bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Calculation of NACA0015 Rudder's Open Water Hydrodynamic Forces
Authors: Wang Xiao , Gao Zhan Sheng , Hou Jian Jun , Shi Ai Guo
Published: October 2013

In this paper, Based on the research of CFD basic theory and several key technologies, the numerical model for solving three-dimensional flow field around the open water rudder is proposed. And with the help of computing platform FLUENT, several kinds of numerical simulation of maneuverable movement of NACA0015 rudder have been done. The numerical results are compared with experimental results, showing that the CFD model which is proposed in this paper is suitable for computation of hydrodynamic forces and simulation of the viscous flow around the open water rudder.
Numerical Simulation on Ventilation Effect of Train-Induced Wind in Subway
Authors: Yang Wei Chao , Peng Li Min , Shi Cheng Hua , Hu Zi Lin
Published: October 2013

Based on the unsteady incompressible three-dimensional N-S equations and standard k-ε turbulent model, Sliding Interface Method (SIM) is used to simulate the relative movement between the train and tunnel. The exchange process between the tunnel and the external atmosphere was simulated during the train traveling in subway. Meanwhile, the ventilation capability concerning such factors as train assembly, areas and length of duct were analyzed in detail. Result showed: The schematic of shafts at both end of subway station is more efficiency of ventilation, and improving the train assembly and shortening the length of shaft are helpful to enhance the air exchange of tunnel. In non-air-conditioning, the Open-MTR environmental control system model is feasible. Expanding the area of shaft would not enlarge the air exchange of tunnel efficiently.
Analytical Solution of Transient Flow in Pipe with Junction Coupling due to Hydro-Turbine Vane Motion
Authors: Zhou Kun Xiong , Zhang Li Xing
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with an analytical solution of transient flow on the four-equation model in fluid-structure interaction (FSI) for a reservoir-pipe-vane system subjected to a sudden closure of hydro turbine vane. The analytical solution is derived corresponding to the junction coupling based on a vane motion. The result obtained from the analytical solution is used to analyze the coupling features between pipe transient flow and hydro turbine vane motion.
Engineering Extrapolation to Flight Reynolds Number for Supercritical Airfoil Pressure Distribution Based on CFD Results
Authors: Liu Da Wei , Xu Xin , Wei Zhi , Chen De Hua
Published: October 2013

Pressure distribution of supercritical airfoil at flight Reynolds number could not be fully simulated except in cryogenic wind tunnel such as NTF (National Transonic Facility) and ETW (European Transonic Wind tunnel), which is costly and time resuming. This paper aimed to explore an engineering extrapolation to flight Reynolds number from low Reynolds number wind tunnel data for supercritical airfoil pressure distribution. However, the extrapolation method requiring plenty of data was investigated based on the CFD results for the reason of low cost and short period. Flows over a typical supercritical airfoil were numerically simulated by solving the two dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, with applications of ROE scheme spatial discretization and LU-SGS time march. Influence of computational grids convergence and turbulent models were investigated during the process of simulation. The supercritical airfoil pressure distribution were obtained with Reynolds numbers varied from 3.0×106to 30×106per airfoil chord, angles of attack from 0 degree to 6 degree and Mach numbers from 0.74 to 0.8. Simulated results indicated that weak shock existed on the upper surface of supercritical airfoil at cruise condition, that the shock location, shock strength and trailing edge pressure were dependent of Reynolds number, attack angles and Mach numbers. A similar parameter describing the Reynolds number effects factors was obtained by analyzing the relationship of shock wave location, shock front pressure and trailing edge pressure. Based on the similar parameter, airfoil pressure distribution at Reynolds number 30×106was obtained by extrapolation. It was shown that extrapolated result compared well with simulated result at Reynolds number 30×106, implying that the engineering method was at least promising applying to the extrapolation of low Reynolds number wind tunnel data.
A 3D Numerical Model for Free Interfacial Flows and Applications to Offshore Waves with Submerged Obstacles
Authors: Xie Bin , Xiao Feng
Published: October 2013

A 3D numerical model for incompressible multi-fluid flows has been developed by using a multi-moment finite volume method and an accurate and efficient VOF type scheme for capturing moving interfaces of multi-fluids. The numerical model is validated with the theoretical and experimental results of the benchmark tests of solitary wave and dam break flow, which indicates the adequate numerical accuracy of the model as a practical tool to assess and predict offshore waves and their impacts on coastal structures. Numerical experiments have been systematically conducted to investigate wave breaking phenomena and the impacts on seawalls.
Application of Vortex Lattice Method and Surface Spline Function in Terrain-Induced Wind Field
Authors: Tang Chu , Hong Guan Xin
Published: October 2013

