bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Roadmap for Achieving Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage: Graphene-Based Composites Used Both as an Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reactions and an Electrode Material for a Supercapacitor
Authors: Huo Peipei , Zhao Peng , Wang Yin , Liu Bo , Yin Guangchao , Dong Mingdong
Published: January 2018

Based on its unique features including 2D planar geometry, high specific surface area and electron conductivity, graphene has been intensively studied as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst and supercapacitor material. On the one hand, graphene possesses standalone electrocatalytic activity. It can also provide a good support for combining with other materials to generate graphene-based electrocatalysts, where the catalyst-support structure improves the stability and performance of electrocatalysts for ORR. On the other hand, graphene itself and its derivatives demonstrate a promising electrochemical capability as supercapacitors including electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudosupercapacitors. A hybrid supercapacitor (HS) is underlined and the advantages are elaborated. Graphene endows many materials that are capable of faradaic redox reactions with an outstanding pseudocapacitance behavior. In addition, the characteristics of graphene-based composite are also utilized in many respects to provide a porous 3D structure, formulate a novel supercapacitor with innovative design, and construct a flexible and tailorable device. In this review, we will present an overview of the use of graphene-based composites for sustainable energy conversion and storage.
Community Characteristics and Leaf Stoichiometric Traits of Desert Ecosystems Regulated by Precipitation and Soil in an Arid Area of China
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Guan Tianyu , Zhou Jihua , Cai Wentao , Gao Nannan , Du Hui , Jiang Lianhe , Lai Liming , Zheng Yuanrun
Published: January 2018

Precipitation is a key environmental factor determining plant community structure and function. Knowledge of how community characteristics and leaf stoichiometric traits respond to variation in precipitation is crucial for assessing the effects of global changes on terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we measured community characteristics, leaf stoichiometric traits, and soil properties along a precipitation gradient (35–209 mm) in a desert ecosystem of Northwest China to explore the drivers of these factors. With increasing precipitation, species richness, aboveground biomass, community coverage, foliage projective cover (FPC), and leaf area index (LAI) all significantly increased, while community height decreased. The hyperarid desert plants were characterized by lower leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) levels, and stable N and P, and these parameters did not change significantly with precipitation. The growth of desert plants was limited more by N than P. Soil properties, rather than precipitation, were the main drivers of desert plant leaf stoichiometric traits, whereas precipitation made the biggest contribution to vegetation structure and function. These results test the importance of precipitation in regulating plant community structure and composition together with soil properties, and provide further insights into the adaptive strategy of communities at regional scale in response to global climate change.
Geographically Weighted Regression in the Analysis of Unemployment in Poland
Authors: Lewandowska-Gwarda Karolina
Published: January 2018

The main aim of this paper is an application of Geographically Weighted Regression (which enables the identification of the variability of regression coefficients in the geographical space) in the analysis of unemployment in Poland 2015. The study is conducted using 2015 statistical data for 380 districts (LAU 1) in Poland. The research results show that the determinants of unemployment are diverse in the geographic space and do not have a significant impact on unemployment rates in all spatial units (LAU 1). The existence of clusters of districts, characterised by the influence of the variables and a similar strength of interactions, is confirmed. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) proved to be an extremely effective instrument of spatial data analysis. The model had a considerably better fit with empirical data than the global model, and it enabled the drawing of detailed conclusions concerning the local determinants of unemployment in Poland.
Comparison of Perturbed Reynolds Equation and CFD Models for the Prediction of Dynamic Coefficients of Sliding Bearings
Authors: Snyder Troy , Braun Minel
Published: January 2018

The accuracy and utility of rotordynamic models for machinery systems are greatly affected by the accuracy of the constituent dynamic bearing models. Primarily, the dynamic behavior of bearings is modeled as linear combination of mass, damping, and stiffness coefficients that are predicted from a perturbed Reynolds equation. In the present paper, an alternative method using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with a moving boundary is used to predict the dynamic coefficients of slider bearings and the results are compared with the more commonly employed perturbed Reynolds equation model. A linear slider bearing geometry is investigated and the results serve as precursors to similar investigations involving the more complex journal bearing geometries. Time and frequency domain methods for the estimation of dynamic coefficients are shown to give comparable results. For CFD with a moving boundary, temporal inertia is found to have a significant effect for a reduced, squeeze Reynolds number less than one. The temporal inertia effect is captured through an added mass coefficient within the dynamic model of the bearing.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Processes in 2017
Authors:   Processes Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part of the publication process, ensuring that Processes maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
RESTOP: Retaining External Peripheral State in Intermittently-Powered Sensor Systems
Authors: Rodriguez Arreola Alberto , Balsamo Domenico , Merrett Geoff , Weddell Alex
Published: January 2018

