bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An EOS for the Lennard-Jones fluid: A virial expansion approach
Authors: Gottschalk Matthias
Published: December 2019

A large number (>30 000) of Monte Carlo simulations in range of 0.002–1.41 ρ* and T* ≤ 25 (* for reduced, dimensionless) was performed, producing a dense grid of state points for the internal energy U* and pressure p*. The dense grid in ρ* allows the direct integration to obtain the Helmholtz free energy F*. The results in U*, p*, and F* were used to fit an equations of state (EOS) for the Lennard-Jones fluid using the virial thermal coefficients B2–B6 taken from the literature and additional empirical coefficients (C7-C16), which correct the errors due to nonconverging behavior of virial thermal coefficients. Those additional coefficients have the same mathematical form as the virial thermal coefficients. The EOS allows an extrapolation to extreme conditions above T* > 100 and ρ* > 2.
Ion-induced electron emission reduction via complex surface trapping
Authors: Huerta Cesar E. , Wirz Richard E.
Published: December 2019

A Monte Carlo model is developed and validated to understand the ion-induced electron emission (IIEE) characteristics of complex surfaces and to show the importance of using precise geometric features to examine surface morphology effects on the yield. The decrease in IIEE from carbon velvet is accurately simulated with two distinct geometries (based on SEM images), one composed of slanted, sparsely distributed fibers and the other of tightly packed, vertical fibers. Simulation results for tungsten fuzz using a cagelike geometry predict a reduction in the yield of ∼50% compared to flat W, contradictory to previous estimates. Collisional heatmaps using the cage geometry show that the angular independence of IIEE is due to electron trapping by the horizontally oriented fibers. These insights into the emission behavior of these surfaces provide guidance for the design of new surfaces that can improve the performance of plasma devices.
Developing a long lifetime three-electrode spark-gap switch for high power, repetitive, narrow pulse width transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser
Authors: Zhang Kuo , Chen Fei , Li Shiming , Yang Guilong , Guo Jin
Published: December 2019

A three-electrode spark-gap switch is developed to improve the stability of breakdown discharge in a high power repetitive transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser. The discharge gap is specially designed to achieve a high speed gas flow in the discharge zone. A gas circulation is applied in the switch to make the ionization gas recover quickly. The influence of gas pressure and gap spacing is numerically analyzed. During a test of 10 min (at 500 Hz, 25 J/pulse), the feasibility of the switch was proved. The electrode lifetime in this spark-gap switch is extended to more than 107 shots for high power repetitive laser output.
Two-Dimensional CoII Coordination Polymer for Photodegradation of Organic Dyes and Treatment of Temporary Osteoporosis of the Hip (TOH) by Regulating wnt/β-catenin/PPARγ Pathway
Authors: Chen Hui , Wu Xue-Jian
Published: December 2019

In this study, a new two-dimensional CoII-containing coordination polymer [Co(pda)(H2O)](DMF)2 (1, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide) based on a light-harvesting triphenylamine type organic ligand has been successfully prepared by reaction of Co(NO3)2⋯6H2O and 4,4′-(phenylazanediyl)dibenzoic acid (H2pda) in a mixed solvent of water and DMF. Complex 1 has significant photocatalytic activity under visible light for the degradation of organic dyes such as rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), as well as methyl orange (MO) assisted by H2O2. Compound 1 was investigated for anti-osteoporosis activity, the Annexin V-FITC/PI method was used to test the relationship between apoptosis and osteoporosis and the effect of 1 on bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) apoptosis. The expression levels of wnt/β, catenin, and PPARγ after treatment with 1 was determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The DNA cleavage ability of 1 was further studied by molecular docking.
Persisting Gaps in M-OUD Coverage at Post-Discharge Recovery Houses Necessitate our Continued Advocacy
Authors: Patel Pious , Ramaswamy Rahul , Mardam Bey Ramzi
Published: December 2019

Effective treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) must target both the medical and psychosocial aspects of a patient's condition. This, in turn, requires a collaboration between medical providers and social supports. We would like to illustrate a key difficulty in this collaboration for some patients in our country: many post-discharge recovery houses continue to refuse to allow patients to remain on medication treatment for OUD (M-OUD). This barrier to M-OUD access in recovery houses is a significant obstacle to effective OUD treatment.
Article Commentary: An Ethical Analysis of Medication Treatment for Opioid use Disorder (MOUD) for Persons who are Incarcerated
Authors: Brezel Emma R. , Powell Tia , Fox Aaron D.
Published: December 2019

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly prevalent among persons who are incarcerated. Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD), methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, is widely used to treat OUD in the community. Despite MOUD's well-documented effectiveness in improving health and social outcomes, its use in American jails and prisons is limited.

