bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Diesel/LPG Dual Fuel on Performance and Emissions in a Single Cylinder Diesel Generator
Authors: Aydin Mustafa , Irgin Ahmet , Çelik M. Bahattin
Published: May 2018

Compared to other engines of the same size, diesel engines are more economical in addition to their ability to generate high power. For this reason, they are widely used in many fields such as industry, agriculture, transportation, electricity generation. The increasing environmental concerns and diminishing oil resources led researchers to improve fuel consumption and emissions. In this context, the usage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel in diesel engines is one of the important research subjects that has been keeping up to date. This paper investigates the effects of LPG direct injection towards the end of air inlet period on engine emissions and performance characteristics. A four-stroke, air cooled, single cylinder diesel engine was modified to direct injection of LPG for diesel/LPG dual fuel operation. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) was designed and used to adjust LPG injection timing and duration. LPG injection rates were selected as 30%, 50% and 70% on a mass base. The test engine was operated at 3000 rpm constant engine speed under varying load conditions. Throughout the experiments, it was observed that smoke density significantly reduced on the dual-fuel operation, compared to the pure diesel operation. Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions decreased by 30% and 20%, respectively. Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) decreased by 8%. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions increased by 6% while effective efficiency increased up to 1.25%.
Open Conformation of the Escherichia coli Periplasmic Murein Tripeptide Binding Protein, MppA, at High Resolution
Authors: Bhatt Forum , Patel Vishal , Jeffery Constance J.
Published: May 2018

Periplasmic ligand-binding proteins (PBPs) bind ligands with a high affinity and specificity. They undergo a large conformational change upon ligand binding, and they have a robust protein fold. These physical features have made them ideal candidates for use in protein engineering projects to develop novel biosensors and signaling molecules. The Escherichia coli MppA (murein peptide permease A) PBP binds the murein tripeptide, l-alanyl-γ-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelate, (l-Ala-γ-d-Glu-meso-Dap), which contains both a D-amino acid and a gamma linkage between two of the amino acids. We have solved a high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of E. coli MppA at 1.5 Å resolution in the unliganded, open conformation. Now, structures are available for this member of the PBP protein family in both the liganded/closed form and the unliganded/open form.
Morphological and Radio Frequency Characterization of Graphene Composite Films
Authors: Quaranta Simone , Miscuglio Mario , Bayat Ahmad , Savi Patrizia
Published: May 2018

Graphene is a monolayer of carbon atoms which exhibits remarkable electronic and mechanical properties. Graphene based nano-materials have gained a lot of interest for many applications. In this paper, inks with three different graphene concentrations (12.5, 25, and 33 wt % in graphene) were prepared and deposited by screen printing. A detailed investigation of films’ surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed that the graphene films present a homogeneous dispersion of the filler with a comparatively lower surface roughness at higher concentrations and negligible agglomerates. The films were then printed between copper electrodes on FR-4 substrate (trade name for glass-reinforced epoxy laminate material), commonly used in Radio Frequency (RF) circuits, and the measured scattering parameters analyzed. Finally, the reflection coefficient of a patch antenna, fabricated on FR-4 substrate with and without a stub loaded by a thin film were measured. The difference of the resonant frequency due to the different interaction between graphene flakes and polymer binders shows attractive features of functionalized graphene films for chemical and bio-sensing applications.
Wettability and Adhesion Work Prediction in the Polymer–Aqueous Solution of Surface Active Agent Systems
Authors: Zdziennicka Anna , Krawczyk Joanna , Jańczuk Bronisław
Published: May 2018

The wettability of solids by aqueous solutions of surfactants is very important in many practical applications. Thus, the measured advancing contact angles of aqueous solutions of chosen surfactants on polyethylene (PE) and those taken from the literature on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polyamide (nylon 6) were analyzed. Based on the measured values of the contact angles and the literature data of the surface tensions of the studied surfactant solutions, their adsorption at the PE–water interface and the work of adhesion (Wa) were determined. The values of Wa to PE calculated on the basis of the contact angles and surface tensions of these solutions were compared to those determined by applying the new Lifshitz–van der Waals component of the water–PE surface tension. There was a good agreement between the Wa values determined in two different ways. Their contact angles were calculated using the values of PE surface tension, the new Lifshitz–van der Waals component of the water surface tension, and the surface tension of aqueous solutions of the studied surfactants. The contact angle values calculated in such a way were close to the measured values. In the case of PTFE, the same relations were obtained. The values of Wa to PMMA and nylon 6 could be also predicted.
Self-Assembly of 3d-4f ZnII-LnIII (Ln = Ho and Er) Bis(salamo)-Based Complexes: Controlled Syntheses, Structures and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Dong Xiu-Yan , Zhao Qing , Kang Quan-Peng , Li Xiao-Yan , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: May 2018

