bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operation Optimization in a Smart Micro-Grid in the Presence of Distributed Generation and Demand Response
Authors: Wang Yongli , Huang Yujing , Wang Yudong , Li Fang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Tian Chunzheng
Published: March 2018

With the application of distributed generation and the development of smart grid technology, micro-grid, an economic and stable power grid, tends to play an important role in the demand side management. Because micro-grid technology and demand response have been widely applied, what Demand Response actions can realize the economic operation of micro-grid has become an important issue for utilities. In this proposed work, operation optimization modeling for micro-grid is done considering distributed generation, environmental factors and demand response. The main contribution of this model is to optimize the cost in the context of considering demand response and system operation. The presented optimization model can reduce the operation cost of micro-grid without bringing discomfort to the users, thus increasing the consumption of clean energy effectively. Then, to solve this operational optimization problem, genetic algorithm is used to implement objective function and DR scheduling strategy. In addition, to validate the proposed model, it is employed on a smart micro-grid from Tianjin. The obtained numerical results clearly indicate the impact of demand response on economic operation of micro-grid and development of distributed generation. Besides, a sensitivity analysis on the natural gas price is implemented according to the situation of China, and the result shows that the natural gas price has a great influence on the operation cost of the micro-grid and effect of demand response.
A Study on the Instructor Role in Dealing with Mixed Contents: How It Affects Learner Satisfaction and Retention in e-Learning
Authors: Lee Seung , Lee Hyunae , Kim Taegoo
Published: March 2018

The information and communication technology has become an indispensable part of modern education. The paradigm shift in the educational environment makes the instructors recollect the traditional roles in classroom education and adjust their responsibilities to accommodate a transformed pedagogy and learner expectations. This paper aims at the instructor’s role in on-line education and studies how the instructor affects the learner satisfaction via the instructor involvement. Modifying the information system success model, the learning-environment qualities are rearranged into two-tiered formats—rigid and flexible contents—depending on the instructor’s manageability. A partial least square analysis was used to examine the structural relationship among rigid and flexible contents qualities (i.e., technology-assisted learning-environment qualities), learner satisfaction, and learner retention, and found that the instructor involvement had a moderating effect on flexible contents qualities (test and activity); further, the moderating effect of instructor is captured as high involvement in tests and low involvement in activities. Consequently, this paper confirms the relationship between learning-environment qualities, learner satisfaction, and instructor involvement. Empirically, the instructor role in on-line education and the degree of instructor involvement in higher education are substantiated; the result of this study will also contribute to e-learning design or content delivery system development in a practical way.
Exploring the Consumer Behavior of Intention to Purchase Green Products in Belt and Road Countries: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Chen Chih-Cheng , Chen Chien-Wen , Tung Yi-Chun
Published: March 2018

This study explored the consumer behavior of intention to purchase green products based on a decision-making model that integrates cognitive attributes, affective attributes, and behavioral intentions in Belt and Road countries. The questionnaires were collected from customers who previously purchased green products; this study distributed the questionnaires at the appliance section of the department stores and collected 227 valid responses. Environmental attitude, product attitude, social influence, and perceived monetary value positively affected purchase intention; among these attributes, product attitude most substantially affected purchase intention. Cognitive values (collective and individual) significantly and positively affected environmental and product attitudes. Regarding individual environmental literacy, objective knowledge did not significantly affect environmental attitude, whereas subjective knowledge positively and significantly affected product attitude. In addition, both environmental awareness and government role (extrinsic motivating attributes) significantly and positively affected environmental and product attitudes for sustainable consumption. Media exposure also exerted a significant positive effect on environmental attitude for reducing, reusing and recycling emissions.
Restoration Plan for Degraded Forest in The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Considering Suitable Tree Species and Spatial Distribution
Authors: Lee Sle-gee , Choi Hyun-Ah , Yoo Hyeji , Song Cholho , Cha Sungeun , Bae Sang-Won , Son Yowhan , Lee Woo-Kyun
Published: March 2018

The ecosystem across the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is threatened by deforestation. However, there is very little attention being given to government efforts for afforestation and rehabilitation plan. The most significant barriers to addressing this problem are technique limitations, availability of information, and lack of a stepwise forest management plan. This study identifies spatially suitable tree species, and establishes a stepwise restoration plan to support decision making for restoring degraded forest in the DPRK throughout a suitable restoration map. First off, target species were chosen from reference data, and spatial distribution maps for each tree species were prepared based on social needs as well as natural conditions in the DPRK. The suitable restoration map was calculated by two priorities in a weighting method; suitable priority, and distributional clustering level. Finally, the 23 afforestation species were selected for the suitable restoration map, including 11 coniferous and 12 deciduous tree species. We introduced a stepwise afforestation/restoration plan of degraded forest in the DPRK; general (long-term), detailed (medium-term), implementation (short-term) plans. Maps with different spatial resolutions were prepared for each of the plans. A restoration map with 12.5 km spatial resolution can be used for the general plan at the national level, and maps with 5 km and 1 km spatial resolutions can be used for detailed plan at the local level and implementation plan at the site level, respectively.
An Empirical Study on the Organizational Trust, Employee-Organization Relationship and Innovative Behavior from the Integrated Perspective of Social Exchange and Organizational Sustainability
Authors: Yu Ming-Chuan , Mai Qiang , Tsai Sang-Bing , Dai Yi
Published: March 2018

