bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferrocenium Ions as Catalysts: Decomposition Studies and Counteranion Influence on Catalytic Activity
Authors: Bauer Eike B. , Jurkowski Kellsie
Published: December 2020

Catalyst decomposition has a negative effect on catalytic activity, and knowledge of decomposition pathways can assist with catalyst development. Ferrocenium cations have been employed as catalysts in a number of organic transformations, and we investigated the stability of a number of ferrocenium salts in solution. The observed rate decomposition constants for [Fc]Cl, [Fc]PF6, [Fc]BF4, [Fc]CSA [Fc = ferrocenium, CSA = camphor-10-sulfonate (β)], [AcFc]SbF6, (AcFc = acetylated ferrocene), and [FcB(OH)2]SbF6 [FcB(OH)2 = ferrocenylboronic acid] were determined in CH2Cl2 solution by time-resolved UV-vis spectroscopy. The rate decomposition constants depended on the nature of the counterion, with [Fc]Cl being the most stable complex in solution. The decomposition rate constants dropped by roughly an order of magnitude in most cases when the experiments were performed in nitrogenated solvent, demonstrating that the decomposition is mainly an oxidative process. The cosolvent HFIP (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol) slowed the decomposition of the ferrocenium cations as well. Many catalytic or stoichiometric reactions of ferrocenium cations are performed with alcohols; we determined that hexan-1-ol is decomposed over the course of 16 hours, but not oxidized in the presence of a ferrocenium cation. Finally, the different ferrocenium cations were employed in a test reaction to determine catalytic activity. The nucleophilic substitution of hydroxyl groups in a tertiary propargylic alcohol by an alcohol is catalyzed by all complexes, and, again, a counterion dependency of the catalytic activity was observed. Also, HFIP increases the catalytic activity of the ferrocenium cations. The research has importance in the development of ferrocenium-based catalyst systems, because changes in the counterion as well as the architecture of the ferrocenium cation have an influence on stability and catalytic activity.
Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,6]- and [1,8]naphthyridines by Alkyne-Carbonyl Metathesis
Authors: Ehlers Peter , Langer Peter , Ponce Marian Blanco , Parpart Silvio , Villinger Alexander , Rodríguez Eugenio Torres
Published: December 2020

A concise and modular synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,6]- and [1,8]naphthyridines by a one-pot two-step reaction consisting of electrophilic acylation followed by an alkyne-carbonyl-metathesis reaction as the final cyclization step is reported. This developed synthetic methodology allows the facile synthesis of these heterocyclic core structures in mainly high overall yields under metal-free conditions. Reaction conditions are carefully optimized and display a novel supplement to access these tricyclic heterocyclic compounds.
Chain substitution caused sub-fibril level differences in electromechanical structure and property of wild-type and oim/oim collagen fibers
Authors: Sun Yao , Li Tao , Sun Qiaomei , Cheng Yuan , Zeng Kaiyang
Published: December 2020

Electromechanical changes in type I collagen caused by diseases are pivotal for monitoring bone health and offering informative message of constructing biobased smart devices. Here, we employ a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta (oim/oim), which is genetically modified through mutating the α-2 chain to α-1 chain in the collagen fibrils of the wild-type model (+/+ or heterotrimer), resulting in three α-1 chains in the collagen fibrils (i.e., homotrimer). Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is used to directly visualize the sub-micrometer structures and piezoresponses of +/+ and oim/oim collagen fibers. Results show that the compact and highly ordered +/+ collagen fibers possess larger in-plane piezoresponses than the loosely packed and randomly distributed oim/oim collagen fibers. The mean values of the lateral PFM amplitude are 108.53 pm and 77.72 pm with interquartile ranges of 98.56–117.47 pm and 71.21–85.93 pm for +/+ and oim/oim collagen fibers, respectively. Molecular simulations demonstrate that the structural stability and electrically induced activity of heterotrimer are better than those of homotrimer, suggesting better biopiezoelectricity of comprising diverse polar residues (atomic charges) within the oriented heterotrimeric collagen molecular structure. Our study provides a new insight into the functional changes of human osteogenesis imperfecta.
Research on the influence of lighting mode and CCT on the lighting design of art museum based on subjective experiment
Authors: Gao Haiwen , Wang Zhisheng , Zhu Dan , Zhang Cong , Zou Nianyu
Published: December 2020

In the art museum, lighting plays a crucial role in visitors’ understanding and appreciation of exhibits. This paper mainly explores the influence of different lighting mode (general lighting, accent lighting, and mixed lighting) and correlated color temperature (CCTs) (4000 K and 2700 K) changes on the observers’ psychology to find the best lighting environment. Based on the simulation carried out at the National Museum of Western Art in Japan, we made six diverse lighting designs. 31 observers were invited to evaluate each scheme, and the results of subjective evaluation were analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance and the paired sample T-test. According to the results of data analysis, suggestions can be given for art gallery lighting design. It is not recommended to use general lighting alone in art museums, and it is better to use mixed lighting. When the CCT is 4000 K, only accent lighting can be used. When the CCT is 2700 K, the mixed lighting effect is better.
Synthesis of vanadium dioxide thin films and nanostructures
Authors: Devthade Vidyasagar , Lee Sangwook
Published: December 2020

