bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Politics and Ideology: Lord Moyne, Palestine and Zionism 1939–1944
Authors: Yitzhak Ronen
Published: August 2017

This article deals with Lord Moyne's policy towards the Zionists. It refutes the claim that Lord Moyne was anti-Zionist in his political orientation and in his activities and shows that his positions did not differ from those of other British senior officials at the time. His attitude toward Jewish immigration to Palestine and toward the establishment of a Jewish Brigade during the Second World War was indeed negative. This was not due to anti-Zionist policy, however, but to British strategy that supported the White Paper of 1939 and moved closer to the Arabs during the War.

While serving in the British Cabinet, Lord Moyne displayed apolitically pragmatic approach and remained loyal to Prime Minister Churchill. He therefore supported the establishment of a Jewish Brigade and the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine in the secret committee that Churchill set up in 1944. Unaware of his new positions, the Zionists assassinated him in November 1944. The murder of Lord Moyne affected Churchill, leading him to reject the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.
Disease and Civilization: A Scottish Atlantic Network of Physicians in the Enlightenment
Authors: Irving-Stonebraker Sarah
Published: August 2017

Through an examination of the extensive papers, manuscripts and correspondence of American physician Benjamin Rush and his friends, this article argues that it is possible to map a network of Scottish-trained physicians in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century Atlantic world. These physicians, whose members included Benjamin Rush, John Redman, John Morgan, Adam Kuhn, and others, not only brought the Edinburgh model for medical pedagogy across the Atlantic, but also disseminated Scottish stadial theories of development, which they applied to their study of the natural history and medical practices of Native Americans and slaves. In doing so, these physicians developed theories about the relationship between civilization, historical progress and the practice of medicine. Exploring this network deepens our understanding of the transnational intellectual geography of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century British World. This article develops, in relation to Scotland, a current strand of scholarship that maps the colonial and global contexts of Enlightenment thought.
A Simplified Matrix Formulation for Sensitivity Analysis of Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Amsalu Seifemichael B. , Homaifar  Abdollah , Esterline Albert
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a new algorithm for sensitivity analysis of discrete hidden Markov models (HMMs) is proposed. Sensitivity analysis is a general technique for investigating the robustness of the output of a system model. Sensitivity analysis of probabilistic networks has recently been studied extensively. This has resulted in the development of mathematical relations between a parameter and an output probability of interest and also methods for establishing the effects of parameter variations on decisions. Sensitivity analysis in HMMs has usually been performed by taking small perturbations in parameter values and re-computing the output probability of interest. As recent studies show, the sensitivity analysis of an HMM can be performed using a functional relationship that describes how an output probability varies as the network’s parameters of interest change. To derive this sensitivity function, existing Bayesian network algorithms have been employed for HMMs. These algorithms are computationally inefficient as the length of the observation sequence and the number of parameters increases. In this study, a simplified efficient matrix-based algorithm for computing the coefficients of the sensitivity function for all hidden states and all time steps is proposed and an example is presented.
Characterizing Flow-Induced Vibrations of Fuel Assemblies for Future Liquid Metal Cooled Nuclear Reactors Using Quasi-Distributed Fibre-Optic Sensors
Authors: Pauw Ben , Kennedy Graham , Tichelen Katrien , Geernaert Thomas , Thienpont Hugo , Berghmans Francis
Published: August 2017

Excessive vibration of nuclear reactor components, such as the heat exchanger or the fuel assembly should be avoided as these can compromise the lifetime of these components and potentially lead to safety hazards. This issue is particularly relevant to new reactor designs that use liquid metal coolants. However, identifying adequate sensors or techniques that can be successfully applied to record the vibrations of the components in a flow of liquid metal at elevated temperatures is very challenging. In this paper, we demonstrate the precise measurements of the vibrations of a very representative mock-up of a fuel assembly in a lead-bismuth eutectic cooled installation using quasi-distributed fibre Bragg grating (FBG) based sensors. The unique properties of these sensors, in combination with a dedicated integration and mounting approach, allows for accounting of the severe geometrical constraints and allows characterizing the vibration of the fuel assembly elements under nominal operation conditions. To that aim, we instrumented a single fuel pin within the fuel assembly with 84 FBGs, and conducted spectral measurements with an acquisition rate of up to 5000 measurements per second, enabling the monitoring of local strains of a few με. These measurements provide the information required to assess vibration-related safety hazards.
Mobility, Mood and Place—Co-Designing Age-Friendly Cities: A Report on Collaborations between Older People and Students of Architecture
Authors: Scott Iain
Published: August 2017

Mobility, Mood and Place explores how places can be designed collaboratively to make pedestrian mobility easy, enjoyable and meaningful for older people. The built environment often excludes marginalised groups such as older people, single mothers and others with special needs. ‘Co-design’ is emerging as an important approach in architectural and urban design, which diversifies stakeholder participation and representation. Participatory co-design approaches can include such stakeholders so as to address their priorities and ensure that other stakeholders empathise with their perspective. This can enhance students’ methodological flexibility and empathy. This paper critically reflects on architecture students’ experiences, together with older adults (including stroke-survivors and those with dementia), in producing co-design research on age-friendly environments and offers some methodological insights. It also discusses competing objectives between a co-design research project that involved students of architecture and landscape design on post-graduate academic programmes. Finally, the paper will offer contributions to architects interested in designing places that take into account the needs of older people.
Pathophysiology and Neuroprotective Strategies in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury and Stroke
Authors: Meloni Bruno
Published: August 2017

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and stroke are closely related and devastating conditions that can affect individuals of all ages.[...]
Chlamydospore Specific Proteins of Candida albicans
Authors: Ingle Sujata , Kodgire Santosh , Shiradhone Asha , Patil Rajendra , Zore Gajanan
Published: August 2017

Polymorphic yeast, Candida albicans, forms thick-walled structures called chlamydospores in order to survive under adverse conditions. We present proteomic profile changes occurring during chlamydospore formation. Chlamydospores were induced by inoculating C. albicans cells (grown for 48 h) on rice extract and semisolid agar containing tween 80 (1%), and were overlaid by a polyethene sheet to induce microaerophilic conditions at 30 °C. Proteins extracted from chlamydospores and hyphae (producing chlamydospores) were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Present datasets include proteomic data (Swath spectral libraries) of chlamydospores and yeast phase cells, as well as methodologies and tools used for the data generation. Further analysis is expected to provide an opportunity to understand modulations in metabolic processes, molecular architecture (i.e., cell wall, membrane, and cytoskeleton) and stress response pathways leading to chlamydospore formation and thus facilitating survival of C. albicans under adverse conditions.
Nutritional Comparison of White and Red Coccinia Abyssinica (Lam.) Cong. Accessions: An Under-Utilised Edible Tuber of the Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Parmar Aditya , Gebre Bilatu , Legesse Addisu , Demelash Yoseph , Fladung Kirsten , Hensel Oliver
Published: August 2017

Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) is an indigenous tuber crop of the Ethiopian Highlands. It is popular in the western Oromia Region of the country. Apart from food, the crop is also used in traditional medicine. Anchote tubers possess two variations in its tissue colour, red and white. In this study, a small market survey and a nutritional comparison of red and white anchote were conducted. White tissue anchote seems to be more popular, due to its soft texture and ease of cooking. However, the red variant was considered for flour making (by dehydration), for use in porridge and soups for various medicinal and supplementary food applications. Red anchote tubers contained significantly higher protein content (16.85 mg/100 g dry matter basis) than the white variant. However, apart from the marginally higher protein content compared to other tropical root and tuber crops, anchote seems to remain a primary source of carbohydrates. In macro minerals, white anchote proves to be a more important source of Ca with 81 mg/100 g edible portion; however, on dry matter basis, the content was similar to the red variant (316 and 309 mg/100 g dry matter, white and red respectively). Further research on vitamin content (especially vitamin A in the red variant) would be useful to understand the full nutrition potential of the crop.
The Genetic Architecture of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jerram Samuel , Leslie Richard David
Published: August 2017

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is classically characterised by the clinical need for insulin, the presence of disease-associated serum autoantibodies, and an onset in childhood. The disease, as with other autoimmune diseases, is due to the interaction of genetic and non-genetic effects, which induce a destructive process damaging insulin-secreting cells. In this review, we focus on the nature of this interaction, and how our understanding of that gene–environment interaction has changed our understanding of the nature of the disease. We discuss the early onset of the disease, the development of distinct immunogenotypes, and the declining heritability with increasing age at diagnosis. Whilst Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) have a major role in causing T1D, we note that some of these HLA genes have a protective role, especially in children, whilst other non-HLA genes are also important. In adult-onset T1D, the disease is often not insulin-dependent at diagnosis, and has a dissimilar immunogenotype with reduced genetic predisposition. Finally, we discuss the putative nature of the non-genetic factors and how they might interact with genetic susceptibility, including preliminary studies of the epigenome associated with T1D.
“You Think You’re Helping Them, But They’re Helping You Too”: Experiences of Scottish Male Young Offenders Participating in a Dog Training Program
Authors: Leonardi Rebecca , Buchanan-Smith Hannah , McIvor Gill , Vick Sarah-Jane
Published: August 2017

Interaction with animals can be beneficial to humans and animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are increasingly popular in a range of contexts. Dog training programs (DTPs) are the most popular form of AAI in custodial contexts; prisoners often have multiple needs and DTPs seem to facilitate a diverse range of positive outcomes, including improvements in well-being, behavior, and offending behavior. However, evidence on the efficacy of prison-based DTPs is still limited and these evaluations often lack detail or methodological rigor. We examined the experiences of male young offenders (N = 70) using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted following completion of a DTP. The themes that emerged indicated a broad range of inter-related experiences and positive outcomes. The most prevalent theme related to their experiences with Dogs (including feelings and attitudes), and there were perceived improvements categorized as: Positive Effects (including mood and well-being), Motivation, Charitable Purpose, Self-Efficacy, Improved Skills, Impulsivity, and Emotional Management. These themes mapped well onto outcomes previously identified in research on DTPs, and to the program’s core aims of improving behavior, educational engagement, employability, and well-being. The diversity and nature of these themes indicates that DTPs have considerable potential to engage and benefit those individuals with multiple needs, such as young offenders, and ultimately to achieve positive long-term outcomes with significant social, health, and economic impact.
Impact of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Viability and Proliferation in Wound Healing Processes after External Radiation
Authors: Reinders Yvonne , Felthaus Oliver , Brockhoff Gero , Pohl Fabian , Ahrens Norbert , Prantl Lukas , Haubner Frank
Published: August 2017

Platelet-rich plasma is a current subject of studies on chronic wound healing therapy due to possible pro-angiogenic effects. Microvascular compromise represents the major component in radiogenic wound healing complications. The effects of platelet-rich plasma on irradiated cells of the cutaneous wound healing process are poorly understood so far. In this study, the interaction of endothelial cells and adipose-derived stem cells in conjunction with treatment with platelet-rich plasma is investigated in the context of radiation effects. Therefore, the expression of surface-marker CD90 and CD31 was determined. Moreover, cell proliferation and viability after external radiation was analyzed with and without treatment by platelet-rich plasma.
Principal Aspects Regarding the Maintenance of Mammalian Mitochondrial Genome Integrity
Authors: Vasileiou Panagiotis , Mourouzis Iordanis , Pantos Constantinos
Published: August 2017

Mitochondria have emerged as key players regarding cellular homeostasis not only due to their contribution regarding energy production through oxidative phosphorylation, but also due to their involvement in signaling, ion regulation, and programmed cell death. Indeed, current knowledge supports the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Mitochondrial biogenesis and function require the coordinated action of two genomes: nuclear and mitochondrial. Unfortunately, both intrinsic and environmental genotoxic insults constantly threaten the integrity of nuclear as well as mitochondrial DNA. Despite the extensive research that has been made regarding nuclear genome instability, the importance of mitochondrial genome integrity has only recently begun to be elucidated. The specific architecture and repair mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA, as well as the dynamic behavior that mitochondria exert regarding fusion, fission, and autophagy participate in mitochondrial genome stability, and therefore, cell homeostasis.
Farmers’ Training on Pesticide Use Is Associated with Elevated Safety Behavior
Authors: Damalas Christos , Koutroubas Spyridon
Published: August 2017

Occupational exposure to pesticides in agricultural applications may cause acute and long-term health effects to farmers, and thus research on factors that reduce exposure is useful. However, studies on the relevance and effectiveness of training are limited. The association of previous training in the form of intensive seminars relating to pesticide use (e.g., use of spraying equipment, application parameters, use of personal protective equipment, risks to human health and the environment) with farmers’ knowledge and behavior in pesticide use was studied via the self-reporting method in a purposive sample of 82 trained and non-trained farmers. Most trained farmers showed higher levels of knowledge of pesticide use, higher levels of beliefs in pesticide hazard control, and higher levels of safety behavior than non-trained farmers. Knowledge of pesticide use and beliefs regarding pesticide hazard control were significantly correlated with safety behavior in both groups of farmers. Concerning farmers’ beliefs regarding pesticide hazard control, trained farmers were more likely to think that safety precautions work very well and less likely to feel they had little control over avoiding pesticide hazards. Overall, previous training was associated with increased levels of farmers’ knowledge of pesticides and beliefs about pesticide hazard control, was accompanied by elevated safety behavior in farmers, and thus was connected with lower occupational exposure to pesticides. Interventions that facilitate knowledge and compliance with safety behaviors should become a priority for decreasing exposure to pesticides among farmers.
Gaze and Arrows: The Effect of Element Orientation on Apparent Motion is Modulated by Attention
Authors: Actis-Grosso Rossana , Ricciardelli Paola
Published: August 2017

In two experiments we investigated whether stimuli that elicit automatic orienting of attention (i.e., arrow or averted gaze) could drive apparent motion perception in one of two possible directions, modulating the effect of a low-level property (the orientation of elements along the motion direction). To this end, the competing motion paradigm was used, in which at time 1, a stimulus appears in the center of the display, and at time 2, two other stimuli appear in different spatial locations. Three kinds of stimuli with eight possible orientations were used in separate blocks; (1) a line; (2) an arrow; and, (3) an averted gaze. First, since the three stimuli present in the display at time 2 should be perceived to be located at the same distance (i.e., equidistant), the threshold for perceived equidistance was calculated for each participant and then used as the customized inter-stimulus distance. Participants were asked to press the button corresponding to the direction of the perceived motion. Results show a preference for collinear motion (motions between elements oriented along the motion direction), with a higher percentage of responses for gaze and arrow stimuli. In Experiment 1, a difference between gaze- and arrow-stimuli was observed. Apparent motion was seen towards the collinear position more often for gaze than for arrow when the stimulus was pointing to the vertical directions, while the opposite was true when the stimulus was pointing to the horizontal directions. In Experiment 2, where the lightness contrast between the gaze and the background was reduced, no difference between gaze- and arrow-stimuli emerged. We interpret our results as due to the social and biological value of gaze, which solved a possible ambiguity between gaze direction and the directions conveyed by the figural properties of the contrasted background in Experiment 1. These findings are consistent with the idea that stimuli known to automatically orient visual attention modulate motion perception.
Mechanochemical N-alkylation of imides
Authors: Briš Anamarija , Đud Mateja , Margetić Davor
Published: August 2017

The mechanochemical N-alkylation of imide derivatives was studied. Reactions under solvent-free conditions in a ball mill gave good yields and could be put in place of the classical solution conditions. The method is general and can be applied to various imides and alkyl halides. Phthalimides prepared under ball milling conditions were used in a mechanochemical Gabriel synthesis of amines by their reaction with 1,2-diaminoethane.
Prioritized Health Literacy and Clear Communication Practices For Health Care Professionals
Authors: Coleman Cliff , Hudson Stan , Pederson Ben
Published: August 2017

Background:

Health care professionals need more and better training about health literacy and clear communication to provide optimal care to populations with low health literacy. A large number of health literacy and clear communication practices have been identified in the literature, but health professions educators, administrators, and policymakers have lacked guidance regarding which practices should be prioritized among members of the health care workforce.

Objective:

This study sought to prioritize recommended health literacy and clear communication practices for health care professionals.

Methods:

A Q-sort consensus method was used among 25 health literacy experts to rank a previously identified list of 32 health literacy and clear communication practices for health care professionals. Mean ratings for each of the 32 practices were compared using
t
-tests.

Key Results:

Mean ratings for the 32 practices fell along a spectrum from higher to lower importance. The eight top-rated practices formed a cluster, and seven of these items demonstrated clear consensus, whereas one item may have been influenced by one or more outlier rankings.

Conclusions:

Although a large number of health literacy and clear communication practices have been recommended in the literature for health care professionals, this is the first known study to rank such practices in terms of importance. The top-rated items can be considered a core set of practices that all health care professionals should learn and routinely use in clinical settings. These consensus opinion results will help health professions educators, administrators, and policymakers to direct potentially limited resources toward improving training in patient-centered communication, and when designing curricula, practice standards, care delivery models, and policies for health care professionals and systems to improve patient outcomes. Future studies should empirically confirm the relative value of the ranked items in terms of patient-centered outcomes.

[
Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2017;1(3):e90–e99.]

Plain Language Summary:

This is the first study to rank the most important things that health care workers can do to communicate more clearly with patients. A group of 25 experts ranked 32 items in order of importance. The list can be used to improve training for health care workers.
Property Modifications in Ni-Ti Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Vasilescu Marius , Dobrescu Mircea
Published: August 2017

In the paper are shown some properties modifications in Ni-Ti shape memory alloys with the shape memory effect transformation. Recovery of deformation and pseudo elasticity are of great importance for shape memory alloys. Mechanical and electrical properties versus temperature are given in comparison for Ni-Ti and Au-Cd alloys.
Evaluating the Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of CuO-Nanolubricants
Authors: Koruk Merve , Turgut Alpaslan , Alasli Abdulkareem
Published: August 2017

In the presented work, thermal conductivity of CuO and its viscosity at three different weight concentrations were investigated. A two-steps method was deployed in order to sonicate successfully CuO nanolubricants samples at three different weight concentrations (0.2 wt%, 0.5 wt%, & 1 wt%). The measurements of thermal conductivity were carried out with a lab-made measurement set, which is based on a 3ω method. The obtained enhancements were 1%, 1.7% and 2.8% for 0.2 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, and 1 wt.%, respectively. Viscosity was also investigated under different temperatures and it was obtained that adding CuO to the mineral oil had a slight effect on its viscosity at lower concentrations. However, the maximum increment at lower temperature for the higher concentration was 13.1%. Based on the enhancement in thermal conductivity and the low increment in viscosity, CuO nanolubricant can be recommended for enhancing the heat transfer characteristic of the refrigeration compressor
Ferrofluid Plug Actuation for Micro Pumping Systems
Authors: Doganay Serkan , Turgut Alpaslan , Cetin Levent
Published: August 2017

Ferrofluids are colloidal mixtures which consist of nanosized magnetic particles suspended in a base fluid. The typical magnetic particles could be maghemite, magnetite or cobalt ferrite etc. To keep a ferrofluid suspension in a stable state is possible by an electrical double layer or by adding surfactant. They have many applications on electrical, mechanical and optical systems. Recently, the ability of being manipulated by an external magnetic field made them considerable for microfluidic systems such as micro operations, pumping and mixing. Among them, micro scaled pumping systems have appeared as a critical research area due to its notable potential to be applied on many biological and electronic systems. Moreover, the development of lab on a chip and the micro total analysis systems for biological issues has revealed the necessity of liquid transport for micro quantities. Micropumps with ferrofluid plug actuation mechanisms are considered to have the ability to fulfill this requirement. Therefore, driving the working fluids with ferrofluid plugs in a micro-sized tube or channel has attracted researchers’ interest. In this study, ferrofluid plug actuated micro pumping systems have been reviewed from the available literature based on their design and their maximum generated flow rate.
Ti-Mo-Zr-Ta Alloy for Biomedical Applications: Microstructures and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Bălţatu Mădălina Simona , Vizureanu Petrică , Benchea Marcelin , Minciună Mirabela Georgiana , Achiţei Dragoş Cristian , Istrate Bogdan
Published: August 2017

Titanium alloys are widely used as biomaterials for their excellent properties. In the last years, low modulus β-type Ti-based alloys are being developed. The aim of this paper is developing of an original Ti-based alloy improved with non-toxic elements, characterized from point of view of microstructures and mechanical properties: micro-indentation and hardness tests. Results shown that TiMoZrTa have a small elastic modulus closer to the bone with possible medical application.
Improvement of Structural Characteristics for CuZn Alloy through Heat Treatments
Authors: Achiţei Dragoş Cristian , Vizureanu Petrică , Minciună Mirabela Georgiana , Cimpoeşu Nicanor , Istrate Bogdan
Published: August 2017

The paper presents aspects of structure modifications and properties for a CuZn alloy, after the appliance of heat treatments, at their specific parameters. The samples subjected to analysis, coming from cast bar, from which have been taken standard samples, with specific dimensions for experiments.Nonferrous alloys are subject frequently to annealing, quenching and tempering. The annealing follows the homogenization of structure after casting. The quenching followed by tempering is a spectacular modality to modify the mechanical properties for numerous nonferrous alloys.The characteristics of alloys have highlighted by experiments, using standard samples specific to the requests. The determination of alloying elements was made on optical spectrometer. The researches by SEM and optical microscopy, confirm the improvement of properties by obtaining uniform structures according to the applied thermal processing.
Study on Wear Resistance FeNiCrMnAl High Entropy Alloy - Mechanical Properties
Authors: Buluc Gheorghe , Chelariu Romeu , Popescu Gabriela , Sârghi Mihail , Carcea Ioan
Published: August 2017

Traditional alloys is based on a single element called matrix and to improve some mechanical properties (strength, ductility, strength) are added and other metallic elements in the system. High entropy alloys have become a field of increasingly explored in the world of materials. Excellent mechanical properties obtained of the high entropy alloys recommend them to be from year to year as investigated. In the last decade more than 500 high entropy alloys journal and conference papers have been published [1]. High entropy alloys are alloys who have in their composition 5 to 13 metal elements and the concentration of each component is between 5% and 35%. These elements in the composition of high entropy alloys are divided into elements of minority and majority elements. They are called minority elements because their molar fraction is less than 5%. High entropy alloys have mixing entropy higher than traditional alloys, ΔScons≥1.61R (R = 8.314 J / (mol • K)) [1]. High entropy alloy have been obtained in the laboratory of Science and Materials Engineering faculty from Iasi using a medium frequency induction furnace with 8000 Hz. Because they have excellent mechanical properties high entropy alloys can be used in various fields with high wear and corrosion degree or electronic, magnetic applications [1]. In this work we selected pure metallic elements like: Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn and Al. The quantity of alloy developed varied between 0.5 and 1.5 kg. Metal load necessary for the preparation of metal alloys were formed technical grade, industrial accessible prices and satisfying. Friction and wear rezistance were studies by using a reciprocating sliding test machine , in a pin on disk configuration, using aluminum as counter face.In this paper it investigated the wear resistance of high entropy alloys obtained, microstructure and their mechanical properties.
Effect of Post-Curing Temperature and Mechanical Surface Treatment on Shear-Bond Strength of Asbestos-Free Brake Pad
Authors: Pupan Danuwat , Suvanjumrat Chakrit , Chookaew Watcharapong
Published: August 2017

Brake pad is the combination of lining and metallic components, e.g. steel backing plate (disc brake) and aluminum brake shoe (drum brake). Shear bond strength plays a major role to provide the safety and/or drive performances. This work aimed to study the processing factors affected the bonding strength. The molding temperature couple with post-curing temperature was simultaneously analyzed in order to optimize the processing temperature. The shear bond strengths of metallic plates were continually investigated with regard to the effect of different surface treatments. The obtained results indicated that the mechanical strength was increased as the molding temperature raised in ranges of 160°C to 180°C. Conversely, the deterioration of adhesive strength was progressively presented with rising post curing temperature. In comparing different backing plate, aluminum showed the higher shear bond strength than that of steel plate. In fact, the weakened property of aluminum in nature would be easily destroyed by mechanical treatments. From the shear tested results, an increase of surface roughness was inversely changed the shear bond strength. On the other hand, the contact angle of water droplet affected directly to adhesive strength. It was suggested that an adding surface roughness, commonly used in automotive industry, was inappropriate criteria, whist geometrical surface should be taken into account for improving the shear bond strength. Moreover, the contact angle and mechanical interlocking were recommended to use as a criteria of brake pad shear strength.
Effect of Feed-Flow Rate in a Solid-Liquid Hydrocyclone Based on Total Solid Recovery Equation
Authors: Soison Pichai , Supachart Pakpoom , Wongsarivej Pratarn
Published: August 2017

Many studies of hydrocyclones have confirmed that increasing the feed-flow rate results in a higher separation efficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the separation efficiency for a 100 mm solid–liquid hydrocyclone with 1 and 2 wt% solid concentrations at feed-flow rates of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 m3/hr. The solid concentration and particle size distribution were analysed using drying–weighing and a particle-size analyser (Mastersizer 2000), respectively. The experimental results indicated that an increase in feed-flow rate from 2 to 4 m3/hr produced decreased separation efficiency. However, when the feed-flow rates increased from 4 to 6 m3/hr, the separation efficiency increased. Furthermore, the higher the feed-flow rate, the smaller the cut size. A novel separation efficiency equation in terms of the concentration ratio and flow ratio is also proposed.
Gelatin Films and its Pregelatinized Starch Blends: Effect of Plasticizers
Authors: Wannaphatchaiyong Suchipha , Boonme Prapaporn , Pichayakorn Wiwat
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to develop gelatin (GEL) and gelatin/Alpha starch (GEL/αSt) dissolving films as drug delivery by casting method. Because these films were brittle and lack of elasticity, therefore, glycerin (GLY), propylene glycol (PG) or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) in various amounts (5-30 part per hundred of gelatin; phg) was used as plasticizer. It was found that all types and amounts of plasticizer could be blended into gelatin solution and the transparent GEL films were formed, except the GEL/PEG films presented in opaque characteristics. However, 30 phg GLY blended film was too softy. Increasing amount of plasticizer caused a decrease in tensile strength and increase in elongation at break (EAB) of films. These GEL films swelled, dissolved and eroded in 2 hours. The αSt was also blended, and the effects of αSt amounts (5-30 phg) and plasticizer types (at 25 phg) on GEL film properties were studied. The αSt dispersions mixed well in gelatin solution and gave homogenous films. The swelling and erosion of GEL/αSt films in water were faster than those of GEL films. Increasing αSt amount prolonged the swelling time and decreased the degradation rate of GEL/αSt films. The tensile strength of GEL/αSt/GLY films slightly increased when the αSt amount increased but those of PEG and PG blended films were not different. The EAB of all plasticizer blended films decreased when the amount of αSt increased. Either lidociane or lidociane hydrochloride was mixed in GEL/αSt/GLY dissolving films to use as local anesthetic. The morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed their compatibilities in these films, but Differential Scanning Calorimeter showed some changes that should be further evaluated.
Mechanical Behavior of Polystyrene-Grafted Natural Rubber/Natural Rubber Blend: Effect of Polystyrene Grafting Percentage
Authors: Hongkeab Tarakol , Dittanet Peerapan
Published: August 2017

Polystyrene-grafted natural rubber (PS-GNR) at various graft levels was evaluated to improve mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR). PS-GNR was synthesized by emulsion copolymerization at 60°C at different reaction times between 15 and 360 mins to control the grafting levels of PS in the PS-GNR co-polymer. The resultant PS-GNR co-polymers were then blended into NR latex. The vulcanized NR compounds were investigated for the effect of PS grafting percentage in PS-GNR/NR compounds on mechanical properties, including tensile, tear strength and hardness. A core-shell structure was revealed with PS encapsulating the NR core via transmission electron microscopy. The polystyrene grafting percentage was determined to be 12.7%, 17.1%, 22.1% and 23.6% for polymerization times of 15 min, 60min, 120min, and 360 min, respectively. Addition of PS-GNR into NR exhibited biphasic behavior, resulting in a decrease in the tensile strength and tear strength. With further increase in grafting percentage of PS, the tensile strength and tear strength continues to decrease. The rigid chain of PS grafted onto NR surface reduced the elasticity of NR chain resulting in lower tear strength and the tensile strength. Fracture surface revealed a decrease in ductility of material with increasing grafting percentage of PS. On the other hand, modulus and hardness of PS-GNR/NR compounds were found to increase with increasing grafting percentage of PS. The addition of PS-GNR to rubber compound had shown an impact on dynamic behavior. With further increase in grafting percentage of PS in PS-GNR, an enhancement of storage modulus of rubber compound was clearly observed.
Influence of Pyrolytic Carbon Black Prepared from Waste Tires on Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Vulcanizates
Authors: Prasertsri Sarawut , Srichan Sansanee
Published: August 2017

This research aimed to investigate the possibility of pyrolytic carbon black (PCB) used as filler in natural rubber (NR) and its effect on Mooney viscosity, cure characteristics and mechanical properties compared with commercial carbon black (N774). The results revealed that Mooney viscosity, stiffness and heat build-up tended to increase with increasing both PCB and N774 loading, whereas elongation at break decreased. However, the maximum tensile and tear strengths appeared at the optimum filler loading for both PCB and N774. At similar filler content, PCB-filled NR compounds have higher cure time, heat build-up and thermal resistance. Nevertheless, they exhibited lower Mooney viscosity and mechanical properties compared to N774-filled NR. Finally, it can be concluded that PCB could be utilized as filler in NR compound to act as semi-reinforcing filler and was classified as a filler to reduce costs.
Effect of Compaction Pressure and Sintering Time on the Properties of Sintered Cu-10Sn Bronze
Authors: Nakrod Narut , McCuiston Ryan C. , Auechalitanukul Chiraporn
Published: August 2017

Bronze-based composite materials are well known for use as friction materials. They are produced by powder metallurgy techniques from bronze powder, which acts as a matrix, and various friction modifying additives. The objective of this work was to study the effect of compaction pressure and sintering time on the properties of the unmodified bronze matrix. The bronze powder used was prealloyed with a composition of Cu-10Sn. The specimens were pressed by uniaxial die compaction with pressures of 282 to 339 MPa. The sintering experiments were conducted in an alumina tube furnace at 800 °C with sintering times of 30, 45, and 60 min under a vacuum pressure of 2.25x10-2 Torr. From the results, it was found that the density of the samples increased with increasing compaction pressure. A microstructural examination of the samples for the different sintering times showed them to look very similar. Finally, the highest sintered density of 7.30 g/cm3 was obtained at 800 °C for 60 min.
Process Optimization and Characterization of YSZ Thin Film Electrolyte on Anode Substrate Prepared by Electrophoretic Deposition Technique
Authors: Meepho Malinee , Chuankrerkkul Nutthita , Chauoon Sirima , Pornprasertsuk Rojana
Published: August 2017

Thin film electrolyte made of 8-mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) was fabricated on porous NiO-8YSZ anode substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The porous NiO-8YSZ anode substrates were prepared by powder injection molding technique. The electrolyte suspensions containing 8YSZ nanoparticles and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a dispersant (1-19 wt%) were formed in ethanol. The maximum zeta potential value was obtained from the 8YSZ suspension with 5 wt% PEG considered as an optimal content of PEG dispersant. The electrophoretic deposition of 8YSZ film was performed on the porous anode substrate using a constant voltage of 30 V for 150 sec prior to co-sintering at different temperatures in order to obtain dense 8YSZ electrolyte film on the porous anode substrate. Co-sintering at 1250°C for 1 h resulted in a formation of a dense 8YSZ thin-film electrolyte with a thickness of 6.35 mm. An open circuit voltage at 800°C of a single cell having 8YSZ thin-film electrolyte on porous NiO-8YSZ anode substrate was 1.09 V, indicating a gas-tightness of 8YSZ thin-film electrolyte fabricated by using EPD.
Effect of Aluminum Addition on AlxCoFeMnNiZn Multi-Component Production
Authors: Suksamran Amnart , Worauaychai Nawarat , Tosangthum Nattaya , Yodkaew Thanyaporn , Krataitong Rungtip , Wila Pongsak , Tongsri Ruangdaj
Published: August 2017

Five multi-component alloy (MCA) formulations of CoFeMnNiZn (MCA01), Al0.5CoFeMnNiZn (MCA02), Al1.0CoFeMnNiZn (MCA03), Co5Fe5Mn30Ni20Zn40 (MCA04) and Al8.4Co4.6Fe4.6Mn27Ni18.4Zn37 (MCA05) were prepared by mechanical alloying and melting process (MAM). Five-component alloys of MCA01-MCA05 were designed using empirical formulae for high entropy alloys. Phase formation and microstructure were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that MCA01 was partially melted by MAM process. However, MCA02-MCA05 could be melted and cast by MAM process. The microstructures of as-cast MCA02 and MCA03 showed dendritic solidification. Nevertheless, the as-cast MCA04 showed microstructure similar to that of Ni-based superalloy, i.e., the as-cast MCA04 consisted of γ matrix and γ′ phase. Moreover, egg type core shell structure was found in the interdendritic regions of the MCA05 alloy. In addition, the Al-added MCA02 and MCA03 alloys showed crystal structures of FCC1, FCC2 and BCC. MCA04 alloy demonstrated crystal structure of FCC whereas MCA05 alloy had crystal structures of FCC and Primitive Cubic.
Use of Waste Glass as a Reinforce Material in Calcined-Kaolin Based Geopolymer
Authors: Siriwan Chokkha , Phetnat Phiarphin , Chandadi Watthanaphon , Srisitthigul Maythawee
Published: August 2017

Geopolymer is widely known as an environmentally-friendly construction material due to the remarkably low emission of CO2 in its manufacturing process. This inorganic polymer can be produced via two precursors: solid component and alkaline activator. In the present work, the studied program was divided into two steps. In Step 1, the molarity of NaOH was investigated. The calcined-kaolin from Lampang city (Thailand source) was used as base alumino-silicate material. In addition, the concentrations of NaOH (5M, 10M, 15M and 20M) were utilized as alkaline activator for geopolymerization. After mixing, the geopolymer slurry was casted into a size of a 50 mm ´ 50 mm ´ 50 mm steel mold. The curing condition of all specimens was maintained at 60°C for 7 days. The compressive strength of all specimens was tested. The utilization of 10M of NaOH yielded the highest compressive strength with the value of 22.01 MPa. In Step 2, 10M of NaOH was fixed and used as alkaline activator. In this case, the amount of waste glass (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by weight) was studied on partial calcined-kaolin replacement. However, the compressive strength of all samples slightly changed with an increasing weight percentage of waste glass (0% - 20 %). The highest compressive strength of 20 wt% waste glass was 25.22 MPa. Although, all samples showed a Si-O-Al bond in the FTIR result, indicating the geopolymer degree strenghened. However, the compressive strength of samples tended to decrease with an increase in the amount of waste glass (30 to 50 wt%) as a result of micro-cracks observed and distributed in the samples.
Development of Specific Surface Area in Carbon Material Prepared from Cassava Tuber Char Using a Chemical Activation Assisted Sonochemical Process
Authors: Aup-Ngoen Kamonwan , Noipitak Mai
Published: August 2017

The preparation of carbon materials from low-cost agricultural residues is presented in this work. Carbon products were prepared from carbonized cassava tuber (cassava tuber char, CTC) using a chemical activation assisted sonochemical process incorporating KOH as an activating agent. The physical properties such as proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and FTIR spectra of raw material were studied using cassava tuber collected from farmland in the Kanchanaburi Province. The structure of the precursor material played a significant role in influencing the quality and properties of the as-prepared carbon. It was found that the specific surface area of carbon products was improved through chemical activation assisted sonochemical process at 80 °C for 4 hours. The influence of KOH impregnation ratios on the specific surface area of the prepared carbon was also investigated in the activation step. Moreover, the properties of cassava tuber-carbon material were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and multipoint BET analysis. Finally, the application of cassava tuber carbon material as a carbon support for ZnO photocatalyst was investigated by a simple technique.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanoparticles from Used Motor Oil and Benzene via Solution Plasma Process
Authors: Saengarunthong Napatsawan , Khongthong Parinya , Panomsuwan Gasidit , Ueno Tomonaga , Saito Nagahiro , Eiad-Ua Apiluck
Published: August 2017

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were successfully synthesized from the mixture of used motor oil and benzene via a solution plasma process (SPP). The synthesis was achieved within a single step at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The effects of mixing ratio between used motor oil and benzene on the physical and chemical properties of CNPs were investigated by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that there were no significant changes in morphological feature and chemical functional groups on CNPs at different mixing ratios. The CNPs exhibited the aggregates of fine particles with the diameter of about 20–30 nm. The crystallinity of CNPs was found to be slightly increase when synthesized under the presence of used motor oil, possibly due to the effect of aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in used motor oil. We expect that the conversion of used motor oil into CNPs by SPP could be another attractive way to add the value to used motor oil prior to disposing.
Improvement of Compressive Strength of Soil by Using Jute Fiber Waste
Authors: Sultana Tahmina , Islam Md. Bayezid , Rahman Md. Waliur
Published: August 2017

To attain the desirable strength of soil, soil reinforcement has been playing a pivotal role for many decades. Although there are many well-established methods to reinforce the soil, but now-a-days people are looking for low-cost reinforcing materials. In Bangladesh jute waste is not being used effectively, although jute production is quite good in amount. From this point of view in this study, jute fiber is selected as reinforcing material and focused on improvement of compressive strength of soil. Varying proportions of Jute fiber as 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% have been mixed with dry soil to make the samples to be tested. The result indicated that the sample prepared with 3% of jute fiber gives the highest value in Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test and adding more than 3% of jute fiber tends to decrease the UCS value. As this study has been done keeping in mind about the embankment construction process in the coastal zones of Bangladesh, where grass turfing is done to protect soil from erosion and inorganic fertilizer is used to grow up the grass which has long-term effect on the environment. On the other hand, jute is 100% biodegradable, when it comes to contact of moist soil, after a certain period it acts as the natural fertilizer that helps to grow up the grass and make the root of grass stronger to hold the soil.
Photocatalytic Degradation Study of Titania Sol-Gel Coated on Commercial Unglazed Ceramic Tiles
Authors: Sooksaen Pat , Saowaros Nawapan , Ngamkaruhasereethorn Khemphatsorn , Pringkasemchai Angkoona
Published: August 2017

In this research photocatalytic degradation of nanotitania synthesized via sol-gel method and coated on commercial unglazed ceramic tiles was investigated. The starting precursors were titanium (IV) tetraisopropoxide (Ti [OCH(CH3)2]4; TIP), ethanol, hydrochloric acid and distilled water. Unglazed ceramic tiles were sintered at 900°C and 1100°C. The nanotitania based sols were applied on the tile surface using air-brush and calcined at 500°C for 3 h. The particle size of the synthesized TiO2 varied in the range 8-20 nm. The photocatalysis of nanotitania was studied through the photodegradation of methylene blue solution under UVC irradiation using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The presence of nanotitania on unglazed ceramic tiles was confirmed by a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Ceramic tiles sintered at 900°C gave higher % open porosity and hence higher amount of nanotitania embedded on the ceramic surface. The results showed that all unglazed ceramic tiles coated with nanotitania were able to show photodegradation of methylene blue.