Combining social exchange and inducement-contribution theory as our overarching theoretical framework, we examine innovative climate as a boundary condition and organizational trust as a mediating mechanism to explain when and how the employee-organization relationship (EOR) is associated with workplace innovative behavior. We conducted a field study using multi-source data to test our hypotheses. The results indicated that creativity positively predicted innovative behavior through organizational trust, and an innovative climate moderated the indirect effect of EOR on innovative behavior via organizational trust. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Studies and Investigation about the Attitude towards Sustainable Production, Consumption and Waste Generation in Line with Circular Economy in Romania
Authors: Lakatos Elena , Cioca Lucian-Ionel , Dan Viorel , Ciomos Alina , Crisan Oana , Barsan Ghita
Published: March 2018

With a rapidly growing world population and the need to address the issue of consumption of global resource and its associated environmental impacts and other social and economic issues, the demand for a responsible consumption, production and prevention of waste generation become increasingly crucial. With this broad characterization of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), businesses based on circular economy should become the norm. With this goal in mind, an online questionnaire survey was performed on a nationwide scale, to explore consumers’ behaviors and attitudes. It was distributed in all four of Romania’s macro-regions and reached 642 respondents. The purpose of the study has been to better understand consumers’ behavior regarding sustainable consumption and production and examine whether generations play a role in responsible consumer attitudes toward the products. Three generations (X, Y, and Z) have been examined and compared. The results show that what extent those three generation agree with the environment and the benefits of reducing resource consumption, also waste generation, selective collection, recycling and reuse. However, most of them have not adopted and do not intend to adopt consumer patterns based on the circular economy. The findings provide empirical evidence and directions that could help marketers identify their consumer’s characteristics and market segments and develop consumer empowerment strategies on the Romanian market.
Research into the Eutrophication of an Artificial Playground Lake near the Yangtze River
Authors: Pang Min , Song Weiwei , Zhang Peng , Shao Yongxu , Li Lanyimin , Pang Yong , Wang Jianjian , Xu Qing
Published: March 2018

Water pollution in urban rivers is serious in China. Eutrophication and other issues are prominent. Taking the artificial Playground Lake in Zhenjiang as an example, a numerical model combining particle tracing, hydrodynamics, water quality and eutrophication was constructed to simulate the water quality improvement in Playground Lake with or without water diversion by pump and sluice. Simulation results using particle tracking showed that the water residence time depended on wind direction: east wind, 125 h; southeast wind, 115 h; south wind, 95 h. With no water diversion, the lower the flow velocity of Playground Lake under three wind fields, the more serious the eutrophication. Under pump diversion, the water body in Playground Lake can be entirely replaced by water diversion for 30 h. When the temperature is lower than 15 °C, from 15 °C to 25 °C and higher than 25 °C, the water quality can be maintained for 15 d, 10 d and 7 d, respectively. During high tide periods of spring tides in the Yangtze River from June to August, the water can be diverted into the lake through sluices. The greater the Δh (the water head between the Yangtze River and Playground Lake), the more the water quality will improve. Overall, the good-to-bad order of water quality improvements for Playground Lake is as follows: pumping 30 h > sluice diversion > no water diversion. This article is relevant for the environmental management of the artificial Playground Lake, and similar lakes elsewhere.
Innovative Financial Approach for Agricultural Sustainability: A Case Study of Alibaba
Authors: Zhou Qi , Chen Xiangfeng , Li Shuting
Published: March 2018

Sustainability and agricultural finance are two important issues attracting attention from industry and academia. This research adopts an in-depth case study methodology to investigate the agricultural finance initiatives of Alibaba Group, and explores how the agricultural finance practices of an e-commerce platform facilitate its sustainability goal. A reference framework is proposed to prove the adoption of agricultural finance. The influence of three moderating variables, namely, IT support, financial attractiveness, and cooperation with other entities, is analyzed. We find that advanced IT support and financial attractiveness are two indispensable enablers for agricultural finance initiatives, and collaboration with other entities is necessary in adopting agricultural supply chain finance.
Intelligent Image Processing System for Detection and Segmentation of Regions of Interest in Retinal Images
Authors: Popescu Dan , Ichim Loretta
Published: March 2018