Several factors are used to justify limited access to MOUD in jails and prisons including: “uncertainty” of MOUD's effectiveness during incarceration, security concerns, risk of overdose from MOUD, lack of resources and institutional infrastructure, and the inability of people with OUD to provide informed consent. Stigma regarding MOUD also likely plays a role. While these factors are relevant to the creation and implementation of addiction treatment policies in incarcerated settings, their ethicality remains underexplored.

Using ethical principles of beneficence/non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy, in addition to public health ethics, we evaluate the ethicality of the above list of factors. There is a two-fold ethical imperative to provide MOUD in jails and prisons. Firstly, persons who are incarcerated have the right to evidence-based medical care for OUD. Secondly, because jails and prisons are government institutions, they have an obligation to provide that evidence-based treatment. Additionally, jails and prisons must address the systematic barriers that prevent them from fulfilling that responsibility. According to widely accepted ethical principles, strong evidence supporting the health benefits of MOUD cannot be subordinated to stigma or inaccurate assessments of security, cost, and feasibility. We conclude that making MOUD inaccessible in jails and prisons is ethically impermissible.
Towards an “uncivil” society? Informality and civil society in Georgia
Authors: Chikhladze Tatia , Aliyev Huseyn
Published: December 2019

Since the early 1990s, the NGO sector in the South Caucasus has faced countless challenges on its road to development. Among these, an endemic “informalisation of society” – to a certain degree inherited from the Soviet Union – posed a seemingly insurmountable number of obstacles for the emergence and establishment of an egalitarian and open civil society in the region. This study explores the uneasy relationship between formal civil society and the informal sphere in the republic of Georgia. We argue that scholars and policy-makers alike need to pay close attention to how informal institutions, regardless of their non-civil nature, often become part of the civil sector in the context of developing countries. Informal patronage networks, radical movements and extremist organizations ̶ some registered and some remaining informal – often pose as civil society organizations, functioning as a “dark” side of NGOisation in post- Communist countries. This “uncivil” society thrives due to the low popular participation in formal civil society in this region and undermines the potential gains to be made by the development of a robust civil sector.
Unfair Manipulations during Introduction of Project and Risk-Management System within Implementation of Investment Projects in Russian Industrial Companies, Big Data in Risk-Management
Authors: Krukhmaleva Yana S
Published: December 2019

The process of creating a risk management system as part of the largest oil and gas company's investment projects is described. Examples of unfair manipulation with the risk management are given. Justification of efficiency of the chosen model and automation of the risk analysis process at each workplace is given. The expediency of using big data in risk management is described.
Persistent fossil fuel growth threatens the Paris Agreement and planetary health
Authors: Jackson R B , Friedlingstein P , Andrew R M , Canadell J G , Le Quéré C , Peters G P
Published: December 2019

Amidst declarations of planetary emergency and reports that the window for limiting climate change to 1.5 °C is rapidly closing, global average temperatures and fossil fuel emissions continue to rise. Global fossil CO2 emissions have grown three years consecutively: +1.5% in 2017, +2.1% in 2018, and our slower central projection of +0.6% in 2019 (range of –0.32% to 1.5%) to 37 ± 2 Gt CO2 (Friedlingstein et al 2019 Earth Syst. Sci. Data accepted), after a temporary growth hiatus from 2014 to 2016. Economic indicators and trends in global natural gas and oil use suggest a further rise in emissions in 2020 is likely. CO2 emissions are decreasing slowly in many industrialized regions, including the European Union (preliminary estimate of −1.7% [–3.4% to +0.1%] for 2019, −0.8%/yr for 2003–2018) and United States (−1.7% [–3.7% to +0.3%] in 2019, −0.8%/yr for 2003–2018), while emissions continue growing in India (+1.8% [+0.7% to 3.7%] in 2019, +5.1%/yr for 2003–2018), China (+2.6% [+0.7% to 4.4%] in 2019, +0.4%/yr for 2003–2018), and rest of the world ((+0.5% [−0.8% to 1.8%] in 2019, +1.4%/yr for 2003–2018). Two under-appreciated trends suggest continued long-term growth in both oil and natural gas use is likely. Because per capita oil consumption in the US and Europe remains 5- to 20-fold higher than in China and India, increasing vehicle ownership and air travel in Asia are poised to increase global CO2 emissions from oil over the next decade or more. Liquified natural gas exports from Australia and the United States are surging, lowering natural gas prices in Asia and increasing global access to this fossil resource. To counterbalance increasing emissions, we need accelerated energy efficiency improvements and reduced consumption, rapid deployment of electric vehicles, carbon capture and storage technologies, and a decarbonized electricity grid, with new renewable capacities replacing fossil fuels, not supplementing them. Stronger global commitments and carbon pricing would help implement such policies at scale and in time.
Greening through schooling: understanding the link between education and pro-environmental behavior in the Philippines
Authors: Hoffmann Roman , Muttarak Raya
Published: December 2019

