bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triplex Real-Time PCR without DNA Extraction for the Monitoring of Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Whaley Melissa J. , Jenkins Laurel T. , Hu Fang , Chen Alexander , Diarra Seydou , Ouédraogo-Traoré Rasmata , Sacchi Claudio T. , Wang Xin
Published: August 2018

Detection of Neisseria meningitidis has become less time- and resource-intensive with a monoplex direct real-time PCR (drt-PCR) to amplify genes from clinical specimens without DNA extraction. To further improve efficiency, we evaluated two triplex drt-PCR assays for the detection of meningococcal serogroups AWX and BCY. The sensitivity and specificity of the triplex assays were assessed using 228 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from meningitis patients and compared to the monoplex for six serogroups. The lower limit of detection range for six serogroup-specific drt-PCR assays was 178–5264 CFU/mL by monoplex and 68–2221 CFU/mL by triplex. The triplex and monoplex showed 100% agreement for six serogroups and the triplex assays achieved similar sensitivity and specificity estimates as the monoplex drt-PCR assays. Our triplex method reduces the time and cost of processing CSF specimens by characterizing six serogroups with only two assays, which is particularly important for testing large numbers of specimens for N. meningitidis surveillance.
“The Heisenberg Method”: Geometry, Algebra, and Probability in Quantum Theory
Authors: Plotnitsky Arkady
Published: August 2018

The article reconsiders quantum theory in terms of the following principle, which can be symbolically represented as QUANTUMNESS → PROBABILITY → ALGEBRA and will be referred to as the QPA principle. The principle states that the quantumness of physical phenomena, that is, the specific character of physical phenomena known as quantum, implies that our predictions concerning them are irreducibly probabilistic, even in dealing with quantum phenomena resulting from the elementary individual quantum behavior (such as that of elementary particles), which in turn implies that our theories concerning these phenomena are fundamentally algebraic, in contrast to more geometrical classical or relativistic theories, although these theories, too, have an algebraic component to them. It follows that one needs to find an algebraic scheme able make these predictions in a given quantum regime. Heisenberg was first to accomplish this in the case of quantum mechanics, as matrix mechanics, whose matrix character testified to his algebraic method, as Einstein characterized it. The article explores the implications of the Heisenberg method and of the QPA principle for quantum theory, and for the relationships between mathematics and physics there, from a nonrealist or, in terms of this article, “reality-without-realism” or RWR perspective, defining the RWR principle, thus joined to the QPA principle.
An Event-Triggered Fault Detection Approach in Cyber-Physical Systems with Sensor Nonlinearities and Deception Attacks
Authors: Li Yunji , Liu Xu , Peng Li
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a general event-triggered framework is constructed to investigate the problem of remote fault detection for stochastic cyber-physical systems subject to the additive disturbances, sensor nonlinearities and deception attacks. Both fault-detection residual generation and evaluation module are fully described. Two energy norm indices are presented so that the fault-detection residual has the best sensitivity to faults and the best robustness to unwanted factors including additive disturbances and false information injected by attacker. Moreover, the filter gain and residual weighting matrix are formulated in terms of stochastic Lyapunov function, which can be conveniently solved via standard numerical software. Finally, an application example is presented to verify the performance of fault detection by comparative simulations. The prolonged battery life is experimentally evaluated and analyzed via a wireless node platform.
High Hydrostatic Pressure as a Tool to Reduce Formation of Biogenic Amines in Artisanal Spanish Cheeses
Authors: Espinosa-Pesqueira Diana , Hernández-Herrero Maria Manuela , Roig-Sagués Artur X.
Published: August 2018

Two artisanal varieties of cheese made in Spain, one made of ewes’ raw milk and the other of goats’ raw milk were selected to evaluate the effect of a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment at 400 MPa during 10 min at 2 °C on the formation of biogenic amines (BA). These conditions were applied at the beginning of the ripening (before the 5th day; HHP1) and in the case of ewes’ milk cheeses also after 15th days (HHP15). BA formation was greatly influenced by HHP treatments in both types of cheese. HHP1 treatments significantly reduced the amounts of BA after ripening, being tyramine and putrescine the most affected BA in goats’ milk cheeses and tyramine and cadaverine in ewes’ milk cheeses. The BA reduction in the HHP1 samples could be explained by the significant decrease in microbiological counts, especially in the LAB, enteroccocci and enterobacteria groups at the beginning of ripening. The proteolysis in these samples was also affected reducing the amount of free amino acids. Although proteolysis in ewes’ milk cheeses HHP15 was similar than in control samples a reduction of BA was observed probably because the decrease caused on microbial counts.
Functional and Bioactive Properties of Food: The Challenges Ahead
Authors: Moreno Diego A. , Ilic Nebojsa
Published: August 2018

n/a
A Population-Based Conceptual Framework for Evaluating the Role of Healthcare Services in Place of Death
Authors: Gao Wei , Huque Sumaya , Morgan Myfanwy , Higginson Irene J.
Published: August 2018