The automatic detection, segmentation, localization, and evaluation of the optic disc, macula, exudates, and hemorrhages are very important for diagnosing retinal diseases. One of the difficulties in detecting such regions of interest (RoIs) with computer vision is their symmetries, e.g., between the optic disc and exudates and also between exudates and hemorrhages. This paper proposes an original, intelligent, and high-performing image processing system for the simultaneous detection and segmentation of retinal RoIs. The basic principles of the method are image decomposition in small boxes and local texture analysis. The processing flow contains three phases: preprocessing, learning, and operating. As a first novelty, we propose proper feature selection based on statistical analysis in confusion matrices for different feature types (extracted from a co-occurrence matrix, fractal type, and local binary patterns). Mainly, the selected features are chosen to differentiate between similar RoIs. The second novelty consists of local classifier fusion. To this end, the local classifiers associated with features are grouped in global classifiers corresponding to the RoIs. The local classifiers are based on minimum distances to the representatives of classes and the global classifiers are based on confidence intervals, weights, and a voting scheme. A deep convolutional neural network, based on supervised learning, for blood vessel segmentation is proposed in order to improve the RoI detection performance. Finally, the experimental results on real images from different databases demonstrate the rightness of our methodologies and algorithms.
A Robust Image Watermarking Technique Based on DWT, APDCBT, and SVD
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Zhang Heng , Wang Chengyou
Published: March 2018

Copyright protection for digital multimedia has become a research hotspot in recent years. As an efficient solution, the digital watermarking scheme has emerged at the right moment. In this article, a highly robust and hybrid watermarking method is proposed. The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and all phase discrete cosine biorthogonal transform (APDCBT) presented in recent years as well as the singular value decomposition (SVD) are adopted in this method to insert and recover the watermark. To enhance the watermark imperceptibility, the direct current (DC) coefficients after block-based APDCBT in high frequency sub-bands (LH and HL) are modified by using the watermark. Compared with the conventional SVD-based watermarking method and another watermarking technique, the watermarked images obtained by the proposed method have higher image quality. In addition, the proposed method achieves high robustness in resisting various image processing attacks.
A Novel Hybrid Approach for Technology Selection in the Information Technology Industry
Authors: Mokhtarzadeh Nima , Mahdiraji Hannan , Beheshti Moein , Zavadskas Edmundas
Published: March 2018

High-tech companies are rapidly growing in the world. Research and development (hereafter R&D) department strength is the main asset that allows a firm to achieve a competitive advantage in high-tech businesses. The allocated budget to this sector is finite; thus, integration, human resource, risk and budget limitations should be considered to choose the most valuable project in the best portion of time. This paper investigates a case study from a high-tech company in Iran to prioritize the most attractive technologies for the R&D department. The case consists of twenty three technology options and the goal is to find the most attractive projects to sort them out for implementation in the R&D department. In this research, scholars proposed the best–worst method (henceforth BWM) to find the weight of the criteria of the attractive technologies in first step and utilize the newly developed method total area based on orthogonal vectors (henceforward TAOV) to sort the selected technologies based upon the identified criteria. Project integration is one of the least-noticed subjects in scientific papers; therefore, the researchers presented a zero or one linear programming (ZOLP) model to optimize and schedule the implementation procedure on the project risk, budget and time limitation simultaneously. The results indicate that starting few but attractive projects in the first years and postponing the rest to the future, helps a firm to manage funds and gain profit with the least amount of risk.
Toxins in Drug Discovery and Pharmacology
Authors: Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan
Published: March 2018

Venoms from marine and terrestrial animals (cone snails, scorpions, spiders, snakes, centipedes, cnidarian, etc.) can be seen as an untapped cocktail of biologically active compounds, being increasingly recognized as a new emerging source of peptide-based therapeutics.
Social Resistances and the Creation of Another Way of Thinking in the Peripheral “Self-Constructed Popular Neighborhoods”: Examples from Mexico, Argentina, and Bolivia
Authors: Petropoulou Chryssanthi
Published: March 2018

This study refers to urban social movements, creative social resistances, and the collectives that are emerging today in “self-constructed popular neighborhoods” (“barrios de auto-construcción popular” in Latin-American, Spanish bibliography; “quartiers d’auto-construction populaire” in French bibliography and “self-help housing” in Anglophone bibliography), with a special focus on the new characteristics of these movements and the poetics of their daily practices. Firstly, a cartographic approach is explained through the concept of eco-landscapes; a qualitative analysis follows based on interviews and a review of the secondary literature. In particular, this research focuses on cases of movements and collectives in villas in South Greater Buenos Aires, barrios of Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City, and barrios of El Alto in the Metropolitan Area of La Paz. It shows that the poetics of creative resistances question the symbolic power of territorial stigmatization.
New Therapies of Neovascular AMD beyond Anti-VEGF Injections
Authors: Gahn Greggory , Khanani Arshad
Published: March 2018

