bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Melamchi Water Supply Project in Socio-Economic Development of Sindhupalchowak District of Nepal
Authors: Dahal Dhundi Raj , Timsina Tatwa P.
Published: February 2017

The Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) is considered to have been the most viable long-term alternative to ease the chronic water shortage situation within the Kathmandu Valley. The project has launched the separate project 'Social Upliftment Project' to improve the quality of life of community people. Besides that the project has divided its support field as buffer zone, health, education, income generation and rural electrification etc. to make the program more effective. So, the study aim is to explore the impact of Melamchi Water Supply Project in socio-economic status of local people of study areas. The study was conducted among the 8 VDCs of Sindhupalchowak district. Total, 404 respondents were selected randomly. The study found that MWSP had contributed in the field of agriculture, improving economic status of community people, education, infrastructure development and off-seasonal vegetable farming for income generating activities. There was a significant difference between the respondents of different VDCs regarding the contribution of MWSP. The Social Upliftment Program of MWSP should be continued and needed to extend in other hard-to-reach areas of district.
Lived Experiences of People Living with Type II Diabetes: A qualitative study
Authors: Sharma Sarswati , Joshi Sarala
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Nepal is experiencing a double disease burden: Communicable diseases as well as rising incidence of non-communicable diseases. It is believed to be due to unhealthy life style and faulty food habit. Among the NCD Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered to be a major health problem.Methods: This study has adapted Phenomenological approach in which the researcher has tried to explore the perceptions and beliefs of people living with type 2 diabetes. In this study two instruments were used; in-depth interview were taken in 21 respondents who are attending different hospitals of Kathmandu. The interview was guided by using open ended questions. All interviews were analyzed manually and qualitative content analysis was done to identify the codes, categorizes, sub categorizes concepts data and to find out the main theme.Results: Most of the respondents believed that unhealthy diet(high carbohydrate, high fat, low rough phage food), sedentary life style, stressful life and consumption of the food with higher concentration of pesticides (eg: Metacid).Conclusions: People perceived that unhealthy life style is the main cause of diabetes and to reduce the number awareness program should be initiated by the government mainly in the public places and should be kept in the school level curriculum also.
Present and Importance levels leadership competencies of principals in Nepalese Schools
Authors: Thapa Karna Bahadur
Published: February 2017

Leadership competency is one of the major qualities of Principal to ensure the performance of schools. Principal is responsible to manage the overall school's environment so that s/he should have effective leadership competency. The study was explored the present level and desired level of leadership competency of principal of Nepalese schools. The study had applied Stratified proportionate sampling to select the 817 respondents from Principal, Teachers and Supervisor. The secondary level schools - government aided, community managed and institutional were selected from the Tarai, Mountain, Hill and Valley. The study found that there was significant difference between the present level and Importance level of leadership competency of Principals of Nepalese schools. The statistical analysis of t-test showed that the mean value of Importance level of competency was significantly higher than the mean value of present level of competency on the basis of types of schools and types of respondents. The study observed that there was need of improvement in present level of leadership competency of principals.
Nepali Painting: Traditional Motifs in Modern Art
Authors: B.K. Jyoti Prakash
Published: February 2017

Art is mirror of society. Human Civilization developed through art. Philosopher Langinus said that the power of the art is to create sublime to viewers. There is lot of philosophy in art history but still no any conclusion or scientific answer about the art but art is more contemporary due to the globalization and individual expression. In the case of Nepali art, before the "Kirat" and "Lichhabi" period had also some paintings and sculpture. Because of the weak surface we didn't have any paintings but can know from the petrography of Lichhabi period. In the world the ancient time had been found to be developing from religious and cultural development. It is absolutely relevant to be saying that the Nepali paintings were also the cause of the religious development. The history of the Nepali painting had been developed on religious base from the history to contemporary situation. So the main objective of the research is to find the core relation between traditional and modern painting.
Inorganic Reactive Sulfur-Nitrogen Species: Intricate Release Mechanisms or Cacophony in Yellow, Blue and Red?
Authors: Grman Marian , Nasim Muhammad , Leontiev Roman , Misak Anton , Jakusova Veronika , Ondrias Karol , Jacob Claus
Published: February 2017