A numerical simulation method for the wind field over complex terrain is developed in this paper. The complex terrain is represented by a surface, which is established by the surface spline method basing on the contour line of the map. Then it is divided into panels containing vortex ring singularities. The singularity distribution is solved by combining with the potential flow theory and the boundary condition of terrain surface. Finally, the wind field is simulated by linear superposition of the uniform stream and the induced velocity of vortex rings. A numerical example is studied, and the result indicates that the method proposed in this paper could describe the terrain much more accurately and provide a reasonable result of wind field distribution, but has a simple and efficient procedure, which is suitable for the engineering use in flight dynamics.
Theoretical and Numerical Study of Performance Prediction of Centrifugal Pumps as Turbines
Authors: Wang Xiao Hui , Yang Jun Hu , Shi Feng Xia , Zhang Ren Hui
Published: October 2013

Pumps as turbines (PAT) is an attractive alternative for recovering the pressure-energy. Establishing an external characteristic correlation between pumps and turbines is essential in selecting the proper machine. In this study, a theoretical method was presented to predict the performance of PAT at best efficiency point based on pump’s characteristics (geometric and hydraulic). In order to verify the theoretical results, the pumps with specific speed 55, 86,128,180,200 were simulated in direct and reverse modes by FLUENT12.0. Using theoretical and numerical results, the characteristic correlation curves of pumps in direct and reverse modes were obtained. Deviations of theoretical results s in higher flow rate and head than pump mode, the best efficiency of PAT was 2%~6% lower than pump mode.
New Numerical Quadrature of Integrand with Singularity of 1/r and its Application
Authors: Xu Dong Dong , Zheng Hong , Xia Kai Wen
Published: October 2013

A new quadrature method is proposed for numerical integration of integrands with the singularity of 1/r occurring at the computation of stiffness matrix when a singular physical cover is introduced to the numerical manifold method (NMM) for linear fracture problems. The detailed proof is presented, which shows the Jacobian has a factor of r that can be used to eliminate the singularity. Compared with the Duffy transformation, it proves more simple and easier to implement while owning the same precision. A numerical example in elastic fracture by the NMM is presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. The result has a good agreement with the reference solution.
Numerical Integral Independent of Frequency in the Boundary Element Method for Acoustic Scattering
Authors: Yan Zai You , Li Chuan Zhen
Published: October 2013

Fast algorithm for multi-frequency numerical integration in the simulation of acoustic scattering from rigid object by the boundary element method is presented. Normal derivative of the free-space Greens function is partially approximated with the unknown variable by a set of shape functions. As a result, the numerical integral is independent of frequency and need be calculated only at the first frequency step. Singular integral can be computed using the same procedure as that applied in the conventional boundary element method. Computational efficiency and accuracy of the new technique are demonstrated by an example. Numerical results obtained using the new technique are compared with the corresponding analytical solutions and numerical results obtained using the conventional boundary element method. The new technique works well and saves a lot of computational time in the process of generation of coefficient matrices for multi-frequency analysis.
A Legendre-Gauss Collocation Method for the Multi-Pantograph Delay Differential Equation
Authors: Zhang Jian Ming , Yi Li Jun
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we propose a single-interval Legendre-Gauss collocation method for multi-pantograph delay differential equations. Numerical experiments are carried out to illustrate the high order accuracy of the numerical scheme.
A New Method of Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Based on Grey Relational Analysis with Time Series
Authors: Zhang Yi
Published: October 2013

For the multi-attribute decision making with time series, based on the comprehensive consideration of various indicators of quality and growth degree, with grey relational analysis on less data, uncertain information can be integrated comparison, so we put forward a new decision method considering the decision maker subjective views, and provide a scientific and rational decision-making method. By the example, that method is viable.
A Study of FCM Clustering Algorithm Based on Interval Multiple Attribute Information
Authors: Guo Li , Liu Guo Feng , Bao Yu E
Published: October 2013

In multiple attribute clustering algorithms with uncertain interval numbers, most of the distances between the interval-valued vectors only consider the differences of each interval endpoint ignoring a lot of information. To solve this problem, according to the differences between corresponding points in each interval number, this paper gives a distance formula between interval-valued vectors, extends a FCM clustering algorithm based on interval multiple attribute information. Through an example, we prove the validity and rationality of the algorithm. Keywords: interval-valued vector; FCM clustering algorithm; distance measure; fuzzy partition
On-Line Monitoring the Stationarity for Time Seires
Authors: Chen Zhan Shou
Published: October 2013

