bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight reduction of a standard brake drum: A design approach
Authors: Rambabu D. , Gopinath R , Senthil rajan U. , Bhaskar G.B.
Published: May 2014

A Brake drum is specialized brake that uses the concept of friction to decelerate the vehicle speed. The deceleration is achieved by the assistance of the friction generated by a set of brake shoes or pad, when operator presses against a rotating brake drum. The material generally preferred for making the brake drum is grey cast iron or vermicular cast iron. The drum brake is highly efficient for hand brake and service brake applications. During the operation of drum brake excessive heating of brake drum may occur. This excessive heating occurs due to repeated or frequent contact of the brake shoes against the drum. This causes the drum to crack, oversize, extreme wear, out of round drums and also leads to vibration which while braking will leads to reduced brake drum life and braking efficiency. The Un-laden weight of the vehicle will result in increased fuel consumption, reduced payload and ride handling characteristics. The objective of the paper is to improve the thermal characteristics by incorporating fins in the brake drum and to reduce the un-laden weight of the vehicle by changing the rib thickness, wall thickness and base flange thickness. The design is done by using 3D CAD Modelling software and Hexahedral finite element model prepared by using CAE pre-processing software and Stiffness analysis. Design iterations are carried out by using Linear/Non-linear Finite Element Solvers, Stress Displacement and Temperature is post-processed for design validation. Optimized design solution obtained based on the comparison study between the iteration with rib thickness 75 mm, star shaped removal and wall thickness 17 mm has been chosen. 1.8Kg of weight is being reduced from the brake drum including fins. Keywords: Drum Brake, 3D CAD Modelling, Para Metric Matrix, Structural Analysis, Fins.
Evaluation of engine performance, emissions, of a twin cylinder diesel engine fuelled with waste plastic oil and diesel blends with a fraction of methanol
Authors: Tarun Y. , Thamotharan C. , Mukherjee K.
Published: May 2014

A comprehensive study on the methanol and waste plastic oil as an alternative fuel has been carried out. This report deals with the exhaust emission of waste plastic fuel on twin cylinder diesel engine. The objectives of this report are to analyse the fuel consumption and the emission characteristic of a twin cylinder diesel engine that are using waste plastic oil compared to usage of ordinary diesel that are available in the market. This report describes the setups and the procedures for the experiment which is to analyse the emission characteristics and fuel consumption of diesel engine due to usage of the both fuels. Detail studies about the experimental setup and components have been done before the experiment started. Data that are required for the analysis is observed from the experiments. Calculations and analysis have been done after all the required data needed for the thesis is obtained. The experiment used diesel engine with no load which means no load exerted on it. A four stroke Twin cylinder diesel engine was adopted to study the brake thermal efficiency, brake specific energy consumption, mechanical efficiency, brake power, volumetric efficiency, indicated thermal efficiency and emissions at full load with the fuel of fraction methanol in bio-diesel. In this study, the diesel engine was tested using methanol blended with bio-diesel at certain mixing ratios of (WPO: Diesel) 20:80, 40:60 and 60:40 methanol to bio-diesel respectively. By the end of the report, the successful of the project have been started which is Kirloskar engine is able to run with waste plastic oil (WPO) but the engine needs to run by using diesel fuel first, then followed by waste plastic oil and finished with diesel fuel as the last fuel usage before the engine turned off. The performance of the engine using blended fuel compared to the performance of engine with diesel fuel. Experimental results of blended fuel and diesel fuel are also compared. Keywords: Alternative Fuel, Waste Plastic Oil (WPO), Diesel, Methanol, Performance, Emissions, Pyrolysis.
Design and construction of a microcontroller-based heartbeat monitoring device with display
Authors: Onuiri Ernest , Madu Nissi , Adeagbo Boluwatife , Johnson Iniobong , Awodele Oludele
Published: May 2014

Strong indications have emerged the world over that a large proportion of people in developing countries are now at great risk of developing cardiovascular (heart) diseases which currently accounts for one-third of all deaths worldwide. The need for an accurate, yet affordable ECG (Electrocardiogram) machine is necessary to ensure the quality of cardiovascular health of the average citizen. This research entails the design and implementation a portable, easy-to-use ECG machine. The heartbeat rhythm was obtained using 12-lead ECG electrodes and displayed in a waveform using a GLCD (Graphic Liquid Crystal Display) screen. Interpretation of the heartbeat rhythm was done by the use of red and blue LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) indicating normal and abnormal heartbeat rhythms which are stored on an SD card for easy retrieval, thereby ensuring a user-friendly design. The significance of this design lies in its potential to empower patients with heart conditions by providing a means of monitoring progress in the areas of drugs being administered, effects of surgical repairs and general well-being of the patient. Keywords: Heart Monitor, Electrocardiogram, Heartbeat, Heart Rate, Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart.
A proposed fuel cell vehicle for reducing CO2 emissions and its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Mourad Mohamed
Published: May 2014

