bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonconventional Sources of Movement Used to Obtain High Level Precision Manufacturing
Authors: Popa Alexandru , Glăvan Dan Ovidiu , Bucevschi Adina , Mortoiu Doina , Gaspar Marcelo Calvete
Published: November 2015

Since the beginning of industrial era it was clear that the goal of perfect machine is far away. Things become more complicated as the tool machinery branch developed in quite a fast way so things as using full production capacity of a machine or working with adaptive control become normal and frequent. Reaching a good precision in manufacturing was realized by strengthening the structure , with related weight growth and use of more material both generating supplementary costs. Probably the best idea was to create a structure not so rigid , that means lighter ,a structure predictable in the way it works that means predictable deformation and their direction. The big advantage of the idea is that knowing the deformation we can take corrective actions so that the final precision at the edge of the cutting tool becomes very high. The corrective action consists in a very fine and very fast movement that composed with the structure deformations makes a great precision. The solution it self-generated a new challenge consisting in the need for almost instant movement , the source of which was not conventional. The authors are proposing a “magnetostrictive” engine as a new way of generating precise correction movements.
Diagnosis of Screw Compressors Condition by Analyzing the Lubricating Oil
Authors: Velicu Stefan , Păunescu Ionel , Păunescu Paul Liviu
Published: November 2015

This research paper presents the analysis of the superficial layer wear of the moving metallic components in a screw compressor, depending on the presence of metal particles in the oil resulted from friction, wear and fatigue processes. The data presented are useful for the analysis of the structural modifications that occur and develop during the operation of a screw compressor, with the possibility to predict a failure. The study of the structural changes can be made by various nondestructive testing methods, namely by analyzing the oil at certain time intervals/hours of operation of the compressor
The Electric Furnaces for Heat Treatment with PID Predictiv System
Authors: Cucos Iulian , Munteanu Corneliu , Mirea Constantin
Published: November 2015

This paper presents theoretical and experimental research regarding a temperature control system of electric furnaces with thermostatic heat treatment which agreed parameters determined based on PID (proportional-integrative-derivative) control laws predictive control allows this type of restricted thermal heat treatment applied pieces with complex configurations made of medium or high alloyed steels to obtain a structure and mechanical properties invariant mass in the whole piece, with trace constituents evenly distributed and without residual stress in part, the realization of these heat treatments can be done by custom management process workpiece heating furnace heat treatment, heat treatment allows simultaneous varied on different portions of the piece in order to obtain structural and mechanical properties.
Graphical Method in CAD Environment for Profiling End Mill Tool
Authors: Popa Camelia Lǎcrǎmioara
Published: November 2015

The actives surfaces of screw compressors are helical surfaces, cylindrical and uniform pitch. The generation of helical surfaces can be done using tools bordered by revolution surfaces (as end mill cutter, or disk cutter). The shaping of generating tools is based on fundamentals theorem of the enveloping surfaces. This paper consists to propose a graphic solution, using specific tools of the design environment AUTOCAD, to problem concerning the shaping end mill tool which generates the helical flute of male rotor component of screw compressor. The algorithm has been developed based on a complementary theorem - "The theorem of substituting circles family".
3D Fire Dynamic Scenario for Training Systems Based on Immersive Virtual Reality for Firefighters
Authors: Anghel Ion , Pesic J. Dusica , Codescu Silviu , Popescu Daniela , Panaitescu Valeriu , Lalu Octavian
Published: November 2015

Understanding fire behaviour indicators is very important, especially taking into account their integration in the primary fire evaluation process as part of the dynamic and continuous evaluation of risks to which people are exposed to. Construction fires are always characterised by certain critical behaviour factors such as smoke, air currents, heat and flames. Classical training methods for firefighters are practical exercises that are expensive and risky. The aim of the present article is to briefly present a new training method consisting of a dynamic 3D system based on immersive virtual reality. This paper presents results based on the characteristics and thermal values of the flashover in a case study. The phenomenon are simulated by using the Fire Dynamics Simulator, a computer program developed on a complex mathematical apparatus that can generate multiple output data (indicators such as temperatures, gas concentrations, speeds etc.). Results are validated by experimental tests in a testing metal facility from the Police Academy “A. I. Cuza”, Bucharest. The 3D graphic results offered by the simulation highlights the conditions and parameters to which the firefighters involved in putting-out a fire, in the presented training scenario, would be exposed.
Manufacturing Specific Information Recapture from Geometric Model Using a Data Interchange Format File
Authors: Armasoiu Giorgiana
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a methodology that makes possible the recapture of manufacturing features of using a DXF file. The methodology is illustrated on a prismatic part. CAD/CAPP integration is achieved by Feature Recognizer Interface. Each CAD system has its own database stucture that offers geometric information regarding the parts, hence, the interpretation and change of these are impossible to be done. The methodology presented in this paper shows how geometric model provides the manufacturing information with the help of DXF file.
Digital Human Modeling in the Development of Assistive Technologies for Elderly Users
Authors: Şuteu Băncilă Ana Maria Adina , Buzatu Constantin
Published: November 2015