In recent years, changing lifestyle, consumption and mobility patterns have contributed to a global rise in greenhouse gases responsible for the warming of the planet. Despite its increasing relevance, there is a lack of understanding of factors influencing the environmental behavior of people from emerging economies. In this study, we focus on the role of formal education for pro-environmental behavior in the Philippines and study three potentially underlying mechanisms explaining the education effects: differential knowledge about climate change, risk perceptions, and awareness. Whilst there is some evidence showing that education is associated with pro-environmental behavior, little is known about the actual mechanisms through which it influences decision-making. Using propensity score methods, we find that an additional year of schooling significantly increases the probability of pro-environmental actions, e.g. planting trees, recycling, and proper waste management, by 3.3%. Further decomposing the education effects, it is found that education influences behavior mainly by increasing awareness about the anthropogenic causes of climate change, which may consequently affect the perception of self-efficacy in reducing human impacts on the environment. Knowledge and perceptions about climate risks also explain the education effect on pro-environmental behavior, but to a lesser extent.
How to boost the students’ interest to engineering graphics?
Authors: Dobelis M , Sroka-Bizon M , Branoff T
Published: December 2019

Evident boost in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry now is possible using BIM concept – Building Information Modelling. A similar workflow under a term Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is known for quite a time. Successful introduction of these technologies require extensive application of 3D geometric models. Development of spatial imagination and 3D models by means of CAD systems should be tackled in the engineering courses. Universities have to participate more actively in the process of faster implementation of these technologies into life. A common background knowledge required to handle this problem is a development of spatial visualization skills since in the backbone of the both these concepts there is a three-dimensional (3D) geometric model or database. The former classic university courses like descriptive geometry and engineering graphics used in the last century have undergone considerable reduction in credit points, sometimes caused by administrative orders or experienced decent content changes dictated by IT achievements. However, development of the spatial comprehension and visualization skills should not be under estimated in the future syllabuses, because they are crucial for 3D modelling in a wide range of engineering applications. The paper will share an experience about recent research about teaching spatial comprehension, 3D visualization and CAD communication skills in technical universities. Results of the experience gained from a 2011 Fulbright Scholarship teaching and research project about the measuring the engineering graphics literacy skills and further application in practice are represented as well. The paper will focus on a review of adopted and tested teaching methods and approaches rather than detailed analysis of the situation in general.
Occurrences in Czech Railway Infrastructure and their Relation to the Economic Efficiency of Investments
Authors: Hromádka V , Korytárová J , Vítková E
Published: December 2019

The paper focuses on the evaluation of impacts of occurrences in the Czech railway transport system on social and economic benefits and financial efficiency of investment projects in railway infrastructure. The evaluation of financial and economic efficiency of investment projects financed from the funds of the European Union is based on the Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis of Investment Projects by European Commission from 2014. In the Czech Republic, this Guide has been complemented, for the purposes of economic and financial evaluation of projects in transport infrastructure, by the Departmental Guideline for the Evaluation of Economic Effectiveness of Transport Construction Projects by the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic which specifies economic evaluation of projects of roads and highways, railways and waterways important for traffic. The Departmental Guideline defines benefits which can be included into the economic evaluation, e.g. savings in the operation costs, the decrease in costs connected with accidents, the decrease in costs connected with the travel time or negative externalities usually related to impacts on the environment. However, in the case of the railway infrastructure, benefits connected to the increase in safety and fluency of the transport due to introducing security and information systems are not taken into account, even if these investments form a standard part of most railway infrastructure investment projects. The objective of the paper is to identify both the number and the structure of railways occurrences, which can influence effective functioning of railway transport for the purpose of their subsequent research in order to take into account decrease in their use in economic analysis. The methodology of the research is based on detailed analysis of individual occurrences which happened on Czech railways during past three years. The output of this paper provides a detailed statistic of occurrences including damage caused and propose recommendations for the next steps which should lead to the quantification of relevant benefits.
Application of multi-criteria method to assess the usefulness of a hydrotechnical object for floating housing
Authors: Miszewska E , Niedostatkiewicz M
Published: December 2019

This publication presents the analysis of three hydrotechnical objects located in the Municipality of Gdańsk with a view of mooring Floating Houses. The assessment of the adaptation of a hydrotechnical object has been carried out by a multi-criteria method AHP and using the main criteria such as: mooring system, communication with the mainland, availability of the utility networks, waste disposal and location of the parking spaces. The analysis allowed to conclude that there are no hydrotechnical objects in Gdańsk, which would be fully adapted to mooring of Floating Houses without additional infrastructure investments. The most adapted site out of the three ones considered in the Municipality of Gdańsk is location no. 1 – the Rybackie Pobrzeże.
Measurement of thermal, hygric and physical properties of bricks and mortar common for the Polish market
Authors: Pietrak K , Kubiś M , Cieślikiewicz Ł , Furmański P , Seredyński M , Wasik M , Wiśniewski T , Łapka P
Published: December 2019

