bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous amplitude-modulated meta-fork gratings with zero-order extinction
Authors: Shan Xin , Li Zile , Deng Liangui , Dai Qi
Published: February 2020

Metasurfaces, acting as arrays of perfect nano-polarizers, provide a promising approach to manipulate the amplitude of an incident light at the sub-wavelength scale. In this Letter, we design and demonstrate continuous amplitude-modulated meta-fork gratings to generate optical vortex beams. More importantly, benefiting from the unique negative amplitude modulation, the unavoidable zero-order light that conventional amplitude-only elements always suffer disappears by carefully adjusting the orientation of each nanobrick. The dramatically dropped zero-order light with only 3% leakage energy verifies our design. With the advantages of continuous amplitude modulation, zero-order extinction, and super-high resolution, the proposed meta-fork grating will have a widespread application in integrated optical vortex manipulation and promote the emergence of many other amplitude-modulated nano-optical devices.
Subwavelength optical trapping and transporting using a Bloch mode
Authors: Wang Lin , Cao Yongyin , Shi Bojian , Li Hang , Feng Rui , Sun Fangkui , Lin Lih Y. , Ding Weiqiang
Published: February 2020

Multi-functional optical manipulations, including optical trapping and transporting of subwavelength particles, are proposed using the Bloch modes in a dielectric photonic structure. We show that the Bloch modes in a periodic structure can generate a series of subwavelength trapping wells that are addressable by tuning the incident wavelength. This feature enables efficient optical trapping and transportation in a peristaltic way. Since we are using the guiding Bloch mode in a dielectric structure, rather than using plasmonic or dielectric resonant cavities, these operations are wide band and free from joule loss. The Bloch mode in a simple periodic dielectric structure provides a new platform for multi-functional optical operations and may find potential applications in nanophotonics and biomedicine.
Criterion for optimizing high-power acousto-optically Q-switched self-Raman yellow lasers with repetition rates up to 500  kHz
Authors: Chen Y. F. , Chen K. Y. , Liu Y. C. , Chen C. M. , Tsou C. H. , Liang H. C.
Published: February 2020

The criterion for optimizing the high-power acousto-optically

Q

-switched self-Raman yellow laser is originally explored for the repetition rate within 100–500 kHz. The minimum allowed value for the gate-open time is experimentally verified to be determined by the pulse buildup time. By using the minimum allowed gate-open time, the highest conversion efficiency can be achieved to raise the output power by approximately 20% in comparison with the conventional results. At a repetition rate of 200 kHz, the maximum output power at 588 nm can be up to 8.8 W at an incident pump power of 26 W. Furthermore, a practical formula is developed to accurately calculate the threshold pump power as a function of the gate-open time for a given repetition rate.
Octave-spanning, continuous-wave supercontinuum generation with record power using standard telecom fibers pumped with power-combined fiber lasers: publisher’s note
Authors: Arun S. , Choudhury Vishal , Balaswamy V. , Supradeepa V. R.
Published: February 2020

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Opt. Lett.
45, 1172 (2020).OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.384690
Mid-infrared laser diodes epitaxially grown on on-axis (001) silicon
Authors: Rio Calvo Marta , Monge Bartolomé Laura , Bahriz Michaël , Boissier Guilhem , Cerutti Laurent , Rodriguez Jean-Baptiste , Tournié Eric
Published: February 2020

The direct epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductor lasers on standard,
CMOS-compatible, on-axis (001) Si substrates is actively sought for
the realization of active photonic integrated circuits. Here we report
on the first mid-infrared semiconductor laser epitaxially grown on
on-axis Si substrates, i.e., compatible with industry standards.
Furthermore, these GaSb-based laser diodes demonstrate low threshold
current density, low optical losses, high temperature operation, and
high characteristic temperatures. These results represent a
breakthrough toward the integration of semiconductor laser sources on
Si for smart sensors.
Continuum electron giving birth to terahertz emission
Authors: Zhang Kaixuan , Zhang Yizhu , Wang Xincheng , Yan Tian-Min , Jiang Y. H.
Published: February 2020

