bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of methods for inclusion of systematic environmental effects in weaning and post-weaning weights for meat sheep in large-scale genetic evaluation
Authors: Paneru U. , Brown D. J. , Gurman P. M. , van der Werf J. H. J.
Published: July 2022

Context Genetic evaluation of Australian sheep is conducted for millions of animals for more than 100 traits. Currently, the Australian sheep genetic-analysis software (OVIS) applies a pre-adjustment of phenotype for fixed effects rather than fitting all fixed and random effects jointly in a linear mixed model to estimate breeding values. However, the current correction factors might be outdated and potential interactions among fixed effects not accounted for, which could lead to bias in estimated breeding values (EBVs). Aims This study aimed to assess whether correction factors used in OVIS for early bodyweights recorded in meat sheep breeds are appropriate, so as to explore whether the pre-adjustment method is still suitable and how this compares with a linear mixed model, and to estimate the significance of interactions between fixed effects. Methods Correlations between EBVs from different models and regression slopes from forward prediction were calculated, using weaning-weight data on 365 956 White Suffolk and 370 649 Poll Dorset sheep and post-weaning weight data on 292 538 White Suffolk and 303 864 Poll Dorset sheep. Key results The current OVIS procedure resulted in regression slopes of progeny performance on sire EBVs (averaged over breeds) of 0.37 and 0.35 for weaning and post-weaning weights respectively. Updated pre-adjustment factors improved the regression slopes to 0.40 and 0.38 respectively. Analysis with a linear mixed model produced significantly better regression slopes than did pre-adjustment (0.47 and 0.44 respectively). Further, regression slopes obtained from the linear mixed model with flock by sex by age interaction averaged over breeds were 0.48 for weaning and 0.46 for post-weaning weight respectively, which was a moderate improvement over the current OVIS model. Including a flock by sex by age interaction produced significantly better improvement in Poll Dorset sheep and modest improvement in White Suffolk sheep than did linear mixed model without interaction. Conclusions Using a linear mixed model with a flock by sex by age interaction significantly improves the utility of estimated breeding values for weaning and post-weaning weight in predicting the performance of future progeny. Implications To account for systematic environmental effects, a linear mixed model should be used in OVIS to jointly estimate the fixed effects and EBVs.
Cascade GaN-based micro-photodiodes for photonic integration
Authors: Wang Bin , Liang Shihao , Yu Junchi , Xu Feifan , Zhang Dongqi , Tao Tao , Zhi Ting , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhuang Zhe , Xie Zili , Liu Bin , Zhang Rong
Published: July 2022

Photonic integrated circuit have attracted increasing attentions in many applications, such as visible light communication (VLC), optical on-chip interconnects, etc. In this work, we focus the study on photonic integration of GaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) and photodiode (PD). Integrated LED and multi-stage cascade PDs were designed and fabricated. Experimental results have demonstrated that the equivalent capacitance decreases continuously as the number of PD stages increasing. Compared to a single PD, the four-stage cascade PD can reduce the equivalent capacitance by 60%, making the cut-off frequency increased by 37%. Meanwhile, the cascade technique greatly reduces the dark current down to 20 pA and further improves the photo-to-dark current ratio up to 1.2 × 106 under a negative 5 V bias. Thus, the finding and experimental results in this work could enable a noval method to further improve VLC performances of photonic integrated devices.
Tunable electronic properties of two-dimensional C3N/antimonene van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Zou Hui , Pan Jiangling , Ouyang Fangping
Published: July 2022

In this work, we construct a C3N/antimonene van der Waals heterostructure to investigate its structural and electronic properties using first-principles calculations. The C3N/antimonene heterostructure exhibits an indirect band gap of 0.143 eV with a type-II band alignment. Electrons transferring from C3N to antimonene layer introduce a build-in electric field which can be used to prevent recombination of the photoexited electron–hole pairs. By applying vertical strain, band gap value of the heterostructure can be tuned in a range from 0 to 0.318 eV. A type-II to type-I band alignment transition occurs at a interlayer distance of sim3.2 Å, and the heterostructure experiences a semiconductor to metal transition with a interlayer distance of sim3.7 Å. Moreover, structural and electronic properties of C3N/antimonene heterostructure show modulation under in-plane biaxial strain. A semiconductor to metal transition takes place when strain reaches −2.0%. Moreover, with the increase of compressive strain, buckling degree of the heterostructure increases, and band gap of the heterostructure increases to 0.645 eV at strain of −5.0%. In addition, band gap value of the heterostructure varies almost linearly with vertical electric field of −0.2–0.2 V Å−1, and type-II band alignment can be maintained in this range. Thus, these results indicate that C3N/antimonene heterostructure has great potential in the field of multifunctional optoelectronic devices.
Even-odd chain dependent spin valve effect on a zigzag biphenylene nanoribbon junction
Authors: Zhang Lin , Tong Peiqing
Published: July 2022