Hygric, thermal and physical properties were determined for building materials typical for the Polish market. One type of mortar and two types of masonry bricks were studied. Thermal diffusivity and specific heat of dry materials were found using the flash and differential scanning calorimetry methods, respectively. Water vapour permeability was tested using the cup method for a single temperature of 23°C and for two ranges of the air relative humidity (from 0 to 50% and from 50 to 94%). The permeability tests were performed according to ISO 12572:2016. Measurements of the sorption isotherms were carried out using the environmental chamber method, according to ISO 12571:2013. The results of measurements of the apparent and true density of the considered materials were used to determine their porosity. The presented measurements concerned materials involved in physical and numerical experiments aimed at quantitative and qualitative analyses of heat and moisture transfer during drying of building materials and walls.
The impact of nano SiO2 and superplasticizers on hydration and physical mechanical properties of cement
Authors: Malaiskiene J , Baneviciene V , Vaiciene M
Published: December 2019

The aim of work is to determine the lowest and effective amount of nano SiO2 (NS) for cementitious paste and identify the complex impact of NS and chemical admixtures on cement hydration and physical-mechanical properties. In order to achieve the aim, cementitious specimens with different types and amounts of NS were formed. Further, after the selection of NS and its amount, specimens were formed with various superplasticizers. The work analysis the following properties of cementitious mixtures and hardened cement stone: flow diameter, exothermal temperature, density, ultrasound pulse velocity, compressive strength, microstructure and mineralogical composition. It was determined that the greatest strength of cementitious specimens was obtained when 0.02 wt.% of NS was used, and, compared to control specimens, it increased by ∼15%. Additionally, the greatest increment in strength was observed for specimens with melamine-based superplasticizer. Compared to control specimens, the strength increased up to 23% and the obtained density and ultrasound pulse velocity were the greatest. XRD analysis showed that all specimens had analogue crystal hydrates formed but their amounts are different. SEM analysis showed that structure of the specimens with NS is denser.
Effect of MWCNT and PCE plasticizer on the properties of cement pastes
Authors: Skripkiunas G , Karpova E , Bendoraitiene J , Barauskas I
Published: December 2019

Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) plasticizer possesses by high water-reduction capability of about 30-40%. Despite the superior water reduction capability, the high dosages of PCE may cause the bleeding in cement systems, which is not suitable for high workability and self-compacting concrete. The current research is devoted to the studying of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) suspension prepared in combination with PCE plasticizer on the rheological properties of cement pastes. The bleeding of cement pastes modified by different dosages of MWCNT was estimated as well. The increase of yield stress in 3.7 and 3.5 times was obtained for cement paste modified by MWCNT suspension in dosage of 0.12% by weight of cement (bwoc) in 5 and 120 min after cement paste mixing, respectively. The increase of plastic viscosity in 2.95 and 1.55 times was obtained for cement paste modified by MWCNT suspension in dosage of 0.12% bwoc in 5 and 120 min after cement paste mixing, respectively. Modification of cement pastes by MWCNT suspension in the dosage of 0.24 % bwoc led to the decrease of bleeding water volume by 21.7% in comparison with cement pastes modified only by PCE plasticizer.
Preliminary research for long lasting self-healing effect of bacteria-based concrete with lightweight aggregates
Authors: Dembovska L , Bajare D , Korjakins A , Toma D , Jakubovica E
Published: December 2019

A typical phenomenon in concrete structures is crack formation. Shrinkage cracks may appear in early stage of concrete. In late age cracks may appear due to process of serviceability and external weather conditions. Larger cracks interfere structural integrity, micro-cracks may result in durability problems as increase of water absorption, which results in concrete degradation and reinforcement corrosion. Manual maintenance of the concrete structure is costly and labour consuming; therefore, functionality of self-healing phenomenon of concrete structures has been inspected.

In this study self-healing phenomenon of bacteria-based concrete has been investigated. Calcium lactate and yeast medium with spore-forming alkaliphilic bacteria Bacillus Lentus have been chosen. Bacillus Lentus spores with medium were integrated (by using vacuum technique) into expanded clay granules (LECA) with a size of 2-4 mm. Direct addition of bacteria (without immobilization) in concrete limits the survival of bacteria from 1 to 2 months. In this study, to increase viability of bacteria at high pH media in concrete and thus the time-related functionality of self-healing agents, bacteria were immobilized in LECA.