The origin of terahertz (THz) generation in a gas-phase medium is still in controversy, although the THz sources have been applied across many disciplines. Herein, the THz generation in a dual-color field is investigated experimentally by precisely controlling the relative phase and polarization of dual-color lasers, where the accompanying third-harmonic generation is employed for in situ determination of the relative phase up to sub-wavelength accuracy. Joint studies with the strong approximation (SFA) theory reveal that the continuum-continuum (CC) transition within an escaped electron wave packet in the single atom gives birth to THz emission, without the necessity of considering the plasma effect. Meanwhile, we develop the analytic form from SFA-based CC description, which is able to reproduce and decompose the classical photocurrent model from the viewpoint of microscopic quantum theory, establishing the quantum-classical correspondence and bringing a novel insight into the mechanism of THz generation. Present studies leave open the possibility for probing the ultrafast dynamics of continuum electrons and a new dimension for the study of THz-related science and methodology.
Laser trimming of the operating wavelength of silicon nitride racetrack resonators
Authors: De Paoli Greta , Jantzen Senta L. , Bucio Thalia Dominguez , Skandalos Ilias , Holmes Christopher , Smith Peter G. R. , Milosevic Milan M. , Gardes Frederic Y.
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate the possibility of post-fabrication trimming of the response of nitrogen-rich silicon nitride racetrack resonators by using an ultraviolet laser. The results revealed the possibility to efficiently tune the operating wavelength of fabricated racetrack resonators to any point within the full free spectral range. This process is much faster than similar, previously presented methods (in the order of seconds, compared to hours). This technique can also be applied to accurately trim the optical performance of any other silicon photonic device based on nitrogen-rich silicon nitride.
High-performance mid-wavelength InAs avalanche photodiode using AlAs0.13Sb0.87 as the multiplication layer
Authors: Huang Jianliang , Zhao Chengcheng , Nie Biying , Xie Shiyu , Kwan Dominic C. M. , Meng Xiao , Zhang Yanhua , Huffaker Diana L. , Ma Wenquan
Published: February 2020

We report on a high-performance mid-wavelength infrared avalanche photodetector (APD) with separate absorption and multiplication regions. InAs is used as the absorber material and high-bandgap

AlAs
0.13

Sb
0.87

is used as the multiplication material. At room temperature, the APD’s peak response wavelength is 3.27 μm, and the 50% cutoff wavelength is 3.5 μm. The avalanche gain reaches 13.1 and the responsivity is 8.09 A/W at 3.27 μm when the applied reverse bias voltage is 14.6 V. The measured peak detectivity

D

⋆

of the device is

2.05
×

10

9

  
cm
·

Hz

0.5

/
W

at 3.27 μm.
Forschung in Digitalen Innovationsprojekten – zwischen Praxistauglichkeit und wissenschaftlicher Relevanz
Authors: Scheplitz Tim , Benedict Martin , Schlieter Hannes , Kaczmarek Stefanie , Susky Marcel
Published: February 2020

Ergebnisse Digitaler Innovationsprojekte (DIP) sind zumeist neue Artefakte von Informationssystemen, welche stark an die Resultate gestaltungsorientierter Forschung erinnern – dem sogenannten Design Science. Dennoch halten die Erkenntnisse aus DIP der Praxis nicht hinreichend Einzug in die wissenschaftliche Gemeinschaft. So zum Beispiel im Gesundheitswesen. Hier werden zwar verstärkt DIP forciert, ihre zentralen Erkenntnisse zur erfolgreichen Gestaltung jedoch selten in die Community transportiert. Ebenso wenig haben sich abseits klassischer Publikationswege Standards zur Kommunikation von erarbeitetem Wissen etabliert. Explizites und implizites Wissen, als Projektresultate nebst der Innovation selbst, können für die Organisation und Durchführung von vergleichbaren Projekten von kritischer Bedeutung sein kann. Ihre Kommunikation und strukturierte Bereitstellung wurden bislang in der Wissenschaft wenig adressiert. Das Ziel dieses Beitrags ist daher einen Weg aufzuzeigen, wie Wissen aus DIP im Gesundheitswesen besser extrahiert und kommuniziert werden kann. Dazu wird ein bestehender Ansatz zur Systematisierung gestaltungsorientierter Forschungsprojekte, das Design Science Grid, in drei Fallstudien angewendet. Aus dieser Anwendung werden sieben verschiedene Typen von Wissen beschrieben, die aus DIP im Gesundheitswesen resultieren können. Für künftige Praxis-Forschungs-Projekte wird damit ein Weg zur Systematisierung von Ergebnissen aufgezeigt. Die gefundenen Wissenstypen können dabei als Ausgangspunkt einer Klassifizierung von zu erzielenden Kontributionen dienen.
British girls' comics: An interview with Wilf Prigmore
Authors: Round Julia
Published: February 2020

Writer and editor Wilf Prigmore worked at Fleetway/IPC in the 1970s. He was group editor for Girls' Adventure Comics, co-creator of Misty (1978–80) and editor of Tammy (1971–84), amongst many other roles. The following interview is taken from conversations with Wilf by telephone, e-mail and in person, between November 2016 and December 2019.
Evolución de episodios pluviométricos en la Demarcación Hidrográfica del Júcar (1989-2016): del recurso al riesgo
Authors: Camarasa-Belmonte Ana María , Rubio Vila María , Salas Rey Javier
Published: February 2020