Energy harvesting sensor systems typically incorporate energy buffers (e.g., rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors) to accommodate fluctuations in supply. However, the presence of these elements limits the miniaturization of devices. In recent years, researchers have proposed a new paradigm, transient computing, where systems operate directly from the energy harvesting source and allow computation to span across power cycles, without adding energy buffers. Various transient computing approaches have addressed the challenge of power intermittency by retaining the processor’s state using non-volatile memory. However, no generic approach has yet been proposed to retain the state of peripherals external to the processing element. This paper proposes RESTOP, flexible middleware which retains the state of multiple external peripherals that are connected to a computing element (i.e., a microcontroller) through protocols such as SPI or I 2 C. RESTOP acts as an interface between the main application and the peripheral, which keeps a record, at run-time, of the transmitted data in order to restore peripheral configuration after a power interruption. RESTOP is practically implemented and validated using three digitally interfaced peripherals, successfully restoring their configuration after power interruptions, imposing a maximum time overhead of 15% when configuring a peripheral. However, this represents an overhead of only 0.82% during complete execution of our typical sensing application, which is substantially lower than existing approaches.
Accurate Natural Trail Detection Using a Combination of a Deep Neural Network and Dynamic Programming
Authors: Adhikari Shyam , Yang Changju , Slot Krzysztof , Kim Hyongsuk
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a vision sensor-based solution to the challenging problem of detecting and following trails in highly unstructured natural environments like forests, rural areas and mountains, using a combination of a deep neural network and dynamic programming. The deep neural network (DNN) concept has recently emerged as a very effective tool for processing vision sensor signals. A patch-based DNN is trained with supervised data to classify fixed-size image patches into “trail” and “non-trail” categories, and reshaped to a fully convolutional architecture to produce trail segmentation map for arbitrary-sized input images. As trail and non-trail patches do not exhibit clearly defined shapes or forms, the patch-based classifier is prone to misclassification, and produces sub-optimal trail segmentation maps. Dynamic programming is introduced to find an optimal trail on the sub-optimal DNN output map. Experimental results showing accurate trail detection for real-world trail datasets captured with a head mounted vision system are presented.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from ancient and modern lineages induce distinct patterns of immune responses
Authors: Chakraborty Pampi , Kulkarni Savita , Rajan Ramakrishna , Sainis Krishna
Published: January 2018

Introduction: It is possible that the difference in virulence and prevalence of different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is related to the diverse immune response they evoke in the host. Outbreak strains have been shown to subvert the innate immune response as a potential host evasion mechanism. However, the immunological outcome of the interactions of different clinical strains with different host cells is still not understood.

Methodology: Extremely Drug Resistant (XDR) Beijing, a modern lineage clinical strain and a comparator ancient lineage strain, EAI-5, were selected for the present study. The early induction of proinflammatory cytokines in human peripheral blood monocyte derived macrophages (MDM), monocyte derived dendritic cells (MDDC) and whole blood (WB) infected by selected clinical isolates and laboratory strains H37Rv and BCG were assessed.

Results: The two clinical strains exhibited distinct patterns of cytokine induction. The ancient lineage strain induced substantially higher expression of all proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12 and chemokines like MCP-1, IL-8. However, the modern lineage strain exhibited suppressed response for the same. Further, the immune responses to two strains were conserved in infected MDM, MDDC and WB i.e. showing similar patterns of response across multiple human hosts. However, the differential response pattern was not observed when bacterial sonicates were used instead of live mycobacteria.

Conclusions: The lineage specific patterns in induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by different M. tuberculosis strains remain similar in macrophage and dendritic cells isolated from different individuals. The present study also confirms that whole cell sonicates of different lineages of M. tuberculosis fail to induce such lineage specific response.
Hetero CuOx/ZnO micro-/nanostructure: Carbothermal reduction–vapour phase transport
Authors: Rahmati Ali , Rahimi Bayaz F. , Lotfiani A. , Kouhestani M.
Published: January 2018