Background: There is a significant geographical disparity in place of death. Socio-demographic and disease-related variables only explain less than a quarter of the variation. Healthcare service factors may account for some (or much) of the remaining variation but their effects have never been systematically evaluated, partly due to the lack of a conceptual framework. This study aims to propose a population-based framework to guide the evaluation of the role of the healthcare service factors in place of death. Methods: Review and synthesis of health service models that include the impact of a service component on either place of death/end of life care outcomes or service access/utilization. Results: The framework conceptualizes the impact of healthcare services on the place of death as starting from the end of life care policies that in turn influence service commissioning and shape healthcare service characteristics, including service type, service capacity—facilities, service location, and workforce, through which service utilization and ultimately place of death are affected. Patient socio-demographics, disease-related variables, family and community support and social care also influence place of death, but they are not the focus of this framework and therefore are grouped as needs and other environmental factors. Information on service utilization, together with the place of death, creates loop feedback to inform policy and service commission. Conclusions: The framework provides guidance for analysis aiming to understand the role of healthcare services in place of death. It aids the interpretation of results in the light of existing knowledge and potentially identifies service factors that can be addressed to improve end of life care.
Crystal Structure and Coordination of B-Cations in the Ruddlesden–Popper Phases Sr3−xPrx(Fe1.25Ni0.75)O7−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4)
Authors: Svensson Gunnar , Samain Louise , Biendicho Jordi Jacas , Mahmoud Abdelfattah , Hermann Raphaël P. , Istomin Sergey Ya. , Grins Jekabs
Published: August 2018

Compounds Sr3−xPrxFe1.25Ni0.75O7−δ with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 and Ruddlesden–Popper n = 2 type structures were synthesized and investigated by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, thermogravimetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Both samples, prepared at 1300 °C under N2(g) flow and samples subsequently air-annealed at 900 °C, were studied. The structures contained oxygen vacancies in the perovskite layers, and the Fe/Ni cations had an average coordination number less than six. The oxygen content was considerably higher for air-annealed samples than for samples prepared under N2, 7 − δ = ~6.6 and ~5.6 per formula unit, respectively. Mössbauer data collected at 7 K, below magnetic ordering temperatures, were consistent with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) results. The electrical conductivity was considerably higher for the air-annealed samples and was for x = 0.1~30 S·cm−1 at 500 °C. The thermal expansion coefficients were measured in air between room temperature and 900 °C and was found to be 20–24 ppm·K−1 overall.
Multiple Intelligences in Teaching and Education: Lessons Learned from Neuroscience
Authors: Shearer Branton
Published: August 2018

This brief paper summarizes a mixed method review of over 500 neuroscientific reports investigating the proposition that general intelligence (g or IQ) and multiple intelligences (MI) can be integrated based on common and unique neural systems. Extrapolated from this interpretation are five principles that inform teaching and curriculum so that education can be strengths-based and personalized to promote academic achievement. This framework is proposed as a comprehensive model for a system of educational cognitive neuroscience that will serve the fields of neuroscience as well as educators. Five key principles identified are culture matters, every brain is unique—activate strengths, know thyself, embodied cognition/emotional rudder, and make it mean something.
Computing The Irregularity Strength of Planar Graphs
Authors: Yang Hong , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Ibrahim Muhammad , Ahmad Sarfraz , Ahmad Ali
Published: August 2018

The field of graph theory plays a vital role in various fields. One of the important areas in graph theory is graph labeling used in many applications such as coding theory, X-ray crystallography, radar, astronomy, circuit design, communication network addressing, and data base management. In this paper, we discuss the totally irregular total k labeling of three planar graphs. If such labeling exists for minimum value of a positive integer k, then this labeling is called totally irregular total k labeling and k is known as the total irregularity strength of a graph G. More preciously, we determine the exact value of the total irregularity strength of three planar graphs.
Protein Targets of Frankincense: A Reverse Docking Analysis of Terpenoids from Boswellia Oleo-Gum Resins
Authors: Byler Kendall G. , Setzer William N.
Published: August 2018

Background: Frankincense, the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia trees, has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Frankincense has been used to treat wounds and skin infections, inflammatory diseases, dementia, and various other conditions. However, in many cases, the biomolecular targets for frankincense components are not well established. Methods: In this work, we have carried out a reverse docking study of Boswellia diterpenoids and triterpenoids with a library of 16034 potential druggable target proteins. Results: Boswellia diterpenoids showed selective docking to acetylcholinesterase, several bacterial target proteins, and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Boswellia triterpenoids targeted the cancer-relevant proteins (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, tankyrase, and folate receptor β), inflammation-relevant proteins (phospholipase A2, epoxide hydrolase, and fibroblast collagenase), and the diabetes target 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Conclusions: The preferential docking of Boswellia terpenoids is consistent with the traditional uses and the established biological activities of frankincense.
Deformation of Stacked Metallic Sheets by Shock Wave Loading
Authors: Patil Sandeep P. , Murkute Rahul , Shirafkan Nima , Markert Bernd
Published: August 2018