The even–odd chain dependent spin valve effect was forecasted in some honeycomb graphene-like materials with zigzag edges. In this study, we confirm that the even–odd chain related spin valve phenomenon also exists in a zigzag biphenylene nanoribbon (ZBN) junction. By modeling the ZBN junction with different even and odd chains subjected to a local Rashba spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and a homogeneous magnetic field, we calculate the spin dependent conductance spectra between the source and the drain electrodes and find that the spin up (down) electron can be inhibited (allowed) to flow through the even (odd)-chain ZBN junction, which can be explained by the combined effect between the pseudo-parity conservation and magnetic field-tunable energy gap in the energy band theory. The switch on and off states of spin valve can be modulated by the most system parameters such as the Fermi energy, magnetic flux, and Rashba SOC. Furthermore, the ZBN can act as a gate-tunable spin generator and spin filter, in which we can get 100% polarized spin up (down) electrons with (no) spin-flipping from the even-chain ZBN junction, and only produce 27% polarized spin-converting electrons from the odd-chain ZBN junction. Our findings might be useful in designing future multi-parameter controllable spin valves by using the new carbon allotropes.
Sintering of alumina nanoparticles: comparison of interatomic potentials, molecular dynamics simulations, and data analysis
Authors: Roy S , Prakash A , Sandfeld S
Published: July 2022

Sintering of alumina nanoparticles is of interest both from the view of fundamental research as well as for industrial applications. Atomistic simulations are tailor-made for understanding and predicting the time- and temperature-dependent sintering behaviour. However, the quality and predictability of such analysis is strongly dependent on the performance of the underlying interatomic potentials. In this work, we investigate and benchmark four empirical interatomic potentials and discuss the resulting properties and drawbacks based on experimental and density functional theory data from the literature. The potentials, which have different origins and formulations, are then used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to perform a systematic study of the sintering process. To analyse the results, we develop a number of tailored data analysis approaches that are able to characterise and quantify the sintering process. Subsequently, the disparities in the sintering behaviour predicted by the potentials are critically discussed. Finally, we conclude by providing explanations for the differences in performance of the potentials, together with recommendations for MD sintering simulations of alumina.
Global threshold dynamics and finite-time contraction stability for age-structured HIV models with delay
Authors: Guo Wenjuan , Zhang Qimin , Ye Ming
Published: July 2022

Considering age of infected cells and intracellular delay in both virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell transmissions, this paper develops an age-structured HIV model with delay to investigate the global threshold dynamics, which show the uninfected and infected steady states of the model. Using the Lyapunov function and LaSalle's invariance principle, we show that the global threshold dynamics of the model can be determined by utilizing basic reproduction number. Moreover, given that sudden environmental changes can lead to uncertainty in parameters of the model, a stochastic age-structured HIV model with Markovian switching is developed to study the finite-time contraction stability, which characterizes transmission properties of virus over a finite time. The sufficient conditions of the finite-time contraction stability are obtained by employing the Lyapunov function and stochastic comparison theorem. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical results, and numerical results show that different noise intensity and delay affect stability of the HIV models.
Normalized multibump solutions to nonlinear Schrödinger equations with steep potential well
Authors: Tang Zhongwei , Zhang Chengxiang , Zhang Luyu , Zhou Luyan
Published: July 2022

We are concerned with the existence of multibump solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation

−
Δ
u
+
λ
a

(

x

)

u
+
μ
u
=
|
u

|

2
σ

u

in

R

N

with an L
2-constraint

‖
u

‖

L

2

(

R

N

)

2

=
ρ

in the L
2-subcritical case σ ∈ (0, 2/N) and the L
2-supercritical case σ ∈ (2/N, 2*/N), where the usual critical Sobolev exponent is 2* = +∞ if N = 1, 2 and 2* = 2N/(N − 2) if N ⩾ 3. Here

μ
∈
R

will arise as a Lagrange multiplier, and

0
⩽
a
∈

L

loc

∞

(

R

N

)

has a bottom int a
−1(0) composed of ℓ
0 (ℓ
0 ⩾ 1) connected components

{

Ω

i

}

i
=
1

ℓ

0

, where int a
−1(0) is the interior of the zero set

a

−
1

(

0

)

=

{

x
∈

R

N

|
a

(

x

)

=
0

}

of a. When ρ is fixed either large in the L
2-subcritical case or small in the L
2-supercritical case, we construct a ℓ-bump (1 ⩽ ℓ ⩽ ℓ
0) positive normalized solution which is localised at ℓ prescribed components

{

Ω

i

}

i
=
1

ℓ

for large λ. The asymptotic profile of the solution is also analysed through taking the limit as λ → +∞, and subsequently as ρ → +∞ in the L
2-subcritical case or ρ → 0+ in the L
2-supercritical case. In particular, we find ℓ-bump normalized solutions to the related Dirichlet problem

