bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the efficiency of the Lay-Up process in the manufacture of Solar Panels through time-study
Authors: Patel Neepa M. , Rathore Vatsal
Published: May 2020

Lay-Up is a manual process conducted during the manufacture of solar panels where the multiple layers are set together by hand. Since this process is done manually, there is no standard time period for it. Additionally, errors in process can increase production time needlessly. This research paper employs time-study to establish a standard operation time for Lay-Up aimed at singling out steps that cause loss of valuable time, efforts and resources. The time study is carried out by making a note of all the operations involved in Lay-Up and breaking them down into individual steps. The measurements are made using a digital stop watch and time sheet.
Design and Development of Masticatory Robot
Authors: Babu Binsu , Pillai Priam V
Published: May 2020

Design and development of a masticatory robot to measure the forces acting on teeth during mastication. Piezoelectric film bed will be used to measure the forces acting on tooth during mastication. On top of the piezoelectric film bed the lower jaw tooth will be mounted. The lower jaw will be having the upward and downward motion whereas the teeth on the upper jaw will remain fixed. Load cells will be placed on the upper jaw. Load cells would help in recording the forces acting on teeth during mastication of food. During mastication of food, due to chewing of food, the piezoelectric film bed will be deformed which will produce an electric charge that can be mathematically modelled into force by using Labview software.
Metallurgical investigations on corrosion behavior of simple and heat treated duplex stainless steel 2205 exposed to corrosive media
Authors: Chaudhari A Y , Deshmukh D D
Published: May 2020

Duplex stainless steel 2205 has proven to be the most acceptable material for marine and saline applications because of its superior corrosion resistance with good erosion and wear resistance. However, the disadvantage of stainless steel is its sensitivity to local corrosion in a solution containing chloride, which limits their use in seawater systems. The effect of heat treatment on corrosion properties of stainless steels can be studied in marine or chloride environments and investigation of changes in microstructure and corrosive property. This study presents the consequence of heat treatment on the microstructure and corrosion resistance and systematic approach to examine the corrosion behaviour of plain DSS 2205. Precipitation of secondary parts in DSS 2205 led to an extreme reduction in its corrosion resistance and another factor contributing to changes in ferrite and austenite ratios where preferential corrosion occurred in the DSS 2205 ferrite phase. The austenite phase shows better corrosion resistance than the ferrite phase due to maximum Ni content than ferrite. Cr is the most active element in the passive film to develop the resistance of DSS 2205 to localized corrosion. The heat treatment about 1080°C to DSS 2205 improves the corrosion resistance of steel comparatively.
Mathematical Modelling of Material Removal Rate During Electric Discharge Machining Using Buckingham’s Pi-Theorem
Authors: Gaikwad Vaibhav S , Jatti Vijaykumar S , Chinchanikar Satish S , Kakuste Nikhil S , Nandurkar Keshav N
Published: May 2020

In the present work an attempt has been made to model material removal rate (MRR) by using Buckingham’s Pi-theorem during electric discharge machining (EDM) of shape memory NiTi alloy. Machining of Ni-Ti alloyis mostly attempted by non- conventional methods of machining, and, especially by EDM, as this advance material imposes machinability issues when cut by conventional processes. However, EDM process has low material removal rate.In present investigation EDM of NiTi alloy is carried out using electrolytic copper toolon die sink type of electric discharge machine. The experimental-based mathematical model to predict MRR is developed varying process parameters such as gap current, pulse on time, pulse off time, voltage, workpiece electrical conductivity and tool electrode electrical conductivity during the experiments. The model developed using dimensional analysis and Buckingham pie theorempredicts the value of MRR close to the experimental observations with the accuracy of 91 % shows that the developed model could be used to predict MRR during EDM of NiTi alloy within the domain of the parameters selected in the present study.
Methods for Low Engine Speed Torque Improvement of Natural Gas Engine for Commercial Vehicles: Experimental Observations with Turbocharger and Supercharger
Authors: Suple P. J. , Sonawane C. R. , Thipse S. S. , Mohite J. P. , Chougule N. B.
Published: May 2020

Diesel engines have been powering a range of commercial vehicles for a many years. Considering air pollution, there is a thrust on use of natural gas (NG). Thereafter, natural gas engines for commercial vehicles have been subject of development, particularly to meet drivability demands and emissions requirements.

Bus used for intra-city mass transportation of passengers is probably the most common form of natural gas commercial vehicle. Considering typical city applications, such vehicles is characterized by low speeds, frequent gear changes, start-stops, traffic conditions etc. For better drivability, they need higher traction at low engine speeds. This study captures few means of torque enhancement and motive is to integrate a selective ones as not much research is available mentioning enhancements specifically at low engine speeds.

