bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of linear and quadratic magnetic field-dependence of magneto-photocurrents in InAs/GaSb superlattice
Authors: Li Yuan , Liu Yu , Jiang Chongyun , Zhu Laipan , Qin Xudong , Gao Hansong , Ma Wenquan , Guo Xiaolu , Zhang Yanhua , Chen Yonghai
Published: May 2014

We experimentally studied the magneto-photocurrents generated by direct interband transition in InAs/GaSb type II superlattice. By varying the magnetic field direction, we observed that an in-plane magnetic field induces a photocurrent linearly proportional to the magnetic field; however, a magnetic field tilted to the sample plane induces a photocurrent presenting quadratic magnetic field dependence. The magneto-photocurrents in both conditions are insensitive to the polarization state of the incident light. Theoretical models involving excitation, relaxation and Hall effect are utilized to explain the experimental results.
Comparison and correlation of candidal colonization in diabetic patients and normal individuals
Authors: Pallavan Bakthavatchalam , Ramesh Venkatapathy , Dhanasekaran Balamurali Pennagaram , Oza Nirima , indu Sudip , Govindarajan Vasupradha
Published: June 2014

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a common universal endocrine disorder with decreased host immunity towards infections. In these people the most common opportunistic infection is oral candidiasis. Oral candidiasis is most commonly caused by yeast like fungus Candida albicans. In healthy individuals these microorganisms are believed to be commensals but in diabetic patients, it forms severe colonization, even in the absence of any clinically evident oral candidiasis. This type of subclinical colonization can make them more prone to develop deeper mucosal colonization with further dissemination via blood. The aim of this study is to compare the frequency and severity of oral candidal colonization in diabetic patients with normal individuals through cytological method.

Methods

30 cases of diabetic patients and 30 cases of normal healthy individuals were examined to determine the oral candidal colonization through oral exfoliative cytological methods. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi - square test.

Results

A statistically significant increase in the candidal colonization was observed in diabetic patients as compared to normal individuals.

Conclusions

Oral exfoliative cytological method is an easy and effective chair side technique to assess the oral candidal colonization in the diabetic group.
Weighted-incidence syndromic combination antibiograms to guide empiric treatment of critical care infections: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Randhawa Varinder , Sarwar Syed , Walker Sandra , Elligsen Marion , Palmay Lesley , Daneman Nick
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Empiric antimicrobial selection for critical care infections must balance the need for timely adequate coverage with the resistance pressure exerted by broadspectrum agents. We estimated the potential of weighted incidence syndromic combination antibiograms (WISCAs) to improve time to adequate coverage for critical care infections. In contrast to traditional antibiograms, WISCAs display the likelihood of coverage for a specific infectious syndrome (rather than individual pathogens), and also take into account the potential for poly-microbial infections and the use of multi-drug regimens.

Methods

Cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) were identified over three years using stringent surveillance criteria. Based on the susceptibility profile of the culprit pathogens, we calculated the WISCA percentages of infections that would have been adequately covered by common antimicrobial(s). We then computed the excess percentage coverage offered by WISCA regimens compared to the actual antimicrobials administered to patients by 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h from culture collection.

Results

Among 163 patients with critical care infection, standard practice only resulted in adequate coverage of 35% of patients by 12 h, 52% by 24 h, and 75% by 48 h. No WISCA mono-therapy regimen offered greater than 85% adequate overall coverage for VAP and CRBSI. A wide range of dual therapy regimens would have conferred greater than 90% adequate coverage, with excess coverage estimated to be as high as +56%, +42% and +18% at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, respectively. We did not detect a decrease in mortality associated with early adequate treatment, and so could not estimate potential downstream benefits.

Conclusions

WISCA-derived empiric antimicrobial regimens can be calculated for patients with intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections, and have the potential to reduce time to adequate treatment. Prospective research must confirm whether implementation of WISCA prescribing aids facilitate timely adequate treatment and improved ICU outcomes.
Fatty acid, tocopherol and squalene contents of Rosaceae seed oils
Authors: Matthaus Bertrand , Özcan Mehmet Musa
Published: June 2014

Background

The aim of current study is to establish the composition of these seeds belong to Rosaceae family with respect to fatty acid, tocopherol and squalene content.

Results

The oil contents of seeds varied between 3.49 (Cotoneaster bullatus) to 46.15 g/100 g (Prunus tenella). The main fatty acids of seed oils were oleic (6.50 - 67.11 %), linoleic (22.08 - 68.62 %) and 20:1n-7 (0.10 - 61.59 %). As observed, the oils of seed were rich in linoleic and oleic acids. Total tocopherol contents ranged between 7.06 mg/100 g (Prunus tenella) to 165.74 mg/100 g (Potentilla glandulosa ssp. pseudorupestris). The major tocopherols were γ-tocopherol, ranging from 2.08 mg/100 g to 106.01 mg/100 g; α-tocopherol ranging from 2.86 mg100 g to 74.26 mg/100 g and δ-tocopherol ranging used in this experiment were found between 0.02 mg/100 g (Alchemilla caucasica) to o.29 mg/100 g (Cotoneaster simonsii).