Since the heydays of Reactive Sulfur Species (RSS) research during the first decade of the Millennium, numerous sulfur species involved in cellular regulation and signalling have been discovered. Yet despite the general predominance of organic species in organisms, recent years have also seen the emergence of inorganic reactive sulfur species, ranging from inorganic polysulfides (HSx−/Sx2−) to thionitrous acid (HSNO) and nitrosopersulfide (SSNO−). These inorganic species engage in a complex interplay of reactions in vitro and possibly also in vivo. Employing a combination of spectrophotometry and sulfide assays, we have investigated the role of polysulfanes from garlic during the release of nitric oxide (•NO) from S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in the absence and presence of thiol reducing agents. Our studies reveal a distinct enhancement of GSNO decomposition by compounds such as diallyltrisulfane, which is most pronounced in the presence of cysteine and glutathione and presumably proceeds via the initial release of an inorganic mono- or polysulfides, i.e., hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or HSx−, from the organic polysulfane. Albeit being of a preliminary nature, our spectrophotometric data also reveals a complicated underlying mechanism which appears to involve transient species such as SSNO−. Eventually, more in depth studies are required to further explore the underlying chemistry and wider biological and nutritional implications of this interplay between edible garlic compounds, reductive activation, inorganic polysulfides and their interplay with •NO storage and release.
Strain Transfer Analysis of a Clamped Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor
Authors: Sun Li , Li Chuang , Li Jun , Zhang Chunwei , Ding Xiaosu
Published: February 2017

Clamped fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been widely applied in engineering strain measurements due to their advantages of high flexibility and efficiency. However, due to the existence of the interlayer, the strain measured by the encapsulated FBG sensor is not equal to the strain of the host material, which causes strain measurement errors. In this paper, the strain transfer analysis of a clamped FBG sensor based on the shear-lag theory is conducted to improve the accuracy of strain measurements. A novel theoretical model for the axial strain distribution of a clamped FBG sensor is proposed. It is also discussed how the gauge ratio and interlayer thickness affect the strain transfer rate. The accuracy of the proposed theoretical model is verified by experimental tensile tests. The theoretical value of the strain transfer rate matches well with the tested value.
Trends of Heat Waves and Cold Spells over 1951–2015 in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Rong , Chen Zhao-Yue , Ou Chun-Quan , Zhuang Yan
Published: February 2017

The global climate has changed significantly, characterized by the warming of the surface air temperature, which seriously affects public health. We examined the trends of extreme temperatures, heat waves and cold spells in a subtropical city of Guangzhou, China, during 1951–2015. Specifically, the relationship between ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) events and heat waves/cold spells was discussed. The results of linear regression showed the annual mean temperature and extreme warm days increased (0.14 °C/decade and 6.26 days/decade) while extreme cold days decreased significantly (1.77 days/decade). Heat waves were more frequent, longer lasting and had stronger intensity over the past 65 years. In addition, the frequency, duration and intensity of heat waves were correlated with annual Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) and Indian Ocean Basin-wide Warming (IOBW), while there were no significant differences in the characteristics of heat waves among an El Niño year, a La Niña year and a Neutral year. In contrast, neither significant trend nor association with ENSO events was observed for cold spells. In conclusion, our study indicated an obvious increasing trend for all aspects of heat waves in Guangzhou, China.
Carbon Nanotubes as an Effective Opportunity for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Sanginario Alessandro , Miccoli Beatrice , Demarchi Danilo
Published: February 2017

Despite the current progresses of modern medicine, the resistance of malignant tumors to present medical treatments points to the necessity of developing new therapeutic approaches. In recent years, numerous studies have focused their attention on the promising use of nanomaterials, like iron oxide nanowires, zinc oxide or mesoporous silica nanoparticles, for cancer and metastasis treatment with the advantage of operating directly at the bio-molecular scale. Among them, carbon nanotubes emerged as valid candidates not only for drug delivery, but also as a valuable tool in cancer imaging and physical ablation. Nevertheless, deep investigations about carbon nanotubes’ potential bio-compatibility and cytotoxicity limits should be also critically addressed. In the present review, after introducing carbon nanotubes and their promising advantages and drawbacks for fighting cancer, we want to focus on the numerous and different ways in which they can assist to reach this goal. Specifically, we report on how they can be used not only for drug delivery purposes, but also as a powerful ally to develop effective contrast agents for tumors’ medical or photodynamic imaging, to perform direct physical ablation of metastasis, as well as gene therapy.
The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Pickart Loren , Vasquez-Soltero Jessica , Margolina Anna
Published: February 2017

Neurodegeneration, the progressive death of neurons, loss of brain function, and cognitive decline is an increasing problem for senior populations. Its causes are poorly understood and therapies are largely ineffective. Neurons, with high energy and oxygen requirements, are especially vulnerable to detrimental factors, including age-related dysregulation of biochemical pathways caused by altered expression of multiple genes. GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is a human copper-binding peptide with biological actions that appear to counter aging-associated diseases and conditions. GHK, which declines with age, has health promoting effects on many tissues such as chondrocytes, liver cells and human fibroblasts, improves wound healing and tissue regeneration (skin, hair follicles, stomach and intestinal linings, boney tissue), increases collagen, decorin, angiogenesis, and nerve outgrowth, possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-anxiety effects, increases cellular stemness and the secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells. Studies using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map show that GHK peptide modulates expression of multiple genes, resetting pathological gene expression patterns back to health. GHK has been recommended as a treatment for metastatic cancer, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, inflammation, acute lung injury, activating stem cells, pain, and anxiety. Here, we present GHK’s effects on gene expression relevant to the nervous system health and function.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the DSM-5: Controversy, Change, and Conceptual Considerations
Authors: Pai Anushka , Suris Alina , North Carol
Published: February 2017

The criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD have changed considerably with the newest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Changes to the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV to DSM-5 include: the relocation of PTSD from the anxiety disorders category to a new diagnostic category named “Trauma and Stressor-related Disorders”, the elimination of the subjective component to the definition of trauma, the explication and tightening of the definitions of trauma and exposure to it, the increase and rearrangement of the symptoms criteria, and changes in additional criteria and specifiers. This article will explore the nosology of the current diagnosis of PTSD by reviewing the changes made to the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the DSM-5 and discuss how these changes influence the conceptualization of PTSD.
Time Resolved Operando X-ray Techniques in Catalysis, a Case Study: CO Oxidation by O2 over Pt Surfaces and Alumina Supported Pt Catalysts
Authors: Newton Mark
Published: February 2017

The catalytic oxidation of CO by O2 to form CO2 over Pt surfaces and supported catalysts is one of the most studied catalytic reactions from both fundamental and applied points of view. This review aims to show how the application of a range of time resolved, X-ray based techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD), total X-ray scattering/pair distribution function (PDF), X-ray absorption (XAFS), X-ray emission (XES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS), applied under operando conditions and often coupled to adjunct techniques (for instance mass spectrometry (MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR)) have shed new light on the structures and mechanisms at work in this most studied of systems. The aim of this review is therefore to demonstrate how a fusion of the operando philosophy with the ever augmenting capacities of modern synchrotron sources can lead to new insight and catalytic possibilities, even in the case of a process that has been intensely studied for almost 100 years.
Do Mothers Benefit from a Child-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) for Childhood Functional Abdominal Pain? A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Calvano Claudia , Groß Martina , Warschburger Petra
Published: February 2017

While the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) approaches for childhood functional abdominal pain (FAP) is well-established for child outcomes, only a few studies have reported on parent-specific outcomes. This randomized controlled pilot trial analyzed effects of a group CBT on maternal variables (i.e., pain-related behavior, worries and self-efficacy, as well as general psychosocial strain). Methods: The sample constituted of 15 mothers in the intervention group (IG) and 14 mothers in the waitlist control group (WLC). Outcome measures were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and at three months follow-up. Results: Analyses revealed significant, large changes in maladaptive maternal reactions related to the child’s abdominal pain in the IG compared to the WLC—i.e., reduced attention (d = 0.95), medical help-seeking (d = 0.92), worries (d = 1.03), as well as a significant increase in behaviors that encourage the child’s self-management (d = 1.03). In addition, maternal self-efficacy in dealing with a child’s pain significantly increased in the IG as well (d = 0.92). Treatment effects emerged post-treatment and could be maintained until three months follow-up. There were no effects on general self-efficacy and maternal quality of life. Conclusion: While these results are promising, and underline the efficacy of the CBT approach for both the child and mothers, further studies, including long-term follow-ups, are warranted.
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates Made by Oblique Angle Deposition: Methods and Applications
Authors: Chu Hin , Song Shigeng , Li Cheng , Gibson Des
Published: February 2017

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy presents a rapid, non-destructive method to identify chemical and biological samples with up to single molecule sensitivity. Since its discovery in 1974, the technique has become an intense field of interdisciplinary research, typically generating >2000 publications per year since 2011. The technique relies on the localised surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, where incident light can couple with plasmons at the interface that result in the generation of an intense electric field. This field can propagate from the surface from the metal-dielectric interface, so molecules within proximity will experience more intense Raman scattering. Localised surface plasmon resonance wavelength is determined by a number of factors, such as size, geometry and material. Due to the requirements of the surface optical response, Ag and Au are typical metals used for surface enhanced Raman applications. These metals then need to have nano features that improve the localised surface plasmon resonance, several variants of these substrates exist; surfaces can range from nanoparticles in a suspension, electrochemically roughened electrodes to metal nanostructures on a substrate. The latter will be the focus of this review, particularly reviewing substrates made by oblique angle deposition. Oblique angle deposition is the technique of growing thin films so that the material flux is not normal to the surface. Films grown in this fashion will possess nanostructures, due to the atomic self-shadowing effect, that are dependent mainly on the deposition angle. Recent developments, applications and highlights of surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates made by oblique angle deposition will be reviewed.
A Survey of Soft-Error Mitigation Techniques for Non-Volatile Memories
Authors: Mittal Sparsh
Published: February 2017

