bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling the end-groups of Poly (3- Hexylthiophene) via Vilsmeier-haack reaction
Authors: Le Lam , Luu Anh Tuan , Nguyen Le-Thu Thi , Nguyen Ha Tran
Published: November 2018

π-Conjugated oligomeric and polymeric semiconductors have been the focus of intense research over the past few decades as alternatives to inorganic semiconductors for lowcost electronic applications such as organic thinfilm transistors (OTFTs), light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and photovoltaics (OPVs). These materials enable vapor- or solution-phase fabrication of large-area, lightweight electronic devices and are compatible with plastic substrates for mechanically flexible, conformable, and wearable electronics. In this research, we aim at modification of the H/Br end groups of poly (3-hexylthiophene) to CHO/Br end groups via Vilsmeier-haack reaction using POCl3 and DMF as the catalytic system in toluene medium. The end groups of the obtained polymer were determined via FT-IR spectroscopy and were further confirmed by Maldi-ToF. The result showed that completion of the Vilsmeierhaack reaction was obtained after 24 h at 75 °C.
Evaluation of the sedimentary environment of the block 102 of Song Hong basin by petrophysics
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Thi Ngoc , Bui Luan Thi
Published: November 2018

Interpretation of wireline logging data supported to recover the sedimentary environment of block 102 of Song Hong basin. It inchided in determination of the spatial distribution of source, reservoir and cap rocks and an indispensable part in oil exploration of this area. Resulted wireline logging data showed some sedimentary environment units as the following The late Oligocene was delta environment. It was identified as forming delta plain, swamp to lacustrine. The middle Miocene had changed to shallow water marine environment, which formed the shoreface, tidal flat, lagoon and channel. The lower Miocene was aluvial environment that changed into fluvial and coastal plain.
Changes of geotechnical properties of the Holocene sediments at Giong Trom-Ben Tre
Authors: Truong Bao Tieu , Truong Hoang Minh , Ta Oanh Thi Kim , Nguyen Lap Van
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study is to find out the changes of geotechnical properties of the Holocene sediments that formed in the delta plain of the Mekong River. Giong Trom, Ben Tre province is chosen as a case study to investigate. Simultaneously, the changes of the geotechnical properties were compared with the sedimentary changes of the previous research results. The results of this study were applied for calculating the foundation of structures and planning the infrastructure of the area.
Evaluation of the conflict arising from the use of land resources in the process of urbanization at Da Nang City
Authors: Truong Canh Thanh , Tran Lai Nguyen Cam , Nguyen Tuan Hoang
Published: November 2018

Along with the urbanization, Da Nang is facing many challenges to become a modern metropolis, sustainable development. One of the major challenges is a growing number of conflicts related to land and objects’ land use. In this study, we collected relevant data and conducted a survey on three main groups related to the issue of land use in Son Tra District and Cam Le District. According to the study’s result, Da Nang City is having many land inconsistencies which can be turned into conflicts at different levels. Since then, this study presents a number of proposal to mitigate the conflicts in the use of land resources in order to improve their efficiency use with a point of view for the sustainable development at Da Nang City.
Evaluation of carbonyl emission from diesel engine generator using biodiesel fuel
Authors: To Hien Thi , Tu Khang Minh , Le Vinh Xuan , Norimichi Takenaka
Published: November 2018

This research was carried out to measure and evaluate the emission of particulate matters and the emission of carbonyl compounds from diesel engine KAMA - KDE3500T generator under 1.5 kW load for seven test fuels: B0 (pure diesel fuel) B10 (10 % palm biodiesel + 90 % pure diesel fuel), B20, B30, B50, B75, and B100, respectively. The results showed that the emission concentration of particulate matters reduced from B0 to B20, and increased from B30 to B100. The concrete data were that 348.65 mg/m3, 297.27 mg/m3, 168.59 mg/m3, 169.74 mg/m3, 259.98 mg/m3, 330.30 mg/m3 and 522.98 mg/m3 for B0, B10, B20, B30, B50, B75 and B100, respectively. The emission concentration of carbonyl compound raised form B0 to B30, and suddenly decreased at B50, and increased again from B75 to B100. The concrete data were that 67.99 mg/m3, 87.35 mg/m3, 99.10 mg/m3, 100.96 mg/m3, 65.79 mg/m3, 102.32 mg/m3, 102.38 mg/m3 for B0, B10, B20, B30, B50, B75 and B100, respectively. The highest concentration compounds were formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone.
Utilisation of GIS and remote sensing for forest fire risk zone mapping at Tram Chim National Park
Authors: Vu Minh Thanh , Le Hien Thi Thu
Published: November 2018