Conclusions

These results show that Rosaceae seed oils can be a potential saurce of valuable oil which might be useful for the evaluation of dietary information in important food crops and other industrial applications.
Zebrafish reporter lines reveal in vivo signaling pathway activities involved in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Schiavone Marco , Rampazzo Elena , Casari Alessandro , Battilana Giusy , Persano Luca , Moro Enrico , Liu Shu , Leach Steven D. , Tiso Natascia , Argenton Francesco
Published: May 2014

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one of the worst malignancies of exocrine pancreas, is a solid tumor with increasing incidence and mortality in industrialized countries. It is usually driven by oncogenic Kras point mutations and evolves into a highly aggressive metastatic carcinoma due to secondary gene mutations and specific signaling pathways unbalance. To examine in vivo the effects of KrasG12D during pancreatic cancer progression and time correlation with cancer signaling pathways activities, we have generated a zebrafish model of Pancreatic adenocarcinoma in which eGFP-KrasG12D expression was specifically driven to the pancreatic tissue by using the GAL4/UAS conditional expression system. Outcrossing the inducible oncogenic KrasG12D line with transgenic zebrafish reporters harboring specific signaling responsive elements of transcriptional effectors, we were able to follow TGFβ, Notch, Bmp and Shh activities during tumor development. Zebrafish transgenic lines expressing eGFP-KrasG12D showed normal exocrine pancreas development till 3 weeks post fertilization (wpf). From 4 to 24 wpf we observed several degree of acinar lesions, characterized by an increase of mesenchymal cells and mixed acinar/ductal features followed by progressive bowel and liver infiltrations finally bringing to highly aggressive carcinoma. Moreover, live imaging analysis of the exocrine pancreatic tissue revealed an increasing number of Kras positive cells and progressive activation of TGFβ; and Notch pathways. Increase of TGFβ, following KrasG12D activation, was confirmed in a concomitant model of medulloblastoma (MDB). Notch and Shh signaling activities during tumor onset were different between MDB and pancreatic adenocarcinoma indicating a tissue specific regulation of cell signaling pathways. Moreover, our results shows that a living model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma joined with cell signaling reporters is a suitable tool to describe in vivo the signaling cascades and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and a potential platform to screen for novel oncostatic drugs.
Transport along the dendritic endoplasmic reticulum defines the trafficking modality for GABAB receptors
Authors: Valenzuela José I. , Jaureguiberry-Bravo Matías , Salas Daniela A. , Ramírez Omar A. , Cornejo Víctor H. , Lu Hsiangmin E. , Blanpied Thomas A. , Couve Andrés
Published: June 2014

In neurons, secretory organelles within the cell body are complemented by the dendritic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi outposts (GOps), whose role in neurotransmitter receptor trafficking is poorly understood. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type B metabotropic receptors (GABABRs) regulate the efficacy of synaptic transmission throughout the brain. Their plasma membrane availability is controlled by mechanisms involving an ER retention motif and assembly-dependent ER export. Thus, they constitute an ideal molecular model to study ER trafficking, but to what extent the dendritic ER participates in GABABR biosynthesis has not been thoroughly explored. Here we show that GABAB1 localizes preferentially to the ER in dendrites and moves long distances within this compartment. Not only diffusion, but also microtubule and dynein-dependent mechanisms control dendritic ER transport. GABABRs insert throughout the somatodendritic plasma membrane but dendritic post-ER carriers containing GABABRs do not fuse selectively with GOps. This study contributes to clarify the spatial selectivity of neurotransmitter receptors for dendritic organelles.
Regioselective Preparation of 4-Nitro-o-xylene Using Nitrogen Dioxide/Molecular Oxygen over Zeolite Catalysts. Remarkable Enhancement of para-Selectivity
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Ji Cheng , Dong Xiongzi , Peng Xinhua , Shi Chunjie
Published: June 2014

In the presence of molecular oxygen and zeolite H-β with Si/Al2 = 500, o-xylene reacted regioselectively with liquid nitrogen dioxide at 35 °C to yield mononitro-o-xylenes as the main product, where the 4-nitro-o-xylene isomer predominated up to 89% and the 4-nitro-/3-nitro-o-xylene isomer ratio improved to 7.8. The process is eco-friendly, less expensive, and the zeolite could be easily regenerated by a simple workup to afford results similar to those obtained with the fresh catalyst.
Comparison between Ion-chromatography and Titration Methods for the Determination of Sulfite in Wastewater Containing Furfural
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Chen Kefu , Wang Qiang , He Zhibin , Zheng Lei , Ni Yonghao
Published: June 2014