Because of their high efficiency and low emissions, fuel cell vehicles are undergoing extensive research and development. When considering the introduction of advanced vehicles, a complete evaluation must be performed to determine the potential impact of a technology on carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gases emissions. However, the reduction of CO2 emission from the vehicle became the most important objective for all researches institutes of vehicle technologies worldwide. There interest recently to find unconventional methods to reduce greenhouse gas emission from vehicle to keep the environment clean. This paper offers an overview and simulation study to fuel cell vehicles, with the aim of introducing their main advantages and evaluates their influence on emissions of carbon dioxide from fuel cell vehicle and compares advanced propulsion technologies on a well-to-wheel energy basis by using current technology for conventional and fuel cell. The results indicate that the use of fuel cells, and especially fuel cells that consume hydrogen, provide a good attempt for enhancing environment quality and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Moreover, the emission reduction percentage of fuel cell vehicle reaches to 64% comparing to the conventional vehicle. Keywords: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, Performance, Simulation, Driving Cycle, CO2 Emissions, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Fuel Consumption.
Compression and impact characterization of helical and slotted cylinder springs
Authors: Razooqi Ahmed Ibrahim , Ameen Hani Aziz , Mashloosh Kadhim Mijbel
Published: May 2014

Helical and slotted cylinder springs are indispensable elements in mechanical engineering. This paper investigates helical and slotted cylinder springs subjected to axial loads under static and dynamic conditions. The objective is to determine the stiffness of a circular cross-section helical coil compression spring and slotted cylinder springs with five sizes and dynamic characteristics. A theoretical and finite element models are developed and presented in order to describe the various steps undertaken to calculate the springs stiffnesses. Five cases of the springs geometric are presented. A finite element model was generated using ANSYS software and the stiffness matrix evaluated by applying a load along the springs axis, then calculating the corresponding changes in deformation. The stiffness is obtained by solving the changes of load and deformation. The natural frequencies, mode shapes and transient response of springs are also determined. Finally, a comparison of the stiffnesses are obtained using the theoretical methods and those obtained from the finite element analysis were made and good agreement are evident and it can be found that the stiffness of spring for the slotted cylinder spring is much larger than that for helical spring and the stiffness for slotted cylinder spring increases with the number of slots per section. Natural frequencies, mode shape and transient response of helical spring and slotted cylinder spring have been represented in ANSYS software and results have been compared and it found that the natural frequency has also increased in the same proportion of stiffness because the natural frequency is directly proportional to the stiffness for all the cases that have been studied. Keywords: ANSYS, Finite Element Analysis, Helical Spring, Slotted Cylinder Spring, Stiffness.
Family history: a vital predictor of cardiovascular health
Authors: Kaur Jaspinder
Published: May 2014

Objective: Family history, one of the traditional tools in clinical medicine, is frequently neglected which can be used to identify persons at increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The present study aimed to determine the influence of family history on cardiovascular health. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on the retired defense personnel to study the relation of socio-demographic variables, physical activity, body mass index, sleep, stress and metabolic syndrome with family history from Jun to Oct, 2013. Chi Square test was used with statistical significance of P value <0.05. Results: A positive family history was reported among 32.77% of the study subjects with statistically significant higher recording by females (60.87%; P <0.01), those who were aged 20-60years (62.60%; P<0.001), and had higher education level (42.61%; P<0.05). A statistically significant stress (29.56%; P<0.001), sedentary lifestyle (72.17%; P<0.05) and insomnia (29.56%) was reported among subjects reporting positive family history. A statistically significant prevalence of metabolic syndrome (36.53%; P<0.05), hypertension (56.52%; P<0.01), obesity (54.78%), dyslipidemia (33.05%; P<0.05) and dysglycemia (31.31%; P<0.05) was more in subjects reporting positive than negative family history (metabolic syndrome: 23.73%; (P<0.05); hypertension: 41.52% (P<0.01); obesity: 50.00%; dyslipidemia: 21.61% (P<0.05); dysglycemia: 21.19% (P<0.05)). Conclusions: A statistical association between positive family history and metabolic syndrome shows CVD susceptibility which prompts to utilize every opportunity to involve concerned families in health education by promoting healthy lifestyle changes in their diet and physical activity. Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease, Family History, Metabolic Syndrome.
Value of Wilms tumor gene product (WT-1) immunohistochemical expression in ovarian neoplasms
Authors: Abd El hafez Amal , E l-dosoki Ibrahim , Sirag Soheir , Gado Asmaa , Denewer Adel
Published: May 2014

