bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened Using GFRP Sheet after Fatigue Loading for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Djamaluddin Rudy , Irmawaty Rita , Tata Arbain
Published: May 2016

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) has been applied not only for the simple structures but also for the advanced structures such as bridges or highway bridges for sustainable construction. In case of bridges or highway bridges, the structures experience not only static loadings but also fatigue loadings that may limited the serviceability of the bridge structures. In order to extend of the application of FRP on the such bridge structures to have a sustainable structures, the flexural capacity due to fatigue loading should be clarified. Glass composed FRP sheet namely Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP) is most commonly used due to its relatively lower cost compared to the other FRP materials. GFRP sheet is applied externally by bonding it on the concrete surface. Many studies have been done to investigate the flexural capacity of concrete beams strengthened using GFRP sheets. However, studies on the flexural capacity after fatigue loadings are still very rarely. This study presented the results of experimental investigation on the flexural capacity of the strengthened concrete beams after fatigue loadings. A series of concrete beams strengthened with GFRP sheet on extreme tension surface were prepared. Results indicated that after 800000 time of load cycle, the flexural capacity of beams specimens may decrease to only approximately 60%. The beam failed due to delaminating of GFRP sheet.
One-Third Sub-Harmonic Resonance Analysis for the Up-Going Strip Emerging from the Zinc Pot
Authors: Hui Sheng , Zhang Hai Juan , Ma Jian , Xu Pei Min
Published: May 2016

The transverse vibration should be controlled of the up-going strip emerging from the zinc pot of hot-dip galvanizing line because it directly affects the quality of zinc coating. In this paper, the up-going strip is separated from the whole hybrid system at the point where the system is away from the modal transition point in the parameter space. The dynamic equations and boundary conditions of the up-going strip are established. The Galerkin method is used to discretize the partial differential equations. One-third sub-harmonic resonance of the steel strip is explored by multiple scale method for different incentive amplitudes under different strip speed. The result shows that: there is a critical strip speed, above which one-third sub-harmonic resonance occurs. In the actual production process, the strip speed should be adjusted properly in order to avoid one-third sub-harmonic resonance.
Optimization of Electrostatic Atomization Cutting Using 3D FE Simulation of Electrostatic Field
Authors: Su Yu , Gong Le , Cao Hui , Chen Dan Dan
Published: May 2016

Compared with minimal quantity lubrication (MQL), electrostatic atomization can control the movement of mist droplets by changing the electrostatic field, thus reducing the drift of mist droplets in air. This paper first proposes the concept of electrostatic atomization cutting, and then develops a 3D FE model of electrostatic field for electrostatic atomization cutting using a commercial software Ansoft Maxwell. By simulation, the influence of nozzle angle, structure, and electrode gap and voltage on electric field intensity is investigated. Based on simulation results, the optimal nozzle angle and structure are obtained for electrostatic atomization cutting. The findings contribute to further development of this technique.
Research of Multi-Sensor Data Fusion Based on Binocular Vision Sensor and Laser Range Sensor
Authors: Wang Qi Long , Li Jian Yong , Shen Hai Kuo , Song Teng Teng , Ma Yan Xuan
Published: May 2016

The system of binocular vision sensor was used in the air-to-air close air target positioning in the paper. Due to the limitation of model itself, the measurement accuracy along the direction of optical axis is far lower than the accuracy of vertical direction. In order to improve the measurement accuracy of the optical axis, the paper put forward to using laser range sensor to cooperate with binocular vision sensor; Then the paper proposed adopts adaptive weighted fusion algorithm of multi-sensor information fusion to improve the utilization efficiency of multi-sensor information and to make the results accurately; Finally, the parameters of the system were calibration respectively and experiment is simulated, experimental results show that the position system is feasibility and effectiveness.
Time-Domain Fault Diagnosis Method of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Based Improved Dynamic Time Wraping
Authors: Shang Zhi Wu , Liu Zhen Wu , Li Ya Feng , Wang Tai Yong
Published: May 2016

