bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the 2014 “APEC Blue” in Beijing Using More than One Decade of Satellite Observations: Lessons Learned from Radical Emission Control Measures
Authors: Meng Ran , Zhao Feng , Sun Kang , Zhang Rui , Huang Chengquan , Yang Jianying
Published: November 2015

During the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meetings in Beijing, the Chinese government made significant efforts to clear Beijing’s sky. The emission control measures were very effective and the improved air quality during the APEC Meetings was called the “APEC Blue”. To monitor and estimate how these emission control measures affected air quality in Beijing and its five neighboring large cities (Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Jinan, and Qingdao), we compared and analyzed the satellite-retrieved Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) products of the pre-APEC (18–31 October), APEC (1–11 November), and post-APEC periods (11–31 November) in 2002–2014 and daily PM2.5 measurements of the three periods in 2014 on the ground. Compared with the pre- and post-APEC periods, both ground and satellite observations indicated significantly reduced aerosol loading during the 2014 APEC period in Beijing and its surroundings, but with apparent spatial heterogeneity. For example, the peak value of PM2.5 in Beijing were around 100 µg∙m−3 during the APEC period, however, during the pre- and post-APEC periods, the peak values were up to 290 µg∙m−3. The following temporal correlation analysis of mean AOT values between Beijing and other five cities for the past thirteen years (2002–2014) indicated that the potential emission source regions strongly impacting air quality of Beijing were confined within central and southern Hebei as well as northern and southwestern Shandong, in correspondence with the spatial pattern of Digital Earth Model (DEM) of the study region. In addition to stringent emission control measures, back trajectory analysis indicated that the relatively favorable regional transport pattern might also have contributed to the “APEC Blue” in Beijing. These results suggest that the “APEC Blue” is a temporarily regional phenomenon; a long-term improvement of air quality in Beijing is still challenging and joint efforts of the whole region are needed.
A Room-Temperature Operation Formaldehyde Sensing Material Printed Using Blends of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Chuang Wen-Yu , Yang Sung-Yuan , Wu Wen-Jong , Lin Chih-Ting
Published: November 2015

This work demonstrates a printable blending material, i.e., reduced graphene oxide (RGO) mixed with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), for formaldehyde sensing. Based on experimental results, 2% RGO/10% PMMA is an optimal ratio for formaldehyde detection, which produced a 30.5% resistance variation in response to 1000 ppm formaldehyde and high selectivity compared to different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), humidity, CO, and NO. The demonstrated detection limit is 100 ppm with 1.51% resistance variation. Characterization of the developed formaldehyde sensing material was performed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. Based on Raman spectroscopy, the basic sensing mechanism is the band distortion of RGO due to blending with PMMA and the adsorption of formaldehyde. This work establishes insights into the formaldehyde sensing mechanism and explores a potential printable sensing material for diverse applications.
Manipulation of Superparamagnetic Beads on Patterned Exchange-Bias Layer Systems for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Ehresmann Arno , Koch Iris , Holzinger Dennis
Published: November 2015

A technology platform based on a remotely controlled and stepwise transport of an array arrangement of superparamagnetic beads (SPB) for efficient molecular uptake, delivery and accumulation in the context of highly specific and sensitive analyte molecule detection for the application in lab-on-a-chip devices is presented. The near-surface transport of SPBs is realized via the dynamic transformation of the SPBs’ magnetic potential energy landscape above a magnetically stripe patterned Exchange-Bias (EB) thin film layer systems due to the application of sub-mT external magnetic field pulses. In this concept, the SPB velocity is dramatically influenced by the magnitude and gradient of the magnetic field landscape (MFL) above the magnetically stripe patterned EB substrate, the SPB to substrate distance, the magnetic properties of both the SPBs and the EB layer system, respectively, as well as by the properties of the external magnetic field pulses and the surrounding fluid. The focus of this review is laid on the specific MFL design in EB layer systems via light-ion bombardment induced magnetic patterning (IBMP). A numerical approach is introduced for the theoretical description of the MFL in comparison to experimental characterization via scanning Hall probe microscopy. The SPB transport mechanism will be outlined in terms of the dynamic interplay between the EB substrate’s MFL and the pulse scheme of the external magnetic field.
Assessment of Passive vs. Active Strategies for a School Building Design
Authors: Kang Ji , Ahn Ki , Park Cheol , Schuetze Thorsten
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a simulation study to reduce heating and cooling energy demand of a school building in Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of passive vs. active approaches on energy savings in buildings using EnergyPlus simulation. By controlling lighting, the energy saving of the original school building design was found most significant, and increased by 32% when the design was improved. It is noteworthy that energy saving potential of each room varies significantly depending on the rooms’ thermal characteristics and orientation. Thus, the analysis of energy saving should be introduced at the individual space level, not at the whole building level. Additionally, the simulation studies should be involved for rational decision-making. Finally, it was concluded that priority should be given to passive building design strategies, such as building orientation, as well as control and utilization of solar radiation. These passive energy saving strategies are related to urban, architectural design, and engineering issues, and are more beneficial in terms of energy savings than active strategies.
The Effect of a Structured Method on Mental Model Accuracy and Performance in a Complex Task
Authors: Bußwolder Peter
Published: November 2015

In comparison to their performance with normative standards or even simple heuristics, humans do not perform well in complex decision-making. The application of systems thinking to help people to understand and handle interdependent and complex systems is proposed as a means of improving this poor performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a generic systems thinking method, i.e., a structured method, on performance. A laboratory experiment was conducted using a dynamic and complex simulation task. The results demonstrated that subjects provided with a structured method achieved a higher performance. In addition, mental model accuracy had a significant effect on performance, as already shown by several previous studies. The results of our study provide a way of teaching subjects how to improve their performance when coping with complex systems in general. This has implications for education in the fields of complex systems and system dynamics.
Exploring Tradeoffs in Demand-Side and Supply-Side Management of Urban Water Resources Using Agent-Based Modeling and Evolutionary Computation
Authors: Kanta Lufthansa , Berglund Emily
Published: November 2015

