bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer over Solid-Deflectors in Transverse, Staggered, Corrugated-Upstream and Corrugated-Downstream Patterns
Authors: Menni Younes , Azzi Ahmed , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: June 2018

Computational fluid dynamic simulations were conducted to analysis the influences of two different deflector orientations on turbulent forced-convection flow and skin friction loss of two-dimensional horizontal rectangular cross section channels with upper and lower wall-attached corrugated baffles. The governing flow equations, i.e., continuity, momentum, and energy, were numerically solved by the Finite Volume Method (FVM) using the Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equation (SIMPLE) discretization formulation. The help of the CFD code FLUENT was employed to solve the dynamic and thermal behavior of air in the whole domain under investigation. The flow rate in terms of Reynolds number is ranged from 5,000 to 32,000. The obtained results show that augmenting the Reynolds number makes the dynamic thermo energy field redirect in the vicinity of deflector corners, and forces an augmentation in the thermal transfer rate from baffles.
Safety and feasibility of myomectomy during caesarean section in case of pregnancy associated with fibroid uterus
Authors: Yeasmin SF , Hasanat MA , Saha E , Rahman MT , Sunyal DK
Published: June 2018

Routine myomectomy during pregnancy is not recommended because of excessive bleeding during myomectomy and the difficulty in securing hemostasis may need hysterectomy. This prospective observational study was carried out in Obstetrics & Gynecology department of Ad-din Akij Medical College, Khulna from June 2016 to August 2017 to evaluate safety and feasibility of performing myomectomy at the time of caesarean delivery. Nineteen patients with fibroid uterus with pregnancy whom needed cesarean section for various indications were the target population for this study. Main outcome measures were difficulty of myomectomy & cesarean section, time needed for operation, per-operative complications, need for blood transfusion, postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay. Caesarean myomectomy operation was successful in all cases. No patient was required hysterectomy. The duration of operation was 45-60 minutes. Only one patient had one unit of whole blood transfusion during postoperative period. Mean (SD) duration of hospital stay and post-operative Hb concentration were 6.9 (0.6) days and 8.6 (1.4) g/dl, respectively. Two patients developed post-operative fever which delayed their hospital stay. Myomectomy during cesarean section in selected cases with proper indication is safe and feasible.Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 1: Jan 2018, Page 5-9
Large luteinized follicular cyst of pregnancy
Authors: Nur TE , Peea AJ , Hossain MM , Husna AU
Published: June 2018

Ovarian luteinized follicular cyst is a relatively uncommon benign condition characterized by bilateral or solitary ovarian enlargement during pregnancy. A large luteinized follicular cyst can rupture or twist during pregnancy. Few cases of this clinical condition have been reported in literature. A large (12.5 × 9 cm) cyst and a live fetus of 8 weeks were detected on ultrasound scan of a 28 year old lady who had lower abdominal pain was the subject of this case report. The cyst was growing rapidly. Laparotomic excision of the cyst, and dilation and curettage was performed. Macroscopically the cyst was 15 cm in length with smooth regular outer and inner wall. Microscopic examination revealed a large luteinized follicular cyst of pregnancy. A rapidly enlarging ovarian mass in pregnancy poses significant diagnostic problems. Large luteinized cysts of pregnancy are thought to involve stimulation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or increased tissue sensitivity to hCG. A literature search identified eight previous cases that had been detected prenatally. In summary, large luteinized cysts of pregnancy are an uncommon type of cystic mass particular to pregnancy, characterized by the combination of a benign appearance and a tendency to enlarge rapidly, eventually becoming symptomatic and most often necessitating surgery.Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 1: Jan 2018, Page 38-41
Does Marine Surface Tension Have Global Biogeography? Addition for the OCEANFILMS Package
Authors: Elliott Scott , Burrows Susannah , Cameron-Smith Philip , Hoffman Forrest , Hunke Elizabeth , Jeffery Nicole , Liu Yina , Maltrud Mathew , Menzo Zachary , Ogunro Oluwaseun , Van Roekel Luke , Wang Shanlin , Brunke Michael , Jin Meibing , Letscher Robert , Meskhidze Nicholas , Russell Lynn , Simpson Isla , Stokes Dale , Wingenter Oliver
Published: June 2018