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among the aging population. The current standard of care to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration is inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through intravitreal injections. Recent studies have demonstrated that the tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and epidermal growth factor-like domains 2 (Tie2) pathway also plays a critical role in angiogenesis and vascular stability. Additionally, newly developed treatment delivery systems have been designed to greatly reduce the frequency of injections. In targeting the Tie2 pathway and utilizing a sustained release delivery system, patients may experience improved visual outcomes and a reduced burden of treatment.
Applicability of Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement in a Tea Estate Catchment: The Pussellawa Case Study
Authors: Weerakoon G. , Jinadasa K. , Herath G. , Mowjood M. , Ng W.
Published: March 2018

Water in agricultural catchments is prone to pollution from agricultural runoff containing nutrients and pesticides, and contamination from the human population working and residing therein. This study examined the quality of water in a drainage stream which runs through a congested network of ‘line houses’ (low-income housing, typically found arranged in straight ‘lines’ on estates) in the tea estate catchment area of Pussellawa in central Sri Lanka. The study evaluated the applicability of vertical subsurface flow (VSSF) and horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands for water polishing, as the residents use the stream water for various domestic purposes with no treatment other than possibly boiling. Water flow in the stream can vary significantly over time, and so investigations were conducted at various flow conditions to identify the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) bandwidth for wetland polishing applications. Two wetland models of 8 m × 1 m × 0.6 m (length × width × depth) were constructed and arranged as VSSF and HSSF units. Stream water was diverted to these units at HLRs of 3.3, 4, 5, 10, 20, and 40 cm/day. Results showed that both VSSF and HSSF wetland units were capable of substantially reducing five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), fecal coliform (FC), total coliform (TC), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) up to 20 cm/day HLR, with removal efficiencies of more than 64%, 60%, 90%, 93%, 70%, and 59% for BOD5, TSS, FC, TC, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N, respectively, in the VSSF wetland unit; and more than 66%, 62%, 91%, 90%, 53%, and 77% for BOD5, TSS, FC, TC, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N, respectively, in the HSSF wetland unit.
Occurrence Probabilities of Wet and Dry Periods in Southern Italy through the SPI Evaluated on Synthetic Monthly Precipitation Series
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso , Sirangelo Beniamino , Coscarelli Roberto , Ferrari Ennio
Published: March 2018

The present article investigates dry and wet periods in a large area of the Mediterranean basin. First, a stochastic model was applied to a homogeneous database of monthly precipitation values of 46 rain gauges in five regions of southern Italy. In particular, after estimating the model parameters, a set of 104 years of monthly precipitation for each rain gauge was generated by means of a Monte Carlo technique. Then, dry and wet periods were analyzed through the application of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) over 3-month and 6-month timespan (short-term) and 12-month and 24-month period (long-term). As a result of the SPI application on the generated monthly precipitation series, higher occurrence probabilities of dry conditions than wet conditions have been detected, especially when long-term precipitation scales are considered.
Groundwater Chemistry Regulated by Hydrochemical Processes and Geological Structures: A Case Study in Tongchuan, China
Authors: Li Xinyan , Wu Hao , Qian Hui , Gao Yanyan
Published: March 2018

Knowledge of hydrochemical processes in groundwater helps to identify the relationship between geochemical processes and groundwater quality as well as to understand the hydrochemical evaluation of groundwater, which is important for the sustainable management of groundwater resources. This study aims to identify the chemical characteristics of groundwater in the area of Tongchuan City, China. A total of 58 groundwater samples were collected. A hierarchical cluster analysis divided samples into three clusters and six sub-clusters (cluster 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) according to hydrochemical facies. Graphical plots of multiple ionic ratios, saturation indices, and ion exchange indices were employed to examine hydrochemical processes that result in different hydrochemical facies of each cluster. Results show the predominance of carbonate and silicate weathering in cluster 1, silicate weathering in cluster 2, and carbonate weathering in cluster 3. Ionic exchange is a ubiquitous process among all clusters. The distribution of clusters is related to the regional geology, which may result in different hydrochemical processes. Two stratigraphic sections identify the differences in hydrochemical processes resulting from complex stratum structures and varied aquifer media. Cluster 2a shows an interesting difference in water chemistry along the groundwater flow path. Further study by oxygen and hydrogen isotope indicated that mixing between Quaternary and the Permian aquifers resulting from faulting is the main reason for the distinctive characteristic of cluster 2a.
Uncertainty Analysis of the Water Scarcity Footprint Based on the AWARE Model Considering Temporal Variations
Authors: Lee Jong , Lee Min , Chun Yoon-Young , Lee Kun
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to compare the degree of uncertainty of the water scarcity footprint using the Monte Carlo statistical method and block bootstrap method. Using the hydrological data of a water drainage basin in Korea, characterization factors based on the available water remaining (AWARE) model were obtained. The uncertainties of the water scarcity footprint considering temporal variations in paddy rice production in Korea were estimated. The block bootstrap method gave five-times smaller percentage uncertainty values of the model output compared to that of the two different Monte Carlo statistical method scenarios. Incorrect estimation of the probability distribution of the AWARE characterization factor model is what causes the higher uncertainty in the water scarcity footprint value calculated by the Monte Carlo statistical method in this study. This is because AWARE characterization factor values partly follows discrete distribution with extreme value on one side. Therefore, this study suggests that the block bootstrap method is a better choice in analyzing uncertainty compared to the Monte Carlo statistical method when using the AWARE model to quantify the water scarcity footprint.
Gas Exchanges and Stem Water Potential Define Stress Thresholds for Efficient Irrigation Management in Olive (Olea europea L.)
Authors: Marino Giulia , Caruso Tiziano , Ferguson Louise , Marra Francesco
Published: March 2018