Urban water supply systems may be managed through supply-side and demand-side strategies, which focus on water source expansion and demand reductions, respectively. Supply-side strategies bear infrastructure and energy costs, while demand-side strategies bear costs of implementation and inconvenience to consumers. To evaluate the performance of demand-side strategies, the participation and water use adaptations of consumers should be simulated. In this study, a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework is developed to simulate consumer agents that change their consumption to affect the withdrawal from the water supply system, which, in turn influences operational policies and long-term resource planning. Agent-based models are encoded to represent consumers and a policy maker agent and are coupled with water resources system simulation models. The CAS framework is coupled with an evolutionary computation-based multi-objective methodology to explore tradeoffs in cost, inconvenience to consumers, and environmental impacts for both supply-side and demand-side strategies. Decisions are identified to specify storage levels in a reservoir that trigger: (1) increases in the volume of water pumped through inter-basin transfers from an external reservoir; and (2) drought stages, which restrict the volume of water that is allowed for residential outdoor uses. The proposed methodology is demonstrated for Arlington, Texas, water supply system to identify non-dominated strategies for an historic drought decade. Results demonstrate that pumping costs associated with maximizing environmental reliability exceed pumping costs associated with minimizing restrictions on consumer water use.
Vitamin D3 and Monomethyl Fumarate Enhance Natural Killer Cell Lysis of Dendritic Cells and Ameliorate the Clinical Score in Mice Suffering from Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Al-Jaderi Zaidoon , Maghazachi Azzam
Published: November 2015

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a CD4+ T cell mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease that is induced in mice by administration of peptides derived from myelin proteins. We developed EAE in SJL mice by administration of PLP139–151 peptide. The effect of treating these mice with 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3), or with monomethyl fumarate (MMF) was then examined. We observed that both vitamin D3 and MMF inhibited and/or prevented EAE in these mice. These findings were corroborated with isolating natural killer (NK) cells from vitamin D3-treated or MMF-treated EAE mice that lysed immature or mature dendritic cells. The results support and extend other findings indicating that an important mechanism of action for drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) is to enhance NK cell lysis of dendritic cells.
Metabolic and Hematological Consequences of Dietary Deoxynivalenol Interacting with Systemic Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Bannert Erik , Tesch Tanja , Kluess Jeannette , Frahm Jana , Kersten Susanne , Kahlert Stefan , Renner Lydia , Rothkötter Hermann-Josef , Dänicke Sven
Published: November 2015

Previous studies have shown that chronic oral deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure modulated Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation, whereby the liver was suspected to play an important role. Thus, a total of 41 barrows was fed one of two maize-based diets, either a DON-diet (4.59 mg DON/kg feed, n = 19) or a control diet (CON, n = 22). Pigs were equipped with indwelling catheters for pre- or post-hepatic (portal vs. jugular catheter) infusion of either control (0.9% NaCl) or LPS (7.5 µg/kg BW) for 1h and frequent blood sampling. This design yielded six groups: CON_CONjugular‑CONportal, CON_CONjugular‑LPSportal, CON_LPSjugular‑CONportal, DON_CONjugular‑CONportal, DON_CONjugular‑LPSportal and DON_LPSjugular‑CONportal. Blood samples were analyzed for blood gases, electrolytes, glucose, pH, lactate and red hemogram. The red hemogram and electrolytes were not affected by DON and LPS. DON-feeding solely decreased portal glucose uptake (p < 0.05). LPS-decreased partial oxygen pressure (pO2) overall (p < 0.05), but reduced pCO2 only in arterial blood, and DON had no effect on either. Irrespective of catheter localization, LPS decreased pH and base-excess (p < 0.01), but increased lactate and anion-gap (p < 0.01), indicating an emerging lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis was more pronounced in the group DON_LPSjugular-CONportal than in CON-fed counterparts (p < 0.05). DON-feeding aggravated the porcine acid-base balance in response to a subsequent immunostimulus dependent on its exposure site (pre- or post-hepatic).
Thermodynamic Analysis of Non-Linear Reissner-Nordström Black Holes
Authors: Cembranos Jose , Cruz-Dombriz Álvaro , Jarillo Javier
Published: November 2015

In the present article we study the Inverse Electrodynamics Model. This model is a gauge and parity invariant non-linear Electrodynamics theory, which respects the conformal invariance of standard Electrodynamics. This modified Electrodynamics model, when minimally coupled to General Relativity, is compatible with static and spherically symmetric Reissner-Nordström-like black-hole solutions. However, these black-hole solutions present more complex thermodynamic properties than their Reissner-Nordström black-hole solutions counterparts in standard Electrodynamics. In particular, in the Inverse Model a new stability region, with both the heat capacity and the free energy negative, arises. Moreover, unlike the scenario in standard Electrodynamics, a sole transition phase is possible for a suitable choice in the set of parameters of these solutions.
Virtual reality visual feedback for hand-controlled scanning probe microscopy manipulation of single molecules
Authors: Leinen Philipp , Green Matthew F B , Esat Taner , Wagner Christian , Tautz F Stefan , Temirov Ruslan
Published: November 2015