−
Δ
v
+
μ
v
=
|
v

|

2
σ

v
,

v
∈

H

0

1

(

∪

i
=
1

ℓ

Ω

i

)

,

∑

i
=
1

ℓ

∫

Ω

i

v

2

=
ρ
,

v

|

Ω

i

>
0

for

i
=
1
,
…
,
ℓ
.
Invariant tori for multi-dimensional integrable Hamiltonians coupled to a single thermostat
Authors: Butler Leo T
Published: July 2022

This paper demonstrates sufficient conditions for the existence of Kolmogorov-Arnol’d-Moser (KAM) tori in a singly thermostated, integrable Hamiltonian system with n degrees of freedom with a focus on the generalized, variable-mass thermostats of order 2—which include the Nosé thermostat, the logistic thermostat of Tapias, Bravetti and Sanders, and the Winkler thermostat. It extends theorem 3.2 of Legoll et al (2009 Nonlinearity
22 1673–94) to prove that a ‘typical’ singly thermostated, integrable, real-analytic Hamiltonian possesses a positive-measure set of invariant tori when the thermostat is weakly coupled. It also demonstrates a class of integrable Hamiltonians, which, for a full-measure set of couplings, satisfies the same conclusion.
PID Controller tuning by Virtual Commissioning - a step to Industry 4.0
Authors: Bysko Szymon , Bysko Sara , Fratczak Michal , Nowak Pawel , Klopot Tomasz , Czeczot Jacek , Stebel Krzysztof , Laszczyk Piotr
Published: July 2022

This paper deals with the validation of the concept of using virtual commissioning of the low-level industrial control systems to adjust PID controller settings. General hardware configurations and logical layers of the experimental setups, which were used during the experiments, are shown and described in details. It is shown how to determine the controller settings using pre-tuning and fine-tuning functionality, available in standard Siemens® Function Blocks Library, that have been launched in virtual commissioning environment. Comparison of the results is a basis to answer the question if the modern virtual commissioning tools currently used in industry have sufficient accuracy to be used as a master tool for the initial PID controller tuning. It is also important to know whether these systems are suitable for use as Industry 4.0 tools, as the simulation is one of its most important part. The first section in your paper
Passive wireless strain and crack sensing using a RFID-based patch antenna
Authors: Zhang Binpeng , Lyu Yan , Lee Yung-chun
Published: July 2022

As an important parameter of structural health monitoring, strain can be an important indicator for stress concentration and crack development. And stress/crack can effectively evaluate the health status of the structure. Micro-strip antenna strain sensing technology, as a passive wireless detection technology, is of great significance to the health monitoring of high-end equipment bearing structures. In this work, the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is combined with the micro-strip antenna technology. And the micro-strip antenna is used as the tag antenna to receive the energy emitted by the RFID reader and activate the tag chip of the RFID. Then the signal modulation technology is used to eliminate the noise interference in the environment, and the resonant frequency of the antenna changes with the strain/crack information is returned to the reader to realize the passive wireless strain and crack detection. Through the experiment, it proves that under different strain/crack states, the resonant frequency of the RFID-based antenna sensor decreases with the increase of strain or the increase of the depth of the crack.
Optimized LPDA Antenna for IoT Applications
Authors: Ng W H , Tiang S S , Lim W H , Teng K H , Karunamoothei V
Published: July 2022

In this new era of fast-growing industry revolution, IoT has become integral part of most industries. In this paper, a high directivity printed log periodic dipole array (LPDA) antenna printed on a FR4 substrate is proposed for the application of IoT communication. The simulation result of NSGA-II optimized antenna is then compared and validated with another optimization scheme, MOEA\D algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed antenna has low sidelobe level of -13.9dB with the VSWR < 2 across the dual bandwidth of 0.3027 GHz and 5.6289 GHz from 4.2166 GHz to 4.5193 GHz and 5.8412 GHz to 11.47 GHz respectively. The proposed antenna has achieved a new low side lobe level of -13.9 dB. It is also possesses a wide bandwidth which enhanced from 2.52GHz to the dual bandwidth of 0.3027 GHz and 5.6289 GHz on 4.2166 GHz to 4.5193 GHz and 5.8412 GHz to 11.47 GHz respectively. It has a good realized gain of 8.42dBi with the increment of 1.42dBi after optimization. The multi objective genetic algorithm optimizes the realized gain, directivity, sidelobe level, bandwidth, standing wave ratio of the proposed antenna which is well suited for practical applications in physical layer IoT communication.
Research on Rapid Measurement Technology of Roughness Based on Light Scattering
Authors: Hongjun Wang , Chen Wei , Bingcai Liu , Ailing Tian
Published: July 2022