Turbocharging of natural gas engine is complicated due to high exhaust temperatures. As most turbocharger manufacturers cater to requirements of diesel engine, turbochargers for natural gas are simply not available. Many compromises are thus to be made. Under this study, four different turbochargers and one supercharger shall be simulated for experimenting and optimizing to enhance torque at low engine speeds. A virtual model of reference, naturally aspirated engine is built in appropriate software and its output is verified against test bed performance, to establish model faithfulness. Next, simulation runs with different turbochargers and superchargers are carried out. Various parameters are recorded and compared. Findings are recorded and it is noted that there is room for enhancement based on different hardware capabilities.
Metamodel-based parametric study of composite laminates
Authors: Fegade Vishal , Rawal Shannay , Ramachandran M
Published: May 2020

Composite laminates are an integral part of structural engineering. To exploit the full potential of such laminated structures, it is important to understand the effect of various material and geometric parameters on its static and dynamic behaviour. Conventionally high-fidelity numerical procedures like finite element methods have been used to carry out such analysis. Despite their overwhelming accuracy, such methods are computational time intensive making them unsuitable to carry out exhaustive parametric studies. To counter this, a polynomial regression-based metamodeling strategy and its subsequent use as a quick parametric analysis tool is depicted in this study. The metamodels are meticulously built and rigorously validated on the training and testing data using suitable statistical measures like 〖R〗^2,〖〖R〗^2〗_adj and 〖Q^2〗_F3.
Effect of Copper Nano Powder on Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Reuben Rachel , Joshi Parth , Manickam Ramachandran
Published: May 2020

With developing technologies, more durable and efficient manufacturing materials is needed. One of such materials include “Fiber reinforced composites” which are robust and strong. They have a major demand in the industries of engineering and manufacturing. Carbon, glass, basalt and aramid fibers are mainly used for manufacturing of fiber reinforced polymer composites. The property which makes kevlar unique is that it is very strong compared to most of the metals while also being light in weight. It possesses excellent heat and shock resistance and is stable at very high temperatures. It has a wide range of uses in military applications such as bulletproof jackets, fireproof bodysuits and also in automobile industry in vehicles, aircrafts and spacecrafts. The tensile, flexural and impact strength of Kevlar 29 (K-29) fiber reinforced polymer composite is examined in this paper. The composite samples were fabricated by hand lay-up method. All Material testings were ensured to comply with the ASTM standards. According to the test results the developed Kevlar-29 fiber reinforced polymer composite showed better flexural, tensile and impact strength. Kevlar possesses superior and unique mechanical properties which makes it a prominent material for industrial applications.
A Review on New Technology in Internal Combustion Engine- HCCI engine
Authors: Mogra Ashish , Gupta Krishna Kumar
Published: May 2020

In present study a concise literature review on Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine have been performed by taking the many practical problem which are hurdle for implementation of this concept. HCCI combustion is also termed as Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) technology because of its prospective to attain high efficiency and low Nox and particulate matter emission. The typical quality of HCCI technique is the need of preparation of homogeneous mixture early at combustion. Combustion processes in HCCI engine were controlled by chemical kinetics and proper mixing of fuel. Numerous researchers are working towards the challenges and solution for commercialization of this engine. Present review covers the elementary feature for the evaluation of HCCI engine, its working principle and challenges for practical implementation. This study elaborates the prospective solution and future growth in HCCI engine. The most critical challenges for HCCI engine is controlling method for direct ignition of combustion. Therefore in HCCI combustion engine implementation of this problem is way for practical availability of this concept.
Analysis of Curve Fitting for Case Studies for Indian Power Sector
Authors: Narkhede Rajkumar P , Rastogi Prabha
Published: May 2020

The requirements for Indian electrical power sector is always a challenging task in terms of predication of units of generation of electrical units, load factor (central, state and private ) for the power plants, peak demand, peak demand meet and peak demand shortage. The historical data from 1997 to 2018 are used for the analysis. The straight line function and polynomial functions used for the analysis of the data to predict the future. The paper outlines appropriates of the both model in context with the Indian power sector. Further, provide the opportunity to understand the regression coefficient as test condition for the model. The regression coefficients are evaluated for load factor such as 0.9448, 0.9659 and 0.9566 for central, state and private. While regression coefficients for the peak demand and peak demand meet are fairly closer to one. However, the model data values are evaluated and the minimum error in the peak demand is 44% and for peak demand meet is 274 % while maximum deviation in peak demand is 107 and fr peak demand meet is 743%.
Monte Carlo simulation based prediction model for ultimate tensile strength of Friction Stir Welded AA6063-ETP copper joint
Authors: Panaskar N J , Terkar R P
Published: May 2020