As ergonomics has become an integral part of the design process, digital human modeling is a rapidly emerging area that links computer-aided engineering design, human factors engineering and applied ergonomics. This paper briefly presents some of the basic principles of user-centered design and their relationship to ergonomics, together with the application of digital human modeling (DHM) in the design process of an assistive walking aid for elderly users with low mobility, considering the assessment of risk and comfort of the system. The use of DHM in order to improve certain features of a system or product is not a new concept, various types of digital human models being used for over 35 years. Using the Human Builder module in CATIA V5 two human models are generated with the help of anthropometric data collected from a group of >65 years old participants living in assistive care centers. The models are further employed in testing the safety and comfort level of the walking aid currently used by the participants, resulting the need of immediate changes in the device.
An Investigation of Surface Roughness Obtained in Hard Milling of AISI W1
Authors: Beşliu Irina , Slătineanu Laurenţiu , Amarandei Dumitru
Published: November 2015

Hard milling is considered to be a precise and efficient machining method for the die and mold manufacturing industry. The main criterion for evaluating the cutting processes of the parts designed for these applications is the quality of the machined surfaces. For this reason, the analysis of the factors that influence the surface roughness obtained in this processes is important for helping the process become more productive and competitive. The present paper presents some results and an empirical model for surface roughness when high speeds face milling of AISI W1 tool steel. The influence of cutting parameters and material hardness is investigated by using Taguchi design of experiments. The results obtained show that high speed face milling of hardened tool steel AISI W1 can be carried out in economical conditions(on plant milling machines) and can lead to satisfactory surface quality (Ra =0.2-0.36 μm).
Stress Analysis, Frame Analysis and Calculation of Metal Structures in Inventor Software
Authors: Lealin Stanislav
Published: November 2015

In order to obtain a better designing of the industrial products, various software can be used. Sometimes, such a software allows simulation and highlighting the behavior of the product during its use. It is important to know and select adequate software applicable in the engineer activity. The study of the accessible information showed that such a software is ANSYS. In this paper, a case study for some modalities of modern calculation by FEM method using ANSYS program is presented.
Determination of the Milling Conditions of a Pump Casing Cover Using a Parametric Designed Fixture Device
Authors: Ghionea Ionuţ , Ghionea Adrian , Ćuković Saša , Ionescu Nicolae
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an applicative methodology of parametric computer aided design using the CATIA v5 software to model and assembly a modular fixture device. The device is then used in the orientation and clamping a part of type casing cover which has a face machined by milling. Having a constructive solution of the fixture device, the next step is to simulate a milling process through a FEM analysis to identify the working conditions: milling tool diameter, number of teeth, cutting forces, required power of the machine tool etc. Some parameters were chosen according to various tools manufacturers catalogues and the cutting force components were determined experimentally in laboratory conditions. The analysis results show that in the FEM simulated milling process, in all the fixture device parts, some tensions cause displacements that have an influence over the casing cover surface roughness.
Element Free Galerkin Formulation for Problems in Composite Micromechanics
Authors: Rosca Victoria Elena , Ţăranu Nicolae , Bejan Liliana , Axinte Andrei Octav
Published: November 2015

The heterogeneity and anisotropy of structural composites make the application of the standard mesh-based methods using the meshing of interfacial region between matrix and fibers a difficult task. The objective of this study is to present the EFG formulation for problems of composite micromechanics. It is expected that the tediousness and approximations involved in mesh generation, and hence inaccuracies in the results can be avoided using the new meshless techniques such as the Element Free Galerkin (EFG) method. The theoretical methodologies, computer implementations and practical application are carried out. Periodic boundary conditions of the unit cell under tensile load are set up. The method of Lagrange multipliers is introduced for the treatment of material discontinuity at the fiber-matrix interface in which both the displacement continuity and traction reciprocity are satisfied. The EFG method is formulated for the generalized plane strain problems. Examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed micromechanical model, and it is validated by comparing the results with available numerical solutions.
Artificial Immune System in Topology Optimization of Mechanical Structures
Authors: Poteralski Arkadiusz
Published: November 2015

The paper deals with an application of the artificial immune system (AIS) to the optimization of shape, topology and material properties of 3-D structures. Structures considered in this work are analyzed by the finite element method (FEM). Optimization criteria that are taken into account concern minimize mass and of elastic strain energy. Numerical examples demonstrate that the method based on soft computing is a very effective technique for solving computer aided optimal design.
Bioengineering Applications of 3D Scanning and Reconstruction Using a Depth Sensor
Authors: Ciobanu Octavian
Published: November 2015