We apply principles of Gibbs phase plane chemistry across the entire ocean-atmosphere interface to investigate aerosol generation and geophysical transfer issues. Marine surface tension differences comprise a tangential pressure field controlling trace gas fluxes, primary organic inputs, and sea spray salt injections, in addition to heat and momentum fluxes. Mapping follows from the organic microlayer composition, now represented in ocean system models. Organic functional variations drive the microforcing, leading to (1) reduced turbulence and (by extension) laminar gas-energy diffusion; plus (2) altered bubble film mass emission into the boundary layer. Interfacial chemical behaviors are, therefore, closely reviewed as the background. We focus on phase transitions among two dimensional “solid, liquid, and gaseous” states serving as elasticity indicators. From the pool of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) only proteins and lipids appear to occupy significant atmospheric interfacial areas. The literature suggests albumin and stearic acid as the best proxies, and we distribute them through ecodynamic simulation. Consensus bulk distributions are obtained to control their adsorptive equilibria. We devise parameterizations for both the planar free energy and equation of state, relating excess coverage to the surface pressure and its modulus. Constant settings for the molecular surrogates are drawn from laboratory study and successfully reproduce surfactant solid-to-gas occurrence in compression experiments. Since DOC functionality measurements are rare, we group them into super-ecological province tables to verify aqueous concentration estimates. Outputs are then fed into a coverage, tension, elasticity code. The resulting two dimensional pressure contours cross a critical range for the regulation of precursor piston velocity, bubble breakage, and primary aerosol sources plus ripple damping. Concepts extend the water-air adsorption theory currently embodied in our OCEANFILMS aerosol emissions package, and the two approaches could be inserted into Earth System Models together. Uncertainties in the logic include kinetic and thermochemical factors operating at multiple scales.
New Los Alamos Opacity Calculations
Authors: Colgan J. , Kilcrease D. P. , Magee N. H. , Sherrill M. E. , Fontes C. J. , Hakel P.
Published: June 2018

In 2015 Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) released a new set of OPLIB opacity tables for the elements hydrogen through zinc. The new LANL opacities are publicly available via our website and are already in use by the astrophysics community. In this contribution, we discuss the extension of our opacity calculations to elements beyond zinc. Such calculations are motivated by potential industrial applications (for elements such as Sn) as well as available experimental data with which to compare our calculations (for Ge and Br). After a short outline of our method for computing opacities for these elements, we make comparisons to available experimental data and find good agreement. Future plans are briefly discussed.
Utilizing Peptide Ligand GPCRs to Image and Treat Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Matters Gail L. , Harms John F.
Published: June 2018

It is estimated that early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) could increase long-term patient survival by as much as 30% to 40% (Seufferlein, T. et al., Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2016, 13, 74–75). There is an unmet need for reagents that can reliably identify early cancerous or precancerous lesions through various imaging modalities or could be employed to deliver anticancer treatments specifically to tumor cells. However, to date, many PDAC tumor-targeting strategies lack selectivity and are unable to discriminate between tumor and nontumor cells, causing off-target effects or unclear diagnoses. Although a variety of approaches have been taken to identify tumor-targeting reagents that can effectively direct therapeutics or imaging agents to cancer cells (Liu, D. et al., J. Controlled Release 2015, 219, 632–643), translating these reagents into clinical practice has been limited, and it remains an area open to new methodologies and reagents (O’Connor, J.P. et al., Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol. 2017, 14, 169–186). G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are key target proteins for drug discovery and comprise a large proportion of currently marketed therapeutics, hold significant promise for tumor imaging and targeted treatment, particularly for pancreatic cancer.
Reply to: “The Relationship between Eye Movements and Reading Difficulties”, Blythe, Kirkby & Liversedge
Authors: Stein John
Published: June 2018

This is my response to the critique by Blythe et al. of my review ‘What is Developmental Dyslexia?’. In this response, I provide greater detail about the evidence supporting the view that faulty eye movement control can cause dyslexics’ visual reading difficulties and that impaired development of the visual magnocellular system may be the underlying cause.
Cancer Metastases to Bone: Concepts, Mechanisms, and Interactions with Bone Osteoblasts
Authors: Shupp Alison , Kolb Alexus , Mukhopadhyay Dimpi , Bussard Karen
Published: June 2018

The skeleton is a unique structure capable of providing support for the body. Bone resorption and deposition are controlled in a tightly regulated balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts with no net bone gain or loss. However, under conditions of disease, the balance between bone resorption and deposition is upset. Osteoblasts play an important role in bone homeostasis by depositing new bone osteoid into resorption pits. It is becoming increasingly evident that osteoblasts additionally play key roles in cancer cell dissemination to bone and subsequent metastasis. Our laboratory has evidence that when osteoblasts come into contact with disseminated breast cancer cells, the osteoblasts produce factors that initially reduce breast cancer cell proliferation, yet promote cancer cell survival in bone. Other laboratories have demonstrated that osteoblasts both directly and indirectly contribute to dormant cancer cell reactivation in bone. Moreover, we have demonstrated that osteoblasts undergo an inflammatory stress response in late stages of breast cancer, and produce inflammatory cytokines that are maintenance and survival factors for breast cancer cells and osteoclasts. Advances in understanding interactions between osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone metastatic cancer cells will aid in controlling and ultimately preventing cancer cell metastasis to bone.
Omnidirectional SiO2 AR Coatings
Authors: Khan Sadaf Bashir , Wu Hui , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: June 2018