ZnO micro-/nanostructures were synthesized by the carbothermal reduction–chemical vapour transport method. This work is focused on the effect of the substrate temperature and Cu catalyst layer on the shape and geometry of ZnO micro-/nanostructures. The thermally oxidized Cu template affects the structure, chemical identity, optical and photoluminescence properties of the ZnO micro-/nanostructure and results in a CuOx/ZnO heterostructure. SEM studies give a direct evidence of the role of deposition temperature and Cu catalyst in the formation of a stable hemisphere based wire, a comb-like cantilever, a javelin-like tetrapod, a spherical and polyhedral cage of ZnO. XRD and Raman measurements confirm a hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO micro-/nanostructure. The absorption edge of the ZnO/CuOx heterostructure is redshifted in comparison to the pure ZnO structure. PL studies indicate that the UV emission can be suppressed significantly while the green emission is enhanced due to the change in the morphology of ZnO micro-/nanostructures.
 Autonomia e reinserção social: percepção de familiares e profissionais que trabalham com redução de danos / Autonomy and social reintegration: perception of families and professionals who work with harm reduction
Authors: Silveira Maria da Penha Da rosa Da , Silva Mara Regina Santos da , Farias Francisca Lucélia Ribeiro de , Moniz Ana Suzete Baessa , Ventura Jeferson
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Identificar a percepção de familiares de dependentes de álcool e outras drogas e profissionais da área da saúde sobre as concepções de autonomia e reinserção social que embasam a abordagem redução de danos. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo, realizado com 21 participantes 11 familiares e 10 profissionais recrutados em CAPS sediados no Sul do Brasil. Os dados, coletados entre junho/2013 e maio/2014, utilizando entrevistas semiestruturadas, foram submetidos à análise temática. Resultados: Para os familiares a concepção de autonomia comporta uma dualidade: um grupo a associa com instabilidade nos relacionamentos, prejuízos no trabalho e insegurança pelo fato de a pessoa manter contato com ambientes de comercialização de drogas; outro grupo a considera uma estratégia que ajuda a pessoa dependente a aceitar o tratamento, controlar a ingesta e amenizar os sintomas da abstinência. Para os profissionais, é uma estratégia que estimula a pessoa a refletir sobre sua relação com a(s) droga(s) e tomar suas decisões. A reinserção social é considerada promissora pelos profissionais e pelas famílias, pois favorece a substituição do grupo anterior de convivência e a integração em atividades ocupacionais. Conclusão: A autonomia e a reinserção social são, sem dúvida, conceitos importantes para o trabalho com dependentes químicos, mas desde que envolva a família e uma rede de apoio social.
Perspectiva do anestesiologista em relação à sede no pós-operatório imediato/ Anesthesiologist’s perspective regarding thirst in the immediate postoperative period
Authors: Garcia Ana Carolina Korki Arrabal , Nascimento Leonel Alves do , Conchon Marília Ferrari , Garcia Aline Korki Arrabal , Fonseca Lígia Fahl
Published: January 2018

O estudo teve como objetivo explorar a percepção de anestesiologistas sobre a identificação e manejo da sede, sintoma altamente prevalente no pós-operatório imediato. Estudo qualitativo e descritivo realizado em um hospital universitário de grande porte no Sul do Brasil, com onze participantes, sendo sete docentes e quatro residentes de anestesiologia. Os dados foram coletados por meio de instrumento semiestruturado, e os discursos, analisados pelo referencial metodológico descrito por Martins e Bicudo. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa Envolvendo Seres Humanos da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (CAAE: 02299412.6.0000.5231). Dos resultados emergiram duas categorias: “Sede: um sintoma não percebido”, que evidenciou a falta de avaliação intencional da sede, e “Encontrando dificuldades para a avaliação e manejo da sede”, que demonstrou a ausência de protocolos que subsidiassem e estabelecessem o seu manejo. Concluiu-se com o estudo que,para os anestesiologistas, a sede ainda se mostra como um sintoma de menor relevância no pós-operatório imediato. Este cenário requer ações multidisciplinares e intencionais para que este sintoma não continue sendo subidentificado, submensurado e subtratado na prática clínica.
Fatigue Life Prediction for Warship Operation in Indonesian Water
Authors: Sulisetyono Aries , Kadhafi Muammar
Published: January 2018

The fatigue life of a corvette ship structural detail was predicted by using a spectral fatique analysis. The fluctuated wave load act to the ship’s structure in regular wave was estimated by using Diffraction Theory. The stress spectrum was defined using analytical approach consider to the design constructions of ship. The operational routes of a corvette ship were determined in Indonesian water condition for a year period of ship’s mission. The sea condition was ilustrated in term of wave spectrum which was developed using the ITTC formula. The spectral response of stress bending moment was calculated by multiplication of wave spectrum and stress bending moment in regular wave for certain life time. Furthermore, the estimation of the fatigue life was performed by using Palmgren-Miner rule during its life time of operation. Finally, the fatigue life of a corvette ship was predicted about 84 years based on the mission and water condition of Indonesia.
Analysis of the Adhesiveness and Glue Type Selection in Manufacturing of Bamboo Laminate Composite for Fishing Boat Building Material
Authors: Supomo Heri , Djatmiko Eko Budi , Zubaydi Achmad , Baihaqi Imam
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study is to select the appropriate high quality-strong-durable type of glue for bamboo laminated composite to substitute Teak wood as an alternative material for fishing boat construction. Tape Test and Pull Off Test according to ASTM D3359 and ASTM D4541 are applied on substrates of Betung laminated bamboo (Dendrocalamus Asper species) in order to determine the strength level of adhesiveness. Four types of glue are applied to bamboo laminated substrate. Having analyzed the experiment results, it indicates that Epoxy Polyamide has the highest adhesion value comparing to others. The Tape Test grades for Epoxy Polyamide are 5A (no glue peeling) and 5B (0% glue chipped extension) as well as the score of Pull Off Test is 7.92 MPa. In terms of construction cost for building fishing boat 20GT (laminated bamboo) using epoxy polyamide is a half compared to Teak wood material.
Computer-Based Android Application for Vessel’s Condition Survey by Owner Surveyor
Authors: Stevan Paul , Pribadi Triwilaswandio Wuruk , Wahidi Sufian Imam
Published: January 2018