The focus of the present work is to develop a deep understanding of deformation of stacked metal sheets with a series of different sequences by using shock wave loading. Here, experimental and numerical investigations of deformation of a single metal sheet of 1.5-mm and the stack of three metal sheets of 0.5-mm thickness of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and brass (Br) material were carried out. In the shock wave experiments, helium was used as the driving gas to produce a strong shock wave. Finite elements method (FEM) simulations on 3D-computational models were performed with explicit dynamic analysis, and Johnson-Cook material model was used. The obtained results from experiments of the outer diameter, thickness distribution, and dome height were analyzed and compared with the numerical simulations, and both the results are in excellent agreement. Moreover, for the same pressure load, due to lower inter-metallic friction in the stacked sheets compared to a cohesive property of the single sheet, an excellent deformation of stacked metallic sheets was observed. The results of this work indicated that the shock wave-forming process is a feasible technique for mass production of stacked metallic sheets as well as fabricating a hierarchical composite structure, which provides higher formability and smooth thickness distribution compared to a single material.
Crystallinity-Dependent Thermoelectric Properties of a Two-Dimensional Coordination Polymer: Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2
Authors: Nonoguchi Yoshiyuki , Sato Dai , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2018

The evaluation of thermoelectric properties has recently become a standard method for revealing the electronic properties of conducting polymers. Herein we report on the thermoelectric properties of a two-dimensional coordination polymer pellets. The pellets of Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2, which has recently been developed, show n-type thermoelectric transport, dependent on crystallinity. The present results provide systematic feedback to the guideline for high-performance molecular thermoelectric materials.
Simulation and Analysis of Oleic Acid Pretreatment for Microwave-Assisted Biodiesel Production
Authors: Ma Weiquan , Hong Tao , Xie Tian , Wang Fengxia , Luo Bin , Zhou Jie , Yang Yang , Zhu Huacheng , Huang Kama
Published: August 2018

Oleic acid needs to be heated when it is utilized for biodiesel production, but, as a low-loss solution, oleic acid is difficult to heat by microwave. An efficient heating method for oleic acid is designed. A high loss material porous media is placed in a quartz tube, and a microwave directly heats the porous medium of the high loss material. The oleic acid flows through the pores of porous media so that the oleic acid exchanges heat during this process and rapid heating of oleic acid is achieved. A coupling model, based on the finite element method, is used to analyze the microwave heating process. The multiphysics model is based on a single mode cavity operating at 2450 MHz. An elaborate experimental system is developed to validate the multiphysics model through temperature measurements carried out for different flow velocities of oleic acid and different microwave power levels. The computational results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Based on the validated model, the effects of different sizes, porosities, and materials on microwave heating efficiency are analyzed.
A Comprehensive Survey of Recent Trends in Cloud Robotics Architectures and Applications
Authors: Saha Olimpiya , Dasgupta Prithviraj
Published: August 2018

Cloud robotics has recently emerged as a collaborative technology between cloud computing and service robotics enabled through progress in wireless networking, large scale storage and communication technologies, and the ubiquitous presence of Internet resources over recent years. Cloud computing empowers robots by offering them faster and more powerful computational capabilities through massively parallel computation and higher data storage facilities. It also offers access to open-source, big datasets and software, cooperative learning capabilities through knowledge sharing, and human knowledge through crowdsourcing. The recent progress in cloud robotics has led to active research in this area spanning from the development of cloud robotics architectures to its varied applications in different domains. In this survey paper, we review the recent works in the area of cloud robotics technologies as well as its applications. We draw insights about the current trends in cloud robotics and discuss the challenges and limitations in the current literature, open research questions and future research directions.
Segregation in Housing and Urban Forms: An Issue of Private and Public Concern
Authors: Ramos Rui Jorge Garcia , Gonçalves Eliseu , Dias Silva Sergio
Published: August 2018

The Mapping Public Housing investigation project (MdH), based at the University of Porto, Faculty of Architecture, Centre for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, is building a database of State-subsidized residential architecture in Portugal designed between 1910 and 1974. An ongoing survey of laws directly or indirectly influencing housing construction, and of their concretization, allows for a reading of the influence of the State in housing architecture. This paper will focus on two scopes of segregation through housing design in the Portuguese 20th century, both in private initiatives—the “Ilhas”, low rent housing built in the backyards of Porto in the first half of the century—and in public investments—using the example of the “Affordable Houses”, a housing programme created by the Portuguese dictatorial regime in 1933 in which the buyers of the houses were subjected to surveillance by the State. An ongoing context of market pressure caused by speculative real estate investing and mass tourism, suggests an evolution of the original processes of segregation into systems of gentrification, transforming the cultural and social fabric.
A Multimessenger Picture of the Flaring Blazar TXS 0506+056: Implications for High-energy Neutrino Emission and Cosmic-Ray Acceleration
Authors: Keivani A. , Murase K. , Petropoulou M. , Fox D. B. , Cenko S. B. , Chaty S. , Coleiro A. , DeLaunay J. J. , Dimitrakoudis S. , Evans P. A. , Kennea J. A. , Marshall F. E. , Mastichiadis A. , Osborne J. P. , Santander M. , Tohuvavohu A. , Turley C. F.
Published: August 2018