It is of great importance to develop antireflective (AR) coatings and techniques because improved optical performance has been progressively prerequisite for wide-ranging applications such as flat panel displays, optoelectronic devices or solar cells. Natural surroundings inspire researchers considerably to impersonate in order to provoke analogous characteristics via artificial approaches, which provide the opportunity for emerging techniques and development in material engineering. Herein, SiO2 antireflective (AR) coatings comprised of two layers were fabricated using a physical vapour deposition method via glancing angle. The top layer fabricated at an oblique angle of 80° and the bottom layer close to the substrate was deposited at a deposition angle of 0°. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that there is a slight influence on the refractive index of thin films by changing the morphology of nanostructures keeping deposition angles the same. The top layer shows a periodic arrangement of SiO2 nanostructures while the bottom stratum represents a SiO2 compact dense layer. The assembled bilayer SiO2 AR coating retains omnidirectional AR efficiency and tunability at a preferred wavelength range displaying <1% reflectance. Moreover, the fabricated omnidirectional SiO2 AR coatings have thermal stability up to 300 °C. These SiO2 AR coatings also possess negative temperature resistivity to withstand different cold storage conditions. Hence, the flexible and environmental adaptive SiO2 AR coating offers an intriguing route for imminent research in optics.
Refrigeration Performance and Entropy Generation Analysis for Reciprocating Magnetic Refrigerator with Gd Plates
Authors: You Yonghua , Wu Zhongda , Yang Yong , Yu Jie , Zhang Dong , Zhang Zhuang
Published: June 2018

In the current work, a novel 2D numerical model of stationary grids was developed for reciprocating magnetic refrigerators, with Gd plates, in which the magneto-caloric properties, derived from the Weiss molecular field theory, were adopted for the built-in energy source of the magneto-caloric effect. The numerical simulation was conducted under the conditions of different structural and operational parameters, and the effects of the relative fluid displacement (φ) on the specific refrigeration capacity (qref) and the Coefficient of Performance (COP) were obtained. Besides the variations of entropy, the generation rate and number were studied and the contours of the local entropy generation rate are presented for discussion. From the current work, it is found that with an increase in φ, both the qref and COP followed the convex variation trend, while the entropy generation number (Ns) varied concavely. As for the current cases, the maximal qref and COP were equal to 151.2 kW/m3 and 9.11, respectively, while the lowest Ns was the value of 2.4 × 10−4 K−1. However, the optimal φ for the largest qref and COP, and for the lowest Ns, were inconsistent, thus, some compromises need be made in the optimization of magnetic refrigerators.
A High-Precision Time-Frequency Entropy Based on Synchrosqueezing Generalized S-Transform Applied in Reservoir Detection
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Yuanchun , Sun Shaotong , Hu Ying , Feng Jun
Published: June 2018

According to the fact that high frequency will be abnormally attenuated when seismic signals travel across reservoirs, a new method, which is named high-precision time-frequency entropy based on synchrosqueezing generalized S-transform, is proposed for hydrocarbon reservoir detection in this paper. First, the proposed method obtains the time-frequency spectra by synchrosqueezing generalized S-transform (SSGST), which are concentrated around the real instantaneous frequency of the signals. Then, considering the characteristics and effects of noises, we give a frequency constraint condition to calculate the entropy based on time-frequency spectra. The synthetic example verifies that the entropy will be abnormally high when seismic signals have an abnormal attenuation. Besides, comparing with the GST time-frequency entropy and the original SSGST time-frequency entropy in field data, the results of the proposed method show higher precision. Moreover, the proposed method can not only accurately detect and locate hydrocarbon reservoirs, but also effectively suppress the impact of random noises.
Thermal Analysis of the Receiver of a Standalone Pilot Solar Dish–Stirling System
Authors: Gholamalizadeh Ehsan , Chung Jae Dong
Published: June 2018

Recent developments in solar thermal systems have aroused considerable interest in several countries with high solar potential. One of the most promising solar driven technologies is the solar thermal dish-Stirling system. One of the main issues of the solar dish–Stirling system is thermal losses from its components. The majority of the thermal losses of the system occur through its receiver before the thermal energy is converted to electrical energy by the Stirling engine. The goal of this investigation is to analyze the thermal performance of the receiver of a standalone pilot solar dish–Stirling system installed in Kerman City, Iran, to be used in remote off-grid areas of the Kerman Province. An analytical model was developed to predict the input energy, thermal losses, and thermal efficiency of the receiver. The receiver thermal model was first validated by comparing simulation results to experimental measurements for the EuroDish project. Then, the incident flux intensity intercepted by the receiver aperture, the thermal losses through the receiver (including conduction, convection, and radiation losses), and the power output during daytime hours (average day of each month for a year) were predicted. The results showed that the conduction loss was small, while the convection and radiation losses played major roles in the total thermal losses through the receiver. The convection loss is dominant during the early morning and later evening hours, while radiation loss reaches its highest value near midday. Finally, the thermal efficiency of the receiver and the power output for each working hour throughout the year were calculated. The maximum performance of the system occurred at midday in the middle of July, with a predicted power output of 850 W, and a receiver efficiency of about 60%. At this time, a conduction loss of about 266 W, a convection loss of 284 W, and a radiation loss of about 2000 W were estimated.
Linear Algebraic Beamforming Design for Multiuser MISO Interference Channels: A Reduction in Search Space Dimension
Authors: Choi Sang Won , Shin Won-Yong , Kim Juyeop
Published: June 2018