Ship condition survey is a survey conducted by an Owner Surveyor for reporting the actual condition of the ship and parts. Presently, the condition survey is still done manually that Owner Surveyor has to survey based on survey list which is published by the ship’s owner company. The survey result will be presented in the form of a report, which will be submitted to ship’s owner as consideration for doing repair and maintenance. The survey process which done presently is not effective and many Owner Surveyors have not sufficient knowledge and experience, and also the process of presenting a survey report which takes a long time. This project was implemented by built an android-based computer application that can assist an Owner Surveyor in the process of a condition survey. This application containes of survey list, survey review, updating survey, and several menus to facilitate Owner Surveyor in the condition survey. This application has been tested by a few respondents who have experience in surveying ships and who have an educational background of naval architecture and shipbuilding engineering. This test was done in the form of a questionnaire aimed to determine the respondents assessment of this application. From the results of the questionnaire could be concluded that the application is very useful in supporting ship condition survey.
Production Capacity Analysis of National Shipyard in Indonesia to Build Sea Toll Ships
Authors: Baihaqi Imam , Pribadi Sri Rejeki Wahyu , Supomo Heri
Published: January 2018

Indonesian government, in period 2014-2019, has launched Toll Sea program. A number of 188 various sizes and types of ships types will be built for this program. Ship building process must be supported by a national shipbuilding capability and capacity. Unfortunately, there are any vagueness of information on the number of shipyards and their production capacity. The records of data and shipyard production capabilities and also capacity haven’t been documented well. Moreover, there are many new and emerging shipyards although some become bankruptcy. Analyzing the production capacity of national shipyards to build Sea Toll vessels has become the aims of this research. The first step is grouping ships based on GT size. Afterwards, the weight of the steel is estimated using Watson equations. Determination of shipyard criteria is created regarding the size of building birth facility, main workshop productions, experience to build sea toll ship, the number of man-powers, and the existence of ISO and OHSAS certificate. In accordance with the steel through put of the shipyards, it can be conclude that 64 sea toll ships can be built in a year with estimation about 26,767,29 ton/year.
Vessel Selection to Support Coal-Fired Power Plant Supply Using Multi Criteria Analysis
Authors: Buana I Gusti Ngurah Sumanta , Hadi Firmanto , Shinoda Takeshi
Published: January 2018

Coal supplied for power plant located in Pacitan, East Java, is of South Kalimantan and West Sumatera origin and transported mainly through Java Sea using several types of vessel. This supply is very important for securing whole year electricity production. This mostly depends on sea and weather conditions which limit vessels operation pattern. However, costs are the only factor used when selecting the appropriate vessel. In fact, there are several other factors that may influence vessel performance. When these factors are considered, selecting the appropriate vessel is difficult because of complex interaction between them. For such circumstances, a multi-criteria evaluation analysis is appropriate. The aim of this paper is to develop an evaluation and decision-making model based on a multi-criteria evaluation analysis to select an appropriate type of vessel for transporting coal. The model will integrate several independent items and combine them before making a decision. Several types of vessel will be selected and several important aspects contributing to vessel performance will be selected and identified. Results from previous study will be used as a comparison.
Marine Current Technology Design to Support the Poteran Island Economy Based on Fisheries
Authors: Sulisetyono Aries , Jaelani Lalu Muhammad , Setyo Eddy
Published: January 2018

Poteran is a small island as part of Sumenep Madura Indonesia where it has the natural resorces to be developed into a sustainable small island. Increasing the local economy based on fisheries sector has a high potential to be developed. In small fisheries industry, the electrical energy is necessary needed, so that the marine power plant technology is relevant to be employed in this island. This paper describe the concept design of current power technology which is suitable to be implemented in the island consider to the enviromental sea condition. Potential current energy captured is identified based on the measurement of current speed for the short period of time at the coastal area of island. Futhermore, the turbine design of current power technology is introduced as well as the design of floating platform.
An Analytical Approach to Modeling of Motion-Response of Floating Structure for Ocean Renewable Energy Conversion System
Authors: Junianto Sony , Prastianto Rudi Walujo , Mukhtasor
Published: January 2018

Ocean renewable energy research has been progressing well. Supporting structures are needed to convert energy from the sea. This paper discusses the response of the floating structure for ocean renewable energy conversion system by providing a simple design of floating structure. Due to its function, the system is limited for the pitching motion. By using the Lagrange formula, the equation of motion of the system can be obtained. In the analysis, there are three variations of wave period to determine the response of floating structure motion. The result shows the trend where the larger wave periods induce larger intersection angle (larger response) of the structure. The floating structure configuration for the ocean energy converter should be determined in such a way that have the most stable motion-response in any condition. The stability of floating structure will affect the current forces in the rotated turbine. It needs a specific design to hold the stability of floating structure.
Parameter Estimation of Maneuvering Variables of SIGMA-Extended War Ship Using Kalman Filter
Authors: Aisjah Aulia Siti , Masroeri Agoes Ahmad , Gozali Nathanael Leon , Akbar Ridho , Sari Devina Permata , Munadhif Ii
Published: January 2018

