bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Three‐Dimensional Structure of Wind‐Driven Gyres: Ventilation and Subduction
Authors: HUANG RUI XIN
Published: August 2018

Theories of the three‐dimensional structure of wind‐driven gyres have been developed during the past decade. Potential vorticity homogenization of the unventilated thermocline and potential vorticity conservation of the ventilated thermocline have been proposed and tested against observations and numerical experiments. Models with continuous stratification, including a mixed layer of horizontally varying density and depth, have also been formulated; they reproduce a three‐dimensional structure of the wind‐driven circulation in the upper ocean. These theories have been extended in different directions. First, buoyancy forcing is included in the models by parameterizing it in terms of interfacial mass flux. Second, the connection with the western boundary current, the recirculations, the equatorial undercurrents, and the cross‐gym communication have been further studied. Tracer studies have provided new information about ventilation processes in the oceans.
An Efficient Pd & Pt‐Catalyzed H/D Exchange Approach towards the Synthesis of Deuterium‐Labeled Antiviral Prodrugs, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Tenofovir Alafenamide
Authors: Shen Hangzhou , Liu Yingshuai , Tian Xiaomeng , Zhang Xiquan , Zhang Yinsheng
Published: August 2018

To support clinical bioequivalence (BE) studies of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), both deuterium‐labeled TDF and TAF (or their free bases, TD & TA) are highly desired for use as an internal standard. We have developed a method to prepare racemic [D8]9‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)adenine (racemic R/S‐HPA) using a 10%Pd/C & PtO2 catalyzed H−D exchange reaction as the key step to introduce the label in a highly efficient and cost‐effective way. The labeled R/S‐HPA was converted to racemic [D8]9‐[2‐phosphonomethoxypropyl]adenine ([D8] R/S‐PMPA) in two steps. Using [D8] R/S‐PMPA as a common intermediate, thus, we further synthesized [D8] R/S‐tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and [D8]tenofovir alafenamide in 2–3 steps with 60% and 20% overall yield, respectively.
Special arithmetic of flavor
Authors: Caorsi Matteo , Cecotti Sergio
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We revisit the classification of rank-1 4d$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2QFTs in the spirit of Diophantine Geometry, viewing their special geometries as elliptic curves over the chiral ring (a Dedekind domain). The Kodaira-Néron model maps the space of non-trivial rank-1 special geometries to the well-known moduli of pairs (ε, F∞) where E is a relatively minimal, rational elliptic surface with section, andF∞a fiber with additive reduction. Requiring enough Seiberg-Witten differentials yields a condition on (ε, F∞) equivalent to the “safely irrelevant conjecture”. The Mordell-Weil group of E (with the Néron-Tate pairing) contains a canonical root system arising from (−1)-curves in special position in the Néron-Severi group. This canonical system is identified with the roots of the flavor group F: the allowed flavor groups are then read from the Oguiso-Shioda table of Mordell-Weil groups. Discrete gaugings correspond to base changes. Our results are consistent with previous work by Argyres et al.
The Predictive Value of Pulse Wave Velocity for Anastomotic Leakage After Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Venara A. , Jaouen R. , Lermite E. , Le Naoures P. , Casa C. , Mirallié E. , Duchalais E. , Hamy A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Arterial perfusion defects are a risk factor for anastomotic leakage (AL) following colorectal surgery. Measuring arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) is known to reflect the performance of the arterial network. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive value of PWV for AL after colorectal surgery.

Methods

A prospective monocentric study was conducted on all consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery scheduled between March 1, 2016 and May 1, 2017. Patients were divided into two groups according to the PWV which was measured preoperatively using the pOpmètre® device: PWV+ (PWV > 10 m/s) and PWV− (PWV ≤ 10 m/s). We then compared the PWV+ and PWV− groups. The primary endpoint was the AL rate.

Results

A total of 96 patients were studied, including 60 in the PWV− group and 36 in the PWV+ group. Patients in the PWV+ group were more at risk of presenting with AL than those in the PWV− group (6.25 vs 0%) (p = 0.002). There was no difference in immediate postoperative complications between the two groups apart from the length of hospital stay. PWV predicted the appearance of AL with a sensitivity of and a negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusion

Measuring PWV could be a used as a predictive examination in the early detection of AL after colorectal surgery.
Behavioural science and policy: where are we now and where are we going?
Authors: SANDERS MICHAEL , SNIJDERS VEERLE , HALLSWORTH MICHAEL
Published: August 2018

The use of behavioural sciences in government has expanded and matured in the last decade. Since the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) has been part of this movement, we sketch out the history of the team and the current state of behavioural public policy, recognising that other works have already told this story in detail. We then set out two clusters of issues that have emerged from our work at BIT. The first cluster concerns current challenges facing behavioural public policy: the long-term effects of interventions; repeated exposure effects; problems with proxy measures; spillovers and general equilibrium effects and unintended consequences; cultural variation; ‘reverse impact’; and the replication crisis. The second cluster concerns opportunities: influencing the behaviour of government itself; scaling interventions; social diffusion; nudging organisations; and dealing with thorny problems. We conclude that the field will need to address these challenges and take these opportunities in order to realise the full potential of behavioural public policy.
The future of behavioral insights: on the importance of socially situated nudges
Authors: VAN DER LINDEN SANDER
Published: August 2018

