bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood Granule Classifiers
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Chen Yumin
Published: December 2018

Classifiers are divided into linear and nonlinear classifiers. The linear classifiers are built on a basis of some hyper planes. The nonlinear classifiers are mainly neural networks. In this paper, we propose a novel neighborhood granule classifier based on a concept of granular structure and neighborhood granules of datasets. By introducing a neighborhood rough set model, the condition features and decision features of classification systems are respectively granulated to form some condition neighborhood granules and decision neighborhood granules. These neighborhood granules are sets; thus, their calculations are intersection and union operations of sets. A condition neighborhood granule and a decision neighborhood granule form a granular rule, and the collection of granular rules constitutes a granular rule library. Furthermore, we propose two kinds of distance and similarity metrics to measure granules, which are used for the searching and matching of granules. Thus, we design a granule classifier by the similarity metric. Finally, we use the granule classifier proposed in this paper for a classification test with UCI datasets. The theoretical analysis and experiments show that the proposed granule classifier achieves a better classification performance under an appropriate neighborhood granulation parameter.
Oxygen Carrier Aided Combustion (OCAC) of Wood Chips in a 12 MWth Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler Using Steel Converter Slag as Bed Material
Authors: Rydén Magnus , Hanning Malin , Lind Fredrik
Published: December 2018

The novel combustion concept Oxygen Carrier Aided Combustion (OCAC) is realized by addition of an active oxygen-carrying bed material to conventional fluidized bed boilers. The active bed material is meant to become reduced in fuel-rich parts of the boiler and oxidized in oxygen-rich parts, thus potentially providing advantages such as new mechanisms for oxygen transport in space and time. In this study, oxygen-carrier particles prepared from so called Linz-Donawitz (LD)-slag are examined as active bed material in a 12 MWth Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boiler. LD-slag is the second largest by-product in steel making and is generated in the basic LD oxygen converter process. The experimental campaign lasted for two full weeks. The fuel was wood chips. LD-slag worked well from an operational point of view and no problems related to handling, agglomeration or sintering were experienced, albeit the production of fly ash increased. The boiler temperature profile suggested that fuel conversion in the main boiler body was facilitated, but the effect did not readily translate into reduced emissions from the stack. Spraying an aqueous solution of ammonium sulphate directly into the cyclone outlet with the aim of rejecting alkali metals as alkali suphates was found to solve the problems related to carbon monoxide emissions, suggesting that the problems could be due to the poor ability of LD-slag to absorb certain ash components. Use of a mixed bed consisting of 10–50 wt% LD-slag, with the remaining part being silica sand for ash absorption, also worked well. It is concluded that LD-slag could be a very cheap and readily available oxygen-carrying bed material for use in fluidized bed applications.
Application of Palm Oil Biodiesel Blends under Idle Operating Conditions in a Common-Rail Direct-Injection Diesel Engine
Authors: Kim Ho Young , Ge Jun Cong , Choi Nag Jung
Published: December 2018

This study describes the effects of palm oil biodiesel blended with diesel on the combustion performance, emission characteristics, and soot morphology in a 4-cylinder common-rail direct-injection (CRDI) diesel engine. The operational condition is idle speed, 750 rpm (the lowest speed of the test engine without any operation by driver), and the load conditions of the engine are 0 Nm and 40 Nm. Five kinds of biodiesel fuels are blended with diesel in 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 100% proportions by volume. A pilot injection was applied at BTDC 15 °CA and 20 °CA. Part of the pilot injection affects the combustion of the main injection due to the deterioration of the spray because of the high viscosity of palm oil biodiesel. Palm oil biodiesel is sufficient to keep the engine stable in an idling state, but the fuel economy deteriorated. The deterioration of the spray due to the high viscosity of palm oil biodiesel is offset by the effect of oxygen content and high cetane number, resulting in a constant nitric oxide (NOx) emission. However, particulate matter (PM) is reduced. When the engine load is increased, the carbon monoxide (CO) emission amount increased because of the insufficient intake air and oxygen content to reduce the fuel-rich areas. However, when the palm oil biodiesel blend ratio was above a certain level, the influence of oxygen content in the palm oil biodiesel increased, resulting in reduced CO emission levels. Hydrocarbon (HC) was reduced by oxygen atoms in palm oil biodiesel. The sizes of particulates emitted from diesel engine using palm oil biodiesel decreased with an increased blend ratio because of oxidization of hydrocarbons absorbed on PM.
Quantitative Analysis of the Blending Degree of Virgin and RAP Binders in Recycled Asphalt Mixtures with a High RAP Content
Authors: Yang Zhen , Zhuang Guoyi , Wei Xiaoshu , Wei Jintao , Yu Huayang , Xu Wei
Published: December 2018