Two new hetero-trinuclear 3d-4f complexes [Zn2(L)Ho(μ2-OAc)2(OAc)(MeOH)]·CH2Cl2 (1) and [Zn2(L)Er(μ2-OAc)2]OAc (2), derived from a bis(salamo)-based ligand H4L, were synthesized and characterized via elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis, fluorescence spectra and X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystal structure analyses demonstrated that two μ2-acetateanions bridge the ZnII and LnIII (Ln = Ho (1) and Er (2)) atoms in a μ2-fashion forming similar hetero-trinuclear structures, respectively. In complex 1, one methanol molecule as coordinating solvent participates in the coordination, the two ZnII atoms are six- and five-coordinated and have geometries of slightly distorted tetragonal pyramid and octahedron, and the HoIII atom is nine-coordinated and has the geometry of a mono-capped square antiprism. In complex 2, the two ZnII atoms both possess five-coordinated tetragonal pyramid geometries, and the ErIII atom is eight-coordinated with a square antiprism geometry. Furthermore, the fluorescence properties of complexes 1 and 2 were determined.
The Art of Caring in the Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Freischlag Julie Ann
Published: May 2018

Those who diagnose and treat patients with thoracic outlet syndrome, especially those patientswith neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, have a practice, which needs to include many modalities todiagnose, treat, and intervene to improve their quality of life for the present and for the future.[...]
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Photogrammetry in the Conservation of Historic Places: Carleton Immersive Media Studio Case Studies
Authors: Federman Alex , Shrestha Sujan , Quintero Mario Santana , Mezzino Davide , Gregg John , Kretz Shawn , Ouimet Christian
Published: May 2018

The increasing commercialization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has opened the possibility of performing low-cost aerial image acquisition for the documentation of cultural heritage sites through UAV photogrammetry. This paper presents two case studies that illustrate the use of the DJI Phantom 4 normal UAV for aerial image acquisition, and the results that can be achieved using those images. A general workflow procedure of oblique image capturing and data processing of large data sets has been illustrated in the Prince of Wales Fort case study to create photogrammetric models and to generate orthophotos for condition assessment applications. The second case study provides insight on the possibility of using UAVs for post-disaster documentation when the accessibility and the availability of high cost equipment is of major concern. The results that were obtained from UAV photogrammetry of Nyatapola Temple and Bhairabnath Temple in Taumadhi Square in Nepal, which were damaged by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, are presented and discussed.
SystemC/TLM Controller for Efficient NAND Flash Management in Electronic Musical Instruments
Authors: Conti Massimo , Caldari Marco , Gianfelici Matteo , Ricci Adriana , Ripa Franco
Published: May 2018

The design of an efficient memory subsystem is a fundamentally challenging task in the design of electronic equipment. The storage hierarchy chosen for a particular design has a significant impact on the overall performance and cost. Flash memory often contains the boot code, operating system kernel, device drivers, middleware, and other application-specific software that can result in megabytes of non-volatile stored data. To maximize the performance, data are moved from non-volatile memory to faster SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random-access memory). Non-volatile memory technologies reach a performance level close to that of dynamic RAMs with the additional benefit of persistent data storage. When cost is critical, an approach where the data are managed directly from non-volatile memory can be used. In this case the non-volatile memory subsystem is constantly accessed to retrieve data. The deep understanding of the system architecture is critical to identify any factor that affects memory performance and the resulting system performance; particularly in specific applications with stricter requests like streaming audio when more than one hundred data streams must be handled in a real-time environment and sound must be generated with a total latency of a few milliseconds. This article reports the development of the system-level model of a controller in a SystemC simulation environment capable of optimizing the use of NAND type flash memories for storage and playback of audio samples in real-time music applications, with the aim of reducing the quantity of the system SDRAM memory, thus lowering the cost of the final product, while still providing the most high-fidelity sound experience.
Optimisation of Growth of Raphidocelis subcapitata Immobilised for Biofuel Production: Influence of Alginate and CaCl2 Concentrations on Growth
Authors: Benasla Amel , Hausler Robert
Published: May 2018

The growth of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata in sodium alginate beads was studied. The beads were generated by the extrusion technique, which was followed by gelling in a Ca2+ solution. The alginate concentrations studied were 1%, 1.5% and 2% (w/v), while the concentrations of CaCl2 were 0.2%, 0.5% and 1% (w/v). The growth monitoring of the cells in the beads was performed by dissolving the gel in a sodium phosphate buffer and reading the optical density at 685 nm using a spectrophotometer. The results clearly showed that alginate and divalent Ca2+ ions do not contribute directly to the growth of microalgae but play a decisive role in preserving the integrity of the beads and protecting them from shrinkage. Furthermore, they have an important role in the transfer of nutrients, light and CO2 in the beads. The highest growth (3.92 × 106 ± 0.39 cells/bead) was obtained with the concentrations of alginate being 1.5% and CaCl2 being 0.2%. However, the beads began to shrink and this resulted in the cells being released into the culture medium after the 8th day. Of all the combinations studied, the combination of 2% alginate and 1% CaCl2 was the best because it ensured the stability of the beads during the 10 days of culture and resulted in a low concentration of free cells detected in the culture medium. These concentrations were determined as the optimal conditions for the immobilization of microalgae and will be used in the following work.
Eating Alone is Differentially Associated with the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Men and Women
Authors: Kim Chul-Kyoo , Kim Hyun-jin , Chung Hae-Kyung , Shin Dayeon
Published: May 2018