Controlled manipulation of single molecules is an important step towards the fabrication of single molecule devices and nanoscale molecular machines. Currently, scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is the only technique that facilitates direct imaging and manipulations of nanometer-sized molecular compounds on surfaces. The technique of hand-controlled manipulation (HCM) introduced recently in Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2014, 5, 1926–1932 simplifies the identification of successful manipulation protocols in situations when the interaction pattern of the manipulated molecule with its environment is not fully known. Here we present a further technical development that substantially improves the effectiveness of HCM. By adding Oculus Rift virtual reality goggles to our HCM set-up we provide the experimentalist with 3D visual feedback that displays the currently executed trajectory and the position of the SPM tip during manipulation in real time, while simultaneously plotting the experimentally measured frequency shift (Δf) of the non-contact atomic force microscope (NC-AFM) tuning fork sensor as well as the magnitude of the electric current (I) flowing between the tip and the surface. The advantages of the set-up are demonstrated by applying it to the model problem of the extraction of an individual PTCDA molecule from its hydrogen-bonded monolayer grown on Ag(111) surface.
Reljefo įtakos bendrosios dirvožemio anglies kitimui tyrimas ir vertinimas
Authors: Pranskevičius Mantas , Baltrėnas Pranas
Published: November 2015

Dirvožemis yra viena iš svarbiausių gamtinių Žemės landšaftų posistemių, žmogui turinčių išimtinę svarbą kaip pagrindinis maisto šaltinis. Viena aktualiausių susirūpinusios savo ateitimi žmonijos problemų – Žemės dirvožemių išsaugojimas, jų derlingumo ir sveikos būklės palaikymas vis didėjančio technogeninio slėgio ir gamtinių landšaftų degradacijos sąlygomis. Kaip papildomą neigiamo pobūdžio veiksnių Žemė privalės įveikti ir jau prasidėjusio globalaus atšilimo pasekmes, su kuriomis neišvengiamai susidurs ir Lietuvos žemės ūkis. Šiame darbe analizuojamas bendrosios anglies kitimas atsižvelgiant į reljefą. Lietuvoje šiuo metu eroduojami dirvožemio paviršiai sudaro 30–50 %. Erozijos paveikti dirvožemiai praranda derlingumą, o tai skatina ir tolesnę jų degradaciją.
Erdvinė kritulių kiekio sklaida Lietuvoje
Authors: Grušaitė Viktorija
Published: November 2015

Nagrinėjami kritulių kiekio kiekvieno mėnesio dešimtadienių erdvinės sklaidos ypatumai pagal 17 Lietuvos meteorologijos stočių (MS) kasdienius stebėjimų duomenis 1971–2006 m. Nustatyti kritulių kiekio kiekvieno mėnesio dešimtadienių vidutiniai, maksimalūs ir minimalūs variacijos koeficientai. Atlikta kritulių kiekio erdvinė koreliacija tarp visų Lietuvos MS.
Nostoc genties melsvabakterių įvairovė ir jos apsauga Lietuvoje
Authors: Špakaitė Ina , Kostkevičienė Jolanta
Published: November 2015

Straipsnyje aptariama Nostoc genties rūšių įvairovė ir ekologija Lietuvoje. Aptiktos devynios šios genties rūšys: N. caeruleum, N. carneum, N. commune, N. ellipsosporum, N. linckia, N. pruniforme, N. punctiforme, N. spongiaeforme ir N. verrucosum. Plačiai paplitusios yra N. commune ir N. caeruleum rūšys. Penkios rūšys aptiktos NATURA 2000 buveinėse. Didžiausia rūšių įvairovė nustatyta vandens telkiniuose ir tik dvi rūšys (N. commune ir N. ellipsosporum) – sausumoje. Nostoc rūšių individai vystėsi natūraliuose ir dirbtiniuose vandens telkiniuose, kurių pH svyravo nuo 6,0 iki 8,7, temperatūra – 13,0–27,0 °C ir savitasis elektrinis laidis – 150–390 μS/cm.
Chromo kompleksinio dažiklio pašalinimo iš vandeninių tirpalų aktyvintosiomis anglimis ir polimeriniu sorbentu kinetiniai tyrimai
Authors: Kazlauskienė Eglė , Kaušpėdienė Danutė
Published: November 2015

Nagrinėjama chromo kompleksinio dažiklio (Lanasyn Navy M-DNL) pašalinimo statinėmis sąlygomis iš vandeninių tirpalų polimeriniu adsorbentu Macronet MN 200, kaip alternatyva aktyvintajai angliai Norit RB 0.8 CC, kinetika. Rūgštinėje terpėje abiejų adsorbentų paviršius įgauna teigiamąjį krūvį, palankų dažiklio anijono adsorbcijai. MN 200 pasižymi didesne adsorbcine geba dažiklio atžvilgiu nei AA. Aptariama adsorbento prigimties ir temperatūros įtaka sistemų „dažiklis – AA“, „dažiklis – MN 200“ pseudoantrojo laipsnio ir vidinės difuzijos modelių parametrams.
Slopinimo ekrano optimalaus aukščio nustatymo skaičiavimas ir modeliavimas
Authors: Grubliauskas Raimondas , Butkus Donatas
Published: November 2015

Transportas yra vienas pagrindinių triukšmo šaltinių, darantis ypač didelę neigiamą įtaką aplinkai. Daugeliu atvejų miestuose vienas iš tinkamiausių metodų mažinti triukšmo sklidimą į gyvenamąsias teritorijas yra triukšmo slopinimo sienelės. Straipsnyje pristatoma, kaip triukšmo mažinimo ekranas pritaikomas gyvenvietėje skaičiuojant empirinėmis formulėmis ir modeliuojant triukšmo sklaidą. Triukšmo sklaida modeliuota programa „CadnaA“, leidžiančia modeliuoti triukšmo lygių pokyčius keičiant įvairias sąlygas. Skaičiavimo ir modeliavimo būdu gaunamas triukšmo lygio sumažėjimas vertinamas naudojant tuos pačius kintamuosius. Parenkant skirtingo aukščio triukšmo slopinimo ekranus, skaičiuojami rezultatai 1, 4, 15 m aukščiuose. Triukšmo lygio sumažėjimo gautų duomenų didžiausias nesutapimas skaičiavimo ir modeliavimo būdu siekė apie 10 %.
Optimalios interpoliacijos metodo taikymas lygiavertės dozės galios lauko struktūrai nustatyti Baltijos jūros priekrantėje
Authors: Styra Dmitrijus , Gustas Linas Jonas , Lemežis Mindaugas
Published: November 2015