In the present study, Al-6063 and ETP Cu were lap welded using friction stir welding wherein the aluminum alloy sheet was placed on top of the Copper sheet. The process parameters, namely, tool rotational speed, tool traverse speed, and thickness of zinc inter-filler material, were optimized using Taguchi L9 orthogonal design of experiments. The optimum process parameters were determined with respect to the ultimate tensile strength of the weld. The predicted optimal value of ultimate tensile strength was confirmed through confirmation run using the optimum parameters. The analysis of variance showed that tool traverse speed and the zinc foil thickness were the most dominant factors contributing to the weld strength. The most critical parameters were found by using the full factorial analysis. Using full factorial analysis, tool traverse speed, zinc foil thickness, and their interactive effect, were found to be the most critical parameters. The Anderson-Darling test indicates that the ultimate tensile strength tends to follow a normal distribution.
Multistage forming analysis of spoke resonator end-wall
Authors: Sharma N K , Karma P , Pare V , Chaturvedi A , Nigam N , Kane G V , Chouksey M
Published: May 2020

Spoke resonator components are typically formed by sheet metal forming operations such as deep drawing and bending. End wall, Spoke and Shell are the main components of spoke resonators. A sheet metal blank of niobium material is used to form the End wall and Spoke for a spoke resonator. This paper presents an elasto-plastic finite element analysis for single stage and multi stage forming of spoke resonator End wall. Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the effect of forming process parameters on localized thinning, residual stresses and study of failure such as tearing or wrinkling. Forming tools like die, punch and binder were modeled by UGNX 8.0, a modeling software and finite element analysis of forming has been simulated by Altair HYPERFORM software. The results of the analysis were used to assess the various forming process. The analysis showed that the multistage forming leads to better uniformity in thickness of component. This data will help in selection of appropriate forming process.
Numerical evaluation of Knuckle Joint with stainless steel material for total deformation and Von Mises analysis
Authors: Pawar Tejas , Chaudhari Yogeshwar , Jamadar Pradip , Ramachandran M.
Published: May 2020

A knuckle joint is used to connect the two rods which are under the tensile load, when there is requirement of small amount of flexibility or angular moment is necessary. There is always axial or linear line of action of load. So modelling and analysis of knuckle joint under a certain condition is carried out. Modelling and analysis of a knuckle joint was performed by using 3D software CATIA & Finite Element Analysis (FEA) respectively. For analysis we use Stainless Steel materials. The maximum elastic strain intensity is 0.00052959 m/m and the minimum elastic strain intensity is 5.1094e-10 m/m. The maximum equivalent elastic strain is 0.00038217 m/m and the minimum equivalent elastic strain is 4.4217e-10 m/m. The maximum equivalent (Von Mises) stress is 7.6421e7 Pa and the minimum equivalent (Von Mises) stress is 72.422 Pa. The maximum total deformation is 7.0468e-6 m and the minimum total deformation is 0 m.
Optimisation of Flexural strength in Zirconia nanoclusters of the Bis-GMA & TEGDMA based dental composites
Authors: sadiq Siddiqui Mohd. Saif Mohd , Hambire Umesh
Published: May 2020

Chewing food is a dynamic and continuous process. tooth is an important component which can not be neglected. Accordingly to WHO(world health organization) report nearly 100% people have decay once in life. Decay can be filled with gold, silver amalgam. Composites have advantages by providing natural colour of tooth, less tooth removal required to fill cavity and natural tooth structure can be maintained. The aim of this work is to present an analysis of the composites and furnish dentists with a basis that can provide criteria for choosing one or another to suit their treatment. The mechanical properties of composite resins are importantly depends upon filler content. Dental composites are using silica, quartz and alumina glass as filler for long time. Zirconia is the latest addition as filler. Chewing of food is a dynamic situation in which many forces are acting in all possible direction, the most important being the flexural force. Our aim is to optimise the flexural strength in Zirconia nanoclusters of the Bis-GMA & TEGDMA based dental composites. The aim of work is to find out best combination of composite material.
Optimization of Turning Parameters Using Taguchi’s Method and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Bhor Yadnyesh , Kakuste Nikhil S , Gaynar Shreyash
Published: May 2020

Manufacturing industries are in need of various methods for obtaining the specified output parameters of a product. To fulfil such parameters in accordance to the specification, it is essential to quantitatively analyse the effect of each and every input functions on the output characteristics of the product. With ever increasing customer requirement in functionality and service of a product economically with predetermined quantity CNC machines are now finding application in majority of the industries to get further and better output on demand. In CNC machine, spindle speed, feed and depth of cut are most significant controllable parameters which majorly define the output characteristics of product like surface finish. Industries are now more interested in trends of optimization and automation which ease the process of overcoming constraints. This paper presents experimental study of such parameters of CNC turning centre to optimize the effect of cutting parameters on surface finish of mild steel material. The paper also illustrates how Artificial Bee Colony technique of optimization was used to achieve the results. The experiment is designed and performed by using concept of Design of Experiments (DOE).
Parametric review on Fuel Cells and their Applications
Authors: Shanbhag Sumeet , Joshi Girish
Published: May 2020