Few studies have examined overall patterns of eating alone in relation to the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean populations. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between patterns of eating alone and the risk of MetS in Korean adults. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for 2013–2015 were used, with 8988 Korean adult participants, including 3624 men and 5364 women, aged 18 to 64 years. Patterns of eating alone were categorized into eight groups based on the total frequency of eating alone on a daily basis in the past one year: (1) three times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; (2) twice for breakfast and dinner; (3) twice for lunch and dinner; (4) twice for breakfast and lunch; (5) once for breakfast only; (6) once for lunch only; (7) once for dinner only; and (8) never eating alone. The presence of MetS has been defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between patterns of eating alone versus the risk of MetS after controlling for age, income, occupation, number of family members, generation types, marital status, smoking status, and physical activity. The prevalence of MetS was the highest in men and women aged 40–64 who had breakfast, lunch, and dinner alone (50.1% and 36.8%, respectively). Men who had dinner alone or lunch and dinner alone compared with those who eat with others had a significantly higher risk of MetS, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 1.51, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.06–2.16; and an AOR of 1.54, with a 95% CI of 1.05–2.25, respectively. Women who had breakfast alone compared with those who ate with others had a significantly lower risk of MetS (AOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53–0.94). In conclusion, patterns of eating alone are differentially associated with the risk of MetS in a representative sample of Korean adults. Future studies are warranted to identify dietary patterns across the different eating alone patterns in relation to various health outcomes in Korean adult populations.
2D Cartography Training: Has the Time Come for a Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Carbonell-Carrera Carlos , Jaeger Allison J. , Shipley Thomas F.
Published: May 2018

2D maps with contour lines can be difficult for students to visualize in three-dimensions to interpret relief. Despite this challenge, teaching based on 2D contour lines is still used, which could generate frustration/motivation problems among students. Recently, strategies based on 3D technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) have proven to be motivating for students. Has the time come for a paradigm shift in the teaching of land interpretation/representation? The present paper shows the results of an experiment in which 41 engineering students of the subject Cartography performed an activity with 2D contour lines. The impact on students’ motivation was compared with AR. In addition, data about efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction were assessed. Results showed that traditional 2D contour line activities were less motivating for students, compared to AR. However, students perceived that doing 2D exercises made them more competent than with AR, although they reported that the 2D exercises required more effort. In terms of participant’s spatial reasoning acquisition, 2D strategies offered results similar to AR. Overall, these results suggest that 2D teaching methodologies are still effective and can be complemented by the use of innovative 3D visualization technologies.
Dynamic Amplification Factor of Continuous versus Simply Supported Bridges Due to the Action of a Moving Vehicle
Authors: González Arturo , Mohammed Omar
Published: May 2018

Research to date on Dynamic Amplification Factors (DAFs) caused by traffic loading, mostly focused on simply supported bridges, is extended here to multiple-span continuous bridges. Emphasis is placed upon assessing the DAF of hogging bending moments, which has not been sufficiently addressed in the literature. Vehicle-bridge interaction simulations are employed to analyze the response of a finite element discretized beam subjected to the crossing of two vehicle types: a 2-axle-truck and a 5-axle truck-trailer. Road irregularities are randomly generated for two ISO roughness classes. Noticeable differences appear between DAF of mid-span moment in a simply supported beam, and DAFs of the mid-span sagging moment and of the hogging moment over the internal support in a continuous multiple-span beam. Although the critical location of the maximum static moment over the internal support may indicate that DAF of hogging moment would have to be relatively small, this paper provides evidence that this is not always the case, and that DAFs of hogging moments can be as significant as DAF of sagging moments.
A Uniform Strain Transfer Scheme for Accurate Distributed Optical Fiber Strain Measurements in Civil Structures
Authors: Du Yang , Chen Yizheng , Zhuang Yiyang , Zhu Chen , Gerald Rex E. , Huang Jie
Published: May 2018

We report a screw-like package design for an embeddable distributed optical fiber strain sensor for civil engineering applications. The screw-like structure is the exterior support for an optical fiber sensor. The bare optical fiber is embedded and secured in a longitudinal groove of the screw-like package using a rigid adhesive. Our packaging scheme prevents damage to the bare optical fiber and ensures that the packaged sensor is accurately and optimally sensing strain fields in civil structures. Moreover, our screw-like design has an equal area in a cross-section perpendicular to and along the screw axis, so strain field distributions are metered faithfully along the length of the embedded optical fiber. Our novel screw-like package optical fiber sensor, interfaced to a Rayleigh scattering-based optical frequency domain reflectometer system enables undistorted, accurate, robust, and spatially-distributed strain measurements in bridges, tunnels, pipelines, buildings, etc. along structural dimensions extending from centimeters to kilometers.
Progressive Tool Wear in Cryogenic Machining: The Effect of Liquid Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Kaynak Yusuf , Gharibi Armin
Published: May 2018