Sulfur-containing species, such as sulfite, are detrimental to the operation of anaerobic systems, therefore, it is critical to determine their concentrations in order to optimize an anaerobic reactor. In this study, the traditional titration method for the determination of sulfite was applied to acid-condensate samples from an acid sulfite pulp mill effluent, and the results showed that they were consistently lower than those from ion chromatography (IC). It was found that the presence of furfural in the acid-condensate samples can interfere with the titration for sulfite, resulting in lower sulfite values; the higher the furfural concentration in the sample, the lower the indicated sulfite concentration by titration. It was concluded that IC method is a reliable method for determining the sulfite concentration for samples containing furfural.
Correlation between Asphaltene Stability in n-Heptane and Crude Oil Composition Revealed with In Situ Chemical Imaging
Authors: Gabrienko Anton A. , Subramani Velu , Martyanov Oleg N. , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: May 2014

Five crude oil samples with different physical properties have been studied with respect to asphaltene stability. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic imaging approach of n-heptane-induced precipitation has been used to monitor crude oil behaviour under dilution with a flocculation agent. For each sample, the dynamics of asphaltene precipitation has been observed by applying this chemical imaging method. Based on these data, the stability of crude oil samples has been compared and the correlation between asphaltene stability and crude oil properties has been proposed.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems to Predict Activated Carbon Properties for Methane Storage
Authors: Ahmadpour Ali , Jahanshahi Neda , Rashidi Sajjad , Chenarani Naser , Mahboub Mohammad Jaber Darabi
Published: May 2014

BET surface area and micropore volume are important factors for improving methane storage in activated carbons (ACs). Specification and optimization of carbon structures are vastly examined by different researchers. However, because of complex relations between independent and dependent variables, the proposed statistical and mathematical models are not satisfactory. In this paper, the specifications of some ACs synthesized by chemical activation methods are predicted. The effects of parameters such as agent type, activation time, activation temperature, impregnation ratio and heating rate on the BET surface areas and micropore volumes of ACs are also analyzed. Two models of artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference systems are used. Later on, a number of data on other ACs reported by several researchers are used for the model validation. The obtained results from these two models are found to be satisfactory. The coefficients of determination for these models were 0.982 and 0.984, respectively. Through this modelling of AC production process, which was the main purpose of this study, the specifications of ACs may be obtained without spending extra time and expenses.
Probing Silica—Organic Hybrid Materials Using Small Probes: Simulation of Adsorption Equilibria Influenced by Cooperativity Effects
Authors: Panteleimonov Anton , Tkachenko Oleg , Baraban Andrey , Benvenutti Edilson V. , Gushikem Yoshitaka , Kholin Yuriy
Published: May 2014

The property of non-ideality (cooperativity effects, energetic heterogeneity of binding centres) is often observed at probing surfaces by small ionic or molecular probes. A procedure based on the model of polydentate binding is recommended as a tool for detection and quantitative characterization of these effects. This procedure allows one to find objective estimations of effective sorption capacities and constants of adsorption equilibria. In this study, adsorption of small probes by two hybrid silica–organic materials has been studied. Ormosil with immobilized n-propylamine was probed with H+ ions, and in addition, CoCl2 adsorption from solutions of ethanol by silica chemically modified with 3-n-propyltrimethoxysilane-1-methylimidazolium chloride was also investigated. In both cases, the model of bidentate binding properly fitted the experimental data. This made it possible to determine the quantitative characteristics of adsorption equilibria and to arrive at conclusions on the cooperativity effects. Negative cooperativity effects are significant in adsorption of H+ ions, while strong positive cooperativity affects CoCl2 binding.
Synthesis of Chitosan-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Pre-Concentration and Clean-up of Chloramphenicol
Authors: Wang Yadan , Wang Enlan , Dong Hao , Liu Fei , Wu Ziming , Li Huan , Wang Yun
Published: May 2014

Chitosan-based molecularly imprinted polymers (CHI-MIPs) were prepared under optimized conditions using chloramphenicol (CAP) as template molecule, acrylamide as functional monomer and CHI as functional matrix. The influences of template molecule and concentrations of functional monomer as well as imprinting conditions on the binding properties of the MIPs were analyzed. The adsorption properties were evaluated by kinetic binding experiments, static binding experiments and Scatchard analysis, which indicated that the synthesized polymers had high binding capacity. Results of competitive recognition studies showed that the imprinting factor of CAP was found to be 7.43, which was much higher than those of its analogues. Solidphase extraction (SPE) using the prepared CHI-MIPs as sorbents was then applied to selectively extract CAP from spiked honey and milk samples. The average recoveries of SPE were in the range of 94.96–100.58% with relative standard deviation less than 5%.
Uncertainties Connected to Long-Term Correction of Wind Observations
Authors: Saarnak Elisabeth , Bergström Hans , Söderberg Stefan
Published: May 2014