This study aims to review the issues affecting the long term performance and the life span of the fuel cell in accordance with the various surveys of the currently available. According to current research, parameters such as temperature, pressure along with other issues such as fuel and oxidant starvation (stoichiometric effect), corrosion, poor water management, humidity, and uncontrolled chemical reactions are some of the reasons leading to poor performance in the fuel cell. Poor water management can either lead to flooding or dehydration, both of which are extremely detrimental for the longevity of the fuel cell since the former facilitates corrosion of electrodes, membrane and catalyst layers whereas the latter leads to shrinkage of the membrane. Also, contamination of fuel cell membranes due to corrosion products or any impurities from outside leads to the poisoning of the cell. The construction of fuel cells in the future taking into consideration all these issues and mechanisms can lead to a performance-enhanced and long-lasting fuel cell.
Recent research status on modern friction materials-an Overview
Authors: Saindane Udaykumar V , Soni Sandeep , Menghani Jyoti V
Published: May 2020

Modern friction materials have application in automotive, aerospace and industrial brake systems. It should also possess various resistance to water and heat, low wear rate and high thermal stability, but It is quite impossible to achieve all this in practical conditions. To meet these requirements, composite friction materials have been designed often based on experience or a trial and error method to make a new formulations. Selection of Binders, fibers, fillers, and modifiers plays key role in deciding new formulation of friction composite. Listing out these ingredients from literature give rise to idea for selection of suitable ingredient of new formulation which can be acceptable worldwide. Inferences and discussions are drawn from fact revealed of modern friction materials. In this Paper, A through literature survey of work carried out so far in field of manufacturing and characterization of friction materials is presented. It reports various methods of evaluation of friction performance, thermal stability of test samples. Types of mechanical, physical, thermal, morphological properties of test samples are reported and optimum formulation among other test samples is predicted. This gives idea about friction materials which fulfills the need of future.
Remanufacturing Benefits: An Analysis of Recent Trends in Indian Context
Authors: Ahuja Vinay , Terkar Ravi
Published: May 2020

In the past years, remanufacturing processes have become a popular topic in the industrial area and has become one of the most effective and potential strategies for the “end of life” project management. Material restoration from end of life (EOL) items is the key to most of the remanufacturing processes that have discovered as of now. This paper talks about two case studies – 1. Indian Cartridge Remanufacturers. 2. Remanufacturing at Timken. Remanufactured products are high in demand and its relevance is growing currently due to various factors. This high demand in the market is due to its low price and remarkable functional quality. Remanufacturing is recognized only 10 and a half years back in India and hence hasn’t captured a very high market share compared to scenarios worldwide. Remanufacturing is a $35 Billion industry today and it justifies it cost just as it significantly increases the potential life of components by repair. In this research paper, the research work has studied the remanufacturing operation at Timken India Ltd. As well as their customers like Lafarge Cement, Tinplate Company of India and Usha Martin and has highlighted the advantages of remanufacturing.
Review of Micro cantilever sensors for detecting diseases: Fabrication Methodologies and sensing techniques
Authors: Devkare Sanket S , Bhole Kiran S
Published: May 2020

Recently Lab on chip devices are widely used for detecting various diseases. Cantilever being used as commonly among variety of sensors used on such chips. This paper presents review of various fabrication methodology and analysis techniques used in sensing diseases using micro-cantilever sensors. The principal aim in detecting diseases using blood sample is to know concentration of antigens or bacteria in sample. This also provides stage of disease in the patient. Various techniques such as ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay), Radio-Immuno Assay, X-ray are used for detecting the stages of disease. However, time required in these techniques is very large. To reduce the time in detection, simple micro cantilever Bio-sensor is used widely. For the purpose of detection, cantilevers are coated with antibody to attract the antigens from blood sample which is dropped on cantilever beam. Antigens that get adhered to the surface of cantilever thus develop a surface stress causes bending of cantilever. This redirection of the cantilever can be detected by various strategies and thus we can predict about the concentration of the antibodies in a particular blood sample. This paper exhaustively presents the fabrication methodology and disease detection technique using micro-cantilever.
Review on Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Characterization of Hemp Fiber Composite
Authors: Sankhla Divyansh , Sancheti Mihir , Ramachandran M.
Published: May 2020