The mechanism of crack healing in bacteria-based concrete presumably occurs through metabolic conversion of calcium lactate to calcium carbonate. The influence of bacteria on the mechanical and physical properties of samples was estimated after 28 days and after 6 years. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that concrete samples with Bacillus Lentus showed an increase of 22% in compressive strength compared to the reference sample.

The main task of this scientific research is to identify, if self-healing phenomenon happens for the samples, which are 28 days old and for samples which are 6 years old.

Results from the optical investigation showed that self-healing phenomenon (after 14 days of healing) has occurred for all samples and cracks in concrete were partly closed with calcium carbonate.
Correlation between ultrasound velocity, density and strength in metal-ceramic composites with added hollow spheres
Authors: Tatarinov A , Shishkin A , Mironovs V
Published: December 2019

Ultrasound velocity is known as a non-destructive predictor of strength in some construction materials like concrete. In multi-phase materials, where the physical properties of components differ by orders, the strength prediction becomes more ambiguous due to more complicated interactions between the components. As an example of such material, sintered metal-ceramic composites with added hollow spheres were taken. The matrix was a mixture of powdered iron and clay, where hollow admixtures were cenospheres or microsphreres of fly ash. By varying the iron-to-clay ratio, sintering temperature and cenospheres content, 17.4% variation of the bulk density ρ and 35.3% variation of the compression strength σ were achieved. Ultrasound velocity C was measured in cylindrical specimens and showed 8.6% variation. All mentioned parameters positively correlated with each other. The relationship between C and σ had expressed non-linear character. Normalization of the relationship by ρ helped improving the C-σ correlation. The non-linear monotonous function C = ρ−2·Ϭ−4 provided the closest correlation with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient 0.942 and the Pearson linear correlation coefficient 0.943. The hollow spheres content was the main determinant of density ρ in this material.
Evaluation of Bridge and Landscape Interactions
Authors: Rozentale I , Paeglitis A , Smirnovs J
Published: December 2019

The community has become more and more focused on preserving the natural landscape. That is an essential part of the quality of human life. Every member of society wants to enjoy a high-quality landscape. That is evidenced by the documents adopted in recent years, which set out how to evaluate the interaction between structures and landscape. The European Landscape Convention covers all areas with both natural and human-changed landscape. These paper analyses methods and criteria for the assessment of bridges as a component of the landscape, focusing on the possibilities and experiences of applying multi-criteria methods. Particular attention dedicated to the interaction between the bridge and the environment, the criteria and methods for its assessment, which is one of the stages of the visual (technical and visual) and aesthetic (separate elements and overall design) of the bridges, which includes both landscape and bridge impact assessment. Paper analysis the possible application of criteria and methods for evaluation of existing and new bridges as a part of the landscape.
Natural vibration of stepped nanoplate with crack on an elastic foundation
Authors: Hossain M , Lellep J
Published: December 2019

The small scale effect on the vibrational characteristic of isotropic, rectangular nanoplate embedded in an elastic medium is investigated. The formulation is based on the plate theory on aggregate with the nonlocal elasticity theory. The solution procedure is derived using the governing differential equations of physical phase that are converted into set of linear algebraic equations. Latter these are solved by computer code. The effects of aspect ratio, step, crack and rotatory inertia on the different modal vibrations of nanoplate are explored. The results show the significant effect of different physical and geometrical parameters on the vibration of nanoplate.
Effect of water-binder ratio on properties of phosphogypsum binder
Authors: Bumanis G , Zorica J , Bajare D , Korjakins A
Published: December 2019

Technological, physical and mechanical properties of mineral binders are often defined by the amount of water add to the binder known as W/B ratio. The role of water is contributed to the workability of fresh paste, hydration processes, porosity, mechanical performance and durability of the material. Present research summarizes the relationship between gypsum based binder W/B ratio in mixture composition to properties of hardened gypsum binder, giving a marginal borders of properties affected by W/B. The W/B ratios evaluated were from 0.3 to 1.15. Dihydrate phosphogypsum (PG), which is a waste of phosphorus fertilizer industry and commercial gypsum binder were used as a raw material for production of gypsum samples and results compared to commercial gypsum binder. At the beginning PG was dried at 60°C and afterwards homogenized by milling it in ball mill or by collision milling in disintegrator. Samples were made with plasticizers, mineral additives and foam forming additive. In this work 26 dense and 9 porous mixture compositions was summarized, from which 18 compositions were made from commercial binder for comparison. A series of performance properties of the binders were investigated, such as density, porosity and 14d compression strength regarding to W/B ratio used to prepare the samples. The chemical and mineralogical composition of PG used was determined by XRF and XRD. The results indicate that plasticizers in PG based gypsum binder could reduce W/B ratio from 1.15 down to 0.4. The PG binder bulk density for samples without pore forming admixture was in range from 726 – 1600 kg/m3, total porosity 35 – 71 vol.% and compressive strength from 1.4 to 28.7 MPa at the age of 14 d. Ultra porous gypsum material was obtained with the pore forming agent, which allowed to obtain gypsum based material with bulk density from 213 – 726 kg/m3, total porosity from 67.9 – 90.6 % and compressive strength from 0.2 – 0.8 MPa. Results show that the material density and strength decreases while porosity tends to increases with the increase of W/B ratio. These tendencies are true both for dense and porous specimens. It was concluded, that lowest W/B of dense PG specimens was 0.43, otherwise the workability of a binder decreased dramatically and decrease of compressive strength was observed. With the same W/B ratio the technological properties of PG binder may be affected by gypsum treatment parameters and selected mixture composition, allowing to improve the properties of gypsum binder obtained from same raw material.
Biodegradation studies of sapropel-based composite materials
Authors: Obuka V. , Muter O. , Sinka M. , Klavins M.
Published: December 2019