Identification of areas of high fire risk is extremely important task in fire prevention and fire fighting. This study focuses on utilizing GIS and remote sensing to predict highest forest fire risk zones at Tram Chim National Park. Forest fire risk index was calculated based on forest-fire causing factors. The factors consist of landcover density and types, distance to water and settlements, surface temperature and leaf wetness index. And then, two forest fire risk maps were completed, one of them represented the fire risk in the rainy season in 2013, the other performed the fire risk in the dry season 2014. High fire risk zones locate mostly at the edge of the park where the bionass is rich and are near settlements. According to this fire risk computing, in the rainy season, area of high fire risk zone was 1,014.65 ha, about 14 % natural areas of Tram Chim National Park. In additional, in the dry season, high forest fire risk zones was 3,344.65 ha, and there is no safety zone. Results of the research contribute to the forest protecting at Tram Chim National Park and over the country.
Experimental research of the influence of curved reinforcement steel without adhesion to the concrete on the bearing capacity of inclined sections at post-tensioning.
Authors: Kozak Oleksandr , Zhuravskyi Oleksandr
Published: November 2018

The results of experimental research of the strength of inclined sections of monolithic frames and continuous beams with pre-tensioned (without adhesion to the concrete) curved reinforcement steel with post-tensioning are presented in the article.
INOVASI PENDAMPINGAN PEMBERIAN ASI PADA IBU PASCASALIN MENINGKATKAN PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN PERILAKU IBU MENYUSUI
Authors: Deswani Deswani Deswani , Deswani Deswani Deswani , Mulyanti Yuli Mulyanti
Published: November 2018

Mentoring Innovations can be counseling to improve knowledge, attitude and behavior of the mother in giving BREAST MILK to the baby on the mother under labor. The purpose of the research was to identify the influence of breast feeding on mentoring Innovatio ns mother amid labor against the success of the knowledge, attitude and behavior of the mother in the exclusive breast feeding. Design research is quasi experiment with pre-and post test of nonequivalent control group design. Sampling techniques with accidental sampling consisting of 38 respondents to the intervention group and the control group respondents 30, analysis by using different test and analysis of multivariate regression with bivariat and linear. The results showed that respondents who received the intervention, the results showed that respondents who received the intervention, there is an increase in the score of knowledge amounted to2.514 with value t = 6.970, an increase in score value 2.353 attitude t = 13.179, and an increase in the score by 1.324 skills value t = 8.043. The most dominant factor influencing the behavior of mothers in breastfeeding is support the husband. It was concluded that there was significant influence innovation program intervention mentoring mom breast feedin g post childbirth on p-value of 0.000 to increased score of knowledge, attitudes and skills of respondents.
Pengembangan Materi Pembelajaran Gramatika Bahasa Arab (Nahwu) di Pesantren Bayt Tamyiz Indramayu
Authors: Syathybie Aca , Sauri Sofyan
Published: November 2018

The problem in this research is the study of arabic grammar learning method (Nahwu) at Bayt Tamyiz Islamic Boarding School Indramayu. The study is focused on objective program, evaluation and obstacles in learning arabic grammar (Nahwu). This research is qualitative research with grounded research (field work) approach. The source of data is the leader and teachers at Bayt Tamyiz Islamic Boarding School Indrawayu West Java. In this study found findings of them, Tamyiz book discussion begins with al-sentences (words) letters, noun and verb, traits that noun beginning ma mi mu, classify kana and laisa as letters, characteristic verb present countinous tense 'passive prefix (yu, tu, u, nu),the mujarrad is tsulâtsi verb and tsulâtsî noun, the maqshûr that ends with " alif" as al-dunya, al-mushtafâ and Mûsâ then mabnî, the manqûsh' is mabni for rafa 'and jarr, but when nashab, then' fathah be mu'rab. Noun number called number ibtidaiyah. In fact the word that divides the number of primary into noun and verb. The result of this research indicate corrections to the findings and innovations in the book of Tamyiz, is that the huruf can not be sorted in the first place because it always needs to isim and fi’il. Characteristic of isim it not begining ma mi mu, because confuse students at said noun mazzaqa, mîkho and musiha. Kana and laisa are not letters but they were fi’il, because they received all signs of fi’il. Ismiyah sentence called ibtidaiyah sentence, because word of ibtidaiyah that divide the s3entence into Ismiyah and fi’liyyah. The conclution of this research that the aplication of Arabic grammar learning method (Nahwu) at Bayt Tamyiz Islamic Boarding School is quite effective. And there are some success and obstacles factors in the grammar lesson for students, without disrupting the routine proccess of teaching and learning activities.

Keywords: arabic learning, grammar, learning method
INVESTIGATION SOME PROPERTIES OF (ZN-NI-SIC) COMPOSITES COATING ON LOW CARBON STEEL
Authors: Rajih Abdalwahid K. , Ahmed Jaleel K. , Radhi Nabaa S.
Published: November 2018

This work represents an attempt to introduce further improvement on theproperties of these coatings, although the (Zn-Ni) deposition is known to be ananomalous electrodeposited process , where added Ceramic materials is (silicon carbide),with very good mechanical properties.Carbon steel samples were coated with (Zn-Ni) and (Zn-Ni-SiC) particles withdifferent particles size of silicon carbide once microscale (73μm) and another nanoscale(70-100nm) .After electroplating, these samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescent toconfirm all the content for each alloy.
MICROSTRUCTUR AND MICROHARDNESS OF LASER CLADDING Ni BASED ON COLD ROLLED STEEL
Authors: Ali Bash Maryam A , Mustfa Ali M , Resan Ali M , Sayyid Firas F , Mohammed Adnan I
Published: November 2018