This experimental study focuses on various cooling strategies and lubrication-assisted cooling strategies to improve machining performance in the turning process of AISI 4140 steel. Liquid nitrogen (LN2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were used as cryogenic coolants, and their performances were compared with respect to progression of tool wear. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) was also used with carbon dioxide. Progression of wear, including flank and nose, are the main outputs examined during experimental study. This study illustrates that carbon dioxide-assisted cryogenic machining alone and with minimum quantity lubrication does not contribute to decreasing the progression of wear within selected cutting conditions. This study also showed that carbon dioxide-assisted cryogenic machining helps to increase chip breakability. Liquid nitrogen-assisted cryogenic machining results in a reduction of tool wear, including flank and nose wear, in the machining process of AISI 4140 steel material. It was also observed that in the machining process of this material at a cutting speed of 80 m/min, built-up edges occurred in both cryogenic cooling conditions. Additionally, chip flow damage occurs in particularly dry machining.
Development and Characterization of High Performance Shape Memory Alloy Coatings for Structural Aerospace Applications
Authors: Exarchos Dimitrios A. , Dalla Panagiota T. , Tragazikis Ilias K. , Dassios Konstantinos G. , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E. , Karabela Maria M. , De Crescenzo Carmen , Karatza Despina , Musmarra Dino , Chianese Simeone , Matikas Theodore E.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents an innovative approach, which enables control of the mechanical properties of metallic components by external stimuli to improve the mechanical behavior of aluminum structures in aeronautical applications. The approach is based on the exploitation of the shape memory effect of novel Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coatings deposited on metallic structural components, for the purpose of relaxing the stress of underlying structures by simple heating at field-feasible temperatures, therefore enhancing their structural integrity and increasing their stiffness and rigidity while allowing them to withstand expected loading conditions safely. Numerical analysis provided an insight in the expected response of the SMA coating and of the SMA-coated element, while the dependence of alloy composition and heat treatment on the experienced shape memory effect were investigated experimentally. A two-phase process is proposed for deposition of the SMA coating in an order that induces beneficial stress relaxation to the underlying structure through the shape memory effect.
Comparison of Differential Operators with Lie Derivative of Three-Dimensional Real Hypersurfaces in Non-Flat Complex Space Forms
Authors: Kaimakamis George , Panagiotidou Konstantina , De Dios Pérez Juan
Published: May 2018

In this paper, three-dimensional real hypersurfaces in non-flat complex space forms, whose shape operator satisfies a geometric condition, are studied. Moreover, the tensor field P = ϕ A - A ϕ is given and three-dimensional real hypersurfaces in non-flat complex space forms whose tensor field P satisfies geometric conditions are classified.
Isolation and Composition Analysis of Bioactive Glycosaminoglycans from Whelk
Authors: Khurshid Chrow , Pye David Alexander
Published: May 2018

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are found covalently attached to proteins, which create conjugates known as proteoglycans. GAGs have remarkable biological activity as co-receptors for a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. The present study identifies the key compositional differences between the GAGs isolated from whelk and mammalian GAGs. This polysaccharide represents a new, previously undescribed GAG with cytotoxic activity on cancer cells. Disaccharides were obtained by sample digestion with heparinases I, II, and III and chondroitinase ABC. The resistant oligosaccharides from whelk GAGs treated with heparinase I, II, and III and chondroitinase ABC were retained by the filter due to their larger size. Disaccharide analysis was performed using Glycan Reduction Isotope Labeling (GRIL LCQ-MS). The amounts of filter-retained fragments, as assessed by monosaccharides analysis, suggested that a proportion of the whelk GAG chains remained resistant to the enzymes used in the disaccharide analysis. Thus, the proportions of individual disaccharide produced in this analysis may not truly represent the overall proportions of disaccharide types within the intact whelk GAGs chain. However, they do serve as important descriptors for the classification and make-up of the anti-cancer GAGs chains. Furthermore, these data represent clear evidence of the compositional differences between whelk GAGs and commercial mammalian GAGs.
Microstructural and XRD Analysis and Study of the Properties of the System Ti-TiAl-B4C Processed under Different Operational Conditions
Authors: Montealegre-Meléndez Isabel , Arévalo Cristina , Pérez-Soriano Eva M. , Kitzmantel Michael , Neubauer Erich
Published: May 2018