SIGMA-class warship one of warship type is designed up to sea state 6. The ship was redesigned in enlarged dimensions, and called SIGMA extended class warships. A control system can give a performance of response in accordance to the set point when the value of controlled variable can be transmitted to the controller accurately. The characteristic of sensor is not usually able to tranmit a proper value, due to the noise on the sensor and also the environment disturbances. This paper describe a strategy of Kalman filter to estimate variables controlled when the presence noise on the compass or gyrocompas. The result of Kalman filter implementations give the magnitude of the integral absolute error of yaw and sway less than 5%, when there are noise on the measurement and the disturbances.
Extrusion Temperature and Flow Rate Effects on Tensile Properties of Additively Processed Poly(Ethylene-co-Trimethylene Terephthalate)
Authors: Bail Robert
Published: January 2018

This study investigated the effects of the extrusion temperature and volumetric flow rate settings in a fused filament fabrication (FFF) process on the tensile properties of specimens made of poly(ethylene-co-trimethylene terephthalate). The tensile strength almost doubled from 13.5 MPa at 230°C to 26.7 MPa at 260°C extrusion temperature, while the elongation at break improved to 5.4% and the tensile modulus rose to 641.8 MPa at the highest temperature. Similar observations were made when the extrusion flow rate was augmented to 115% of the initial value, with part strength greatly improving to 795.9 MPa and part elasticity increasing by 22%. These results illustrate two effective strategies to enhance the mechanical properties of components made in an engineering material that is increasingly being utilized in filament-based 3D printing.
Friction Stir Forming for Mechanical Interlocking of Ultra-Thin Stainless Steel Strands and Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Mofidi Tabatabaei Hamed , Nishihara Tadashi
Published: January 2018

In this study, a novel method of mechanical interlocking of super-thin stainless steel strands with different aluminum alloys was conducted by using friction stir forming (FSF). The potential for the development of a multi-functional composite material was studied experimentally. It was concluded that FSF can successfully interlock stainless steel strands and different Al alloys and presents the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of the alloy. Trials of FSF were carried out on a modified vertical milling machine. The results are discussed in terms of microstructure observations, hardness distributions and tensile tests.
Evaluation of Periodic Wrinkle during Sheet Press Forming Utilizing Frequency Characteristic of Ultrasonic Wave
Authors: Segawa Yuji , Kuriyama Takuya , Harada Hiroshi , Marumo Yasuo , Lee Tae Kyung , Imamura Yasuhiro
Published: January 2018

This study suggests a novel method to detect wrinkles using the frequency characteristic of reflected ultrasonic wave. The experimental apparatus was manufactured to simulate the press forming. A plate specimen possessing periodic wrinkles in a trapezoidal shape was also prepared to simulate actual wrinkles during the press forming process. These wrinkles affected the reflected wave of ultrasonic wave. The power spectrum of reflected wave at a frequency of 0.8 MHz was changed by the occurrence of wrinkles. The comparison of the frequency characteristics provided obvious difference between wrinkled and flat specimens. As a result, the present work confirmed that the frequency characteristic of reflected wave would detect the formation of wrinkles.
The Innovation as a Source of Traditional Products’ Survival: The Bobbin Lace from Peniche
Authors: Bieger Isabel , Carvalho Cristina , Montagna Gianni
Published: January 2018

Weaving the bobbin lace is a traditional activity from Peniche, a village situated in the west coast of Portugal. This activity is known like art for centuries. However, the traditional way of producing it has been kept as well as the works produced. The bobbin lace hasn’t accompanied the evolution of times nor does it risk innovation. This wrong perspective has led to the discredit of the product, leading the young generations to keep on producing it the way their ancestors have done it – weaving the lace both for home consumption and/or entertainment. In an interventionist methodology, we propose the use of new materials to replace the traditional use of cotton as far as weaving the bobbin lace is concerned as well as the creation of new products. These two parts getting together can and probably will give a new perspective of the traditional and lead to new consumptions and/or applicability to the bobbin lace. Innovation is the key word for doing it. The desire of getting to know the new and the different, recreated from the traditional, will arouse curiosity in the young generations.
Preliminary Study on Reaction of Fresh Concrete with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Lee Ming Ju , Lee Ming Gin , Wang Yung Chih , Su Yu Min , Deng Jia Lun
Published: January 2018

In order to let fresh concrete react with carbon dioxide sufficiently, the carbon dioxide was added to mixing concrete. The study used three water cement ratio (0.55, 0.65, 0.75), three CO2 pressures (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 MPa), and two CO2 concentration (50% and 100%) to make concrete samples, and observed the effect of carbon dioxide adsorption in the above parameters. Finally, the compressive strength and carbonation degree of concretes were tested after three curing time (7, 14 and 28 days). The research showed that concrete could be more efficient to absorb carbon dioxide by using this pressure method. The results found that the mixing concrete react with carbon dioxide in a short time, and shorten the initial setting time of concrete. But this method would greatly reduce the workability of concrete after mixing with carbon dioxide and it might be enhanced by water or superplasticizer. The bond of cement matrix might cut down after reacting with carbon dioxide. Based on the above, the compressive strength of concrete which was mixed with carbon dioxide would be impaired. The proposed CO2-mixing method has the capacity to uptake 9.5% carbon dioxide based on water cement ratio and CO2 pressure.
Influence of a Crystalline Additive on the Porosity of Cement Mortars
Authors: Nevřivová Lenka , Žižková Nikol , Lédl Matěj
Published: January 2018