Recycled asphalt mixtures (RAM), which are prepared by blending reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), virgin bitumen and mineral additives, provide a variety of advantages, including resource recycling, reductions in costs, and reduced negative environmental impacts. However, multiple agencies have expressed concerns about the utilization ratio of RAP; thus, a comprehensive understanding of the blending degree of virgin and RAP binders in RAM would be significantly helpful for promoting the application of RAP. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the blending degree of virgin and RAP binders in RAM with high RAP contents. Carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN) was utilized as a tracer to mark the virgin bitumen; in addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to develop the structural index of CTBN (ICTBN). By establishing the standard curve between ICTBN and the CTBN content, the blending degree of virgin and RAP binders at different locations within RAM can be determined quantitatively. The study results indicate that the RAP binder was completely blended with the virgin bitumen in the outer RAP layer. However, the blending degree decreased with an increase in the RAP depth, and the blending degree in the inner RAP layer was only approximately half that which was found in the case of complete blending.
Electrical Manipulation of Electromagnetically Induced Transparency for Slow Light Purpose Based on Metal-Graphene Hybrid Metamaterial
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Zha Song , Liu Peiguo , Yang Cheng , Zhou Qihui
Published: December 2018

A terahertz metamaterial is presented and numerically investigated to achieve tunable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for slow light. The unit cell consists of cut-wire pairs and U-shaped ring resonators with graphene strips placed between the metal film and the SiO2/Si substrate. Through bright-dark mode coupling, the radiative resonance induced by the U-shaped ring is suppressed, and then the typical EIT effect is realized. The transparency window and the accompanied group delay can be electrically manipulated with different Fermi energy of the graphene. By analyzing the surface distribution, the underlying tuning mechanism of this hybrid metamaterial is investigated in detail. Moreover, the transparency peak decreases slightly with the increasing strip width of the graphene layer but completely vanishes as the strip width exceeds the length of the covered U-shaped ring. The influence of the critical index of graphene quality, i.e., carrier mobility on the EIT effect, is considered. The results of this study may provide valuable guidance in designing and analyzing tunable EIT structures based on a metal-graphene hybrid structure for slow light purposes.
Constructing Digital Game Exhibitions: Objects, Experiences, and Context
Authors: Nylund Niklas
Published: December 2018

A large number of exhibitions worldwide deal with digital games, but curators lack a coherent understanding of the different aspects of games that can be exhibited or a clear vocabulary for talking about them. Based on a literature review on game preservation and visitor behavior in exhibitions, the paper makes an argument for understanding digital games on display as made up of object, experience, and context aspects. The study further presents a matrix model for understanding and working with games in exhibitions. The model makes for a more nuanced understanding of the different ways digital games can be exhibited. Additionally, it clarifies the position of games in exhibitions as socioculturally constructed through inherently ideological curatorial choices.
Interconnecting Haptic Interfaces with High Update Rates through the Internet
Authors: Kokkonis George , Psannis Kostas E. , Kontogiannis Sotirios , Nicopolitidis Petros , Roumeliotis Manos , Ishibashi Yutaka
Published: December 2018

Real-time transferring of the haptic sense over the Internet is quite a challenging task. This paper outlines the proposed protocols for transferring haptic streams over the Internet. Moreover, it describes the Quality of Service requirements that a network has to fulfill in order to successfully use haptic interfaces with high update rates over the Internet. Extensive simulations and experiments for the performance evaluation of transport protocols for real-time transferring haptic data are carried out. Complements between simulation and real world experiments are discussed. The metrics that are measured for the performance evaluation are delay, jitter, throughput, efficiency, packet loss and one proposed by the authors, packet arrival deviation. The simulation tests reveal which protocols could be used for the transfer of real-time haptic data over the Internet.
Unscented Kalman Filter Based on Spectrum Sensing in a Cognitive Radio Network Using an Adaptive Fuzzy System
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Rahman Md Mahbubur , Hossain Mohammad Amazad , Islam Md Khairul , Ahmed Kazi Mowdud , Singh Bikash Chandra , Miah Md Sipon
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we proposed the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) based on cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) scheme in a cognitive radio network (CRN) using an adaptive fuzzy system—in this proposed scheme, firstly, the UKF to apply the nonlinear system which is used to minimize the mean square estimation error; secondly, an adaptive fuzzy logic rule based on an inference engine to estimate the local decisions to detect a licensed primary user (PU) that is applied at the fusion center (FC). After that, the FC makes a global decision by using a defuzzification procedure based on a proposed algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieved better detection gain than the conventional schemes like an equal gain combining (EGC) based soft fusion rule and a Kalman filter (KL) based soft fusion rule under any conditions. Moreover, the proposed scheme achieved the lowest global probability of error compared to both the conventional EGC and KF schemes.
Nutritional, Antioxidant and Quality Acceptability of Smoothies Supplemented with Moringa oleifera Leaves
Authors: Aderinola Taiwo Ayodele
Published: December 2018