Traditional composite materials used for construction purposes currently face many questions regarding their sustainability – mainly because they do not come from renewable sources and due to the problems related to their end-of-life management. These challenges motivate companies and researchers to look at the natural fiber composite materials with increased interest. Usually natural fiber materials in construction are used together with mineral binders, but in this research new organic binder – sapropel (organic rich lake sediments) is used as a binder for natural fiber composite materials with various fillers. In previous research these composite materials have proven their applicability in construction industry due to their sufficient mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity. Thus, in this research evaluation of the biodegradability of composite materials were done, comparing them to natural fiber materials with mineral binders. As a methods respiration intensity of microorganisms in soil and enzyme activity of microorganisms were used. For studied materials biodegradability potential have been examined, depending on the filler properties and presence of mineral matter content in the obtained composite materials.
Environmental study and valorization of an ashy waste: case of pyrrhotite ash
Authors: Achik M , Oulmekki A , Ijjaali M , Benmoussa H , Kizinievic O
Published: December 2019

Pyrrhotite ash is an industrial waste which is currently stored in large quantities in a large area in southwest of Morocco. The literature review revealed that this waste has been used by some cement industries and has not been the subject of any environmental study or valuation in another area. This work focuses on the environmental study of pyrrhotite ash. This study consists of a dynamic test with renewing lixiviate more particularly the leaching tank test. The protocol used is extracted from the Dutch standard NEN 7345 with modification of the volume of water used and the number of extraction. Quantitative analysis by ICP has shown that pyrrhotite ash releases heavy metals in aqueous medium. However, the concentration of these is very low compared to the limits estimated by the Dutch standard adapted to the Moroccan hydrological context (MBMD), this result encouraged us to find a way to valorise this waste and to make it a raw material for the manufacture of terracotta bricks made of clay.
Tension control adaptive system synthesis used in winding of products made of “dry” composite material
Authors: Mikitinsky A
Published: December 2019

Products made by winding are widely used in many industries. The winding control systems requires synthesis of tension control regulators taking into account the specific features of this process. They determine the requirements for the synthesis of control regulators made of modern materials. Synthesis methods do not take into account the peculiarities of the “wet” composite tape. This article deals with the tension control adaptive system used in winding.
Calculation of Stress-strain State of the Microtunneling Shield Housing
Authors: Grinko D A , Khoroshev A S , Zemlyanoy M A
Published: December 2019

The work reviews the strength calculation of the microtunneling shield housing shell and bed plates of hydraulic cylinders of the mobile set. Based on the requirements for maximum loads on the shield, the analytical calculation of the housing shell thickness and basic design parameters of the tunneling shield bed plate was made. The bending moments and normal forces effecting on the housing were defined in analytical way. The calculation method was offered for the required solid shell of the shield housing considering the allowed values of its deformation due to the necessary construction clearance between the inner surface of the housing shell and mounted support. The numerical modelling of the stress-strain state of the tunneling shield housing was made using the finite-element method on the basis of solid model with due regard to the design peculiarities of the tunneling shield. The numerical modelling confirms the results of analytical calculation of design parameters of the tunneling shield.
Algorithm of linear discrete filtering with fuzzy modification of structure
Authors: Eliseev A , Sokolova O
Published: December 2019