With climate change and decreased water supplies, interest in irrigation scheduling based on plant water status is increasing. Stem water potential (ΨSWP) thresholds for irrigation scheduling in olive have been proposed, however, a physiologically-based evaluation of their reliability is needed. A large dataset collected at variable environmental conditions, growing systems, and genotypes was used to characterize the relation between ΨSWP and gas exchanges for olive. Based on the effect of drought stress on the ecophysiological parameters monitored, we described three levels of stress: no stress (ΨSWP above about −2 MPa), where the high variability of stomatal conductance (gs) suggests a tight stomatal control of water loss that limit ΨSWP drop, irrigation volumes applied to overcome this threshold had no effect on assimilation but reduced intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE); moderate-stress (ΨSWP between about −2.0 and −3.5 MPa), where iWUE can be increased without damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of leaves; and high-stress (ΨSWP below about −3.5 MPa), where gs dropped below 150 mmol m−2 s−1 and the intercellular CO2 concentration increased proportionally, suggesting non-stomatal limitation to photosynthesis was operative. This study confirmed that olive ΨSWP should be maintained between −2 and −3.5 MPa for optimal irrigation efficiency and to avoid harmful water stress levels.
Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of the Deubiquitinase Inhibitor HBX against Human Adenoviruses
Authors: Kosulin Karin , Lam Elena , Heim Albert , Dobner Thomas , Rodríguez Estefanía
Published: March 2018

Background

Human adenoviral (HAdV) infections are usually mild and self-limited, however, some infections from species A, B, C, D and E, can cause severe illnesses, which have raised public health concerns over the past few years. Current available antiviral therapies have limited efficacy and severe toxicity; therefore, finding new targets for specific anti-adenoviral drug design is urgently needed. Our previous work showed that the small molecule compound, HBX, inhibits HAdV type 5 (species C, HAdV-C5) replication and oncogenic transformation through inhibition of the cellular pro-viral factor ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7). Here, we have tested the ability of HBX to inhibit other HAdV species, as well as different clinical isolates that are the cause of severe infections.

Methods

We treated HAdV-infected A549 cells with different concentrations of HBX and analysed the antiviral efficacy of the drug by determining the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) necessary to decrease both viral genome copies and virus progeny production at different time points after infection.

Results

In addition to its effect on HAdV-C5, HBX was able to significantly inhibit virus genome replication and progeny release of all adenovirus types tested, with the exception of types 12 and 31, from species A. Of note, clinical isolates were more sensitive to HBX treatment than their prototype strains.

Conclusions

These results point to HBX as a promising broad-spectrum anti-adenoviral drug, opening new opportunities to prevent severe adenoviral infections and to improve their treatment.
Usabilidade do sistema de classificação de feridas por cor – ryb wound classification system/ Usability of wound classification system by color – ryb wound classification system
Authors: Vieira Santos Isabel Cristina Ramos , Junior Jair Luiz Dos Santos , Ribeiro Larissa Lima , Xavier Raquel De Figueiredo , De Almeida Renata Barros , Morato Jéssica Emanuela Mendes
Published: March 2018

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a usabilidade do sistema de classificação de feridas por cor. Trata-se de estudo avaliativo, com delineamento descritivo, realizado com 30 enfermeiros estomaterapeutas e clínicos. Os dados foram coletados entre novembro de 2015 a maio de 2016, através de um questionário adaptado e validado, o System Usability Scale. Os dados foram analisados segundo score preconizado no referido questionário, considerando-se os valores acima de 70 como representativos de boa usabilidade.Os resultados demonstraram valores de usabilidade por item superior a 90 e na avaliação geral, o método apresentou resultado superior a 80, indicando excelente usabilidade. Na avaliação de qualidade os resultados obtidos foram concordantes com aqueles da avaliação da usabilidade, ou seja, superiores a 80. A avaliação demonstrou que o sistema de classificação de feridas por cor (RYB woundclassification system) atende as exigências de usabilidade de enfermeiros docentes e assistenciais, mostrando-se adequado às necessidades dos usuários.
Experimental Validation of an Exoskeleton for Motion Assistance
Authors: Geonea Ionut , Dumitru Nicolae , Rosca Adrian Sorin , Petcu Alin , Ciurezu Leonard
Published: March 2018