Detection of the IceCube-170922A neutrino coincident with the flaring blazar TXS 0506+056, the first and only ∼3σ high-energy neutrino source association to date, offers a potential breakthrough in our understanding of high-energy cosmic particles and blazar physics. We present a comprehensive analysis of TXS 0506+056 during its flaring state, using newly collected Swift, NuSTAR, and X-shooter data with Fermi observations and numerical models to constrain the blazar’s particle acceleration processes and multimessenger (electromagnetic (EM) and high-energy neutrino) emissions. Accounting properly for EM cascades in the emission region, we find a physically consistent picture only within a hybrid leptonic scenario, with γ-rays produced by external inverse-Compton processes and high-energy neutrinos via a radiatively subdominant hadronic component. We derive robust constraints on the blazar’s neutrino and cosmic-ray emissions and demonstrate that, because of cascade effects, the 0.1–100 keV emissions of TXS 0506+056 serve as a better probe of its hadronic acceleration and high-energy neutrino production processes than its GeV–TeV emissions. If the IceCube neutrino association holds, physical conditions in the TXS 0506+056 jet must be close to optimal for high-energy neutrino production, and are not favorable for ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray acceleration. Alternatively, the challenges we identify in generating a significant rate of IceCube neutrino detections from TXS 0506+056 may disfavor single-zone models, in which γ-rays and high-energy neutrinos are produced in a single emission region. In concert with continued operations of the high-energy neutrino observatories, we advocate regular X-ray monitoring of TXS 0506+056 and other blazars in order to test single-zone blazar emission models, clarify the nature and extent of their hadronic acceleration processes, and carry out the most sensitive possible search for additional multimessenger sources.
RELICS: A Candidate z ∼ 10 Galaxy Strongly Lensed into a Spatially Resolved Arc
Authors: Salmon Brett , Coe Dan , Bradley Larry , Bradač Marusa , Strait Victoria , Paterno-Mahler Rachel , Huang Kuang-Han , Oesch Pascal A. , Zitrin Adi , Acebron Ana , Cibirka Nathália , Kikuchihara Shotaro , Oguri Masamune , Brammer Gabriel B. , Sharon Keren , Trenti Michele , Avila Roberto J. , Ogaz Sara , Andrade-Santos Felipe , Carrasco Daniela , Cerny Catherine , Dawson William , Frye Brenda L. , Hoag Austin , Jones Christine , Mainali Ramesh , Ouchi Masami , Rodney Steven A. , Stark Daniel , Umetsu Keiichi
Published: August 2018

The most distant galaxies known are at z ∼ 10–11, observed 400–500 Myr after the Big Bang. The few z ∼ 10–11 candidates discovered to date have been exceptionally small, barely resolved, if at all, by the Hubble Space Telescope. Here we present the discovery of SPT0615-JD1, a fortuitous z ∼ 10 (z
phot = 

) galaxy candidate stretched into an arc over ∼2.″5 by the effects of strong gravitational lensing. Discovered in the Reionization Lensing Cluster Survey (RELICS) Hubble Treasury program and companion S-RELICS Spitzer program, this candidate has a lensed H-band magnitude of 24.6 ± 0.1 AB mag. With a magnification of μ ∼ 4–7 estimated from our lens models, the delensed intrinsic magnitude is 26.7 ± 0.1 AB mag, and the half-light radius is r

e
 < 0.8 kpc, both consistent with other z > 9 candidates. The inferred stellar mass (

) and star formation rate (

) indicate that this candidate is a typical star-forming galaxy on the z > 6 SFR–M
⋆ relation. We note that three independent lens models predict two counter images, at least one of which should be of a similar magnitude to the arc, but these counter images are not yet detected. Counter images would not be expected if the arc were at lower redshift. The relatively large physical size could be due to a merger or accretion event, while the unprecedented lensed size of this z ∼ 10 candidate offers the potential for ALMA and the James Webb Space Telescope to study the geometric and kinematic properties of a galaxy observed 500 Myr after the Big Bang.
Pathological Examination of Plicated Medial Rectus Muscle for Treatment of Re-recurrent Exotropia
Authors: Rao Hussain , Singh Vivekanand , Plummer Laura , Marsh Justin D.
Published: August 2018

Plication and resection are surgical procedures commonly used for the treatment of strabismus. Further studies are needed to understand the postoperative effects of plication on muscle tissue. This case report examines a pathological section of a plicated medial rectus muscle, revealing myocyte injury and replacement with fibroconnective tissue.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2018;55:e20–e21.]
Accidental Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide Ingestion Associated with Portal Venous Gas
Authors: Youssef Eslam W. , Chukwueke Victor , Elsamaloty Lina , Moawad Sherif , Elsamaloty Haitham
Published: August 2018

A case of a 52-year old male patient who presented to the emergency department with severe nausea and vomiting following accidental ingestion of H2O2. A computed tomography (CT) abdomen performed at our institution demonstrated extensive portal venous gas throughout the liver with few gas droplets seen in the extrahepatic portal vein portion. Pneumatosis was also noted in the wall of the gastric antrum. Upper GI Endoscopy was done revealing diffuse hemorrhagic gastritis and mild duodenal bulb erosion. The patient was treated with hyperbaric oxygen. On the second day of admission, the patient was able to eat without difficulty or pain. Accidental ingestion of high concentration H2O2 solution has been shown to cause extensive injury to surrounding tissues. The injury occurs via three main mechanisms: corrosive damage, oxygen gas formation, and lipid peroxidation. We report a case of accidental ingestion of a highly concentrated (35%) solution of H2O2 causing portal venous gas.
MaGrid: A Language-Neutral Early Mathematical Training and Learning Application
Authors: Pazouki Tahereh , Cornu Véronique , Sonnleitner Philipp , Schiltz Christine , Fischbach Antoine , Martin Romain
Published: August 2018