Good knowledge about on-site wind climate is necessary in wind power assessments. Due to yearly and natural variability, a few years' measurements do not give information about wind climate. Long-term reference data can be used to correct observations to better correspond a normal year. The method doing this is commonly referred to as measure-correlate-predict (MCP). Uncertainties are introduced in predicted wind climate due to method weaknesses. In this paper uncertainties connected to length and season of on-site measurements are studied. An on-site series of 29 years, different MCP-methods and reanalysis datasets have been used. An additional high-resolution model dataset has been used to study variation within a wind farm. At least 12 months of observations and a long-term reference longer than 15 year are recommended. Large seasonal influences are seen; summer periods tend to overestimate while winter periods underestimate wind climate.
An Assessment of Wind Energy Potential for Selected Sites in Malaysia Using Feed-In Tariff Criteria
Authors: Albani A. , Ibrahim M. Z.
Published: May 2014

Malaysia is still dependent on non-renewable sources like coal and diesel to generate electricity. However, Malaysia has taken steps to explore the renewable energy (RE) as an alternative source for generating electricity. This paper presents the simulation of micrositing analysis by using WindPRO software and feed-in tariff (FiT) rates. Four sites were indentified: Kuala Terengganu, Mersing, Kudat, and Langkawi Island. Wind data of year 2009 were obtained from Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) stations. The 22 kW wind turbine was selected for energy calculation. Forty-six wind farms in the range 22 kW to 1,012 kW were simulated, taking into consideration sites' roughnesses and wind resources. The optimal feed-in tariffs (FiT) rates were identified as that gives the maximum profit to the investors. Both Mersing and Kudat showed the lowest value of FiT rates: RM0.85/kWh to RM0.86/kWh, and RM0.85/kWh to RM0.87/kWh, respectively. Whereas, the sites Kuala Terengganu and Langkawi Island had FiT rates: RM1.10/kWh to RM1.28/kWh, and RM1.15/kWh to RM1.42/kWh, respectively. Finally, the overall results in this study show Malaysia has potential for developing small to medium scale wind farms.
A Methodology to Assess the Value of Integrated Hydropower and Wind Generation
Authors: Clement Mitch , Magee Timothy , Zagona Edith
Published: May 2014

Hydropower is considered a good resource to provide the needed flexibility to balance wind variability, but its flexibility is limited by non-power constraints associated with environmental and water management objectives not fully accounted for in previous wind integration studies. We present a method for a more realistic evaluation of integrated hydropower and wind using the RiverWare river system and hydropower modeling tool. The model provides a representation of physical and economic characteristics of the hydro system with the limitations from realistic non-power constraints. A test case is analyzed for a range of hydrologic conditions, levels of policy constraints and wind penetrations from 0 to 40 percent. Results show that at low penetrations wind adds economic value but has diminishing value as installed capacity increases, primarily due to increased reserve requirements. Increased wind generation increases policy constraint violations. Non-power constraints can significantly limit the total economic value of the integrated system.
Analytical Formulae for Wind Turbine Tower Loading in the Parked Condition by Using Quasi-Steady Analysis
Authors: Xu Nan , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: May 2014

The analytical formulae are proposed to estimate the maximum value for along-wind load and across-wind load on the wind turbine towers by using the quasi-steady analysis. The critical parameters in the standard deviation such as the mode correction factors, aerodynamic damping ratios, size reduction factors and wind load ratios are investigated to identify their directional characteristics. A non-Gaussian peak factor is necessary for the along-wind load, while a Gaussian peak factor is acceptable for the across-wind load. A loads combination formula is proposed in order to consider the correlation of along-wind load and across-wind load. The proposed formulae show the favorable agreements with the full dynamic simulation.
Smooth Transitioning of Wind Turbine Operation between Region II and Region III with Adaptive Disturbance Tracking Control
Authors: Magar Kaman Thapa , Balas Mark J. , Frost Susan A.
Published: May 2014

In large wind turbines, direct switching between Region II and Region III controllers lacks smooth operation while moving from one region to another. The Transition Region is a region between Region II and Region III which ensures this smoothness of operation and achieves the rated generator torque at rated speed while switching Region III controller. In this paper, we use the theory of Adaptive Disturbance Tracking Control (ADTC) with wind speed and partial state estimation, and state feedback to achieve this goal. To ensure the rated torque while switching to Region III when wind speed increases from below rated to rated value, the generator torque is varied linearly with the generator speed, whereas to achieve rated generator speed at Region III, the tracking ratio ( Q) is linearly adapted based on the estimated wind speed. The proposed scheme is implemented and simulated on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)'s 5 MW onshore wind turbine model.
Steady State Modeling and ANFIS Based Analysis of Self-Excited Induction Generator
Authors: Enany Mohamed A.
Published: May 2014

Self-excited induction generator (SEIG) has the ability to generate power at varying speed, which facilitates its application for wind energy conversion in remote and windy areas. Estimation of the generator behavior under actual operating conditions is essential, but the SEIG analysis with conventional techniques take long time with fatigued mathematical procedures. This paper presents a new technique for the performance analysis of a three phase SEIG supplying an isolated resistive load using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS).