The roughness is an important parameter to evaluate the parts surface quality, so it is very important to measure the surface roughness of high-precision parts. In order to meet the needs of rapid and non-contact measurement of surface roughness, a new method based on optical scattering distribution is proposed in this paper. By analyzing the modulation effect of surface roughness on incident light, the relationship between surface roughness and scattering distribution is established. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of light source, detector and their relative position, the scattered light distribution measurement system is constructed. In the measurement system, the surface roughness is measured by real-time acquisition of scattering distribution. The roughness of different samples is measured by this method and white light interferometer, and the measurement standard deviation is less than 0.15nm. The measurement results show that this method is feasible and effective.
A new fretting fatigue loading method and its finite element simulation
Authors: Li H , Li J , Meng X , Shan L
Published: July 2022

Fretting damage is caused by small relative displacement between two bodies. It can result in loosening of fasteners or fatigue cracks. The traditional mode of fretting fatigue loading is to add a fixed normal load on the fretting pad and a corresponding fatigue load on the free end of the specimen. A new fretting fatigue loading method is proposed to simulate the actual working condition of spline coupling. A 3D finite element model is implemented to simulate the contact state in the process of bending fretting fatigue. The influence of cyclic bending load on the stress and strain of contact surface is studied. The new model is proved to be correct and effective.
Cobot as the Part of Multi-agent Model of a Manufacturing System
Authors: Foit K
Published: July 2022

In recent years an upward trend has been observed regarding the use of robots in the industry. It is caused, among other things, by introduction of assumptions that causes minimization of employee’s participation in the manufacturing process. Such approach allows improving quality, to optimize manufacturing costs, to increase productivity and at the same time introduce full supervision over the manufacturing process. However, there are still processes that are performed faster, and more efficiently by a worker, without the need for special training. In such cases, the implementation of the robot is not economically justified. However, it is possible to install a cobot that acts as an assistant in relation to the activities performed by the employee. In the industrial environment, cobots operate on the boundary between digitally control led systems and the domain of factory workers. This paper will discuss the problems relate to the use of agent approach in order to model the cobot as a part of multiagent model of a manufacturing system. An important issue is the interaction and communication with the worker and its consequences for the entire system. It is also necessary to take into account the information provided by HMI systems and signals coming from the appropriate sensors.
Experimental study on magnetic flaw detection of micro-defects in ERW tubes
Authors: Wang B , Kang C , Chen S
Published: July 2022

Chassis lightweight is one of the implementation of vehicle lightweight, the use of Electric Resistance Welding(ERW)welded pipe by bending and internal high pressure molding from the parts are an important part of the chassis components. Due to the limitation of welded pipe size, thin wall, high temperature and continuous production, the conventional nondestructive testing method is difficult to meet the continuous dynamic testing requirements of ERW welded pipe. In view of the small defect of ERW welded pipe, a method for detection of welded pipe defects based on the principle of electromagnetic induction is presented. Firstly, the fuzzy evaluation model of weld quality was established based on the fuzzy mathematics principle. Secondly, the welding mechanism of ERW was analyzed, and the microstructure of the weld was observed by metallographic microscope, and the microstructure of the weld was obtained. Finally, eddy current method, the low-frequency electromagnetic scanning method and magnetic induction method were used to detect ERW welded pipes. The data analysis shows that the magnetic induction method can realize dynamic detection and accurate localization of welded pipe defects, and the comprehensive detection effect is the best.
Collaborative robot UR10 integration with CNC lathe Haas ST10
Authors: Krot Kamil , Poskart Bartosz , Iskierka Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

The article describes the process of integrating a UR10 collaborative robot with a Haas ST10 CNC lathe. The integration has been implemented in order to operate the lathe in the technological process of shaft machining. The control systems for both devices were integrated using the digital input and output method. Correctness tests of the programmed machining cycle were carried out.
Experimental study of square and rectangular hollow section aluminium alloy columns
Authors: Ali Shafayat Bin , Georgantzia Evangelia , Kamaris George S. , Gkantou Michaela , Kot Patryk
Published: July 2022

Recently, aluminium alloys are extensively used in the construction sector because of their small self-weight, good corrosion resistance, low maintenance, high recyclability, and aesthetic appearance. However, one of the main disadvantages of these alloys is the low Young’s modulus, which may cause a stability issue of aluminium structural members. Moreover, currently available design standards for predicting buckling resistance of aluminium columns are generally conservative. Therefore, additional research is required to evaluate the actual structural behaviour of aluminium columns under axial compression. The present study experimentally investigated the buckling response of 13 square and rectangular 6082-T6 aluminium alloy columns subjected to axial compression. The properties of the aluminium alloy were achieved from tensile test of coupon samples. The compressive load was employed concentrically by using a knife-edge hinge to ensure pin supports on both ends of the specimens. The structural response of the columns observed from the tests is presented in terms of ultimate strengths, failure modes and load-mid-height lateral displacement relationship. Furthermore, the test results of the specimens are compared with the ultimate strengths calculated by Eurocode 9, showing that the latter provides conservative and scattered design estimations.
Improvement of the flow of polyethylene terephtalate (PET) by interposition of ball strata at the inlet of the spinning die
Authors: Afio Ayarema , Lolo Komlan , Drovou Soviwadan , Kassegne Komla , Dl Batako André
Published: July 2022