Given that the use of educational technologies is increasingly popular in kindergarten and among young students, these technologies have been shown to be able to solve the difficulties (existing in school) that are either not possible to be solved in traditional schooling or cost a lot of time and resources. In this paper, we present a pedagogical training and learning application called MaGrid (Math on Grid), which has been developed to foster early mathematical skills in pre-schoolers. MaGrid is a tablet-based application, which provides a wide range of training tasks targeting fundamental mathematical concepts for the preschool level. The language-neutral property of MaGrid is an innovative aspect that makes MaGrid different from existing mathematical training applications. This property may reduce the barrier of language from mathematical education for second language learners encountered in multilingual school settings. MaGrid allows individual learning in an interactive way and provides real-time feedback. Moreover, MaGrid is capable of recording students’ activities while working on the training tasks, which can help teachers and parents keep track of a student’s progress in different tasks and observe potential training-related improvements over time. Finally, we describe a series of experiments carried out using the MaGrid application during special training and assessment sessions in several preschools in Luxembourg.
Analysis of a Self-learning System of English Flipped Classroom Based on Adaptive Algorithm
Authors: He Ying
Published: August 2018

To solve the problem of how to apply information technology in English education field, to realize the integration of information technology and courses and also to truly improve the study efficiency, the advanced technologies were combined with some education measurement theories and applied in computer-aided test field. In addition, a computer-aided autonomous learning system with adaptive feature was developed, which was a self-adaptive learning system of junior English. The results showed that, under the guidance of the classic test theory and the project response theory, the system was designed and developed on the basis of the “people-oriented” principle. With the increasing number of students wanting to practice, the system dynamically rewrote the relevant learning record parameters, and conducted a real-time record of the true level of ability of each different student in different knowledge points. In a word, practicing according to the actual situation, the learning system can help achieve a truly personalized learning, and meanwhile enhances the efficiency of learning.
Observation of Nucleation and Growth Mechanism of Bismuth Nano/Microparticles Prepared by Hot-Injection Method
Authors: Allahverdi Cagdas , Erat Selma
Published: August 2018

The growth mechanisms of the nanomaterials such as Bismuth (Bi) are investigated since the understanding of the factors that affect the kinetics is fundamental to tune the crystal growth and thus to achieve new types of nanostructures and new material properties. It is concluded that Bi nano/microparticles are grown in following: classical nucleation growth theory and then most possibly unclassical oriented attachment via two kinds of effective and noneffective collisions with mass transfer. Polycrystalline Bi nano/micropowders having variety forms such as nanocrystal, nanoplate, and nano/microparticle have been synthesized successfully in a non-coordinating solvent by using hot-injection method. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques are used to characterize the nanopowders. It is achieved that Bi particles synthesized during the reaction are accumulated via hit and stick mechanism and taken out of the solution as a conglomerate wet powder without need to centrifuge the solution. The Bi is formed in hexagonal phase with preferred orientation of (012) plane along with the XRD peak shape factor of ~0.44 which indicates more Lorentzian than Gaussian character. The average diameter of the synthesized nanocrystals is about 1.86 nm. The unit cell parameters calculated by Rietveld refinement are a=4.5474 Å and c=11.8612 Å in hexagonal phase. It is observed that hexagonal nanoplates are completely surrounded by nanocrystals. Twinkling of the spherical Bi nano/microparticles attached by nanoplates is observed under a white light illumination. All the steps from nucleation to the conglomerate structure formed are visualized and respectively proved experimentally.
The Optical Nonlinear Properties of Different Particles Size of Ferrofluid
Authors: Hammudi Rabi Noori , Al-Bassam Sudad Salman , Mahmood Aseel Ibrahim , Ibrahim Rawa Khalil , Kopčanský Peter
Published: August 2018

In this work, the non-linear optical properties (nonlinear refractive index , nonlinear absorption coefficient ) for different samples of water based Ferrofluids have been presented and studied by aid of z-scan technique. These liquids have different diameters of nano-particle suspensions. The difference in diameter leads to higher absorption ; bigger radius leads to higher nonlinear coefficient and nonlinear refractive index.
Calcium Carbonate Reinforced Polypropylene Nanocomposites: Effect of Nano-Filler Loadings on the Melt Rheological Properties
Authors: Chafidz Achmad , Lestari Ajeng Y.D. , Setyaningsih Lucky , Astuti Widi , Rizal Muhammad
Published: August 2018

In recent years, polymer-based nanocomposites have been investigated by many researchers due to their enhanced properties. Different types of nanomaterials have been used to produce polymer nanocomposites. One of them is nano-CaCO3. In the present work, nano-CaCO3 material reinforced polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites have been fabricated by melt compounding the PP pellets and nano-CaCO3 masterbatch. The effect of four different loadings of nano-CaCO3 (0, 5, 10, 15 wt%) on the melt rheological properties of the nanocomposites has been investigated. The morphology of the nanocomposites was analyzed by a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) to study the dispersion state and distribution of nanoCaCO3 particles in PP matrix. Whereas, the melt rheological behavior of the nanocomposites was analyzed by an oscillatory rheometer. The FESEM micrographs showed that the nano-CaCO3 particles were well dispersed and distributed in the PP matrix. Additionally, the melt rheological analysis results showed that the complex viscosity of all nanocomposites samples were higher than that of neat PP and increased with increasing nano-CaCO3 loadings. Furthermore, the complex viscosity data from the rheological test has been fitted by Carreau-Yasuda equation and it was found to be well fitted.
Trials of Developing a Magnetic Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite through Friction Stir Spot Forming
Authors: Tabatabaei Hamed Mofidi , Tajima Tetta , Nishihara Tadashi
Published: August 2018

In present study, possibility of developing a new magnetic aluminum-based composite material by using principles of friction stir forming (FSF) is studied. Friction stir forming is a new materials forming technique which uses frictional heat to plasticize and plastically deform the alloy. Local magnetizing and local hardening of A6061 aluminum alloy is discussed by attempts of embedding and dispersing iron oxide powder and steel balls into A6061 aluminum alloy through spotted friction stir forming. Experiments revealed that FSF can be used to mechanically interlock steel balls and iron oxide with aluminum alloy and develop an aluminum metal matrix composite with improved magnetic properties. Results are discussed in terms of microstructural observation, hardness and magnetic properties.
A DFT Study of Vanadium Doped Gold Nanoalloy Clusters
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: August 2018

The electronic and optical properties of AunV (n=1-8) nanoalloy clusters have been investigated invoking Density Functional Theory (DFT) based descriptors. Conceptual DFT based global descriptors have been used to exhibit experimental properties qualitatively. In this report, the experimental properties of AunV (n=1-8) nanoalloy clusters are correlated in terms of DFT based descriptors viz., HOMO-LUMO energy gap, Hardness, Softness, Electronegativity, Electrophilicity Index and Dipole Moment. The doping of single vanadium atom in gold clusters enhances the stability of gold clusters and also display pronounced odd-even oscillation behaviors. The computed bond length of instant clusters are numerically close with experimental data. The linear regression analysis has been done in terms of correlation between our computed descriptors and their experimental counterparts.
Performance of the Castor Oil in Methanol-Gasoline as a Bi-Functional Additive
Authors: Xu Jing Fang , Xue Yu Ying , Liu Man , Zhang Fa Wang , Tang Ying , Zhang Yong Ming , Wang Zhen
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the castor oil, as additives, has been investigated on the phase separation temperature of M15, M30, M50 and M65 methanol gasoline at-25.0°C to 40.0°C, respectively. The effect of the additives on the phase stability and saturation vapour pressure was discussed. It was found that castor oil derivatives have good phase stability to various ratio methanol gasoline blends. Introducing water in the methanol gasoline blends need much amount of methyl castor oil to realize phase mixable. Besides, the castor oil can depress the saturation vapour pressure of methanol gasoline effective as well. With these data, it can be concluded that the castor oil have the great potential to be used gasoline-methanol additives.
Effect of Efficient Purification on Mechanical Properties of 3003 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Chen Gui Qing , Fu Gao Sheng , Lin Xiao Dong , Wang Jun De , Cheng Chao Zeng , Yang Kai Huai
Published: August 2018

3003 aluminum melt was treated with efficient purification, and it was deformed by isothermal compression in the range of deformation temperature 300-500 °C at strain rate 0.0l-10.0 s-1 with Gleeble-1500 thermal simulator. The results show that efficient purification treatment can significantly reduce the impurities, and make inclusion size smaller, uniform distribution. Room temperature mechanical properties were significantly improved. At the same strain rate, the flow stress of 3003 aluminum alloy decreases with the increase of deformation temperature. The flow stress increases with the increase of strain rate under the same deformation temperature. Two kinds of 3003 aluminum alloys with different purification treatments both have dynamic recrystallization characteristics. Especially when the strain rate reaches 10.0 s-1, the rheological curve appears sawtooth fluctuation and the alloy may have discontinuous dynamic recrystallization.
Study of an Iterative Solution for Boltzmann Transport Equation and Calculation of Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Sion Chhengrot , Hsu Chung Hao
Published: August 2018

Many methods have been developed to predict the thermal conductivity of the material. Heat transport is complex and it contains many unknown variables, which makes the thermal conductivity hard to define. The iterative solution of Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) can make the numerical calculation and the nanoscale study of heat transfer possible. Here, we review how to apply the iterative method to solve BTE and many linear systems. This method can compute a sequence of progressively accurate iteration to approximate the solution of BTE.
Finite Element Analysis for Static Cushion Performance of (EPE) and Honeycomb Paperboard Combination
Authors: Wang Ya Jun , Fan Xiao Ping , Xiang Hong , Wu Fang Ying , Jiang Zhuo
Published: August 2018

The solid modeling method for Expandable Polyethylene (EPE) and honeycomb paperboard combination structure was studied. The static compression of the structure was simulated by finite element method (FEM). The effect of the thickness of the EPE on the structure was analyzed, and the stress distribution and deformation characteristics were obtained. The results showed that the thickness of EPE had no significant effect on the yield stress of the structure, but the corresponding strain was increased with the increase of the thickness of EPE. The EPE could protect honeycomb paperboard from damage. The results of finite element analysis were in good agreement with the experimental results.
The Synthesis and Characterizations of Aluminums Doped Barium Ferrite (BaAlFe11O19)
Authors: Srisiri Wattanasak , Kaewrawang Arkom
Published: August 2018

Aluminums doped barium ferrite (BaAlFe11O19) was synthesized by sol gel process at annealing temperatures, Ta, of 700 - 1000 °C and annealing time, ta, of 2 hr. The trend of saturation magnetization, σs, and the product of the magnetization and external magnetic fields, σHmax, increases from Ta = 700 - 900 °C, then decreases. The maximum value of σHmax and coercivity, Hc, are 13194.74 Oeemu/g and 20.33 emu/g, respectively, at Ta = 900 °C. The Hc increases from Ta = 700 - 1000 °C and its maximum value is 4448.80 Oe at 1000 °C. The trend of the crystallize size, , increases from Ta = 700 - 900 °C then they are constant until Ta = 1000 °C. The maximum of  is 679.18 Å at 950 °C.
Effect of Alkaline Activators to Engineering Properties of Geopolymer-Based Materials Synthesized from Red Mud
Authors: Le Van Quang , Do Minch Quang , Hoang Minh Duc , Pham Vo Thi Ha Quyen , Bui Thu Ha , Nguyen Hoc Thang
Published: August 2018

Geopolymer is an inorganic polymer material formed from alumino-silicate structures. Geopolymer has many outstanding functions in comparison with ordinary materials such as high mechanical strength, high heat and chemical resistance, and lightweight property. The engineering properties of geopolymer-based materials depend on raw materials and synthesized conditions. In which, the aluminosilicate materials having high activity and consisting of many alkaline activators have the possibility of increasing pH in geopolymer paste. In the solution of paste, aluminosilicate compounds are solubilized and then react with alkali-activated ions to form geopolymeric networks. The geopolymer can be synthesized in many different conditions depending on factors of temperature, pressure, and curing conditions. In this study, red mud (RM) was used as the main alumino resource for geopolymerization process. RM is a solid waste residue being left from the mining process of bauxite ores with caustic soda for alumina production. Its disposal remains a global issue in terms of environmental concerns. Formation of RM-based geopolymer was affected by many factors, in which, the alkaline activators are the most important factor. This research was conducted with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions to elucidate the effect of alkaline activator ratio to the engineering properties of RM-based geopolymers. The results showed that the RM-based geopolymer used sodium silicate solution has more outstanding properties than RM-based geopolymer using sodium hydroxide solution.
Evaluation on Roles of Activated Silicon and Aluminum Oxides for Formation of Geopolymer from Red Mud and Silica Fume
Authors: Le Van Quang , Do Minch Quang , Hoang Minh Duc , Dang Thanh Phong , Bui Thu Ha , Nguyen Hoc Thang
Published: August 2018

In this study, the alkaline solutions (NaOH) with concentration from 1M to 10M, red mud (RM) and silica fume (SF) were used as reactors in geopolymer reactions. RM contains 7.40% SiO2 and 13.65% Al2O3, SF has 94.50% SiO2, but only the activated oxides can participate into the geopolymer reactions. The activity of the oxides was investigated by measuring the dissolution of RM and SF in different concentrations of NaOH. Characteristics of the geopolymer samples were tested for compressive strength and softening-coefficient, its microstructure was analyzed by using X – ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results were indicated that activated SiO2 is the highest exist in SF. In the structure of geopolymers, the silica can be bonded directly to each other (Si-Si) or linked through “most” oxygen (Si-O-Si) to form independent polymer chains, while aluminum themselves cannot create independent polymer chains, it only can be replaced the Si atomic in Si-O-Si polymer chains (Si-O-Al), instead.
Morphology and Crystallization Behavior of PTT Blends with PTW
Authors: Wang Kun Yan
Published: August 2018

Poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/Poly (ethylene-butylacrylate-glyciyl methacrylate) (PTW) blends have been prepared in composition by weight 95/5, 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30 using the twin screw extruder approach. Their morphologies, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy observation shows the uniform dispersion of PTW in PTT matrix with weight-average particle size from 0.98 to 3.64μm when the PTW content increases from 5wt% to 30wt% in the blends. The presence of the PTW increased the crystallinity of PTT matrix in PTT/PTW blends. A nucleation activity of the PTW appears in PTT/PTW blends.
Optimizing Anode Performance Using Silicon Nanoparticle to Li4Ti5O12 as Prepared by Hydrothermal Mechanochemical Process with Li2CO3 as Lithium Ion Source
Authors: Priyono Bambang , Dianova Nita , Syahrial Anne Zulfia , Subhan Achmad
Published: August 2018