The pore structure of a material radically infuences its properties, such as strength, freeze-thaw resistance, capillarity or resistance to elevated temperatures. The character of the pore structure is also limiting for the intrusion of aggressive oxides into the material, which affects its service life. The paper describes how a crystalline additive influences the pore structure of cement mortars. It describes the effect of secondary crystallisation and the influence of the additon of PP fibers on the apparent porosity and the internal structure of the mortar. It also discusses the influence of aggressive conditions on the mortar’s pore structure.
Application of Coconut-Shell Activated Carbon as Heterogeneous Solid Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis
Authors: Pradana Yano Surya , Hidayat Arif , Prasetya Agus , Budiman Arief
Published: January 2018

Biodiesel is a bio-based fuel for diesel engine synthesized from renewable oils isolated from oil crops or animal. Biodiesel can be produced through transesterification where the process involves a catalyst and an alcohol. The most common catalyst for this process is homogeneous liquid catalyst. However, this catalyst system suffers from environmental problems. In order to eliminate the problem, we developed potassium loaded on coconut-shell activated carbon (K/AC) as heterogeneous solid catalyst which is easily regenerated, leading to more secure and more environmental friendly application. The purpose of the present work is to demonstrate the biodiesel synthesis from palm oil using K/AC catalyst in stirred tank reactor. Reaction variables such as methanol-oil molar ratio and temperature were optimized to reach the highest conversion for 4 hours reaction time. The highest reaction conversion, 26.98%, was obtained at methanol-oil molar ratio of 6:1 and reaction temperature of 60 °C. Furthermore, the value of collision factor, activation energy and standard enthalpy change of reaction obtained are 5.40 x 103dm6.(mol.gcat.min)-1, 16.113 cal/mol and 5499.40 cal/mol, respectively.
Micro-Peat as a Potential Low-Cost Adsorbent Material for COD and NH3-N Removal
Authors: Daud Zawawi , Rosli Mohd Arif , Abdul Latiff Ab Aziz , Ridzuan Mohd Baharufin , Awang Halizah , Abdul Halim Azhar
Published: January 2018

Micro-peat (M-P) was demonstrated in the present study as a potential low cost natural adsorbent for the removal of COD and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) from landfill leachate. A series of batch experiments were carried out under fixed conditions and the influence of mixture ratio was investigated. The characteristics of leachate were then determined. Results indicated that leachate is non-biodegradable with high concentration of COD (2739.06 mg/L), NH3-N (1765.34 mg/L) and BOD5/COD ratio (0.09). The optimum ratio for activated carbon (AC) and M-P in the removal of COD and NH3-N obtained were at 2.5:1.5 (87%) and 1.0:3.0 (65%) respectively. The low-cost natural adsorbent used in the present investigation is an attractive alternative to the conventional adsorbent (AC). Thus, M-P can be appropriated for use in leachate treatment that could be cost-effective due its local availability and adsorption property.
Use of Thiols to Enhance the Hydrophobicity of Silver Nanoprisms
Authors: Chen Chi Yao , Kan Jo Chuan , Lee Maw Tien
Published: January 2018

Silver nanoprisms, a kind of silver nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by chemical reduction in water phase and treated with the light irradiation, have special optical properties and can be used as optoelectronic materials. However the hydrophilic property of silver nanoprisms suppresses their applications. In this study, thiols were used to modify the surface of the silver nanoprism to enhance its hydrophobicity. The ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV-Visible) was used to explore the surface properties of the NPs. Experimental results showed that the addition of a long chain thiol (pure 1-undecanthiol) to the water solution of silver nanoprisms gave a red shift in the absorption spectra in comparing with that of original silver nanoprisms colloid. It is due to the absorption of the thiol to surfaces of the NPs. The absorption of the long chain thiols can turn the hydrophilic surface to be hydrophobic. The NPs treated with the cracking rubber oil had the similar results. It is believed that the cracking rubber oil can be a feasible agent to enhance the surface hydrophobicity of silver nanoprisms.
The Utilization of Ground Tire Rubber as Ion Exchange Materials
Authors: Rungrodnimitchai Supitcha , Mayod Sirinapa , Tanasarn Sutamma
Published: January 2018