Background: Ovarian cancer is a fatal malignancy among females worldwide. The wide morphologic variation among ovarian neoplasms poses diagnostic difficulties. Wilms' tumor gene protein (WT-1) is a recently added marker to the diagnostic panel of ovarian neoplasms and may have prognostic implications. Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of WT-1 protein in a broad array of ovarian neoplasms including metastases, identify its value in diagnosis and find out its association with the histopathological parameters including histological subtype, grade and FIGO stage. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 93 ovarian neoplasms collected from Pathology Department, Mansoura University and Mansoura Oncology Center. Immunohistochemistry was performed for WT-1 protein using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Nuclear staining of tumor cells was considered as positive. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Significant statistical difference in WT-1 expression was observed among histological types of ovarian neoplasms (p=0.04) being detected in 90% of serous tumors, in which significant statistical association was found between WT-1expression and grade (p=0.025), but not with stage. Most non-serous carcinomas were WT-1 negative. WT-1 reactivity was observed in tumors with Sertoli cell differentiation but undetectable in all other sex cord, germ cell, mixed germ cell-sex cord or metastatic tumors. Conclusions: WT-1 is a highly specific marker for ovarian serous carcinomas versus other histological subtypes of ovarian neoplasms including metastases. It should be included in the immunohistochemical workup of carcinoma of unknown primary in women or in a panel to verify Sertoli cell differentiation in sex cord-stromal tumors. Keywords: Immunohistochemistry, Ovarian Neoplasms, Serous Carcinoma, Sex-Cord, WT-1.
Patients' attitude towards undergraduate medical students at university charity teaching hospital in Sudan
Authors: Alawad Awad Ali M. , Younis Faisal H.
Published: May 2014

Background: The cooperation of patients and their acceptance to involve medical students in their care is vital to clinical education. Objective: To explore the attitudes of patients towards medical students at University charity teaching hospital, and to explore the determinants of those attitudes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at University charity teaching hospital affiliated to University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST). Four hundred and thirty-two patients were interviewed between January and December 2013 using a structured questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and thirty-two patients had responded to all questions they were asked. Of the patients interviewed, 95.2% approved the presence of medical students during the medical consultation. 79.8% of the patients agreed to be examined by students in the presence of a doctor, while 33.5% gave agreement even in the absence of a doctor. More than half of the patients think that it is important that students examine patients as part of their training and 18 % of them were not sure about the importance of clinical examination. Conclusion: The study concluded overall positive attitudes to the medical students involvement by patients. Patients preferred lower number of students to be involved; however, few were aware of their rights. Keywords: Bedside Teaching, Clinical Education, Patients Acceptability.
Use of friedewald equation for dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kaur Jaspinder
Published: May 2014

Objective: The Friedewald equation is frequently used to estimate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in routine patient care; however, recently many limitations have emerged regarding its use. Aim: Analyse the use of Friedewald equation for dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome. Methods: Subjects were selected with metabolic syndrome that fulfilled consensus statement for Asians Indians and excluded those with triglyceride (TG) ?400mg/dl, and chronic liver and/or kidney disease. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), TGs, and LDL-C were measured with direct assays. LDL-C was further estimated using the equation and compared with LDL-C by direct assay. Results: The mean and standard deviation of TC, TGs, HDL-C, and LDL-C were 194.7724.38mg/dl, 174.8460.27mg/dl (p<0.0001), 40.685.40mg/dl (p<0.05), and 122.3019.30mg/dl among subjects with metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, Friedewald estimated LDL-C and VLDL-C were 121.2918.84mg/dl and 35.0812.65mg/dl (p<0.0001). Furthermore, a statistically significant higher TGs/HDL-C (p<0.0001) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios was observed in subjects with metabolic syndrome. However, no significant difference was recorded between the two methods of estimating LDL-C. Conclusion: TGs/HDL-C was found significantly higher among subjects with metabolic syndrome; however, no significant difference between both Friedewald equation and direct measurement method for LDL-C estimation was observed. Hence, the accuracy of LDL-C estimation formulas and direct methods for measurement in patients with the metabolic syndrome requires further exploration. Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Friedewald Equation, Metabolic Syndrome.
Chemical modification of pregelatinized cassava starch for application in cold cheese bread dough
Authors: Giopato Viell Franciele Leila , Gomes Barroso Simão Alves Francieli Cassia , Fávaro Tosoni Solange Aparecida , Fávaro Tosoni Natara , Pante Gisli Cristina , Vicente Plata-Oviedo Manuel Salvador
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to chemically modify the pregelatinized cassava starch to obtain resistant starches to the action of α-amylase present in the egg and evaluate their application in cold cheese bread dough. In this study native cassava starch was cross-linked with sodium trimetaphosphate in a concentration of 0.5% (d.b.). The cross-linked starch was oxidized with sodium hypochlorite (2.0%), hydrogen peroxide (2.0%) and combinations of hydrogen peroxide with potassium permanganate (0.1%), ferrous sulfate (0.05%) and ozone (1.0 g/h). All oxidations occurred during a period of 2 hours at room temperature. The modified starches were pregelatinized for 30 minutes at 95 ° C and spray dried. The solubility index and water absorption, content of carboxyl groups and the enzymatic susceptibility to α-amylase of the modified starches were evaluated. Cheese bread dough was prepared with pregelatinized modified starch and stored under refrigeration (8 °C) for sixteen days. The tackiness index of the dough, which represents its stability during refrigerated storage, and physical characteristics of the cheese breads were evaluated. The starches studied exhibited lower susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. During refrigerated storage, doughs showed a lower rate of tackiness, good consistency and the cheese breads exhibited good appearance, however they had lower specific volume and rate of expansion. The results of the study show that the characteristics of the modified starch during the storage period, promoted better product stability.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v4i2.124
Monitoring the Aging of Industrial Motors by Geometric Trending of Frequency Domain Signatures
Authors: Bayram Duygu , Şeker Serhat , Upadhyaya Belle R.
Published: May 2014