High specific modulus materials are considered excellent for the aerospace industry. The system Ti-TiAl-B4C is presented herein as an alternative material. Secondary phases formed in situ during fabrication vary depending on the processing conditions and composition of the starting materials. The final behaviors of these materials are therefore difficult to predict. This research focuses on the study of the system Ti-TiAl-B4C, whereby relations between microstructure and properties can be predicted in terms of the processing parameters of the titanium matrix composites (TMCs). The powder metallurgy technique employed to fabricate the TMCs was that of inductive hot pressing (iHP) since it offers versatility and flexibility. The short processing time employed (5 min) was set in order to test the temperature as a major factor of influence in the secondary reactions. The pressure was also varied. In order to perform this research, not only were X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses performed, but also microstructural characterization through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Significant results showed that there was an inflection temperature from which the trend to form secondary compounds depended on the starting material used. Hence, the addition of TiAl as an elementary blend or as prealloyed powder played a significant role in the final behavior of the TMCs fabricated, where the prealloyed TiAl provides a better precursor of the formation of the reinforcement phases from 1100 °C regardless of the pressure.
Effect of Ethylene Diamine Phosphate on the Sulfidization Flotation of Chrysocolla
Authors: Shen Peilun , Liu Dianwen , Xu Xiaohui , Jia Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Dan , Liu Ruizeng
Published: May 2018

In this study, ethylene diamine phosphate (EDP) was employed as an activator to improve the sulfidization and flotation of chrysocolla. The micro-flotation experiment results indicated that EDP could greatly increase the flotation recovery of chrysocolla. BET and TEM measurements confirmed that the porous structure of the chrysocolla’s surface would lead to large amounts of the reagents. ICP-AES analysis revealed that the addition of EDP caused more active Cu sites formed on the chrysocolla’s surface, enhancing the adsorption of S2− on its surface. Meanwhile, a redox reaction occurred between the S2− and [Cu(en)2]2+ ions causing the Cu, S, and N in the solution to counter-adsorb onto the chrysocolla’s surface by forming new complexes. During this reaction, the Cu(II) species reduced to Cu(I) species and the sulfide ions in the form of S2−, S22−, Sn2−, and SO42− appeared on the mineral surface. The zeta potential measurements further revealed that the EDP-activated chrysocolla surfaces adsorbed more sulfide species and xanthate species, thereby improving the floatability of the chrysocolla.
Cyclodextrins: Assessing the Impact of Cavity Size, Occupancy, and Substitutions on Cytotoxicity and Cholesterol Homeostasis
Authors: Szente Lajos , Singhal Ashutosh , Domokos Andras , Song Byeongwoon
Published: May 2018

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides; the most common CDs contain six, seven, or eight glucose units called α-CDs, β-CDs, and γ-CDs, respectively. The use of CDs in biomedical research is increasing due to their ability to interact with membrane lipids as well as a wide variety of poorly water-soluble molecules. We assessed the impact of CD cavity size, occupancy, and substitutions on cytotoxicity and cholesterol homeostasis. The potency of CD-mediated cytotoxicity was in the order of β-CDs, α-CDs, and γ-CDs. Substitutions with hydroxypropyl or carboxymethyl group attenuated cytotoxicity compared with the native CDs, whereas CDs substituted with methyl groups exhibited cytotoxicity that was similar to that of the native CDs. The lipid components in blood exerted remarkable hemolysis-alleviating effects in methyl-β-CD-induced hemolysis. Occupancy of the CD cavity with cholesterol or a structurally related lipid molecule abrogated the cytotoxic capacity of the CDs. Interestingly, hydroxypropyl-γ-CD (HPγCD) was able to reduce intracellular cholesterol accumulation in Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) patient-derived fibroblasts as efficiently as HPβCD. Proteomic study indicated that HPβCD and HPγCD treatments altered the expression pattern of cellular proteins, suggesting that some of the CD-induced cellular proteins may play an important function in modulating intracellular cholesterol homeostasis.
Quality Traits of “Cannabidiol Oils”: Cannabinoids Content, Terpene Fingerprint and Oxidation Stability of European Commercially Available Preparations
Authors: Pavlovic Radmila , Nenna Giorgio , Calvi Lorenzo , Panseri Sara , Borgonovo Gigliola , Giupponi Luca , Cannazza Giuseppe , Giorgi Annamaria
Published: May 2018