Non-volatile memories (NVMs) offer superior density and energy characteristics compared to the conventional memories; however, NVMs suffer from severe reliability issues that can easily eclipse their energy efficiency advantages. In this paper, we survey architectural techniques for improving the soft-error reliability of NVMs, specifically PCM (phase change memory) and STT-RAM (spin transfer torque RAM). We focus on soft-errors, such as resistance drift and write disturbance, in PCM and read disturbance and write failures in STT-RAM. By classifying the research works based on key parameters, we highlight their similarities and distinctions. We hope that this survey will underline the crucial importance of addressing NVM reliability for ensuring their system integration and will be useful for researchers, computer architects and processor designers.
A Scheme for the Growth of Graphene Sheets Embedded with Nanocones
Authors: Liu Yu-Peng , Li Jing-Tian , Song Quan , Zhuang Jun , Ning Xi-Jing
Published: February 2017

Based on the monolayer growth mode of graphene sheets (2D crystal) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a Cu surface, it should be possible to grow the 2D crystal embedded with single wall carbon nanocones (SWCNC) if nano-conical pits are pre-fabricated on the surface. However, a previous experiment showed that the growing graphene sheet can cross grain boundaries without bending, which seems to invalidate this route for growing SWCNCs. The criterion of Gibbs free energy was applied in the present work to address this issue, showing that the sheet can grow into the valley of a boundary if the boundary has a slope instead of a quarter-turn shape, and SWCNCs can be obtained by this route as long as the lower diameter of the pre-fabricated pit is larger than 1.6 nm and the deposition temperature is higher than 750 K.
On the Anionic Group Approximation to the Borate Nonlinear Optical Materials
Authors: Li Rukang
Published: February 2017

In this mini-review type of article, a brief summary of the anionic group approximation as it relates to the borate nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, an idea firstly proposed by Professor Chen, is presented.The basic idea, calculation method, tabulated coefficients of various common borate, as well as nitrate or carbonate groups, in their ideal geometries will be presented. New practices reveal that those parameters can still give very accurate predicted NLO coefficients for recently found NLO crystals without any adjustment of parameters.
Optical Properties of the Fresnoite Ba2TiSi2O8 Single Crystal
Authors: Shen Chuanying , Zhang Huaijin , Wang Duanliang , Wang Jiyang , Boughton Robert
Published: February 2017

In this work, using large-sized single crystals of high optical quality, the optical properties of Ba2TiSi2O8 were systematically investigated, including transmission spectra, refractive indices and nonlinear absorption properties. The crystal exhibits a high transmittance (>84%) over a wide wavelength range from 340 to 2500 nm. The refractive indices in the range from 0.31256 to 1.01398 μm were measured, and Sellmeier’s equations were fitted by the least squares method. The nonlinear absorption properties were studied by using the open-aperture Z-scan technique, with a nonlinear absorption coefficient measured to be on the order of 0.257 cm/GW at the peak power density of 16.4 GW/cm2. Such high transmittance and wide transparency indicate that optical devices using the Ba2TiSi2O8crystal can be applied over a wide wavelength range. Furthermore, the small nonlinear absorption observed in Ba2TiSi2O8 will effectively increase the optical conversion efficiency, decreasing the generation of laser damage of the optical device.
Atomistic Modelling of Si Nanoparticles Synthesis
Authors: Barcaro Giovanni , Monti Susanna , Sementa Luca , Carravetta Vincenzo
Published: February 2017

Silicon remains the most important material for electronic technology. Presently, some efforts are focused on the use of Si nanoparticles—not only for saving material, but also for improving the efficiency of optical and electronic devices, for instance, in the case of solar cells coated with a film of Si nanoparticles. The synthesis by a bottom-up approach based on condensation from low temperature plasma is a promising technique for the massive production of such nanoparticles, but the knowledge of the basic processes occurring at the atomistic level is still very limited. In this perspective, numerical simulations can provide fundamental information of the nucleation and growth mechanisms ruling the bottom-up formation of Si nanoclusters. We propose to model the low temperature plasma by classical molecular dynamics by using the reactive force field (ReaxFF) proposed by van Duin, which can properly describe bond forming and breaking. In our approach, first-principles quantum calculations are used on a set of small Si clusters in order to collect all the necessary energetic and structural information to optimize the parameters of the reactive force-field for the present application. We describe in detail the procedure used for the determination of the force field and the following molecular dynamics simulations of model systems of Si gas at temperatures in the range 2000–3000 K. The results of the dynamics provide valuable information on nucleation rate, nanoparticle size distribution, and growth rate that are the basic quantities for developing a following mesoscale model.
Herbarium of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (HUCP), Curitiba, Southern Brazil
Authors: Kersten Rodrigo , Salesbram João , Acra Luiz
Published: February 2017