Baltijos jūros priekrantėje, prie Juodkrantės, atlikti lygiavertės dozės galios (LDG) matavimai prie žemės paviršiaus ir 1 m aukštyje nuo žemės paviršiaus. Matavimai atlikti 2008 m. liepos 2 ir 10 d. 63 taškuose 2,0´0,2 km teritorijoje esant šiaurės ir pietų vėjo kryptims. Vidutinių dydžių ekstremalios reikšmės buvo 51 nSv/h ir 90 nSv/h. Tai parodo, kad LDG laukų struktūra yra nehomogeninė. LDG laukų struktūrai nustatyti ir įvertinti buvo taikytas optimalios interpoliacijos metodas trims atvejams – kai tyrimų teritorijoje atlikta 63, 33 ir 18 matavimų. Gautos identiškos LDG laukų struktūros. Rasta, kad naudojant tik 18 matavimo rezultatų modelyje gaunamas patenkinamas eksperimentinių ir teorinių rezultatų sutapimas, t. y. jų skirtumas neviršija 15 % iš 80 % duomenų palyginimo.
Dabartinių žemės plutos judesių įtakos vertinimas eksploatuojant niveliacijos tinklus
Authors: Puzienė Rūta
Published: November 2015

Nagrinėjami Žemės paviršiui būdingi horizontalieji ir vertikalieji judesiai. Dėl Žemės paviršiaus judesių einant laikui keičiasi geodezinių ženklų erdvinė padėtis. Keičiantis geodezinių ženklų padėčiai, einant laikui, mažėja geodezinių tinklų tikslumas. Niveliacijos tinklų tikslumo kaitai įtaką turi vertikalieji Žemės paviršiaus judesiai. Dabartinių vertikaliųjų Žemės paviršiaus judesių įtaką niveliacijos tinklo tikslumo kaitai įvertinti siūloma taikyti vertikaliųjų Žemės paviršiaus judesių greičių gradientų planus. Pateikiama vertikaliųjų judesių greičių gradientų planų sudarymo ir jų taikymo Žemės paviršiaus judesių įtakai įvertinti eksploatuojant niveliacijos tinklus metodika. Atliktas vertikaliųjų Žemės paviršiaus judesių įtakos vertinimas eksploatuojant Lietuvos niveliacijos tinklus.
Vilniaus miesto oro užterštumo SO2 įvertinimas naudojant bioindikatorius – grybą (Rhytisma acerinum) ir kerpes (Lichenes)
Authors: Jankūnienė Alicija
Published: November 2015

Neigiamą įtaką aplinkai tikslinga spręsti pagal gyvų organizmų bioindikatorių reakciją į teršalus. Kerpės (Lichenes) ir grybas (Rhytisma acerinum) dėl jų jautrumo dujiniams teršalams naudojami oro užterštumui įvertinti. Šiame straipsnyje, naudojant kerpių ir grybo testą, nagrinėjamas oro užterštumas SO2 Vilniaus mikrorajonuose: Karoliniškėse, Šeškinėje, Justiniškėse, ir Avižienių gyvenvietėje. Didžiausia SO2 koncentracija pagal kerpių testą buvo nustatyta Justiniškėse, o mažiausia – Šeškinėje. Pagal grybo testą didžiausia SO2 koncentracija taip pat Justiniškėse, tačiau mažiausia – Karoliniškėse. Raktažodžiai: kerpės (Lichenes), grybas (Rhytisma acerinum), oro užterštumas SO2, lapų dėmėtumas.
Ignalinos atominės elektrinės regiono ekogeodinaminės rizikos vertinimas pagal GPS matavimų duomenis
Authors: Levinskaitė Daiva
Published: November 2015

Nagrinėjamos Žemės plutos erdvinės deformacijos, nustatomi Žemės plutos erdvinių geodinaminių įtempių pokyčiai Ignalinos atominės elektrinės regiono teritorijoje pagal GPS matavimų duomenis. Pateikta Žemės plutos erdvinių deformacijų ir geodinaminių įtempių pokyčių skaičiavimo metodika. Atlikus tyrimus pagal pateiktą Žemės plutos erdvinių deformacijų ir geodinaminių įtempių skaičiavimo metodiką, gauti nauji erdvinių deformacijų charakteristikų bei tektoninių įtempių pokyčių rezultatai. Erdvinės deformacijos kinta nuo –3,005·10–6 iki 1,065·10–6 bei geodinaminių įtempių pokyčiai kinta nuo –0,2065 MPa iki 0,0976 MPa.
Impact of Small Hydro-Power Plants on Salmonid Fishes Spawning Migrations
Authors: Stakėnas Saulius , Skrupskelis Kęstutis
Published: November 2015

In 2000 and 2005, fish ladders were built in Vilnia and Siesartis rivers providing fish access to another 10 and 25 km of the rivers respectively. The analysis of redd distribution and abundance in both rivers revealed that the construction of fish ladders significantly increased the number and share of redds above dams, however, a significant increase in redds above the dam occurred 2-4 years after fish ladders construction supporting homing behaviour as one of the most important factors for the recolonization of the newly accessible habitats. The tracking of radio tagged salmon and sea trout revealed that statistically, significantly more time, fishes spent in the middle part of fish ladders. Assessed fish ladders efficiency for migrating salmonids made 66%. Minor construction defects and lack of protection were the main factors reducing fishway efficiency. Based on radio tracking data, recommendations are given for minor changes in fish ladders construction and operating schedule to increase the efficiency of fish ladders.
Bentoso dumblių bendrijos skirtingos vandens kokybės Lietuvos upėse
Authors: Vitonytė Irma , Kostkevičienė Jolanta
Published: November 2015