The paper considers a task of processing measurements to determine the state vector of a dynamic object, for example, an aircraft. A linear discrete filtering algorithm based on the Kalman filter is proposed. It is capable of modifying its structure using fuzzy expert system depending on the intensity of the object maneuver. The performance and efficiency of the algorithm are confirmed by the results of numerical simulation.
Container storage tariff policy analysis using combining game theory and system dynamics approach
Authors: Budianto A G , Wirjodirdjo B
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the storage tariff setting policy. The main purpose of this paper is to give consideration to optimal tariffs based on alternative strategies that reduce dwelling time. The main problem is the basic tariff for container storage in Container Yard is too cheap. This low-cost tariff of the storage container is used by customers so that containers are piled too long in Container Yard and cause dwelling time to be high. This has an impact on the congestion effect and the decline in utilities in the container terminal. This problem has complexity and suitability with System Dynamics. The linkage system between one cause and another cause will be modelled with System Dynamics so that the estimated output of container flows can be obtained. Furthermore, with the Non-Cooperative Game approach, a payoff matrix table will be obtained which contains the total profit obtained by the container terminal management and the total cost incurred by the customer. The main factors considered in the payoff matrix are the estimated container flows, the container storage tariff and the length of time accumulated in Container Yard. Finally, the optimal tariff from both sides was found (Nash Equilibrium), from the point of view of terminal container management and customer. This will help terminal management to make the right decision.
Optimisation of subtractive rapid prototyping process parameters using response surface methodology
Authors: Suteja T J , Hadiyat M A
Published: December 2019

Subtractive rapid prototyping machine is the most suitable tool to manufacture a polymer based prosthetic part because it is able to achieve a low surface roughness value for a complex and customised part. Many investigations have been conducted to explain the relation among the surface roughness value, the material rate removal, and the subtractive rapid prototyping process parameters. It is important to find the optimum process parameters in order to achieve the most efficient and productive process. However, none of the research found in the literature optimises the subtractive rapid prototyping process parameters in fabricating polycarbonate part. Therefore, this research aims to find the optimum process parameters to achieve the lowest arithmetic average of surface roughness value of the polycarbonate part in maximum material removal rate. In this research, the response surface methodology is implemented to optimised feed rate, step-over, and depth of cut of the subtractive rapid prototyping process. This research finds the feed rate, step-over, and depth of cut values that can be used to achieve the best result in manufacturing of polycarbonate material.
How do the Indonesian ecologically conscious millennials value upcycled clothing?
Authors: Parung C A
Published: December 2019

Upcycling is a form of green action in the area of product management and it is a new emerging trend nowadays. According to the findings of previous researches, Ecologically Conscious Consumer (ECC) tends to purchase more sustainable products, including environmentally-friendly fashion products. However, though upcycled products are classed as environmentally-friendly products, there has not been any research yet confirming that ECC in developing country likes Indonesia value and has interest in purchasing it. The aim of this research is to identify green consumer behaviour in Indonesia towards upcycled clothing. An online survey was conducted through online questionnaires to find the relationship between green consumer in Indonesia and environmentally-friendly fashion, also how the ECC value upcycled clothing as a form of eco-friendly fashion. The research shows that Indonesian millennials are mostly environmentally conscious and adopt green buying behaviour. It was found that many of green consumers in Indonesia are unfamiliar with the word ‘upcycling’, but some of them have already purchased it as form of sustainable deeds. Mostly the participants valued upcycled products more than recycle products for the ideas and they are valued as work of art. Profound statistical analysis was used to get the result of this research.
Passive design implementation as sustainable development approach on vertical housing case study: Sentra Timur Residence
Authors: Riotama T , Herdiansyah H
Published: December 2019

Vertical housing development is a solution to solve the housing needs problem in Jakarta, which already had a land limitation issue. However, the development also contributes to environmental degradation. Building uses materials and energy in the development process, and when it operates. Most of energy use in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) to create physical comfort for user. Passive design strategies applied to maintain comfortable temperature in building such as building orientation, shading, and ventilation, so energy usage could be reduced. The purpose of this research was to analyse the implementation of passive design in vertical housing, as an approach to achieve sustainable building. Observation carried on Sentra Timur Residence, one of vertical housing in East Jakarta. This research used building data to create mass modelling to help analyse the passive design implementation. The results show that some passive design strategies are applied such as building orientation, shading, and ventilation, mainly in the housing unit. These strategies help to maintain thermal comfort inside the housing unit, so the users can feel comfort without using an air conditioner. It reduces energy usage in the building so negative impact on environment could be minimized.
Mass transfer kinetic model and removal capacity of acid blue 29 adsorptions onto activated carbon
Authors: Setyopratomo P , Priyantini H R , Agustriyanto R
Published: December 2019