When analyzing time series an important issue is to decide whether the time series is stationary or nonstationary. Fixed sample statistical tests for that problem are well studies in the literature. In this paper we propose a moving variance ratio statistic to monitor the stationarity for normal sequence. Our Monte Carlo studies show that the proposed monitoring procedure has satisfactory test power and that the decision can often be made very early.
Study on Aggression of Lane-Changing on Two-Lane Highway Including a Bus
Authors: Yi Yi , Li Zhi Peng
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we focus on the aggression of lane-changing of two-lane highway with a bus in real traffic condition. The fundamental diagrams (current-density) under different safety distance are presented. It is found that the aggression of lane-changing has an influence on the traffic flow and traffic states. We also find the times of lane-changing for different densities and it is clarified that the lane-changing behaviors happen frequently in the middle density.
Nonlinear L2 Design for the Generator Hamiltonian System Included Excitation and PSS
Authors: Qian Jing , Zeng Yun , Zhang Li Xiang , Song Qi
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the generator included typical automatic voltage regulation (AVR) and power system stabilizer (PSS) SCR excitation system is taken as the research object, The Hamiltonian energy function and its general Hamilton control model are analyzed, on the basis of the five order Hamilton system model, positive definite conditions of the damping matrix R(x) was derived, and the system dissipation characteristics was analyzed. Using the Hamilton energy design method, the control strategy of system was designed, under the above control, the system is finite-gain L2 stable when external disturbance occurs.
Property of Conjugacy between Two Chaos Maps
Authors: Wang Hong Qing
Published: October 2013

In this paper we will show that two different specific chaos maps are topological conjugate, and homeomorphism functions are not absolutely continuous on any interval in .
A New Approach for the Shape Optimization of Complex Nonlinear Structures
Authors: Yao Zhen Han , Wei Ying Tao
Published: October 2013

To enhance the efficiency for the shape optimization of complex nonlinear structure, based on the FE analysis combined with the sensitivity analysis, the gradient-based Kriging (GBK) method is applied. A new criterion to determine the likely best spatial correlation parameter in GBK based on Latin Hypercube Design (LHD) presented by authors is also applied. A more practical example for the shape optimization of automotive tire is presented to show the applicability of the GBK method.
Levitation System Controller Design Based on the Implicit General Predictive Control Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yu Yin , Li Jie
Published: October 2013

The levitation control system is a key technique of the maglev system. Due to the strong non-linear character of the magnetic force, as well as the model uncertainties and external interferences of the maglev system, the Implicit General Predictive Control algorithm, which adjusts the parameters of the control scheme by using the input and output data, is adopted in this article. Taking the single electro-magnet levitation system as the research object, this algorithm not only guarantees the stability of the system, but also suppresses the vibration caused by the flexibility of the track. The advantages of this algorithm include: the superior control capacity, roll over optimization and little dependence on model. The simulation approves the validity of this method.
Vehicle Classification Algorithm Based on Fuzzy SVM Models
Authors: Chen Yi , Li Yu Hui , Zhang Fan , Zhou Feng
Published: October 2013

As a typical binary classifier, its an inseparable sample problem about the Support Vector Machine (SVM) when processing the classification of the multi-class vehicle models. Since the SVM can not estimate the effect size of the samples classification accurately, and then reduces the classification generalization ability. In this paper, a fuzzy Support Vector Machine (FSVM) classification algorithm is applied to vehicle classification. According to the difference of the contribution which the vehicle characteristics make to the classification, the appropriate degree of membership is given, and the algorithm improves the vehicle models classification ability of the traditional SVM effectively. The experimental results show that the new method, compared with the existing vehicle classification method, is feasible, effective, and with a high classification accuracy
An Overview of VV&A Methods for Conceptual Model
Authors: Ding Xiao Jian , Sun Feng Xin
Published: October 2013

This paper summarizes the literature and presents important concepts related to conceptual model verification. Different approaches have been proposed in the literature. These approaches have been introduced as two parts with emphasis on formal techniques. First order logic for structural views and Petri nets for behavioral views are investigated in the search of a practical verification method for conceptual modeling in UML. Then a short assessment of formal verification work for UML will be presented.
Multi-Cup Isoflux Gas Anchor Numerical Simulation of Oil-Water Separating
Authors: Yang Shu Ren , Fu Cheng Chu Yue , Liu Li Li
Published: October 2013

Gas anchor is also known as downhole oil and gas separator. It plays a role of separating the gas and oil before the fluid flows into the pump, thus to eliminate the influence of gas and improve pump efficiency. It can also extend the lifetime of the equipment and increase the oil well output. On the analysis of factors affecting the efficiency of gas anchor, I built 3D models in Gambit on the basis of the blueprint of multi-cup isoflux gas anchor. I used Fluent to calculate the multi-cup isoflux gas anchor separation of oil and gas with laminar flow model. Then I got the distribution of speed and pressure in the multi-cup isoflux gas anchor and derived the formula of local resistance ratio. Learned that on the application of the multi-cup isoflux gas anchor the pumping wells pump efficiency enhances on an average of more than 25%.
Numerical Simulation on the Form of Reinforcement of Reinforced Concrete Beam with Openings
Authors: Han Xue , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2013