Vanadium oxides (VxOy) are classic “smart functional materials” used in a wide array of thermochromic, electronic, and catalytic applications. Specifically, vanadium dioxide (VO2) class nanomaterials are of enormous interest due to their unique first order reversible metal-insulator phase transition (MIT) behavior accompanied by a structural phase transition, inducing dramatic changes in electrical and optical properties with large lattice deformation. To date, a plethora of reports exemplifying the MIT characteristics of VO2, synthetic methods of VO2, and modulating VO2 phase transition temperatures (Tc) have been published. In this Tutorial Review, we present an overview on the fundamentals of the VO2 band structure and principles of MIT and outline various reported synthetic approaches for VO2 thin films, including dimensionally oriented VO2 nanostructures. Discussion on recent trends in VO2 applications, challenges in VO2 synthesis, and future perspectives are also elaborated in detail.
Band structure, ferroelectric instability, and spin–orbital coupling effect of bilayer α-In2Se3
Authors: Li C. F. , Li Y. Q. , Tang Y. S. , Zheng S. H. , Zhang J. H. , Zhang Y. , Lin L. , Yan Z. B. , Jiang X. P. , Liu J.-M.
Published: December 2020

Recently, two-dimensional van der Waals ferroelectrics have been receiving much interest with continuous exploration of the underlying physics and device applications. While α-In2Se3 in an atomically thin crystal form is believed to have nonzero out-of-plane polarization, its ferroelectric (FE) instability in competition with the antiferroelectric (AFE) ground state is highly concerned. Along this line, a bilayer α-In2Se3 structure should be a good object for clarifying this issue since it is the simplest 2D lattice accommodating an AFE state, possibly allowing the AFE–FE competition. In this work, we employ the first-principles calculation to investigate the lattice and electronic structures of bilayer α-In2Se3, and special attention is paid to the FE instability in competition with the AFE ground state. It is found that the energy difference between the AFE ground state and FE state is small, thereby allowing an electric field modulation of the AFE–FE inter-conversion. More importantly, the Hyed–Scuseria–Ernzerhof algorithm predicts that the FE state is indeed semiconducting rather than metallic, removing the inconsistency between experimental observation and theoretical prediction. The spin–orbital coupling effect can further enlarge the bandgap and drive the indirect-to-direct bandgap transition, and thus appears to be an important ingredient of the underlying physics.
Internal-strain release and remarkably enhanced energy storage performance in PLZT–SrTiO3 multilayered films
Authors: Zhang A. H. , Wang W. , Li Q. J. , Zhu J. Y. , Wang D. D. , Lu X. B. , Zeng M. , Yao L. M. , Pan Z. B.
Published: December 2020

The multilayered composite films combining antiferroelectric (AFE) Pb0.97La0.02(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 (PLZT) with paraelectric (PE) SrTiO3 (STO) have been fabricated by the sol–gel method, and their ferroelectric and energy storage performances were carefully investigated. It was revealed that both the dielectric breakdown strength (Eb) and the maximum polarization (Pm) in the multilayered composite films are increased. Consequently, an ultra-high and recoverable energy storage density (Wre) of ∼101 J/cm3 and a high efficiency (η) of ∼62% were achieved in the composite film with an 18 wt. % STO content. The enhanced Wre in the multilayered composite is attributed to the internal-strain release of the PLZT layers and charge blocking by the STO layers with significantly enhanced Eb. The results suggest an effective way of improving the energy storage performances by combining AFE PLZT and PE STO.
First-principle calculation of electronic and optical properties of VO2 by GGA-1/2 quasiparticle approximation
Authors: Ling Chen , Zhao Zhengjing , Hu Xinyuan , Wang Dan , Li Jingbo , Zhao Xushan , Zhao Yongjie , Jin Haibo
Published: December 2020

Correctly elucidating the strong electron correlations of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is of great significance to understand the physics of the metal–insulator transition (MIT) and develop potential applications of VO2. Standard density functional theory is believed to be inappropriate to describe the MIT of VO2. Herein, the recently developed GGA-1/2 quasiparticle approximation is employed to perform first-calculations on VO2. The electronic structures of the metallic and insulating phases of VO2 are well described. The GGA-1/2 calculations indicate that the preferential occupancy of the d// orbitals leads to strong Mott–Hubbard correlation, which induces the splitting of the d// orbitals and the MIT of VO2. The calculations on electron energy-loss function reveal that the satellite electronic energy-loss spectroscopy peak of metallic phase VO2 is resulting from the plasma resonance. This work demonstrates that the GGA-1/2 approach facilitates the electron correlation calculations of VO2 and suggests that the strong Coulomb correlation is necessary to trigger the MIT.
The anisotropic quasi-static permittivity of single-crystal
β
-Ga2O3 measured by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Gopalan Prashanth , Knight Sean , Chanana Ashish , Stokey Megan , Ranga Praneeth , Scarpulla Michael A. , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Darakchieva Vanya , Galazka Zbigniew , Irmscher Klaus , Fiedler Andreas , Blair Steve , Schubert Mathias , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: December 2020