This study evaluated the impact of the level of supplementation (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5%) of Moringa oleifera leaves on the nutritional (proximate, mineral and vitamin contents) and antioxidant capacities of smoothies made from a blend of pineapple, banana and apple. The results obtained were moisture (49.24–78.62%), total ash (1.01–9.71), crude fiber (5.14–9.39%), crude fat (0.72–1.86%), crude protein (5.47–19.37%) and carbohydrate (3.65–16.99%). Calcium (12.03–15.53) and potassium (17.22–25.38) were the predominant mineral elements when compared to magnesium (1.51–3.05) mg/L. The vitamin contents were in the ranges 2.5–10.8 and 0.15–0.93 mg/L for vitamins C and E, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were in the ranges 4.68–6.18 mg/mL and 0.01–0.14 mg/mL, respectively. The radical scavenging abilities (DPPH) of the samples ranged between 16.05% and 88.77%, while the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) ranged between 0.38 and 7.36 mg/mL. The brix values showed high sugar contents (15–18%) while the pH results showed that the sample was almost neutral at a range between 6.3 and 6.5. The overall quality (sensory) acceptability of the different quality parameters evaluated indicated that the control sample was more preferred. While supplementation with M. oleifera leaves significantly affected the sensory parameters, its addition nevertheless offers a potential avenue to obtain additional nutrients besides its improved antioxidative properties.
Constrained α-Helical Peptides as Inhibitors of Protein-Protein and Protein-DNA Interactions
Authors: Roy Siddhartha , Ghosh Piya , Ahmed Israr , Chakraborty Madhumita , Naiya Gitashri , Ghosh Basusree
Published: December 2018

Intracellular regulatory pathways are replete with protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions, offering attractive targets for therapeutic interventions. So far, most drugs are targeted toward enzymes and extracellular receptors. Protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions have long been considered as “undruggable”. Protein-DNA interactions, in particular, present a difficult challenge due to the repetitive nature of the B-DNA. Recent studies have provided several breakthroughs; however, a design methodology for these classes of inhibitors is still at its infancy. A dominant motif of these macromolecular interactions is an α-helix, raising possibilities that an appropriate conformationally-constrained α-helical peptide may specifically disrupt these interactions. Several methods for conformationally constraining peptides to the α-helical conformation have been developed, including stapling, covalent surrogates of hydrogen bonds and incorporation of unnatural amino acids that restrict the conformational space of the peptide. We will discuss these methods and several case studies where constrained α-helices have been used as building blocks for appropriate molecules. Unlike small molecules, the delivery of these short peptides to their targets is not straightforward as they may possess unfavorable cell penetration and ADME properties. Several methods have been developed in recent times to overcome some of these problems. We will discuss these issues and the prospects of this class of molecules as drugs.
RETRACTED: The Influence of Texture on Co/SBA–15 Catalyst Performance for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Han Jun , Xiong Zijiang , Zhang Zelin , Zhang Hongjie , Zhou Peng , Yu Fei
Published: December 2018

The influence of the Co/SBA–15 catalyst texture, such as pore size and pore length on Fischer–Tropsch (FT) Synthesis, was investigated in this paper. The morphology, structure, and microstructures of Co/SBA–15 catalysts were characterized by SEM, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), TPR, HRTEM, and XRD. The experimental results indicated that the increase of pore size could improve the activity of the Co/SBA–15 catalyst, and the further increase of pore size could not significantly promote the activity. Moreover, it was also found that the pore length of the Co/SBA–15 catalyst played a key role in the catalytic activity. CO2 and C4+ selectivity were 2.0% and 74% during the simulated syngas (64% H2: 32% CO: balanced N2) FT over the Co/SBA–15 catalysts, and CO conversion rate and CH4 selectivity were 10.8% and 15.7% after 100 h time on stream.
Publisher's Notice: Chemistry—An International Journal
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: December 2018

MDPI is launching Chemistry—An International Journal [...]
Fluctuation Theory in Chemical Kinetics
Authors: Tiwari Bhupendra Nath , Kishore S. Chandra , Marina Ninoslav , Bellucci Stefano
Published: December 2018