In order to research the stress performance of reinforced concrete beam with different forms of reinforcement around the openings, a numerical simulation on reinforced concrete beam with circle openings is made by using the finite element software. The constitutive relation of concrete offered by the 2010 edition of code for design of concrete structures and the concrete damaged plasticity model is adopted in this article. The damage factor is introduced in the process of modeling, which can reflect the damage of beams with different forms of reinforcement directly and help to reveal the failure mechanism of members. Thus we can propose the optimization of reinforcement method.
SPH Simulation of Free Overfall in Open Channels with Even and Uneven Bottom
Authors: Hou Qing Zhi , Zhang Li Xiang , Tijsseling Arris S. , Kruisbrink A.C.H.
Published: October 2013

The free overfall can be used as a simple and accurate device for flow measurement in open channels. In the past, the solution to this problem was found mainly through simplified theoretical expressions or on the basis of experimental data. In this paper, using the meshless smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, the free overfall in open channels with even and uneven bottom is investigated. For the even bottom case, subcritical, critical and supercritical flows are simulated. For the uneven bottom case, supercritical flows with different Froude numbers are considered. The free surface profiles are predicted and compared with theoretical and experimental solutions in literature and good agreements are obtained.
Analysis of Ultimate Load-Bearing Capacity for Dowel Bar System in Rigid Pavement Based on XFEM
Authors: Li Luo Ke , Zhou Yi Tang , Cao Peng , Wang Yi Na
Published: October 2013

In order to analyze the premature damage of dowel bar system in jointed concrete pavement, the eXtended finite element method (short for XFEM) coupled with submodeling method were employed to simulate the fracture process of concrete around the dowel bar under loading. This coupling method is based on 3-D finite element analysis for the whole concrete pavement structure. The initialization and evolution of the cracks on the concrete had been monitored in model simulation. The results demonstrate that the XFEM coupled with submodeling method is an efficient and accurate method to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of dowel bar. Furthermore, the critical axle load could be back-calculated based on the former analyzing results. This study is expected to provide a valuable numerical analysis method to simulate the fracture process in stresses concentration region of the concrete structure.
Applied Research of BIM Technology on Prestressed Steel Structures in Xuzhou Stadium
Authors: Liu Zhan Sheng , Wu Xiao Feng , Xu Rui Long
Published: October 2013

Prestressed steel structure is the common form of space structure. BIM technology is used to every field of the construction industry. In order to apply BIM technology to the design and construction of prestressed steel structures, Xuzhou stadium prestressed structure was took as an example with BIM technology. Firstly, development standards of the family are created. Secondly, three-dimensional positioning technology and then establishing three-dimensional models of BIM are designed. Finally, the construction process of Xuzhou stadium is dynamically simulated.
Numerical Simulation of an Unsteady Thermal Process in Vacuum Induction Furnace for Metallurgical Grade Silicon Refining
Authors: Li Ming , Lv Guo Qiang , Ma Wen Hui , Wang Hua , Yang Xi
Published: October 2013

The temperature and velocity distribution of melting pool fields is very important effect to the silicon purification in vacuum induction furnace. A numerical model for the electromagnetic-thermal hydrodynamic coupling field has been developed by using the finite element method (FEM) and a two-dimension numerical simulation for temperature of metallurgical-grade silicon melting in vacuum induction furnace was carried out by using a software Multi-physics Comsol 4.2 in this paper. The results showed that the temperature field was dependent on induction heating times and melting pool position and the maximum temperature grads was 400K in constant temperature stage. With the silicon was molted gradually two vortexes were come into being for electromagnetic stirring in the smelting poor.
Taming the Beast within: Regulation of Innate Lymphoid Cell Homeostasis and Function
Authors: Xu Wei , Di Santo James P.
Published: October 2013