The quasi-static anisotropic permittivity parameters of electrically insulating beta gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) were determined by terahertz spectroscopy. Polarization-resolved frequency domain spectroscopy in the spectral range from 200 GHz to 1 THz was carried out on bulk crystals along different orientations. Principal directions for permittivity were determined along crystallographic axes c and b and reciprocal lattice direction a*. No significant frequency dispersion in the real part of dielectric permittivity was observed in the measured spectral range. Our results are in excellent agreement with recent radio frequency capacitance measurements as well as with extrapolations from recent infrared measurements of phonon mode and high-frequency contributions and close the knowledge gap for these parameters in the terahertz spectral range. Our results are important for applications of β-Ga2O3 in high-frequency electronic devices.
Study of pressure swirl atomizer with tangential input at design point and outside of design point
Authors: Khani Aminjan Kiumars , Kundu Balaram , Ganji D. D.
Published: December 2020

Pressure swirl atomizers with tangential inputs are widely used in various industries, including power generation and gas turbines. For example, in combustion chambers with increasing time, a lot of factors, such as sediments and corrosions, cause their dimensions to reduce, and therefore, the working condition of these chambers moves outside of the design point. The main purpose of this work is to study the properties of spray at the design point and outside of the design point. To satisfy this objective, design and fabrication of an injector were done first based on some physical parameters, such as pressure difference, spray cone angle, flow rate, fluid type, and so on, and then, it was tested experimentally. Afterward, the effects of the main parameters at the design point and outside of the design point were studied numerically. The results showed a 50% increase in the number of tangential inputs from the design point lowers the pressure difference and spray cone angle by 63.72% and 10.53%, respectively. The increment of the swirl chamber length to 17% can reduce the respective pressure difference and spray cone angle up to 34.2% and 4.5%, respectively. This study also demonstrates that an increase in the length of the orifice lessens the total velocity and pressure as well. A reduction of 22.73% of the outlet nozzle diameter raises the average droplet diameter and flow number to 12.98%, and 11.8%, respectively. Finally, for the requirement of spray properties in a practical situation, the present study can be adopted to predict them accurately.
Optimization and sensitivity analysis of active drag reduction of a square-back Ahmed body using machine learning control
Authors: Fan Dewei , Zhang Bingfu , Zhou Yu , Noack Bernd R.
Published: December 2020

A machine learning control (MLC) is proposed based on the explorative gradient method (EGM) for the optimization and sensitivity analysis of actuation parameters. This technique is applied to reduce the drag of a square-back Ahmed body at a Reynolds number Re = 1.7 × 105. The MLC system consists of pulsed blowing along the periphery of the base, 25 pressure taps distributed on the vertical base of the body, and an EGM controller for unsupervised searching for the best control law. The parameter search space contains the excitation frequency fe, duty cycle α, and flow rate blowing coefficient Cm. It is demonstrated that the MLC may cut short the searching process significantly, requiring only about 100 test runs and achieving 13% base pressure recovery with a drag reduction of 11%. Extensive flow measurements are performed with and without control to understand the underlying flow physics. The converged control law achieves fluidic boat tailing and, meanwhile, eliminates the wake bistability. Such simultaneous achievements have never been reported before. A machine-learned response model is proposed to link the control parameters with the cost function. A sensitivity analysis based on this model unveils that the control performance is sensitive to fe and α but less so to Cm. The result suggests that a small sacrifice on performance will give a huge return on actuation power saving, which may provide important guidance on future drag reduction studies as well as engineering applications.
Monte Carlo simulations of phase transitions and nucleation
Authors: Shekunov Boris
Published: December 2020

The present Monte Carlo model describes molecular fluxes on interphase boundaries and utilizes experimentally linked thermodynamic functions as input parameters. The simulations are applied to the Kossel cubic quasi-lattice with six intermolecular bonds. It is shown that continuity in phase transitions is created by phases coexisting in dynamic equilibrium with each other on the nanoscale. The switch observed between the first- and second-order transitions is defined by the form of chemical potential and allows to quantify different nucleation regimes in which the classical nucleation theory represents a limiting case. This mechanism also addresses the key questions of “nonclassical nucleation” such as the formation of clusters and intermittent phases. It provides a new quantitative justification of the Ehrenfest classification, linking this fundamental thermodynamic concept to the nucleation theory.
TiN/Gd:HfO2/TiN capacitors grown by PEALD showing high endurance ferroelectric switching
Authors: Belahcen S. , Francois T. , Grenouillet L. , Bsiesy A. , Coignus J. , Bonvalot M.
Published: December 2020

TiN/Gd:HfO2/TiN metal/ferroelectric/metal structures were elaborated in one batch by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition. The crystal structure and ferroelectric properties of 12-nm-thick Gd-doped HfO2 thin films are investigated. The modulation of the Gd content within the HfO2 layer leads to a subsequent variation of crystalline phases; predominance of the orthorhombic phase correlates with a maximum 2·Pr value of 30 μC/cm2 for 1.8% of Gd doping as well as a ferroelectric polarization switching endurance up to 7 × 109 cycles. These remarkable properties of Gd:HfO2 material compared to previous works are likely the consequence of nonexposure to air of metal/insulator interfaces during stack deposition, preventing their oxidation and/or carbon contamination.
SLX4–XPF mediates DNA damage responses to replication stress induced by DNA–protein interactions
Authors: Ishimoto Riko , Tsuzuki Yota , Matsumura Tomoki , Kurashige Seiichiro , Enokitani Kouki , Narimatsu Koki , Higa Mitsunori , Sugimoto Nozomi , Yoshida Kazumasa , Fujita Masatoshi
Published: December 2020

The DNA damage response (DDR) has a critical role in the maintenance of genomic integrity during chromosome replication. However, responses to replication stress evoked by tight DNA–protein complexes have not been fully elucidated. Here, we used bacterial LacI protein binding to lacO arrays to make site-specific replication fork barriers on the human chromosome. These barriers induced the accumulation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and various DDR proteins at the lacO site. SLX4–XPF functioned as an upstream factor for the accumulation of DDR proteins, and consequently, ATR and FANCD2 were interdependently recruited. Moreover, LacI binding in S phase caused underreplication and abnormal mitotic segregation of the lacO arrays. Finally, we show that the SLX4–ATR axis represses the anaphase abnormality induced by LacI binding. Our results outline a long-term process by which human cells manage nucleoprotein obstacles ahead of the replication fork to prevent chromosomal instability.
Dynamics of a gas bubble during fluid decompression at a constant rate
Authors: Davydov M N , Chernov A A , Pil’nik A A
Published: December 2020

The bubble growth process in a magmatic melt during decompression at a constant rate under various conditions is numerically studied. The effect of the formation of a narrow boundary layer with a high viscosity around the bubble, which significantly changes the dynamics of the bubble, is taken into account. It is shown that, at a low initial pressure in the medium, in the bubble high pressure is maintained throughout the calculation time. In the case of long decompression time, the final bubble radius is bigger than in the case with small decompression time. This effect can be associated with different dynamics of the medium viscosity in a narrow boundary layer around the bubble.
Heat and mass transfer crisis in a metal hydride reactor
Authors: Dunikov D O , Borzenko V I , Blinov D V
Published: December 2020

We present a simple lumped mathematical model of hydrogen absorption in a metal hydride reactor with a constant flow rate (sub-critical regime) and use it to predict a heat and mass transfer crisis in the reactor. To verify the model we compare calculations with the experiment on hydrogen absorption in the reactor filled with 5 kg of LaNi4.8Mn0.3Fe0.1 alloy with a hydrogen flow rate of 60 stL/min. The analytical model predicts the heat and mass transfer crisis with good precision.
Experimental modelling of mass transfer of boric acid with steam at parameters characteristic for VVER reactors in emergency mode
Authors: Sakhipgareev A R , Shlepkin A S , Morozov A V
Published: December 2020

The paper presents experimental data obtained during the study of the mass transfer of boric acid with steam at a pressure of 0.1-0.3 MPa in the concentration range of 16-440 gkg−1 H2O. The volatility of boric acid in a range of parameters typical for a possible emergency at the VVER nuclear power plants (NPPs) was studied using the test facility. As a result, new experimental data on the change in the concentration of boric acid in steam during its boiling were obtained. The range of applicability of the dependence for determining the distribution coefficient of H3BO3 between the steam and the boiling coolant has been expanded.
Shadow streak methods for studying the interaction of relativistic electron beams with polymer targets in the high-current generator diode
Authors: Kazakov E D , Kalinin Yu G , Krutikov D I , Kurilo A A , Yu Orlov M , Strizhakov Mikhail G , Yu Shashkov A , Tkachenko S I
Published: December 2020

When a high-current relativistic electron beam interacts with the polymer surface, plasma forms. The results of a plasma dynamics study in vacuum diode using laser shadow photography, including the effect of atypically rapid propagation of the glow, are presented. Experiments were carried out on the high current generator «Calamary». Series of the experiments to study the plasma propagation along the diode axis and in the transverse direction in different cross sections were performed. The results were discussed and possible ways to continue research were considered.
A neural network algorithm for extracting pharmacological information from russian-language internet reviews on drugs
Authors: Sboev A G , Sboeva S G , Gryaznov A V , Evteeva A V , Rybka R B , Silin M S
Published: December 2020

The paper presents a neural network algorithm for analyzing online user reviews of drugs. The algorithm was validated on specially prepared and annotated corpora. The basis of the algorithm is a neural network model combining convolution and recurrent layers, context-dependent vector representations of words, conditional random fields and additional features of words obtained from different dictionaries. The proposed model showed accuracies comparable to the state-of-the-art results for this task on the corpora for other languages.
Development of a neural network model for controlling the process of dosing bulk food masses
Authors: Blagoveshchenskaya M M , Blagoveshchenskiy V G , Rogelio Santos Counihan Mario , Petryakov A N
Published: December 2020

The current problem of automatic control of the process of dosing bulk food masses is considered and analyzed on the basis of the development of a mathematical model using the apparatus of artificial neural networks. The purpose of this work is to obtain recommendations for using a neural network model with a PID controller.
A New SAR Imaging Method for Sparse Field Traget
Authors: Zhang Pan , Huang Yi , Jin Zhonghe
Published: December 2020

Satellite borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has become an indispensable means of earth observation because of its ability of all-weather, all-weather and global observation. However, at present, the space borne SAR still has the characteristics of large volume and high cost. In recent years, the vigorous development of micro satellite field has also promoted the research of small, intelligent and distributed cooperative imaging field of space borne SAR. The traditional spaceborne SAR imaging method is to process the echo of the received LFM signal in the two-dimensional pulse compression domain. Due to the targets in the ocean are usually sparsed, it is an effective method to detect the region of interest and targets by analyzing the echo and transform domain. In this paper, the method of azimuth pulse compression is used to realize the fast perception and imaging of sparse field targets. Through comparative analysis, it can be seen that the method has a greater improvement in resource and time consumption performance compared with the traditional method.
Comprehensive evaluation of urbanization development quality in Four East China Provinces
Authors: Yang J , Han M M , Yao H M , Liu T , Wang Y H
Published: December 2020

Urbanization is an inevitable route to modernization for any nation, its developing level is also a major sign of the prosperity of the country. However, the development of urbanization in China is rather fast but the quality of development is not high, and there are several problems in the development of urbanization with a large number of farmers swarming into the nearby city. Therefore, the main goal of urbanization in the new era is to speed up the urbanization of agricultural transfer population and improve the construction of urban basic security system. An attempt is made in this paper to construct a new evaluation index system of urbanization, and quantitatively analyze the development quality of urbanization in Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces by factor analysis using SPSS software. It is noteworthy to mention that at present, the factors such as the education level of the transferred population and the basic guarantee system of the city are important obstacles in the development of urbanization. In view of this, several countermeasures and suggestions are put forward from four aspects viz., promoting the development of industrial integration, strengthening the construction of urban infrastructure, overall planning and improving the urban and rural security system, and speeding up the education for the whole people.
Study on soft sensing method of plant growth water demand information based on RBF neural network
Authors: Li M , Tian L G , Zhang J Y , Duan H L
Published: December 2020

As one of the important factors in the process plant growth and development, water plays a very important role. Plant water potential is one of the important indexes to characterize plant water physiological characteristics. To obtain the accurate plant water potential, and then get the plant growth water demand information, can better guide the plant precision irrigation. Based on the soft sensing and artificial intelligence technology, the soft sensing model of plant growth water demand information based on RBF neural network is established and simulated. The simulation results show that the method has a high estimation accuracy and can measure and predict the water demand information of plant growth.
New microbial origin compound capable of destruct T4 bacterial phage structure
Authors: Lee M J , Liu B L , Yen J H , Chang C A
Published: December 2020

Background: We have isolated culture of Streptomyces species that was able to degrade orchid virus capsid proteins and inhibiting virus infection. Odontoglossum ringspot virus infection could be greatly reduced by incubation with the bacterial culture. The infectivity to T4 was reduced after incubation of these culture filtrates, suggesting the activity of the culture filtrate could extend to non-plant viruses. Objectives: To further verify whether the reduction of the infectivity to T4 phage could result in visually measurable difference in the virus morphology after treatment of the bacterial culture. Methods: The T4 phage was grown in DH5-α strain of E coli, and collected in the culture medium. The phage containing medium was filtered with 0.45 μM filter. Two strains of Streptomyces spp, SML-1 and C5-6, were selected based on their optimal growth. The effects of culture filtrate of these two strains on destroying the T4 phage was tested. Morphology of T4 bacteriophage was inspected by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The culture filtrates of SML-1 and CA5-06 strains were diluted to 1/4, and mixed 1:1 to the T4 phage suspension, incubated for 30 minutes, before further 10x and 100x dilution. The mixture was dried on mica and observed using AFM. Results: The culture filtrate of CA5-06 strain is capable of reducing the fragment of the head of T4 phage from an average of 66.5nm to 53.3nm (1/8 dilution). The culture filtrate of SML-1 strain is capable of reducing the fragment of the head of T4 phage from an average of 66.5nm to 62.3nm (1/8 dilution). The data obtained helped to develop practical application methods of the culture filtrates to control virus spreading.
Mutagenicity test of Streptomyces Species culture filtrate using mouse lymphoma cells
Authors: Lee M J , Liu B L , Kuo H R , Chang C A
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Streptomyces species culture was isolated and identified. Its filtrate was found to be able to damage Odontoglossum ringspot virus and Cymbidium mosaic virus coat protein in our previous study. It is absolutely necessary to establish its biohazard level and toxicological profile before this filtrate or its active compound can be used for immediate disinfection of the equipment and bench surface, or even technician’s skin. Aim: In this study we intend to test the mutagenicity of this culture filtrate using the mouse lymphoma assay (MLA). Material and methods: Streptomyces species was cultured for 14 days, and the medium was collected for XTT assay to determine the highest concentration of the culture filtrate that do not cause reduction in cell number. In vitro mammalian cell gene mutation test using Mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK+/- was used to evaluate the mutagenic potential of the culture filtrate in accordance with OECD (1997), test No. 476: in vitro Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test. Result: Our cytotoxicity assay revealed that 1.33% of the culture filtrate was the maximal concentration that would not inflict reduction in cell number. The result of mutation test showed that with 3-hour treatment and S9 metabolic activation, the culture filtrate did not show significant mutagenicity when compared to the negative controls (ANOVA and Student t-test, p<0.05). Summary: This data suggested that the culture filtrate is not mutagenic.
The segmentation method model based on cigarette density for burning cone drop rate prediction of super slim cigarettes
Authors: Li J , Lian W L , Qu Y B , Chen L , Wang Z G , Huang J R , Zhao Y , Zhu Z Y , Liu W , Chen Q , Sun Z W , Wang S T , Tan C
Published: December 2020