Dynamic time warping used in speech recognition widely was migrated to fault feature extraction and diagnosis in time domain. Integration of phase compensation, slope weighted, derivative, sliding window connection, fast dynamic time planning method is applied to dynamic time warping method. And a new method of time-domain signal feature extraction and fault diagnostic based on improved dynamic time warping method of mechanical and electrical equipment was proposed. Identification and localization of fault signal characteristics may be done by improving dynamic time warping method to obtain a residual signal sequences with fault characterized sidebands and selecting the statistical characteristic parameters such as peak, RMS, kurtosis spectrum to complete identification and localization of fault signal characteristics. New time-domain fault trend prediction method of mechanical and electrical equipment was established based on new statistical parameter Thikat. A new idea and target was provided for fault diagnosis of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Development of Portable Fault Diagnosis System Based on SR
Authors: Zhang Pan , Wang Peng , Jin Lu Yang , Wang Yu Long
Published: May 2016

It is the hotpot to study the application of stochastic resonance (SR) in the field of mechanical fault diagnosis. The fault diagnosis system based on SR was developed, using “ARM+DSP” dual-core structure as hardware and embedded system as software, implemented signal acquisition, data storage, data analysis, waveform display and so on. The SR was adopted as characteristic quantity to analyze vibration signals for fault diagnosis. The experiment results showed that the function of portable fault diagnosis instrument is stable. It has veracity and validity.
Design of Electrolytic Strengthening Machine for Cutting Edge of Cutter
Authors: Guo Yi Zhuo , Yan Xian Guo , Li Shu Juan , Guo Hong
Published: May 2016

Many studies have proved the service life of cutter can be prolonged by electrolytic strengthening. Based on the theory of electrolytic strengthening technology, this paper introduced and developed prototype equipment for strengthening cutting edge of rotary cutter and put forward a calculation method of total electric quantity consumption during the electrolysis suitable for microcontroller. The M8 high-speed steel tap is taken as a strengthening example. After finished the strengthening process that it clearly see the results of the surface of tap was obviously polished by observing the micrograph. This equipment improves the reliability of electrolytic strengthening and the cost is relatively cheap.
System Design and Experiments of Tool Setting Detection in Micro-Electrochemical Machining Based on LabVIEW
Authors: Dong P.Y. , Li Zhi Yong , Cui Hong Bin , Sun J.J.
Published: May 2016

The initial gap in electrochemical machining (ECM) is a significant affection parameter for ECM process and machining stability. A tool setting detection system based on LabVIEW technology has been designed to realize the rapid and accurate pinpoint between two electrodes since the initial gap of micro-ECM is usually only a few microns to tens of microns. The system can not only efficiently complete tool setting detection in micro-ECM, but also real-time monitor the change of processing current. 120 comparative experiments have been conducted to evaluate the erosion amount of workpiece material, the reliability, repeatability and positioning accuracy of micro-ECM process in the conditions of wet tool setting compared with dry tool setting. The experimental results have shown that adopting the tool setting detection system designed in this paper, the erosion rates of cathode and anode after 120 repeated wet tool setting experiments were only 0.21% and 0.02%, the positioning accuracy and repeatability can completely meet the requirements of tool setting in micro-ECM, and greatly improve the efficiency of the micro-ECM.
A New 3D Wax Printer and its Control System
Authors: Sun Jian , Wang Tai Yong , Li Hong Bin , Song Zhi Hui , Tian Wei
Published: May 2016

The paper introduces a new 3D wax printer, including its technical proposal, integral structure and control system. The raw material of this 3D printer is a mixture which is composed by wax, cyclohexane and alcohol. Raw material is transmitted to nozzle by a transmission device. The raw material which is squeezed out from nozzle deposits into product on the working platform. The paper also introduces the motion control of motor which is the hardcore of control system.
Design and Analysis of the End-Effector of the Flexible Polishing Robot
Authors: Tang Jie , Wang Tao , Yan Zhi Qi , Wang Li Wen
Published: May 2016