Proposed ANFIS model has been implemented to predict the effect of prime mover speed, capacitance and load on generated voltage of SEIG. Experimental data is used for the training of ANFIS. Results obtained from the trained have been compared with the experimental results. The comparison confirms the validity and accuracy of the ANFIS based modeling of induction generator.
Fan Noise Sources and Passive Reduction Methodologies in High Bypass Turbofan Engines
Authors: Azimi Mohammadreza , Ommi Fathollah
Published: May 2014

Increasing air traffic and more stringent aircraft noise regulations continue to increase requirements on community noise prediction capabilities for conventional and unconventional aircraft configurations. For engines with a high bypass ratio, fan noise is a major noise source. The main established technologies for fan reduction and those currently under evaluation are scarf inlets, forward swept fans, swept and leaned stators, fan trailing edge blowing, acoustic treatment placed over the fan and acoustic liners. Acoustic liners have desirable acoustic attenuation properties and thus are commonly used to reduce noise in jet engines. The liners typically are placed upstream and downstream of the rotors (fans) to absorb sound before it propagates out of the inlet and exhaust ducts. This paper focusses on about the main fan noise sources in new modern turbofan engines.
The Application of Diffusers for Classroom Acoustical Design
Authors: Choi Young-Ji
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the application of periodic type diffusers for improving the acoustics in classrooms and proposes an optimum combination of absorptive and diffusing treatments for achieving preferred acoustics in classrooms. The measurements were carried out in a 1/10 scale model classroom, adding different amounts of absorptive and diffusing materials to one or more of five surfaces of the room. Adding combinations of diffusers and absorptive materials to the surfaces of the classroom achieved higher early-to-late arriving sound ratio (C50) corresponding to higher clarity. Diffusers were beneficial for enhancing the early arriving reflection energy (G50) at the most distant seats and they resulted in achieving more uniform acoustical conditions across the room. The treatment of the front wall with diffusers was found to lead to better acoustical conditions than treating the rear and side walls with diffusers. Adding diffusers on the ceiling and lower front wall or side wall and adding diffusers on the ceiling and absorptive materials on the lower front wall were selected for consideration as the more successful treatments for classroom acoustical design.
California's Cap-and-Trade Programme and Insights for China's Pilot Schemes
Authors: Shen Bo , Dai Fan , Price Lynn , Lu Hongyou
Published: May 2014

California's cap-and-trade programme under the Assembly Bill 32 is a key element in California's comprehensive plan for reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In China, separate local cap-and-trade pilot schemes are being developed to explore a market-based solution for addressing the country's increasing GHG emissions. The Californian cap-and-trade scheme and China's local pilots are similar in that both have been developed in the absence of a national emissions trading scheme. This paper reviews the Californian scheme and draws insights for China's pilots from various perspectives including the legal basis, institutional arrangement, programme structure, market design, the implementation process, and mechanisms for ensuring compliance.
China's Regional Carbon Trading Experiments and the Development of a National Market: Lessons from China's So2 Trading Programme
Authors: Hart Craig , Zhong M A
Published: May 2014

Seven regions in China are currently conducting trial greenhouse gas emission trading pilot programmes in preparation for the development by 2015 of a nationwide cap and trade programme mandated by the 12th Five-Year Plan. Whilst China's carbon emission trading pilots are relatively recent, China possesses over fifteen years of experience in sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions trading. Like the current carbon emission pilots, various SO2 pilots were conducted covering nine cities and four provinces before adoption of a national SO2 emissions trading programme. This paper considers how China's nascent greenhouse gas cap and trade programme may evolve and what policymakers can learn from China's own extensive domestic experience with SO2 emissions trading, which remains largely unexplored in the literature on China's carbon markets.
Forecasting Co2 Mitigation and Policy Options for China's Key Sectors in 2010–2030
Authors: Wen Zongguo , Zhang Xuan , Chen Jining , Tan Qilu , Zhang Xueying
Published: May 2014

The technological status of seven key sub-sectors in three sectors (energy, industry and consumption) was analysed using bottom-up modelling. Using 2010 as a baseline, the paper predicts direct CO2 emission trends, turning points, reduction potentials and costs for the three sectors in two policy scenarios and three technology scenarios for the years 2015, 2020 and 2030. The scenario analysis shows that the industry sector might reach its emissions peak between 2015 and 2020, which leaves more emission reduction potential for the consumption sector. CO2 emissions in the consumption sector will increase through to 2030 without reaching a turning point. In the Social Low Control Middle (SL-CM) scenario, CO2 reduction technology potentials of the industry and consumption sectors will reach 0.84 billion tonnes CO2-eq by 2020. Within this, production contributes 13% of reductions, transportation 48%, and construction 39%. In the 2030SL-CM-scenario, the CO2 reduction potentials rise to 1.6 billion tonnes CO2-eq, within which production contributes 8%, transportation 44% and construction 48%. In building China's Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), the government should pay more attention to a low carbon consumption policy rather than a traditional CO2 control policy for the industrial sector.
Energy Efficiency Potentials in the Chlor-Alkali Sector — A Case Study of Shandong Province in China
Authors: Li Changsheng , Zhu Lei , Fleiter Tobias
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we assess 13 process technologies to improve energy efficiency in the Chlor-Alkali sector of Shandong province in China up to 2025 using a techno-economic approach. The results show energy efficiency improvement (EEI) potentials of 9% in the caustic soda and 38% in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production process compared to a frozen-efficiency development. The most influential technologies are energy-efficient electrolysis technology in brine electrolysis step and heat recovery technology in Vinyl Chloride Monomer synthesis (VCM) step. The energy savings can be translated into mitigated CO2 emissions of 10 Mt in 2025. The larger part of this potential is found to be cost-effective from a firm's perspective. In conclusion, significant saving potentials are still available. However, to achieve the all potentials, additional energy policies are needed.
Using Floor Price Mechanisms to Promote Carbon Capture and Storage (Ccs) Investment and Co2 Abatement
Authors: Mo Jian-Lei , Zhu Lei
Published: May 2014