A study is reported of the laser cladding of a nominal composition of Ni 5 wt% Al on coldrolled low carbon steel (0.16 wt% C), using a high power continuous CO2 laser. The severerolled microstructure of steel was changed considerably at the heat affected zones under allspecific energies. The cladded coatings showed the presence of ɣ solid solution and β(NiAlFe) phases. Sound metallurgical bonding with absence of porosity and cracks wasobserved between the substrate and the clad coat at specific energy higher than 80 J/mm2.The ferrite and pearlite microstructure of the substrate was changed to martensite at the regionadjacent to the clad interface. It followed by large grains of austenite/ferrite and pearlite(grain growth zone), fine grains of austenite/ferrite and pearlite (recrystallization zone) andvery small zone of relatively small change of cold structure (recovery zone). The last zonewas confirmed by micro hardness as a recovery zone.This investigation confirms clearly the possibility of formation different structures of graingrowth, recrystallization and recovery at the laser heat affected cold rolled low carbon steel.The observed results suggest the developing of a new technique to obtain tentativefunctionally graded material.
THE EFFECT OF TiO2 AS ADDITIVES ON PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE MgO FOR BONE REPAIR
Authors: Sabree Israa Khahtan
Published: November 2018

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is regarded as a biocompatible material. A composite material fromMgO oxide prepared by mixing MgO powder with TiO2 (rutile phase) (2, 5, 10)Wt.% usingpowder metallurgy technique. It is used to be bioceramic material. The compressed sampleswere dried and sintered at (1200) ᵒC. porosity measurement showed that the porositydecreasing with increasing TiO2% . X-ray showed the presence of Mg2TiO4 in the compositestructure of MgO with (5, 10)%TiO2 samples.The mechanical study showed an increasing in compressive strength, hardness, wearresistance and biodegradation resistance with increasing TiO2% content in the limit of usedpercentage. The prepared composite material didn’t present antibacterial activity whileprevious researches showed opposite result because of using nanoscale particle size of MgO.
OPTIMUM BUCKLING DESIGN OF CYLINDRICAL STIFFENER SHELL UNDER EXTERNAL HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
Authors: Al-Kalali Rawa Hamed M.
Published: November 2018

This paper present an investigation of the collapse load in cylinder shell under uniformexternal hydrostatic pressure with optimum design using finite element method viaANSYS software. Twenty cases are studied inclusive stiffeners in longitudinal and ringstiffeners. Buckling mode shape is evaluated. This paper studied the optimum designgenerated by ANSYS for thick cylinder with external hydrostatic pressure. The primarygoal of this paper was to identify the improvement in the design of cylindrical shell underhydrostatic pressure with and without Stiffeners (longitudinal and ring) with incorporativetechnique of an optimization into ANSYS software. The design elements in this researchwas: critical load, design variable (thickness of shell (TH), stiffener’s width (B) andstiffener’s height (HF). The results obtained illustrated that the objective is minimizedusing technique of numerical optimization in ANSYS with optimum shell thickness andstiffener’s sizes. In all cases the design variables (thickness of shell) was thicker than themonocoque due to a shell’s thicker is essential to achieve the strength constraints. It can beconcluded that cases (17,18,19, and 20) have more than 90% of un-stiffened critical load.The ring stiffeners causes increasing buckling load than un-stiffened and longitudinalstiffened cylinder.
IDENTICAL PARALLEL MACHINES SCHEDULING USING GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: Haleel Aseel J
Published: November 2018

Minimizing the scheduling production time consider one of the most important factors forcompanies which their objectives is achieve the maximum profits. This paper studies theidentical parallel machine scheduling problem which involves the assignment numbers ofjob (N) to set of identical parallel machine (M) in order to minimize the makespan(maximum completion time of all job). There are numerous troubles in solving the largesize of “parallel machine scheduling” problem with an excessive jobs and machines, sothe genetic algorithm was proposed in this paper which is consider an efficient algorithmthat fits larger size of identical “parallel machine scheduling” for minimizing themakespan. Most studies in the scheduling field suppose setup time is insignificant orincluded in the processing time, in this paper both the sequence independent setup timesand processing time were considered. The solutions of algorithms are coding in(MATLAB). A numerical example of (11) jobs are schedule on (3) machines todemonstrative the effectiveness of algorithm solution. The result show the algorithm caneffectively solve large size of scheduling problem and given the best schedule withminimum makespan.
Influence of Graphene Oxide Incorporation on Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Polymer and Carbon Aerogels
Authors: Nagy Balázs , Domán Andrea , Menyhárd Alfréd , László Krisztina
Published: November 2018