Hemp, (Cannabis sativa), also known as industrial hemp, a family plant of Cannabaceae cultivated for its fiber or edible seeds. Hemp is sometimes confused with cannabis plants that serve as sources of prescription weeds and preparation of hashish products. Although all three products— hemp, marijuana, and hashish — contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that induces psychoactive effects in humans, the cannabis variety grown for hemp has only small amounts of THC compared to that grown for marijuana or hashish growth. Bast fiber plants are distinguished by long slender primary fibers on the outer portion of the stem. Hemp grows in countries like Canada, USA, France, Hungary, Belgium, Holland, Thailand, Austria, Italy, China, and Philippine island, Russia, Mexico, Germany, West Indies and India. In this paper we analyze all these test on hemp Fibre- differential scanning Calorimetry test, scanning electron microscope test, tensile test, thermo gravimetric analysis and flexural test.
SonReb Method for Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Concrete
Authors: Chandak Narayan R , Kumavat Hemraj R
Published: May 2020

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Rebound Hammer (RH) are continually adopted methods by the researchers to assess the characteristics and to estimate the compressive strength of the concrete. As matrix of concrete is very complex, it’s obvious that the strength of concrete can be influenced due to even minor change in any of the factor. The factors that influenced the strength of concrete largely are the type and size of aggregates, cement content, physical and mechanical factors. To evaluate the compressive strength considering these factors with higher precision, UPV and RH methods are combined henceforth called SonReb. The results of testing of on-site casted cube samples and cores samples taken from the existing buildings in Pune, India are presented here. The application of the regression model to observe destructive and non-destructive testing were used through SonReb method to evaluate the reliability of concrete. Equations are obtained using multiple regression statistical analysis (MRSA) to access concrete compressive strength and the accuracy of the strength prediction technique is discussed in this paper. The regression curve of proposed model strongly consistent with the models suggested by Meynink, Ramyar et al. and Khedar et.al. It is also concluded that the results obtained from core are underestimate, which reflects the age factor when compared with the samples tested in laboratory. It is also seen that the regression coefficient of both the formulation are closely matching, which indicates no effect of age of samples tested. SonReb results seems to be more accurate and reliable than any individual test performed on the same samples.
Root cause analysis of newsprint waste using pareto analysis and cause and effect matrix
Authors: Varma Jatin H , Lal Sachin
Published: May 2020

The dynamic business environment has changed the mindset of printing industry, which enhanced the focus towards waste management as its critical issue in printing industry. Printing waste is also leading to financial loss and developing environmental issues. This scenario motivates to perform root cause analysis of newsprint waste, which can help to reduce waste and to improve the environmental conditions. In this paper, the root cause of newsprint waste is identified using Pareto analysis and cause and effect matrix. The result shows that web break between operation and the wrong roller setting are the root causes of newsprint waste. At the end of this study, few improvement measures are suggested and implemented for validating the improvement.
Survey of the emerging bio-inspired Unmanned Aerial Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Narayanan A. , Rajeshirke P. , Sharma A. , Pestonjamasp K.
Published: May 2020

Unmanned Aerial-Underwater Vehicles have been envisioned as a new kind of hybrid unmanned system capable of performing equally well in multiple mediums and seamlessly transitioning between them. Currently, bio inspired vehicles are leading the way in the development of such a vehicle, that can fly like an eagle and swim like a fish. This path-breaking amphibious aerial underwater vehicle is sought after because of its wide range of applications in military, commercial and civil environments. From aerial surveillance, deep water exploration to underwater non-destructive testing, this vehicle aims to do it all. However, the development of a fully functional version is hindered by the significantly different properties of air and water, considering the air water transition, different propulsion systems and stability underwater. We evaluate these available architectures that aim to accomplish the goal of creating a flawless multi-medium unmanned vehicle which has its limitations as one of the modes is dominant leaving the other to be at a lesser than expected measure. This paper presents a survey discussing the evolution of these systems by first looking at their parent systems and then evaluating the various existing types of UAUVs by understanding their working mechanisms. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the work done in the field so far which can provide direction to the further development of such vehicles.
Optimization of wear characteristics of PLA material reinforced with HAP nanoparticle by using taguchi technique
Authors: Agrawal Sumit R , Kulkarni Saili R
Published: May 2020