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a material developed by industrial manufacturers, but which is also abundantly found as a recovery material in many daily activities. Since it is largely used in the textile industry, the objective of this work is to improve the flow of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in textile spinning as an application using certain polymers to produce quality fabrics. The methodology adopted here is to interpose layers of balls to form a porous medium at the entry of a melt-index in laboratory or in industrial setting. This allowed to characterize the materials’ flow properties such as flow rate, flow index and viscosity. This study used two grids of diameter 9.50 mm to form a layer of ceramic beads of equivalent diameter included in the intervals of [0.25 - 1.6 mm] and [1.6 - 2.5 mm]. Under an equivalent load of 2,6 kg, applied to the material for the measurement of both its fluidity index, the density and its viscosity. The results obtained show a decrease in the fluidity index compared with the manufacturers’ reference values when the ball states are interposed at the input of the die. This was justified by a braking of the flow of the material into the porous medium formed by the balls which constitute the interposed porous state. Moreover, the increase in the viscosity of the molten polymer after interposing states confirmed the opposite behaviour of these two characteristics. Future works seek to show the influence of ball size on the flow characteristics such as viscosity, fluidity index and hot density of the material.
FEA study of Residual stress in composite materials in Abrasive Waterjet machining
Authors: Balashov Artem , Dybala Bogdan , Burduk Anna , Batako Andre DL
Published: July 2022

This work focused on the determination of residual stress in composite materials and structures during precision Abrasive Waterjet machining. A methodology was developed to determine and predict the residual stress using Finite Element Analysis along with a model for numerical optimization based on initial parameters. This method has the potential to be used for predicting manufacturing losses during machining of composite structure, and machining parameters in order to achieve optimal surface quality.
Application of Basalt Fibre Composites for Wind Turbine
Authors: Shvangiradze Merab , Inasharidze Ketevan , Batako Andre DL
Published: July 2022

Currently. in many countries, studies are undertaken to study basalt fibre, which is one of the interesting reinforcing materials for polymer composite materials. Unlike traditional materials, when using fibre composites, product production and material formation occur simultaneously. Therefore, this work carried out the study of the material in conjunction with the study of technologies for the manufacture of products. The results of the study of the mechanical properties of basalt fibre produced in Georgia and the results of studies carried out to determine the effectiveness of its use as a reinforcing agent in the manufacture of products are presented. Experiments to determine the strength were carried out both for a single fibre and for a fabric woven from it. This work has developed some technologies for the manufacture of two types of products - high pressure cylinders and rotor blades of wind power plants. In the first case, for reinforcing the polymer composite, a bundle of threads was used, and in the second case, a fabric woven from basalt fibre was used as a reinforcing material. The experiments to determine the material mechanical performance were carried out for a single fibre as well as for the woven fabric. Tensile and bending strength are presented along the a fully manufactured and operating wind turbine.
The pallet-loading problem solution with the use of heuristic algorithms
Authors: Burduk A , Balashov A , Lapczyńska D , Musial K
Published: July 2022

The paper focuses on solving the problems of scheduling and delivery problems using heuristic algorithms. The planning of delivery schedule and truck loading made by employees may not be optimal in terms of time and costs, which might lead to delays and excessive expenses. Such leads to a necessity of optimization these delivery problems with heuristic algorithms. As a solution of these problems was analysed a type of heuristic algorithm - Tabu Search. The goals of this work were to examine the possibility of applying this algorithm to improve the efficiency of the delivery service in general and to organize the pallets layout during delivery in particular. To validate and verify the effectiveness of the methodology, this work was carried out in cooperation with an enterprise that distributes cabinet furniture. The main task of delivery system in this case study was to determine the pallets organization in the luggage boot of a truck in a way of optimal correlation with a route. Based on the optimization results, it can be established that the reviewed method might be considered as satisfactorily successful. By comparing the optimized route and pallet layout with the one obtained by empirical and intuitive methods of route and organization, the former obtained a shorter delivery time, and consequently reduced logistics costs. This work demonstrate that heuristic algorithms can be used to find a solution close to optimal in a relatively short period of time and are acceptable from a practical point of view.
Model of non-conforming product feature as a tool for selecting product groups with the greatest impact on quality in production processes
Authors: Lampika L , Burduk A , Machado J
Published: July 2022

The article describes four stages of building a model based on a set of non-conforming products, and then verifies them on a practical example of implementation in a company from the automotive industry. The aim of the model is to support the analysis of quality problems in manufacturing companies. The first stage consists in defining the level at which the model will be built in the organizational structure. The second stage is to define the characteristics of non-conforming products. The third stage is to determine the possible values of each feature and grouping non-conforming products into sets of feature values. The fourth step is to define all parts of the common sets feature values. The model was checked at the level of the aluminium wheel production plant, where 7 features of non-conforming products were defined. The production data obtained from the model were described and interpreted. Possible ways of using the model of non-conforming product features by both technologists and management staff were shown.
Extreme hitting probabilities for diffusion*
Authors: Linn Samantha , Lawley Sean D
Published: July 2022

A variety of systems in physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology are modeled in terms of diffusing ‘searchers’ looking for ‘targets’. Examples range from gene regulation, to cell sensing, to human decision-making. A commonly studied statistic in these models is the so-called hitting probability for each target, which is the probability that a given single searcher finds that particular target. However, the decisive event in many systems is not the arrival of a given single searcher to a target, but rather the arrival of the fastest searcher to a target out of many searchers. In this paper, we study the probability that the fastest diffusive searcher hits a given target in the many searcher limit, which we call the extreme hitting probability. We first prove an upper bound for the decay of the probability that the searcher finds a target other than the closest target. This upper bound applies in very general settings and depends only on the relative distances to the targets. Furthermore, we find the exact asymptotics of the extreme hitting probabilities in terms of the short-time distribution of when a single searcher hits a target. These results show that the fastest searcher always hits the closest target in the many searcher limit. While this fact is intuitive in light of recent results on the time it takes the fastest searcher to find a target, our results give rigorous, quantitative estimates for the extreme hitting probabilities. We illustrate our results in several examples and numerical solutions.
Characterization of Chia seed oil methyl ester as an alternate fuel for diesel engine
Authors: Manjunath S , Hedge Ramakrishna N
Published: July 2022

The present world is questing for low carbon fuel, which can replace diesel and biodiesels are one such promising fuel. In this study, the feasibility of Chia seed oil as a blended bio-diesel for use as partial replacement to Diesel is evaluated through transesterification process. 10 grams of dried, moisture free Chia seeds were subject to transesterification process using methanol as a replacement alcohol. NaOH was used as a catalyst. The resulting mixture was stirred for one hour at 700 rpm, maintaining 70°C. The methyl ester was separated after one hour settling period and washed several times using distilled water at 100°C and dried at 70 °C and stored. Impurities were removed by Decalcification process that resulted in 80% yield. Characterization of the oil was used different blends from B05 - B25 in an incremental steps five percent by volume with diesel. Major fluid and thermodynamic properties like viscosity, density, specific gravity, etc. were extracted as per the ASTM prescribed standards. The results show that the flash and fire points of Chia seed oil are respectively 2.96 times and 2.57 times higher compared to Diesel, while the kinematic viscosity and density are comparable but 6.88% and 5.2% higher. Further investigation shows that biodiesel blend B20 could be a second fuel for diesel engine.
An overview of Lithium-Ion batteries for electric mobility and energy storage applications
Authors: Sankaran Ganesh , Venkatesan S.
Published: July 2022

The battery is the key source of green energy for vehicle movement or powering residential / industrial buildings. The increase in energy demand requires larger battery capacity and energy density to meet power requirements in mobility and stationary energy storage applications such as in emergency power backup, solar power storage, portable power packs, etc., In recent years, the technology used in batteries has improved beyond expectations, mainly due to various cell chemistry. It is essential to understand the basic design and cost challenges in battery design, selection, cell chemistry advancements and on-going research areas in battery cell development. The study uses a detailed literature review, technical comparison of various cell chemistries & applications and identification of key design parameters using technical data comparison. The study reveals that Lithium batteries have an advantage over other cell chemistries due to its specific energy density, cost, scale of production in mobility and energy storage applications.
Numerical analysis using SolTrace software to determine the size and position of a central receiver for ganged heliostat system
Authors: Jadhav Lalit , Gadiya Prem , Girnar Jwalandhar , Bhusal Harshvardhan , Gadhe Prakash
Published: July 2022

Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology has become a promising technique for harnessing the sun’s energy. Ganged heliostat system, also called as central receiver system (CRS), a type of CSP system that uses a field of radially distributed heliostats (mirrors), which track the position of the sun in two axes and focus the sunlight on the centrally placed receiver. Heliostats are used to concentrate solar rays on the receiver, producing a huge amount of energy which can later get converted into electricity or heat. The receiver is kept at a sufficient height to absorb maximum reflected rays. In the present work, a numerical analysis method is used to optimize receiver design parameters such as receiver size, its position in horizontal and vertical planes, and to predict the heat flux intensity at the receiver surface. However, there is no direct method to decide these parameters and often results in a loss of time while optimizing them. In this research paper, a simple methodology has been proposed to design a central receiver for CRS consisting of ganged heliostat system using SolTrace 3.1.0 software. This method is effective in determining the size, the position of the receiver and heat flux distribution at the receiver surface in the initial phase of receiver system design.
Energy Saving Effort for Residential Buildings in the Hot and Humid Climate: A Review on Ventilation Performance Requirements
Authors: Nurjannah A , Trihamdani A R
Published: July 2022