The effect of an EU emission trading scheme (EU ETS) on CO2 abatement technology development is limited, according to many empirical studies. This is the result of an existing low carbon price and the future uncertainty of the development of the carbon market. Carbon price stabilisation mechanisms, especially the carbon price floor, may serve to supplement the ETS and cope with this problem. We are concerned with how the carbon price floor affects the investment in carbon abatement technology, the resulting CO2 abatement, and how to best design such a carbon floor price. In this paper, we focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology by building a CCS investment and operation decision model based on real options theory. We consider investment timing and CCS operation flexibility and we also design a model for carbon price evolution with a carbon price floor using the Monte Carlo simulation method. We determine the floor prices above which immediate CCS investment is occuring, and those at which CO2 emissions can be eliminated. According to the simulation results, the carbon price floor has a significant effect on promoting CCS investment. The marginal effect of an increasing carbon price floor first rises and then falls; when the floor price reaches a threshold value, its marginal effect becomes minimal. Based on the simulation results, the carbon floor price for EU ETS could be set at about 20 EUR/t CO2 to stimulate the CCS investment, while it should be increased to 30 EUR/t CO2 to sufficiently promote CO2 abatement.
Interaction between Climate, Emissions Trading and Energy Efficiency Targets
Authors: Schlomann Barbara , Eichhammer Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

The European Union has set a system of climate and energy targets comprising target values for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), Emission Trading Sectors ETS and non-ETS sectors, energy efficiency and renewable energies until 2020. A new framework up to 2030 is just being developed. We analyse what lessons can be learned from the EU 2020 target system and how a new 2030 framework could be designed coherently. We derive a coherent target system for 2030 from a bottom-up assessment of energy efficiency potentials. Thus we show that ambitious energy efficiency and renewable energy targets also guarantee significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 47–60% compared to 1990. ETS sectors can contribute significantly to the GHG reduction, provided that a stabilisation of the carbon price can be reached. An alternative design with a 40% GHG emission reduction as the only headline target, as currently debated, will not exploit all cost-effective energy saving potentials and so not take advantage of the macro-economic co-benefits of energy efficiency either.
Simulation and Evaluation of Acoustic Environments
Authors: Vorländer Michael
Published: June 2014

Humans experience their environment in various working, educational and living situations and in concert halls and opera houses. Whether the environment is considered acoustically appropriate or not depends on many factors. The research unit SEACEN is currently working on a coordinated effort to improve the complete signal chain from the numerical modelling, the data acquisition within numerical or real sound fields, the coding and transmission to the electro-acoustic reproduction by binaural technology or by sound field synthesis. A novel approach for the comparative evaluation of real and simulated environments will also enable the evaluation of the plausibility and/or the authenticity of virtual acoustic environments and a contribution to the development of better physical metrics to predict the qualities of concert halls and opera houses. These activities are relevant not only for concert hall acoustics but for acoustic spaces in general. The activities of SEACEN are summarized. The benefit from having these projects coordinated in a consortium is in the connection between all projects through perception studies and knowledge and data transfer between the groups. The commonly used factors in ISO 3382-like applications in classical room acoustics for concert hall design and consulting will be re-visited, and an extended parameter set will lead to progress in coding and reproduction of 3D sound fields in general. It is hoped that in the end room acoustics and audio engineering will benefit from this cooperation.
Modal Tests and Model Updating for Vibration Analysis of Temporary Grandstand
Authors: de Brito Valkisfran Lira , Pena Andrea Nataly , Pimentel Roberto Leal , de Brito José Luis Vital
Published: June 2014