Socially minded nudges are the more sociable cousin of regular nudges: they reveal important information about other people's behavior, raise normative expectations about what is desirable, can be shared and transmitted online or offline and leverage social incentives and sanctions that regulate individual and group behavior. In this article, I argue that many of the most successful nudges – that is, nudges that have been well replicated, offer positive spill-over and whose effects last over time – have in fact been social nudges. Moreover, the efficacy of other nudges can be enhanced by considering the social dimension of the problem that they are trying to address. In asking where behavioral science should go next, I argue that although the Behavioural Insights Team has traditionally shied away from addressing more complex and sticky societal issues, socially situated nudges are particularly well suited to address many of the important challenges raised by Sanderset al.(2018).
Putting the public back in behavioral public policy
Authors: DE JONGE PATRICIA , ZEELENBERG MARCEL , VERLEGH PEETER W.J.
Published: August 2018

Behavioral public policies are aimed at influencing the behavior of the public in a way that is advantageous for the public itself and within the law. Sanders, Snijders and Hallsworth (2018, this issue) summarize the state of the art of this new field of study and introduce a number of challenges and opportunities for the time to come. We address an additional challenge that is present and central in all attempts to influence behavior, namely thepublic– the people that are the target of behavioral public policies. We review evidence revealing that people do not passively accept those influence attempts, but often show reactant responses. We propose that the Persuasion Knowledge Model provides a framework both to understand the reactions of the public and to facilitate communication between academic researchers and practitioners.
Serum fatty acids and progression from dengue fever to dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome
Authors: Villamor Eduardo , Villar Luis A. , Lozano-Parra Anyela , Herrera Víctor M. , Herrán Oscar F.
Published: August 2018

PUFA might modulate inflammatory responses involved in the development of severe dengue. We aimed to examine whether serum PUFA concentrations in patients diagnosed with dengue fever (DF) were related to the risk of progression to dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). A secondary aim was to assess correlations between fatty acids (FA) and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with DF. We conducted a prospective case–control study nested within a cohort of patients who were diagnosed with DF and followed during the acute episode. We compared the distribution of individual FA (% of total FA) at onset of fever between 109 cases who progressed to DHF/DSS and 235 DF non-progressing controls using unconditional logistic regression. We estimated correlations between baseline FA and cytokine concentrations and compared FA concentrations between the acute episode and >1 year post-convalescence in a subgroup. DHA was positively related to progression to DHF/DSS (multivariable adjusted OR (AOR) for DHA in quintile 5v. 1=5·34, 95 % CI 2·03, 14·1;Ptrend=0·007). Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) was inversely associated with progression (AOR for quintile 5v. 1=0·30, 95 % CI 0·13, 0·69;Ptrend=0·007). Pentadecanoic acid concentrations were inversely related to DHF/DSS. Correlations of PUFA with cytokines at baseline were low. PUFA were lower during the acute episode than in a disease-free period. In conclusion, serum DHA in patients with DF predicts higher odds of progression to DHF/DSS whereas DGLA and pentadecanoic acid predict lower odds.
A personal experience in Turkey, Iran and China: The need for the ICRC to adapt in a multipolar world
Authors: Ryter Pierre
Published: August 2018

This Opinion Note is a reflection on the challenges faced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in emerging countries that want to be heard in the humanitarian world without being major donors. The author underlines the importance of the feeling of humiliation that can be seen in the narratives of these countries. After listing some of the specific activities that can be developed in such contexts, he refers to the concept of strategic anchoring developed by the ICRC in order to work more effectively in a world that is becoming increasingly multipolar.
Verständnis des geometrischen Begriffs Viereck bei Kindern zwischen vier und sechs Jahren
Authors: Unterhauser Elisabeth , Gasteiger Hedwig
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Im Bereich früher mathematischer Bildung gibt es zahlreiche Erkenntnisse zur Entwicklung arithmetischer Kompetenzen. Eher weniger detailliert erforscht ist die Entwicklung geometrischer Kompetenzen. In einer Studie mit 120 Kindern zwischen vier und sechs Jahren wurde deshalb umfassend das Verständnis der Begriffe Viereck und Dreieck untersucht. Dieser Beitrag berichtet Ergebnisse einer Teilstudie, bei der Kinder aus 13 Figuren Vierecke identifizieren sollten. Es zeigt sich kein Zusammenhang zwischen Alter und Identifikationsentscheidungen. Prototypische Vierecke, wie z.B. ein Quadrat, werden signifikant besser als Viereck identifiziert als nicht prototypische, wie z.B. eine Raute. Zudem beeinflussen Seitenverhältnisse, Winkel oder die Lage einer Figur Identifikationsentscheidungen der Kinder, obwohl es sich dabei um für den Begriff Viereck irrelevante Eigenschaften handelt.
Evidence of Regional Deposition in Mars’s South Polar Deposits
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: August 2018

Shallow Radar correlation of discrete units in one of the Red Planet’s largest ice reservoirs suggests that its material was emplaced as a single, regional deposit.
Evidence for auto-catalytic mineral dissolution from surface-specific vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Schaefer Jan , Backus Ellen H. G. , Bonn Mischa
Published: August 2018