Este trabajo aborda la clasificación y evolución diacrónica de los episodios de lluvia (1989-2016) en ambientes mediterráneos, en la Demarcación Hidrográfica del Júcar. En base a datos del SAIH, y siguiendo criterios hidrológicos, se seleccionan 698 episodios, que se caracterizan con indicadores de precipitación acumulada, intensidad y persistencia. Mediante un análisis cluster se identifican tres tipologías (episodios de recurso limitado, de gran recurso a largo plazo y de riesgo) y se analiza su evolución temporal, estableciendo diferencias entre los episodios de interior y de litoral. Los resultados muestran una tendencia hacia el incremento del riesgo en detrimento del recurso en los tres tipos, por descenso de los totales acumulados y aumento de las intensidades. Si bien la frecuencia anual de los eventos crece, la aportación de los de riesgo sube y la de los de recurso baja. Este comportamiento es más acusado en el interior que en la costa. Se apunta, además, un desplazamiento mensual de los tipos de episodios. Los que acumulan grandes totales se están trasladando de octubre a noviembre, donde pueden coincidir con los de riesgo que, a su vez, incrementan su probabilidad de ocurrencia. Esta sinergia entre sucesos copiosos e intensos supone un factor de riesgo añadido.
The role of state-owned commercial forests and firm features in nature-based tourism business performance
Authors: Kosenius Anna-Kaisa , Juutinen Artti , Tyrväinen Liisa
Published: February 2020

Nature-based tourism (NBT) is a growing industry within regions rich in natural amenities worldwide. An important feature of NBT business is the dependence on the quality of surrounding environment. This paper addresses the role of the management of commercial forests owned by the state in Finnish Lapland. The paper explores the NBT entrepreneursâ willingness to participate in a proposed new landscape and recreational value trading (LRVT) and elaborates the effect of entrepreneur and enterprise characteristics, such as entrepreneurial attitude, venture size, and a variety of services offered to customers, on the experienced and expected growth of NBT enterprise. The survey data on NBT enterprises were analyzed with ordered and binary logit models. The willingness of enterprises to participate in LRVT depended on the venture size, entrepreneurial attitude, and type of activities offered to customers. The results show that relatively young and small-sized enterprises have faced difficulties in developing their business. Entrepreneurial experience, risk-taking and intention to develop new business associate positively with expected increase in turnover.
Deep Eutectic Solvents Based Choline Chloride for Enzymatic Biodiesel Production from Degumming Palm Oil
Authors: Manurung R. , Taslim  , Siregar A.G.A.
Published: February 2020

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have numerous potential applications as cosolvents. In this study, use of DES as organic solvents for enzymatic biodiesel production from degumming palm oil (DPO) was investigated. Deep eutectic solvent was synthesized using choline chloride salt (ChCl) compounds with glycerol and 1,2-propanediol. Deep eutectic solvent was characterized by viscosity, density, pH and freezing values, which were tested for effectiveness by enzymatic reactions for the production of palm biodiesel with raw materials DPO. Deep eutectic solvent of ChCl and glycerol produced the highest biodiesel yield (98.98%); weight of DES was only 0.5 % of that of the oil. In addition, the use of DES maintained the activity and stability of novozym enzymes, which was assessed as the yield until the 6th usage, which was 95.07 % biodiesel yield compared with the yield without using DES. Hence, using DES, glycerol in enzymatic biodiesel production had high potentiality as an organic solvent for palm oil biodiesel production
Supported Ruthenium and Tetrapropylammonium Bromide
Catalysts for Oxidative Carboxylation of 1-Decene
Authors: Alsaiari Raiedhah A.
Published: February 2020

Cyclic carbonate compounds are valuable for a range of applications and can be synthesized by a one-pot reaction involving epoxidation of olefin followed by reaction of the epoxide with CO2. This study used supported ruthenium catalysts for the epoxidation step (first step), where a combination of tetrapropylammonium bromide and zinc bromide was used for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide. The supported ruthenium catalyst, prepared by a sol-immobilization method, allowed the effective epoxidation of 1-decene in air (using oxygen as the main oxidant) at 90 ºC in the presence of a catalytic quantity of radical initiator. This approach was applied to the one-pot multi-step oxidative carboxylation of 1-decene in the presence of 1 % Ru/support-Pr4NBr/ZnBr2 catalyst
Synthesis, Structural Investigations and Antimicrobial Activities of Homo Binuclear Complexes Derived from 2-Amino-4-chlorophenol
Authors: Savitha K. , Vedanayaki S.
Published: February 2020

Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) homo binuclear Schiff base metal complexes were synthesized from terephthalaldehyde and 2-amino-4-chlorophenol in methanol using template method. The structure of the ligand and its metal complexes were established by elemental, molar conductance, UV, magnetic moment, IR, 1H & 13C NMR, EPR, mass, thermal and PXRD. Molar conductance values showed that all complexes were non-electrolytic in nature. The IR spectral data provides the coordination of azomethine nitrogen and oxygen with central metal ion. UV, ESR and magnetic moment values suggest square planar geometry for Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes. TGA and DSC analysis data show the thermal stability of the ligand and its metal complexes. The crystalline nature of ligand and its metal complexes were investigated by powder-XRD. The DNA cleavage activities of all the complexes assayed on PUC18 DNA shows nuclease ability.
Microflower like Zinc Oxide/Cerium, Lanthanum Substituted Hydroxyapatite
Bilayer Coating on Surgical Grade Stainless Steel for Corrosion Resistance,
Antibacterial and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Sridevi C. , Karthikeyan P. , Dhivyapriya D. , Mitu L. , Maheswaran P. , Sathishkumar S.
Published: February 2020