Straipsnyje pateikti 2004–2006 m. duomenys apie bentoso dumblių bendrijas skirtingos vandens kokybės Lietuvos upėse. Skirtingos vandens kokybės upėse daugiausia dominuoja Cladophora glomerata–Vaucheria sessilis–Fontinalis antipyretica dumblių samanų bendrija. Skirtingos vandens kokybės upių būklę geriau rodo bendrijose vietomis gausiai besivystančios dumblių rūšys. Švarių vandens telkinių – Hildenbrandia rivularis, Audouinella chalybea ir A. hermanii; mažai užterštų – Vaucheria sessilis ir Fontinalis antipyretica; vidutiniškai užterštų Stigeoclonium nanum, S. tenue, Aulacoseira islandica ir Melosira varians. Skirtingos vandens kokybės ir atskirų upių išilginiame pjūvyje bentoso dumblių bendrijų struktūra kito. Tai galėjo lemti substrato heterogeniškumas, vandens tekėjimo greičio, upės gylio, šviesos intensyvumo bei pagrindinių biogenų koncentracijos pokyčiai.
The Impact of Road Maintenance Substances on Metals Surface Corrosion
Authors: Petkuvienė Jolita , Paliulis Dainius
Published: November 2015

The purpose of research is to assess changes in the visual metal surface due to the exposure of road maintenance salts and molasses (‘Safecote’). Chlorides of deicing salts (NaCl, CaCl2) are the main agents affecting soil and water resources as well as causing the corrosion of roadside metallic elements. Molasses (‘Safecote’) is offered as an alternative to deice road pavement by minimizing the corrosion of metal elements near the road. A laboratory experiment was carried out to immerse and spray metals with NaCl, CaCl2, NaCl:CaCl2 and NaCl:Safecote solutions. The obtained results showed that NaCl:Safecote solution had the lowest coating with corrosion products (the average 17±4 % of the surface). The solutions of NaCl, CaCl2 and NaCl:CaCl2 had the highest percentage rate of the corrosion product on the metal surface reaching an average of 33±5 %.
Pramoninio triukšmo vertinimas ir modeliavimas Šiaulių mieste
Authors: Paožalytė Ilona
Published: November 2015

Intensyvus – viršijantis 80 dBA – triukšmas, veikdamas darbuotoją visą darbo dieną, pažeidžia klausos organo funkciją, kuri per poilsiui tarp darbo valandų skirtą laiką atkuriama. 80–90 dBA garso slėgio poveikis per 8 val. garsinį jautrumą sumažina 4–7 decibelais, o 100–110 dBA triukšmas – 12–15 decibelų. Šiame darbe, naudojant triukšmo modeliavimo programą IMMI, modeliuojamas AB „Šiaulių energija“ pietinės katilinės dviejų pagrindinių traukos ventiliatorių keliamas triukšmas bei jo sklaida įmonės teritorijoje. Sudaromas triukšmo sklaidos žemėlapis, kurio rezultatų patikimumas įvertinamas atliekant matavimus garso matuokliu MS6700. Apskaičiavus matavimo ir modeliavimo rezultatų neatitiktį, gauta, kad 2,4 dBA, t. y. 4,3 %, matavimo rezultatai viršija modeliavimo rezultatus. Už teritorijos ribų triukšmo lygis kito nuo 35 iki 55 dBA ir neviršija HN 33:2007 leistinojo triukšmo lygio (Ldvn 65 dBA, o Ln – 55 dBA). Įmonė yra Šiaulių miesto pietiniame pramoniniame rajone, todėl įmonės įrenginių keliamas triukšmas nedaro neigiamo poveikio miesto gyventojų sveikatai, tačiau triukšmą sumažinti reikia dėl darbuotojų, dirbančių įmonės teritorijoje, sveikatos.
Žvyrkelio Veisiejai–Viktarinas–Paliepiai, apdoroto kalcio chloridu, dulkėtumo tyrimai
Authors: Gurevičienė Ana , Kazlauskienė Agnė
Published: November 2015

Pagrindinė problema eksploatuojant žvyrkelius – didelis jų dulkėtumas sausuoju metų periodu. Lietuvoje dulkėtumui mažinti dažniausia naudojama bituminė emulsija ir kalcio chloridas. Straipsnyje pateikiami dulkėtumo tyrimai, atlikti 2007–2008 m. apdorotame kalcio chloridu žvyrkelio Veisiejai–Viktarinas–Paliepiai ruože. Išanalizuotas kalcio chlorido efektyvumas, mažinant žvyrkelio dulkėtumą, kuris priklausomai nuo įvairių sąlygų buvo 15–45 %.
Oro taršos vertinimas deginant fermentuotas atliekas
Authors: Čepanko Violeta , Baltrėnas Pranas
Published: November 2015

Šiame darbe nagrinėjama oro taršos problema, deginant bioskaidžias atliekas iš žemės ūkio bei gėrimų gamybos pramonės šakų. Tirti buvo pasirinkti vištų ir kiaulių mėšlas bei žlaugtas po biodujų išgavimo, t. y. po jų fermentacijos laboratoriniuose bioreaktoriuose. Straipsnyje pateikiama fermentuotų atliekų deginimo metodika ir eksperimentiniai šių atliekų deginimo rezultatai. Tyrimais periodinės užkrovos krosnyje nustatyta, kad degimo metu teršalų koncentracijos kinta laike, priklausomai nuo degimo stadijos.
Amoniako ir metano dujų, išsiskiriančių kompostuojant nuotekų dumblą, tyrimai
Authors: Zuokaitė Eglė , Zigmontienė Aušra
Published: November 2015