In this research, we study the stability properties of chemical reactions of arbitrary orders. In a given chemical experiment, we focus on the formation of a chemical equilibrium by optimizing the reaction rate. Under infinitesimal simultaneous variations of the concentrations of reacting species, the binary component equilibrium is achieved when either one of the orders or concentrations of reactants vanishes. The chemical concentration capacities of the components are calculated to describe the local stability of the equilibrium. The correlation between the components is obtained as the mixed second-order derivative of the rate with respect to concentrations. The global stability analysis is performed by introducing a symmetric matrix with its diagonal components as the chemical capacities and off-diagonal components as the local correlation. We find that the local chemical stability requires the orders of the reactants to be either negative or larger than unity. The corresponding global stability requires the positivity of a cubic factor over the orders of the reactants. In short, our consideration illustrates how a chemical reaction takes place by attaining its activation state and asymptotically approaches the equilibrium when two components are mixed with arbitrary orders. Qualitative discussions are provided to support our analysis towards the formation of an optimized equilibrium. Finally, along with future directions, we discuss verification of our model towards the formation of carbon-based reactions, formation of organic/inorganic chemical equilibria and catalytic oxidation of C O − H 2 mixtures in presence of Pt.
Preparation and Characterization of Callus Extract from Pyrus pyrifolia and Investigation of Its Effects on Skin Regeneration
Authors: Park Dae Eung , Adhikari Deepak , Pangeni Rudra , Panthi Vijay Kumar , Kim Hyun Jung , Park Jin Woo
Published: December 2018

In the present study, an aqueous extract was prepared using calli from the in vitro-derived leaves of Pyrus pyrifolia cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium containing picloram for a plant growth regulator. The major biological components in the callus extract were identified as uridine (1), adenosine (2), and guanosine (3). In terms of the antioxidant activity, at 300 µg/mL, the extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity of 76.9% ± 2.88% in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, comparable to that of 44 µg/mL ascorbic acid (82.5% ± 3.63%). In addition, the IC50 values for inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation from collagen and elastin were 602 ± 2.72 and 3037 ± 102.5 µg/mL, respectively. The extract significantly promoted keratinocyte and fibroblast cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, fibroblasts treated with 1.36 µg/mL extract exhibited a 1.60-fold increase in procollagen type I C-peptide level compared to controls. The in vitro wound recovery rates of keratinocytes and fibroblasts were also 75% and 38% greater, respectively, than those of serum-free controls at 9 and 36 h after extract treatment (1.36 µg/mL). Additionally, the extract flux across the human epidermis increased by 1598% after its incorporation into elastic nanoliposomes (NLs). Therefore, elastic NLs loaded with Pyrus pyrifolia callus extract have potential use as skin rejuvenators and antiaging ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
Novel Lipidized Derivatives of the Bioflavonoid Hesperidin: Dermatological, Cosmetic and Chemopreventive Applications
Authors: Bino Alessia , Vicentini Chiara , Vertuani Silvia , Lampronti Ilaria , Gambari Roberto , Durini Elisa , Manfredini Stefano , Baldisserotto Anna
Published: December 2018

Hesperidin is one of the most important natural flavonoids, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-hypertensive properties. Despite its various biological activities, hesperidin is rarely used in the dermo-cosmetic field because of its poor solubility in both water and oil phases that makes difficult formulation, distribution and bioavailability through the skin layers. Moreover, hesperidin is still underestimated in skin care products, and literature data on its stability into a topical formulation are not yet available. In this paper we report the synthesis of five different derivatives of hesperidin and their evaluation in terms of antioxidant, antifungal, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects on human leukemic K562 cells. Preliminary antiproliferative effects were considered since hyper-proliferation is involved in several cutaneous problems particularly in the case of photo-exposition and environmental pollution. Esp4 and Esp5 were found to be more active in inhibiting K562 cell growth than parent hesperidin. Esp3 exhibited different biological properties, i.e., antioxidant activity in the absence of antiproliferative effects.
Continuous Genetic Algorithms as Intelligent Assistance for Resource Distribution in Logistic Systems
Authors: Wieczorek Łukasz , Ignaciuk Przemysław
Published: December 2018

This paper addresses the problem of resource distribution control in logistic systems influenced by uncertain demand. The considered class of logistic topologies comprises two types of actors—controlled nodes and external sources—interconnected without any structural restrictions. In this paper, the application of continuous-domain genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed in order to support the optimization process of resource reflow in the network channels. GAs allow one to perform simulation-based optimization and provide desirable operating conditions in the face of a priori unknown, time-varying demand. The effectiveness of inventory management process governed under an order-up-to policy involves two different objectives—holding costs and service level. Using the network analytical model with the inventory management policy implemented in a centralized way, GAs search a space of candidate solutions to find optimal policy parameters for a given topology. Numerical experiments confirm the analytical assumptions.
An Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Time-Delay and Random Insertion
Authors: Huang Xiaoling , Ye Guodong
Published: December 2018

An image encryption algorithm is presented in this paper based on a chaotic map. Different from traditional methods based on the permutation-diffusion structure, the keystream here depends on both secret keys and the pre-processed image. In particular, in the permutation stage, a middle parameter is designed to revise the outputs of the chaotic map, yielding a temporal delay phenomena. Then, diffusion operation is applied after a group of random numbers is inserted into the permuted image. Therefore, the gray distribution can be changed and is different from that of the plain-image. This insertion acts as a one-time pad. Moreover, the keystream for the diffusion operation is designed to be influenced by secret keys assigned in the permutation stage. As a result, the two stages are mixed together to strengthen entirety. Experimental tests also suggest that our algorithm, permutation– insertion–diffusion (PID), performs better when expecting secure communications for images.
Representation Lost: The Case for a Relational Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Krismer Raffael
Published: December 2018