The main objective of this paper is to present the herbarium of the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana’s and its collection. The history of the HUCP had its beginning in the middle of the 1970s with the foundation of the Biology Museum that gathered both botanical and zoological specimens. In April 1979 collections were separated and the HUCP was founded with preserved specimens of algae (green, red, and brown), fungi, and embryophytes. As of October 2016, the collection encompasses nearly 25,000 specimens from 4934 species, 1609 genera, and 297 families. Most of the specimens comes from the state of Paraná but there were also specimens from many Brazilian states and other countries, mainly from South America (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia) but also from other parts of the world (Cuba, USA, Spain, Germany, China, and Australia). Our collection includes 42 fungi, 258 gymnosperms, 299 bryophytes, 2809 pteridophytes, 3158 algae, 17,832 angiosperms, and only one type of Mimosa (Mimosa tucumensis Barneby ex Ribas, M. Morales & Santos-Silva—Fabaceae). We also have botanical education and education for sustainability programs for basic and high school students and training for teachers.
Risk of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among People with Sickle Cell Disease in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Donkor Eric , Osei Jonathan , Anim-Baidoo Isaac , Darkwah Samuel
Published: February 2017

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is benign except in certain medical conditions such as pregnancy and immunosuppression. In Ghana, there are hardly any studies on urinary infections among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, and the few studies carried out in Africa focused on pediatric SCD populations. The current study aimed to investigate the risk of ASB among SCD patients at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study involving 110 SCD patients and 110 age and sex matched healthy controls. Urine specimens were collected from all the study subjects and analyzed by standard microbiological methods. Demographic information were also collected from the study subjects. The overall ASB prevalence was significantly higher among SCD patients (17.2%) than among the control group (8.2%), and the relative risk was 2.11 (p = 0.0431; CI = 1.00–4.45). Being female was as a predictor of ASB among the SCD patients (OR = 14.76; CI = 11.23–18.29; p = 0.0103). The most common organism isolated from the study participants was coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (4.1%), followed by Escherichia coli (2.7%); etiology of ASB in the SCD patients was more diverse compared to healthy people. All the E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, sparfloxacin and norfloxacin but resistant to ampicillin.
Bullwhip Entropy Analysis and Chaos Control in the Supply Chain with Sales Game and Consumer Returns
Authors: Lou Wandong , Ma Junhai , Zhan Xueli
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we study a supply chain system which consists of one manufacturer and two retailers including a traditional retailer and an online retailer. In order to gain a larger market share, the retailers often take the sales as a decision-making variable in the competition game. We devote ourselves to analyze the bullwhip effect in the supply chain with sales game and consumer returns via the theory of entropy and complexity and take the delayed feedback control method to control the system’s chaotic state. The impact of a statutory 7-day no reason for return policy for online retailers is also investigated. The bounded rational expectation is adopt to forecast the future demand in the sales game system with weak noise. Our results show that high return rates will hurt the profits of both the retailers and the adjustment speed of the bounded rational sales expectation has an important impact on the bullwhip effect. There is a stable area for retailers where the bullwhip effect doesn’t appear. The supply chain system suffers a great bullwhip effect in the quasi-periodic state and the quasi-chaotic state. The purpose of chaos control on the sales game can be achieved and the bullwhip effect would be effectively mitigated by using the delayed feedback control method.
An Android Malicious Code Detection Method Based on Improved DCA Algorithm
Authors: Wang Chundong , Li Zhiyuan , Gong Liangyi , Mo Xiuliang , Yang Hong , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2017

Recently, Android malicious code has increased dramatically and the technology of reinforcement is increasingly powerful. Due to the development of code obfuscation and polymorphic deformation technology, the current Android malicious code static detection method whose feature selected is the semantic of application source code can not completely extract malware’s code features. The Android malware static detection methods whose features used are only obtained from the AndroidManifest.xml file are easily affected by useless permissions. Therefore, there are some limitations in current Android malware static detection methods. The current Android malware dynamic detection algorithm is mostly required to customize the system or needs system root permissions. Based on the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA), this paper proposes an Android malware algorithm that has a higher detection rate, does not need to modify the system, and reduces the impact of code obfuscation to a certain degree. This algorithm is applied to an Android malware detection method based on oriented Dalvik disassembly sequence and application interface (API) calling sequence. Through the designed experiments, the effectiveness of this method is verified for the detection of Android malware.
Discussing Landscape Compositional Scenarios Generated with Maximization of Non-Expected Utility Decision Models Based on Weighted Entropies
Authors: Casquilho José , Rego Francisco
Published: February 2017