Near-optimal transmit beamformers are designed for multiuser multiple-input single-output interference channels with slowly time-varying block fading. The main contribution of this article is to provide a method for deriving closed-form solutions to effective beamforming in both low and high signal-to-noise ratio regimes. The proposed method basically leverages side information obtained from the channel correlation between adjacent coding blocks. More specifically, our methodology is based on a linear algebraic approach, which is more efficient than the optimal scheme based on the Gaussian input in the sense of reducing the average number of search space dimensions for designing the near-optimal transmit beamformers. The proposed method is shown to exhibit near-optimal performance via computer simulations in terms of the average sum-rate.
Study on Reduced Cost of Non-Salient Machine System Using MTPA Angle Pre-Compensation Method Based on EEMF Sensorless Control
Authors: Joo Kyoung Jin , Park Joon Sung , Lee Ju
Published: June 2018

When a consumer chooses a product, one of the most important considerations is price. Therefore, cost reduction is the most important factor when manufacturing a product. This paper has applied the sensorless method to remove the position sensor in an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) system and examined the way to reduce the use of the trigonometric function in order to lower the dependency on a high-end CPU. A sensorless method has been studied to use an extended electromotive force (EEMF) that can increase the degree of freedom of the motor in the IPMSM system. In addition, an observer is applied to the estimated position to stabilize the system. Furthermore, many trigonometric functions are used for driving the IPMSM. Since this trigonometric function requires decimal point operations, that requires a lot of computation time and a high-performance CPU. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method to pre-compensate the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) angle as a way to reduce the use of the trigonometric functions which makes a high-spec CPU unnecessary. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the proposed control algorithm.
Analysis and Improvement of Adaptive Coefficient Third Harmonic Voltage Differential Stator Grounding Protection
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Yuping , Sang Jianbin , Bao Minglei , Zang Haixiang
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a novel third harmonic voltage differential stator grounding protection (THV-DSGP) method combining the adaptive coefficient and fixed coefficient. It can solve the protection sensitivity degradation problem when the insulation resistance of stator winding to ground is slowly declining. This protection method retains the advantages of the adaptive coefficient, which is to maintain high sensitivity in case of an instantaneous ground fault. Moreover, the fixed coefficient can remember the initial insulation state of the stator winding and prevent relay failure when the stator insulation is slowly declining. In addition, due to zero-sequence voltage disconnection (ZSVD) often leading to malfunctioning of the THV stator ground protection, the existing criterion of the ZSVD was improved according to the electrical characteristics of the generator when ZSVD happens. THV-DSGP with both adaptive coefficient and fixed coefficient was simulated in the Matlab/Simulink. The simulation results show that the proposed protection can be applied to the slow ground fault of the stator winding. Furthermore, the improved criterion of ZSVD can effectively distinguish the stator metal earth fault and the secondary loop break of the zero-sequence voltage.
Reliability Assessment of Power Systems with Photovoltaic Power Stations Based on Intelligent State Space Reduction and Pseudo-Sequential Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Liu Wenxia , Guo Dapeng , Xu Yahui , Cheng Rui , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Yueqiao
Published: June 2018

As the number and capacity of photovoltaic (PV) power stations increase, it is of great significance to evaluate the PV-connected power systems in an effective, reasonable, and quick way. In order to overcome the challenge of PV’s time-sequential characteristic and improve upon the computational efficiency, this paper presents a new methodology to evaluate the reliability of the power system with photovoltaic power stations, which combines intelligent state space reduction and a pseudo-sequential Monte Carlo simulation (PMCS). First, a non-aggregate Markov model of photovoltaic output is established, which effectively retains some time-sequential representation of the PV output. Then, the differential evolution algorithm (DE) is introduced into the sampling stage of PMCS to carry out an intelligent state space reduction (ISSR). By using the DE algorithm, success states are searched out and removed, thus the state space is reduced and formed with a high density of loss-of-load. Hence, unnecessary samplings are avoided, which optimizes the PMCS sampling mechanism and improves the computational efficiency. Finally, the proposed method is tested in the modified IEEE RTS-79 system. The results indicate that this new method has a better computational efficiency than the time-sequential Monte Carlo simulation method (TMCS) and pure PMCS. In addition, the effectiveness and feasibility of this method are also verified.
Design and Control of Small DC-Link Capacitor-Based Three-Level Inverter with Neutral-Point Voltage Balancing
Authors: In Hyo-Chul , Kim Seok-Min , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a method to improve the quality of input-output currents in a three-level neutral-point clamped (NPC) inverter with small direct current-link (DC-link) capacitor systems. The inverter systems with the small DC-link capacitors have several advantages in terms of cost, volume, life-time, and reliability when compared to inverters that use large DC-link capacitors. However, there are problems with respect to the deterioration of the input current quality and a severe ripple of neutral-point voltage (NPV), which can cause an aggravated output current. To mitigate these issues, an additional circuit is applied for the input current shaping and a compensation algorithm is applied to reduce the ripple voltage of NPV. The effectiveness of the proposed design and control method is verified with various simulation and experimental results.
A Modularized Discharge-Type Balancing Topology for Series-Connected Super Capacitor String
Authors: Fan Shaogui , Sun Li , Duan Jiandong , Zhang Dong
Published: June 2018