Contemporary non-representationalist interpretations of the quantum state (especially QBism, neo-Copenhagen views, and the relational interpretation) maintain that quantum states codify observer-relative information. This paper provides an extensive defense of such views, while emphasizing the advantages of, specifically, the relational interpretation. The argument proceeds in three steps: (1) I present a classical example (which exemplifies the spirit of the relational interpretation) to illustrate why some of the most persistent charges against non-representationalism have been misguided. (2) The special focus is placed on dynamical evolution. Non-representationalists often motivate their views by interpreting the collapse postulate as the quantum mechanical analogue of Bayesian probability updating. However, it is not clear whether one can also interpret the Schrödinger equation as a form of rational opinion updating. Using results due to Hughes & van Fraassen as well as Lisi, I argue that unitary evolution has a counterpart in classical probability theory: in both cases (quantum and classical) probabilities relative to a non-participating observer evolve according to an entropy maximizing principle (and can be interpreted as rational opinion updating). (3) Relying on a thought-experiment by Frauchiger and Renner, I discuss the differences between quantum and classical probability models.
Comparison of Different Repetitive Control Architectures: Synthesis and Comparison. Application to VSI Converters
Authors: Ramos Germán A. , Costa-Castelló Ramon
Published: December 2018

Repetitive control is one of the most used control approaches to deal with periodic references/disturbances. It owes its properties to the inclusion of an internal model in the controller that corresponds to a periodic signal generator. However, there exist many different ways to include this internal model. This work presents a description of the different schemes by means of which repetitive control can be implemented. A complete analytic analysis and comparison is performed together with controller synthesis guidance. The voltage source inverter controller experimental results are included to illustrative conceptual developments.
AC Dielectric Strength of Mineral Oil-Based Fe3O4 and Al2O3 Nanofluids
Authors: Khaled Usama , Beroual Abderrahmane
Published: December 2018

This paper deals with an experimental study of the influence of conductive (Fe3O4) and insulating (Al2O3) nanoparticles at various concentrations on the dielectric strength of transformer mineral oil. The method of preparation and characterization of these nanofluids (NFs) through the measurements of zeta potential, the real and imaginary parts of dielectric permittivity as well as the concentration and size of nanoparticles using scanning electron microscope images of nanoparticles powders and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis are presented. Experimental findings reveal that these two types of nanoparticles materials significantly improve AC breakdown voltage and the magnitude of this enhancement depends on the nanoparticle concentration, and the size and nature (material) of nanoparticles. For a given type of nanoparticle, the effect is more marked with the smallest nanoparticles. The conductive nanoparticles offer higher enhancement of dielectric strength compared with insulating nanoparticle based nanofluids. With Fe3O4, the breakdown voltage (BDV) can exceed twice that of mineral oil and it increases by more than 76% with Al2O3. The physicochemical mechanisms implicated in this improvement are discussed.
Consensus-Based SOC Balancing of Battery Energy Storage Systems in Wind Farm
Authors: Nguyen Cao-Khang , Nguyen Thai-Thanh , Yoo Hyeong-Jun , Kim Hak-Man
Published: December 2018

Multiple battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are used to compensate for the fluctuation in wind generations effectively. The stage of charge (SOC) of BESSs might be unbalanced due to the difference of wind speed, initial SOCs, line impedances and capabilities of BESSs, which have a negative impact on the operation of the wind farm. This paper proposes a distributed control of the wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on dynamic average consensus algorithm to balance the SOC of the BESSs in a wind farm. There are three controllers in the WECS with integrated BESS, including a machine-side controller (MSC), the grid-side controller (GSC) and battery-side controller (BSC). The MSC regulates the generator speed to capture maximum wind power. Since the BSC maintains the DC link voltage of the back-to-back (BTB) converter that is used in the WECS, an improved virtual synchronous generator (VSG) based on consensus algorithm is used for the GSC to control the output power of the WECS. The functionalities of the improved VSG are designed to compensate for the wind power fluctuation and imbalance of SOC among BESSs. The average value of SOCs obtained by the dynamic consensus algorithm is used to adjust the wind power output for balancing the SOC of batteries. With the proposed controller, the fluctuation in the output power of wind generation is reduced, and the SOCs of BESSs are maintained equally. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated through the simulation by using a MATLAB/Simulink environment.
An LM-BP Neural Network Approach to Estimate Monthly-Mean Daily Global Solar Radiation Using MODIS Atmospheric Products
Authors: Feng Jiaojiao , Wang Weizhen , Li Jing
Published: December 2018