The continuous growth of labor Cost, Study on the flexible robotic polishing systems has important realistic meanings. In this paper, After fully understanding the requirements of designing polishing tool based on polishing technology, a robot end-effector polishing tool held by the arm of robot is designed, and the establishment of a dynamic model and the equations of motion dynamics, which to provide technical support and theoretical basis for further development and optimization of flexible robotic polishing systems.
Temperature Modeling Analysis for Milling of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Sui Shao Chun , Feng Ping Fa , Mou Wen Ping
Published: May 2016

Titanium alloy is finding increased application in aeronautical, automobile and structural applications. During post processing of titanium alloy, milling is one of the mostly used machining processes. In this study, the relationship between temperature and milling parameters was developed by response surface methodology (RSM), and a temperature model for milling titanium alloy is proposed. The model is found to be adequate through ANOVA. The result indicates that the increase in cutting speed and feed rate increases the temperature. The radial depth of cut and depth of cut do not show a general trend on temperature in milling of titanium alloy.
Effect of Loading Amount of Glucose Precursor on Mesoporous Carbon Surface Area for Supercapacitor Electrode Application
Authors: Md Jamil Farinaa , Sulaiman Mohd Ali , Ibrahim Suhaina Mohd , Masrom Abdul Kadir , Yahya Muhd Zu Azhan
Published: May 2016

Effect of glucose loading on the synthesis mesoporous carbon had been studied using hard template method where mesoporous silica SBA-15 was used as a template. To obtain a large pore of mesoporous carbon sample, a large pore of silica template was used. A series of mesoporous carbon sample was synthesized by loading different amounts of glucose (2.5g, 5.0g and 10.0g) as a carbon precursor to ensure that the template was fully impregnated with precursor. After treatment process, the surface area of carbon samples were measured with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and it shows that higher amount of glucose gives higher surface area due to the large pore of the template used. The samples then were tested with cyclic voltammetry technique at different scan rates (10, 20, 30 and 50 mVs-1) in 6M KOH electrolyte. It reveals that higher surface area samples show a higher specific capacitance with 119 F/g at slow scan rate 10 mVs-1.
Effect of Al Excess on the Band Structure of ZnO Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Lim Joon Hoong , Yeoh Cheow Keat , Chik Abdullah , Teh Pei Leng
Published: May 2016

The effect of Al doping to the band structure of ZnO was studied in this paper. The electronic band structure of Al doped ZnO was determined by using first-principles based on density functional theory. ABINIT was used to perform the band structure calculation. The calculated band structure of ZnO and Al doped ZnO shows that ZnO is a direct band gap semiconductor. The band structure become narrow with Al doping compared pure ZnO. With Al doping, the band gap of ZnO (0.749 eV) become smaller as the concentration Al doping increased to 4wt% (0.551 eV). The electrical conductivity of Al doped ZnO was studied as a references value for the band gap. The electrical conductivity of ZnO (8.21 S/cm) was enhanced with Al doping increased to 4wt% (71.87 S/cm).
p-Type Conductivity Control in ZnO Films Grown by Molecular-Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Park Seung Hwan , Oh Dong Cheol , Jhun Chul Gyu , Han Seung Oh , Yao Takafumi
Published: May 2016