So far, the handling of dye pollution remains a challenge. One of the promising methods to reduce the dyes content from such waste is adsorption. The purpose of this study is to examine the suitability of kinetic models and to determine the removal capacity of acid blue 29 adsorptions onto activated carbon. Two mathematical models were developed to evaluate the adsorption kinetics. The first model only took into account the convective mass transfer of the dyestuff to the surface of the adsorbent, while the second model also took into account the diffusion of the dyes in the adsorbent pore. The result showed that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir equilibrium and the kinetic fits to the second model in which the adsorption rate is controlled by convection mass transfer in the liquid phase as well as the intra-particle molecular diffusion that occurs in the pore. The dye removal capacity inversely proportional to the dye concentration and reaches 86.6% when the initial dye concentration is 75 ppm.
Determination of material optical properties from diffusive reflection light intensity profiles at multiple distances
Authors: Liu Lili , Yin Daheng , Zhu Nanyang , Tan Jinglu , Guo Ya
Published: December 2019

Optical absorption and scattering properties are often estimated from the diffusive reflection light intensity at only one distance from the material surface, which often encounters accuracy and convergence issues. In this work, a method was proposed to determine optical properties by using diffusive reflection light intensity profiles at multiple distances, which enhanced data richness as a result of the intensity profiles are linearly independent. In this method, five features of light intensity profiles (contrast, correlation, energy, homogeneity, and second moment) were used to reduce the data dimensions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were used to generate diffusive reflection light intensity profiles with noise at different distances for various combinations of four optical properties (absorption coefficient μ

a
, scattering coefficient μ

s
, isotropic coefficient g, and refractive index n). The five profile feature vectors were used as inputs and the four optical parameters were used as outputs to train and test a backpropagation (BP) neural network. The influences of noise levels and the number of diffusive light intensity profiles on parameter estimation accuracy were investigated. The four optical parameters estimated by the BP network were compared with the results estimated by the traditional least squares method, which shows that the proposed method can estimate the optical properties with higher accuracy and better convergence.
Growth of mixed K2NixCo(1−x)(SO4)2 · 6H2O crystals for large supercooling without spontaneous crystallization in solution
Authors: Zhokhov Andrei A , Masalov Vladimir M , Rudneva Elena B , Manomenova Vera L , Vasilyeva Natalia A , Sukhinina Nadezhda S , Voloshin Alexey E , Emelchenko Gennadi A
Published: December 2019

A scheme for growing mixed K2NixCo(1−x)(SO4)2 · 6H2O (KCNSH) single crystals under conditions of supercooling at 5 °C–10 °C without spontaneous crystallization in solution for more than a month has been proposed and implemented. The growth method is implemented according to the ‘rotor crystallizer’ scheme. The crystals grown were characterized by optical spectroscopy and x-ray topography. The crystals obtained demonstrated the optical properties necessary to create effective UV filters.
Vortex shear banding transitions in superconductors with inhomogeneous pinning arrays
Authors: Reichhardt C , Reichhardt C J O
Published: December 2019

We numerically examine the flow of superconducting vortices in samples containing square pinning arrays in which a band of pins is removed. When a drive is applied at an angle with respect to the band orientation, we find that the vortex depinning initiates in the pin-free channel. The moving vortices form a series of quasi-one-dimensional shear bands that begin flowing in the bulk of the pin-free channel, and the motion gradually approaches the edge of the pinned region. The consecutive depinning of each shear band appears as a series of jumps in the velocity-force curves and as sharp steps in the spatial velocity profiles. When a constant drive is applied parallel to the pin-free channel along with a gradually increasing perpendicular drive, the net vortex velocity decreases in a series of steps that correspond to the immobilization of bands of vortices, and in some cases the flow can drop to zero, creating a field effect transistor phenomenon. These results should also be relevant to other types of systems that exhibit depinning in the presence of inhomogeneous pinning.
Evidence in chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder guidelines: is it time to treat or time to wait?
Authors: Bover Jordi , Ureña-Torres Pablo , Mateu Silvia , DaSilva Iara , Gràcia Silvia , Sánchez-Baya Maya , Arana Carolt , Fayos Leonor , Guirado Lluis , Cozzolino Mario
Published: December 2019

Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD–MBD) is one of the many important complications associated with CKD and may at least partially explain the extremely high morbidity and mortality among CKD patients. The 2009 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline document was based on the best information available at that time and was designed not only to provide information but also to assist in decision-making. In addition to the international KDIGO Work Group, which included worldwide experts, an independent Evidence Review Team was assembled to ensure rigorous review and grading of the existing evidence. Based on the evidence from new clinical trials, an updated Clinical Practice Guideline was published in 2017. In this review, we focus on the conceptual and practical evolution of clinical guidelines (from eMinence-based medicine to eVidence-based medicine and ‘living’ guidelines), highlight some of the current important CKD–MBD-related changes, and underline the poor or extremely poor level of evidence present in those guidelines (as well as in other areas of nephrology). Finally, we emphasize the importance of individualization of treatments and shared decision-making (based on important ethical considerations and the ‘best available evidence’), which may prove useful in the face of the uncertainty over the decision whether ‘to treat’ or ‘to wait’.