This paper proposed a modularized discharge-type topology for the voltage balance of series-connected super capacitor (SC) string. The proposed topology consists of cascaded converter modules and a boost converter. The cascaded converter modules discharge the higher voltage SCs directly with the ideal output current to realize a fast balancing speed and the boost converter feedbacks the extra energy from the higher voltage SCs to the super capacitor energy storage system (SCESS). The modular design of the cascaded converter modules makes the balancing system suitable for different voltage levels of SCESS. Unlike the charge-type topologies which discharge the higher voltage SCs indirectly, the proposed topology discharges the higher voltage SCs directly with a big current, and the over voltage phenomenon of SCs is then avoided, which means the reliability of the SCESS can be improved. The voltage stress of the switches inside the cascaded converter modules is low, which is different from the existing modularized discharge-type balancing topology. What is more, the control of cascaded converter modules and the boost converter can be implemented by analog devices which will simplify the control of the whole system. The control degree of freedom is high and the voltage of each cell can be controlled. An in-depth comparison analysis with the charge-type balancing topology is performed from the perspective of balancing speed and round-trip energy efficiency. The proposed topology and the balancing performance are confirmed by experimental results.
3D Numerical Study of Multiphase Counter-Current Flow within a Packed Bed for Post Combustion Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Yang Li , Liu Fang , Song Zhengchang , Liu Kunlei , Saito Kozo
Published: June 2018

The hydrodynamics within counter-current flow packed beds is of vital importance to provide insight into the design and operational parameters that may impact reactor and reaction efficiencies in processes used for post combustion CO2 capture. However, the multiphase counter-current flows in random packing used in these processes are complicated to visualize. Hence, this work aimed at developing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to study more precisely the complex details of flow inside a packed bed. The simulation results clearly demonstrated the development of, and changes in, liquid distributions, wetted areas, and film thickness under various gas and liquid flow rates. An increase in values of the We number led to a more uniform liquid distribution, and the flow patterns changed from droplet flow to film flow and trickle flow as the We number was increased. In contrast, an increase in gas flow rate had no significant effect on the wetted areas and liquid holdup. It was also determined that the number of liquid inlets affected flow behavior, and the liquid surface tension had an insignificant influence on pressure drop or liquid holdup; however, lower surface tension provided a larger wetted area and a thinner film. An experimental study, performed to enable comparisons between experimentally measured pressure drops and simulation-determined pressure drops, showed close correspondence and similar trends between the experimental data and the simulation data; hence, it was concluded that the simulation model was validated and could reasonably predict flow dynamics within a counter-current flow packed bed.
Electrical Properties of Polyethylene/Polypropylene Compounds for High-Voltage Insulation
Authors: Ahmed Dabbak Sameh Ziad , Illias Hazlee Azil , Ang Bee Chin , Abdul Latiff Nurul Ain , Makmud Mohamad Zul Hilmey
Published: June 2018

In high-voltage insulation systems, the most commonly used material is polymeric material because of its high dielectric strength, high resistivity, and low dielectric loss in addition to good chemical and mechanical properties. In this work, various polymer compounds were prepared, consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), HDPE/PP, and LDPE/PP polymer blends. The relative permittivity and breakdown strength of each sample types were evaluated. In order to determine the physical properties of the prepared samples, the samples were also characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the dielectric constant of PP increased with the increase of HDPE and LDPE content. The breakdown measurement data for all samples were analyzed using the cumulative probability plot of Weibull distribution. From the acquired results, it was found that the dielectric strengths of LDPE and HDPE were higher than that of PP. Consequently, the addition of LDPE and HDPE to PP increased the breakdown strength of PP, but a variation in the weight ratio (30%, 50% and 70%) did not change significantly the breakdown strength. The DSC measurements showed two exothermic crystallization peaks representing two crystalline phases. In addition, the DSC results showed that the blended samples were physically bonded, and no co-crystallization occurred in the produced blends.
Short-Term Load Forecasting for Electric Bus Charging Stations Based on Fuzzy Clustering and Least Squares Support Vector Machine Optimized by Wolf Pack Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xing
Published: June 2018

