strategy of RPO was established, which could take the static voltage stability and economy into consideration without confidential concern.

Originality/value

The existence of minimum values for indicator L of voltage stability and power loss was demonstrated, respectively. And the method presented in this paper can ensure the safety of information among different TSO grids, i.e. avoiding confidential issues. In particular, the coordinated control method can be implemented on the local power grid without knowing all of the parameters of its interconnection.
Numerical study of turbulent forced convection in a finned tube with and without CuO nano fluid
Authors: Abbood Sahar A. , Sunden Bengt Ake
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a numerical investigation to study forced convection for a tube with fins on the inner and outer surfaces with water as the base fluid and adding particles of CuO to have a nanofluid.

Design/methodology/approach

Three geometries are designed by using Solid Works and the number of inside fins is 20 with height 6 mm and thickness 1 mm. The number of outside fins is 20 with height 12 mm and thickness 1 mm. The length of the tube is 1,000 mm and the inner and outer diameter is 26 and 28 mm, respectively. The annular diameter is 60 mm. The geometries are imported to Gambit where the mesh is chosen and the boundary conditions are specified. The commercial software package Fluent version 14.0 has been used to numerically solve the governing equations for the three cases.

Findings

The temperature contours for the three models at different air velocities, i.e., 5, 7.5 and 10 m/s and water velocities 0.8, 1 and 3 m/s have been investigated. The enhancement of heat transfer by using CuO nanoparticles has been investigated at different nanofluid concentrations.

Originality/value

In this paper, a numerical study is presented to analyze internal and external longitudinal finned tubes with water inside and air outside, with and without nano CuO particles.