The phenomenon of burning cone drop is a serious quality defect in super slim cigarettes. In order to monitor the burning cone drop, a segmentation model conveniently and effectively about cigarette packing density was established and used for predicting the burning cone drop rate. The method is a non-destructive testing (NDT), which is applied by using cigarette density and its change rate.

The model of cigarette density segmentation method is based on a straight line ρ=A×ρ’+B in the Cartesian coordinate system with abscissa ρ′ and ordinate ρ. The straight line split the coordinate system into two regions. By measuring the density of the super slim cigarettes, the position of the point (ρ’, ρ) can be determined, then the burning cone drop tendency can be predicted.

When verifying the accuracy of the model, it is found that the predicted value and the measured value are basically near the 1:1 line, the coefficient of determination (R2) and the index of agreement (D index) between predicted and observed values are 0.98 and 0.99 respectively, and the normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) is 11.8%. The coefficient of variation of the predicted burning cone drop rate is 6.5% for 10 consecutive replicates.

The cigarette density segmentation method model is suitable for predicting burning cone drop of the super slim cigarette samples with varying packing densities or cut tobacco distribution. The model has a good effect on the burning cone drop prediction under certain conditions, and it has an important guiding significance for super slim cigarette production and quality inspection.
Growth and yield of rice plants (Oryza sativa) grown in soil media containing several doses of inorganic fertilizers and sprayed with lombok brown algae extracts
Authors: Sunarpi H , Nikmatullah A , Sunarwidhi A L , Sapitri I , Ilhami B T K , Widyastuti S , Prasedya E S
Published: December 2020

The use of inorganic fertilizers in rice production system in Indonesia, increases to an excessive level of application, which was 300 kg urea, 100 kg TSP, and 100 kg KCl per hectare, respectively. This application increases cost of rice production, reduces soil fertility, and farmers income, and harm environment. This article reports the effect of Lombok brown algae extracts on growth and yield of rice plants grown in soil media containing several doses of inorganic fertilizers. Lombok brown algaes, such as Sargassum crassifolium, Sargassum cristaefolium, Sargassum aquifolium, and Turbinaria murayana, were collected in Lombok Indonesia coastal beach. Each liquid extract 10% of brown algae, was sprayed to rice plants grown in soil media containing 0, 50%, or 100% dose of inorganic fertilizers recomended by Indonesian ministry of agriculture. The result showed that effect Lombok brown algae liquid extracts on chlorophyll content in leaf, N, P, K content in tissue, growth, and yield of rice plants, depends on dose of inorganic fertilizer applied in soil media. Similar phenomena were also found in growth and yield parameters. An interesting result found in this experiment that there were no significant effect of brown algae liquid extract on chlorophyll content in leaf, N, P, K content in tissue, growth and yield of rice plants grown in media containing 50% and 100% inorganic fertilizers. This indicates that the application of inorganic fertilizers could be reduced to 50% when the rice plants were also sprayed with brown algae liquid extract to gain the same yield of these supplied with 100% inorganic fertilizers.
Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater of Raipur city industrial area Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Singh V , Khan R , Gupta U , Vishwakarma N , Jhariya D C
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to assess the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater of the industrial area of Raipur. During the investigation, groundwater is found to be neutral to slightly alkaline, and it is suitable for drinking and domestic purposes. Calculation of various quality parameters such as soluble sodium percentage (SSP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), percentage of sodium (%Na), Kelley ratio (KI), magnesium ratio (MR) and Permeability Index (PI) reveals that this groundwater can also be used for irrigation as well. Similarly industrial parameters i.e., Corrosivity Ratio (CR), Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), and Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) are calculated, which indicates the non-corrosive nature of the groundwater in most of the study area.
Petrography of the Mesozoic Alkaline Rocks of the Medvedev Massif (South Yakutia, Aldan-Stanovoy Shield, Leglier Ore Cluster)
Authors: Ivanov Aleksey , Ivanov Michil , Zhuravlev Anatolii
Published: December 2020