In this paper experimental investigations concerning the prototype validation of an exoskeleton for human gait rehabilitation are presented. The proposed exoskeleton is intended for human legs motion assistance, being a low cost solution. The exoskeleton provides motion assistance for human hip and knee joint. The experimental gait analysis of the exoskeleton and assisted human subject is performed with goniometers sensors. These sensors are attached to the exoskeleton hip and knee joints and measure the angle variation. The results obtained for the exoskeleton motion are compared with those obtained in case of a healthy human subject. Angular variation corresponding to a step, as a comparison for human and exoskeleton joints is performed. The conclusion is that the designed exoskeleton is proper for human gait motion assistance, because the joints motion is comparable with the human subject.
Influences of Speed and Treadmill Inclination on the Local Dynamic Stability of Human Knee Joint
Authors: Georgescu Marius , Petcu Alin , Tarniţă Daniela
Published: March 2018

In this paper finite-time Lyapunov exponents (LE) were estimated to quantify the local dynamic stability from the experimental time series of the flexion-extension angle of single subject knee joints, walking over-ground and on plane and inclined treadmill with different speeds and inclinations.
3D Model Based Process in Automotive Industry
Authors: Gherghina George , Tutunea Dragos , Dima Alexandru , Popa Dragos Laurentiu
Published: March 2018

The three dimensional design of modern auto vehicle through advanced virtual engineering methods is used from early development processes. From over 10 years automotive manufacturers’ have used 3D-CAD software packages following conventional development strategies of the product. These tools offer the possibility to design components through digital mock-up processes reducing time and errors in production. In this paper we evaluate the evolution of 3D-CAD based development processes based on geometry generation, conceptual design and simulations tools. The DMU method allows importing the 2D sketch in 3D software then creates a virtual model which can be optimized and analyzed.
Evaluation of Thermistors Used for Temperature Measurement in Automotive Industry
Authors: Tutunea Dragos , Gherghina George , Dumitru Ilie , Dima Alexandru
Published: March 2018

Temperature sensors are widely used in different industrial and scientific applications. These sensors commercially available in various type and configurations allow the enhancement of automotive systems. The manufactures need to improve and upgrade the technology by research activities regarding the accuracy of temperature measuring using sensors. In this paper will analyze the trends, applications and technologies in automotive temperature sensors. PTC/NTC thermistors are measured and characteristics curves are determined as expression of mathematical functions.
The Issue of Car Body Manufacture in Unibody Aluminum Alloy Design
Authors: Pană Gabriela Monica , Grigorie Laura Diana
Published: March 2018

Weight reduction is the present and future issue in the automotive industry. The use of aluminum for bodywork is a growing solution due to the specific properties and the recyclability it offers. The unibody design concept with high productivity is developed for steel sheet metal car bodies. They can also be made with aluminum sheets with different product shapes (sheets, extrusions, castings etc.). The aluminum offers a wide variety of design options. The most important difference between aluminum and steel models is the predominant joining technique. In order to obtain optimal solutions from a technical and economical point of view, it is necessary to apply aluminum design concepts and correspondingly adapted manufacturing technologies.
Study on Improving the Ride Comfort in Railway Vehicles Using Anti-Bending Dampers
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina
Published: March 2018

The paper researches the possibility to reduce the bending vibrations in the railway vehicle carbody and to improve the ride comfort via a new passive type method. This would involve the fitting of the vehicle with dampers, called anti-bending dampers, fixed to the longitudinal beams of a carbody underframe. The efficiency of this method is made visible in the results derived from numerical simulations developed on the basis of a rigid-flexible coupled vehicle model. The introduction of the anti-bending dampers is seen as a significant reduction in the bending vibration of the carbody. Similarly, a relevant improvement of the ride comfort at the centre of the carbody, at high velocities. This efficiency mainly depends on the damping constant of the anti-bending damper.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses of the Flow and Temperature of Buoyancy-Marangoni Convection in a Liquid
Authors: Haga Masakazu , Kondo Tsuyoshi , Hamauchi Takayuki
Published: March 2018