Paper approaches some characteristics and bioengineering applications of a handheld depth sensor for low-cost 3D scanning and reconstruction. The Kinect depth sensor used in this work was launched on June 2009 and was based around a gaming webcam peripheral. The Kinect sensor uses a structured light technique in order to develop real-time 3D surfaces. The 3D model of anatomic surface may have a lot of bioengineering applications. Some observations and comparisons are presented in connection with the scanning and 3D reconstruction of different anatomic surfaces.
Functional Model of an Equatorial Spherical Hypocycloid Automaton
Authors: Cioară Romeo
Published: November 2015

The generation of new knowledge and its subsequent efficient implementation is an imperative requirement in modern society and often regarded as part of the struggle for survival. For universities this is a natural and assumed mission, ensuring the integrated development of education and scientific research.For over two decades, at Transilvania University of Brasov a very specific research topic has emerged and developed, concerning hypocycloid automaton (HA). The concept of equatorial spherical hypocycloid automaton (eS-HA), as a particular case of spherical hypocycloid automaton (S-HA), was addressed in a recently successfully completed doctoral thesis. In consideration of the fact that “noveltycannot be achieved by waiting for it to occur accidentally,...but by searching for it systematically,persistently, and scientifically”, are explored extensively the typological range of machines of this type, and has disseminated some of the results.The novelty of the concept called for its validation. The virtual modelling largely confirmed the predictions concerning the construction and operation of the considered type of automaton. Definitive validation beyond any doubt, however, is ensured by developing a real model, whether experimental or merely functional, depending on the objectives and resources of research.Certain restrictions allowed only for the development of a functional model. Several technical projects were devised, the selected constructive solution emerging consequently to their critical analysis. The functional model was achieved by means of rapid prototyping techniques and drew from the beginning on the facilities available at the ProDD Research Institute of Transilvania University of Braşov. The functional model fully confirmed the predictions, is useful and indeed used, including in lectures and laboratory works as an example of how a hypocycloid automaton works.
The Influence of Kinematics Variation on Multispeed Gears Meshing
Authors: Cristescu Ana , Niculescu Mircea , Andrei Laurenţia
Published: November 2015

Multispeed gears are noncircular gears whose kinematics varies during a rotational period, alternating uniform and variable motions. Due to the limited information on multispeed gears design and performance, the paper presents i) the generation of multispeed gears, using the design hypothesis of the transmission ratio variation and ii) investigations on meshing conditions, as a qualitative information on gears contact. To generate multispeed gears, the gears transmission ratio are defined by hybrid multiple parameters functions with parabolic and trigonometric variations. Virtual models of the multispeed gears, produced by the Matlab-PHP-MySQL-AutoCAD interference, are further used for the gear meshing analysis, the theoretical static contact evolution and distribution along the teeth being investigated and compared for both kinematics. It was found that the trigonometric variation of the gears transmission ratio improves the gears meshing in gear concave zones, while the parabolic variation has benefits on tooth contact pattern in zones where the gears centrodes geometry is changed from circular to noncircular shapes.
Hermetic Seal Bonding at Low-temperature with Sub-micron Gold Particles for Wafer Level Packaging
Authors: Ogashiwa Toshinori , Totsu Kentaro , Nishizawa Mitsutomo , Ishida Hiroyuki , Sasaki Yuya , Miyairi Masayuki , Murai Hiroshi , Kanehira Yukio , Tanaka Shuji , Esashi Masayoshi
Published: November 2015

Au/Au hermetic sealing was successfully done using a rim structure covered with sub-micron-size Au particles by low-temperature thermo-compression bonding. The easy deformability of sintered Au particles is advantageous in terms of the compliance with surface irregularity as well as the insensitivity of surface flatness. From the deflection of Si diaphragms over the sealed cavity, an inside pressure of 100 Pa and the maximum leak rate in a range of 10−14 Pa·m3/s (He) were estimated, which is sufficient for many MEMS applications.
Obesity Correlation with Metastases Development and Response to First-Line Metastatic Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Osman Mohammed A. , Hennessy Bryan T.
Published: November 2015

Study Objectives

To compare breast cancer metastases between obese and nonobese women and to evaluate the effect of first-line metastatic chemotherapy in each group.

Method

A retrospective study was performed in an educational institute in Ireland. The study consisted of two parts: the first part was a comparative analysis of metastases development in obese (arm A) and nonobese patients (arm B). The second part was a comparison between both arms in relation to their response to first-line metastatic chemotherapy and their survival data.