The dissolution of minerals in water is typically studied on macroscopic length- and time-scales, by detecting dissolution products in bulk solution and deducing reaction rates from model assumptions. Here, we report a direct, real-time measurement of silica dissolution, by monitoring how dissolution changes the first few interfacial layers of water in contact with silica, using surface-specific spectroscopy. We obtain direct information on the dissolution kinetics of this geochemically relevant mineral. The interfacial concentration of dissolution products saturates at the level of the solubility limit of silica (~millimolar) on the surprisingly short timescale of tens of hours. The observed kinetics reveal that the dissolution rate increases substantially with progressing dissolution, suggesting that dissolution is an auto-catalytic process.
Microcavity-integrated graphene waveguide: a reconfigurable electro-optical attenuator and switch
Authors: Sui Guorong , Wu Jun , Zhang Yuehua , Yin Chenhui , Gao Xiumin
Published: August 2018

Graphene has been widely utilized in optoelectronic applications due to its high carrier mobility, and extremely fast optical response. Microcavity-integrated graphene waveguide structure is one basic module of integrated photonic devices which can greatly improve the light-matter interaction strength. The enhanced optical absorption in the undoped graphene layer results from the light trapping and the corresponding long light-graphene interaction length. Tuning the Fermi energy level of the graphene layer enables the electro-optical modulation. We report the realization of reconfigurable electro-optical attenuator and switch with unity-order modulation depth in light reflection and transmission at near-infrared frequency. The transformation from a lossy absorber to a quasi-perfect transparent condition of the monolayer graphene by tuning the Fermi level leads to the unity-order tunability of the electro-optical attenuator and switch. We investigate theoretically and numerically the absorption properties of the designed microcavity-integrated graphene with respect to different graphene Fermi levels. Electro-optical attenuator with attenuating coefficient from 10% to 98.29% is fulfilled. On-off electro-optical switching with a switching contrast larger than 21 dB is demonstrated. Our approach provides the possibilities of graphene photonics applied in communications, and sensing.
Limited role of spatial self-structuring in emergent trade-offs during pathogen evolution
Authors: Buendía Víctor , Muñoz Miguel A. , Manrubia Susanna
Published: August 2018

Pathogen transmission and virulence are main evolutionary variables broadly assumed to be linked through trade-offs. In well-mixed populations, these trade-offs are often ascribed to physiological restrictions, while populations with spatial self-structuring might evolve emergent trade-offs. Here, we reexamine a spatially-explicit, SIR model of the latter kind proposed by Ballegooijen and Boerlijst with the aim of characterising the mechanisms causing the emergence of the trade-off and its structural robustness. Using invadability criteria, we establish the conditions under which an evolutionary feedback between transmission and virulence mediated by pattern formation can poise the system to a critical boundary separating a disordered state (without emergent trade-off) from a self-structured phase (where the trade-off emerges), and analytically calculate the functional shape of the boundary in a certain approximation. Beyond evolutionary parameters, the success of an invasion depends on the size and spatial structure of the invading and invaded populations. Spatial self-structuring is often destroyed when hosts are mobile, changing the evolutionary dynamics to those of a well-mixed population. In a metapopulation scenario, the systematic extinction of the pathogen in the disordered phase may counteract the disruptive effect of host mobility, favour pattern formation and therefore recover the emergent trade-off.
Infrared spectroscopy based on broadly tunable quantum cascade lasers and polycrystalline diamond waveguides
Authors: Haas Julian , Catalán Ernesto Vargas , Piron Pierre , Karlsson Mikael , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: August 2018

Recently emerging broadly tunable quantum cascade lasers (tQCL) emitting in the mid-infrared (MIR) are a versatile alternative to well established thermal emitters in combination with interferometers as applied in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Lateral flow assays for Ochratoxin A using metal nanoparticles: comparison of “adsorption–desorption” approach to linkage inversion assembled nano-aptasensors (LIANA)
Authors: Velu Ranganathan , DeRosa Maria C.
Published: August 2018

Nano-aptamer probes were prepared and used in lateral flow colorimetric assays for the detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA).
Bulky iodotriazolium tetrafluoroborates as highly active halogen-bonding-donor catalysts
Authors: Haraguchi Ryosuke , Hoshino Shun , Sakai Munenori , Tanazawa Sho-go , Morita Yoshitsugu , Komatsu Teruyuki , Fukuzawa Shin-ichi
Published: August 2018

Bulky halogen-bonding-donor catalysts have been synthesized, and their catalytic activities for aza-Diels–Alder reaction were evaluated.
Copper-oxide tip functionalization for submolecular atomic force microscopy
Authors: Mönig Harry
Published: August 2018

Tip deflection effects in AFM: DBTH molecule imaged with a flexible CO-, and a more rigid O-terminated Cu tip.
Turning off Bacillus cereus quorum sensing system with peptidic analogs
Authors: Yehuda Avishag , Slamti Leyla , Bochnik-Tamir Racheli , Malach Einav , Lereclus Didier , Hayouka Zvi
Published: August 2018