Resorcinol-formaldehyde based polymer hydrogels with various graphene oxide (GO) content were synthesized using Na2CO3 as catalyst at pH=6 conditions. After supercritical drying they were converted to carbon aerogels in nitrogen atmosphere. The heat treatment not only pyrolysed the polymer gel, but also reduced GO. The GO added varied within 0-14% related to the mass of resorcinol which resulted in the reinforcement of the polymer matrix. The texture of the polymer and the carbon aerogels were characterized and compared in the nanoscale using SEM and TEM imaging, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and low temperature nitrogen adsorption measurements. The transition from polymer to carbon state was studied by thermogravimetry. In agreement with reference works in the GO range studied the morphology was not affected by the GO content either in the polymer or in the carbon form. The direct current (DC) conductivity however linearly increased with the added GO and already 10 % doubled the conductivity of the plain carbon aerogel.
Towards the Verbal Decision Analysis Paradigm for Implementable Prioritization of Software Requirements
Authors: Barbosa Paulo Alberto Melo , Pinheiro Plácido Rogério , De Vasconcelos Silveira Francisca Raquel
Published: November 2018

The activity of prioritizing software requirements should be done as efficiently as possible. Selecting the most stable requirements for the most important customers of a development company can be a positive factor considering that available resources do not always encompass the implementation of all requirements. There are many quantitative methods for prioritization of software releases in the field of search-based software engineering (SBSE). However, we show that it is possible to use qualitative verbal decision analysis (VDA) methods to solve this type of problem. Moreover, we will use the ZAPROS III-i method to prioritize requirements considering the opinion of the decision-maker, who will participate in this process. Results obtained using VDA structured methods were found to be quite satisfactory when compared to methods using SBSE. A comparison of results between quantitative and qualitative methods will be made and discussed later. The results were reviewed and corroborated with the use of performance metrics.
How Management Factors Influence Weed Communities of Cereals, Their Diversity and Endangered Weed Species in Central Europe
Authors: Schumacher Matthias , Ohnmacht Simon , Rosenstein Ronja , Gerhards Roland
Published: November 2018

The loss of weed biodiversity in agricultural fields is a global issue that needs to be counteracted to preserve their supported ecosystem services and food webs. Many short-term efforts are undertaken to conserve weed species, especially already endangered ones, but several years after expiration, eventually result in species-poor communities. Understanding drivers of community composition is key to prevent biodiversity loss. To understand the factors that shape weed communities and influence weed diversity and endangered weed species, we monitored conventional and organic cereal fields in two regions of southwestern Germany. A redundancy analysis was performed on vegetation recordings and data from a farmer survey. Crop species, herbicide use, farming system, nitrogen, and light availability had the strongest impact on weed diversity. The weed communities were dominated by Alopecurus myosuroides, Galium aparine, Viola arvensis, Polygonum convolvulus, and Veronica persica, and were mainly shaped by crop species, tillage, location in the field, and timing of herbicide application. Bromus grossus and Bromus secalinus, two endangered weed species, survived in conventional field margins as a result of the use of herbicides with gaps for Bromus species. Conservation efforts are not restricted to organic farming and should consider the major drivers of weed communities. Precision farming techniques are available to create networks of habitats for endangered and common weed species and subsequently increase agro-biodiversity per se.
Effects of Cultivar, Nitrogen Rate, and Planting Density on Rice-Grain Quality
Authors: Zhou Chanchan , Huang Yuancai , Jia Baoyan , Wang Yan , Wang Yun , Xu Quan , Li Ruifeng , Wang Shu , Dou Fugen
Published: November 2018

To achieve superior rice-grain quality, more emphasis has been placed on the genetic diversity of breeding programs, although this improvement could be seriously restricted in the absence of comparable agricultural management practices. Nitrogen (N) application and planting density are two important agronomic practices influencing rice growth, yield, and grain quality. This study investigated the four main aspects of rice-grain quality, namely, milling (brown-rice, milled-rice, and head-rice percentage), appearance (length/width ratio, chalky-kernel percentage, and chalkiness), nutrition (protein content), and cooking and eating quality (apparent amylose content, gel consistency, and pasting viscosities) of two rice cultivars (Shendao 47 and Jingyou 586) under four N rates (0, 140, 180, and 220 kg ha−1), and three planting densities (25 × 104, 16.7 × 104, and 12.5 × 104 hills ha−1) in a field trial from 2015 to 2016. The four main aspects of rice-grain quality were significantly influenced by cultivar. Several aspects were affected by the interactions of N rate and cultivar. No significant interaction between N rate and plating density was detected for all grain-quality parameters. A higher N rate increased the percentages of brown rice and head rice, chalky-kernel percentage, and setback and peak time values, but reduced the length/width ratio, chalkiness, apparent amylose content, gel consistency, and peak-, trough-, and final-viscosity values. These results indicate that the N rate has a beneficial effect on milling and nutritional quality, but a detrimental effect on appearance and cooking and eating quality. Jingyou 586 and Shendao 47 had different responses to planting density in terms of grain quality. Our study indicates that low planting density for Jingyou 586, but a medium one for Shendao 47, is favorable for grain quality.
Comparative Analysis of the Transcriptional Response of Tolerant and Sensitive Wheat Genotypes to Drought Stress in Field Conditions
Authors: Lv Shuzuo , Feng Kewei , Peng Shaofeng , Wang Jieqiong , Zhang Yuanfei , Bian Jianxin , Nie Xiaojun
Published: November 2018