In the field of biomedical application, the polymer composite has been played a very challenging role and its used has been increasing since it possess good tribological properties when reinforce with appropriate material. In this regard, PLA (poly lactic acid) and it’s composite with HAP (Hydroxyapatite) was studied for its tribological behaviour which may be used as an implant material. PLA with varying percentage of HAP nanoparticles was examined on linear reciprocating tribometer under dry sliding test for specific wear rate. Design of experiment was based on Taguchi technique for optimizing specific wear rate parameter. In this study, effect of reinforcement and operating parameters that is load and frequency on tribological performance of PLA Nano composite was studied. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) has been used to determine the influence of each parameter on wear characteristics. Regression analysis was used to establish a regression equation between all affecting parameters. The results shows that reinforcement plays a major role while load and frequency plays an average role on wear characteristic of PLA Nano composite. It was observed that PLA reinforced with HAP nanoparticle significantly improve wear characteristic up to 5% of reinforcement while beyond it, there is reverse nature of composite. The optimum parameter for wear rate were 5% reinforcement of HAP, 80 N of load, and 7 Hz frequency.
Review of effect of meso scale combustor wall material, Catalytic material, & Porous media on flame Stabilization
Authors: Jadhav Gajanan Z. , Gupta K K
Published: May 2020

In recent trends demand of energy for portable devices like notebook, microsatellite, laptops, UAV are increasing at high rate, a high energy density hydrocarbon fuel creates opportunity to alternate chemical Li-ion batteries with micro combustion based power generation system. Mainly, this review focus on experimental, mathematical modelling techniques, and numerical simulation performed on heat recirculating combustor to find the effect of combustor wall material, catalytic material and porous media. It also summarizes the electricity generation possibilities with micro combustor turbine, thermo electric material & thermo-photovolatic combustion system. The effect of combustor wall material, catalytic material, and porous media on flame stabilization are enlisted with its summary.
Adsorption of methylene blue onto natural Saudi Red Clay: isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Khan Mohammad Ilyas
Published: May 2020

The current work investigates the adsorption behavior of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution using natural Saudi Red Clay (SRC) adsorbent. The surface characteristics of the adsorbent were investigated using surface area measurements (SBET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray florescence (XRF) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Various process parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time and temperature were investigated. MB removal efficiency was noticed to increase with increasing adsorbent dosage while the effect of pH was noticed to be insignificant for the pH range studied. Applying the Langmuir isotherm fitting to the experimental data, a maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 50.25 mg g−1 of clay at 298 K. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied to the experimental data to study the kinetics of the process. Pseudo-second-order model fitted well with the experimental as compared to the pseudo-first order model. The spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process was revealed by studying the thermodynamic parameters of the system. The positive ΔS° value indicates the affinity of MB molecules to the adsorbent surface. Re-usability/recycling study showed that this material can be successfully reused at least four times in this study without significant loss in the adsorption capabilities.
Evidence of band gap features in Fe3O4 Bbmm filled carbon nano-onions
Authors: Boi Filippo S , Ivaturi Sameera , Taallah Ayoub , Wang Shanling , Wen Jiqiu
Published: May 2020

A key challenge in the fabrication of ferromagnetically filled multilayer fullerenes (carbon nano-onions, CNOs) is the manipulation of the structure, composition and electronic band characteristics of both the carbon layers and encapsulated ferromagnetic material. Interestingly, a recent work has demonstrated that the addition of small quantities of water during the chemical vapour synthesis of Fe3C filled CNOs can allow the local manipulation of the Fe3C crystal-structure and induce the nucleation of a novel high pressure Bbmm Fe3O4 crystal-phase. In this report we propose an advanced study of such structural transition. Particularly, we investigate the morphological, optical (band-gap) characteristics and magnetic properties of the as produced CNO materials by using transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy.
Systematic study of shockley-read-hall and radiative recombination in GaN on Al2O3, freestanding GaN, and GaN on Si
Authors: Meyer J , Liu R , Schaller R D , Lee H-P , Bayram C
Published: May 2020

Here we study and correlate structural, electrical, and optical properties of three GaN samples: GaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on sapphire (GaN/Al2O3), freestanding GaN crystals grown by the high nitrogen pressure solution method (HNPS GaN), and GaN grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on silicon (GaN/Si). Defect and impurity densities and carrier concentrations are quantified by x-ray diffraction, secondary mass ion spectroscopy, and Hall effect studies, respectively. Power-dependent photoluminescence measurements reveal GaN near-band-edge emissions from all samples having mixtures of free exciton and band-to-band transitions. Only the defect luminescence in the GaN/Si sample remains unsaturated, in contrast to those from the HNPS GaN and GaN/Al2O3 samples. Carrier lifetimes, extracted from time-resolved photoluminescence measurements, and internal quantum efficiencies, extracted from temperature-dependent photoluminescence measurements, are used to extract radiative and nonradiative lifetimes. Shockley–Read–Hall (A) and radiative recombination coefficients (B) are then calculated accordingly. Overall, the A coefficient is observed to be highly sensitive to the point defect density rather than dislocation density, as evidenced by three orders of magnitude reduction in threading dislocation density reducing the A coefficient by one order of magnitude only. The B coefficient, while comparable in the higher quality and lowly doped GaN/Al2O3 and HNPS GaN samples, was severely degraded in the GaN/Si sample due to high threading dislocation density and doping concentration.
Tolerance against conducting filament formation in nanosheet-derived titania thin films
Authors: Sato Masaya , Hara Masahiro , Funatsu Asami , Nouchi Ryo
Published: May 2020