The search for hypothetical optimal solutions of landscape composition is a major issue in landscape planning and it can be outlined in a two-dimensional decision space involving economic value and landscape diversity, the latter being considered as a potential safeguard to the provision of services and externalities not accounted in the economic value. In this paper, we use decision models with different utility valuations combined with weighted entropies respectively incorporating rarity factors associated to Gini-Simpson and Shannon measures. A small example of this framework is provided and discussed for landscape compositional scenarios in the region of Nisa, Portugal. The optimal solutions relative to the different cases considered are assessed in the two-dimensional decision space using a benchmark indicator. The results indicate that the likely best combination is achieved by the solution using Shannon weighted entropy and a square root utility function, corresponding to a risk-averse behavior associated to the precautionary principle linked to safeguarding landscape diversity, anchoring for ecosystem services provision and other externalities. Further developments are suggested, mainly those relative to the hypothesis that the decision models here outlined could be used to revisit the stability-complexity debate in the field of ecological studies.
Two Thermoeconomic Diagnosis Methods Applied to Representative Operating Data of a Commercial Transcritical Refrigeration Plant
Authors: Ommen Torben , Sigthorsson Oskar , Elmegaard Brian
Published: February 2017

In order to investigate options for improving the maintenance protocol of commercial refrigeration plants, two thermoeconomic diagnosis methods were evaluated on a state-of-the-art refrigeration plant. A common relative indicator was proposed for the two methods in order to directly compare the quality of malfunction identification. Both methods were applicable to locate and categorise the malfunctions when using steady state data without measurement uncertainties. By introduction of measurement uncertainty, the categorisation of malfunctions became increasingly difficult, though depending on the magnitude of the uncertainties. Two different uncertainty scenarios were evaluated, as the use of repeated measurements yields a lower magnitude of uncertainty. The two methods show similar performance in the presented study for both of the considered measurement uncertainty scenarios. However, only in the low measurement uncertainty scenario, both methods are applicable to locate the causes of the malfunctions. For both the scenarios an outlier limit was found, which determines if it was possible to reject a high relative indicator based on measurement uncertainty. For high uncertainties, the threshold value of the relative indicator was 35, whereas for low uncertainties one of the methods resulted in a threshold at 8. Additionally, the contribution of different measuring instruments to the relative indicator in two central components was analysed. It shows that the contribution was component dependent.
A Note on Identification of Bivariate Copulas for Discrete Count Data
Authors: Trivedi Pravin , Zimmer David
Published: February 2017

Copulas have enjoyed increased usage in many areas of econometrics, including applications with discrete outcomes. However, Genest and Nešlehová (2007) present evidence that copulas for discrete outcomes are not identified, particularly when those discrete outcomes follow count distributions. This paper confirms the Genest and Nešlehová result using a series of simulation exercises. The paper then proceeds to show that those identification concerns diminish if the model has a regression structure such that the exogenous variable(s) generates additional variation in the outcomes and thus more completely covers the outcome domain.
Coupled GPS/MEMS IMU Attitude Determination of Small UAVs with COTS
Authors: Strohmeier Michael , Montenegro Sergio
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes an attitude determination system for small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) with a weight limit of 5 kg and a small footprint of 0.5m x 0.5 m. The system is realized by coupling single-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) code and carrier-phase measurements with the data acquired from a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) using consumer-grade Components-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) only. The sensor fusion is accomplished using two Extended Kalman Filters (EKF) that are coupled by exchanging information about the currently estimated baseline. With a baseline of 48 cm, the static heading accuracy of the proposed system is comparable to the one of a commercial single-frequency GPS heading system with an accuracy of approximately 0.25°/m. Flight testing shows that the proposed system is able to obtain a reliable and stable GPS heading estimation without an aiding magnetometer.
Technical Feasibility Study of Thermal Energy Storage Integration into the Conventional Power Plant Cycle
Authors: Wojcik Jacek , Wang Jihong
Published: February 2017

The current load balance in the grid is managed mainly through peaking fossil-fuelled power plants that respond passively to the load changes. Intermittency, which comes from renewable energy sources, imposes additional requirements for even more flexible and faster responses from conventional power plants. A major challenge is to keep conventional generation running closest to the design condition with higher load factors and to avoid switching off periods if possible. Thermal energy storage (TES) integration into the power plant process cycle is considered as a possible solution for this issue. In this article, a technical feasibility study of TES integration into a 375-MW subcritical oil-fired conventional power plant is presented. Retrofitting is considered in order to avoid major changes in the power plant process cycle. The concept is tested based on the complete power plant model implemented in the ProTRAX software environment. Steam and water parameters are assessed for different TES integration scenarios as a function of the plant load level. The best candidate points for heat extraction in the TES charging and discharging processes are evaluated. The results demonstrate that the integration of TES with power plant cycle is feasible and provide a provisional guidance for the design of the TES system that will result in the minimal influence on the power plant cycle.
Recycling Possibility of the Salty Food Waste by Pyrolysis and Water Scrubbing
Authors: Lee Ye-Eun , Jo Jun-Ho , Kim Sun-Min , Yoo Yeong-Seok
Published: February 2017