Although substantial parallels have been made between transcription factor regulation of cytokine production by innate lymphoid cell (ILC) and Th cell subsets, we are still learning how ILC subsets are regulated during immune responses. Critical factors that promote ILC development and stimulate their effector functions have been identified, but mechanisms that control their homeostasis and downregulate their cytokine secretion remain poorly understood. In this review, we consider some of the potential positive and negative regulators of ILC homeostasis and function in physiological and pathological conditions.
Investigation of CO, C2H6 and aerosols in a boreal fire plume over eastern Canada during BORTAS 2011 using ground- and satellite-based observations and model simulations
Authors: Griffin D. , Walker K. A. , Franklin J. E. , Parrington M. , Whaley C. , Hopper J. , Drummond J. R. , Palmer P. I. , Strong K. , Duck T. J. , Abboud I. , Bernath P. F. , Clerbaux C. , Coheur P.-F. , Curry K. R. , Dan L. , Hyer E. , Kliever J. , Lesins G. , Maurice M. , Saha A. , Tereszchuk K. , Weaver D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We present the results of total column measurements of CO, C2H6 and fine-mode aerosol optical depth (AOD) during the "Quantifying the impact of BOReal forest fires on Tropospheric oxidants over the Atlantic using Aircraft and Satellites" (BORTAS-B) campaign over eastern Canada. Ground-based observations, using Fourier transform spectrometers (FTSs) and sun photometers, were carried out in July and August 2011. These measurements were taken in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which is an ideal location to monitor the outflow of boreal fires from North America, and also in Toronto, Ontario. Measurements of fine-mode AOD enhancements were highly correlated with enhancements in coincident trace gas (CO and C2H6) observations between 19 and 21 July 2011, which is typical for a smoke plume event. In this paper, we focus on the identification of the origin and the transport of this smoke plume. We use back trajectories calculated by the Canadian Meteorological Centre as well as FLEXPART forward trajectories to demonstrate that the enhanced CO, C2H6 and fine-mode AOD seen near Halifax and Toronto originated from forest fires in northwestern Ontario that occurred between 17 and 19 July 2011. In addition, total column measurements of CO from the satellite-borne Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) have been used to trace the smoke plume and to confirm the origin of the CO enhancement. Furthermore, the enhancement ratio – that is, in this case equivalent to the emission ratio (ERC2H6/CO) – was estimated from these ground-based observations. These C2H6 emission results from boreal fires in northwestern Ontario agree well with C2H6 emission measurements from other boreal regions, and are relatively high compared to fires from other geographical regions. The ground-based CO and C2H6 observations were compared with outputs from the 3-D global chemical transport model GEOS-Chem, using the Fire Locating And Modeling of Burning Emissions (FLAMBE) inventory. Agreement within the stated measurement uncertainty (~3% for CO and ~8% for C2H6) was found for the magnitude of the enhancement of the CO and C2H6 total columns between the measured and modelled results. However, there is a small shift in time (of approximately 6 h) of arrival of the plume over Halifax between the results.
A threshold-based cloud mask for the high-resolution visible channel of Meteosat Second Generation SEVIRI
Authors: Bley S. , Deneke H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A threshold-based cloud mask for the high-resolution visible (HRV) channel (1 × 1 km2) of the Meteosat SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager) instrument is introduced and evaluated. It is based on operational EUMETSAT cloud mask for the low-resolution channels of SEVIRI (3 × 3 km2), which is used for the selection of suitable thresholds to ensure consistency with its results. The aim of using the HRV channel is to resolve small-scale cloud structures that cannot be detected by the low-resolution channels. We find that it is of advantage to apply thresholds relative to clear-sky reflectance composites, and to adapt the threshold regionally. Furthermore, the accuracy of the different spectral channels for thresholding and the suitability of the HRV channel are investigated for cloud detection. The case studies show different situations to demonstrate the behavior for various surface and cloud conditions. Overall, between 4 and 24% of cloudy low-resolution SEVIRI pixels are found to contain broken clouds in our test data set depending on considered region. Most of these broken pixels are classified as cloudy by EUMETSAT's cloud mask, which will likely result in an overestimate if the mask is used as an estimate of cloud fraction. The HRV cloud mask aims for small-scale convective sub-pixel clouds that are missed by the EUMETSAT cloud mask. The major limit of the HRV cloud mask is the minimum cloud optical thickness (COT) that can be detected. This threshold COT was found to be about 0.8 over ocean and 2 over land and is highly related to the albedo of the underlying surface.
Deep CO2 soil inhalation / exhalation induced by synoptic pressure changes and atmospheric tides in a carbonated semiarid steppe
Authors: Sánchez-Cañete E. P. , Kowalski A. S. , Serrano-Ortiz P. , Pérez-Priego O. , Domingo F.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Knowledge of all the mechanisms and processes involved in soil CO2 emissions is essential to close the global carbon cycle. Apart from molecular diffusion, the main physical component of such CO2 exchange is soil ventilation. Advective CO2 transport, through soil or snow, has been correlated with the wind speed, friction velocity or pressure (p). Here we examine variations in subterranean CO2 molar fractions (χc) over two years within a vertical profile (1.5 m) in a semiarid ecosystem, as influenced by short-timescale p changes. Analyses to determine the factors involved in the variations in subterranean χc were differentiated between the growing period and the dry period. In both periods it was found that variations in deep χc (0.5–1.5 m) were due predominantly to static p variations and not to wind or biological influences. Within a few hours, the deep χc can vary by fourfold, showing a pattern with two cycles per day, due to p oscillations caused by atmospheric tides. By contrast, shallow χc (0.15 m) generally has one cycle per day as influenced by biological factors like soil water content and temperature in both periods, while the wind was an important factor in shallow χc variations only during the dry period. Evidence of emissions was registered in the atmospheric boundary layer by eddy covariance during synoptic pressure changes when subterranean CO2 was released; days with rising barometric pressure – when air accumulated belowground, including soil-respired CO2 – showed greater ecosystem uptake than days with falling pressure. Future assessments of the net ecosystem carbon balance should not rely exclusively on Fick's law to calculate soil CO2 effluxes from profile data.
Response of vegetation to the 2003 European drought was mitigated by height
Authors: Bevan S. L. , Los S. O. , North P. R. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The effects on climate of land-cover change, predominantly from forests to crops or grassland, are reasonably well understood for low and high latitudes but are largely unknown for temperate latitudes. The main reason for this gap in our knowledge is that there are compensating effects on the energy and water balance when land cover changes. To obtain a better understanding of the direction of this response, we analyse the differential response of tall and short vegetation to the 2003 European drought. We analyse precipitation, temperature and normalized difference vegetation index data and compare these with direct measurements of vegetation height. At the height of the 2003 drought we find for tall vegetation a significantly smaller decrease in vegetation index and a smaller diurnal temperature range, indicating less water stress on tall vegetation, which can be explained by access of tall vegetation to deeper soil water. Based on these results we question the current parameterizations of short and tall vegetation in some land-surface models.
Analysis of an extreme rainfall-runoff event at the Landscape Evolution Observatory by means of a three-dimensional physically-based hydrologic model