The growing evidence of beneficial role of zinc in bone has increased the interest of developing zinc-containing biomaterials for medical applications and specifically biocompatible coatings that can be deposited on metallic implants to benefit from their load-bearing capabilities. In present work, zinc oxide/cerium, lanthanum substituted (ZnO/Ce,La-HAP) hydroxyapatite bilayer coatings have been fabricated by electrodeposition technique. As developed, ZnO/Ce,La-HAP bilayer coatings were
then structurally, morphologically and chemically characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), higher resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The properties of corrosion performance of 316L SS were explored in Ringers solution using electrochemical analysis. The potentiodynamic polarization and impedance analysis demonstrated that the anticorrosion behavior of 316L SS was significantly increased by the bilayer coating. Cell viability in vitro, antibacterial activity and live/dead assay of ZnO/Ce,La-HAP bilayer coating were investigated. Hence, development of ZnO/Ce,La-HAP bilayer coating on 316L SS to make it suitable for biomedical applications.
Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel
Imidazopyridine Analogues as Proton Pump Antagonist
Authors: Sonawane Ravindra S. , Patil Kiran D. , Patil Avinash V.
Published: February 2020

A series of novel imidazopyridine derivatives as proton pump inhibitors was designed with compounds of CID data base and explored considering AZD0865 as standard. Many compounds were identified and docked in proton pump ATPase pocket (PDB ID: 4ux2). Molecular docking studies revealed that many compounds showed good proton pump ATPase inhibitory activity. The docking poses revealed the interaction of ligands with amino acid. The standard drug AZD0865 had docking score of -7.112302 and displayed interactions with Asn138 and Asp137. A series of novel imidazopyridine derivatives as
proton pump inhibitors were docked, synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR, CHN and MS spectral analysis. The target imidazopyridines were prepared from substituted 2-aminonicotinic acid and 2-bromo-1-substituted ethanone. in vitro Studies explained that few compounds exhibited moderate to good proton pump ATPase inhibitory activity in comparison with the reference drugs i.e. AZD0865. Compounds 11 and 12 shown higher activities with the IC50 4.3. Compounds 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13 showed weak anti-ulcer activity with its IC50 5.2, 5.8, 5.5, 5.1, 4.9, 4.6 and 5.9 and positive control AZD0865 shown IC50 2.0.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 2-(5-(5-(4-Substituted phenyl)-2-(5-methoxy-
2H-chromen-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)alkyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-
1,3(2H)-dione Derivatives and their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Ashok D. , Ramakrishna K. , Nagaraju Nalaparaju. , Dharavath Ravinder , Reddy M. Ram , Sarasija M.
Published: February 2020

A method for the synthesis of several imidazoles containing isoquinoline scaffolds under conventional and microwave irradiation methods. In the microwave irradiation method gives higher yields with in shorter reaction time as compared to conventional heating method, using green solvents and eco-friendly reaction conditions. All the synthesized derivatives were characterized by IR, NMR and Mass spectral analysis. Furthermore, the title compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia as well as fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum. The compounds 8a, 8d, 8e and 8h exhibited better antimicrobial activity against all organisms.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Corrosion Behaviour of Maraging Steel in 1 M HCl in Presence of 5-Methyl-4-[(E)-(thiophen-2-ylmethylidene)amino]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol
Authors: Mary R.N. , Nazareth R. , Murthy P. Krishna , Suchetan P.A.
Published: February 2020

The inhibitory action of a synthesized Schiff base (5-methyl-4-[(E)-(thiophen-2-ylmethylidene)amino]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol) [MTATT] on the corrosion behaviour of maraging steel in 1 M HCl was investigated by electrochemical techniques like Tafel polarization studies and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. According to experimental data, inhibition efficiency increased with increase in temperature and concentration of the inhibitor where MTATT acts as a mixed type inhibitor. The mode of inhibitor adsorption on maraging steel follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The calculated thermodynamic and activation parameters suggested chemisorption mode of inhibitor adsorption. Scanning electron microscope technology with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) studies confirmed the adsorption of inhibitor molecule on the surface of maraging steel. Several global reactivity parameters were calculated using DFT method at B3LYP/6-311++(d,p) basis set. Theoretical calculations are in good concurrence with the experimental results.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) Ions using Activated Carbon Produced from Indian Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Peel Powder
Authors: Singh Maninder , Tiwari D. P. , Bhagat Mamta
Published: February 2020