Cannabidiol (CBD)-based oil preparations are becoming extremely popular, as CBD has been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. CBD-based oil preparations are not unambiguously regulated under the European legislation, as CBD is not considered as a controlled substance. This means that companies can produce and distribute CBD products derived from non-psychoactive hemp varieties, providing an easy access to this extremely advantageous cannabinoid. This leaves consumers with no legal quality guarantees. The objective of this project was to assess the quality of 14 CBD oils commercially available in European countries. An in-depth chemical profiling of cannabinoids, terpenes and oxidation products was conducted by means of GC-MS and HPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS in order to improve knowledge regarding the characteristics of CBD oils. Nine out of the 14 samples studied had concentrations that differed notably from the declared amount, while the remaining five preserved CBD within optimal limits. Our results highlighted a wide variability in cannabinoids profile that justifies the need for strict and standardized regulations. In addition, the terpenes fingerprint may serve as an indicator of the quality of hemp varieties, while the lipid oxidation products profile could contribute in evaluation of the stability of the oil used as milieu for CBD rich extracts.
Effect of Microwave Radiation Power on the Size of Aggregates of ZnO NPs Prepared Using Microwave Solvothermal Synthesis
Authors: Wojnarowicz Jacek , Chudoba Tadeusz , Gierlotka Stanisław , Lojkowski Witold
Published: May 2018

This paper reports the possibility of changing the size of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) aggregates through a change of synthesis parameters. The effect of the changed power of microwave heating on the properties of ZnO NPs obtained by the microwave solvothermal synthesis from zinc acetate dissolved in ethylene glycol was tested for the first time. It was found that the size of ZnO aggregates ranged from 60 to 120 nm depending on the power of microwave radiation used in the synthesis of ZnO NPs. The increase in the microwave radiation power resulted in the reduction of the total synthesis time with simultaneous preservation of the constant size and shape of single ZnO NPs, which were synthesized at a pressure of 4 bar. All the obtained ZnO NPs samples were composed of homogeneous spherical particles that were single crystals with an average size of 27 ± 3 nm with a developed specific surface area of 40 m2/g and the skeleton density of 5.18 ± 0.03 g/cm3. A model of a mechanism explaining the correlation between the size of aggregates and the power of microwaves was proposed. This method of controlling the average size of ZnO NPs aggregates is presented for the first time and similar investigations are not found in the literature.
Active Oxygen Target for Studies in Nuclear Astrophysics with Laser Compton Backscattered γ-ray Beams
Authors: Ajvazyan Robert , Annand John , Balabanski Dimiter , Grigoryan Nersik , Kakoyan Vanik , Khachatryan Patrik , Khachatryan Vachik , Livingston Kenneth , Montgomery Rachel , Vardanyan Henrik , Vlahovic Branislav , Zhamkochyan Simon , Margaryan Amur
Published: May 2018

An active target is being developed to be used in low-energy nuclear astrophysics experiments. It is a position- and time-sensitive detector system based on the low-pressure Multi Wire Proportional Chamber (MWPC) technique. Methylal ((OCH3)2CH2), at a pressure of a few Torr, serves as the working gas for MWPC operation, and in addition, the oxygen atoms of the methylal molecules serve as an experimental target. The main advantage of this new target detector system is that it has high sensitivity to the low-energy, highly-ionizing particles produced after photodisintegration of 16O and insensitivity to γ-rays and minimum ionizing particles. This allows users to detect only the products of the nuclear reaction of interest. The threshold energies for detection of α particles and 12C nuclei are about 50 keV and 100 keV, respectively. The main disadvantage of this detector is the small target thickness, which is around a few tens of μg/cm2. However, reasonable luminosity can be achieved by using a multimodule detector system and an intense, Laser Compton Backscattered (LCB) γ-ray beam. This paper summarizes the architecture of the active target and reports test results of the prototype detector. The tests investigated the timing and position resolutions of 30 × 30 mm2 low-pressure MWPC units using an α-particle source. The possibility of measuring the 16O(γ, α)12C cross-section in the 8–10 MeV energy region by using a LCB γ-ray beam is also discussed. A measurement of the 16O(γ, α)12C cross-section will enable the reaction rate of 12C(α, γ)16O to be determined with significantly improved precision compared to previous experiments.
Hybrid Materials Based on Poly-3-amine-7-methylamine-2-methylphenazine and Magnetite Nanoparticles Immobilized on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhiraslanovna Ozkan Sveta , Petrovna Karpacheva Galina , Aleksandrovich Chernavskii Petr , Leont’evna Dzidziguri Ella , Nikolaevna Bondarenko Galina , Viktorovna Pankina Galina
Published: May 2018

Polymer-metal-carbon hybrid nanomaterials based on thermostable electroactive poly-3-amine-7-methylamine-2-methylphenazine (PAMMP), single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized for the first time. Hybrid Fe3O4/SWCNT/PAMMP nanomaterial synthesis was carried out via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of 3-amine-7-methylamine-2-methylphenazine hydrochloride in the presence of metal-carbon Fe3O4/SWCNT nanocomposites. Fe3O4/SWCNT nanocomposites were obtained by the immobilization of magnetite nanoparticles on the SWCNT surface in the course of Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesis in alkaline medium. The developed nanocomposite materials were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission (FE-SEM) scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and magnetometry. The chemical structure and phase composition, magnetic and electrical properties, and thermal stability of the obtained multifunctional nanomaterials, depending on synthesis conditions, were investigated.
The Friends’ Ambulance Unit in the First World War
Authors: Palfreeman Linda
Published: May 2018