Results

Between 2009 and 2014, we reviewed 118 patients with metastatic breast cancer. All the patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. In all, 48% of patients were obese and 52% were nonobese. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. For arms A and B, the median interval between initial cancer diagnosis and distant metastases development (distant metastases-free survival) was 5.8 versus 7.6 years, respectively ( P value 0.04). Earlier visceral (liver and lung) metastases were observed in obese compared to nonobese women ( P values were 0.05 and 0.04, respectively). The most commonly used chemotherapy was weekly paclitaxel. Our treatments showed significantly better treatment response and better survival results in nonobese women than in obese ones, who were premenopausal with performance state 2, pathological grade 3, and four or more positive lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Obesity is linked with visceral metastases development, especially lung and liver metastases. Furthermore, first-line metastatic chemotherapy achieved better results in nonobese patients.
The Chern–Ricci Flow on Oeljeklaus–Toma Manifolds
Authors: Zheng Tao
Published: November 2015

We study the Chern-Ricci flow, an evolution equation of Hermitian metrics, on a family of Oeljeklaus–Toma (OT-) manifolds that are non-Kähler compact complex manifolds with negative Kodaira dimension. We prove that after an initial conformal change, the flow converges in the Gromov–Hausdorff sense to a torus with a flat Riemannianmetric determined by the OT-manifolds themselves.
Ectopic Schistosoma mansoni Eggs Inside a Lipoma
Authors: Sabino Kelly Renata , Nunes Maurício Buzelin , Petroianu Andy
Published: November 2015

Ectopic schistosomiasis is uncommon and tends to occur when the parasite's eggs or adult forms are located far from their normal site. This report presents the first described case of ectopic Schistosoma mansoni eggs inside a subcutaneous lipoma far from the tissues of this worm's life cycle and with no connection to either portal veins or any other vascular system. These eggs were found inside giant cells surrounded by inflammatory cells. In conclusion, in humans, ectopic S. mansoni eggs can be found far from the tissues of the described life cycle of this worm, with no connection to portal veins or other blood vessels used for their migration.
Malaria Parasitemia Among Febrile Patients Seeking Clinical Care at an Outpatient Health Facility in an Urban Informal Settlement Area in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Njuguna Henry N. , Montgomery Joel M. , Cosmas Leonard , Wamola Newton , Oundo Joseph O. , Desai Meghna , Buff Ann M. , Breiman Robert F.
Published: November 2015

Nairobi is considered a low-risk area for malaria transmission, but travel can influence transmission of malaria. We investigated the demographic characteristics and travel history of patients with documented fever and malaria in a study clinic in a population-based surveillance system over a 5-year period, January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011. During the study period, 11,480 (68%) febrile patients had a microscopy test performed for malaria, of which 2,553 (22%) were positive. Malaria was detected year-round with peaks in January, May, and September. Children aged 5–14 years had the highest proportion (28%) of positive results followed by children aged 1–4 years (23%). Almost two-thirds of patients with malaria reported traveling outside Nairobi; 79% of these traveled to three counties in western Kenya. History of recent travel (i.e., in past month) was associated with malaria parasitemia (odds ratio: 10.0, 95% confidence interval: 9.0–11.0). Malaria parasitemia was frequently observed among febrile patients at a health facility in the urban slum of Kibera, Nairobi. The majority of patients had traveled to western Kenya. However, 34% reported no travel history, which raises the possibility of local malaria transmission in this densely populated, urban setting. These findings have important implications for malaria control in large Nairobi settlements.
Serologic Evidence for Fecal–Oral Transmission of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bui David , Brown Heidi E. , Harris Robin B. , Oren Eyal
Published: November 2015

Helicobacter pylori infection is among the most prevalent infections in the world and a key cause of gastric diseases; however, its route of transmission remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the potential for fecal–oral transmission of H. pylori by leveraging its association with a disease with known etiology. Utilizing serology data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999; N = 6,347), the association between H. pylori and hepatitis A virus (HAV), a sensitive indicator for fecal–oral exposure, was assessed. Survey-weighted kappa and multiple logistic regression were used to quantify the association between H. pylori and HAV after controlling for age, sex, race, poverty, birthplace, crowding, smoking, and alcohol use. Concordant serological results were found among 69.8% of participants (survey-weighted κ = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26, 0.35). The adjusted odds of H. pylori seropositivity were over two times higher after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.79, 2.87). Results from this study suggest H. pylori and HAV infections are strongly associated. Since HAV is primarily transmitted through the fecal–oral route, fecal–oral transmission may be an important pathway for H. pylori spread.
Clinical Research and the Training of Host Country Investigators: Essential Health Priorities for Disease-Endemic Regions
Authors: Koita Ousmane A. , Murphy Robert L. , Fongoro Saharé , Diallo Boubakar , Doumbia Seydou O. , Traoré Moussa , Krogstad Donald J.
Published: November 2015