We designed and synthesized B. cereus PlcR–PapR quorum sensing peptidic inhibitors.
Toward helical-shaped diradicaloids: cyclobutenyl o-quinodimethane-bridged indeno[1,2-b]fluorenes
Authors: Qiu Shuhai , Wang Chaoqiang , Xie Sheng , Huang Xiaobo , Chen Lanlan , Zhao Yunhui , Zeng Zebing
Published: August 2018

A new class of helical-shaped singlet biradicals disclosed featured properties and unusual half-field ΔMs = 2 transitions.
The thermal boundary resistance at semiconductor interfaces: a critical appraisal of the Onsager vs. Kapitza formalisms
Authors: Rurali Riccardo , Cartoixà Xavier , Bedeaux Dick , Kjelstrup Signe , Colombo Luciano
Published: August 2018

We critically readdress the definition of thermal boundary resistance at an interface between two semiconductors.
Determination of 129I in aerosols using pyrolysis and AgI–AgCl coprecipitation separation and accelerator mass spectrometry measurements
Authors: Zhang Luyuan , Hou Xiaolin , Fu Yunchong , Fang Miao , Chen Ning
Published: August 2018

A novel method was developed for the determination of 129I in aerosol samples with the apparent advantages of high sensitivity and small sample size requirement.
Multiplex sample-to-answer detection of bacteria using a pipette-actuated capillary array comb with integrated DNA extraction, isothermal amplification, and smartphone detection
Authors: Hui Junhou , Gu Yin , Zhu Yuanshou , Chen Yanjing , Guo Shu-juan , Tao Sheng-ce , Zhang Yan , Liu Peng
Published: August 2018

A pipette-actuated capillary array comb system controlled and detected on a smartphone-based hand-held device was developed for point-of-care testing.
Synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical tellurides via silver catalysis
Authors: Goldani Bruna , do Sacramento Manoela , Lenardão Eder J. , Schumacher Ricardo F. , Barcellos Thiago , Alves Diego
Published: August 2018

The cross-coupling reaction of diaryl ditellurides with aryl boronic acids is described using AgNO3 as a catalyst.
Characterization and compositional analysis of highly acidic karanja oil and its potential feedstock for enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel
Authors: Kumar D. , Das T. , Giri B. S. , Verma B.
Published: August 2018

In the present study, we focused on the synthesis of biodiesel fromPseudomonas cepacia, crude karanja oil by the process of enzymatic transesterification using bio-support materials, such as lipase immobilized on polyvinyl alcohol/AlgNa.
Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of heterocyclic quaternary ammonium polymers
Authors: Shadmon Hodaya , Basu Arijit , Eckhard Lea H. , Domb Abraham J. , Beyth Nurit
Published: August 2018

Polymers having imidazole and triazole side-chains showed antimicrobial properties.
A facile and highly sensitive resonance Rayleigh scattering-energy transfer method for urea using a fullerene probe
Authors: Yao Dongmei , He Zining , Wen Guiqing , Liang Aihui , Jiang Zhiliang
Published: August 2018

Under ultrasound conditions, a deep yellow fullerene (C60) colloid was prepared, which exhibits two resonance Rayleigh scattering peaks at 385 nm and 530 nm.
Environmental performance assessment using the evidential reasoning approach: The case of logistics service providers
Authors: Sureeyatanapas Panitas , Tawwan Korrapat
Published: August 2018

The demand for environmental performance assessment is increasing among business practitioners, and it has nowadays become one of the key factors for a company’s self-improvement as well as for selecting suppliers and logistics providers. The assessment is, in essence, a multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) problem comprised of many quantitative and qualitative criteria. Frequently, the assessment data of some criterion is inevitably imprecise and/or incomplete since the nature of environmental assessment relies heavily on professional and complex methods which might not be fully available for every company. Also, qualitative criteria can only be assessed based upon human judgment. This paper, therefore, proposes an application of the evidential reasoning (ER) approach to the assessment of environmental performance for logistics service providers. The lists of criteria and indicators are adapted from ISO 14031. The ER approach is able to logically aggregate all assessment information, although different forms of data (precise or imprecise; complete or incomplete) are obtained. For this paper, assessment data from two logistics companies were gathered and analysed to illustrate the implementation process. The results are in the form of aggregated belief distributions on a unified set of evaluation grades, and the company can use this information for performance improvement and benchmarking.
Application of element decomposing method for solving integer problems
Authors: Jaiyen Ekkaphon , Leksakul Komgrit
Published: August 2018

This research objective is to solve the integer problems by using an algorithm that applied to the element decomposing method (EDCM). Integer problem is a NP-hard when the problem is large-size, more time needed to solve the problem. The EDCM cuts a structure into several elements and reconnects elements at “nodes”. This process can disconnect other nodes that not connected with the element. Moreover, it appropriately need in optimization solutions for applications, in which can give answers faster by cutting the nodes in finding the answers. There’s 2 phases of step on this research. The first phase is input data and simplex method, while the second phase is creating and developing the algorithm from EDCM application. The comparison results show how two methods are carried out between EDCM and B&B Method. The results from two methods are focused on the value and solution step by step. According to the problem, it can be solved within the number of variables 2-15. The value of the difference in the answer is on average at 0.00% and solution step used for solving problem is less on average at 40.89 %.
Effect of cooling rates of production process of Al-3%B-3%Sr master alloy on grain refinement and eutectic modification efficiency in cast A356 alloy
Authors: eidhed Krittee , muangnoy Phisith
Published: August 2018