We report on the p-type conductivity control using N and Te codoping and thermal annealing in the ZnO films, heteroepitaxially grown on Al2O3 substrates and homoepitaxially grown on ZnO substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy, respectively. The N and Te codoping and the homoepitaxy effectively reduce the background electron concentration in ZnO films due to the suppression of various defect generation, and the thermal annealing causes the conductivity conversion from n-type to p-type due to the activation of N-related defects and the annihilation of donor-type defects. The p-type conductivity with a hole concentration of 1.61016 cm-3 and a hole mobility of 16 cm2/Vsec is obtained in the ZnO:N+T film grown on the Al2O3 substrate and the p-type conductivity with a hole concentration of 4.01016 cm-3 and a hole mobility of 11 cm2/Vsec is obtained in the ZnO:N+Te film grown on the ZnO substrate.
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Fabrication of Nanostructured Silicon
Authors: Azhari Ayu Wazira , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Che Halin Dewi Suriyani , Ibrahim Abdul Haqi , Zaidi Saleem
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a respond surface methodology (RSM) model has been developed using three levels Box-Benkhen experimental design (BBD) technique to study the influence of several metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) process variables on the properties of nanostructured silicon (Si) wafer. Five process variables are examined i.e. concentrations of silver (Ag), hydrofluoric acid (HF), deposition time, H2O2 concentration and etching time as a function of etching rate. Design-Expert® software (version 7.1) is used in formulating the RSM model of five factors with 46 experiments. A regression quadratic model is developed to correlate the process variables where the most significant factors are identified and validated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The model for etching rate is found to be significant with R2 of 0.8, where both Ag concentrations and etching time are the major influence.
Control of Temperature in Cutting Zone in Machining of Alloyed Case-Hardened Steels by Applying a Ceramic Tool with Wear-Resistant Coatings
Authors: Vereschaka Alexey Anatolevich , Prilukova Julia , Vereshchaka Anatoly S. , Bublikov Jury , Aksenenko Anatoly
Published: May 2016

The study examines the effect of TiN coatings, deposited on inserts of cutting ceramics, on the cutting temperature in machining of alloyed case-hardened steels. The study has revealed a substantial decrease of temperature during cutting with coated tools of cutting ceramics as compared with temperature for uncoated tools of cutting ceramics. Positive transformation of the thermal state during the cutting process with the use of coated ceramic tools can improve the quality of machined surfaces. The study has revealed the reduction in thickness of "white layer" of surfaces of machined workpieces of hardened high-alloyed steels in use of coated ceramic tools and the increase of cutting properties of coated ceramic tools.
Influence of Tool Rotational Speed on the Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Al-Cu-Li Alloy
Authors: Lee Ho Sung , Lee Ye Rim , Min Kyung Ju
Published: May 2016

Aluminum-Lithium alloys have been found to exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to the conventional aerospace aluminum alloys in terms of high strength, high modulus, low density, good corrosion resistance and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Even though they do not form low-melting eutectics during fusion welding, there are still problems like porosity, solidification cracking, and loss of lithium. This is why solid state friction stir welding is important in this alloy. It is known that using Al-Cu-Li alloy and friction stir welding to super lightweight external tank for space shuttle, significant weight reduction has been achieved. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of friction stir tool rotation speed on mechanical and microstructural properties of Al-Cu-Li alloy. The plates were joined with friction stir welding process using different tool rotation speeds (300-800 rpm) and welding speeds (120-420 mm/min), which are the two prime welding parameters in this process.
Dolomite Quarry Waste as Sand Replacement in Sand Brick
Authors: Isa Nur Fitriah , Muhammad Khairunnisa , Yahya Norhaizura , Ahmad Muhammad Munsif , Ab Manaf Mohd Badrul Hisyam , Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim , Khair Ishak Mokhzani , Hashim Nurul Huda , Mansor Ahmad Faizal , Ahmad Naspu Siti Najwa
Published: May 2016

Dolomite is a sedimentary rock resulting from the deposition of river or sea takes millions of years. The quarry waste from dolomite production had been used to replace sand in order to study the performance of modified brick sand. The objectives of this research are to determine the density, water absorption rate, and compressive strength of the new dolomite brick (d-brick) and to find out the optimum percentage of sand replacement with the dolomite waste. The bricks sample are then be tested using physical and mechanical approach. The percent of sand replacement is 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by weight.The optimum percentage mix of the modified sand brick using dolomite is D50 based on the density, water absorption, and compressive strength test of the sand brick. The result of the density of the D50 sand brick using dolomite is 1701 kg/m3, the water absorption of the sand brick 12%, and 14% at 7 days, and 28 days respectively. Meanwhile, the compressive strength of the D50 sand brick is 7.99 MPa, and 12.28 MPa at 7 days, and 28 days.
Experimental Study of Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim , Md Ghazaly Zuhayr , Raja Mamat Raja Nurazira , Azizi Azizan Muhammad , Isa Nur Fitriah , Shahidan Shahiron
Published: May 2016

Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SIFCON) is a relatively new high performance and advanced material and can be considered as a special type of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC). The hooked-end shape steel fiber assist in controlling the propagation of cracking in the matrix by improving the overall cracking resistance and by bridging across even smaller cracks. In this paper, the comparison between the steel fiber reinforcement and BRC wire mesh will obtain and also between the different thickness size. The steel fiber will use from different percentage based on volume frictions which are 0.5%, 1% and 2% with aspect ratio 67. The beam is tested for flexural strength. The relationship between loads versus deflection represented graphically. The highest flexural strength obtained in this research is 19.34 MPa with 2% volume friction of steel fiber.
Nanoindentation of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/ENIG Solder Joint after High Temperature Storage
Authors: Abu Bakar Maria , Jalar Azman , Ismail Roslina , Daud Abdul Razak
Published: May 2016

This study used nanoindentation technique in order to examine the micromechanical properties of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC305) on Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) surface finished Cu substrate subjected to high temperature storage. Lead free solder paste of SAC305 were soldered on ENIG substrate by reflow soldering at 215 °C for 8 second. The soldered samples were exposed to high temperature storage at 180 °C for 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 hours. Micromechanical properties show that the solder hardness is decreasing with the HTS time from 239.13 MPa for 0 hour to 178.96 MPa for 1000 hours while the reduce modulus results has increased from 62. 16 x 103 MPa for 0 hour to 82.13 x 103 MPa for 1000 hours. The value of hardness and reduced modulus from nanoindentation approach indicate the occurrence of plastic and elastic deformation throughout the test.
Dyeing Properties of Nylon Fabrics with Mangrove Bark Extract via Mordanting Methods
Authors: Vuthiganond Nattaya , Nakpathom Monthon , Somboon Buppha , Narumol Nootsara , Rungruangkitkrai Nattadon , Mongkholrattanasit Rattanaphol
Published: May 2016

A natural colorant obtained from extraction of mangrove bark was applied on nylon fabrics via exhaustion process. Colorimetric data (CIE L*, a*, b* and K/S) were evaluated. Pre-, meta-and post-mordanting with different metal mordants (aluminium potassium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, and stannous chloride) were also investigated. The colorant extracted from mangrove bark shows affinity to nylon fabric dyed without mordants. The highest color yield and uniform dyeing were obtained with post-modanting method.
Acid Treatment of Aluminium Dross: Properties and Application
Authors: Pratumma Adisorn , Piyamongkala Kowit , Siengchin Suchart , Srisuk Rapeeporn , Dangtungee Rapeephun
Published: May 2016

This research work aimed to apply the aluminium dross, waste of ADC12 and 6063 aluminium smelter grade as the raw materials produced plant fertilizer by acid treatment process with phosphoric and hydrochloric acid. Chemical properties have been tested as a chemical composition, pH, amount of macronutriants and heavy metals. The germination index testing was confirmed by using water extraction of the dross before and after pretreatment which effected on cantonese green lettuce seed. The results showed that more than 50% by weight of dross composition was alumina mainly. Others components were included oxides of silicon, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Interestingly, there are not appeared of harmful heavy metal elements. For fertilization properties, mainly nutrients as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were investigated. Also, the germination test was investigated in an organic fertilizer standard test method as germination index (GI). Normally, the result was found that GI of un-treated dross was lower than that of a control sample. The treated dross with HCl and phosphoric acid presented higher GI than that of a reference sample. It was concluded that both grades of dross can be used as a fertilizer with acid treatment.
Landslide Simulation Using Limit Equilibrium and Finite Element Method
Authors: Md Ghazaly Zuhayr , Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim , Chee Jee Kok Alfred , Isa Nur Fitriah , Sofri Liyana Ahmad
Published: May 2016