Salty food waste is difficult to manage with previous methods such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and incineration, due to the hindrance of salt and the additional burden to handle high concentrations of organic wastewater produced when raw materials are cleaned. This study presents a possibility of recycling food waste as fuel without the burden of treatment washing with water by pyrolyzing and scrubbing. For this purpose, salty food waste with 3% NaCl was made using 10 materials and pyrolysis was conducted at temperature range between 200–400 °C. The result was drawn from elementary analysis (EA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) analysis, water quality analysis and calorific value analysis of char, washed char, and washing water. The result of the EA showed that NaCl in food waste could be volatilized at a low pyrolysis temperature of 200–300 °C and it could be concentrated and fixed in char at a high pyrolysis temperature of 300–400 °C. The XPS analysis result showed that NaCl existed in form of chloride. Through the Na content result of the AAS analysis, NaCl remaining in char after water scrubbing was determined to be less than 2%. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) value of scrubbing water decreased rapidly, but the total phosphorus and nitrogen contents decreased gradually. The cleaned pyrolysis char showed an increase of higher heating value (HHV) approximately 3667–9920 J/g due to the removal of salt from the char and, especially at 300–400 °C, showed a similar HHV with normal fossil fuels. In conclusion, salty food waste, which is pyrolyzed at a temperature of 300–400 °C and cleaned by water, can be utilized as high-energy refuse derived fuel (RDF), without adverse effects, due to the volatilization of Cl and an additional process of contaminated water.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Waste Biomass: Process Design, Modeling, Energy Efficiency and Cost Analysis
Authors: Lucian Michela , Fiori Luca
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process is designed and modeled on the basis of experimental data previously obtained for two representative organic waste materials: off-specification compost and grape marc. The process accounts for all the steps and equipment necessary to convert raw moist biomass into dry and pelletized hydrochar. By means of mass and thermal balances and based on common equations specific to the various equipment, thermal energy and power consumption were calculated at variable process conditions: HTC reactor temperature T: 180, 220, 250 °C; reaction time θ: 1, 3, 8 h. When operating the HTC plant with grape marc (65% moisture content) at optimized process conditions (T = 220 °C; θ = 1 h; dry biomass to water ratio = 0.19), thermal energy and power consumption were equal to 1170 kWh and 160 kWh per ton of hydrochar produced, respectively. Correspondingly, plant efficiency was 78%. In addition, the techno-economical aspects of the HTC process were analyzed in detail, considering both investment and production costs. The production cost of pelletized hydrochar and its break-even point were determined to be 157 €/ton and 200 €/ton, respectively. Such values make the use of hydrochar as a CO2 neutral biofuel attractive.
Thermal Analysis of a Thermal Energy Storage Unit to Enhance a Workshop Heating System Driven by Industrial Residual Water
Authors: Sun Wenqiang , Zhao Zuquan , Wang Yanhui
Published: February 2017

Various energy sources can be used for room heating, among which waste heat utilization has significantly improved in recent years. However, the majority of applicable waste heat resources are high-grade or stable thermal energy, while the low-grade or unstable waste heat resources, especially low-temperature industrial residual water (IRW), are insufficiently used. A thermal energy storage (TES) unit with paraffin wax as a phase change material (PCM) is designed to solve this problem in a pharmaceutical plant. The mathematical models are developed to simulate the heat storage and release processes of the TES unit. The crucial parameters in the recurrence formulae are determined: the phase change temperature range of the paraffin wax used is 47 to 56 °C, and the latent heat is 171.4 kJ/kg. Several thermal behaviors, such as the changes of melting radius, solidification radius, and fluid temperature, are simulated. In addition, the amount of heat transferred, the heat transfer rate, and the heat storage efficiency are discussed. It is presented that the medicine production unit could save 10.25% of energy consumption in the investigated application.
Robust Clamping Force Control of an Electro-Mechanical Brake System for Application to Commercial City Buses
Authors: Eum Sangjune , Choi Jihun , Park Sang-Shin , Yoo Changhee , Nam Kanghyun
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a sensor-less robust force control method for improving the control performance of an electro-mechanical brake (EMB) which is applicable to commercial city buses. The EMB generates the accurate clamping force commanded by a driver through an independent motor control at each wheel instead of using existing mechanical components. In general, an EMB undergoes parameter variation and a backdrivability problem. For this reason, the cascade control strategy (e.g., force-position cascade control structure) is proposed and the disturbance observer is employed to enhance control robustness against model variations. Additionally, this paper proposed the clamping force estimation method for a sensor-less control, i.e., the clamping force observer (CFO). Finally, in order to confirm the performance and effectiveness of a proposed robust control method, several experiments are performed and analyzed.
Effects of Increased Wind Power Generation on Mid-Norway’s Energy Balance under Climate Change: A Market Based Approach
Authors: François Baptiste , Martino Sara , Tøfte Lena , Hingray Benoit , Mo Birger , Creutin Jean-Dominique
Published: February 2017