Temporary grandstands are subjected to dynamic loading due to the movement of spectators, and problems associated with the excessive vibration of these structures have been observed. In this context, since they can be used during design stage to address such problems, reliable finite element models of the structure are needed. In this paper, a finite element model of a temporary grandstand is developed while modeling effects are investigated. To do that, a temporary grandstand for about one hundred people was assembled in a laboratory. Modal tests were conducted to calibrate the numerical models of the whole structure. These models were developed by using various degrees of refinement in order to allow comparing the effect of modeling simplifications. The results evidenced that the modeling of connections and seat planks caused significant changes in natural frequencies. The complexity of the structure, with a significant number of parameters affecting dynamic behaviour, requires that modeling ideally start from individual structural components tested in separate.
Conceptual Design of Tall and Unconventionally Shaped Structures: A Handy Analytical Method
Authors: Carpinteri Alberto , Lacidogna Giuseppe , Cammarano Sandro
Published: June 2014

Nowadays high-rise buildings are a worldwide architectural phenomenon. In the last decades, next to economics, municipal regulations and politics, aesthetics has got a leading role in planning and design of these structures, giving rise to bizarre shapes, from diagrid systems to twisted, tapered and tilted ones. In their structural design, the choice of an appropriate model able to thoroughly identify the key parameters governing the response of the structure as well as the force flow acting within the stiffening members is all along a crucial factor. In this paper a three-dimensional formulation is proposed to evaluate the lateral load distribution of external actions in tall buildings, in which the geometry of the stiffeners can vary along the height. This method takes into account any combination of bracings, including elements with open thin-walled cross-section, which are analysed in the framework of Timoshenko-Vlasov's theory of sectorial areas. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and the suppleness of the formulation, comparisons with other approaches derived from the literature and numerical examples regarding new architectural trends are carried out.
Cloud Service Composition Based on Multi-Granularity Clustering
Authors: Cai Huihui , Cui Lizhen
Published: May 2014

With the popularity of cloud computing, how to meet user's personalized and diverse requirements of service composition is a key problem that needs to be resolved. This paper proposes a cloud service composition method based on multi-granularity clustering, organizing services in the perspective of granularity to meet user's such requirements in service composition. Services disorder turn to be in order through multi-granularity clustering, which includes three steps: basic services clustering based on message semantic similarity computing, correlation mining and multi-granularity services clustering. The experimental results demonstrate that by utilizing the proposed method, users' personalized and diverse requirements are satisfied and the efficiency of service composition is improved greatly.
Interval-Valued Hesitant Fuzzy Prioritized Weighted Aggregation Operators for Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Ye Jun
Published: May 2014

The paper proposes an interval-valued hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted averaging (IVHFPWA) operator and an interval-valued hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted geometric (IVHFPWG) operator for aggregating interval-valued hesitant fuzzy information and investigates some properties of the proposed aggregation operators. Then, the IVHFPWA and IVHFPWG operators are utilized to develop two approaches for dealing with the interval-valued hesitant fuzzy multiple attribute decision making problems in which the attributes are in different priority level. Through the IVHFPWA or IVHFPWG operator and the score function of interval-valued hesitant fuzzy elements (IVHFEs), the ranking order of all alternatives can be determined and the best alternative can be easily identified as well. Finally, a practical example about talent introduction is given to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the developed approaches.
A Face Recognition Algorithm Based on Contextual Constraints Generalized Two-Dimensional FLD
Authors: Wu Xian , Sun Xiao-Qi , Wu Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2014

In this paper, an improved subspace learning method using contextual constraints based linear discriminant analysis (CCLDA) is proposed for face recognition. CCLDA first transforms an image matrix to a vector which causes huge dimensionality and computational complexity, and it may lead to small sample size problem. While, our new method combines the contextual constraints in images with G-2DFLD method, therefore, the size of the feature matrix is much smaller. Then it can reduce the computational complexity and avoid the singular within-class scatter matrix problem. Moreover, it fully makes use of the correlation of image pixels structure, which will provide useful information for classification. Experimental results obtained on ORL and XM2VTS databases show the effectiveness of the method.
Research and Implementation of Hungarian Method Based on the Structure Index Reduction for DAE Systems
Authors: Zeng Yan , Wu Xuesong , Cao Jianwen
Published: May 2014

Hungarian method is a classical method for solving assignment problems. It also can be widely used in other problems, such as matching problem. This paper researches its application on using structural index reduction method to solve high-index DAEs, based on the combinatorial relaxation theory. Combinatorial relaxation theory converts the complex mathematical problem to the matching problem of bipartite graph. Based on this theory this paper presents the main idea of Hungarian method and puts up three implementations for Hungarian method. At last, it compares the time performance of the three implementations by running a set of experiments.
Benchmarking Academic Programs in Business Analytics
Authors: Gorman Michael F. , Klimberg Ronald K.
Published: June 2014