Lithium titanat Lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12)/LTO is one of more favourable materials to be used as anode electrode to replace graphite in Li-ion battery application. The LTO has a crystal structure that is more stable than graphite, and undergoes less strain during lithium intercalation process. However, along with the increasing demand for batteries with high performance, the capacity of LTO also needs to be increased, among others by combining with a high capacity material, i.e: silicon, which theoretical capacity can reach 4200 mAh/g, but with volumetric strain of 300%. To minimize volume expansion effect, nanoscale silicon particle is used to form the LTO/Si nanocomposite. This research is carried out to synthesize the spinel LTO prepared by hydrothermal and mechanochemical process from xerogel TiO2. During preparation of slurry mixture of active material to make anode sheet, the LTO is mixed with silicon nanoparticle at 5%, 10% and 15% by weight. The coin cell type battery is assembled with lithium metal as the counter electrode. The material characterization instruments used are X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) showing the elements mapping. The battery performance is tested using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge discharge (CD). From EIS testing, the conductivity values of the samples decrease along with the increasing weight of Si nanoparticles. The CV test shows that the highest capacity of 197.09 mAh/g is achieved on the sample with 5wt% Si-nano. The CD test shows that this LTO/Si nanocomposite is capable to withstand at high charge/discharge rate at until 12 C exceeding the electric car battery requirement at 10 C.
Improvement of Thermal Stability of ZrO2-SiO2 Aerogel Modified by Ca(II) Cations
Authors: Zhao Hang Yuan , Li Xiao Lei , He Jian , Hu Zhi Peng , Yu Hui Jun
Published: August 2018

Ca (II) modified ZrO2-SiO2 aerogel (CaZSA) with excellent thermal stability at 1000 °C was prepared by aging the ZrO2-SiO2 wet gel in calcium nitrate (Ca (NO3)2) ethanol solution followed with alcohol supercritical fluid drying method. The reaction between surface hydroxyl groups on the aerogel and Ca (II) ions played an important role in reducing the high temperature activity and inhibiting the particle growth caused by the condensation of hydroxyl groups of aerogel. Moreover, tiny secondary-phase particles, Ca (II) ions, introduced along grain boundaries serve as the pinning particles to inhibit the crystallization of ZrO2-SiO2 aerogel (ZSA). Thus the high-temperature stability of ZSA was significantly improved by surface modification with Ca (II). The specific surface area of CaZSA still maintained 223 m2·g-1 after 1000 °C calcination, which was 52.7% higher than that of ZSA at the same treatment condition.
The In Situ Preparation of MgAl2O4/YAG Eutectic Composites by Reaction Sintering Using Induction Heating
Authors: Xu Huan , Wang Xi Tang , Wang Zhou Fu , Ma Yan , Liu Hao
Published: August 2018

High density MgAl2O4/YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) eutectic composites were successfully prepared by in-situ reaction sintering using induction heating (IH). The effects of IH time and the starting materials composition on the phase composition and microstructure were investigated. The results showed that the eutectic composites consisted of only MgAl2O4 and YAG phase could be prepared by IH in a short time in a range of Al2O3/MgO ratio between 1~1.54. Compared to conventional sintering (CS), the solubility of Al2O3 in spinel is remarkably enhanced under the synergistic effects of high temperature and induced electromagnetic field. The higher YAG content facilitates the formation of more eutectic liquid phase, which favors to obtain a more homogeneous and denser interpenetrating network structure.
Rheological Behaviors of Calcium Aluminate Cement-Hydratable Alumina Bonded Corundum-Spinel Castables Suspensions with Different Dispersants
Authors: Cai Man Fei , Liang Yong He , Yin Yu Cheng , Nie Jian Hua , Guo Yu Long
Published: August 2018

Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and hydratable alumina (HA) are the most widely used binders for refractory castables. Nevertheless, CAC as the binder for refractory castable generates some low melting point phases when coupled with SiO2, which deteriorate the high temperature performance of refractory castables. Although hydratable alumina (HA) bonded castables overcome the drawbacks of CAC bonded ones, they demand a longer mixing time and higher water contents due to HA's high specific surface area, as well as increasing the shear stress and viscosity of HA bonded castables. Therefore, in this paper, CAC combined with HA was used as the binder for corundum- spinel castables to obtain better performance. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), dispersing alumina (ADS) and polycarboxylate ether dispersant (FS60) were used as dispersants, and their effects on the rheological behaviors of CAC-HA bonded corundum-spinel castables suspensions had been investigated. According to the viscosity-shear rate and stress-shear rate curves of suspensions with different dispersants, it was suggested that STPP, ADS, FS60 were all helpful for rheological performance of suspensions. Suspensions achieved much better rheological behavior with 0.3 wt.% of STPP, 1.0wt.% of ADS and 0.1wt.% of FS60, respectively. Suspensions with ADS and FS60 presented to be pseudo plastic fluid, which was helpful for the installation process of CAC-HA bonded corundum-spinel castables. And FS60 could simultaneously impart electrostatic and steric stabilization to the given suspension. Considering the actual rheological performance of CAC-HA bonded corundum-spinel castables, FS60 was much better than ADS.