The health-care needs and resources of disease-endemic regions such as west Africa have been a major focus during the recent Ebola outbreak. On the basis of that experience, we call attention to two priorities that have unfortunately been ignored thus far: 1) the development of clinical research facilities and 2) the training of host country investigators to ensure that the facilities and expertise necessary to evaluate candidate interventions are available on-site in endemic regions when and where they are needed. In their absence, as illustrated by the recent uncertainty about the use of antivirals and other interventions for Ebola virus disease, the only treatment available may be supportive care, case fatality rates may be unacceptably high and there may be long delays between the time potential interventions become available and it becomes clear whether those interventions are safe or effective. On the basis of our experience in Mali, we urge that the development of clinical research facilities and the training of host country investigators be prioritized in disease-endemic regions such as west Africa.
Monoclonal Antibodies for the Diagnosis of Borrelia crocidurae
Authors: Fotso Fotso Aurélien , Mediannikov Oleg , Nappez Claude , Azza Saïd , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: November 2015

Relapsing fever borreliae, produced by ectoparasite-borne Borrelia species, cause mild to deadly bacteremia and miscarriage. In the perspective of developing inexpensive assays for the rapid detection of relapsing fever borreliae, we produced 12 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Borrelia crocidurae and characterized the two exhibiting the highest titers. P3A10 MAb reacts with the 35.6-kDa flagellin B (flaB) of B. crocidurae while P6D9 MAb recognizes a 35.1-kDa variable-like protein (Vlp) in B. crocidurae and a 35.2-kDa Vlp in Borrelia duttonii. Indirect immunofluorescence assay incorporating relapsing fever and Lyme group borreliae and 11 blood-borne organisms responsible for fever in West Africa confirmed the reactivity of these two MAbs. Combining these two MAbs in indirect immunofluorescence assays detected relapsing fever borreliae including B. crocidurae in ticks and the blood of febrile Senegalese patients. Both antibodies could be incorporated into inexpensive and stable formats suited for the rapid point-of-care diagnosis of relapsing fever. These first-ever MAbs directed against African relapsing fever borreliae are available for the scientific community to promote research in this neglected field.
Identification and Characterization of the Trypanosoma cruzi B-cell Superantigen Tc24
Authors: Gunter Sarah M. , Jones Kathryn M. , Zhan Bin , Essigmann Heather T. , Murray Kristy O. , Garcia Melissa N. , Gorchakov Rodion , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Hotez Peter J. , Brown Eric L.
Published: November 2015

Trypanosoma cruzi causes life-long disease after infection and leads to cardiac disease in 30% of infected individuals. After infection, the parasites are readily detectable in the blood during the first few days before disseminating to infect numerous cell types. Preliminary data suggested that the Tc24 protein that localizes to the T. cruzi membrane during all life stages possesses B-cell superantigenic properties. These antigens facilitate immune escape by interfering with antibody-mediated responses, particularly the avoidance of catalytic antibodies. These antibodies are an innate host defense mechanism present in the naive repertoire, and catalytic antibody–antigen binding results in hydrolysis of the target. We tested the B-cell superantigenic properties of Tc24 by comparing the degree of Tc24 hydrolysis by IgM purified from either Tc24 unexposed or exposed mice and humans. Respective samples were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, silver stained, and the degree of hydrolysis was measured. Data presented in this report suggest that the T. cruzi Tc24 is a B-cell superantigen based on the observations that 1) Tc24 was hydrolyzed by IgM present in serum of unexposed mice and humans and 2) exposure to Tc24 eliminated catalytic activity as early as 4 days after T. cruzi infection.
Sustaining the Control of Schistosoma mansoni in Western Côte d'Ivoire: Baseline Findings Before the Implementation of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Assaré Rufin K. , Hürlimann Eveline , Ouattara Mamadou , N'Guessan Nicaise A. , Tian-Bi Yves-Nathan T. , Yapi Ahoua , Yao Patrick K. , Coulibaly Jean T. , Knopp Stefanie , N'Goran Eliézer K. , Utzinger Jürg
Published: November 2015

We report baseline findings before the implementation of a 4-year intervention trial designed to assess the impact of three different school-based treatment schedules with praziquantel to sustain the control of intestinal schistosomiasis. The baseline survey was conducted in 75 schools of western Côte d'Ivoire previously identified with moderate Schistosoma mansoni endemicity (prevalence: 10–24% in children aged 13–14 years). Three stool samples collected over consecutive days were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears each. A questionnaire was administered to collect village-specific information that is relevant for schistosomiasis transmission. Overall, 4,953 first graders (aged 5–8 years) and 7,011 school children (aged 9–12 years) had complete parasitologic data. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 5.4% among first graders and 22.1% in 9- to 12-year-old children. Open defecation was practiced in all villages. The current baseline findings will be important to better understand the dynamics of S. mansoni prevalence and intensity over the course of this trial that might be governed by village characteristics and specific treatment interventions.
Evaluation of heritage education technology-based programs
Authors: Vicent Naiara , Ibáñez-Etxeberria Alex , Asensio Mikel
Published: November 2015