In this paper, size and morphology of the grain refiner and modifier particles in the Al-3%B-3%Sr master alloy production by using different cooling rates were investigated. Two Al-3%B-3%Sr master alloys were produced with 0.2 and 10°C/s, respectively. The grain refinement and eutectic modification efficiency of the Al-3%B-3%Sr master alloy were tested in casting process of A356 alloy by addition of 4wt.% and holding times for 10-120 min. The experimental result showed that microstructure of the M1 alloy (Slow cooling) consisted of larger solidified particles of AlB2, SrB6and Al4Sr in the matrix of α-Al compared to the M2 alloy (Rapid cooling). The addition of the M1 alloy in cast A356 alloy, it was found that small grain size and fully modify eutectic silicon were obtained from the holding time in a range of 10-60 min. While the addition of M2 alloy, a small grain size was achieved in shorter holding time in a range of 10-30 min but the eutectic silicon was partly modify. From the thermal analyzed result, solidification of un-modified A356 alloy was changed after addition of Al-3%B-3%Sr master alloy. It was clearly observed that both the undercooling of nucleation and eutectic reaction was reduced and the solidification time was shifted to longer.
Comparative study of dissimilar tailor-welded blanks between DP590 and DP980 dual phase steels
Authors: Phaoniam Rittichai , Kaewwichit Jesada , Lawanwong Komgrit
Published: August 2018

This research aims to study the dissimilar tailor-welded blanks between DP590 and DP980 dual phase steels using the autonomous GTAW process. The summarized results are as follows. It was found that utilized welding parameters in DP590 and DP980 steel butt joint were able to achieve complete penetration joint and there were not any defects. Furthermore, the dissimilar weld zone produced the hardness profilevalue between the DP590 and DP980 base metal. In particularly, DP590-HAZ region resulted in harden zone. Meanwhile, DP980-HAZ region induced a soften zone. By the way, the harden DP590-HAZ exhibited fine columnar martensite with a ferrite matrix. On the other hand, the soften DP980-HAZ represented a tempered martensite structures. Comparing the tensile test was carried out in order to investigate dissimilar welded joint strength in the different rolling directions. It was suggested that the specimen welded along to rolling direction was evidently larger tensile strength (1092 MPa) than the welding transverse to rolling direction (638 MPa). Moreover, the weakest fracture occurred apparently on the region of DP590-BM rather than the HAZ region.
Parametric Study for Nonlinear Dynamic Behaviors using Integrated Cable Elongation Model of Cable Driven Parallel Robot
Authors: Choi Sung-Hyun , Park Kyoung-Su
Published: August 2018

Polymer is one of the most widely used cable materials in the CDPR system due to its light weight and low inertia. However, it is not easily to achieve high accuracy because of the complicated response of polymer cable while CDPR is operated. In our previous study, the integrated dynamics model of cable was derived with the visco-elastic model. With the integrated dynamics model of cable, the parametric studies were carried out for the cable length, the applied force and the tensile rate for various nonlinear cable elongation behaviors. At first, dynamic creep behavior was defined and investigated in CDPR system. Dynamic creep was saturated with one value as the cyclic load/unload is continuously carried out. The saturation number was inversely proportional to the cable length because of the residual stress. And as the tensile rate was increased, the dynamic creep was decreased linearly. In long-term recovery, the long-term recovery is finished more quickly for the case of a shorter cable.
Causes of delay on highway construction projects in Thailand
Authors: Thapanont Pornsirichotirat , Santi Charoenpornpattana , Pruethipong Xinghatiraj
Published: August 2018

Delay in construction project is an important issue in construction management. This is because delay will cause negative impacts on both the owner and the contractor. For owner, it will lead to the late opening of new road. For contractor, it will cause extra operating cost. In this paper, therefore, the causes of delay in road construction projects are researched. This paper studied a list of road construction delay causes gathered from literature having different countries. Internationally, twenty-six factors that might cause delays of road construction projects are identified in this research. Among 26 factors, considering in Thailand, eight key factors are typically found as the cause of delays in road construction projects. These 8 factors are then prioritized to identify the most important causes of delays in road construction projects in Thailand. A questionnaire and personal interviews through project engineer have formed the basis of this paper. The study indicates that the 5 top factors affecting road construction delays are: incomplete drawings, lack of equipment efficiency or financial status of contractors, delay in relocating existing infrastructure structures, less of project engineer experiences, and delay in relieving environmental impact, respectively
PID electro-hydraulic cylinder force tracking system with friction compensation
Authors: Chanbua Weerapong , Pinsopon Unnat
Published: August 2018