Herein, titania thin films are fabricated by a facile liquid-phase method based on vacuum filtration of a colloidal suspension of titania nanosheets, which is followed by thermal annealing to transform the nanosheet film into anatase TiO2. Nanosheet-derived titania thin films exhibit poor resistive switching with an interface-type mechanism. This behaviour is distinct from the filamentary switching that has been observed with titania thin films fabricated by other conventional techniques. This tolerance against conducting-filament formation may be ascribed to a low concentration of oxygen vacancies in nanosheet-derived films, which is expected because of the O/Ti ratio of titania (Ti0.87O2) nanosheets being larger than that of TiO2. Besides, the dielectric breakdown strength of nanosheet-derived films is found to be comparable to or higher than that of titania thin films fabricated by other techniques. These findings clearly indicate the usefulness of nanosheet-derived titania thin films for dielectric applications.
Localizing Romeo and Juliet: Ram-Leela, Female Agency, and Indian Politics
Authors: García-Periago Rosa
Published: May 2020

This essay explores Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela (dir. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 2013), a Bollywood adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, from a local/political and female-centred angle. Bhansali’s Romeo and Juliet localizes and provincializes Romeo and Juliet by situating it in Gujarat with recognizable traditional dance numbers, and considerably mythologizes the hypotext1 by the prioritization given to festivals and the parallels between the leading pair and well-known Hindu divinities. But, localization is not exempt from problems in this film, for dance and Hindu myths are both markers of tension in modern-day India. The constant ambiguities they bring up inevitably point to the non-isomorphic flows that characterize the nation-state. This tension also finds its niche in the depiction of women in the film. Bhansali’s adaptation equally shows women that are oppressed—the girl in the item number (musical number inserted in the film) and the widows (neither finding a Shakespearean counterpart)—women that are at one and the same time oppressed and resistant (Dhankor Baa/Lady Capulet and Leela/Juliet), and some women showing signs of female agency at the end of the adaptation. National tensions find their counterpart in tensions that inform Ram-Leela as an adaptation: this is a work that is both a Shakespearean adaptation and a Bollywood film, the two forms interacting with each other in a unique combination. Ram-Leela not only provides new understandings of Romeo and Juliet and, ultimately, Shakespeare, but also of the contingencies and complexities of modern-day India.
Different molecular enumeration influences in deep learning: an example using aqueous solubility
Authors: Chen Jen-Hao , Tseng Yufeng Jane
Published: May 2020

Aqueous solubility is the key property driving many chemical and biological phenomena and impacts experimental and computational attempts to assess those phenomena. Accurate prediction of solubility is essential and challenging, even with modern computational algorithms. Fingerprint-based, feature-based and molecular graph-based representations have all been used with different deep learning methods for aqueous solubility prediction. It has been clearly demonstrated that different molecular representations impact the model prediction and explainability. In this work, we reviewed different representations and also focused on using graph and line notations for modeling. In general, one canonical chemical structure is used to represent one molecule when computing its properties. We carefully examined the commonly used simplified molecular-input line-entry specification (SMILES) notation representing a single molecule and proposed to use the full enumerations in SMILES to achieve better accuracy. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was used. The full enumeration of SMILES can improve the presentation of a molecule and describe the molecule with all possible angles. This CNN model can be very robust when dealing with large datasets since no additional explicit chemistry knowledge is necessary to predict the solubility. Also, traditionally it is hard to use a neural network to explain the contribution of chemical substructures to a single property. We demonstrated the use of attention in the decoding network to detect the part of a molecule that is relevant to solubility, which can be used to explain the contribution from the CNN.
ClonArch: visualizing the spatial clonal architecture of tumors
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , El-Kebir Mohammed
Published: May 2020

Motivation

Cancer is caused by the accumulation of somatic mutations that lead to the formation of distinct populations of cells, called clones. The resulting clonal architecture is the main cause of relapse and resistance to treatment. With decreasing costs in DNA sequencing technology, rich cancer genomics datasets with many spatial sequencing samples are becoming increasingly available, enabling the inference of high-resolution tumor clones and prevalences across different spatial coordinates. While temporal and phylogenetic aspects of tumor evolution, such as clonal evolution over time and clonal response to treatment, are commonly visualized in various clonal evolution diagrams, visual analytics methods that reveal the spatial clonal architecture are missing.