The heritage education program evaluation methodology has been devised for evaluateing the teaching-learning process given through one of the programs offered at Santa María la Real archaeological site (Zarautz, Gipuzkoa) and, in particular, to assess the impact that mobile devices offer in this process. The design has been very successful in assessing heritage education programs based on mobile learning, so it can be considered by other researchers. In this article the method is explained in order to keep in mind for future studies.
The production of the rail system. Towards a historical IDE of rail heritage of Andalusia
Authors: Ferreira Lopes Patricia
Published: November 2015

The railway process (1854-1940) in Andalucia contributed to the formation of a new territorial structure. The railway, built and used, was also a means of production: business networks, flows of raw materials and people, energy technologies that shaped the land and also were shaped by it. In this sense, the railroad, produced and producer of various changes, cannot be understood without its productive forces, including knowledge and technology, the working class, the superstructure of society, the State and nether can't be separated from nature, where the topography and hydrology played important role. These factors are combined, juxtaposed, are interspersed, engage and sometimes collide, creating what might be called the " rail rhizome", a hyper complex space, intervened and shaped by a diversity of actors.
This paper presents a new interpretation of the Andalucia railway heritage through the application of a Geographic Information System (GIS), which based on the historical creation of a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) of railways in Andalucia, open and expands its spatiotemporal vision.
What Determines Whether Preferential Liberalization of Barriers against Foreign Investors in Services Are Beneficial or Immizerising: Application to the Case of Kenya
Authors: Balistreri Edward J. , Jensen Jesper , Tarr David
Published: November 2015