The Friends’ Ambulance Unit (FAU) was created shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. It was an attempt to provide young Friends (Quakers) with the opportunity to serve their country without sacrificing their religious principles. However, it was considered by some members to be in direct opposition to the Society’s fundamental religious tenets, and thus remained a cause of internal conflict throughout the war. Nevertheless, the civilian relief work that was carried out by the FAU early in the war, in the region of Flanders, aligned the unit’s activities much more closely with the religious principles of the Society. The FAU assisted thousands of civilians trapped in the besieged and battered town of Ypres, working intensively in the containment and treatment of the typhoid epidemic that swept the region, locating sufferers, providing them with medical care, and inoculating people against the disease. It helped in the purification of the town’s contaminated drinking water, and distributed milk for infants and food and clothing to the sick and needy. It helped found hospitals and orphanages, made provision for schooling, and organised gainful employment for refugees.
Sport Involvement Analysis in Hungary, in the North Great Plain Region
Authors: Bácsné Bába Éva , Fenyves Veronika , Szabados György , Pető Károly , Bács Zoltán , Dajnoki Krisztina
Published: May 2018

On a global level, a healthy lifestyle is experienced more where sport and physical activity as a way of life has gained more importance. European Union documents (such as the White Paper on Sport—2007) further stressed the important role of physical activity, and member states have declared the same opinion. Almost all scientific research approaches the topic by measuring the sport-related activity rate and incidence. The findings of Eurobarometer (2014) revealed that 41% of responding European citizens pursue some kinds of sport or do some form of body movement once a week, while 59% rarely or never do. In Hungary, compared to the findings of 2009, activity improved. Still, 44% of Hungarian citizens never undertake any sports activity. Pursuing sport and showing interests in a more active lifestyle are indicators that may truly reflect the social connection between sport and the society itself, and we may apply both terms in the framework of engagement. These terms lead us to the topic of sport related involvement, including social, psychological, and economic dimensions. In a large sample representative survey, carried out among Hungarian people in the North Great plain region, we aimed to reveal the specifications of sport engagement and our empirical findings have proved a very strong connection between sport and the population itself.
The Fit between Employees’ Perception and the Organization’s Behavior in Terms of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Kang Sora , Han Su Jin , Bang Jounghae
Published: May 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to the set of behaviors that businesses ought to or are expected to perform in a society. Many companies expect to increase profits through CSR behavior. However, it is a reasonable question to consider whether employees commit to an organization when they do not agree with the organizations’ CSR behavior. Therefore, this study explores the effect of fit between employees’ perceptions of CSR and organizations’ CSR behavior on organization commitment. This study found that the fit between employees’ perceptions and organizations’ CSR behavior has a positive effect on commitment. Among the four CSR dimensions of economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic social responsibility, all dimensions excluding philanthropic responsibility are positively related to organizational commitment. Finally, comparing the effects of fit in Korea and China the effect of fit for ethical social responsibility differed between the two countries.
Application of Emerging-State Actor Theory: Analysis of Intervention and Containment Policies †
Authors: Clancy Timothy
Published: May 2018

Our research builds upon a theory of emerging-state actors. We look to apply the theory in analyzing intervention and containment policies to use against emerging-state actors, using the Islamic State of Syria & Iraqi (ISIS) as the case study. We show utility across four military applications of simulation: understanding, forecasting and responding to adversary and societal behavior; understanding enemy command and control structures; and analyzing, forecasting and planning courses-of-action (COA). To do this, we created two baseline scenarios—one replicating the historical foreign intervention against ISIS and a counter-factual where no foreign intervention occurred. We then conducted a suite of experiments on contemporary military intervention policies in isolation, combination, at different timing windows and under hypothetical “best case” conditions as well as operationally constrained. Insights of these experiments’ tests include the influence of ethnographic envelopes, timing windows, the importance of actor legitimacy and the marginally diminishing returns of combat actions. Finally, we test a policy based on emerging-state actor theory incorporating these insights against the contemporary policies, historical baseline and two falsification policies. The emerging-state actor COA performs significantly better than others. Our research contributes a simulation, called the Emerging-State Actor Model (E-SAM). This simulation includes military, economic, political, social and information aspects (known asDIME-PMESII simulations) for both researchers and military planners concerned with irregular conflict.
On a Model of Magnetically Charged Black Hole with Nonlinear Electrodynamics
Authors: Kruglov Sergey
Published: May 2018

The Bronnikov model of nonlinear electrodynamics is investigated in general relativity. The magnetic black hole is considered and we obtain a solution giving corrections to the Reissner-Nordström solution. In this model spacetime at r → ∞ becomes Minkowski’s spacetime. We calculate the magnetic mass of the black hole and the metric function. At some parameters of the model there can be one, two or no horizons. The Hawking temperature and the heat capacity of black holes are calculated. We show that a second-order phase transition takes place and black holes are thermodynamically stable at some range of parameters.
Simulation and Optimisation of a Full Electric Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Noll Margit , Giuliani Harald , Simic Dragan , Conte Valerio , Lacher Hannes , Gollob Peter
Published: May 2018