Nuotekų dumblas, jo apdorojimas ir saugojimas yra susijęs su klimato kaita. Yrant organinėms medžiagoms išsiskiria ne tik nemalonaus kvapo dujų, bet ir šiltnamio efektą sukeliančių dujų (CO2, CH4, NOx). Biodegradacijos procesai vyksta ir natūraliai gamtoje ir dirbtinai – kompostuojant. Sudarant optimalias kompostavimo sąlygas (C:N, aeravimas, pH ir drėgmė) bei naudojant priedus (ceolitas, durpės ir kt.) galima mažinti dujinių teršalų emisijas į aplinką. Straipsnyje nagrinėjami kompostuojant nuotekų dumblą gautų eksperimentų rezultatai, tiriant CH4 ir NH3. Eksperimentui naudotas Vilniaus miesto komunalinių nuotekų valymo įrenginių perteklinis nuotekų dumblas, nusausintas centrifugomis. Kaip papildomos medžiagos naudotos ceolitas ir durpės. Kompostuota kompostavimo aikštelę imituojančiuose „įrenginiuose“.
Проценка на процедуралната болка кај доносени новородени деца во неонатално одделение во Скопје
Authors: Зисовска Елизабета Милан
Published: November 2015

ОСНОВА: Иако некои истражувачи тврдат дека новородените деца не чувствуваат болка поради незрелоста на нивниот мозок, презентираните докази зборуваат дека тие чувствуваат болка при што регираат со промени во однесувањето и во физиологијата. Овие наоди, иако контроверзни, претставуваат основа за развивање на алатки за проценка на процедуралната болка.
ЦЕЛ: Да се тестира една од достапните алатки за проценка на процедуралната болка кај доносени новородени деца за време на две болни процедури во рутинската неонатална грижа (интрамускулна инјекција и земање на капиларна крв од петичка), за да се споредат нивоата на болка причинети од нив, и да се процени времето за опоравување после процедурите.
МАТЕРИЈАЛ И МЕТОДИ: Вклучени беа здрави доносени новородени деца, а болката беше проценувана според строго препорачаните инструкции. Како базичен скор се сметаше состојбата на релаксирано нахрането новородено дете.
РЕЗУЛТАТИ: Иако не беше очекувано, скорот за болка беше највисок за време на земање на крв од петичка (изнесуваше 23.6), и потребно беше подолго време за опоравувањее (повеќе од 15 минути), додека болката доживеана за време на интрамускулна инјекција покажа понизок скор за болка (19.9).
ЗАКЛУЧОЦИ: Овие резултати се базирани на мала група од новородени деца, но сепак, силно се препорачува да се размислува за болката кај новороденото дете, да се проценува истата и да се примени Клиничко упатство за водење на процедуралната болка, кое ќе биде засновано на докази, поради многуте резултати за долгорочните негативни ефекти во смисол на пречки во невропсихомоторниот и бихејвиоралниот развој на детето.
Development of a Provisional Core Domain Set for Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Report from the OMERACT 12 Polymyalgia Rheumatica Working Group
Authors: Helliwell Toby , Brouwer Elisabeth , Pease Colin T. , Hughes Rodney , Hill Catherine L. , Neill Lorna M. , Halls Serena , Simon Lee S. , Mallen Christian D. , Boers Maarten , Kirwan John R. , Mackie Sarah L.
Published: November 2015

Objective.

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) working group aims to develop a core set of outcome measures to be used in clinical trials for PMR. Previous reports from OMERACT 11 included a qualitative study of the patient experience and a preliminary literature review.

Methods.

A 3-round Delphi survey of clinicians and patients with PMR was undertaken to identify a candidate core domain set for PMR research. Additionally, a literature review of outcome measures and their respective measurement instruments was undertaken. Meetings of patient research partners and clinicians were convened to review face validity of the provisional core domain set, which was subsequently presented and discussed at the OMERACT 12 congress.

Results.

Of the 60 clinicians taking part in round 1, 55 took part in round 2 and 51 in round 3. Of the 55 patients who took part in round 1, 46 and 35 took part in subsequent rounds. In total, 91% of participants in round 3 deemed the resulting draft core domain set reasonable. The literature review identified 28 studies for full review. Measurement instruments for each proposed domain were identified. Clinicians are highly aware of glucocorticoid-related adverse effects, but there is relatively little evidence about their true prevalence and severity, especially in PMR.

Conclusion.

A provisional core domain set, presented for clinical trials in PMR, comprises acute phase markers, physical function, death, glucocorticoid-related adverse events, and development of giant cell arteritis. Measurement instruments are suggested that may cover each domain, but these require formal validation for clinical trials in PMR.
Discriminant Capacity of Clinical Efficacy and Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug-sparing Endpoints, Alone or in Combination, in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Dougados Maxime , Wood Emily , Gossec Laure , Dubanchet Arnaud , Logeart Isabelle , van der Heijde Désirée
Published: November 2015

Objective.

Using data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we assessed the capacity of clinical and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-sparing endpoints, alone and in combination, to discriminate between treatment effects in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods.

Patients with active NSAID-resistant axSpA received etanercept (ETN) 50 mg/week or placebo for 8 weeks and tapered/discontinued NSAID. In posthoc logistic regression analyses, OR were calculated that indicated the capacity of the following endpoints to discriminate between the effects of ETN and placebo at Week 8: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50; BASDAI ≤ 3; Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) 20; ASAS40; Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) with C-reactive protein (CRP) < 1.3 and ASDAS-CRP < 2.1; ≥ 50% decrease from baseline in ASAS-NSAID score, score < 10, and score = 0; and each clinical and/or each NSAID measure.