Despite the fact that many modern preferential trade agreements include commitments to foreign investors in imperfectly competitive services sectors, the literature has not established conditions under which these agreements are beneficial or harmful. The authors fill that void by developing a model with monopolistic competition and foreign direct investment in services with Dixit-Stiglitz endogenous productivity effects from additional varieties. They specify a numerical model, with probability distributions of all parameters. The model is executed 30,000 times, and results are reported as probability of an outcome, based on the sample distribution. In order to ground the results in reality, the authors apply the model to Kenya. They show that preferential commitments in services could be immizerising. Losses are more likely the greater the share of initial rent capture on the services barriers in the home country and the more technologically advanced are the excluded regions relative to the partner region.
Instantaneous longwave radiative impact of ozone: an application on IASI/MetOp observations
Authors: Doniki S. , Hurtmans D. , Clarisse L. , Clerbaux C. , Worden H. M. , Bowman K. W. , Coheur P.-F.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Ozone is an important greenhouse gas in terms of anthropogenic radiative forcing (RF). RF calculations for ozone were until recently entirely model based, and significant discrepancies were reported due to different model characteristics. However, new instantaneous radiative kernels (IRKs) calculated from hyperspectral thermal IR satellites have been able to help adjudicate between different climate model RF calculations. IRKs are defined as the sensitivity of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) flux with respect to the ozone vertical distribution in the full 9.6 μm band. Previous methods applied to measurements from the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) on Aura rely on an anisotropy approximation for the angular integration. In this paper, we present a more accurate but more computationally expensive method to calculate these kernels. The method of direct integration is based on similar principles to the anisotropy approximation, but it deals more precisely with the integration of the Jacobians. We describe both methods and highlight their differences with respect to the IRKs and the ozone longwave radiative effect (LWRE), i.e., the radiative impact in OLR due to absorption by ozone, for both tropospheric and total columns, from measurements of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) onboard MetOp-A. Biases between the two methods vary from −25 to +20 % for the LWRE, depending on the viewing angle. These biases point to the inadequacy of the anisotropy method, especially at nadir, suggesting that the TES-derived LWREs are biased low by around 25 % and that chemistry–climate model OLR biases with respect to TES are underestimated. In this paper we also exploit the sampling performance of IASI to obtain first daily global distributions of the LWRE, for 12 days (the 15th of each month) in 2011, calculated with the direct integration method. We show that the temporal variation of global and latitudinal averages of the LWRE shows patterns which are controlled by changes in the surface temperature and ozone variation due to specific processes, such as the ozone hole in the polar regions and stratospheric intrusions into the troposphere.
Does GOSAT capture the true seasonal cycle of carbon dioxide?
Authors: Lindqvist H. , O'Dell C. W. , Basu S. , Boesch H. , Chevallier F. , Deutscher N. , Feng L. , Fisher B. , Hase F. , Inoue M. , Kivi R. , Morino I. , Palmer P. I. , Parker R. , Schneider M. , Sussmann R. , Yoshida Y.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The seasonal cycle accounts for a dominant mode of total column CO2 (XCO2) annual variability and is connected to CO2 uptake and release; it thus represents an important quantity to test the accuracy of the measurements from space. We quantitatively evaluate the XCO2 seasonal cycle of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) observations from the Atmospheric CO2 Observations from Space (ACOS) retrieval system and compare average regional seasonal cycle features to those directly measured by the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). We analyse the mean seasonal cycle amplitude, dates of maximum and minimum XCO2, as well as the regional growth rates in XCO2 through the fitted trend over several years. We find that GOSAT/ACOS captures the seasonal cycle amplitude within 1.0 ppm accuracy compared to TCCON, except in Europe, where the difference exceeds 1.0 ppm at two sites, and the amplitude captured by GOSAT/ACOS is generally shallower compared to TCCON. This bias over Europe is not as large for the other GOSAT retrieval algorithms (NIES v02.21, RemoTeC v2.35, UoL v5.1, and NIES PPDF-S v.02.11), although they have significant biases at other sites. We find that the ACOS bias correction partially explains the shallow amplitude over Europe. The impact of the co-location method and aerosol changes in the ACOS algorithm were also tested and found to be few tenths of a ppm and mostly non-systematic. We find generally good agreement in the date of minimum XCO2 between ACOS and TCCON, but ACOS generally infers a date of maximum XCO2 2–3 weeks later than TCCON. We further analyse the latitudinal dependence of the seasonal cycle amplitude throughout the Northern Hemisphere and compare the dependence to that predicted by current optimized models that assimilate in situ measurements of CO2. In the zonal averages, models are consistent with the GOSAT amplitude to within 1.4 ppm, depending on the model and latitude. We also show that the seasonal cycle of XCO2 depends on longitude especially at the mid-latitudes: the amplitude of GOSAT XCO2 doubles from western USA to East Asia at 45–50° N, which is only partially shown by the models. In general, we find that model-to-model differences can be larger than GOSAT-to-model differences. These results suggest that GOSAT/ACOS retrievals of the XCO2 seasonal cycle may be sufficiently accurate to evaluate land surface models in regions with significant discrepancies between the models.
High concentrations of sub-3 nm clusters and frequent new particle formation observed in the Po Valley, Italy, during the PEGASOS 2012 campaign
Authors: Kontkanen J. , Järvinen E. , Manninen H. E. , Lehtipalo K. , Kangasluoma J. , Decesari S. , Gobbi G. P. , Laaksonen A. , Petäjä T. , Kulmala M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The concentrations of neutral and charged sub-3 nm clusters and their connection to new particle formation (NPF) were investigated during the PEGASOS campaign (7 June–9 July 2012) at the San Pietro Capofiume measurement station in the Po Valley, Italy. Continuous high concentrations of sub-3 nm clusters were detected during the measurement period, although the condensation sink was relatively high (median value 1.1 × 10-2 s-1). The median cluster concentrations were 2140 and 7980 cm-3 in the size bins of 1.5–1.8 nm and 1.8–3 nm, and the majority of them were electrically neutral. NPF events were observed during the measurement period frequently, on 86 % of the days. The median growth rates of clusters during the events were 4.3, 6.0 and 7.2 nm h-1 in the size ranges of 1.5–3, 3–7 and 7–20 nm. The median formation rate of 1.6 nm clusters was high, 45 cm-3 s-1, and it exceeded the median formation rate of 2 nm clusters by one order of magnitude. The ion-induced nucleation fraction was low; the median values were 0.7 % at 1.6 nm and 3.0 % at 2 nm. On NPF event days the neutral cluster concentration had a maximum around 9 a.m. (local winter time), which was absent on a non-event day. The increase in the cluster concentrations in the morning coincided with the increase in the boundary layer height. At the same time radiation and temperature increased and RH and condensation sink decreased. The concentration of neutral clusters was observed to have apositive correlation with sulfuric acid proxy, indicating the significance of sulfuric acid for the cluster formation in San Pietro Capofiume. The condensation sink had anegative correlation with the concentration of charged clusters but no clear relation to the neutral cluster concentration. This finding, together with back-trajectory analysis, suggests that the precursor vapors of the clusters and background aerosol particles, acting as their sink, have possibly originated from the same sources, including e.g. power plants and industrial areas in the Po Valley.