Results

This article introduces ClonArch, a web-based tool to interactively visualize the phylogenetic tree and spatial distribution of clones in a single tumor mass. ClonArch uses the marching squares algorithm to draw closed boundaries representing the presence of clones in a real or simulated tumor. ClonArch enables researchers to examine the spatial clonal architecture of a subset of relevant mutations at different prevalence thresholds and across multiple phylogenetic trees. In addition to simulated tumors with varying number of biopsies, we demonstrate the use of ClonArch on a hepatocellular carcinoma tumor with ∼280 sequencing biopsies. ClonArch provides an automated way to interactively examine the spatial clonal architecture of a tumor, facilitating clinical and biological interpretations of the spatial aspects of intra-tumor heterogeneity.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/elkebir-group/ClonArch.
Unravelling the mechanisms of blood–brain barrier dysfunction in repetitive mild head injury
Authors: Ware Jeffrey B , Sandsmark Danielle K , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon
Published: May 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Slow blood-to-brain transport underlies enduring barrier dysfunction in American football players’, by Veksler et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa140).
Chloroquine Inhibits the Release of Inflammatory Cytokines by Human Lung Explants
Authors: Grassin-Delyle Stanislas , Salvator Hélène , Brollo Marion , Catherinot Emilie , Sage Edouard , Couderc Louis-Jean , Naline Emmanuel , Devillier Philippe
Published: May 2020

On human lung parenchymal explants, chloroquine concentration clinically achievable in the lung (100 µM) inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of TNF-ɑ (by 76%), IL-6 (by 68%), CCL2 (by 72%), and CCL3 (by 67%). Besides its antiviral activity, chloroquine might also mitigate the cytokine storm associated with severe pneumonia caused by coronaviruses.
Why data citation isn't working, and what to do about it
Authors: Buneman Peter , Christie Greig , Davies Jamie A , Dimitrellou Roza , Harding Simon D , Pawson Adam J , Sharman Joanna L , Wu Yinjun
Published: May 2020

We describe a system that automatically generates from a curated database a collection of short conventional publications—citation summaries—that describe the contents of various components of the database. The purpose of these summaries is to ensure that the contributors to the database receive appropriate credit through the currently used measures such as h-indexes. Moreover, these summaries also serve to give credit to publications and people that are cited by the database. In doing this, we need to deal with granularity—how many summaries should be generated to represent effectively the contributions to a database? We also need to deal with evolution—for how long can a given summary serve as an appropriate reference when the database is evolving? We describe a journal specifically tailored to contain these citation summaries. We also briefly discuss the limitations that the current mechanisms for recording citations place on both the process and value of data citation.
The Effect of Gender-Targeted Conditional Cash Transfers on Household Expenditures: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment
Authors: Armand Alex , Attanasio Orazio , Carneiro Pedro , Lechene Valérie
Published: May 2020

This article studies the differential effect of targeting cash transfers to men or women on household expenditure on non-durables. We study a policy intervention in the Republic of North Macedonia that offers cash transfers to poor households, conditional on having their children attending secondary school. The recipient is randomised across municipalities, with payments targeted to either the mother or the father of the child. Targeting transfers to women increases the expenditure share on food by 4 to 5 percentage points. At low levels of food expenditure, there is a shift towards a more nutritious diet.
The effect of a primary care-based Medical Weight Loss Program on weight loss and anthropomorphic metrics
Authors: Rose Vivienne A , Klyushnenkova Elena N , Zhang Min , Warrington Verlyn O
Published: May 2020

Background

Diet and lifestyle intervention programs have been shown to be effective in decreasing obesity/overweight and many associated comorbidities in specialty research settings. There is very little information however as to the efficacy of such programs conducted in usual/typical primary care practices. We analysed effectiveness of the Medical Weight Loss Program (MWLP) designed to specifically address overweight/obesity in the setting of an urban academic primary care practice.

Objective

To determine whether participation in the MWLP within a general primary care setting can result in weight loss.

Methods

A retrospective medical chart review of patients treated in MWLP and a control group of patients with obesity receiving regular care in the general primary care setting. From the practice database (1 April 2015–31 March 2016), 209 patients (≥18 years old) who participated in the MWLP were identified; 265 controls were selected from the remaining population based on the presence of the obesity-related diagnoses.

Results

MWLP patients lost on average 2.35 ± 5.88 kg in 6 months compared to their baseline weight (P < 0.0001). In contrast, the control group demonstrated a trend of gaining on average 0.37 ± 6.03 kg. Having three or more visits with the MWLP provider within 6 months after program initiation was the most important factor associated with successful loss of at least 5% of the baseline weight. Weight loss also correlated with a decrease in abdominal girth.

Conclusion

MWLP integrated into the general primary care practice may potentially be an effective model for managing obesity and related morbidities.