One of the main driving forces in automotive R&D is the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions to meet nowadays ecological, social and legal requirements. Pure battery electric or fuel cell drive trains are highly favourable in that context; however, they still suffer from severe drawbacks regarding performance, range and durability. Therefore new concepts have to be investigated taking advantage of the existing technologies and their potential. The vehicle concept considered in this paper focuses on the development of a full electric hybrid vehicle comprising of conventional electric propulsion combined with a fuel cell as range extender. The advantage of such a system is that the fuel cell is used under rather constant load conditions, which is advantageous for its durability and efficiency. The electric hybrid vehicle concept is based on a conventional electric Citroen Berlingo (Citroen Berlingo electrique) integrating a Solid Oxid Fuel Cell (SOFC) fuelled with bio-diesel. For determination of the requirements of the fuel cell and the energy management comprehensive simulations based on a longitudinal vehicle model have been performed. The simulation results of the electric drive train have been validated on components and system level. Based on this validated vehicle model the electric hybrid vehicle concept is developed. A fuel cell model is integrated and parameter variation is performed regarding the size of the fuel cell as well as the battery. Focusing on the vehicle range, driving and charging times different concepts are investigated. The paper gives a detailed description of the vehicle simulation, the parameter variation results, the validation process and the determined optimised vehicle concepts.
Development of Safe and High Power Batteries for HEVs
Authors: Tan Taison , Yumoto Hiroyuki , Buck Derrick , Fattig Bob , Hartzog Chad
Published: May 2018

Safety is one of the most important concerns for lithium-ion batteries due to the high energy density of the cells. In battery packs for HEV, PHEV, or EV applications, there exist dozens of lithium-ion cells that are connected in series and/or parallel to create a pack with high voltage and that is capable of discharging and charging with high currents. Managing such a battery pack therefore requires increased safety management compared to a cellphone or laptop battery. Not only is the management of the safety important during usage of the pack but also during assembly and maintenance. The high voltage conditions (>100V) that exist in HEV battery packs can pose potential hazards for workers and auto mechanics. The need for increased safety controls increases with higher voltage systems. Therefore, improving the safety of the lithium-ion battery via the cell chemistry can lead to a reduction of cost for the HEV, PHEV, and EV battery by eliminating the need for costly battery management and cooling systems.In order to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries for use in HEV, PHEV, and EV applications, EnerDel has investigated various battery active materials using 2Ah sized prototype cells. These cells were tested according to the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) test FreedomCAR manual. The tests included power capability, cycle life, calendar life, and cold cranking tests. In addition to the tests in the FreedomCAR test manual, some abuse tests such as overcharge and nail penetration were also carried out.
Energy Storage Activities in the Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Centre
Authors: Ciosek Katarzyna , Killiches Susanne , Zavalis Tommy , Behm Mårten , Johansson Patrik , Edström Kristina , Jacobsson Per , Lindbergh Göran
Published: May 2018

Significant efforts are put worldwide on developing new concepts for vehicle propulsion with the hybrid electric vehicle (HEY) being a prominent example. Hybrid technology is clearly a strategic future activity for automotive industries and in response to the rapid development in the area; the Swedish Hybrid Yehicle Centre (SHC) was formed in 2007 to join forces between Swedish industry and academia in the field. The centre emphasizes a holistic view to meet the environmental and societal needs with new technological solutions. The research within SHC is currently divided into three different themes whereof we here describe the Energy Storage theme with emphasis on the activities carried out at the involved universities in the current main project areas: Cell Properties, Electrode Materials and Electrolyte Additives. Examples are given on how these projects attacks the problems at hand separately, but also how we create synergy effects between the projects. As an example cell modelling is performed given a specific chemistry and cycling scheme, the same parameters are used for electrochemical experiments which provide macroscopic data that are connected with molecular level actions in the electrodes, the electrolyte, and the interfaces. All this is done using our base-line chemistry and a subsequent route is to investigate the role of different additives to overcome the limitations that are observed.
Study on Two-segment Electric-mechanical Composite Braking Strategy of Tracked Vehicle Hybrid Transmission System
Authors: Ma Tian , Gai Jiangtao , Ma Xiaofeng
Published: May 2018

In order to lighten abrasion of braking system of hybrid electric tracked vehicle, according to characteristic of hybrid electric transmission, electric-mechanical composite braking method was proposed. By means of analyzing performance of electric braking and mechanical braking and three-segment composite braking strategy, two-segment electric-mechanical composite braking strategy was put forward in this paper. Simulation results of Matlab/Simulink indicated that the two-segment electric-mechanical composite braking strategy might reduce the demand of mechanical braking force and was well applied.