Friction can be found in all mechanical systems, and is the cause of control tracking error. In this article, LuGre friction model for symmetric hydraulic cylinder was studied and obtained experimentally. The estimated friction force was applied for reference force compensation. Force tracking performances of PID force control systems with and without friction compensation were tested and compared. Control system with friction compensation outperformed one without in all cases of tracking tests. The best result was found in the square force tracking tests, with an average error at maximum compression force of 86.105 N in the case of with friction compensation compared with error of 511.996 N in the case without. However, the estimated friction achieved in the study was noisy. This is due to the use of noisy numerically differentiated velocity signal in the friction estimation procedure.
Bio-hydrogen production from waste materials: A review
Authors: Singh Yadav Vinod , R Vinoth , Yadav Dharmesh
Published: August 2018

When hydrogen burns in air, it produces nothing but water vapour. It is therefore the cleanest possible, totally non-polluting fuel. This fact has led some people to propose an energy economy based entirely on hydrogen, in which hydrogen would replace gasoline, oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear power. Hydrogen is a clean energy source. Therefore, in recent years, demand on hydrogen production has increased considerably. Electrolysis of water, steam reforming of hydrocarbons and auto-thermal processes are well-known methods for hydrogen gas production, but not cost-effective due to high energy requirements. As compare to chemical methods, biological production of hydrogen gas has significant advantages such as bio-photolysis of water by algae, dark and photo-fermentation of organic materials, usually carbohydrates by bacteria. New approach for bio-hydrogen production is dark and photo-fermentation process but with some major problems like dark and photo-fermentative hydrogen production is the raw material cost. By using suitable bio-process technologies hydrogen can be produced through carbohydrate rich, nitrogen deficient solid wastes such as cellulose and starch containing agricultural and food industry wastes and some food industry wastewaters such as cheese whey, olive mill and baker's yeast industry wastewaters. Utilization of aforementioned wastes for hydrogen production provides inexpensive energy generation with simultaneous waste treatment. This review article summarizes bio-hydrogen production from some waste materials with recent developments and relative advantages.
The vulnerability analysis of catchment areas using rapid assessment method (case study in Universitas Indonesia, Depok)
Authors: Rolia Eva , Sutjiningsih Dwita , Fitria Fitria
Published: August 2018

Catchment area of aquatic system in Universitas Indonesia (UI) campus has a function as groundwater recharge for Depok area, which is the buffer zone of Jakarta. This catchment area has high level of imperviousness as a consequence of increasing population. The high imperviousness implicates in the degradation of the catchment area health. For that reason, the vulnerability assessment of UI catchment area is needed to arrange of restoration recommendation. This research applies Rapid Assessment Method which implements eco-hydrological concepts including aquatic and riparian condition as well as imperviousness of catchment area. Locations of the research are Kenanga and Agathis catchments area. The result of initial classification based imperviousness both catchment areas are categorised as Non-Supporting, where the imperviousness of Kenanga and Agathis is 31,0% and 77,18% respectivelly. Based on the assessment on aquatic and riparian condition as well as future land use, the final classification of both catchment areas is Restorable Non-Supporting catchment area.
Optimization of geometrical parameter for V-type alpha Stirling engine based on dimensionless analysis
Authors: Senviboon Varit , Silpsakoolsook Banterng , Kwankaomeng Sutapat
Published: August 2018

This paper aims to study the effect of mechanism and geometrical parameters on the shaft work of alpha-type Stirling engine with V-cylinder arrangement and find the appropriate value of geometrical parameters to get the maximum value of shaft work output. The equation of motions of both expansion and compression pistons and the variations of volumes and pressures inside the cylinders are expressed in dimensionless forms. Schmidt analysis and Senft’s shaft work theory are used to build dimensionless thermodynamic models in order to derive dimensionless shaft work and optimal geometrical parameters for achieving the maximum efficiency
The stress analysis in electric poles with CFRP to prevent the consecutive demolishing from car accidents
Authors: Suvimolwan Suchat , Sujaritpong Atavit
Published: August 2018

In statistically accidental reports, we could find progressive collapse of prestressed concrete electric poles from car accident, this is due to the poor properties of concrete which limits the impact resistance, the failure will therefore occur in the position of impact where maximum stress is presented near the base. The weight of broken concrete at above the failure position will cause the impact force to the adjacent electric poles, resulting in consecutive damage and increase the tensile force in electric cables. This research will emphasize repositioning of failure at pole base by application of CFRP material. Finite element analysis will be introduced to analyse the thickness of CFRP in order to control the desired point of failure. The result can be a guideline to prevent the consecutive demolishing for the existing electric poles later on.
A Design and Construction of a Wind Tunnel for Engineering Laboratories
Authors: U-tapao Chalida , Moryadee Seksun
Published: August 2018

The propose of this research is to demonstrate a design and construction of a wind tunnel for engineering laboratories in order to study the principles and control wind speeds in the wind tunnel. In an experiment in aerodynamics and engineering, we found that diffuser must have a length equal to or more than twice the length of the test in order to prevent the turbulent flow in the test area. The wind speed control system uses Inverter to control a 3-phase frequency of electricity supplied to air blower. In the experiment, the frequency was adjusted in the range from 20.00 to 50.00 Hz. Experiment results show that wind speeds during the test area are in the range of 14.50 to 38.50 meters per second, and the relationship between frequency (Y) and wind speed (X) during the test is linear as follows: Y = (0.7945 × (X-20)) + 14.629. The maximum pressure is 90.31 kilograms per square meter. This wind tunnel can be used to design buildings with a maximum height of 20 meters according to the Bangkok Metropolis Building Control (2001).
Detection and enumeration of the dangerous food borne pathogens in cooked food that causes food poisoning and infectious diseases
Authors: KongtunJanphuk Sumonthip
Published: August 2018