The detection of carbon dioxide leaks using quasi-tomographic laser absorption spectroscopy measurements in variable wind
Authors: Levine Z. H. , Pintar A. L. , Dobler J. , Blume N. , Braun M. , Zaccheo T. S. , Pernini T. G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (LAS) has been used over the last several decades for the measurement of trace gasses in the atmosphere. For over a decade, LAS measurements from multiple sources and tens of retroreflectors have been combined with sparse-sample tomography methods to estimate the 2-D distribution of trace gas concentrations and underlying fluxes from pointlike sources. In this work, we consider the ability of such a system to detect and estimate the position and rate of a single point leak which may arise as a failure mode for carbon dioxide storage. The leak is assumed to be at a constant rate giving rise to a plume with a concentration and distribution that depend on the wind velocity. We demonstrate the ability of our approach to detect a leak using numerical simulation and a preliminary measurement.
Response of CO2 and H2O fluxes in a mountainous tropical rainforest in equatorial Indonesia to El Niño events
Authors: Olchev A. , Ibrom A. , Panferov O. , Gushchina D. , Kreilein H. , Popov V. , Propastin P. , June T. , Rauf A. , Gravenhorst G. , Knohl A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The possible impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on the main components of CO2 and H2O fluxes between the tropical rainforest and the atmosphere is investigated. The fluxes were continuously measured in an old-growth mountainous tropical rainforest in Central Sulawesi in Indonesia using the eddy covariance method for the period from January 2004 to June 2008. During this period, two episodes of El Niño and one episode of La Niña were observed. All these ENSO episodes had moderate intensity and were of the central Pacific type. The temporal variability analysis of the main meteorological parameters and components of CO2 and H2O exchange showed a high sensitivity of evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP) of the tropical rainforest to meteorological variations caused by both El Niño and La Niña episodes. Incoming solar radiation is the main governing factor that is responsible for ET and GPP variability. Ecosystem respiration (RE) dynamics depend mainly on the air temperature changes and are almost insensitive to ENSO. Changes in precipitation due to moderate ENSO events did not have any notable effect on ET and GPP, mainly because of sufficient soil moisture conditions even in periods of an anomalous reduction in precipitation in the region.
Methods comparison to retrieve the refractive index of small scatterers
Authors: Sánchez A.-M. , Piera J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Simulation tools to generate the inherent optical properties of small scatterers are useful to complement data difficult to measure, as for instance their angular scattering features. However, in most cases, shapes are reduced to homogeneous spheres, which is a gross simplification for any particles in water, and the inner complex refractive index is estimated using some approximations. In this paper, several methods for the retrieval of the refractive indices are used in three different examples modelling different shapes and particle size distributions. The error associated with each method is discussed and analysed. It is finally demonstrated that those inverse methods using a genetic algorithm provide optimal estimations relative to other techniques that, although faster, are less accurate. The obtained results suggest that phytoplankton models can be improved using this kind of algorithms and a suitable shape.
Novel indices for the comparison of precipitation extremes and floods: an example from the Czech territory
Authors: Müller M. , Kašpar M. , Valeriánová A. , Crhová L. , Holtanová E. , Gvoždíková B.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This paper presents three indices for evaluation of hydrometeorological extremes, considering them as areal precipitation events and trans-basin floods. In contrast to common precipitation indices, the weather extremity index (WEI) reflects not only the highest precipitation amounts at individual gauges but also the rarity of the amounts, the size of the affected area, and the duration of the event. Furthermore, the aspect of precipitation seasonality was considered when defining the weather abnormality index (WAI), which enables the detection of precipitation extremes throughout the year. The precipitation indices are complemented with the flood extremity index (FEI) employing peak discharge data. A unified design of the three indices, based on return periods of station data, enables one to compare easily inter-annual and seasonal distributions of precipitation extremes and large floods. The indices were employed in evaluation of 50 hydrometeorological extremes of each type (extreme precipitation events, seasonally abnormal precipitation events, and large floods) during the period 1961–2010 in the Czech Republic. A preliminary study of discrepancies among historic values of the indices indicated that variations in the frequency and/or magnitude of floods can generally be due not only to variations in the magnitude of precipitation events but also to variations in their seasonal distribution and other factors, primarily the antecedent saturation.
Regional disaster impact analysis: comparing Input-Output and Computable General Equilibrium models
Authors: Koks E. E. , Carrera L. , Jonkeren O. , Aerts J. C. J. H. , Husby T. G. , Thissen M. , Standardi G. , Mysiak J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A large variety of models has been developed to assess the economic losses of disasters, of which the most common ones are Input-Output (IO) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models. In addition, an increasing numbers of scholars has developed hybrid approaches; one that combines both or either of them in combination with non-economic methods. While both IO and CGE models are widely used, they are mainly compared on theoretical grounds. Few studies have compared disaster impacts of different model types in a systematic way and for the same geographical area, using similar input data. Such a comparison is valuable from both a scientific and policy perspective as the magnitude and the spatial distribution of the estimated losses are likely to vary with the chosen modelling approach (IO, CGE, or hybrid). Hence, regional disaster impact loss estimates resulting from a range of models facilitates better decisions and policy making. Therefore, in this study we analyze one specific case study, using three regional models: two hybrid IO models and a regionally calibrated version of a global CGE model. The case study concerns two flood scenarios in the Po-river basin in Italy. Modelling results indicate that the difference in estimated total (national) economic losses and the regional distribution of those losses may vary by up to a factor of seven between the three models, depending on the type of recovery path. Total economic impact, comprising all Italian regions, is negative in all models though.