Accurate short-term load forecasting is of momentous significance to ensure safe and economic operation of quick-change electric bus (e-bus) charging stations. In order to improve the accuracy and stability of load prediction, this paper proposes a hybrid model that combines fuzzy clustering (FC), least squares support vector machine (LSSVM), and wolf pack algorithm (WPA). On the basis of load characteristics analysis for e-bus charging stations, FC is adopted to extract samples on similar days, which can not only avoid the blindness of selecting similar days by experience, but can also overcome the adverse effects of unconventional load data caused by a sudden change of factors on training. Then, WPA with good global convergence and computational robustness is employed to optimize the parameters of LSSVM. Thus, a novel hybrid load forecasting model for quick-change e-bus charging stations is built, namely FC-WPA-LSSVM. To verify the developed model, two case studies are used for model construction and testing. The simulation test results prove that the proposed model can obtain high prediction accuracy and ideal stability.
Non-Structural Carbohydrate Dynamics in Leaves and Branches of Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) Following 3-Year Rainfall Exclusion
Authors: Lin Tian , Zheng Huaizhou , Huang Zhihong , Wang Jian , Zhu Jinmao
Published: June 2018

Drought-induced tree mortality is an increasing and global ecological problem. Stored non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) may be a key determinant of drought resistance, but most existing studies are temporally limited. In this study, a 3-year 100% rainfall exclusion manipulation experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of NSC dynamics to drought stress in 25-year-old Pinus massoniana leaves and branches. The results showed: (1) compared with the control condition, leaf NSC concentration in the drought treatment increased 90% in the early stage (days 115–542) (p < 0.05), and then decreased 15% in the late stage (days 542–1032), which was attributed to water limitation instead of phenology; (2) the response of leaf NSCs to drought was more significant than branch NSCs, demonstrating a time lag effect; and (3) the response of P. massoniana to mild drought stress was to increase the soluble sugars and starch in the early stage, followed by an increase in soluble sugars caused by decreasing starch in the later stress period. Considering these results, mid-term drought stress had no significant effect on the total NSC concentration in P. massoniana, removing carbon storage as a potential adaptation to drought stress.
Evaluation of Interfacial Heat Transfer Models for Flashing Flow with Two-Fluid CFD
Authors: Liao Yixiang , Lucas Dirk
Published: June 2018

The complexity of flashing flows is increased vastly by the interphase heat transfer as well as its coupling with mass and momentum transfers. A reliable heat transfer coefficient is the key in the modelling of such kinds of flows with the two-fluid model. An extensive literature survey on computational modelling of flashing flows has been given in previous work. The present work is aimed at giving a brief review on available theories and correlations for the estimation of interphase heat transfer coefficient, and evaluating them quantitatively based on computational fluid dynamics simulations of bubble growth in superheated liquid. The comparison of predictions for bubble growth rate obtained by using different correlations with the experimental as well as direct numerical simulation data reveals that the performance of the correlations is dependent on the Jakob number and Reynolds number. No generally applicable correlations are available. Both conduction and convection are important in cases of bubble rising and translating in stagnant liquid at high Jakob numbers. The correlations combining the analytical solution for heat diffusion and the theoretical relation for potential flow give the best agreement.
Flow and Nematic Director Profiles in a Microfluidic Channel: The Interplay of Nematic Material Constants and Backflow
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Griffiths Ian M. , Charlet Florian , Majumdar Apala
Published: June 2018

We numerically and analytically study the flow and nematic order parameter profiles in a microfluidic channel, within the Beris–Edwards theory for nematodynamics, with two different types of boundary conditions—strong anchoring/Dirichlet conditions and mixed boundary conditions for the nematic order parameter. We primarily study the effects of the pressure gradient, the effects of the material constants and viscosities modelled by a parameter L 2 and the nematic elastic constant L ∗ , along with the effects of the choice of the boundary condition. We study continuous and discontinuous solution profiles for the nematic director and these discontinuous solutions have a domain wall structure, with a layered structure that offers new possibilities. Our main results concern the onset of flow reversal as a function of L ∗ and L 2 , including the identification of certain parameter regimes with zero net flow rate. These results are of value in tuning microfluidic geometries, boundary conditions and choosing liquid crystalline materials for desired flow properties.
On the Philosophical Determination of Literature
Authors: Winfree Jason Kemp
Published: June 2018

This paper traces the influence of German Idealism on the conceptions of literature proffered by Bataille and Blanchot, and it aims to show how that influence registers as a proto-ethics. In the demand that freedom be actualized in the world, German Idealism frames the determination of literature as one-sided, subjective, and abstract. Literary expression is never adequate to what it represents. Precisely because it has no direct bearing on the world of action, however, literature is free to pursue that which the world of action excludes: the density and obscurity of existence itself. In this pursuit, literature recasts the philosophical aspiration of self-knowledge in terms of a fidelity to existence and life in excess of individuality.
Health and Well-Being of International University Students, and Comparison with Domestic Students, in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Skromanis Sarah , Cooling Nick , Rodgers Bryan , Purton Terry , Fan Frances , Bridgman Heather , Harris Keith , Presser Jennifer , Mond Jonathan
Published: June 2018