Authors: Niu G.-Y. , Pasetto D. , Scudeler C. , Paniconi C. , Putti M. , Troch P. A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We present a detailed analysis, by means of a three-dimensional physically-based hydrological model, of the first experiment conducted at the Biosphere 2 Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO). The experiment was driven by an intense rainfall event and produced a hydrological response characterized predominantly by water outflow along the lower lateral boundary (seepage face) of LEO, together with overland flow that began 15 h after the start of rainfall and caused erosion of the superficial soil and formation of a small channel. The analysis is designed to test the null hypothesis that the soil is hydraulically homogenous, and an alternative hypothesis that the soil has developed some hydraulic heterogeneity in the downstream direction due to saturated soil compaction near the seepage face. More than 20 000 sensitivity simulations were run in a systematic search for optimal parameters to reproduce measurements of seepage face outflow and hillslope water storage. We varied the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of the seepage face (18 values), Ksat in the rest of the LEO soil (30 values), and soil porosity (21 values), and we considered two values of the pore size distribution parameter (n) in the water retention characteristics, obtained from a particle size distribution analysis and from laboratory experiments on LEO soil samples. For both n values, the best simulations under the heterogeneous soil hypothesis produced smaller errors than the best runs under the null hypothesis. Moreover the heterogeneous runs yielded a higher probability of best realizations than the homogenous runs. These results support the hypothesis of localized incipient heterogeneity of the LEO soil.
Characterization and simulation of peristaltic micropumps
Authors: Busek M. , Nötzel M. , Polk C. , Sonntag F.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The aim of the work is to find an analytical model of a pneumatic micropump which was integrated into a cell-culture system. This allows the estimation of peak velocities and wall-shear stress influencing the cultured cells in our multi-organ-chip (MOC) with respect to the applied pressure and the geometric properties of the pump. By adjusting those parameters, one can imitate physiological or pathological heart activity. The calculated flow within the MOC was compared to experimental results obtained via the non-invasive micro-PIV method.
Challenges to social capacity building in flood-affected areas of southern Poland
Authors: Działek J. , Biernacki W. , Bokwa A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Various aspects of beliefs, behaviour and expectations of at-risk populations were analysed in four case study localities in southern Poland that were affected by flooding in 1997 and 2001. They represent localities of different sizes and are characterised by different paths of historical development. Two of them are deep-rooted communities with dense, strong family and neighbourhood ties, while the other two experienced an almost total replacement of their population due to decisions taken after World War II and still suffer from less developed social networks. Historical events also resulted in the disruption of local memories of flooding and transmission of knowledge about natural hazards. A questionnaire survey was conducted in late autumn 2006, followed by structured telephone interviews and focus group interviews in spring 2008. The results of the survey and interviews were analysed with reference to the social capacity framework and its five dimensions: knowledge, motivational, network, economic and governance capacities. Network capacities, that is resources of bonding and bridging social capital, were considered a key notion when analysing and interpreting the results. The differences in the local resources and abilities available in each of the localities to prepare a response to natural hazards were revealed. Consequently, challenges faced in the process of building and strengthening social capacity were identified as well as ways to address these challenges. It was concluded that there are general trends and tendencies that need to be considered in risk management strategies, however the different starting points of each case study community calls for different means and approaches, as well as producing somewhat different expected outcomes.
Effects of relative density and accumulated shear strain on post-liquefaction residual deformation
Authors: Kim J. , Kazama M. , Kwon Y.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The damage caused by liquefaction, which occurs following an earthquake, is usually because of settlement and lateral spreading. Generally, the evaluation of liquefaction has been centered on settlement, that is, residual volumetric strain. However, in actual soil, residual shear and residual volumetric deformations occur simultaneously after an earthquake. Therefore, the simultaneous evaluation of the two phenomena and the clarification of their relationship are likely to evaluate post-liquefaction soil behaviors more accurately. Hence, a quantitative evaluation of post-liquefaction damage will also be possible. In this study, the effects of relative density and accumulated shear strain on post-liquefaction residual deformations were reviewed through a series of lateral constrained-control hollow cylindrical torsion tests under undrained conditions. In order to identify the relationship between residual shear and residual volumetric strains, this study proposed a new test method that integrates monotonic loading after cyclic loading, and K0-drain after cyclic loading – in other words, the combination of cyclic loading, monotonic loading, and the K0 drain. In addition, a control that maintained the lateral constrained condition across all the processes of consolidation, cyclic loading, monotonic loading, and drainage was used to reproduce the anisotropy of in situ ground. This lateral constrain control was performed by controlling the axial strain, based on the assumption that under undrained conditions, axial and lateral strains occur simultaneously, and unless axial strain occurs, lateral strain does not occur. The test results confirmed that the recovery of effective stresses, which occur during monotonic loading and drainage after cyclic loading, respectively, result from mutually different structural restoration characteristics. In addition, in the ranges of 40–60% relative density and 50–100% accumulated shear strain, relative density was found to have greater effects than the number of cycles (accumulated shear strain).
Can vesicle size distributions assess eruption intensity during volcanic activity?
Authors: LaRue A. , Baker D. R. , Polacci M. , Allard P. , Sodini N.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We studied three-dimensional (3-D) vesicle size distributions by X-ray microtomography in scoria collected during the relatively quiescent Phase II of the April–May 2010 eruption at Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland. Our goal was to compare cumulative vesicle size distributions (VSDs) measured in these samples with those found in Stromboli volcano, Italy. Stromboli was chosen because its VSDs are well-characterized and show a correlation with eruption intensity: typical Strombolian activity produces VSDs with power-law exponents near 1, whereas larger and more energetic vulcanian-type explosions and Plinian eruptions produce VSDs with power-law exponents near 1.5. The first hypothesis to be tested was whether or not the samples studied in this work would contain VSDs similar to normal Strombolian products, display higher power-law exponents, or be described by exponential functions. Before making this comparison, we tested a second hypothesis, which was that the magma–water interactions in the Eyjafjallajökull eruption might have a significant effect on the VSDs. We performed 1 bar bubble-growth experiments in which the samples were inundated with water and compared them to similar control experiments without water inundation. No significant differences between the VSDs of the two sets of experiments were found, and the second hypothesis is not supported by the experimental evidence. The Phase II Eyjafjallajökull VSDs are described by power-law exponents of ~0.8, typical of normal Strombolian eruptions, and support the first hypothesis. The comparable VSDs and behavior of Phase II of the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption to Stromboli are interpreted to be a reflection of similar conduit systems in both volcanoes that are being constantly fed by the ascent of mingled/mixed magma from depth. Such behavior implies that continued activity during Phase II of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption could be expected and would have been predicted, had our VSDs been measured in real time during the eruption. However, the products studied show no peculiar feature that could herald the renewed eruption intensity observed in the following Phase III of the eruption.
Does employment in high risk professions relating to firefighters and emergency workers cause injuries that requires long hospitalization?
Authors: Lalić Hrvoje , Kruljac Iva
Published: October 2013