Drought stress is one of the most adverse environmental limiting factors for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity worldwide. For better understanding of the molecular mechanism of wheat in response to drought, a comparative transcriptome approach was applied to investigate the gene expression change of two wheat cultivars, Jimai No. 47 (drought-tolerant) and Yanzhan No. 4110 (drought-sensitive) in the field under irrigated and drought-stressed conditions. A total of 3754 and 2325 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were found in Jimai No. 47 and Yanzhan No. 4110, respectively, of which 377 genes were overlapped, which could be considered to be the potential drought-responsive genes. GO (Gene Ontology) analysis showed that these DEGs of tolerant genotype were significantly enriched in signaling transduction and MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase activity, while that of sensitive genotype was involved in photosynthesis, membrane protein complex, and guard cell differentiation. Furthermore, 32 and 2 RNA editing sites were identified in drought-tolerant and sensitive genotypes under drought compared to irrigation, demonstrating that RNA editing also plays an important role in response to drought in wheat. This study investigated the gene expression pattern and RNA editing sites of two wheat cultivars with contrasting tolerance in field condition, which will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of drought tolerance in wheat and beyond.
Seed Plumpness of Rice with Inhibition Expression of Starch Branching Enzymes and Starch Properties, Grain Position on Panicle
Authors: Wang Juan , Chen Zichun , Hu Pan , Zhao Lingxiao , Lin Lingshang , Wei Cunxu
Published: November 2018

Cereal crops with inhibition expression of starch branching enzyme (SBE) contain highly resistant starch in the endosperm, and have potential health benefits for human. However, seed plumpness is significantly different, with different inhibition effects of SBE expression, resulting in differently shrunken seeds. In this study, a transgenic resistant starch rice line, which has highly resistant starch and is developed through inhibition expression of SBEs, had non-, slightly, and moderately shrunken seeds with plumpness from high to low. The differently shrunken seeds had significantly different seed weight and starch content. Different morphological starch granules were detected in the endosperm and had similar spatial distribution pattern among the non-, slightly, and moderately shrunken seeds. Starches from differently shrunken seeds had similar amylose content and amylopectin structure. The protein amount of amylose/amylopectin synthesis key enzymes in endosperm was no different between differently shrunken seeds. The primary branch of the panicle had a higher percentage of non-shrunken seeds than did the secondary branch at the same part of the panicle. From the upper part to the base of the panicle, non-shrunken seeds gradually decreased but slightly and moderately shrunken seeds gradually increased. The above results indicated that the differently shrunken seeds in transgenic rice line had the same SBE dosage, and the starch morphology and structure had no relationship with seed plumpness. The grain position on the panicle influenced seed plumpness, but had no effect on starch properties.
Genetic Algorithms Based Reference Signal Determination for Temperature Control of Residential Buildings
Authors: Gorni Domenico , Visioli Antonio
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with the use of genetic algorithms for the determination of the optimal set-point signals for the control of the temperature in a residential building for which the use of the rooms, that is, the user requirements, are different throughout the day. In particular, the optimization procedure aims at minimizing the overall energy consumption by satisfying, at the same time, the comfort constraints set by the user. Both the case of radiators and fan-coil units are considered. The presence of unoccupied rooms is also addressed. Finally, a comparison between this approach and a Model Predictive Control based one is presented. Simulation results obtained by using TRNSYS software tool demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Morphological Identification of Lepidii Seu Descurainiae Semen and Adulterant Seeds Using Microscopic Analysis
Authors: Song Jun-Ho , Moon Byeong Cheol , Choi Goya , Yang Sungyu
Published: November 2018

Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen, the dried ripe seeds of Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl or Lepidium apetalum Willd., is used widely as a traditional herbal medicine in Northeast Asia. However, seeds of a number of other species have been misidentified as Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen, and are therefore misused because of morphological similarities among the seeds of these species. To accurately identify Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen, we investigated the morphology, mucilage reaction, and micromorphology of Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen and the seeds of other plant species. We used a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope to describe and compare various morphological and micromorphological characteristics of seeds, and a light microscope to determine the presence or absence of mucilage. We evaluated the potential usefulness of mucilage as a morphological marker for seed identification. The shape, outline, and size of seeds were useful characteristics for identification. The mucilage reaction and the three types of seed ornamentation that were identified in this study were particularly valuable for seed authentication. Based on these results, we created an identification key based on morphology and micromorphology of Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen and adulterant seeds. The method of seed identification using microscopic examination, as described here, is easy and economical, making it a potential key tool for accurate identification of Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen and seeds of other medicinal plants.
Determination of the Electromagnetic Field on the Surface of the Beam Splitter of Laser Interferometer by Measuring the Displacements of Control Object Surfaces
Authors: Miroshnichenko Igor P. , Parinov Ivan A. , Chang Shun-Hsyung , Wang Hung-Yu
Published: November 2018