The characterization of the aging of electric motors using vibration measurements and a geometric interpretation of spectral domain signatures is presented. For comparison, two vibration signal records from a three-phase induction motor were acquired during degradation due to bearing fluting, following thermal and chemical aging sequences. Power spectral densities (PSD) of the vibration signals were calculated and linear approximations to the spectral signatures were used to observe the overall trend. The intersection point and slopes of these linear representations were used to extract certain critical frequencies in order to define convex regions (CR) and convex hulls (CH) as representatives of the aging (degradation) process. Furthermore, using these CRs and CHs, the functional readiness of motors could be determined by comparison of the signatures for initial and aged conditions.
Pesticide Formulation and Delivery Systems: 33rd Volume, “Sustainability: Contributions from Formulation Technology”
Authors: Sesa Carmine
Published: May 2014

Description

Fourteen peer-reviewed papers cover the latest on sustainability in pesticide formulation and delivery systems, including agronomic inputs, equipment, processes, and practices, which maximize efficiencies and minimizes the amount of resources required.

Topics cover
Formulation Matrices Using Polymer Surfactant Interaction to Formulate Water-Based Compositions and Additives to Provide Enhanced Bio-Activity
Authors: Narayanan Kolazi S. , Liu Xuejun , Qu Xin
Published: May 2014

Agricultural formulations (concentrates) containing hydrophobic active ingredients (AIs) are applied to crops by dilution in water to form spray solutions. Aqueous spray solutions are applied to crops. Typical liquid concentrates are formulated as (a) solvent-based emulsifiable concentrates, (b) water-based suspension concentrates, and (c) oil-based suspensions. Solid forms like water-dispersible granules for hydrophobic AIs and water-soluble granules for hydrophilic AIs also form the bulk of agricultural formulations. Efficacy of the active ingredients can depend upon the particle/droplet size distribution in the spray solution, and it can be advantageous to have sub-micron size AI distribution with additional protection against wash off. Global awareness and strong regulatory initiatives are the driving force for the design of green and environmentally friendly delivery matrices. The following approaches described in this paper are viable solutions to address green delivery targets. This paper will address typical examples of solvent-free water-based matrices capable of solubilizing hydrophobic active materials using water-soluble polymer–surfactant interactions. At very high dilutions, water-insoluble active ingredients remained stable at a sub-micron size distribution maintaining bio-activity. This polymer–surfactant interaction approach was extended to formulate water-insoluble polymers in water at sub-micron distribution. These polymer matrices were useful as additives in formulations, as well as tank mix additives providing several benefits, such as improved spreading, wetting, sticking, rain-fastness, and bio-efficacy.
Influence of Air Shear and Adjuvants on Spray Atomization
Authors: Fritz B. K. , Hoffmann W. C. , Bagley W. E. , Kruger G. R. , Czaczyk Z. , Henry R. S.
Published: May 2014

Droplet size is critical in maximizing pesticide efficacy and mitigating off-target movement. The correct selection and adjustment of nozzles and application equipment, as well as the use of adjuvants, can aid in this process. However, in aerial applications air shear tends to be the dominant factor influencing spray droplet size. The objective of this work was to take a step-wise approach to examine the influence of both adjuvant type and airspeed on droplet size in the presence of a formulated glyphosate product. Although the results show that the spray adjuvants tested did play a role in determining droplet size, as airspeed increased the differences between droplet sizes resulting from the use of the adjuvants tested decreased. A number of the adjuvant–nozzle–airspeed combinations tested did not necessarily increase droplet size or reduce fines, but this does not indicate that they do not have a place in aerial application. Other benefits that could not be measured as part of this study, such as retention and reduced evaporation, can also be critical to an application's success. For any pesticide application, applicators should read and follow product label instructions while being cognizant that the decisions they make, whether they are about nozzle selection or products, will affect droplet size.
Measuring the Effect of Spray Plume Angle on the Accuracy of Droplet Size Data
Authors: Henry R. S. , Kruger G. R. , Fritz B. K. , Hoffmann W. C. , Bagley W. E.
Published: May 2014