Firefighters and emergency workers are exposed to increased injury risks. The objective of the paper was to find out if such activities cause injuries that require long hospitalization. The files of 137 firefighters in Littoral Mountainous County, Croatia, were examined as well as those of 120 emergency workers in the last decade. The results have shown that on average firefighters were treated in hospitals 1.33 days, and emergency workers 0.018 days, p = .019, p < .05. The firefighters’ sick leave was longer, with a mean 63.91 days compared to emergency workers sick leave mean 22.90 days, but if two firefighters on long sick leave were excluded, the difference between two groups was not significant, p = .256, p > .05. While these injuries result in short hospitalizations time the sick leave time takes longer and requires extensive outpatient physical therapy that burden hospital system. Overall, the amount of medical care time to return these injured workers to duty is large, there is necessity of implementing innovative injury prevention programs.
Modelling of a Hybrid Energy System for Autonomous Application
Authors: He Yang , You Zheng , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: October 2013

A hybrid energy system (HES) is a trending power supply solution for autonomous devices. With the help of an accurate system model, the HES development will be efficient and oriented. In spite of various precise unit models, a HES system is hardly developed. This paper proposes a system modelling approach, which applies the power flux conservation as the governing equation and adapts and modifies unit models of solar cells, piezoelectric generators, a Li-ion battery and a super-capacitor. A generalized power harvest, storage and management strategy is also suggested to adapt to various application scenarios.
Corporate Institutions in a Weakened Welfare State: A Rawlsian Perspective
Authors: Blanc Sandrine , Al-Amoudi Ismael
Published: October 2013