Flow patterns and temperature distributions of buoyancy–Marangoni convection in a liquid were analyzed both experimentally and theoretically. We focused on two-dimensional natural convection in a horizontal liquid layer. In the experiment, silicone oil (with a viscosity of 1 × 10−5 m2/s) was used as a test liquid and the temperature and velocity fields were visualized using liquid crystal capsules. The visualization experiment included cases of both steady flow and oscillatory flow. In the case of a deep liquid layer, an oscillatory flow with repeated acceleration and deceleration occurred due to the interaction of the buoyancy convection and the Marangoni convection; however, this did not occur when the liquid layer was shallow. In the numerical calculation, the governing equations of buoyancy–Marangoni convection were solved using a finite difference method. The numerical calculation results demonstrate that the position of the downward flow due to buoyancy convection was changed by the Marangoni convection, which agreed with the experimental result.
Research on the Quality of Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Bolcu Alexandru , Cherciu Mirela
Published: March 2018

The paper aims an experimental study of the quality of composite materials based on the coefficient of uniformity, an indicator that appreciates the influence of different factors on their mechanical behavior. For the experiment, composite plates having an epoxy resin matrix and various types of reinforcement were made. Each plate is made up of five layers of fabric. These plates take into account two factors of influence, the number of layers with discontinuities and the size of the discontinuity. Then a bifactorial dispersion analysis is made that can differentiate the influences of the two factors.
Study on the Cutting Temperature and Chips Formation during Turning of Pure Titanium
Authors: Panduru Dumitru , Patru Emil Nicusor , Craciunoiu Nicolae , Bica Marin
Published: March 2018

In this paper some experimental determinations on the temperature during the turning of the pure titanium are done, using different cutting conditions. The results are presented as graphical dependencies and also as a screen capture of the values obtained using an adequate technique for registered the temperature during the turning process. Some pictures of the chips shape was captured and presented in this paper
Estimation of Construction Depreciation by the Age-of-Life Method
Authors: Demetrescu Traian Cristian , Burada Cristian Oliviu
Published: March 2018

Estimation of construction depreciation is an important element in the valuation of real estate by cost approach. The age method - economic life is one of the three methods of estimating the total depreciation of the buildings used by the authorized evaluators in Romania. The two elements used in estimating total depreciation are actual age and economic life. For estimating the economic lifetime a quantitative method can be used using market data.
Antibiotic Residues in Milk from Three Popular Kenyan Milk Vending Machines
Authors: Kosgey Amos , Shitandi Anakalo , Marion Jason W.
Published: March 2018

Milk vending machines (MVMs) are growing in popularity in Kenya and worldwide. Milk vending machines dispense varying quantities of locally sourced, pasteurized milk. The Kenya Dairy Board has a regulatory framework, but surveillance is weak because of several factors. Milk vending machines’ milk is not routinely screened for antibiotics, thereby increasing potential for antibiotic misuse. To investigate, a total of 80 milk samples from four commercial providers (N = 25), street vendors (N = 21), and three MVMs (N = 34) were collected and screened in Eldoret, Kenya. Antibiotic residue surveillance occurred during December 2016 and January 2017 using Idexx SNAP® tests for tetracyclines, sulfamethazine, beta-lactams, and gentamicin. Overall, 24% of MVM samples and 24% of street vendor samples were presumably positive for at least one antibiotic. No commercial samples were positive. Research into cost-effective screening methods and increased monitoring by food safety agencies are needed to uphold hazard analysis and critical control point for improving antibiotic stewardship throughout the Kenyan private dairy industry.
What It Means to Be Guinea Worm Free: An Insider’s Account from Ghana’s Northern Region
Authors: Weiss Adam J. , Vestergaard Frandsen Torben , Ruiz-Tiben Ernesto , Hopkins Donald R. , Aseidu-Bekoe Franklin , Agyemang David
Published: March 2018

Despite several periods of stagnating guinea worm disease (GWD) incidence in Ghana during its national eradication campaign in the 1990s and early 2000s, the last reported case of GWD was in May 2010. In July 2011, Ghana celebrated the interruption of guinea worm (GW) transmission. Although it has been established that GWD causes disability, pain, and socioeconomic hardship, there is a dearth of population-based evidence collected in post-GW–endemic countries to document the value attributed to GWD eradication by residents in formerly endemic communities. Given Ghana’s recent history of GWD and a concentrated burden of the disease in its Northern Region, a pattern which remained true through to the final stage of the eradication campaign, seven villages in the Northern Region were targeted for a retrospective, cross-sectional study to detail the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about the impact of eradication of GWD in northern Ghana. The study revealed that respondents from the sampled communities felt GW eradication improved their socioeconomic conditions, as the impact of infection prohibited the pursuit of individual and social advancement. The value residents placed on the absence of GWD highlights both the impact infection had on the pursuit of social and economic advancement and the newfound ability to be disease-free and productive. Of the 143 respondents, 133 had GWD in the past and were incapacitated for an average of 6 weeks annually per GW infection, with each infected person affected nearly four times in his or her lifetime.
Within-Compound Versus Public Latrine Access and Child Feces Disposal Practices in Low-Income Neighborhoods of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Ritter Rebecca Lyn , Peprah Dorothy , Null Clair , Moe Christine L. , Armah George , Ampofo Joseph , Wellington Nii , Yakubu Habib , Robb Katharine , Kirby Amy E. , Wang Yuke , Roguski Katherine , Reese Heather , Agbemabiese Chantal A. , Adomako Lady Asantewa B. , Freeman Matthew C. , Baker Kelly K.
Published: March 2018