Solar energy is one of the most widely used renewable energy sources in the world and its development and utilization are being integrated into people’s lives. Therefore, accurate solar radiation data are of great significance for site-selection of photovoltaic (PV) power generation, design of solar furnaces and energy-efficient buildings. Practically, it is challenging to get accurate solar radiation data because of scarce and uneven distribution of ground-based observation sites throughout the country. Many artificial neural network (ANN) estimation models are therefore developed to estimate solar radiation, but the existing ANN models are mostly based on conventional meteorological data; clouds, aerosols, and water vapor are rarely considered because of a lack of instrumental observations at the conventional meteorological stations. Based on clouds, aerosols, and precipitable water-vapor data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), along with conventional meteorological data, back-propagation (BP) neural network method was developed in this work with Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm (referred to as LM-BP) to simulate monthly-mean daily global solar radiation (M-GSR). Comparisons were carried out among three M-GSR estimates, including the one presented in this study, the multiple linear regression (MLR) model, and remotely-sensed radiation products by Cloud and the Earth’s radiation energy system (CERES). The validation results indicate that the accuracy of the ANN model is better than that of the MLR model and CERES radiation products, with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.34 MJ·m−2 (ANN), 2.46 MJ·m−2 (MLR), 2.11 MJ·m−2 (CERES), respectively. Finally, according to the established ANN-based method, the M-GSR of 36 conventional meteorological stations for 12 months was estimated in 2012 in the study area. Solar radiation data based on the LM-BP method of this study can provide some reference for the utilization of solar and heat energy.
Real-Time Implementation of High Performance Control Scheme for Grid-Tied PV System for Power Quality Enhancement Based on MPPC-SVM Optimized by PSO Algorithm
Authors: Krama Abdelbasset , Zellouma Laid , Rabhi Boualaga , Refaat Shady S. , Bouzidi Mansour
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a high performance control scheme for a double function grid-tied double-stage PV system. It is based on model predictive power control with space vector modulation. This strategy uses a discrete model of the system based on the time domain to generate the average voltage vector at each sampling period, with the aim of canceling the errors between the estimated active and reactive power values and their references. Also, it imposes a sinusoidal waveform of the current at the grid side, which allows active power filtering without a harmonic currents identification phase. The latter attempts to reduce the size and cost of the system as well as providing better performance. In addition, it can be implemented in a low-cost control platform due to its simplicity. A double-stage PV system is selected due to its flexibility in control, unlike single-stage strategies. Sliding mode control-based particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to track the maximum power of the PV system. It offers high accuracy and good robustness. Concerning DC bus voltage of the inverter, the anti-windup PI controller is tuned offline using the particle swarm optimization algorithm to deliver optimal performance in DC bus voltage regulation. The overall system has been designed and validated in an experimental prototype; the obtained results in different phases demonstrate the higher performance and the better efficiency of the proposed system in terms of power quality enhancement and PV power injection.
Position Sensorless Control of Switched Reluctance Motor with Consideration of Magnetic Saturation Based on Phase-Inductance Intersection Points Information
Authors: Cai Hui , Wang Hui , Li Mengqiu , Shen Shiqi , Feng Yaojing
Published: December 2018

The precise estimation of position is an essential concern for the control of a switched reluctance motor (SRM). Given the prominent role of position, the promising sensorless control approach for an SRM drive should be capable of providing accurate position. An inductance-based approach has been widely applied in the position estimation. However, the estimated accuracy suffers from the magnetic saturation effect, resulting in the poor performance of sensorless operation. This paper presents a reversible synchronization of commutation with the corresponding rotor position for SRM. With the consideration of magnetic saturation, the proposed approach is taken as a suitable candidate and plays an essential role in accommodating the requirement of optimal control. The relationship between a typical inductance position and magnetic circuit saturation is investigated. The instant of the intersections is sensed by comparing the instantaneous inductance of adjacent phases. Thus, the predicted position is obtained with the information of the special point and the calculated average speed. Compared with other existing methods, the proposed approach has the certain advantages, such as the ability to update the estimated speed and position six times per electrical period, which guarantees the estimated accuracy. The proposed approach is also valid even when the motor is operated at an acceleration state and heavy load operation. In addition, the requirement of the educated inductance structure is not unnecessary, less memory space is needed in the chip, and the accumulated error is eliminated. The simulation and experimental findings demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed position estimation approach with carrying out the inertial operation, load mutation, and high-speed test.
Comprehensive Thermodynamic Analysis of the Humphrey Cycle for Gas Turbines with Pressure Gain Combustion
Authors: Stathopoulos Panagiotis
Published: December 2018