Analysis of droplet size data using laser diffraction allows for quick and easy assessment of droplet size for agricultural spray nozzles and pesticides; however, operation and setup of the instrument and test system can potentially influence the accuracy of the data. One of the factors is the orientation of the spray plume relative to the laser beam. The common practice is to orientate the nozzle such that the nozzle orifice's long axis is 90 degrees from the laser beam. Some wind tunnels are designed in a manner such that the spray plume impinges with the walls or the design of the nozzle may necessitate a deviation from this standard practice to obtain a measurement in some situations. The objective of this research was to determine the influence spray plume orientation had on measured droplet size spectra in a low-speed wind tunnel. The orientation of the nozzle tested was 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees in rotation relative to the laser beam. Four nozzles (AIXR11005, AI11005, TT11005, and XR11005) were evaluated using three different spray solutions. Treatments were evaluated using a laser diffraction system. The results indicate that spray plume orientation does not have an effect on droplet size data for these nozzles, regardless of spray solution. The data from these tests will aid in the standardization of laser diffraction use in low-speed wind tunnels and increase the repeatability of measurements between different spray testing laboratories.
Effects of Nozzle Spray Angle on Droplet Size and Velocity
Authors: Clint Hoffmann W. , Fritz Bradley K. , Bagley William E. , Kruger Greg R. , Henry Ryan S. , Czaczyk Zbigniew
Published: May 2014

Spray applicators have many choices in selecting a spray nozzle to make an application of an agricultural product. They must balance flow rate, spray pressure, and nozzle type and setup to deliver their agrochemical in the right droplet size for their particular needs. Studies were conducted to determine the spray exit angle and droplet velocity from three different flat fan nozzles (80°, 40°, and 20°) at three different spray pressures (140, 280, and 420 kPa). Each combination of nozzle and pressure was evaluated in a wind tunnel with airspeeds of 35.7, 53.6, 62.6, 71.5, and 80.5 m/s. At the nozzle exit, droplet velocities for the three nozzles tested were approximately 14, 20, and 25 m/s (∼30, 45, and 56 mph) for spray pressures of 140, 276, and 415 kPa (20, 40, and 60 psi), respectively. Droplet velocities were constant across the entire flowfield measured with airstreams speed were 35.7 m/s (80 mph), but as the airstream speed increased, droplets at the end of the spray sheet were quickly accelerated. The data presented will allow applicators and researchers to select the nozzle and operating conditions that best suit their spraying needs.
Bioassay for Evaluating Herbicide Volatility from Soil and Plants
Authors: Penner Donald , Michael Jan
Published: May 2014

A wide range of soil, plant, and environmental factors can affect herbicide volatility from soils and plants. Comparison of the volatilization would be most readily visualized by appropriate bioassay systems. In this research, a bioassay system was developed for evaluating herbicide volatilization from soil and another bioassay system for evaluating herbicide volatilization from plants. Volatilization injury from soil applications was compared for two formulations of oxyfluorfen, flumioxazin, and carfentrazone ethyl on “Boynton” bell pepper, velvetleaf, and redroot pigweed. Both formulations of oxyfluorfen volatilized from the loamy sand soil, whereas, neither the carfentrazone ethyl nor the flumioxazin volatilized sufficiently to cause plant injury. Using the same system, volatilization differences were insignificant among three soils: sandy, sandy loam, and muck. In the second bioassay system, 2,4-D or dicamba were applied foliarly to “Amber Red” wheat. Twenty minutes later, “Pioneer 92M92” soybean plants were placed in the middle of the sprayed wheat plants. Visual evaluation of the soybean plants 1 to 3 weeks later showed formulation differences.
Drift Control Adjuvant Benchmarking in Agricultural Spray Applications
Authors: Penfield Kevin , Halecky Alan
Published: May 2014

Drifting of fine droplets during the application of pesticides is an issue of increasing commercial and regulatory importance. Spray drift damages susceptible crops, wastes resources, and results in inconsistent weed control. Several strategies are currently used to mitigate this problem. These include enhanced nozzle technology, improved application techniques, and inclusion of drift control additives in the final tank mix. Elimination of small diameter droplets (“driftable fines”) is a key goal. Measurements were made of droplet size distributions of sprayed pesticide formulations containing commercial products representative of the leading drift control technologies, including guar, polyacrylamides, lecithin, and oil/surfactant mixtures. Effects of spray nozzle and pressure were also evaluated. Nozzle technology plays a large role in determining the spray droplet size spectrum. However, there is a strong interplay between nozzle design and formulation variables. We found that drift control agents have greater impact on spray from flat fan nozzles. Also, the ranking of adjuvants depends on the nozzle technology in use: for glyphosate/ammonium sulfate solutions, polymers were more effective in reducing fines from a flat fan nozzle, while surfactant-based products were marginally superior when an air induction nozzle was used. The regulatory community is currently focused on mitigating the generation of small droplets. However, the generation of oversized droplets also effects spray efficacy. The impact of drift control agents on the breadth of the droplet size spectrum is an aspect of drift control which is often overlooked. We found that emulsion-based products tighten the droplet size distribution, while the polymer-based products shift the mean droplet diameter up, broadening the distribution in the process: while the latter effect may earn better ratings from regulatory agencies concerned exclusively with spray drift mitigation, it may be less helpful in enhancing application efficacy.
Impact of Inerts Regulatory Issues on Agrochemical Formulation Activities
Authors: Henriet Michel
Published: May 2014