Most Southeast Asian countries have been facing a rapid growth of urbanizations. This greatly affects the increasing demands of housings as well as energy consumption in the building sector, particularly due to the space cooling to achieve indoor thermal comfort. On the other hand, the hybrid cooling strategy has shown a promising potential in energy saving through the combination of mechanical and natural ventilation. Nevertheless, such strategy has not been optimally implemented in the current residential buildings. This study carried out a review on energy-saving related standards and guidelines in several Southeast Asian countries, especially on the requirements for ventilation performance. In addition, this study also carried out Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation to investigate the ventilation performance of the existing apartment in Indonesia. In general, most of the countries’ existing standards have not properly accommodated the energy-saving potential through natural ventilation. Moreover, the simulation results show that the indoor air speed and air change rate in the existing apartment are still below the required standards, mostly due to a lack of ventilation strategies in the building design: e.g., selection of opening configuration and window type. Hence, in order to optimize the energy-saving effort, the current standards and guidelines should provide sufficient information and requirement related to the ventilation performance.
Resilience Principle Aspects of Urban Kampung Ledok Timoho Yogyakarta.
Authors: Damanik Imelda Irmawati
Published: July 2022

Ledok Timoho is one of urban kampung that lays along Gadjahwong riverbank-Yogyakarta city. Urban Kampung is a significant urban area to be studied because it contains the adaptation process of urban people in Indonesian context. Ledok Timoho also has that significant value and has tended to be stable since the beginning, developed as an informal settlement in the 2000s. Visually, the general condition of urban kampung expressed on Ledok Timoho such as high density, limited space, and growth in disaster-prone sites. On the other hand, Ledok Timoho also expresses the ability to organize its environment with green spaces. This uniqueness demonstrates the capacity to survive and to adapt their planning on their site. However, the site is not included in KOTAKU program, so the society could not submit any proposals to improve their living environment because they settled on abandoned private property. Therefore, they should find an alternative approach to prove that Ledok Timoho has significance in values for urban kampung Yogyakarta. The local genius of Ledok Timoho is naturally discovered and applied by the community, which means that there is resilience value that should be explored by a measurable method. The research will use a questionnaire with open-ended, close-ended, and Likert scale questions to collect data from the community. The data will be abstracted with the SPSS program, using Principle Component Analysis to measure and generate the genetic distance and the relation between aspects and variables of the questionnaire. The PCA result will be used as workshop material with inhabitants to structure the rationale reason of Ledok Timoho’s resilience. The result of the study is a set of resilience principles that generally can be used broadly in the urban kampung context. It also can be an alternative reason to attract government attention so that the community has an alternative solution for their settlements by proven the resilience that seen from their ability to keep their independence, environment, social cohesion, and micro-financial.
Evaluation of Readiness in the Development of Residential Areas in Banda Aceh as a Low-Carbon Model City
Authors: Soelaiman T M A , Paramitasari A U , Koerniawan M D , Victoryka N , Santoso A , Poerbo H W , Kartidjo W
Published: July 2022

Since the establishment of the Low-Carbon Model Town (LCMT) Task Force in 2010, many projects have been conducted by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and one of them was held in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. In 2017, a Feasibility Study as a dissemination program of LCMT APEC was carried out in Banda Aceh, one of the volunteer towns proposed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource because of the readiness of the city government to develop the city. Banda Aceh government has committed to be an energy conscious and greenest city in Indonesia by 2034, with several policies and action plans made, although the low carbon concept was not explicitly explained and stated. However, there are several findings from the feasibility study conducted that indicated a difference between the readiness of Banda Aceh city government and its community, especially the residential buildings users. This study is conducted to find out whether the government’s efforts and vision to implement the low carbon concept are in line with the awareness or knowledge possessed by local residents. Three steps were carried out as the methodology of this study, including literature study from APEC Low-Carbon Town Indicator (LCT-I), secondary data analysis from programs, policies and action plans prepared by city government, and survey through questionnaire to the local residents in four locations. The result then examines the readiness of the people in Banda Aceh and later on determines which LCT principles are suitable for Banda Aceh city, particularly for residential areas. Based on the study, the supply is one of the concerns, as the untapped and renewable energy is still underutilized. While the government plan and social dissemination has been held through several projects/regulations, the practice of Banda Aceh’s people at home in handling the energy usage has not reflected the energy saving principles.
Characterization of a chiastolite-type andalusite: structure and physicochemical properties related to mullite transformation
Authors: Mouiya Mossaab , Arib Abdelhak , Taha Yassine , Tamraoui Youssef , Hakkou Rachid , Alami Jones , Huger Marc , Tessier-Doyen Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Chiastolite-type andalusite, whose genesis occurred in the currently unexploited deposit of Sidi Bou Othman (Morocco), has been extensively characterized. The phase composition, microstructure, thermal behavior, sinterability, and evolution of the crystallographic structure associated with the transformation of andalusite to mullite were accurately analyzed. Parallelepiped-shaped crystal grains exhibited off-white X crosses, typical of the chiastolite group. The chemical composition is closely dependent on the crystal size and proportion of alumina. The crystal structure was successfully refined using XRD, and chemical analysis was performed for different crystal sizes up to 30 mm. Powder compacts were prepared from these chiastolites for further characterization after various thermal treatments. According to the Rietveld refinement analysis, the mullization ranges from 1200 to about 1500 °C, and crystallographic parameters have been compared with other andalusites reported in literature. In agreement with this phase transformation, variations related to different material properties such as thermal expansion, pore volume fraction, and mechanical strength were evaluated. These results highlight the potential for further exploitation of the Sidi Bou Othman deposit to produce refractory materials.
Graphene oxide incorporated polyether sulfone nanocomposite antifouling ultrafiltration membranes with enhanced hydrophilicity
Authors: Salim Amber , Abbas Muhammad Asad , Khan Imran Ahmad , Khan Muhammad Zafar , Javaid Farhan , Mushtaq Shehla , Batool Mehwish , Yasir Muhammad , Khan Asim Laeeq , Khan Asad U , Deen Kashif Mairaj , Ahmad Nasir M
Published: July 2022