International students comprise an increasingly larger proportion of higher education students globally. Empirical evidence about the health and well-being of these students is, however, limited. We sought to examine the health and well-being of international students, primarily from Asian countries, attending the University of Tasmania, Australia, using domestic students as a comparison group. Ethics approval was given to invite (via email) all currently enrolled students to participate in the study by completing a pilot-tested, online survey. The survey was completed by 382 international students (response rate = 8.9%) and 1013 domestic students (9.2%). Independent samples t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used for bivariate comparisons between international and domestic students, and between subgroups of international students. Regression models were used to examine the associations between student status (international vs. domestic) and health outcomes, controlling for demographic and enrolment variables. International students, particularly male students, were found to be at increased risk of several adverse health outcomes while also being less likely to seek help for mental health and related problems. The findings indicate the need for accessible, targeted, culturally-sensitive health promotion and early intervention programs.
Changes in Sitting Time and Sitting Fragmentation after a Workplace Sedentary Behaviour Intervention
Authors: Hutchinson Jasmin , Headley Samuel , Matthews Tracey , Spicer Greg , Dempsey Kristen , Wooley Sarah , Janssen Xanne
Published: June 2018

Prolonged sedentary behaviour (SB) has shown to be detrimental to health. Nevertheless, population levels of SB are high and interventions to decrease SB are needed. This study aimed to explore the effect of a personalized intervention aimed at reducing SB and increasing breaks in SB among college employees. A pre-experimental study design was used. Participants (n = 36) were recruited at a college in Massachusetts, USA. SB was measured over 7 consecutive days using an activPAL3 accelerometer. Following baseline measures, all participants received a personalized SB consultation which focused on limiting bouts of SB >30 min, participants also received weekly follow-up e-mails. Post-intervention measures were taken after 16 weeks. Primary outcome variables were sedentary minutes/day and SB bouts >30 min. Differences between baseline and follow-up were analyzed using paired t-tests. The intervention did not change daily sedentary time (−0.48%; p > 0.05). The number of sedentary bouts >30 min decreased significantly by 0.52 bouts/day (p = 0.010). In this study, a personalized SB intervention was successful in reducing number of bouts >30 min of SB. However, daily sedentary time did not reduce significantly. These results indicate that personalized, consultation-based interventions may be effective if focused on a specific component of SB.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Hazardous Chemical Exposure Control System at a Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in South Korea
Authors: Choi Sangjun , Yoon Chungsik , Kim Seungwon , Kim Won , Ha Kwonchul , Jeong Jeeyeon , Kim Jongcheul , Shin Jungah , Park Donguk
Published: June 2018

The goal of this study was to evaluate the hazardous chemical exposure control system in a semiconductor manufacturing company and recommend an appropriate exposure surveillance system for hazardous agents. We reviewed compliance-based chemical exposure data compiled between 2012 and 2014 by the study company. The chemical management system, characteristics of chemical use and hazardous gas monitoring system were also investigated. We evaluated the airborne isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and acetone generally used as cleaning solvents, volatile organic compounds and metals levels using internationally recommended sampling and analytical methods. Based on the results of past working environment measurement data and of our investigation, the overall current exposure to chemicals by semiconductor workers during routine production work appears to be controlled below occupational exposure limits. About 40% of chemical products used were found to contain at least one unidentifiable trade-secret substance. There are several situations and maintenance tasks that need special attention to reduce exposure to carcinogens as much as possible. In addition, a job-exposure matrix as a tool of surveillance system that can examine the exposure and health status of semiconductor workers according to type of operation and type of job or task is recommended.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice with Respect to Antibiotic Use among Chinese Medical Students: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hu Yanhong , Wang Xiaomin , Tucker Joseph D. , Little Paul , Moore Michael , Fukuda Keiji , Zhou Xudong
Published: June 2018

Objective: Inappropriate antibiotic use leads to antibiotic resistance. This has become a serious global crisis, with more multi-drug resistant infections and fewer effective antibiotics available. This study aims to understand knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to antibiotic use for self-limiting illnesses among medical students in China. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey instrument questionnaire was distributed in six regional universities in China from September to November 2015. Overall, 1819 medical students were enrolled. A pre-tested questionnaire was delivered by the researchers. KAP scores were calculated to determine the appropriation. Chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression and adjusted odd ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the relationship between the demographic characteristics and antibiotic use knowledge and behaviour. Results: In total, 11,192 students completed the questionnaires, with a response rate of 95%. In total, 529 (29%) medical students reported at least one self-limiting illness in the prior month. Of those with a self-limiting illness, 285 (54%) self-medicated, with 77 (27%) using antibiotics; 111 (21%) went to see a doctor, of which 64 (58%) were prescribed antibiotics, and 133 did nothing (25%). In the past year, 279 (15%) of medical students had used antibiotics as prophylaxis, and 273 (15%) of medical students had demanded an antibiotic from a doctor. Meanwhile, 1166 (64%) of them kept a personal stock of antibiotics, and 1034 (57%) of them had bought antibiotics at a pharmacy, of which 97% were purchased without a prescription. Students with high KAP scores with respect to antibiotics were significantly less likely to self-medicate with antibiotics (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.91, p = 0.031), use antibiotics for prophylaxis (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21–0.60, p < 0.0001), or demand an antibiotic (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.81, p = 0.007) from the doctor. Logistical regression showed that students whose fathers had a higher education level, whose mothers had medical background, who were from urban areas were more likely to stock antibiotics and self-medicate with antibiotics. Conclusion: High rates of antibiotic self-medication for self-limiting illness and stocking of antibiotics among medical students were observed. Along with the high rates of medical students receiving unnecessary antibiotics from their doctors were observed. The students’ knowledge and attitude towards to antibiotics, which drive prescribing, highlight the urgent need for effective antibiotic stewardship and training programs in Chinese healthcare institutes and medical schools.
Treatment with Obestatin—A Ghrelin Gene-Encoded Peptide—Reduces the Severity of Experimental Colitis Evoked by Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid
Authors: Konarska Katarzyna , Cieszkowski Jakub , Warzecha Zygmunt , Ceranowicz Piotr , Chmura Anna , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Gałązka Krystyna , Kowalczyk Paweł , Miskiewicz Andrzej , Konturek Thomas Jan , Pędziwiatr Michał , Dembiński Artur
Published: June 2018