The indiscriminate discharge of heavy metals into water and soil from anthropogenic practices is becoming prominent threat to the environment. Heavy metals like chromium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, nickel etc. are heavily toxic and carcinogenic in nature. This study emphasizes the adequacy of activated water chest nut (Trapa natans) peel powder as a new adsorbent material for removal of chromium(VI) metal ions. Adsorption experiments were performed in batch process. Various process parameters like contact time, temperature, solution pH, dose of adsorbent, metal ion concentration etc. were optimized. The physico-chemical properties of adsorbent material were characterized by FTIR and XRD. The morphology, topology of adsorbent surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) which revealed a highly porous structure and available specific surface area. The adsorption capacity (maximum) was counted as 59.17 mg/g and specific surface area was found 23.467 m2/g at a pH 7. The adsorption process for Cr(VI) ions was in a good agreement with Langmuir isotherm. The process also followed pseudo second order kinetics. The obtained result shows that activated water chest nut (Trapa natans) peel powder (AWCPP) can be a hopeful low-cost and eco-friendly bio-adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) metal ions and also better adsorbent than other various reported adsorbents.
Synthesis, Anti-inflammatory Activity and in silico Studies of Some Novel Morpholine Based Carboxamides
Authors: Honavar Premanand M. , Kumar Vasantha , Nikhil P. , Kumar Naveen , Sreenivasa S. , Vishwanatha P. , Poojary Boja , Holla B. Shivarama
Published: February 2020

Two series of carboxamides were synthesized from 3-fluoro-4-morpholinoaniline and different substituted aromatic/heterocyclic carboxylic acids. All the compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral data. The newly synthesized amide derivatives were screened for anti-inflammatory activity by following carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. Among the compounds screened, compound 6e was found to be highly potent. Molecular docking interaction of active compounds revealed that effective binding was observed in the pocket of COX-I and COX-II proteins.
Phosphorus and Nitrogen Status in the Terengganu River Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Hee Y.Y. , Suratman S.
Published: February 2020

This study has been carried out in the Terengganu River basin, southern South China Sea (Malaysia), to determine the concentrations of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) based nutrients and their possible sources. The dissolved inorganic nutrients in this river were found to be related to land use, where higher concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients were recorded at the stations near to the agricultural activities and urban areas. In contrast, dissolved organic and particulate forms of P and N were generally higher in the largely undisturbed part of the upstream, suggesting that these forms of nutrients can originate from dead organic matter and living organisms, excretion of waste by animals, soil runoff and sewage discharge. When comparing with other selected rivers in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu river basin showed a relatively higher concentration of P- and N-based nutrients, probably because of the fact that the river had received high impacts of anthropogenic activities. Therefore, a regular monitoring program in this basin is important in order to capture the impact of increasing population densities, land-use changes and social-economic development to the river, which has important implications for the sustainability of Terengganu as well as of Malaysian economy.
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc
Oxide Nanoparticles on Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Akash S. , Ahalya N. , Dhamodhar P.
Published: February 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using epicarp of Punica granatum by combustion method at moderate temperatures. Zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained in agglomerate form were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD) and found to have hexagonal phase, wurtzite structure. The crystalline size of nanoparticle was found to be ~ 60 nm by using Debye-Scherrer formula. The morphology Index, Lorentz factor and Lorentz polarization factor were also calculated. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) spectrum for ZnO nanoparticle showed a strong absorbance
at 374 nm. This corresponds to the calculated band gap energy of 3.48 eV and the particle size calculated using band gap was found to be 50 nm. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum showed a peak at 499 cm-1, which indicated Zn-O stretch bond. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis proved the size of nanoparticles synthesized were around 50 nm and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the elemental composition of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The ZnO-NPs were evaluated for antibacterial activity against gram positive, tonsillitis causing Streptococcus pyogenes. From the present study, it was concluded that zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by combustion method could be valuable and economic in the field of nanotechnology.
An Efficient and Green Synthesis of Fluorine Containing
Benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-ones and Evaluation of their Anticancer Activity
Authors: Sumalatha J. , Sreedevi A. , Rani C. Radha
Published: February 2020

A facile and an efficient procedure has been developed by one-pot condensation of naphthalene-diols, fluoro substituted benzaldehydes and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds for the synthesis of fluorine containing benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-ones under the catalyst and solvent-free conditions. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR (1H & 13C) and mass spectrometry. Several advantages offer the present approach, such as, shorter reaction time, low cost, anticipation of toxic solvents and catalyst, higher yield of products and durability of substrate range. On the other hand, anticancer activity was also performed for the title compounds which demonstrated a significant activity on selected cancer cell lines.
Design, Synthesis and in vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of New Fluorinated Ionic Salt
(S)-(+)-2,3-Dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione as
Strategies for Improving Anticonvulsant Activity
Authors: Natchimuthu V. , Ravi S. , Ramalingam Murugan , Renuga V.
Published: February 2020

The reaction of (S)-(+)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione (1) with 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (2, C8H5F3O2) in dimethylformamide leads to the formation of C8H5F3O2 (1) as a classical ionic salt 3. The structure of new compound has been characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS spectroscopy. The new compound was tested for in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation by MTT assay against breast adenocarcinoma cell line of MCF-7 cells. A new compound 3 (IC50:199 μM) emerged as minimal toxic when compared to clinical drugs carbamazepine, topiramate and benzodiazepine. A preliminary study of structure activity relationship revealed that the incorporation of fluoro or trifluoromethyl moiety into the compound, even through ionic bond formation, had a great effect on the biological activity and with less toxicity or side effects.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Some Novel Quinoline based Chalcones as
Potent Antimalarial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Peerzade Nargisbano A. , Jadhav Shravan Y. , Bhosale Raghunath B.
Published: February 2020

The objective of the present study was to synthesize a series of some novel quinoline based methoxy substituted chalcones and to evaluate their in vitro antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic activitites. The quinoline based chalcones was synthesized by condensation of 2-chloro-3-formyl qunoline with various methoxy substituted acetophenone in presence of NaOH. The Claisen-Schmidt condensation gave high yield of quinoline based chalcones. Synthesis of 2-chloro-3-formyl quinoline was carried out by Vilsmeir-Haack reaction on acetanilide and 4-methoxy acetanilide which on cyclization along with formylation give corresponding 2-chloro-3-formyl
quinoline. The synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxiadant and antidiabetic activities. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1f and 1h showed highest antimalarial activity even more than standard chloroquine diphosphate. Compound 1a showed excellent activity whereas 1c and 1d showed potent anti-inflammatory activity as compared to standard diclofenac. On
the other hand, compounds 1a and 1g showed excellent antioxidant activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical while compound 1a showed highest inhibition of nitic oxide free radical (NO•) and compound 1h showed highest inhibition for super oxide radical (SOR) as well as highest antidiabetic activity as compared to standard acarbose. All quinolne based chalcones were synthesized in good yields and showed potential biological activities hence they may be helpful for the designing of new drugs.
Synthesis, Characterization & Antimicrobial Activities of New Isoxazole
Substituted Mannich and Schiff Bases of 5-Nitroisatin Analogs
Authors: Jithendra Ch. , Saravanan G. , Alagarsamy V. , Panneerselvam T. , Selvaraj K. , Parasuraman P.
Published: February 2020

A sequence of new isoxazole substituted Schiff base and Mannich base of 5-nitroisatin are synthesized by a multi-step synthesis from 5-nitroisatin. Whole synthesized analogs were characterized using IR, NMR, Mass spectroscopy and microanalyses. All the Schiff and Mannich bases were tested for their antimicrobial potencies against some human pathogenic microorganism using agar well diffusion technique. The relationship between the biological activity and the functional group variation of the Schiff and Mannich bases were analyzed. Standard ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole were used to compare the antimicrobial activities of novel isatin coupled isoxazole derivatives.
Pilot Study: Impact of a Gluten-Free Diet on Symptoms and Severity of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Campolina Ana Carolina Garcia de las Ballonas , Resende Cristina Maria Mendes , Leocádio Paola Caroline Lacerda , Freire Rachel Horta , Silva Melissa Tainan , Fonseca Luana Moreira , Andrade Karine Silva de , Rodrigo Luis , Ribeiro Aloisio Joaquim F. , Cara Denise Carmona , Alvarez-Leite Jacqueline Isaura
Published: February 2020

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition of chronic and widespread pain, with several associated symptoms. Previous studies suggested that gluten could influence the severity and frequency of FM symptoms. This work aimed to assess the impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in the symptoms and severity of this disease. Fourteen patients with previous FM diagnosis were kept on a gluten-free diet for eight weeks (Phase 1). After that, they were held on the gluten-free diet and received capsules of isolated rice protein (placebo) for seven days, followed by capsules containing 8.4g/day vital gluten for additional seven days (Phase 2). Questionnaires evaluating the number and severity of FM symptoms, the impact of FM on daily routine as well as inflammatory blood markers were assessed in each phase. Results showed that after eight weeks of GFD, we observed a reduction in the impact of FM on daily routine and number of symptoms and sensitive points. However, a seven days challenge with 8.4g of gluten did not worsen these symptoms or the inflammatory markers compared with the placebo challenge. We concluded that the gluten-free diet was associated with the attenuation of main symptoms and improvement of life quality in FM patients. Nonetheless, gluten challenge had no impact on those parameters, suggesting that gluten is not the major dietary component responsible for these improvements. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between gluten intake and fibromyalgia.
The Follicular Benignancy- Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma
Authors: Bajaj Anubha
Published: February 2020

Trichoepithelioma is a benign, cutaneous neoplasm originating from the hair follicle and is categorized into singular trichoepithelioma, multiple trichoepithelioma and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma wherein desmoplastic trichoepithelioma is cogitated as an exceptional, cutaneous adnexal tumour. Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma was initially scripted by Hartzell in 1904 wherein the lesion was described as a benign, cystic epithelioma. Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma can be additionally nomenclated as epithelioma adenoides cysticum, morphea - like epithelioma or sclerosing epithelial hamartoma 1. Familial instances of desmoplastic trichoepithelioma are infrequent and can be misdiagnosed on account of adjunctive benign, cutaneous, adnexal neoplasms depicting subtle clinical features, excepting a nodular basal cell carcinoma. Cogent clinical and histological features can assist the diagnosis of desmoplastic trichoepithelioma 1, 2.
INFLUENCE OF NANOSILICA AND MICROSILICA ON PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Authors: Priyadarshana Thushara , Dissanayake Ranjith
Published: February 2020

In this study, supplementary cementing materials (SCM), such as nanosilica and microsilica, have been evaluated for optimal levels of replacement as a blending material in cement. The physical and chemical properties of these materials were first analyzed, then the properties of neat samples, mortar samples, and concrete samples were investigated. Mainly this study focused on the workability and compressive strength with different mixes at different ages of neat, mortar and concrete mixes. Test results obtained in this study indicate that up to 5% nanosilica and 10% of microsilica could be advantageously blended with cement without adversely affecting the strength. However, optimum levels of these materials are 1-3% of nanosilica and 3-8% of microsilica when we consider the strength of concrete.
THE EFFECT OF RESIDUAL STRESSES IN FILLET WELDS ON THE FATIGUE BEHAVIOR: A LEFM APPROACH
Authors: Nagy Wim , De Backer Hans , Van Bogaert Philippe
Published: February 2020

Residual stresses are present in many civil structures due to manufacturing actions causing plastic deformations. Nevertheless, these stresses are not often taken into account when considering the design of these structures, especially when assessing fatigue problems. This remains true for orthotropic steel bridge decks. Due to their many complex welding details, these decks are sensitive to fatigue. To increase the understanding of the fatigue behavior of welded details, an improved analyzing tool using linear elastic fracture mechanics is proposed in this paper. Apart from the fatigue life of the weld detail, the crack propagation and crack growth direction are also evaluated with an XFEM model. Application of this method to the case of the orthotropic steel Temse Bridge in Belgium results in crack propagation very similar to reality. It also demonstrates that the fatigue calculations need to include residual stresses to comply with the real behavior of crack propagation.
COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCY BETWEEN STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS FOR COMPLEX-SHAPED TALL BUILDINGS
Authors: Moon Kyoung Sun
Published: February 2020

This paper presents various structural system design options for complex-shaped tall buildings—such as twisted, tilted, and freeform tall buildings—and evaluates their comparative structural efficiency. For each complex form category, tall buildings are designed with different contemporary tall building structural systems, e.g., diagrids, braced tubes, and outrigger systems. Comparative structural efficiency between these systems in conjunction with building forms and height is studied. The heights of the studied buildings range from 60 to 100 stories, and the corresponding height-to-width aspect ratios range from 6.5 to 10.8. Parametric structural models are generated with Rhino/Grasshopper to investigate the impacts of various important geometric configurations of complex-shaped tall buildings, such as the rate of twist, angle of tilt, and degree of fluctuation of free form. The parametric models are exported to structural engineering software SAP2000 for analyses and design. Based on the study results, comparative structural efficiency between different structural systems of each complex form category is presented.
THE BEHAVIOR OF REINFORCED-CONCRETE DEEP BEAMS WITH WEB OPENINGS UNDER REPEATED LOADS
Authors: Abdul Khuder Mohamad-Ali Anis , Hilo Ali Abbas
Published: February 2020

The objective of the work is to investigate the structural behavior of reinforced-concrete flanged deep beams with web openings, particularly in regards to the web reinforcement effect. This paper reports on experimental work on five test specimens, with square openings 25% of web depth at mid-height, through a critical shear path, subjected to repeated loading on simply-supported T-beams with two-point loads. Results showed that increasing the ratio of reinforcement of web increased the cracking and ultimate load, while increasing the vertical and horizontal reinforcement of web gives better results. Thus an inclined reinforcing of web gives higher ultimate load.
SHEAR REPAIRED RC BEAM BY FRP BONDING WITH EXTERNAL POST-TENSIONING
Authors: Choudhury Rumana , Suntharavaivel T.G. , Mandal Nirmal
Published: February 2020

Various factors, including increase in traffic volume and weight, structural aging, and environmental impact, cause damage in structural members. This raises the importance of the maintenance, rehabilitation, and strengthening of reinforced concrete members. External post-tensioning is one of the widely-used strengthening techniques in many countries due to its advantages over other strengthening methods. Although flexural strengthening of existing structural members is a well-established method, shear strengthening of structural members, especially with existing shear cracks, has attained very little attention from researchers. Similarly, external fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bonding for shear strengthening of structural members, especially with existing shear cracks, is a relatively new area of research. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the shear strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with existing shear cracks by external post-tensioning and external FRP bonding. The test result showed that the combined strengthening technique of external post-tensioning and external FRP bonding can effectively increase the shear capacity of RC beams with existing shear cracks.
SEISMIC EVALUATION OF CODE DESIGNED STEEL PLATE SHEAR WALLS UNDER MAINSHOCK-AFTERSHOCK EARTHQUAKE SEQUENCES
Authors: Favretto Nik , Chen Cheng
Published: February 2020

Structures are often subjected to sequences of mainshock and aftershocks during their service life. Strong aftershocks have been known to cause extensive structural damage and losses of human lives in addition to the damage and losses of the mainshock. Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) have recently attracted considerable interest as a promising lateral-resisting system in seismic-prone regions. The SPSWs consist of steel beams and columns with a thin infill steel plate. The unstiffened thin plates are expected to buckle at low seismic loads and develop tension field action that enables favorable ductility and energy dissipation. The American Institute of Steel Construction's Seismic Provisions prescribe a capacity-based design methodology that uses SPSWs as primary seismic force resisting systems, and require the design of SPSWs to be consistent with the design requirements for other ductile steel seismic force resisting systems. This paper presents numerical analysis of a code-designed eight-story SPSW building that was subjected to consecutive mainshock-aftershock earthquake events. Ground motions developed for the SAC project were selected and scaled to simulate the main shock events at maximum considered earthquake (MCE) level, and large aftershocks events at design base earthquake (DBE) level. Nonlinear response history analysis using the finite element program OpenSees were conducted to investigate the performance of the code designed SPSWs. It was demonstrated that the designed SPSW has good performance under mainshock-aftershock sequences.
LOCAL EFFECTS OF TRUSS NODE FORCES ON SHEAR CONNECTION IN COMPOSITE TRUSS BEAMS
Authors: Machacek Josef , Charvat Martin
Published: February 2020

Design of composite steel and concrete truss girders is discussed, with an emphasis on longitudinal connection of the steel truss and a concrete slab. While a strongly non-uniform distribution of longitudinal shear due to localized force transfer in truss nodes occurs in elastic stages of early loadings, the plastic redistribution follows up to collapse. The former is of primary interest in the design of bridges, class 3 and 4 cross sections, non-ductile shear connection, and serviceability limit states in general. This research clears up the distribution in elastic phases and the process of plastic redistribution by using data of real bridge structures. Wide parametric studies provide insight into important parameters influencing the distribution, such as rigidities of shear connection, rigidities of steel chord and concrete slab, concentration of shear connectors above truss nodes, influence of temperature effects, shrinkage and creep. Design according to Eurocode 4 is discussed together with common procedures used by designers, referring to rather improper/conservative solutions. The necessity of densification of shear connectors above truss nodes is discussed in detail and suggestions for an iteration analysis for reasonable connection design is proposed.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FALL PROTECTION DURING BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT WORKS ON FRP INSPECTION PLATFORM
Authors: Ohdo Katsutoshi , Hino Yasumichi , Takahashi Hiroki
Published: February 2020

Accidents from falls are a serious problem in the construction industry in Japan, where approximately 40% of fatal construction accidents are caused by falls. FRP inspection platforms are used for fall protection during bridge maintenance and management works. These structural elements are usually set on the side of an abutment for the inspection of the joint located between the abutment and a bridge girder. The hook of a safety belt is then fastened onto the guardrail of a platform when work is executed at a high location. Nevertheless, the degree of platform safety remains uncertain because of the properties of the FRP platform. In this study, therefore, the safety of a platform was experimentally confirmed through the use of 75-and 85-kg sandbags and a 100-kg human dummy. Results show that platform safety improved, as indicated by the sandbags remaining firmly attached to the hook latched onto a platform railing when they were dropped during the experiment.
ICT BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTING BIM IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Saha Swapan , King Craig
Published: February 2020

Advances in Information Communication Technology (ICT) have led to the development of more advanced computer management systems in the Australian construction industry, including Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is an ICT-enabled approach involving digital representations of building elements and information related to different phases of the building lifecycle, and is used to provide shared information and to form a reliable basis for decision making. Pilot projects and research papers have verified many claims about BIM, and prove a viable economic case, yet uptake of the technology still remains low. A literature review revealed three key productivity gains experienced by BIM use on a construction project: accuracy, communication and time/performance. Four ICT barriers to its implementation were identified as interoperability, funding and resource cost, cultural barriers and perceived risk, and security and protection. Findings on research done on these barriers in Australia reveal that many companies see the benefits for BIM, but believe other disciplines and the client should implement the model. Construction professionals usually work within their field of expertise, with limited interaction with other disciplines, even though many issues on work sites require collaboration from multiple disciplines. A common medium of communication, provided by BIM systems, will achieve this integrated building approach. This paper finds that ICT barriers prevent the Australian construction industry from taking full advantage of potential productivity gains proven in BIM.
AN AGENT-BASED APPROACH FOR MODELING THE EFFECT OF LEARNING CURVE ON LABOR PRODUCTIVITY BRIDGES
Authors: Shehwaro H. , Zankoul E. , Khoury H.
Published: February 2020

The labor-intensive nature of construction projects requires proper management and efficient utilization of labor resources. Improvement of labor productivity can enhance project performance and thereby lead to substantial time and cost savings. Several studies focused on identifying the effect of different factors on labor productivity, whereby the learning curve factor proved of paramount importance. Although previous research efforts developed models to represent the learning curve effect using traditional simulation approaches such as System Dynamics (SD) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES), none of these studies used Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) techniques. This study takes the initial steps and presents work targeted at analyzing the effect of learning on labor productivity using ABM. Based on ABM, a construction site can be modeled as an active environment in which agents interact with each other and their surroundings thereby creating an adaptive environment open for learning and improvement. The solution to the problem is described in details using a simulation model developed in AnyLogic 7 (Educational Version). The components of the proposed model have been created and preliminary results highlighted the potential of using the agent-based modeling paradigm to simulate the effect of learning on labor productivity in the construction industry