Results.

In 90 randomized patients (ETN, n = 42; placebo, n = 48), disease activity was similar between groups at baseline: mean (± SD) BASDAI (ETN vs placebo) 6.0 ± 1.6 versus 5.9 ± 1.5. NSAID intake was high: ASAS-NSAID score 98.2 ± 39.0 versus 93.0 ± 23.4. OR ranged from 1.6 (95% CI 0.5–5.4) for ASDAS-CRP < 1.3 to 5.8 (95% CI 1.2–29.1) for BASDAI50 and NSAID score of 0; most measures (34/45) reached statistical significance (α = 0.05) favoring ETN. Most combined outcome variables using OR were more discriminant than single outcome measures.

Conclusion.

These findings suggest that changes in NSAID intake during treatment do not prevent demonstration of clinically relevant effects of biologic treatment, and combined (i.e., clinical with NSAID-sparing) endpoints were frequently more discriminant than single (i.e., clinical) endpoints. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01298531).
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis in the First Years of the Biologic Treatment Era: A 10-year Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Haugeberg Glenn , Bøyesen Pernille , Helgetveit Knut , Prøven Anne
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To study short-term and longterm clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the first decade of the biologic treatment era.

Methods.

Patients with early RA diagnosed at a rheumatology outpatient clinic were consecutively enrolled between 1999 and 2001. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, disease activity, patient-reported outcomes, and treatments. Radiographs of hands and feet were performed at baseline and after 2, 5, and 10 years and scored according to the Sharp/van der Heijde method, yielding a modified total Sharp score (mTSS).

Results.

Mean baseline age for the 94 included patients (36 men and 58 women) was 50.4 years and symptom duration 12.3 months; 67.8% were rheumatoid factor–positive. The proportion of patients in remission and in low, moderate, and high disease activity status was at baseline 4.3%, 1.1%, 35.1%, and 59.6% and at 10 years 52.1%, 20.5%, 27.4%, and 0.0%, respectively. For the period 0–2 years, 62.8% had used prednisolone, 91.5% synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and 18.1% biologic DMARD, and for the period 2–10 years the numbers were 50.6%, 89.3%, and 62.7%, respectively. At baseline, 70% of the patients had erosions on radiographs. Mean annual change in mTSS was for 0–2 years 3.4, 2–5 years 1.7, and 5–10 years 1.2.

Conclusion.

A large proportion of our patients with RA diagnosed and treated in the new biologic treatment era achieved a status of clinical remission or low disease activity and had only a minor increase in radiographic joint damage after the first years of followup.
Orchids of the State Park of Serra do Tabuleiro, Southern Brazil
Authors: Lenzi Maurício , Zarur de Matos Josy , Martins Fraga Angelo , Crespo Manuel B.
Published: November 2015

Orchidaceae show a high diversity of species in Brazil, especially in the Atlantic Forest Biome. Over the course of a 12-month study in the State Park of Serra do Tabuleiro in Southern Brazil, collections were made of orchids occurring in areas of restinga and riparian vegetation. A total of 92 orchid species were registered, belonging to three subfamilies and 51 genera. Octomeria was the best represented genus with ten species. Among all collections, two species are new records for Santa Catarina state, and 20 species is reported for the first time in the studied region. Regarding to conservation, 17 species (19%) are currently included with different threat labellings in any of the red lists of threatened plant species of Brazil. Among the total of orchids registered, 55 species (59%) are characteristic holoepiphytes, 47 species (51%) are restricted to the Atlantic Forest, 77 species (84%) occur in the riparian vegetation, and only nine species (10%) are restricted to restinga vegetation. The remarkable richness of orchids found in the present study highlights the importance for conservation the studied forest remnants. The historical of environmental degradation of the restinga vegetation can be negatively influencing the current floristic composition of the orchid community.
Briquetiastrum: a new genus of Malvaceae and the redefinition of Briquetia
Authors: Bovini Massimo G.
Published: November 2015

A historical overview of the genus Briquetia, with an analysis of its circumscription conflicts and the proposal for a new genus, Briquetiastrum, based on new morphological studies and phytogeographical data were made. A taxonomic treatment and three new combinations from Briquetia to Briquetiastrum (Briquetiastrum inermis, B. spicatum and B. sonorae) are presented and Briquetiastrum sonorae is illustrated for the first time. Descriptions and a key to the treated species are included.
The genus Zygia P. Browne (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae, Ingeae) in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: López-Contreras José Enrique , De Lourdes Rico-Arce Maria , Can-Itza Lilia Lorena , Duno de Stefano Rodrigo
Published: November 2015

In the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula there are three species of Zygia (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae, Ingeae). Their morphological differences and nomenclature are discussed. A key, descriptions, iconography, ecological, phenological, uses and common names are included.
Automatic Dynamic Data Structures Recognition to Support the Migration of Applications to the Cloud
Authors: Di Martino Beniamino , Esposito Antonio
Published: November 2015

The work presented in this manuscript describes a methodology for the recognition of Dynamic Data structures, with a focus on Queues, Pipes and Lists. The recognition of such structures is used as a basis for the mapping of sequential code to Cloud Services, in order to support the semi-automatic restructuring of source software. The goal is to develop a complete methodology and a framework based on it to ease the efforts needed to port native applications to a Cloud Platform and simplify the relative complex processes. In order to achieve such an objective, the proposed technique exploits an intermediate representation of the code, consisting in parallel Skeletons and Cloud Patterns. Logical inference rules act on a knowledge base, built during the analysis of the source code, to guide the recognition and mapping processes. Both the inference rules and knowledge base are expressed in Prolog. A prototype tool for the automatic analysis of sequential source code and its mapping to a Cloud Pattern is also presented.
A Mobile Cloud Computing System for Mathematical Computation
Authors: Liang Tyng-Yeu , Li You-Jie
Published: November 2015