The article considers petrographic compositions of the Mesozoic alkaline magmatic rocks of the Medvedey massif. The latter is a part of the Central Aldan ore district and is spatially located in the central part of the Nymnyr block. The massif is a multiphase structure, of the most productive stage of development of the territory – the Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic activation of the Aldan-Stanovoy shield. The main purpose of this work was to identify qualitative quantitative-mineralogical characteristics of the massif rocks, potential for gold mineralization, using crystal-optical methods. As a result of the field works and petrographic studies of the Mesozoic alkaline magmatic rocks, it was determined that, The Medvedev massif has a zonal structure and is represented by three phases of intrusion with distinct contacts between the latter, which rocks differ in structural and material features. The rocks of the first phase of the massif are composed considerably of leucocrate (the content of dark-colored minerals is up to 9%) syenite-porphyry with elements of the monzonite structure. Magmatic formations of the second phase of the massif differ from those of the first phase primarily in structural features and are represented by hypidiomorphic granular differences with an increased content of dark-colored minerals in the rocks up to 15%. The rocks of the final phase have a noticeable difference from the first two phases and are represented by mesocratic monzonite porphyry with a clearly expressed monzonite structure with a dark-colored mineral content up to 20%. Within the Central Aldan ore region, the large Samolazovskoye gold deposit is associated with similar multiphase massifs, in particular with the Yukhtin massif. During field works, it was found that gold-ore mineralization is associated with the massif, which formation is related to an intensively occurred contact-metasomatic effect on the host rocks. Hydrothermal-metasomatic transformations of the latter are the products of multi-stage alkali-silicate metasomatism, associated with the second and especially the first phases of intrusion of the massif, as well as with further weathering processes, disintegration of gold-ore metasomatites and formation of an oxidation zone. Based on the petrographic study of the material composition of the rocks of the massif, it is concluded that gold ore occurrences of commercial scale can be associated with such massifs of multi-phase intrusion.
Energy policy until 2040 and the future of hard coal in Poland
Authors: Rybak Aurelia , Włodarczyk Ewelina
Published: December 2020

The article presents the provisions of the Polish Energy Policy until 2040. The feasibility of achieving the eight basic long-term goals presented in the document was analysed, i.e. optimization of own energy resources, expansion of energy production and infrastructure expansion, diversification of gas and oil supply as well as the development of network infrastructure, development of energy markets, implementation of nuclear energy, development of renewable energy sources, development of heating and cogeneration, improvement of the country’s economy energy efficiency. Mathematical models were used to verify the feasibility of these predictions. Forecasts were created whose accuracy was confirmed by the means of an ex post error analysis. The rest of the models were also analysed. Ultimately, the article presents only those forecasts that were subject to the slightest error. Particular attention was paid to renewable energy sources. Obtaining energy using fossil fuels is still more profitable and efficient. However, RES solutions are introduced due to the need to protect the environment and also because fossil fuel reserves will run out in a few decades. If the appropriate measures are not taken today, the demand for primary energy in the world will exceed energy supply in the future. The gradual introduction of renewable energy generation capacity will prevent a drastic jump in prices during the transition period and will allow the extension of the fossil fuels usage time. Renewable energy sources are, therefore, a safeguard for access to energy in the future. It was found that over the next dozen years, Polish energy will continue to produce energy mainly based on coal. It is, therefore, necessary to use technologies that will allow efficient and clean coal burning. Therefore, the solution, in this case, may be the so-called Clean Coal Technologies.
The Effect of Geocell Reinforced Embankment Construction on the Behaviour of Beneath Soil Layers Using Numerical Analysis
Authors: Khalaj Omid , Abedin Nejad S , Jenicek Stepan
Published: December 2020

Geocell soil reinforcement method is became one of the common improvement method used in different aspects of geotechnical engineering. The experimental investigation using physical modelling is somehow complicated and needs more financial support especially when using saturated or partially saturated soil. That’s why nowadays, researchers are trying to use updated numerical methods to simulate the soil behaviour considering above conditions. In this paper, Geocell reinforcement method in embankment construction has been studied using Mohr-Coulomb model. The embankment is overlaid on two layers of soil with different moisture content conditions. The first layer beneath the embankment is a five-meter layer of dry soil and the second layer considered fully saturated soil. The results indicate that embankment reinforcement by Geocell has no significant effect on the excess pore water pressure while the settlement and stress distribution beneath the embankment is highly affected.
Quantifying Permeability and Hydraulic Conductivity of the Surface Clastic Sediments
Authors: Arman Hasan , Hussein Saber , Mohammed Mahra , Awad Wadima , AlQemz Shamma
Published: December 2020