Conventional gas turbines are approaching their efficiency limits and performance gains are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. Pressure Gain Combustion (PGC) has emerged as a very promising technology in this respect, due to the higher thermal efficiency of the respective ideal gas turbine thermodynamic cycles. Up to date, only very simplified models of open cycle gas turbines with pressure gain combustion have been considered. However, the integration of a fundamentally different combustion technology will be inherently connected with additional losses. Entropy generation in the combustion process, combustor inlet pressure loss (a central issue for pressure gain combustors), and the impact of PGC on the secondary air system (especially blade cooling) are all very important parameters that have been neglected. The current work uses the Humphrey cycle in an attempt to address all these issues in order to provide gas turbine component designers with benchmark efficiency values for individual components of gas turbines with PGC. The analysis concludes with some recommendations for the best strategy to integrate turbine expanders with PGC combustors. This is done from a purely thermodynamic point of view, again with the goal to deliver design benchmark values for a more realistic interpretation of the cycle.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transitions for Countries with Different Climates and Renewable Energy Sources Potentials
Authors: Wang Haichao , Di Pietro Giulia , Wu Xiaozhou , Lahdelma Risto , Verda Vittorio , Haavisto Ilkka
Published: December 2018

Renewable energy sources (RES) are playing an increasingly important role in energy markets around the world. It is necessary to evaluate the benefits from a higher level of RES integration with respect to a more active cross-border transmission system. In particular, this paper focuses on the sustainable energy transitions for Finland and Italy, since they have two extreme climate conditions in Europe and quite different profiles in terms of energy production and demand. We developed a comprehensive energy system model using EnergyPLAN with hourly resolution for a reference year for both countries. The models include electricity, heat and transportation sectors. According to the current base models, new scenarios reflecting an RES increase in total fuel consumption have been proposed. The future shares of renewables are based on each nation’s potential. The outcomes of the new scenarios support the future national plans, showing how decarburization in an energy system can occur in relation to the European Roadmap 2030 and 2050. In addition, possible power transmission between Italy and Finland were investigated according to the vision of an integrated European energy system with more efficient cross-border activities.
Evaluation of the Adaptability of the Ukrainian Economy to Changes in Prices for Energy Carriers and to Energy Market Risks
Authors: Yemelyanov Olexandr , Symak Anastasiya , Petrushka Tetyana , Lesyk Roman , Lesyk Lilia
Published: December 2018

The methodological framework for assessing adaptability of the economy to changes in energy prices and risks to energy markets was developed. The study proposes indicators for assessing the level of adaptability of the economic sectors to changes in prices for energy carriers and to risks of energy markets. The model of decomposition of adaptability level of the economy sectors to changes in energy prices has been developed. The theoretical and empirical analysis of the influence of energy prices on adaptability level of enterprises and households is carried out. Based on the empirical analysis, it was found that adaptability level of the sectors of Ukrainian economy significantly differs both in the years of the investigated period and in sectors of the economy. At the same time, most indicators of the level of adaptability vary from 0.4 to 0.7. Consequently, the actual decline in the profit of enterprises was 40–70% lower than the potentially possible decrease in the profit of these enterprises due to the prices rising for energy carriers. Moreover sectors which are less vulnerable to the growth of prices show higher adaptability level.The possibility of using the obtained results in developing a state energy saving strategy is substantiated.
Effects of the Starch Molecular Structures in Barley Malts and Rice Adjuncts on Brewing Performance
Authors: Yu Wenwen , Quek Wei Ping , Li Cheng , Gilbert Robert G. , Fox Glen P.
Published: December 2018

Background: Achieving optimal fermentation is challenging when the variation within malt starch structure and enzyme activities are not part of the standard malting specifications. This study explores how the variation of starch and starch amylolytic enzymes in both malts and rice adjuncts affect the mashing and the subsequent yeast fermentation in the laboratory-scale production of beer. Results: The addition of rice adjuncts significantly increased the maltose content whilst reducing the glucose content during mashing. The maltotriose content, released during mashing, was significantly negatively correlated with the total amylose content (r = −0.64, p < 0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with the number of amylopectin longer chains (degree of polymerization 37–100) (r = −0.75, p < 0.01). During fermentation, while the content of maltotriose significantly and positively correlated with both the rate and amount of ethanol production (r = 0.70, p < 0.05; r = 0.70, p < 0.05, respectively), the content of soluble nitrogen in the wort was significantly and positively correlated with both the rate and the amount of ethanol production (r = 0.63, p< 0.05; r = 0.62, p < 0.05, respectively). The amount of amylopectin with longer chains was; however, significantly negatively correlated with the ethanol production (r = −0.06, p < 0.05). Small variations among the ethanol concentration and the rate of ethanol production during fermentation were found with the addition of different rice varieties. Conclusions: The effects of the rice adjuncts on the performance of fermentation depends on the properties of the malt, including the protein modification and malt enzyme activities. This study provides data to improve standard malt specifications in order for brewers to acquire more efficient fermentation, and includes useful molecular structural characterisation.
Fractal Calculus of Functions on Cantor Tartan Spaces
Authors: Golmankhaneh Alireza Khalili , Fernandez Arran
Published: December 2018