Obestatin is a 23-amino acid peptide derived from proghrelin, a common prohormone for ghrelin and obestatin. Previous studies showed that obestatin exhibited some protective and therapeutic effects in the gut. The aim of our presented study was to examine the effect of treatment with obestatin on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. In rats anesthetized with ketamine, colitis was induced through intrarectal administration of 25 mg of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Obestatin was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 4, 8, or 16 nmol/kg, twice per day for four consecutive days. The first dose of obestatin was given one day before the induction of colitis, and the last one was given two days after administration of TNBS. Fourteen days after the induction of colitis, rats were anesthetized again with ketamine, and the severity of colitis was determined. The administration of obestatin had no effect on the parameters tested in rats without the induction of colitis. In rats with colitis, administration of obestatin at doses of 8 or 16 nmol/kg reduced the area of colonic damage, and improved mucosal blood flow in the colon. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in the colitis-evoked increase in the level of blood leukocytes, and mucosal concentration of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β. Moreover, obestatin administered at doses of 8 or 16 nmol/kg reduced histological signs of colonic damage. The administration of obestatin at a dose of 4 nmol/kg failed to significantly affect the parameters tested. Overall, treatment with obestatin reduced the severity of TNBS-induced colitis in rats. This effect was associated with an improvement in mucosal blood flow in the colon, and a decrease in local and systemic inflammatory processes.
Differential Effects of Statins on Inflammatory Interleukin-8 and Antimicrobial Peptide Human Β-Defensin 2 Responses in Salmonella-Infected Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Huang Fu-Chen , Huang Shun-Chen
Published: June 2018

Alternative therapies are needed to reduce the use of antibiotics and incidence of drug-resistant Salmonellosis. Previous studies have revealed important roles of statins in regulating innate immunity. Therefore, we investigated the effects of statins on innate immunity in Salmonella-infected intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), which are involved in mucosal innate immunity. SW480 cells and Akt siRNA- or vitamin D receptor (VDR) siRNA-transfected SW480 cells were infected by wild-type S. Typhimurium strain SL1344 in the presence or absence of statins. The mRNA or protein expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR or western blot analysis, respectively. Simvastatin or fluvastatin caused IL-8 (interleukin-8) suppression, but increased hBD-2 mRNA expression in Salmonella-infected SW480 cells. Both statins enhanced phosphorylated Akt and VDR expressions. Akt or VDR knockdown by siRNA counteracted the suppressive effect of simvastatin on IL-8 expression, whereas VDR knockdown diminished the enhanced hBD-2 expression in Salmonella-infected SW480 cells. Therefore, we observed differential regulation of statins on inflammatory IL-8 and anti-microbial hBD-2 expressions in Salmonella-infected IECs via PI3K/Akt signaling and VDR protein expression, respectively. The enhanced activity of antimicrobial peptides by statins in Salmonella-infected IECs could protect the host against infection, and modulation of pro-inflammatory responses could prevent the detrimental effects of overwhelming inflammation in the host.
25th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Newborn Screening
Authors: Konstantopoulou Vassiliki , Zeyda Maximilian
Published: June 2018

From 15–16 June 2018, the 25th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Newborn Screening (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neugeborenenscreening, DGNS) was held at the Van Swieten Hall of the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. For the first time, this annual meeting was held outside Germany and organized by Maximilian Zeyda, PhD and Vassiliki Konstantopoulou, MD (conference presidents), directors of the Austrian Newborn Screening located at the Dept. of Pediatrics at the Medical University of Vienna. A local scientific board formed by Maximilian Zeyda and Vassiliki Konstantopoulou selected presentations from abstracts that were submitted by scientists of 7 countries, highlighting one purpose of this meeting, which was to foster contact and exchange of newborn screening labs of central European countries. Abstracts of invited lectures, oral communications, and posters presented during the meeting are collected in this report.