The surface soil properties control the groundwater aquifers system characterizations. Quantifying and measurements of these parameters are a challenging attempt in arid region like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Al Ain and Al Suleimei Valleys in Al Ain city. Permeability and hydraulic conductivity of clastic sediments play crucial role in surface water seepage. Soil’s permeability depends on number of factors such as the size of soil grains, the properties of pore fluids, the void ratio of the soil, the shapes and arrangement of pores and the degree of saturation. To asses these features, detailed field and laboratory studies such as soil sample collections, sieve analyses and permeability tests (constant head permeameter) were carried out. Hydraulic conductivity of both valleys were approximated from grain size analyses of collected soil samples. The average permeability varies from 0.796 to 2.120 cm/s for Wadi Al Ain and from 0.566 to 2.133 cm/s for Wadi Al Suleimei and the hydraulic conductivity ranges between 0.209 and 6.401 cm/s and 0.348 and 6.401 m/s for wadies Al Ain and Al Suleimei consequently. The results indicate variability of the permeability and hydraulic conductivity in both study areas. On the other hand, both wadies indicate similarities in their lower and upper range of measured and estimated permeability and hydraulic conductivity values. This study reveals changeability of the surface soil characteristics and provides an idea how the surface water moves down to recharge the shallow aquifer. Such an experimental works is unique and certainly supply valuable information for the municipal and decision makers for groundwater resources and their recharge possibility. In addition, this study will minimize or prevent the possible environmental risk and hazards treating for the study area today and/or in the future and offer reliable and practical information to scientists and decision makers.
Concentration, distribution, and mode of occurrence of mercury in Bulgarian high-sulphur coals
Authors: Kostova Irena , Hower James C. , Apostolova Denitsa , Wei Qiang
Published: December 2020

The goal of this study is to determine the mercury content, distribution, and modes of occurrence in high-sulphur coals from the Maritza-West, Maritza-East, and Stanyantsi basins in Bulgaria. The investigation is based on 51 samples representing the whole coal beds. The average concentration of Hg for all studied samples is 0.34 ppm and the values vary from 0.07 to 1.20 ppm; the average is 6.8-times higher than the Hg value in the upper continental crust and 3.4-times higher than the average values for world coals. The highest average Hg concentration (0.57 ppm) was found in the Maritza-West samples, followed by the Maritza-East (0.30 ppm), and the Stanyantsi (0.15 ppm) lignite. These data correspond with the sulphur content, i.e, the highest-Hg lignite has the highest S content. A weak positive correlation between Hg and the total and sulphide S and a negative correlation between Hg and the organic S content for the Maritza-West lignite were observed. It is suggested that the Hg is predominantly incorporated in pyrite, which is present in high amount in these coals. The tendency in the distribution of Hg and S forms for the Maritza-East and Stanyantsi basins shows that Hg may be closely connected with S-bearing organic compounds, especially for the Maritza-East lignite. Consequently, the main part of Hg in the high-S coals from the Maritza-East and Stanyantsi basins is closely connected with organic sulphur complexes and may be with inorganic matter other than sulphide minerals. The data determined from this study partially confirms the results for other high-S world coals reported earlier. For the typical high-S Maritza-West lignite it may be suggested that there is a strong connection between Hg and pyrite and especially with epigenetic pyrite infilling the coal veins and cleats, while for high-S Maritza-East and Stanyantsi lignite the Hg is predominantly incorporated in organic matter and especially in sulphur-bearing organic compounds.
Socially responsible companies in relation to the polish energy and mining sectors
Authors: Woźniak Justyna , Legieć Marcin
Published: December 2020

The article combines the issues of Corporate Social Responsibility in the context of relations with sector indices representing the mining industry or industry related to them. For research purposes, social responsibility is included in the RESPECT Index (RI) and the idea of social investing. In 2009 Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE), implemented the RESPECT Index, which is a response to a changing reality in a sustainable way. The essence and role of non-financial reporting in the field of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) in the context of the new stock index was emphasized. In the paper, the relationships between key sectors of the economy, on the example of selected indices, i.e. WIG-mining, WIG-fuel, WIG-energy in the aspect of socially responsible companies belonging to the RESPECT Index will be discussed. The article refers to stock exchange mechanisms and the rules of companies belonging to sector indices. The main purpose of the research work was to group and estimate the relationship between Polish industry sectors representing mining, energy and fuel sectors, and the RESPECT Index, along with their identification. To achieve this goal, publicly available stock exchange quotations were used in the selected time period as input data 2014 – 2019. Relationships between indices were calculated using a known measure in the form of a correlation coefficient. This matrix presents the relationships of selected sector indices relative not only to RI but also to each other. The presented analysis shows that RI and WIG-mining have the greatest relationship with each other. For a professional investor focused on the activities of an entity within ESG, such an analysis can be used to make a decision about choosing a company for the investment portfolio. The article ends with the presentation of results and summary.