In this manuscript, integrals and derivatives of functions on Cantor tartan spaces are defined. The generalisation of standard calculus, which is called F η -calculus, is utilised to obtain definitions of the integral and derivative of functions on Cantor tartan spaces of different dimensions. Differential equations involving the new derivatives are solved. Illustrative examples are presented to check the details.
Continence Promotion and Successful Aging: The Role of the Multidisciplinary Continence Clinic
Authors: Yoo Rhena , Spencer Martha
Published: December 2018

Incontinence is a common yet under-recognized issue that impacts quality of life, especially for older adults in whom there is often a multifactorial etiology. A retrospective chart review was performed on a representative sample of patients seen at our multidisciplinary continence clinic in Vancouver, Canada from January to December 2017 inclusive. Initial assessment was performed by the nurse continence advisor (NCA) or geriatrician depending on the source of referral. The pelvic floor physiotherapist (PFP) could then be consulted based on perceived need. The average age at assessment was 76 years old (range 29–102), with 82% of patients ≥65 years and 27% ≥85 years old. The majority of patients were referred for bladder incontinence (72%), with the remaining patients referred for bowel incontinence (28%) or pessary care (7%). Referrals came from a variety of sources including physicians (62%), nurses (22%), allied health care providers (12%) and self-referral (5%). Multimorbidity was common, with 40% of patients having a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥6. The same proportion of patients (40%) were on ≥5 prescription medications. Many patients were functionally dependent for either instrumental activities of daily living (52%) or activities of daily living (25%). Non-pharmacologic treatments were commonly recommended, with the majority of patients counselled on lifestyle changes (88%) and taught Kegel exercises (70%). For patients seen by the geriatrician, modifications were made to non-continence medications in 50% of cases and medical comorbidities were optimized in 39% of cases. In terms of pharmacologic therapy, over-the-counter (OTC) medications were initiated in 45% of patients whereas continence-specific prescription medications were started in 17% of patients. A multidisciplinary continence clinic can play an important role in promoting successful aging by assessing and treating medical causes of incontinence in medically complex older adults.
Pharmacogenomic Profiling of ADME Gene Variants: Current Challenges and Validation Perspectives
Authors: Arbitrio Mariamena , Di Martino Maria Teresa , Scionti Francesca , Barbieri Vito , Pensabene Licia , Tagliaferri Pierosandro
Published: December 2018

In the past decades, many efforts have been made to individualize medical treatments, taking into account molecular profiles and the individual genetic background. The development of molecularly targeted drugs and immunotherapy have revolutionized medical treatments but the inter-patient variability in the anti-tumor drug pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics can be explained, at least in part, by genetic variations in genes encoding drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (ADME) or in genes encoding drug receptors. Here, we focus on high-throughput technologies applied for PK screening for the identification of predictive biomarkers of efficacy or toxicity in cancer treatment, whose application in clinical practice could promote personalized treatments tailored on individual’s genetic make-up. Pharmacogenomic tools have been implemented and the clinical utility of pharmacogenetic screening could increase safety in patients for the identification of drug metabolism-related biomarkers for a personalized medicine. Although pharmacogenomic studies were performed in adult cohorts, pharmacogenetic pediatric research has yielded promising results. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and theoretical bases for the implementation of pharmacogenetic tests for translation in the clinical practice taking into account that pharmacogenomics platforms are discovery oriented and must open the way for the setting of robust tests suitable for daily practice.
An Integrative, Systematic Review Exploring the Research, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of Interventions to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Office Workers
Authors: MacDonald Bradley , Janssen Xanne , Kirk Alison , Patience Mhairi , Gibson Ann-Marie
Published: December 2018

Sedentary behaviour is associated with poor health outcomes, and office-based workers are at significant health risk, as they accumulate large proportions of their overall sitting time at work. The aim of this integrated systematic review was to collate and synthesize published research on sedentary behaviour interventions in the workplace that have reported on at least one an aspect of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Studies were included if they involved adult office workers, were conducted in an office setting, and changes in sedentary behaviour had been measured as a primary outcome. Five electronic databases were searched yielding 7234 articles, with 75 articles (61 individual interventions) meeting the inclusion criteria. Reach indicators were the most frequently reported RE-AIM dimensions, which were reported on average 59% of the time. Efficacy/effectiveness was the second most reported dimension at 49% reporting across all of the indicators. Implementation indicators were reported an average of 44% of the time, with indicators of adoption and maintenance reported as the lowest of all indicators at 13% and 8%, respectively. Recommendations are provided to improve reporting across all RE-AIM dimensions, which is an important first step to enable the effective translation of interventions into real world settings.