In this study, the polyether sulfone (PES) based membranes containing various concentrations of graphene oxide (GO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were synthesized via the phase immersion method. This study aims to evaluate the effect of GO addition on the structural properties and performance of the membranes. The membranes were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR-ATR spectra indicated the presence of hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups on the surface of GO-incorporated membranes, which improved their dispersion in the polymeric matrix and hydrophilicity. The SEM analysis of the GO-containing PES membranes confirmed the formation of a well-defined finger-like porous structure presenting adequate water flux (95 l.m–2.h–1) and salt rejection (72%) compared to the pristine PES membranes (46 l.m–2.h–1 and ∼35%, respectively). In addition, the significantly large wettability and considerably improved antibacterial characteristic (against S. aureus and E. coli strains) of the GO-PES membranes are considered impressive features.
Allomorphy and Syncretism in the Romance Languages
Authors: Hinzelin Marc-Olivier
Published: July 2022

Allomorphy and syncretism are both deviations from the one-to-one relationship between form and meaning inside the linguistic sign as postulated by Saussure as well as from the ideal of inflectional morphology as stipulated in the canonical approach by Corbett. Instances of both phenomena are well documented in all Romance languages. In inflection, allomorphy refers to the use of more than one root/stem in the paradigm of a single lexeme or to the existence of more than one inflectional affix for the same function. Syncretism describes the existence of identical forms with different functions in one and the same paradigm.

Verbs exhibiting stem allomorphy are traditionally called irregular, a label that describes the existence of unexpected and, sometimes, unpredictable forms from a learner’s perspective. Extreme forms of allomorphy are called suppletion, for which traditional accounts require two or more etymologically unrelated roots/stems to coexist within the paradigm of a single lexeme. Allomorphy often originates in sound change affecting only stems in a certain phonological environment. When the phonological conditioning of the stem allomorph disappears, which is frequently the case, its distribution within the paradigm may become purely morphological, thus constituting a morphome in the sense of Aronoff.

Recurrent patterns of syncretism may also be considered morphomes. Whereas syncretism was quite rare in Latin verb morphology, Romance languages feature it to much greater, if different, degrees. In extreme cases, syncretism patterns become paradigm-structuring in many Gallo-Romance varieties, as is the case in the verb morphology of standard French, where almost all forms are syncretic with at least one other.
Davis, Larry E.
Authors: Eack Shaun M. , Copeland Valire C.
Published: July 2022

Larry E. Davis was a pioneering scholar and educator in social work and psychology who dedicated his professional life to understanding the social dynamics of race and their impact on the lives of racial and ethnic minorities. An ardent author and teacher, Dr. Davis published extensively on social work practice with multiracial groups and approaches to support African American families, and consistently strived to educate the field on the complexities of culturally competent social work practice. In 2002, he started the University of Pittsburgh Center on Race and Social Problems, the first center of its kind in any school of social work, which became internationally recognized as a leading social science research center and a beacon for scholarship on race. Due to his considerable accomplishments, Dr. Davis was the first to be recognized with lifetime achievement awards in both social work education and research by the Council on Social Work Education and Society for Social Work and Research.
Hunter, Mary “Ski”
Authors: Jordan Catheleen , Cory David
Published: July 2022

Mary “Ski” Hunter (1937–2015) was an award-winning teacher, author, and advocate for women’s issues, especially in the LGBT population. She was passionate about dispelling myths, misogyny, and homophobia, and she wrote and lectured about empowerment strategies for social workers.