In crowded urban settlements in low-income countries, many households rely on shared sanitation facilities. Shared facilities are not currently considered “improved sanitation” because of concerns about whether hygiene conditions sufficiently protect users from the feces of others. Prevention of fecal exposure at a latrine is only one aspect of sanitary safety. Ensuring consistent use of latrines for feces disposal, especially child feces, is required to reduce fecal contamination in households and communities. Household crowding and shared latrine access are correlated in these settings, rendering latrine use by neighbors sharing communal living areas as critically important for protecting one’s own household. This study in Accra, Ghana, found that household access to a within-compound basic latrine was associated with higher latrine use by children of ages 5–12 years and for disposal of feces of children < 5 years, compared with households using public latrines. However, within-compound access was not associated with improved child feces disposal by other caregivers in the compound. Feces was rarely observed in household compounds but was observed more often in compounds with latrines versus compounds relying on public latrines. Escherichia coli and human adenovirus were detected frequently on household surfaces, but concentrations did not differ when compared by latrine access or usage practices. The differences in latrine use for households sharing within-compound versus public latrines in Accra suggest that disaggregated shared sanitation categories may be useful in monitoring global progress in sanitation coverage. However, compound access did not completely ensure that households were protected from feces and microbial contamination.
Dengue Virus Infection in Aedes albopictus during the 2014 Autochthonous Dengue Outbreak in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Murota Katsunori , Fujita Ryosuke , Itokawa Kentaro , Kotaki Akira , Moi Meng Ling , Ejiri Hiroko , Maekawa Yoshihide , Ogawa Kohei , Tsuda Yoshio , Sasaki Toshinori , Kobayashi Mutsuo , Takasaki Tomohiko , Isawa Haruhiko , Sawabe Kyoko
Published: March 2018

In 2014 in Japan, 162 autochthonous dengue cases were reported for the first time in nearly 70 years. Here, we report the results of the detection and isolation of dengue virus (DENV) from mosquitoes collected in Tokyo Metropolis in 2014 and 2015. The phylogenetic relationship among DENV isolates from mosquitoes and from patients based on both the entire envelope gene and whole coding sequences was evaluated. Herein, 2,298 female and 956 male Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were collected at six suspected locations of DENV infection in Tokyo Metropolis from August to October in 2014 and grouped into 124 and 35 pools, respectively, for viral genome detection and DENV isolation. Dengue virus RNA was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan assays from 49 female pools; 16 isolates were obtained using C6/36 and Vero cells. High minimum infection rates (11.2–66.7) persisted until mid-September. All DENV isolates belonged to the genotype I in serotype 1 (DENV-1), and its sequences demonstrated > 99% homology to the sequence of the DENV isolated from a patient in the vicinity of Tokyo Metropolis in 2014. Therefore, Ae. albopictus was a major DENV vector, and a single DENV-1 strain circulated in Tokyo Metropolis in 2014. Dengue virus was not detected from male mosquitoes in 2014 and wild larvae in April 2015. Thus, the possibility of both vertical transmission and overwintering of DENV was extremely low, even in dengue-epidemic areas. This study reports the first entomological information on a dengue outbreak in a temperate region, where no Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are distributed.
Sensitivity of the tropical climate to an interhemispheric thermal gradient: the role of tropical ocean dynamics
Authors: Talento Stefanie , Barreiro Marcelo
Published: March 2018

Abstract. This study aims to determine the role of the tropical ocean dynamics in the
response of the climate to extratropical thermal forcing. We analyse and
compare the outcomes of coupling an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) with two ocean models of different complexity. In the first
configuration the AGCM is coupled with a slab ocean model while in the second
a reduced gravity ocean (RGO) model is additionally coupled in the tropical
region. We find that the imposition of extratropical thermal forcing (warming in the Northern Hemisphere and cooling in the Southern Hemisphere
with zero global mean) produces, in terms of annual means, a weaker response
when the RGO is coupled, thus indicating that the tropical ocean dynamics
oppose the incoming remote signal. On the other hand, while the slab ocean
coupling does not produce significant changes to the equatorial Pacific sea
surface temperature (SST) seasonal cycle, the RGO configuration generates
strong warming in the central-eastern basin from April to August
balanced by cooling during the rest of the year, strengthening the seasonal
cycle in the eastern portion of the basin. We hypothesize that such changes
are possible via the dynamical effect that zonal wind stress has on the
thermocline depth. We also find that the imposed extratropical pattern
affects El Niño–Southern Oscillation, weakening its amplitude and
low-frequency behaviour.