This paper re-examines the import of Rawls’s theory of justice for private sector institutions in the face of the decline of the welfare state. The argument is based on a Rawlsian conception of justice as the establishment of a basic structure of society that guarantees a fair distribution of primary goods. We propose that the decline of the welfare state witnessed in Western countries over the past forty years prompts a reassessment of the boundaries of the basic structure in order to include additional corporate institutions. A discussion centered on the primary good of self-respect, but extensible to power and prerogatives as well as income and wealth, examines how the legislator should intervene in private sector institutions to counterbalance any unfairness that results from the decline of the welfare state.
Reconciliation and social segmentation strategies: a double inequality
Authors: Alcañiz Mercedes
Published: October 2013

The incorporation ofwomen into the labour market has implied a reorganisation ofthe gender division of work, but has not released women from the performance oftheir traditional role with regard to tasks in the domestic and caring fields. In orderto be able to do this double day’s work, women—occasionally with the participationof their spouses—choose strategies to enable them to reconcile these dimensions.This article presents these strategies and relates them with both structuralsociological variables, such as social position and occupation, and gender ideology.The author’s goal is to determine the articulation between the two, and their linksto inequality.
The sense of a right to the reconciliation: work and personal and family life in a local authority staff
Authors: Monteiro Rosa , Domingos Liliana
Published: October 2013

This article presents the main results of qualitative research on the sense that peoplehave of the right to public support for the reconciliation of work and personaland family life, in the case of staff of a local authority in northern-central Portugalthat is the object of an equality plan. The authors conclude that: the sense that thereal content of rights is small is reflected in a limited awareness of the obligationsthat pertain to the state, employers and society in general when it comes to providingservices and support for the family; reconciliation problems are individualisedand privatised; people have low expectations as to the support they are likely toreceive from their employer and the state; and they are thus unlikely to mobiliseand demand access to rights.
The websites of Portuguese trade unions: surfing for rights?
Authors: Rego Raquel , Alves Paulo Marques , Silva Jorge , Naumann Reinhard
Published: October 2013

Studies on industrial relations in Portugal have not paid much attention to the roleof the latest information and communication technologies. In seeking to help fillthis gap, this article characterises the use of the Internet by Portuguese trade unions,by presenting a typology of theirwebsites and determining whether there arestatistically significant associations between that typology and each union’s membershipof the main national confederations. The authors base themselves on theprinciple that the fragmented nature of the trade union structure in Portugal leadsto different communication strategies. The conclusion sets out a number of hypothesesthat may help explain the results of the present study.
The social construction of the economic policy for water
Authors: Martins Rodrigo Constante
Published: October 2013

This work presents a conceptual critique about the neoclassical comprehension ofthe environmental question. The article proposes an analysis of the logical-deductive model used by the neoclassical environmental economy for the interpretationof the socio-environmental conflicts. It presents a critical revision of theneoclassic principles starting from the case of the access towater resources. Particularly,the work will treat the use of economical instruments of environmental policyexperience of the water management in both Brazil and Portugal.
Decision-making in the public administration: a dialogue of rationalities
Authors: De Carvalho Elisabete
Published: October 2013

The Science of Public Administration has been the stage for a heated debate on thesearch for the management models and organisational designs that best suit asystem which will simultaneously achieve the goals that are set for it and make appropriateuse of the resources at its disposal. The desired end is an instrumental,managerial rationale derived from a theoretical modelling of the decision-makingprocess that is widely adopted in both management and economic fields: the rationaldecision-making model. However, it is not entirely clear that this model matcheswhat actually happens in the reality it seeks to describe and explain. There areother models, born out of studies of an inductive, pragmatic nature, that providedifferent visions of and explanations for decision-making processes, particularlywhen two variables are introduced: the political context; and when decisions concernambiguous problems that tend to be complex. The author synthetically systematisesome of these models, in the hope that considering them may provide valuable assistance in the process of transforming the administrative systemeffectively.
Review: Registos do Ator Plural. Bernard Lahire na Sociologia Portuguesa [João Teixeira Lopes (org.), 2012, Porto, Edições Afrontamento]
Authors: Nunes Nuno
Published: October 2013

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Diagnosing Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II
Authors: Johnson Britt A. , van Diggelen Otto P. , Dajnoki Angela , Bodamer Olaf A.
Published: October 2013

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of iduronate 2‐sulfatase (IDS). Progressive, intralysosomal accumulation of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) dermatan and heparan sulfate in almost all tissues leads to multi‐organ involvement in affected males but to virtual absence of symptoms in heterozygote female carriers due to preferential inactivation of the mutant allele. Diagnosis of MPS II in males is based on IDS analysis in leukocytes, fibroblasts, plasma, or dried blood spots (DBS), whereas IDS activities may be within the normal range in heterozygote females. The advent of fluorometric and mass spectrometry methods for enzyme analysis in DBS has simplified the diagnostic approach for MPS II males. Molecular analysis of the IDS gene confirms the diagnosis of MPS II in males and is the only diagnostic test to confirm carrier status in females. This unit provides detailed analytical protocols for measurement of IDS activity in DBS and plasma using a fluorometric assay. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 79:17.14.1‐17.14.9. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.