The paper describes various regulatory issues when dealing with formulation inerts incorporated in agrochemical products used across the globe. More particularly, the emphasis is put on regulatory constraints in key regions/countries, i.e., Europe, the USA and Canada, Brazil, and Asia impacting the formulation inerts that can be clustered into two main categories: commodity inerts defined as single chemicals identified by a CAS RN and containing very low and not relevant impurities/by-products, and branded products incorporated into “formulation inert frames.”
Root Growth in 2D Wet Granular Media Modified by Intrusions
Authors: Cejas C. M. , Castaing J. C. , Hough L. , Frétigny C. , Dreyfus R.
Published: May 2014

Root elongation is vital for plant growth. It is strongly influenced by changes in water distribution. In the context of water management, several methods have been used to improve soil water retention, such as additives in the form of superabsorbent hydrogels. However, little has been understood particularly on the direct relation of these additives to root growth. Improving the efficiency of these additives requires better understanding of water distribution in soil. Using a controlled visual setup of a 2D model system consisting of glass beads, we characterize evaporation as a function of wettability. Results suggest an optimum additive is a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. Furthermore, experimental investigation has also been undertaken on root growth subject to various treatment conditions. Preliminary results suggest that roots respond to areas of relatively higher water content induced by an intrusion inserted in the medium as evidenced from greater root lengths in presence of the intrusion. These results are a first step to understanding root behavior under certain soil treatments and could potentially inspire techniques that will improve root growth.
Improving Reseeding Success after Catastrophic Wildfire with Surfactant Seed Coating Technology
Authors: Madsen Matthew D. , Zvirzdin Daniel L. , Roundy Bruce A. , Kostka Stanley J.
Published: May 2014

The application of soil surfactants in wildfire-affected ecosystems has been limited due to logistical and economic constraints associated with the standard practice of using large quantities of irrigation water as the surfactant carrier. We tested a potential solution to this problem that uses seed coating technology to harness the seed as the carrier. Through this approach, precipitation leaches the surfactant from the seed into the soil where it absorbs onto the soil particles and ameliorates water repellency within the seeds microsite. We evaluated this technology in a burned, highly water repellent, piñon-juniper woodland. Within a randomized complete block design, we separately seeded two bunchgrass species (Indian ricegrass and crested wheatgrass), whose seeds was either left uncoated or coated with a surfactant blend of alkylpolyglycoside and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer. Plots were monitored through two growing seasons. In the spring after seeding, plant density and cover in the surfactant coated treatments were approximately 3-fold higher than the uncoated treatments. Two years after seeding, differences in plant density between the treatments decreased slightly, with the surfactant coated treatments having 2.8-fold higher density, as compared to the uncoated treatments. Over this same period, relative differences in cover between the treatments had increased, with surfactant coated treatments having 3.4-fold higher cover than the uncoated treatments. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the ability of surfactant seed coating technology to improve seedling emergence and establishment. Future research is merited for evaluating the technology at larger-scales and within different ecosystems.
Novel Adjuvant Blend for In-Can and Tank-Mix Application Potential Combining Sustainability and Performance as Versatile Penetration Enhancer
Authors: Baur Peter , Bodelon Luciana , Lowe Beth
Published: May 2014

Products based on co-polymers of glycerol, at least one dicarboxylic and one monocarboxylic acid, act as dispersing agents and/or adjuvants in various soluble liquid formulations. Because of the hydrophilicity of the polyglycerol chain, use of these products is typical in water-based formulations. Presenting novel derivatives of this cross-linked co-polymer that has high oil solubility, for example, in alkyl esters of fatty acids, is the goal of this study. One such derivative is a mixture with methylated seed oil (MSO) and is able to be used in oil-based formulations or as tank-mix adjuvant with or without further wetting agents or other components. The new product, referred to as a novel adjuvant (NOVAD) in this study, has no hazardous labeling, is based on renewable resources, and will fulfill any criteria for environmentally friendly adjuvants. Thus, NOVAD is a sustainable product with wide use potential in crop protection. Both components of the product are adjuvants and we will demonstrate the property as an enhancer of penetration of various model compounds and selected active ingredients in this study. The product acts as a foliar penetration enhancer in particular, because the mobility of active ingredients in the plant cuticle is rapidly increased and active availability in the deposit is high. Plant compatibility indications are excellent across all major grain and fiber crops, as well as various fruit crops, vegetable crops, and ornamental plants. NOVAD's plant compatibility is superior to other MSO or non-ionic surfactant adjuvants having the same attribute as a powerful penetration enhancer. The basic product properties are flexibly adapted in accordance with the major use as in-can or tank-mix adjuvant for the respective crop or indication.
Effect of Application Carrier Volume on a Conventional Sprayer System and an Ultra-Low Volume Sprayer
Authors: Ferguson J. Connor , Gaussoin Roch E. , Eastin John A. , Henry Ryan S. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: May 2014

An Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) sprayer was developed to decrease spray volume required for crop production pesticide applications. A field study at the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln: West Central Research and Extension Center Dryland Farm near North Platte, NE, was conducted in 2011 and 2012 to compare an ULV sprayer to a conventional sprayer across nine carrier volumes with glyphosate at 1061 g ae ha−1. Nine carrier volumes and an untreated check were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The conventional sprayer treatments were applied at carrier volumes of 19, 38, 76, and 152 L ha−1; the carrier volumes with the ULV sprayer were applied at 2.5,5, 9, 19, and 38 L ha−1. Treatments were applied across a 12 row plot. Plant species used were non-glyphosate-resistant corn (Zea mays L.) non-glyphosate-resistant soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.), and green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.). Five plants of each species per plot were harvested at four weeks after application, dried for 48 h at 63°C and dry weights were recorded. Spray treatments were analyzed for particle size on a laser diffraction instrument. The droplet size distributions of each carrier volume and spray solution were compared to an XR11003 nozzle at 300 kPa. The dry weight measurements were not different between sprayers across the six species. The results suggest that the ULV sprayer at reduced carrier volume was as effective as a conventional sprayer for glyphosate applications. Further investigations are needed to understand drift potential and how the system affects the efficacy of other spray solutions.
Comparison of Herbicide Efficacy and Adjuvants Using a Conventional Sprayer and an Ultra-Low Volume Sprayer
Authors: Ferguson J. Connor , Gaussoin Roch E. , Eastin John A. , Henry Ryan S. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: May 2014

An Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) sprayer was developed to decrease spray volume needed for crop production pesticide applications. A field study was conducted at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln: West Central Research and Extension Center Dryland Farm near North Platte, NE in 2011 and 2012 to determine efficacy of herbicide active ingredients when applied by a ULV sprayer compared to a conventional sprayer. The effect of four drift reducing adjuvants on glyphosate efficacy with an ULV sprayer at two pressures was also evaluated. Ten active ingredients with each sprayer and an untreated check (21 total treatments) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The ten herbicides chosen were glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D ester, dicamba, atrazine, saflufenacil, mesotrione, chloransulam-methyl, sodium salt of bentazon, and clethodim. Additionally, four drift reducing adjuvants, a glyphosate check and an untreated check were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The four adjuvants selected were hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), polyethylene oxide (PEO), methylated soybean oil (MSO), and glycerin. Treatments were applied across a 12 row plot planted to six different plant species. Plant species used were non-glyphosate-resistant corn (Zea mays L.) non-glyphosate-resistant soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.), and green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.). Treatments in both studies were analyzed for their relative particle size on a laser diffraction instrument. Five plants of each species per plot were harvested four weeks after application, dried for 48 h at 63°C and dry weights were recorded. The active ingredient study yielded no difference in efficacy between sprayer types across all six species in 2011 but was different in corn in 2012. Simple effect differences of treatment by sprayer type were observed in both years. The adjuvant study had no difference in glyphosate efficacy across the four adjuvants or the glyphosate check over the six species in 2011 and corn and soybean in 2012. Additionally, pressure did not affect efficacy across all treatments. The results indicate that the ULV sprayer is potentially an effective method for delivering herbicides.
Spectrum Effect Mitigation and Monitoring of the EPR Irradiation Surveillance Program
Authors: Benhamou Claude , Roch François , Vaindirlis Ménélaos , Todeschini Patrick , Churier-Bossennec Henriette , Akamatsu Marielle
Published: May 2014