In this study, ground tire rubber (R-GTR) with the average particle size of 456 µm was chemically modified to produce modified ground tire rubber (M-GTR) that can work as ion exchange materials. The modification was performed by oxidation reaction. The ground tire rubber was oxidized at the range of temperature from 20 to 40๐C for 48, 72 and 96 hours by a mixture of the HNO3/H3PO4/NaNO2system. The HNO3/H3PO4ratio was 1:3 and the concentration of NaNO2was 1.4% w/v. FT-IR revealed that the carboxyl group or the carbonyl group was successfully introduced into the modified ground tire rubber and SEM images demonstrated that the porosity of modified ground tire rubber increased. The results of the modified ground tire rubber showed that the carboxyl content increased with an increase of reaction time while %yield decreased with an increase of reaction time. The optimum condition for modification was the reaction at 30๐C for 96 hours.
Ultra-Fine and Nano-Crystalline Structure Induced by Sliding Friction of Carbon Steel
Authors: Kato Hirotaka , Yasunaga Kazufumi
Published: January 2018

Sliding friction is one of the most powerful processes for microstructural evolution in the sub-surface, including grain refinement and recrystallization of deformed structure. Pin-on-disc sliding tests were carried out for 0.45 mass % carbon steels, and TEM microstructure and hardness of the specimens were investigated. Particularly effects of friction conditions on the microstructure at the surfaces and wear properties of the friction induced microstructure were studied. It was found that ultra-fine equi-axed grains in the 30 - 50 nm size range were produced in the case of a high friction speed of 5.0 m/s in an air atmosphere. Moreover, nano-crystalline microstructure can be produced in a vacuum atmosphere even if the friction speed was low. The friction induced nano-crystalline surface layers, which exhibited significant high hardness, showed good wear resistance.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Lactic Acid)-Grafted Natural Rubber by Reactive Melt-Blending Technique
Authors: Wongngam Yodsathorn , Pattamaprom Cattaleeya
Published: January 2018

This study investigated the synthesis and characterization of poly(lactic acid)-grafted natural rubber (PLA-g-NR) in molten state. The grafting was carried out in an internal mixer without and with the presence of tin octoate catalyst (TO). The grafting of lactide onto NR was carried out by using maleic anhydride (MA) as a linker. The FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra revealed new peaks for the MA-grafted NR (NR-g-MA) and PLA indicating that MA was grafted onto NR and that LA was successfully polymerized into PLA. It was also found that MA grafted onto NR could assist as a linker for connecting PLA with NR via esterification reaction between hydroxyl group (OH) at the end chain of PLA and carboxylic group (COOH) from ring opening reaction of MA. Moreover, the decrease of residual LA peak in FTIR spectra suggested that the presence of TO catalyst in the reactive blend promoted higher degree of polymerization of PLA from ring opening reaction of LA.
Thermodynamics of Aluminum Deoxidization Equilibria in GCr18Mo Bearing-Steel
Authors: Su Xin , Guo Shu Qiang , Qiao Meng Ran , Zheng Hong Yan , Qin Li Bin
Published: January 2018

Based on the predecessors of thermodynamic data, the relationship between aluminum contents and oxygen contents of the aluminum deoxidization reaction was calculated. And the influence of activity coefficient to the reaction equilibrium in bearing-steel is analyzed. First-order and second-order interaction coefficients were used to calculate and draw the equilibrium curves, respectively. The effects of different temperature and different interaction parameters on the deoxidization equilibrium curves were studied. And through the curve the influence of the change of aluminum contents to the activity can be known. The trend of the curve with first-order interaction parameters is consistent with the curve with first-order and second-order interaction parameters at the low Al concentration region. And the oxygen contents of curve with first-order interaction parameters are higher than the other curve at the high Al concentration region
Motion tracking by sensors for real-time human skeleton animation
Authors: Arachchi S. P. Kasthuri , Xiang Chengkai , Kumara W.G.C.W. , Wuis Shih-Jung , Shih Timothy K.
Published: January 2018

Human Computer Interaction based Research has emerged in the early 1980s with the advent of computer technology. Human Motion Capture is the process of recording the movement of people. Among many kinds of human motion capture devises, Microsoft Kinect sensor and inertial sensors are most popular nowadays. In this paper we propose an efficient motion tracking mechanism to construct real time human skeleton animation using inertial sensors. We compare the results of our proposed method with the Microsoft Kinect sensor over the complicated motion tracking and joint position. During the experiment we observed that our results are much steady than Microsoft Kinect results. Some motions like hand cross over or leg cross over, our method showed better results than Kinect because the Kinect may lose skeleton of the blocked parts. On the other hand, since we use radio frequency inertial sensors, our method has a larger working area than Kinect.
Guidelines for Usage of Stainless Steel and Bimetal for Exterior Automotive Bright Trim
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: January 2018

The scope of this SAE Recommended Practice is to give guidelines for design, processing, and material selection for stainless steel and bimetal exterior automotive moldings.
Woodruff Key Slots and Keyways
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: January 2018
Abrasive Wear
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: January 2018

An enormous economic loss, as well as a waste of natural resources, is incurred world-wide as a result of wear of components and tools. Any effort expended in an attempt to reduce this loss is indeed worthwhile. The purpose of this SAE Information Report is to present the current state of knowledge of abrasive wear. This report, therefore, covers wear, or the undesired removal of metal by mechanical action, caused by abrasive particles in contact with the surface. It does not concern metal-to-metal wear or wear in the presence of an abrasive free lubricant.