This research was aim to analyzed the detection and enumeration of the dangerous food borne pathogens in cooked food that causes food poisoning and infectious diseases from the restaurants surround area of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, THAILAND. Pot-stewed pork (Palow-Moo;PL) and Fried basil pork (Kapraw-Moo;PK) from five restaurants were collected and analyzed for food borne pathogens. The Analysis of bacterial contamination in that food by used to the methodology of Microbiology and diagnosis bacteria by Biochemistry methodology. The result were indicated that the cooked food from five restaurants contaminated with bacteria caused the risk of gastrointestinal disease as follows : PL dishes the microorganisms were founded between 1×105 to 3×108 colony/gram, MPN values in the ranges of Escherichia coli were infected < 3 to 64 and MPN values of Staphylococcus aureus < 3 to 43. There were founded Salmonella spp. 5 samples, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4 samples, Shigella spp. 4 samples, Bacillus cereus 2 samples, Proteus spp. 2 sample and Micrococcus spp. 1 sample. In the PK dished, the total number of bacteria were founded between 5×103 to 2×108colony/gram, MPN values in the range of E.coli and S.aureus were infected < 3 to 39 and < 3 to 28. The results showed that the cooked food from five restaurants are contaminated with bacterial caused food poisoning and the risk of gastrointestinal diarrhea at the different levels.
Indoor production of loose-leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) using artificial lights and cooling system in tropical lowland
Authors: Semilla Mary Grace , Agulto Ireneo , Espino Armando , Sicat Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

In the Philippines, crop production hindrances are climate change effects, typhoon occurrences, seasonal dependent cropping pattern and decreasing farm areas. There is a need to strategize farming technologies. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) has potential in addressing these issues. A farming set-up in controlled environment was developed using locally available materials, light emitting diodes (LED) as sole-source of light and cooling system for temperature manipulation. This study was conducted to benchmark temperature and light intensity requirements for growing loose-leaf lettuce in lowland tropics. Light intensities of 50, 100 and 150 μmol m-2 s-1 were tested under temperature settings of 25 °C and 18 °C. Carbon dioxide and relative humidity were maintained at recommended levels. In actual chamber condition, average day/night temperatures inside were 25.3±0.4/25.5±0.2 °C and 18.9±0.6/18.7±0.3 °C, for the first and second cycles, respectively, whereas, day/night temperatures outside chambers were 29.6±2/25.9±0.5 and 26.2±1/23.6±0.6 during the first and second cycles, respectively. Under two temperature settings, best yield per unit area was observed at required light intensity of 150 μmol m-2 s-1. No significant difference in productivity was observed under 25 °C and 18 °C. Also, no significant difference in productivity was observed between plants in two temperature settings and plants outside.
Effect of parameters on the morphology and fibre diameters of edible electrospun chitosan-cellulose acetate-gelatin hybrid nanofibres
Authors: Somsap Jaruayporn , Kanjanapongkul Kobsak , Tepsorn Racha
Published: August 2018

Electrospinning is the favorite process to fabricate fibres with diameter in the range nanoscale through the action of electric field. In this study, 3-7% chitosan, 18.0% cellulose acetate and 30.0% gelatin solution in aqueous 80% acetic acid solution were blended at the volume ratio of 4:1:5 have been successfully electrospun. The effect of processing parameters and the concentration of the polymer solution on the morphology and diameter of electrospun were investigated. The morphology and diameter of electrospun fibres were observed by scanning electron microscope. The diameters of chitosan-cellulose acetate-gelatin nanofibres ranging from 78.94 to 421.05 nm. The results showed that the fibre diameters increased when the solution concentration and flow rate were increased, whereas the fibre diameters decreased when the applied voltage and distance between tip to collector were increased. The conditions of the solution concentration 18.8 %wt, applied voltage at 23 kV, flow rate at 11.67 μL/min and collector distance at 10 cm were selected to prepares the desirable electrospun nanofibres for applications and the further research.
A CFD study on wall shear stress of falling water film on food contact surface
Authors: Suthanarak Nawaporn , Nunak Navaphattra
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a CFD model to simulate the wall shear stress of the falling water film on the hydrophilic surface (aluminum) of the inclined flat plate in the range of 30°, 60° and 90° at a flow rate of 100, 200 and 300 L/h. Wall shear stress simulated from the CFD using SST k-ω with the VOF model was compared with the real data obtained from the experiment. It was found that both inclined angle and water flow rate had an effect to the wall shear stress and the CFD with the proposed model had the potential to predict it with the maximum averaged error of 2.9%.
Feasibility study on using evaporator condensate to subcool refrigerant in a vapor-compression refrigeration system
Authors: Roonprasang Kiattisak , Sritham Eakasit
Published: August 2018