Interest in business analytics (BA) is currently popular. Professional consultancies and software houses are both touting it as the next wave in business, claiming that the need for BA skills is large and growing. Universities are beginning to respond by offering undergraduate majors and minors, Master of Science degrees, certificates, and concentrations within their Master of Business Administration programs. But what subjects are being covered in these programs? We surveyed some of the largest, most established, and best-known programs (predominantly in the United States, but some international) and interviewed representatives of these programs to better understand the requirements for students entering, the required and elective course topics covered, and job opportunities for graduates. In this article, we summarize our findings and provide some conclusions about analytics programs, including the current landscape, suggestions for development, and our vision for the future. We believe this report is useful to institutions that offer analytics programs, to those considering such offerings, and to the employers who are hiring analytics professionals. These employers need to better understand the skills that professionals are acquiring. Finally, it should help prospective students who seek to understand the analytics programs being offered to find the best match for their skills and interests.
Decision Analytics for Parking Availability in Downtown Pittsburgh
Authors: Fabusuyi Tayo , Hampshire Robert C. , Hill Victoria A. , Sasanuma Katsunobu
Published: June 2014

ParkPGH is a novel parking application that provides real-time and predictive information on the availability of garage parking spaces within Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The core of the application is a module that collects real-time parking information from the garages by tapping into their gate counts. The real-time component is complemented by a module that uses historical data and an events calendar to predict parking availability. In 2011, visitors to downtown Pittsburgh used ParkPGH more than 300,000 times to determine when and where to park. The application has also been beneficial to garage operators because the information it provides on parking demand affords them greater flexibility in addressing contingencies and managing lease holders.

The deployment of ParkPGH, which includes a robust evaluation component, is one piece of a broader transportation ecosystem within the Greater Pittsburgh region. The lessons we learned from the initiative, the application’s relatively low cost, its ease of retrofitting, and its open-source platform can enable other cities to lower the costs of implementing and managing similar smart-parking solutions and significantly shorten their learning curves.
Do Temporary Increases in Information Asymmetry Affect the Cost of Equity?
Authors: Levi Shai , Zhang Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2014

Prior literature finds that long-lasting changes in firms' disclosure policies and information environment affect the cost of equity. Information asymmetry, however, also changes during the fiscal quarter. Firms disclose information periodically, and in between disclosure dates, traders can obtain private information, and adverse-selection risk increases. Such temporary increases in information asymmetry are usually considered to be diversifiable or too small to impact expected stock returns. In addition, investors may postpone trades or sell other assets in their portfolio on high information asymmetry days. We, however, find that returns increase significantly on days during the fiscal quarter when adverse-selection risk is high and liquidity low. Consistent with theory, we show that temporary asymmetry affects returns when investors demand liquidity and market makers bear risk for carrying capacity and providing it.

This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
The nurse prescriber's role in management of post-operative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Laidler Sandra , Rutherford Nicola
Published: June 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that occurs after cardiac surgery ( Mathew, 2004 ). Cardiac patients have a high incidence of post-operative AF which can be effectively managed by treating precipitating cause, correcting electrolyte imbalance and effective prescribing practice. The nurse independent prescriber can effectively manage this scenario by following the good prescribing practices set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2006a) and the National Prescribing Centre (NPC) (1999) . It is important to effectively manage and treat AF according to current guidance and best evidence-based research.
A stepwise approach to reading ECGs using colour-coded electrical viewpoints
Authors: Jabbour Richard , Touquet Robin
Published: June 2014

A systematic framework is presented for learning to read the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). This framework is the novel five-step acronym ‘CRASH’, which stands for clinical, rhythm, axis, sequential reading and hypertrophy. Colour-coding of the 12 ECG leads with the primary colours of yellow, green, red and blue is described. These are correlated into four electrical ECG viewpoints of the heart: lateral, inferior, right and anterior. Reading the ECG, left to right, the primary colours are then taken in the sequence: yellow, green, red, blue, yellow. These four colour-coded electrical viewpoints will assist the reader to identify which areas of the heart may be affected by changes of possible clinical significance. For ECG factual detail, this paper relies on the Resuscitation Council (UK)'s Advanced Life Support manual (2011) and a standard ECG textbook ( Houghton and Gray, 2014 ).
Identifying sleep disorders
Authors: Swann Julie
Published: June 2014

Sleep is needed to enable the body to rest and renew. Sleep disturbances are common, particularly in people who are elderly, have pain, or cannot sleep due to thinking of problems that are of concern. This article on sleep problems related to the elderly is pertinent to people who work with people of any age who have sleep disorders
Framing interpretive phenomenological approaches to educational research
Authors: Hayes Catherine , Fulton John
Published: June 2014

This article explores the practical application of interpretive and transcendental philosophy by giving examples of Heideggarian and Husserlian phenomenological approaches, respectively. The paper provides an historical context for the philosophical basis of phenomenological approaches to research in the healthcare sciences and frames this within the context of the need for a robust approach to evidence based qualitative research. Two examples of phenomenology are used to illustrate the differing approaches to the discipline and their relative usefulness to healthcare practice. A consideration of the association of scientific rigour and discipline is discussed in relation to the worth of research and a discussion of the willingness to depart from ‘sedimented’ views as an integral part of Gestalt methodology is briefly described. The progression of phenomenology from philosophy to method is demonstrated through an engagement with modern implementers of phenomenological research methods such as Benner and Greatrex-White. It concludes with a discussion of the concept of a knowledge society.