Abrasive wear occurs when hard particles, such as rocks, sand, or fragments of certain hard metals, slide or roll under pressure across a surface. This action tends to cut grooves across the metal surface, much like a cutting tool.

Abrasive wear is of considerable importance in any part moving in relation to an abrasive. Tools in contact with the ground, such as plows, cultivators, scraper and bulldozer blades, are intended to operate in abrasives. Machines for processing ores such as crushers and for grinding of natural minerals such as ball mills are also subjected to abrasive wear. Contact with abrasives by many other machinery components may not be a normal circumstance, but, since it may inadvertently occur, must be considered.

Increased hardness usually increases wear resistance but also increases brittleness, which can cause fracture of the tool in rocky soils. Thus, the selection of a suitable material for use in a variety of abrasive conditions is necessarily a compromise between wear and brittle fracture resistance.

This report presents present day information on the fundamentals, testing methods and specific solutions for abrasive wear problems. The limited information reflects the current lack of knowledge on this subject. However, it is a starting point. Further work is necessary to develop general design information.
The Joint Way Forward on migration issues between Afghanistan and the EU: EU external policy and the recourse to non-binding law
Authors: Warin Catherine , Zhekova Zheni
Published: January 2018

The EU increasingly uses non-binding agreements as part of its response to the ongoing migration crisis. The preparation and implementation of such agreements are conducted in imprecise circumstances in terms of institutional responsibilities and they are subject to limited, if any, parliamentary control and judicial review. Taking the topical Afghanistan–EU Joint Way Forward as a focus point, this article raises the question whether the increasing recourse to non-binding instruments may be interpreted as a way of circumventing the constitutional allocation of powers to and within the EU. It highlights substantial issues related to the protection of fundamental rights and the allocation of the EU's financial resources stemming from the Joint Way Forward. It shows a number of legal drawbacks to this trend of using such non-binding instruments and argues in favour of more transparency and procedural clarity in their negotiation and implementation.
Usability Evaluation of Electronic Health Record System around Clinical Notes Usage–An Ethnographic Study
Authors: Rizvi Rubina , Marquard Jenna , Hultman Gretchen , Adam Terrence , Harder Kathleen , Melton Genevieve
Published: January 2018

Background A substantial gap exists between current Electronic Health Record (EHR) usability and potential optimal usability. One of the fundamental reasons for this discrepancy is poor incorporation of a User-Centered Design (UCD) approach during the Graphical User Interface (GUI) development process.

Objective To evaluate usability strengths and weaknesses of two widely implemented EHR GUIs for critical clinical notes usage tasks.

Methods Twelve Internal Medicine resident physicians interacting with one of the two EHR systems (System-1 at Location-A and System-2 at Location-B) were observed by two usability evaluators employing an ethnographic approach. User comments and observer findings were analyzed for two critical tasks: (1) clinical notes entry and (2) related information-seeking tasks. Data were analyzed from two standpoints: (1) usability references categorized by usability evaluators as positive, negative, or equivocal and (2) usability impact of each feature measured through a 7-point severity rating scale. Findings were also validated by user responses to a post observation questionnaire.

Results For clinical notes entry, System-1 surpassed System-2 with more positive (26% vs. 12%) than negative (12% vs. 34%) usability references. Greatest impact features on EHR usability (severity score pertaining to each feature) for clinical notes entry were: autopopulation (6), screen options (5.5), communication (5), copy pasting (4.5), error prevention (4.5), edit ability (4), and dictation and transcription (3.5). Both systems performed equally well on information-seeking tasks and features with greatest impacts on EHR usability were navigation for notes (7) and others (e.g., looking for ancillary data; 5.5). Ethnographic observations were supported by follow-up questionnaire responses.

Conclusion This study provides usability-specific insights to inform future, improved, EHR interface that is better aligned with UCD approach.
U.S. Adults with Agricultural Experience Report More Genetic Engineering Familiarity than Those Without
Authors: Stofer Kathryn A. , Schiebel Tracee M.
Published: January 2018

Researchers and pollsters still debate the acceptance of genetic engineering technology among U.S. adults, and continue to assess their knowledge as part of this research. While decision-making may not rely entirely on knowledge, querying opinions and perceptions relies on public understanding of genetic engineering terms. Experience with agriculture may increase familiarity with genetic engineering terms. We conducted a national survey of 429 United States adults through Qualtrics and found two-thirds lack any formal, nonformal, or informal agriculture experience. More than half of participants knew “a little” or less for 13 of the 17 terms presented, especially those directly related to genetic engineering or breeding technology for food, such as “genetically modified organism” and “crossbred organism.” Consumers with agricultural experience reported more term familiarity for genetics and genetic engineering than those without experience. More than half also felt they did not know the difference between traditional selective breeding, DNA-directed breeding, and genetic engineering, but they still felt both human health and environmental risks should be considered before creating new animal or plant varieties. We must consider the lack of familiarity of genetic related terms and experience in agriculture when researching or creating educational programming around genetic engineering for food.