A computer simulation based on MATLAB was developed to investigate the effectiveness of using evaporator condensate to subcool refrigerants in a vapor-compression refrigeration system. Three different types of refrigerant including R22, R410a, and R134a were studied. The simulation clearly showed the effectiveness of the technique to subcool refrigerant using evaporator condensate. Throughout the RH range of surrounding in this study, 40%-100%RH, the vapor-compression model system using R22 as a refrigerant provided the highest COP linearly ranging from 3.40 to 3.76. The greatest improvement in COP was found in the model system with R410a where the COP values increased by 3.33% to 15.36.
Vibratory bed assisted infrared drying of parboiled rice and its rice bran stability
Authors: Vichaiya Pattarachai , Sripinyowanich Jongyingcharoen Jiraporn
Published: August 2018

The purposes of this research were divided into two parts: (1) to determine the drying characteristics and quality of parboiled paddy undergoing vibratory bed assisted infrared (VIR) drying, and (2) to study the stability of rice bran from the VIR-dried parboiled paddy. Infrared (IR) drying and hot air (HA) drying were applied for comparison purpose. For the experiment 1, VIR drying of parboiled paddy provided the best drying characteristics with the shortest drying time of 50 min and the maximum drying rate of 0.00146 g water/g dry matter·min. VIR drying also produced the greatest head rice yield of 61.3%. The experiment 2 presented that rice bran from VIR-dried parboiled paddy had the highest oil content of 0.256 ± 0.041 g/g dry matter and the most stable in term of minimum change in free fatty acid (FFA) content. The increase in FFA during storage for 14 days was 0.36%. However, the increases in FFA of rice bran from IR-and HA-dried parboiled rice and normal rice were 0.38, 1.36, and 4.10%, respectively.
Potential biodiesel production from palm oil, coconut oil and soybean oil for Thailand
Authors: Khwanpruk Somkiat , U-tapao Chalida
Published: August 2018

The government began subsidizing the use of B20 in large trucks on a voluntary basis beginning in 2016 and intends to implement the B10 requirement in 2018 for all diesel sales. However, policy makers in both the MOE and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) recently agreed that the mandatory biodiesel consumption plan for 2036 may be unattainable (given the strategy does not permit reliance on imports) and is therefore being reexamined. Despite an increase in harvested area, crude palm oil (CPO) production, the only feedstock used for biodiesel in Thailand, stagnated at 1.8-2.0 million from 2014-2016 due to unfavourable weather conditions. Thailand experiences a great economic and industrial development and is the second largest energy consumer in South East Asia. Being a net oil importer, Thai government has declared a renewable energy development programme in order to secure sustainable development and energy security. Thailand spends more than 10% of GDP for energy imports and transport sector accounts for 36% of total final energy consumption of which 50% is diesel. Diesel marks a huge impact on Thai economy.
Intrajejunale Levodopa- und Apomorphin-Infusion zur Therapie motorischer Komplikationen bei fortgeschrittener Parkinson-Krankheit
Authors: Antonini Angelo , Jost Wolfgang H.
Published: August 2018

Die Entwicklung motorischer Fluktuationen und Dyskinesien charakterisiert den Übergang vom frühen zum fortgeschrittenen Parkinson-Stadium. Aktuelle Strategien der oralen Therapie umfassen die stärkere Verteilung von Levodopa, ihre verlängerte Wirkdauer durch Gabe von Enzymblockern (MAO- und COMT-Hemmern) und Dopaminagonisten. Mit fortschreitender Krankheit wird die Motorik jedoch zunehmend abhängig von der Levodopa-Resorption und dessen Bioverfügbarkeit im Plasma, was schließlich zu motorischen Fluktuationen führt. Wenn Patienten nach der optimierten oralen Medikationsanpassung weiterhin funktionelle Einschränkungen bei den Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens haben, sollten Infusionstherapien mit Apomorphin oder Levodopa und operative Verfahren (Tiefe Hirnstimulation) in Betracht gezogen werden. Im Vergleich zur pulsatilen oralen Therapie kann durch die Infusion von Apomorphin oder Levodopa eine kontinuierlichere striatale Stimulation der Dopaminrezeptoren erzielt werden, was zu einer signifikanten Reduktion der off-Zeiten und Dyskinesien, insbesondere der peak-dose-Dyskinesien, führt. Langjährige Erfahrungen mit diesen Behandlungen zeigen bedauerlicherweise, dass die motorischen Komplikationen durch eine kontinuierliche Stimulation des Rezeptors nicht komplett reversibel sind, was darauf hindeutet, dass Veränderungen der synaptischen Plastizität und Konnektivität nicht einfach rückgängig gemacht werden können, nachdem sie erst einmal etabliert sind. Wünschenswert wäre ein Einsatz zu einem früheren Zeitpunkt, zu dem sich motorische Komplikationen erst entwickeln und nicht in einem späten Stadium, wenn diese schon ausgeprägt sind. Vorläufige Ergebnisse beim frühen Einsatz der Tiefen Hirnstimulation oder einer frühen Pumpenbehandlung legen nahe, dass dies erfolgsversprechend erscheint, aber bevor es in der klinischen Praxis implementiert wird, bedarf es auch einer detaillierten Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse.