bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Optimized Scheme of CDR Collecting and Abnormity Monitoring
Authors: Wen Ying , Li Xiao Le , Ye Jun
Published: October 2015

On the basis of current Charge Detail Record (CDR) collecting process in one communication operator, the paper analyzed processing bottleneck of this module. It easily caused system untimely collecting CDR and was unable to response promptly to fault. This paper added a Disaster Recovery System with collecting procedures to ensure collecting CDR promptly. And it analyzed and monitored abnormal situation such as CDR collecting with delay or processing with abnormity in the billing system, CDR generating with delay or abnormity in the device or platform and so on. Then it would alarm by sending alarm short messages and displaying alarm hints. The results show that this scheme can effectively collects CDR and discovers abnormity promptly in the billing system, device and platform. And it is much better than the old one in processing timeliness, system safety and stability.
Dynamic-Dual-Threshold Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Algorithm Based on D-S Evidence Theory
Authors: Zhang Deng Yin , Bao Ai Qin , Wang Ming Xiang
Published: October 2015

To further improve the performance of traditional dual-threshold cooperative spectrum sensing, the article proposed a dynamic-dual-threshold cooperative spectrum sensing algorithm based on D-S evidence theory (DDDS). The article is applied the D-S evidence theory in dual-threshold sensing algorithm and set threshold value depending on the channel gain. If the received signal is outside of dual-threshold, the cognitive user will send the judgment result to the base station; otherwise the cognitive user will calculate trust information based on D-S evidence theory, and then transmit them to the cognitive base station. Cognitive base station makes the final decision.
FPGA-Based Improved Decoding Algorithm of LDPC Codes
Authors: Zhang Qian Hua , Zhang Jian Wu , Bao Jian Rong
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a low-complexity LDPC decoder structure was proposed by optimizing the confidence propagation algorithm based on the deep space standard LDPC codes developed by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS). With the improved decoding algorithm, the structure made full use of the quasi-cyclic structure to reduce the variables in the decoder and the storage unit use for the index position of the check nodes, which saves the hardware resources greatly. Furthermore, the updating of the check nodes takes advantages of the information iterative structure of the JPL-LDPC decoder, which can reduce the computational complexity. By improving the searching methods, the computational complexity and the difficulty in FPGA implementation were reduced. The decoding performance of the decoder is close to that of the floating-point BP algorithm, which can be widely used in deep space communication with low signal-to-noise ratio.performance close to a floating-point the BP algorithm performance, can be widely used in deep space communications suitable for low signal-to-noise ratio transmission.
Ti-Mo Alloys Used in Medical Applications
Authors: Bălţatu Mădălina Simona , Vizureanu Petrică , Tierean Mircea Horia , Minciună Mirabela Georgiana , Achiţei Dragos
Published: October 2015

Metallic biomaterials are used in various applications of the most important medical fields (orthopedic, dental and cardiovascular). The main metallic biomaterials are stainless steels, Co-based alloys and Ti-based alloys. Recently, titanium alloys are getting much attention for biomaterials because these types of materials have very good mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance and an excellent biocompatibility. The paper contains important information about titanium alloys used for biomedical applications, which are considered the most widely. It is very important to understand the microstructural evolution and property-microstructure relationship in implant alloys. In the present paper, authors present a short literature review on general aspects of promising biocompatible binary Ti-Mo alloys compared with CoCr and stainless steel alloys, as an alternative of the known metallic biomaterials. This alloys show superior mechanical compatibility and very good biocompatibility. The aim of this review is to highlight the mechanical properties for several types of biomaterials, their application in medical field, especially the Ti-Mo group.
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotube Composites by Indentation Technique
Authors: Cantaragiu Alina Mihaela , Fetecau Catalin
Published: October 2015

The Instrumented Indentation Technique (IIT) is used to measure the local mechanical properties of different materials. The mechanical parameters (indentation hardness and modulus) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes filled polypropylene (PP/MWCNTs) nanocomposites derived from the load-displacement indentation curve are investigated by sharp indentation. The effect of the visco-elastic-plastic deformations on the mechanical properties is studied considering a 5-step indentation test. The mechanical properties calculated based on the traditional Oliver and Pharr method are compared with those extracted from the new indentation methodology. During the 5-step indentation test, the viscoelastic deformations during the reloading-holding phases are reduced due to the decrease in the indentation displacement with the increase in the concentration.
Microstructure and Corrosion Properties Investigations of AlCrNiCuMn High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Florea Iulia , Buluc Gheorghe , Chelariu Romeu , Baciu Elena Raluca , Carcea Ioan
Published: October 2015

Using new high entropy alloy with chemical formula AlCrNiCuMn produced by high technology (induction melt method), in manufacture of new composite materials will enable the creation of new structures resistant to stress used dynamic collective protection. Specify that High Entropy Alloys are characterized as alloys consisting of approximate equal concentrations of at least five metallic elements and are claimed to favor close-packed, disordered structures due to high configurational entropy. In this study, we investigate the microstructure and corrosion properties of AlCrNiCuMn high-entropy alloys. The type of high entropy alloys manufactured was a five-component alloy of AlCrNiCuMn. The microstructure and corrosion resistance property of high-entropy alloys AlCrNiCuMn were determined by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical workstation. Microstructural characterization was performed by electron microscopy on LMHII VegaTescan equipment using a secondary electron detector (SE) at a voltage of 30 kV electron gun.
Properties and Applications of Aluminium-Graphite Composites
Authors: Faleh Hazim , Muna Noori , Ştefănescu Florin
Published: October 2015

In recent year's aluminium and aluminium alloys are widely used in automotive industries. These are light (density of about 2.7 g/cm3), having good malleability and formability, high corrosion resistance and high electrical and thermal conductivity. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are being employed in industrial applications since they have high specific strength, stiffness, and good wear properties. Due to their favourable properties, composite materials with reinforcements are used in many industries. With the aim to additionally improve some of their properties, especially their tribological properties, several solid lubricants are used in the process of composite production. This paper gives an overview of investigations and possibilities of solid lubricant particles (such as graphite) applying as complementary material, mainly for aluminium base composites that are nowadays common in use in automotive and aeronautics industry.
Theoretical Considerations on Fibre Reinforced Composites Thermal Conductivity Uncertainties
Authors: Simionescu Tudor Mihai , Minea Alina Adriana
Published: October 2015

Thermal conductivity of composites is anisotropic in nature and data about thermal conductivity of resin facilitates to reduce stresses related to shrinkage of composites during cure and mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients. Before conducting experiments to determine thermal conductivity of various composites, knowledge about effect of different parameters influencing thermal conductivity is essential. The increasing use of composites, for various applications, emphasizes its importance/significance in the thermal property analysis of an engineering system. Published literature is rich with investigations of mechanical properties of composites, but fewer publications are focused on thermal properties. Several publications addressing different theoretical approaches for predicting thermal conductivity of composite materials have been noted. Various theoretical approaches are used to yield the thermal conductivity of a composite material so that the heat flow in anisotropic composite material in any direction can be estimated. In this paper few models will be considered and a theoretical study on thermal conductivity uncertainties will be conducted and discussed. The results identified the need and importance of carrying out further investigations on thermal behavior of composites materials.
New Concept Manufacturing Steering Column Console in Composite Materials
Authors: Rad Lucian Eugen , Heitz Thomas , Chiru Anghel
Published: October 2015

Based on the requirements of achieving lightweight components and mechanical performance, the paper aims to present the structure of technology for use fiber reinforced plastics, especially plastics reinforced with carbon fiber wrap winding space technology and additional tests results for steering column console.
Oscillography Based Analysis of the Arc Stability in Manual Welding with Coated Electrode in Pulsed Current
Authors: Burca Mircea , Lucaciu Ioan
Published: October 2015

Welding in pulsed current is specific to welding procedures carried out in MIG / MAG and WIG shielding gases environment, and which is appealling from both technological and process quality points of view because of the advantages this procedure provides, especially controlling the transfer mode and the power introduced into components. Making use of pulsed current in manual welding with coated electrodes is a new challenge to modern inverter based sources with potential technological advantages. In this case the advantage of pulsed current is linked to controlling the molten metal bath, its volume as a result of partial solidification, similar to the manual WIG welding using low frequency pulsed current < 5 Hz. The paper presents some technological issues related to the use of pulsed current in the case of manual welding with coated electrodes by arc oscillograpy. Experimental research aimed at recording the shapes of current pulses for different brands of electrodes and diameters, and for different parameters of welding current, different levels of pulses frequency respectively, and the oscillograms analysis through the variation of welding current and arc voltage in order to explain phenomena occurring in the arc when welding. This will allow also a better understanding of the technological issues in the case of manual welding with coated electrode in pulsed current.
Coated Rods for Brazing Structures Used in High Safety Conditions
Authors: Binchiciu Emilia Florina , Fleşer Traian , Voiculescu Ionelia , Binchiciu Aurelia
Published: October 2015

The paper presents research made in order to assure additional conditions, compared to those in the general standard, to brazing rods, in order to guarantee safety for the environment and for the brazed joints, against corrosion and embrittlement, in high risk conditions. Environmental safety is ensured by limiting the amount, at 0.25% in depositions, of dangerous residual elements at: Cd<0.1%; Hg<0.1%; Pb<0.1%; Cr<0.1%; As<0.1%. The safety of structures against corrosion is provided by the alloying level of deposits and by neutralizing the coat’s activity. The structure safety towards the embrittlement of brazed joints is ensured by limiting the content of embrittling elements, namely: Sb+Fe+Bi at a maximum of 0.3% and the content of diffusible hydrogen at maximum 5 cm3/100g raw material and by limiting the coat humidity at maximum 10%. The experiments were performed to ensure the set out requirements by following the selection of raw materials on the input criteria of prohibited chemicals, reducing the water content from the elements that make up the coat and by diminishing it’s hygroscopicity by neutralizing it. Prescribing additional conditions has an effect on manufacturing costs, which requires productivity increase at brazing, diminishing work temperature, increasing the moistening capacity of products, reducing the smoke level, effects pursued by the research.
Realization of Milling Teeth for Earthmoving Works by MIG / MAG Cold Metal Loading
Authors: Iovanas Razvan Florin , Iovanas Daniela Maria , Machedon-Pisu Teodor
Published: October 2015

The earthmoving equipment milling teeth of the are made of a cutting tip (made of tungsten carbide) which, by means of the direct contact with the environment, creates the effect of penetration, dislocation and body (of alloyed steels), designed so as to achieve a spinning effect around its own axis for a uniform wearing of the tooth. The researches carried out and presented in this paper were meant to increase the durability and reliability of the milling teeth by increasing the resistance to wear of the tapered parts of their tips by means of welding build-up, using the MIG/MAG-Cold metal welding procedure, with circular welding seams, using special fillers.
Research on GTAW/SMAW Weldability of ADI/DI Using Electrodes ENi-Cl and ENiFe-Cl-A
Authors: Mon Ioan Catalin , Tierean Mircea Horia , Nofal Adel
Published: October 2015

The present research is dedicated to weldability of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) and Ductile Iron (DI) using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) methods. The welds were done using the arc welding process with Nickel base filler materials: ENi-Cl and ENiFe-Cl-A. Each weldment was examined visually, with X-rays and mechanical tests. After the mechanical tests, tensile test and impact properties of the welded joint are lower than mechanical properties of the ADI base material using ENiFe-Cl-A filler metal and GTAW process. This type of filler metal ENiFe-Cl-A can be applied successfully only for repair by welding of ADI parts. Using ENi-Cl filler metal with GTAW process applied to DI, the mechanical tests, tensile test and hardness of the welded joint are greater than mechanical properties of the DI base material. This procedure can be applied for welding. In case on DI welded using SMAW with ENi-Cl electrodes, the hardness of the welded joint is lower than the hardness of base material. This procedure can be applied only for repair by welding.
The Influence of Pouring Temperature and the Filling Level of the Cup Samples on the Cooling Curves Parameters at Cast Iron Solidification
Authors: Panciu Elena , Anca Denisa Elena
Published: October 2015

The main purpose of this study is to determine by experimental research the influence both of pouring temperature and cup samples size and their filling level on the cooling curves parameters at cast iron solidification. For the experiment it follows to determine the less sensitive parameters to pouring conditions both for reduced and normal cup samples. By using two cups with different cooling modulus it was established some correlation between some variable factors such as cooling modulus, sample filling level and casting temperature and the cooling curves parameters. The experimental results released a higher sensitivity of reduced size cup (lower cooling modulus) on pouring conditions (pouring temperature and mould cup filling level).
Research Regarding the Development of Manufacturing of Electrical Welded Pipes from Micro-Alloy Steel with Good Weldability and Toughness
Authors: Simion Petru , Dia Vasile , Hrițuleac Gabriela , Hrițuleac Ioan , Munteanu Corneliu
Published: October 2015

Obtaining welded pipes with a superior toughness and plasticity of weld seam is strictly related to the properties of steel utilized in manufacturing welded pipes and firstly to its weldability. As a consequence, experimental research has been focused on obtaining steel with a lower equivalent carbon content but presenting high toughness and plasticity properties. In order to compensate for the decreased mechanical strength of the steel caused by reducing the carbon and manganese contents, in the first stage micro-alloying has been applied with niobium (0.040-0.055 % wt. Nb) to a construction steel, with a reduced content of carbon and manganese. The results of the mechanical characteristics obtained on hot rolled coil were good, but in the cold rolling process of pipes, the toughness characteristics have decreased excessively due to severe cold working characteristics of this steel. The second stage of experimental research has utilized microalloying with titanium (0.015-0.025 % wt. Ti), simultaneously with reducing the niobium content to a maximum level of 0.030% wt. Nb. Also, in order to reduce the cold brittleness of the steel, the maximum phosphorus content has been limited to 0.010 % wt. It was obtained excellent results with respect to the material toughness (evaluated by the impact test on KV specimen), the toughness value going up from 30-40 Joules to 150-180 Joules, while maintaining the excellent results previously obtained for steel weldability as well as the overall mechanical characteristics.
Studies Regarding the Influence on the Surface Roughness Material of the Cutting Regime during the Milling Processing
Authors: Demian Mihai , Grecu Luminița , Demian Gabriela
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present paper is to establish the optimal parameter values of the cutting regime of a milling process. The paper presents a study regarding the influence of the cutting parameters on the surface roughness of the material and also on the vibration generated by their combinations, during a processing by milling. The studies are made on samples made from S355 JR steel with a metal milling machine FUS 25, which is used also for the experiments. The samples dimensions are 210x150x16mm. For the experiments there was used a cylindrical - frontal milling tool, with 32mm diameter and 10 tooth. Basic parameters of milling processing of materials we have considered in this paper are: feed rate [mm/min]; cutting speed RPM [rot/min]; depth of cut [mm]. For each of this parameters three levels were envisaged. For a 100% accurate experiment results at least 27 experiments must be done. Using an L9 orthogonal array, the number of experiments is reduced to nine and the accurate of the method is around 99.96%. The optimal process parameters values are obtained using Taguchi method considering three situations. In the first case the goal is to get only a fine roughness for the sample. The second studied case is focused on finding a low level for the vibration generated during the milling process. The aim of the last study is to find a fine roughness and also a low level of vibration for the process. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied, in all cases, in order to estimate the error variance and to rank the process parameters according to their importance.
A Study on Wear Behaviour of NiCrBSi Flame Sprayed Coatings
Authors: Paulin Constantin , Chicet Daniela Lucia , Istrate Bogdan , Avram Petru , Munteanu Corneliu
Published: October 2015

TThe present study is an attempt to observe and evaluate the dry rolling wear behavior [1] of three types of Ni-base coatings on an Amsler type wear machine, against low-alloyed steel discs. The tested coatings were obtained by flame spraying (on the same low-alloyed steel substrate as the discs) using commercial Ni-base self-fluxing powders: 1060-00 and 1355-20 type (manufactured by Hoganas) and JK 586 type (manufactured by Deloro Stelite Co). In order to increase the strength of the layers, the deposition was followed by fusing [2]. The tests were conducted on pairs of coated – uncoated discs at the same load and the same speed in all three cases. In order to evaluate the wear behavior, there were observed and measured the surface roughness and the rolling path profiles. A severe wear regime with adhesion as the main phenomenon was observed in case of the low-alloyed steel discs.
The Application of Analysis of Variance to Phase Transformation of an Austempered Ductile Iron
Authors: Sarbu Flavius Aurelian , Milosan Ioan
Published: October 2015

The paper presents an example of calculation for the one-way repeated measures applied for the results of an austempered ductile iron. This research has a number of objectives which can be started as follows: 1. to determine of the volume fraction of retained austenite (Vγr); 2. the calculation for the one-way repeated measures applied for the results of the volume fraction of retained austenite (Vγr).
A Comparison between 3D Scanning and CMM Dimensional Inspection of Small Size Gas Turbine
Authors: Matache Gheorghe , Dragan Valeriu , Puscasu Cristian , Vilag Valeriu , Paraschiv Alexandru
Published: October 2015

The paper presents a comparison between Coordinate Measuring Machine and 3D white light scanning technologies as applied to the dimensional inspection of turbo-machinery parts such as turbine blade. The results were compared with the CAD model and each other. The results indicate that, even both methods are enough accurate with a slightly better accuracy for CMM, the operational speed and the variety of scanable surfaces give significant advantages to the 3D scanning method when prototypes require dimensional inspection by an alternative rapid route especially when dealing with objects with thin walls or sharp edges.
Solidification Control by Thermal Analysis of La/Ba Inoculated Grey Cast Iron
Authors: Stefan Eduard Marius , Chisamera Mihai
Published: October 2015

Thermal analysis is worldwide used in foundry for control of structure and properties of cast irons. In this paper is presented the experimental study realized to control the inoculation effect by thermal analysis method of inoculated grey cast irons. For this purpose was conducted an in ladle inoculation process with 0.5wt. % inoculant from LaCaAlFeSi and BaCaAlFeSi alloy systems. The main goals of this experimental research work are: to determine the particular characteristics of the registered cooling curves, to notice the solidification parameters that present sensibility as against inoculant addition in treated cast iron and eventually to improve thermal analysis technique of cast irons.
Influence of Functional and Construction Parameters Over Sieving Process – Rotary Cylindrical Sieve
Authors: Apostu Elena Diana , Pop Mihai Alin , Monescu Vlad
Published: October 2015

This paper studied functional parameters: the angle of the shaft section (feed flow rotor) and rotor speed which directly influences the yield of screening with three types of sand (NR1, NC2 and NT3). Experiments was determined following an increase of the values of the shaft angle makes sifting efficiency decrease; the greater the passage section of the material, so the feed rate of the rotor, the efficiency decreases; and a higher rotor speed makes sifting flow to increase with increasing speed. Based on experimental data it was obtained a program that is subject to problem solving regression analysis in which the efficiency is represented as a function of two dependent random variables (speed and angle tilt rotor shaft/rotor speed and power flow rotor/angle tilting spindle and feed rate). The test is a prediction of the values output in certain circumstances depending the two variables. With these predictions decisions can be made for the construction/purchase or for screening.
Contamination of Steels in Petroleum Products
Authors: Palamarciuc Ion , Galusca Dan , Tugui Catalin Andrei , Nutescu Catalina
Published: October 2015

Most metallic constructions and equipment which come in contact with petroleum products are made of steel and are exploited at ambient temperature which can range between −50°C and +50°C in different regions of our planet. When metals and alloys are in contact with pure hydrocarbons (CnHm), they do not react with them. However, rust or different types of depositions can be observed in tanks and pipelines containing gasoline, naphtha, and gas oil. The complex phenomenon of contamination is described in this paper in order to demonstrate its importance, as the number of failures of steel components is growing every year. It is important to understand that the corrosion process proceeds at the interface of different phases. Water, H2S, corrosion products, ions, phenols, organic acids, and other organic sulphur-, oxygen- and nitrogen-containing compounds dissolved in petroleum products are the contaminants that are responsible for the further destruction of the steel components.
Research Regarding Wear Protection in Sever Exploitation Condition of Crusher Jaws
Authors: Tanasache Daniel Tihanov , Binchiciu Emilia Florina , Florea Carmen , Geantă Victor , Binchiciu Horia
Published: October 2015

The paper presents a new innovative technology that is experimented to protect from wear crusher jaws that grind basalt aggregates. These are subjected, in exploitation, at the active surface level, to complex requests of wear at abrasion under high pressure combined with fatigue at high efforts. Actual developed stage in casted form from hardened steels present the disadvantage of being sensitive to excavation, pitting type, wear, in hard areas or in those with segregation at the crystalline grain limit. Fighting the above mentioned phenomena’s if accomplished by loading through welding on the jaws active surfaces layers with proper proprieties to obtain intelligent self-protection to wear systems. The thickness of the deposits is determined experimental based on minimizing the tensions on the base metal. The position and geometry of the wear self-protection system were established on data collected from crusher jaws used in exploitation, in Bata quarry, Romania. The morphology of the wear self-protection system layers is developed depending on the type of wear it will encounter during exploitation. Thus in the central impact and wear area, under abrasion and high pressure, depositing the self-protection at wear system consists of alternative rows of tough, hardened, with small grain size materials; in the side areas, subjected to the constant grinded material fall, deposits developed with tough materials. To assure the manufacturing process for the new products, at Sudotim AS Timișoara, we experimentally adapted rods SUDODUR CWTV and SUDINOX CN according to quality-price conditioned imposed as well as its lifespan in exploitation. Requests followed optimizing the product based on minimum price, minimum alloying level and low level of diffusible hydrogen and high purity of base materials.
Work Conditions Assessment in Welding Environments with Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Machedon-Pisu Mihai , Machedon-Pisu Teodor
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a composite system implemented with wireless sensor networks for monitoring and controlling the operation in welding environments which raises issues regarding work conditions: air quality (dust particles concentration), climate stress (environmental parameters) and wireless transmissions (tracking, remote operation) with the aim of minimizing work risks and maximizing operator’s safety and health. The wireless interface with the work environment which allows remote operation was developed by the authors using hardware platforms with ZigBee and Wi-Fi transceivers and software based on virtual instrumentation. The results obtained in the welding environment by performing remote measurements based on PM (particulate matter) analysis, sensor data and received signal strength (RSS) have shown that it is possible to detect the areas affected by fumes and with improper climate conditions, to track hazardous objects and to control operations in real-time.
Casting and Homogenization of AlCu3.3Mg1.5Mn Alloy for Aircraft Industry
Authors: Bratu Vasile , Popescu Ileana Nicoleta , Stoian Elena Valentina , Ungureanu Dan Nicolae , Rusanescu Carmen Otilia , Toma Lucica Grigora , Voicu Adrian Catalin
Published: October 2015

Heat treatable aluminum alloys and other alloys with similar properties are the most widely used light alloys in aeronautical construction [1-3]. These alloys have (i) high resistance to crack initiation and propagation, (ii) resistance to developing a strong lift force of the wings, (iii) high temperature, (iv)creep and fatigue vibration resistance. These age hardening Al alloys, are designed to take the mechanical stresses of the aircraft during flight. To achieve and continually improve these characteristics are necessary studies and researches on optimizing the manufacturing technological process of these types of Al alloys. This paper presents theoretical and experimental development of aluminum prealloys and high purity 2xxx Al alloys series elaboration for the aviation industry. We aimed to obtain higher energy efficiency, a better protection against gases, development of melt refining decontamination during casting. We are taking into account that the AlCu3.3Mg1.5Mn alloy has in chemical composition besides the alloying elements also a limited percentage of impurities (eg. 0.15% Si and 0.20% Fe), impurities difficult to remove from molten aluminum. In these conditions, the manufacturing processing requires some precautions such as: cleaning melting furnace and the correct choice of materials composing the charge in order to prevent contamination of the bath. The casted and homogenized Al alloys were analyzed in terms of composition and microstructure.
Effects of Vibration and Salts Treatments on Aluminium Alloy Properties Used in Mould Manufacture
Authors: Ardeleanu Laurenţiu , Bratu Constantin , Mărginean Ioan
Published: October 2015

Metallic mould properties are influenced by the technological process used on casting. The mechanical properties of aluminium castings can be affected by dissolved gases, heterogeneous impurities or shrinkage remaining in casting after solidification. Dissolved gases and oxide inclusions in aluminium all have a deleterious effect on casting quality. The treatment of molten aluminium using vibrations and salts was found to be highly efficient in refining the microstructure of the alloy. The main objective of the paper is to understand the effects of vibrations and salts treatment on the final microstructure and changes that take place and influences aluminium alloy properties used in mould manufacture. The microstructural changes have a great significance in improving the properties of aluminium alloy castings. Understanding this effects and the modification mechanism can undoubtedly be of great significance for improving casting quality. Fluxes based on a KCl-NaCl mixture may be used to cover and protect the metal from oxidation. Most fluxes are based on a mixture of KCl and NaCl, which forms at low-temperature (665 °C) eutectic.
Studies Regarding the Die Pressing Parameters on the Press Ability of Cementite Powders in Order to Obtained Sintered Steels
Authors: Ciobanu Mariana , Nicolicescu Claudiu , Radu Stefan , Ştefan Iulian
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the experimental results of the effects of the pressing speed on the press ability of the cementite powders alloyed with iron powders, in order to obtain sintered steels. Cementite or iron carbide is a chemical compound with Fe3C formula having orthorhombic crystal structure. Regarding mechanical properties, cementite is hard and brittle being important in the metallurgical processes. For the research process was used a mixture consists by cementite and iron powders (6,75%Fe3C+93.25%Fe) which was obtained by mechanical alloying technique for 30 hours. The cementite powders were produced by direct carburizing of Fe powders. The mixture was unilateral die pressing at three pressures 200, 400 and 600 MPa respectively 5 pressing speeds 10 up to 50 mm/min. The green billets were sintered in argon atmosphere and were studied by microstructural point of view. The evolution of microhardness function the pressing parameters was studied too.
Studies on the Influence of Sintering Parameters on the Hardness and Impact Energy of Some Sintered Steels Alloyed with Copper Powders
Authors: Nicolicescu Claudiu , Ştefan Iulian , Nicoară Victor Horia
Published: October 2015

The paper presents experimental results regarding the evolution of hardness and impact energy of some sintered steels alloyed with 1.5% respective 3% (weight) copper powders. For the experimental research were used 3 mixtures: Fe+0.2C as reference, Fe+0.2C+1.5Cu, Fe+0.2C+3Cu. All the samples were die pressed at three pressures 400, 500 and 600 MPa and were subjected at three types of treatments as following: SINT, SINTCARB and CARBSINT. For the sintering treatments was used argon atmosphere and for carburizing process was used methane. After each treatment the hardness and impact energy for all the samples were measured and were made correlations between these properties and the type of treatment and copper content.
Structures of Aluminum Base Alloys Solidified by Vibrations
Authors: Popescu Mirela , Varga Béla
Published: October 2015

As it is known the improving of the casting alloys properties supposes both finishing and modifying their structure. Dates from castings production specify that for structure improvement the metallurgical methods are more preferred than physical ones. The study analyzes the structural changes caused by melt vibration during crystallization of hypoeutectic and eutectic silumins and of the aluminum-copper alloy. The analysis of solidification conditions was achieved by recording cooling curves, and by the qualitative and quantitative examination of the obtained structures. The monitoring of the cooling intensity with or without mechanical vibrations was performed by calculate the global thermal transfer coefficient. It was followed in the same time the influence of mechanical vibrations on the casting alloys compactity. Global thermal transfer coefficient value increased 3.5 times.
Inoculation Enhancing Effects on Chill Tendency in the Mould Inoculated Grey Cast Iron
Authors: Stefan Ion , Firican Ciprian
Published: October 2015

Inoculation is a treatment applied to the liquid base iron, to supply one or more elements, such as Al, Ba, Ca, Zr, Sr, Ce, La etc. with active roles in developing graphite nucleation sites. The efficiency of inoculants is directly dependent on the sulphur level: lower sulphur, lower inoculating power or unpredictable results. The objective of this paper is to examine the effects of a S and O containing inoculant enhancer [S,O,Al,Ca-FeSi alloy] to conventional Ca,Ba-FeSi alloy, in the mold treatment of electrically melted grey iron at 0.035%S, 0.002%Al, 0.0005%Zr, (%Mn) x (%S) < 0.02. The wedge test samples [W3 – ASTM A367] were used to evaluate the influence of the cooling rate and inoculation on the carbides formation. It was re-confirmed that for above mentioned critical chemistry conditions, this iron is sensitive to chill formation, despite the carbon equivalent level at 3.8%. Inoculation enhancement increased the effectiveness of the Ca,Ba-FeSi standard inoculant.
Finite-Element Modeling of Plastic Working of Steel Billets
Authors: Rogovoy A.A. , Salikhova N.K.
Published: October 2015

The finite element Deform-2D/3D simulation system was used to investigate the technological process of hot-forming of metal block. Numerical modeling of plastic working has been carried out to evaluate the stress and strain fields generated in a steel ingot during two stages of the technological process – free upsetting and subsequent press forging and to define forces that will specify technical characteristics of the equipment capable of performing these operations.
Romans 10:5–13 revisited
Authors: Oliver Willem
Published: October 2015

The aim of this article is to investigate Romans 10:5–13 and specifically the impact of the chiasm (chiasmus) in Romans 10:9–10 on this sub-pericope. In the chiasm Paul makes the following statement(s):A If you confess with your mouth Jesus as LordB and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,C you will be saved.B For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness,A and with the mouth/he confesses, resulting in salvation.What gives the chiasm existential value here is the fact that this is the only passage in which Paul uses confess with your mouth as a condition for salvation. The sub-pericope will be discussed against the background of the introduction to the letter (Rm 1:16–17) as well as Romans 3:21–31.
Gene Coexpression Networks in Human Brain Developmental Transcriptomes Implicate the Association of Long Noncoding RNAs with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Gudenas Brian L , Wang Liangjiang
Published: October 2015

The advent of next-generation sequencing for genetic diagnoses of complex developmental disorders, such as intellectual disability (ID), has facilitated the identification of hundreds of predisposing genetic variants. However, there still exists a vast gap in our knowledge of causal genetic factors for ID as evidenced by low diagnostic yield of genetic screening, in which identifiable genetic causes are not found for the majority of ID cases. Most methods of genetic screening focus on protein-coding genes; however, noncoding RNAs may outnumber protein-coding genes and play important roles in brain development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) specifically have been shown to be enriched in the brain and have diverse roles in gene regulation at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. LncRNAs are a vastly uncharacterized group of noncoding genes, which could function in brain development and harbor ID-predisposing genetic variants. We analyzed lncRNAs for coexpression with known ID genes and affected biological pathways within a weighted gene coexpression network derived from RNA-sequencing data spanning human brain development. Several ID-associated gene modules were found to be enriched for lncRNAs, known ID genes, and affected biological pathways. Utilizing a list of de novo and pathogenic copy number variants detected in ID probands, we identified lncRNAs overlapping these genetic structural variants. By integrating our results, we have made a prioritized list of potential ID-associated lncRNAs based on the developing brain gene coexpression network and genetic structural variants found in ID probands.
Organizing Pneumonia in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Case-Based Review
Authors: Mori Shunsuke , Koga Yukinori , Sugimoto Mineharu
Published: October 2015

We treated 21 patients with organizing pneumonia (OP) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or related to biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) at our institution between 2006 and 2014. Among these cases, 3 (14.3%) preceded articular symptoms of RA, 4 (19.0%) developed simultaneously with RA onset, and 14 (66.7%) occurred during follow-up periods for RA. In the case of OP preceding RA, increased levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor were observed at the OP onset. RA disease activity was related to the development of OP in the simultaneous cases. In the cases of OP developing after RA diagnosis, 10 of 14 patients had maintained low disease activity with biological DMARD therapy at the OP onset, and among them, 6 patients developed OP within the first year of this therapy. In the remaining four patients, RA activity was not controlled at the OP onset. All patients responded well to systemic steroid therapy, but two patients suffered from relapses of articular and pulmonary symptoms upon steroid tapering. In most of the RA patients, DMARD therapy was introduced or restarted during the steroid tapering. We successfully restarted a biological DMARD that had not been previously used for patients whose RA would otherwise have been difficult to control. In this study, we also perform a review of the literature on RA-associated or biological DMARD-related OP and discuss the pathogenesis and management of OP occurring in RA patients.
Assessing Nociception by Fmri of the Human Spinal Cord: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kolesar Tiffany A. , Fiest Kirsten M. , Smith Stephen D. , Kornelsen Jennifer
Published: October 2015

Objective

To assess the use of fMRI of the spinal cord in measuring noxious stimulation.

Methods

The Scopus, Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched, along with the reference lists of included articles. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts, full-text articles, and extracted data. Original research was included if fMRI of the human spinal cord was used to measure responses to noxious stimulation.

Results

Of the 192 abstracts screened, 19 met the search criteria and were divided according to their focus: investigating pain responses ( n = 6), methodology ( n = 6), spinal cord injury ( n = 2), or cognition–pain interactions ( n = 5). All but one study appear to have observed activity in ipsilateral and dorsal gray matter regions in response to noxious stimuli, although contralateral or ventral activity was also widely observed.

Conclusions

Although nociception can be investigated using spinal fMRI, establishing reliability, standardizing methodology, and reporting of results will greatly advance this field.
Trends in Alcohol's Harms to Others (AHTO) and Co-occurrence of Family-Related AHTO: The Four US National Alcohol Surveys, 2000–2015
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Karriker-Jaffe Katherine J. , Kaplan Lauren M. , Kerr William C. , Wilsnack Sharon C.
Published: October 2015

Various harms from others’ drinking have been studied individually and at single points in time. We conducted a US population 15-year trend analysis and extend prior research by studying associations of depression with combinations of four harms – family/marriage difficulties, financial troubles, assault, and vandalism – attributed to partners or family members. Data come from four National Alcohol Surveys conducted by telephone in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 (analytic sample = 21,184). Weighted logistic regression models estimated time trends adjusting for victim characteristics (gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, poverty, employment, family history of alcohol problems, and drinking maximum). The 2015 survey asked the source of the harm; we used similar models to examine characteristics, including anxiety and depression, associated with various combinations of family/marriage, financial, and assault harms due to partner's/spouse's/family members’ drinking. A significant upward trend ( P < 0.001) from 2000 to 2015 was seen for financial troubles but not for other harms due to someone else's drinking. In 2015, depression and/or anxiety were strongly associated with exposures to harms and combinations of harms identified as stemming from drinking spouse/partner and/or family members. The results shed new light on 15-year trends and associations of harms with personal characteristics. A replicated finding is how the victim's own heavy drinking pattern is implicated in risks for exposures to harms from someone else's drinking. Documenting risk factors for and mental health impacts is important for interventions to reduce alcohol's harm to others.
»Pred tremi desetletji je bila evropa drugačna« - Srečanje z Lauretto Macauley
Authors: Lihtenvalner Katja
Published: October 2015

S predsednico Združenja afriških žensk v Grčiji Lauretto Macauley smo se srečali letos avgusta. Pričakala nas je na sedežu organizacije v atenskem predelu Abelokipi.
Variation of the radiative properties during black carbon aging: theoretical and experimental intercomparison
Authors: He C. , Liou K.-N. , Takano Y. , Zhang R. , Levy Zamora M. , Yang P. , Li Q. , Leung L. R.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. A theoretical black carbon (BC) aging model is developed to account for three typical evolution stages, namely, freshly emitted aggregates, BC coated by soluble material, and BC particles undergoing further hygroscopic growth. The geometric-optics surface-wave (GOS) approach is employed to compute the BC single-scattering properties at each aging stage, which are subsequently compared with laboratory measurements. Theoretical calculations are consistent with measurements in extinction and absorption cross sections for fresh BC aggregates with different BC sizes (i.e., mobility diameters of 155, 245, and 320 nm), with differences of ≤ 25 %. The measured optical cross sections for BC coated by sulfuric acid and for that undergoing further hygroscopic growth are generally captured (differences < 30 %) by theoretical calculations using a concentric core-shell structure, with an overestimate in extinction and absorption of the smallest BC size and an underestimate in scattering of the largest BC size. We find that the absorption and scattering cross sections of fresh BC aggregates vary by 20–40 and 50–65 %, respectively, due to the use of upper (1.95–0.79i) and lower (1.75–0.63i) bounds of BC refractive index, while the variations are < 20 % in absorption and < 50 % in scattering in the case of coated BC particles. Sensitivity analyses of the BC morphology show that the optical properties of fresh BC aggregates are more sensitive to fractal dimension than primary spherule size. The absorption and scattering cross sections of coated BC particles vary by more than a factor of 2 due to different coating structures. We find an increase of 20–250 % in absorption and a factor of 3–15 in scattering during aging, significantly depending on coating morphology and aging stages. This study suggests that an accurate estimate of BC radiative effects requires the incorporation of a dynamic BC aging process that accounts for realistic coating structures in climate models.
The impact of embedded valleys on daytime pollution transport over a mountain range
Authors: Lang M. N. , Gohm A. , Wagner J. S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Idealized large-eddy simulations were performed to investigate the impact of different mountain geometries on daytime pollution transport by thermally driven winds. The main objective was to determine interactions between plain-to-mountain and slope wind systems, and their influence on the pollution distribution over complex terrain. For this purpose, tracer analyses were conducted over a quasi-two-dimensional mountain range with embedded valleys bordered by ridges with different crest heights and a flat foreland in cross-mountain direction. The valley depth was varied systematically. It was found that different flow regimes develop dependent on the valley floor height. In the case of elevated valley floors, the plain-to-mountain wind descends into the potentially warmer valley and replaces the opposing upslope wind. This superimposed plain-to-mountain wind increases the pollution transport towards the main ridge by an additional 20 % compared to the regime with a deep valley. Due to mountain and advective venting, the vertical exchange is 3.6 times higher over complex terrain than over a flat plain. However, the calculated vertical exchange is strongly sensitive to the definition of the convective boundary layer height. In summary, the impact of the terrain geometry on the mechanisms of pollution transport confirms the necessity to account for topographic effects in future boundary layer parameterization schemes.