The paper describes in detail the governing relationships for the electromagnetic field on the surface of the laser beam splitter of a laser interferometer. These expressions are intended for numerical simulation of measuring the displacements of control object surfaces by using a laser interferometer. We consider the cases of perpendicular and parallel polarizations of the radiation source. Moreover, the most relevant particular cases of constructing optical circuits of the interferometer in question are treated. The presented theoretical results have been used in numerical studies of the functional characteristics of promising contactless optical means of measuring displacements. The use of the described results has improved the quality and informativeness of the numerical simulation results of the measurement process of displacements by a laser interferometer.
Nanocomposite of Si/C Anode Material Prepared by Hybrid Process of High-Energy Mechanical Milling and Carbonization for Li-Ion Secondary Batteries
Authors: Maddipatla Reddyprakash , Loka Chadrasekhar , Choi Woo Jeong , Lee Kee-Sun
Published: November 2018

Si/C nanocomposite was successfully prepared by a scalable approach through high-energy mechanical milling and carbonization process. The crystalline structure of the milled powders was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphology of the milled powders was investigated by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The effects of milling time on crystalline size, crystal structure and microstructure, and the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite powders were studied. The nanocomposite showed high reversible capacity of ~1658 mAh/g with an initial cycle coulombic efficiency of ~77.5%. The significant improvement in cyclability and the discharge capacity was mainly ascribed to the silicon particle size reduction and carbon layer formation over silicon for good electronic conductivity. As the prepared nanocomposite Si/C electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, it is potentially applied as a high capacity anode material in the lithium-ion secondary batteries.
Influence of Surface Texture Characteristics on the Noise in Grooving Concrete Pavement
Authors: Wei Dingbang , Li Bo , Zhang Zhengwei , Han Feng , Zhang Xingjun , Zhang Man , Li Liangying , Wang Qicai
Published: November 2018

To thoroughly explore the relationship between concrete pavement texture characteristics and tire/pavement noise of grooving concrete pavement, the surface texture, i.e., roughness, macrotexture, and microtexture, was investigated in numerous highway pavements. The On-Board Sound Intensity (OBSI) method was used to test the pavement/tire noise. The statistical correlation between concrete pavement texture characteristics and tire/pavement noise was quantitatively described by two correlation analysis methods for highway concrete pavement: origin of linear regression and the Pearson two-sided test method. The results indicate that the effect of pavement roughness on tire/pavement noise is significant, while the noise level is minor for the flat pavement. The macro texture depth also has a marked impact on the tire/pavement noise. In addition, a large grooving depth of concrete pavement could cause a high tire/pavement noise level; however, there is no clear correlation between side-way force coefficient (SFC) and tire/pavement noise.
Experimental Study of Condensation Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop inside a Small Diameter Microfin and Smooth Tube at Low Mass Flux Condition
Authors: Bashar M. Khairul , Nakamura Keisuke , Kariya Keishi , Miyara Akio
Published: November 2018

This study was made to investigate the condensation local heat transfer and adiabatic pressure drop of R134a inside a 2.5 mm outside diameter smooth and microfin tube at low mass flux condition. Data were measured for mass fluxes from 50 to 300 kg m−2s−1, vapor qualities from 0 to 1 and saturation temperatures from 20 to 30 °C. The effects of mass flux, vapor quality, saturation temperature, microfin and diameter of test tube were analyzed. The pressure drop of the microfin tube was about 1.5 times higher than that of the smooth tube at mass flux 50 kg m−2s−1. The heat transfer coefficient of the microfin tube was about 2–5 times higher than that of the smooth tube at mass flux 100 kg m−2s−1. Experimental results were also compared with typical correlations. For the microfin tube, however, all the existing correlations do not adequately predict the present data. Poor predictions may be attributed to the lack of the small diameter microfin tube with low mass flux data in their database. Hence, it is essential to develop a condensation and pressure drop correlation for the small diameter microfin tube at low mass flux condition.
Damage Mechanism Evaluation of Large-Scale Concrete Structures Affected by Alkali-Silica Reaction Using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Soltangharaei Vafa , Anay Rafal , Hayes Nolan W. , Assi Lateef , Le Pape Yann , Ma Zhongguo John , Ziehl Paul
Published: November 2018

Alkali-silica reaction has caused damage to concrete structures, endangering structural serviceability and integrity. This is of concern in sensitive structures such as nuclear power plants. In this study, acoustic emission (AE) was employed as a structural health monitoring strategy in large-scale, reinforced concrete specimens affected by alkali-silica reaction with differing boundary conditions resembling the common conditions found in nuclear containments. An agglomerative hierarchical algorithm was utilized to classify the AE data based on energy-frequency based features. The AE signals were transferred into the frequency domain and the energies in several frequency bands were calculated and normalized to the total energy of signals. Principle component analysis was used to reduce feature redundancy. Then the selected principal components were considered as features in an input of the pattern recognition algorithm. The sensor located in the center of the confined specimen registered the largest portion of AE energy release, while in the unconfined specimen the energy is distributed more uniformly. This confirms the results of the volumetric strain, which shows that the expansion in the confined specimen is oriented along the thickness of the specimen.
Investigation of the Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates Originating from a Single Ready-Mix Concrete Plant
Authors: Anastasiou Eleftherios , Papachristoforou Michail , Anesiadis Dimitrios , Zafeiridis Konstantinos , Tsardaka Eirini-Chrysanthi
Published: November 2018

The waste produced from ready-mixed concrete (RMC) industries poses an environmental challenge regarding recycling. Three different waste products form RMC plants were investigated for use as recycled aggregates in construction applications. Crushed hardened concrete from test specimens of at least 40 MPa compressive strength (HR) and crushed hardened concrete from returned concrete (CR) were tested for their suitability as concrete aggregates and then used as fine and coarse aggregate in new concrete mixtures. In addition, cement sludge fines (CSF) originating from the washing of concrete trucks were tested for their properties as filler for construction applications. Then, CSF was used at 10% and 20% replacement rates as a cement replacement for mortar production and as an additive for soil stabilization. The results show that, although there is some reduction in the properties of the resulting concrete, both HR and CR can be considered good-quality recycled aggregates, especially when the coarse fraction is used. Furthermore, HR performs considerably better than CR both as coarse and as fine aggregate. CSF seems to be a fine material with good properties as a filler, provided that it is properly crushed and sieved through a 75 μm sieve.
New Resorbable Membrane Materials for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Jo You-Young , Oh Ji-Hyeon
Published: November 2018

Membranes are used for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in bone defects. Resorbable membranes of collagen or aliphatic polyesters that do not require secondary surgery for removal, unlike non-resorbable membranes, have been marketed for GBR. Platelet rich fibrin membrane and silk-based membranes have recently been assessed as membranes for GBR. Studies have been conducted on resorbable membranes with new materials to improve physical properties and bone regeneration without any adverse inflammatory reactions. However, clinical research data remain limited. More studies are needed to commercialize such membranes.
Ethanol Production from Waste of Cassava Processing
Authors: Martinez Daiana G. , Feiden Armin , Bariccatti Reinaldo , De Freitas Zara Katya Regina
Published: November 2018

Cassava processing produces by-products such as brown bark, between bark, disposal, bran, fiber and bagasse. Cassava bagasse is characterized as a source of starch that can be converted into sugars to obtain biofuels. The objective of this work was to produce ethanol from this cassava processing residue and to evaluate its contribution potential in the Brazilian energy matrix. Cassava processing residues were obtained from four different starch manufacturers in Brazil. Analysis of the chemical compositions of these samples provided the content of starch, sugar, crude grease, moisture, ash and also their pH values. For the ethanol process, the samples were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis using the alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidases enzymes, followed by fermentation and distillation. The samples showed high starch indices, approximately 64% on average. The average yield of ethanol obtained was 30% after treatment of the sample like this. Considering the estimated volume of cassava bagasse in Brazil, it is possible to produce an average of 789 million cubic meters per bagasse, replacing about 24% of the first generation ethanol. Cassava bagasse can be considered an interesting biomass for the production of biofuels, contributing to the expansion of the energy matrix.
A Novel Channel Calibration Method for Bistatic ISAR Imaging System
Authors: Shi Lin , Guo Baofeng , Ma Juntao , Shang Chaoxuan , Zeng Huiyan
Published: November 2018

In practical bistatic inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging systems, the echo signals are modulated by non-ideal amplitude and phase characteristics of the transmitting and receiving channels, which seriously distorts image quality. However, the conventional channel calibration method based on a transponder is not applicable to bistatic ISAR imaging systems, since the baseline of the system is up to hundreds of kilometers. A channel calibration method only using calibration satellite echo information is proposed for the system, with a linear frequency modulation (LFM) waveform. Firstly, echoes of the calibration satellite are collected by tracking the satellite and multi-period echoes are aligned in the time domain, according to the pulse compression result. Then, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is improved by accumulating multi-period echoes coherently in the time domain and the calibration coefficient is constructed based on the accumulated signal. Finally, spectrum of the echo signal is multiplied with the calibration coefficient to compensate the influence of channel characteristics. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the simulation experiment with real satellite echoes.
Low Noise High-Energy Dissipative Soliton Erbium Fiber Laser for Fiber Optical Parametric Oscillator Pumping
Authors: Tang Mincheng , Becheker Rezki , Hanzard Pierre-Henry , Tyazhev Aleksey , Oudar Jean-Louis , Mussot Arnaud , Kudlinski Alexandre , Godin Thomas , Hideur Ammar
Published: November 2018

We report on a mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser delivering highly-chirped pulses with several tens of nanojoules of energy around 1560 nm and its exploitation to efficiently pump a fiber optical parametric oscillator (FOPO), thus enabling picosecond pulse generation around 1700 nm. The laser cavity features a high normal dispersion and mode-locking is sustained using tailored spectral filtering combined with nonlinear polarization evolution and a semiconductor saturable absorber. Numerical simulations show that the laser dynamics is governed by a strong mode-locking mechanism compensating for the large spectral and temporal pulse evolution along the cavity. In the frame of high energy picosecond pulse generation around 1700 nm, we then demonstrate that using highly-chirped pulses as pump pulses allows for the efficient tuning of the FOPO idler wavelength between 1620 and 1870 nm. In addition, satisfying noise characteristics have been achieved both for the Er-laser and the FOPO, with respective relative intensity noises (RIN) of −154 and −140 dBc/Hz, thus paving the way for the use of such sources in ultrafast instrumentation.
Integration of the Experimental Results of a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) Solar Plant to an Absorption Air-Conditioning System
Authors: Galindo Luna Yuridiana , Gómez Franco Wilfrido , Dehesa Carrasco Ulises , Romero Domínguez Rosenberg , Jiménez García José
Published: November 2018

The present study reports the experimental results of a parabolic trough collector field and an absorption cooling system with a nominal capacity of 5 kW, which operates with the ammonia-lithium nitrate mixture. The parabolic trough collectors’ field consists of 15 collectors that are made of aluminum plate in the reflector surface and cooper in the absorber tube, with a total area of 38.4 m2. The absorption cooling system consists of 5 plate heat exchangers working as the main components. Parametric analyses were carried out to evaluate the performance of both systems under different operating conditions, in independent way. The results showed that the solar collectors’ field can provide up to 6.5 kW of useful heat to the absorption cooling system at temperatures up to 105 °C with thermal efficiencies up to 19.8% and exergy efficiencies up to 14.93, while the cooling system operated at generation temperatures from 85–95 °C and condensation temperatures between 20 and 28 °C, achieving external coefficients of performance up to 0.56, cooling temperatures as low as 6 °C, and exergy efficiencies up to 0.13. The highest value for the solar coefficient of performance reached 0.07.
The Development of a Methodology for Calibrating a Large-Scale Laboratory Rainfall Simulator
Authors: Kim Haksoo , Ko Teakjo , Jeong Hyangseon , Ye Sungje
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to establish a method to calibrate a large-scale laboratory rainfall simulator through developing and implementing an automated rainfall collection system to assess the reliability and accuracy of a rainfall simulator. The automated rainfall collection system was designed to overcome the limitations caused by the traditional manual measurement for obtaining the rainfall intensity and the spatial rainfall distribution in a large experimental area. The developed automated rainfall collection system was implemented to calibrate a large-scale laboratory rainfall simulator. The adequacy of average rainfall intensities automatically collected from the miniature tipping bucket rain gauges was assessed by comparison with those based on the volumetric method using the flowmeter. The functional relationships between the system variables of the rainfall simulator and the simulated intensity and uniformity distribution of rainfall (i.e., operation models) were derived based on a multiple regression approach incorporating correlation analysis on linear and logarithm scales, with consideration of a significance level. The operation models exhibited high accuracy with respect to both the rainfall intensity and the uniformity coefficients.
PEDOT Coated Thick Film Electrodes for In Situ Detection of Cell Adhesion in Cell Cultures
Authors: Bartsch Heike , Peipmann Ralf , Klett Maren , Brauer Dana , Schober Andreas , Müller Jens
Published: November 2018

Low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) provide a technology for the 3-dimensional integration of sensor arrays into bioreactors covering dimensions of several hundred micrometers. Since optical control in such assemblies is not possible, the in situ detection of cell adhesion on impedance electrodes with high spatial resolution would deliver crucial information. A current limitation is the increasing impedance of microelectrodes with decreasing diameter. This study evaluates the suitability of thick film gold electrodes, pristine and coated with electropolymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), for the detection of cell adhesion on the electrode surface. The impedance as criterion for cell attachment is measured with a recording system for electroactive cells with the aim of improving usability. Two cell cultures with different adhesion characteristic are used for adhesion assessment on planar test chips. The impedance increase measured on individual PEDOT coated electrodes due to tight contact of cells reaches a factor of 6.8 in cultures of well-adherent HepG2 cells. Less adhered NG108-15 cells produce a maximum impedance increase by a factor of 2.6. Since the electrode impedance is significantly reduced by PEDOT coating, a reduction of the electrode diameter to values below 100 µm and spatially resolved detection is possible. The results encourage further studies using PEDOT coated thick film electrodes as bio-electronic-interfaces. We presume that such miniaturized electrodes are suitable for 3-dimensional recordings in electroactive cell cultures, providing information of local cell adhesion at the same time.
Elevated Levels of Serum IL-17A in Community-Dwelling Women with Higher Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Tsuboi Hirohito , Sakakibara Hiroyuki , Minamida Yuuki , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Matsunaga Masahiro , Hara Akinori , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: November 2018

Recent studies indicate that patients with depression have increased concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, studies of IL-17 and studies on community-dwellers are few. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum cytokine levels, especially IL-17A, among subjects with high and low depressive symptoms of a general population. The participants comprised 20 female community-dwellers aged 40 years or older who contributed to a Shika study in Ishikawa, Japan. Ten participants who showed higher and ten who showed lower depressive symptoms among 208 females assessed by the Japanese version of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were selected for this study. Serum samples were analyzed for TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17A using a multiplex Luminex analysis. For the comparison between the high and low depressive groups statistically, linear regression analyses were applied. The serum level of IL-17A was significantly higher among the high depressive participants (p < 0.05) even after controlling possible confounders, whereas there were no differences in TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, or IL-12 between the high and low depressive groups. Our findings supported an association between serum IL-17A levels and depressive symptoms. Peripheral IL-17A immune response may be a preventive and treatment target for depression.