The EPR (initially European Pressurized water Reactor then Evolutionary Power Reactor and considered today as only a trademark) reactor pressure vessel (RPV) has been designed taking into account the requirement of an end-of-life (EOL) RTNDT lower than or equal to 30°C after 60 years of operation. The maximum acceptable fluence at the RPV inner wall, calculated with RCC-M formula and emerging from that requirement, is 3.3 × 1019n/cm2 (E > 1 MeV). To not exceed this fluence level, a heavy reflector has been introduced together with an increased water gap in the reactor downcomer. According to neutron calculations, the expected actual EOL fluence on EPR RPV in the presence of the heavy reflector is between 1 and 2.25 × 1019n/cm2 (E > 1 MeV) depending on the fuel management route. The irradiation surveillance program consists of positioning representative specimens of core region materials in the capsules attached to the outer face of the RPV core barrel. In former reactors equipped with a conventional core baffling, the neutron energy spectrum affecting the surveillance capsules is quite similar to the one affecting the RPV inner wall. In EPR, the heavy reflector presence distorts the neutron spectrum at the capsules’ location and, consequently, the EPR surveillance specimens used to monitor progress of the embrittlement in service would be subjected to a significantly different neutron energy spectrum from that on the RPV inner wall. The aim of this paper is to describe the approach followed by AREVA to limit this neutron spectrum effect and to design an appropriate capsule withdrawal schedule. This approach includes: (1) mitigation, with a new capsule basket design introducing an additional water gap between the reflector and the specimens, and (2) assessment of the embrittlement, not only with the conventional fast neutron fluence (E > 1 MeV), but also with the dose per atom as an additional dose damage parameter.
Surveillance Program Results for the High Flux Reactor Vessel Material
Authors: Luzginova N. V. , Nolles H. , van den Berg F. , van den Idsert P. , van der Schaaf B.
Published: May 2014

The High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten, The Netherlands, is a materials testing research reactor with an aluminium alloy (base material: 5154-O) vessel. The vessel wall is exposed to thermal and fast neutrons that induce transmutation and cause displacement damage in the metal lattice, respectively. The resulting effect of neutron bombardment is hardening of the aluminium alloy with a corresponding toughness decrease. Prediction of neutron radiation effects on the HFR vessel wall during its operational life is considered within a dedicated surveillance program SURP (an acronym for SURveillance Program). The surveillance program aims at monitoring the degradation of the vessel material at the most severely irradiated location by measuring the most relevant mechanical properties. In the SURP program, aluminium specimens placed in two specially designed experimental rigs are continuously irradiated. A number of surveillance specimens are periodically extracted and tested to prove fracture toughness of the reactor vessel material remains above the acceptable limit. The present paper outlines the most recent results of the HFR surveillance program, including fracture toughness properties trend as functions of thermal neutron fluences and of silicon content as well as microstructural analysis of changes in reactor vessel material due to neutron radiation.
Empirical Analyses of Effects of the Heat Affected Zone and Post Weld Heat Treatment on Irradiation Embrittlement of Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Troyer Greg , Erickson Marjorie
Published: May 2014

An empirical data mining approach was employed to separate the effects of weld thermal cycles in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) and Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) on Transition Temperature Shift (TTS) from other variables, using unirradiated and irradiated Charpy test data obtained from US RPV surveillance program results. HAZ data, which tend to have greater scatter due to microstructural variation in the HAZ, are separated into “high scatter” and “low scatter” categories to assess the effect of scatter on TTS trends. In general, the TTS behavior of the HAZ is comparable to the non-HAZ. However, the forging HAZ TTS diverges from the non-HAZ TTS as a function of copper content. This trend is also observed in the plate HAZ when looking at plate HAZ datasets with copper content and PWHT times less than forging copper content (≤0.16 wt. %) and PWHT time (≤20 h). Additionally, TTS of weld and HAZ materials increases with increased PWHT time. These trends are not well captured by modern embrittlement trend curves. For all but one heat evaluated herein, the irradiated transition temperatures of the HAZ are lower than those of the non-HAZ from the same heat in the same irradiated condition.
Flux Effects on Radiation Induced Aging Behaviour of Low Alloy Steel Weld Material with High Nickel and Manganese Content
Authors: Efsing Pål , Roudén Jenny , Nilsson Per
Published: May 2014

As part of an on-going effort to verify the long-term fitness for service of the PWR-plants at the Swedish Ringhals site, weld material relevant for the two most modern units has been irradiated in the OECD Halden Materials test reactor (MTR) for up to three cycles of operation. The dose level achieved for each cycle is approximately equivalent to 20 years of operation during Light Water Reactor (LWR) conditions. The purpose of the test was three-fold. The first objective was to study the effect of the dose rate, the flux, -level on these kind of materials in order to verify or to discard the use of MTR-irradiated materials as part of the model building to understand the evolution of the mechanical behaviour under LWR conditions. The second objective was to enhance the available database of post-irradiation mechanical properties for analyses purposes, such as reactor pressure-temperature limit curves and defect tolerance analyses. Finally, the third objective was to produce ample amount of relevant irradiated material, enabling a comprehensive microscopy analysis of the evolution of the structure in the material to establish the occurrence frequency and type of precipitates and agglomerates, and if possible to study the occurrence of late blooming phases in high Ni and Mn bearing materials. This study will concentrate on the two first objectives. From the study, it appears clear that with these materials, it is possible to enhance the flux to speed up the irradiation induced degradation and still produce results that fall well in line with data extracted from the normal surveillance programs of the reactors. The flux effect as analysed from the mechanical property data appears to be negligible, if any.