Thanks to its huge water storage capacity, Norway has an excess of energy generation at annual scale, although significant regional disparity exists. On average, the Mid-Norway region has an energy deficit and needs to import more electricity than it exports. We show that this energy deficit can be reduced with an increase in wind generation and transmission line capacity, even in future climate scenarios where both mean annual temperature and precipitation are changed. For the considered scenarios, the deficit observed in winter disappears, i.e., when electricity consumption and prices are high. At the annual scale, the deficit behaviour depends more on future changes in precipitation. Another consequence of changes in wind production and transmission capacity is the modification of electricity exchanges with neighbouring regions which are also modified both in terms of average, variability and seasonality.
Using Macronutrient Distributions within Trees to Define a Branch Diameter Threshold for Biomass Harvest in Sugar Maple-Dominated Stands
Authors: Royer-Tardif Samuel , Delagrange Sylvain , Nolet Philippe , Rivest David
Published: February 2017

As the use of forest harvesting residues for energy production gains popularity, debate continues regarding the long-term sustainability of whole tree harvesting (WTH). This practice removes nutrient-rich twigs that only account for a small fraction of harvest residues, emphasising the need to develop nutrient-efficient alternatives to WTH. This study assessed N, P, K, Ca, and Mg distributions within sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) branches of various sizes in order to determine the branch diameter threshold that would represent the best compromise between the quantity of harvested biomass and nutrient losses that were generated. Quantities of nutrients that were exported with harvesting were then modelled at the stand level using different biomass harvest scenarios to explore what factors ultimately drove total quantities of nutrients exported with harvest. We found that the branch diameter threshold for biomass harvesting should be set at 2 cm for most nutrients in both tree species. An exception was Mg in yellow birch, for which the harvesting of branches larger than 10 cm would always generate larger nutrient export than gains in terms of biomass. At the stand scale, we provide evidence that the intensity of biomass harvest (i.e., the number of branch compartments harvested) is the principal factor responsible for the quantity of nutrient that is exported with harvesting.
Use of Real‐Time GNSS‐RF Data to Characterize the Swing Movements of Forestry Equipment
Authors: Becker Ryer , Keefe Robert , Anderson Nathaniel
Published: February 2017

The western United States faces significant forest management challenges after severe bark beetle infestations have led to substantial mortality. Minimizing costs is vital for increasing the feasibility of management operations in affected forests. Multi‐transmitter Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)‐radio frequencies (RF) technology has applications in the quantification and analysis of harvest system production efficiency and provision of real‐time operational machine position, navigation, and timing. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy with which multi‐transmitter GNSS‐RF captures the swinging and forwarding motions of ground based harvesting machines at varying transmission intervals. Assessing the accuracy of GNSS in capturing intricate machine movements is a first step toward development of a real‐time production model to assist timber harvesting of beetle‐killed lodgepole pine stands. In a complete randomized block experiment with four replicates, a log loader rotated to 18 predetermined angles with GNSS‐RF transponders collecting and sending data at two points along the machine boom (grapple and heel rack) and at three transmission intervals (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 s). The 2.5 and 5.0 s intervals correctly identified 94% and 92% of cycles at the grapple and 92% and 89% of cycles at the heel, respectively. The 2.5 s interval successfully classified over 90% of individual cycle elements, while the 5.0 s interval returned statistically similar results. Predicted swing angles obtained the highest level of similarity to observed angles at the 2.5 s interval. Our results show that GNSS‐RF is useful for realtime, model‐based analysis of forest operations, including woody biomass production logistics.
Molecular Dynamics Modeling of the Effect of Axial and Transverse Compression on the Residual Tensile Properties of Ballistic Fiber
Authors: Chowdhury Sanjib , Sockalingam Subramani , Gillespie John
Published: February 2017

Ballistic impact induces multiaxial loading on Kevlar® and polyethylene fibers used in protective armor systems. The influence of multiaxial loading on fiber failure is not well understood. Experiments show reduction in the tensile strength of these fibers after axial and transverse compression. In this paper, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explain and develop a fundamental understanding of this experimental observation since the property reduction mechanism evolves from the atomistic level. An all-atom MD method is used where bonded and non-bonded atomic interactions are described through a state-of-the-art reactive force field. Monotonic tension simulations in three principal directions of the models are conducted to determine the anisotropic elastic and strength properties. Then the models are subjected to multi-axial loads—axial compression, followed by axial tension and transverse compression, followed by axial tension. MD simulation results indicate that pre-compression distorts the crystal structure, inducing preloading of the covalent bonds and resulting in lower tensile properties.