This paper is aimed at proposing a mobile cloud computing system called M2C (Mobile Math Cloud). This system provides users with an APP to accelerate the execution of MATLAB instructions and scripts on their Android-based mobile devices by taking advantage of diverse processors including CPUs and GPUs available in clouds. On the other hand, it supports time-sharing license management to reduce the user time of waiting system services and increase the resource utilization of clouds. Moreover, it supports parallel computing and optimal resource configurations for maximizing the performance of user applications, and faulty tolerance for recovering the contexts of user programs from system faults. With these supports, M2C provides a reliable and efficient service for mobile users to perform massive mathematical computation anytime anywhere.
Two step silicon microfluidics for capillary valve applications
Authors: Majeed Bivragh , Taher Ahmed , Jones Ben , Sabuncuoglu Deniz
Published: November 2015

In this publication, we report on a robust and scalable process flow for fabrication of valves, compatible with other microfluidic components using silicon microfabrication techniques. The valves require an abrupt change in both the depth and width of a rectangular microchannel for proper functioning. We report on the process that allow for a very sharp interface between the two areas of the channel. A non-sharp interface will results in leaky valves. We show the variation in silicon etch depth as function of feature size. For small features (3–10)μm there is roughly a 50 percent increase in etch depth compared to 40μm features, while features above 40 μm show minimal differences in depth. For the formation of valves, this provides important design rules allowing one to make structures with precise dimensions. Initial characterization, demonstrating the functionality of the fabricated valves is also be presented.
Hermetic package for optical devices using room temperature welding technology and transparent lid, for space applications
Authors: Lundén H. , Murphy L. , Määttänen A. , Kumpulainen T.
Published: November 2015

The objective of the study was to develop a hermetic package for optical devices, with a transparent lid. A novel room temperature glass welding technology was used for the construction of the packages. The design solution and technology must be robust enough for use in space flight applications. Environmental and hermeticity tests were performed to evaluate the package capability & quality. Whilst initially targeted on a specific requirement, there are several industrial sectors that require hermetic encapsulation including; space, military, biotechnology, and telecoms etc. It is common for the space industry for packages, assemblies or even space craft, to be stored before use, driving the stringent hermeticity requirements, to prevent degradation issues when ground testing, integrating or operating in a space environment.

The design and technology of the glass package proved to be robust: environmental tests had no influence on the functionality or properties. Other benefits of the laser welded glass package were also discovered: hermeticity, easy failure analysis and inspection due to the lid and package transparency, and mountable design onto a PCB (printed circuit board). Welding technique offers a quick, one-step, room temperature process without any additive materials.
The Future of Solder Joint Encapsulant
Authors: Liu Mary , Yin Wusheng
Published: November 2015

Solder joint encapsulant adhesives have been successfully used to enhance the strength of solder joints and improve thermal cycling as well as drop performance in finished products. The use of solder joint encapsulant adhesives can eliminate the need for underfill materials and the underfill process altogether, thus simplifying rework, which results in a lower cost of ownership.

Solder joint encapsulant adhesives include: low temperature and high temperature solder joint encapsulant adhesives, and their derivatives. Each solder joint encapsulant adhesive has: unfilled and filled solder joint encapsulant adhesives, and solder joint encapsulant paste. Each solder joint encapsulant product has been designed for different applications. In this paper, we are going to discuss the details and future of solder joint encapsulant adhesives.
Implication of Multiple Leak Tests and Impact of Rest Time on Avionic Hybrids
Authors: Perry Maureen , Smalley Steve
Published: November 2015

Since 2007 Northrop Grumman's Baltimore facility has leak tested Hybrid packages primarily through the Optical Leak method. The Optical Leak systems allow for individual part readings performed in parallel and they eliminate the need for separate fine and gross leak tests. As with most leak test operations, there are occasionally parts that need to be retested. One of the benefits of Optical Leak Test is that there is no exposure to liquids, greases, or other contaminates that may plug fine leaks. However, there is concern about the aggregate impact of re-leak testing, and interest in any time effects or “charging” that may occur from repeated test exposure. To investigate the impact of repeated test exposure and determine the effect on test results of retesting parts, NGES Baltimore performed testing on a dozen parts (both leakers and good seals) to measure the amount of distortion repeated testing generates. This paper describes the parts tested and the results from a series of tests spaced approximately 24 hours apart as well as tests performed immediately in conjunction – exposing the parts to repeated pressure cycling without a rest period for recovery. The results show that rapid, repeated testing will yield a slight worsening of the leak measurements (i.e. the test may falsely fail a good part), although the overall magnitude of the shift was not great. Allowing a rest time of 4x the test time worked as a rule of thumb for eliminating the “pressure-charging” effect of prior tests, and that testing performed on different days yielded very consistent results. The current method 1014 leak test MIL-STD-883 has specific guidance against retesting parts. At Northrop Grumman we believe there are instances in which retesting parts is useful, and have shown that with appropriate handling, retest will yield consistent results.
Failure Analyses of Modern Power Semiconductor Switching Devices
Authors: Valentine Nathan , Das Diganta , Sood Bhanu , Pecht Michael
Published: November 2015

Power semiconductor switches such as Power Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) continue to be a leading cause of failure in power electronics systems. With the continued expansion of the power electronics market, reliable switching devices are of utmost importance in maintaining reliable operation of high power electronic systems. An overview of the failure mechanisms of power semiconductor switches identified by two failure analyses at CALCE is presented. The specific applications of power semiconducting switches have a wide range and include semiconductors found in converters for AC/DC power supplies and home appliance motor control board. All observed failures were from devices which experienced a short circuit between the collector and emitter terminals. The causes of the failures are hypothesized to be a combination of manufacturing defects and poor thermal management.