Slope stability analysis is one of the ancient tasks in the geotechnical engineering. There are two major methods; limit equilibrium method (LEM) and finite element method (FEM) that were used to analyze the factor of safety (FOS) to determine the stability of slope. The factor of safety will affect the remediation method to be underdesign or overdesign if the analysis method was not well chosen. This can lead to safety and costing problems which are the main concern. Furthermore, there were no statement that issued one of the analysis methods was more preferred than another. To achieve the objective of this research, the soil sample collected from landslide at Wang Kelian were tested to obtain the parameters of the soils. Then, those results were inserted into Plaxis and Slope/W software for modeling to obtain the factor of safety based on different cases such as geometry and homogenous of slope. The FOS obtained by FEM was generally lower compared to LEM but LEM can provide an obvious critical slip surface. This can be explained by their principles. Overall, the analysis method chosen must be based on the purpose of the analysis.
Mathematical Modelling of Stress-Strain State of Multilayer Shell Molds
Authors: Evstigneev A.I. , Odinokov V.I. , Sviridov A.V. , Dmitriev E.A. , Petrov V.V.
Published: May 2016

The analysis of the trends for development of technological processes to form shell molds shows that the accuracy and purity of the surface of shaped castings are one of the main criteria for the level of development of the science and technology of foundry engineering.
The equations of continuum mechanics and thermal conductivity and the numerical method were used to build a mathematical model of SSS of multilayer shell mold to determine the temperature fields in a shell mold and solidifying casting, thickness of solidified layer of the casting, stress, strain, and displacement of shell layers against each other, as well as ferrostatic pressure on the metal form.
The calculation results show that at metal casting, the highest temperature differences occur between the first and second layers of a shell mold, and the maximum values of the stresses and strains are typical for the first layer of a shell mold.
The mechanism of the effect of temperature difference between the layers of the shell mold on fracture toughness of the shells and its critical value are determined, above which either a decomposition of a shell mold occur, or through-thickness cracking occur, which lead to the destruction of a shell mold. The ignition process of shell molds in the control filler has no significant influence on the formation of cracks, since the temperature difference between the shell layers does not reach critical values.
Peritectic Reactions and Phase Transformations of Sn-30wt%Cu for High Temperature Pb-Free Soldering Applications
Authors: Smith Selena , Zeng Guang , Read Jonathan , McDonald Stuart D. , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: May 2016

Extending the use of the Sn-Cu system to high-temperature solders poses additional challenges as the necessary high Cu content is in a region of the binary phase diagram which is dominated by the peritectic reaction and has the intermetallic compound (IMC) Cu3Sn as the primary phase, which is known to have negative effects on soldering properties. Minor additions of nickel (Ni) have been reported to suppress the formation of Cu3Sn in low Cu content Sn-Cu solder alloys though higher Cu content alloys have not been investigated. As such, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of more significant concentrations of Ni on the microstructure of a Sn-30wt%Cu alloy. An initial addition of 2wt%Ni greatly reduced the volume fractions of Cu3Sn and the amount of eutectic present whilst significantly increasing the volume fraction of Cu6Sn5; however, further additions of Ni had a less pronounced affect. The Sn-30wt%Cu morphology was changed from a plate-like structure to a dendritic structure by adding Ni, which would improve solder performance by decreasing the possible crack plane length.
Improvement of Sn-0.7Cu Lead Free Solder Joints on Shear Strength with Addition of Titanium Oxide (TiO2) Particles
Authors: Nasir Norhayanti Mohd , Saud Norainiza , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Derman Mohd Nazree B. , Ramli Mohd Izrul Izwan , Said Rita Mohd
Published: May 2016

In this paper, Sn-0.7Cu composite containing weight percentage of 1.0 wt. % of titanium oxide (TiO2) particles were successfully fabricated by using the powder metallurgy (PM) route assisted hybrid microwave sintering. This research investigated the effect s of TiO2 particles addition on the interfacial reactions formed between Sn-0.7Cu solder/substrate and shear strength of a Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy. With the increasing of TiO2 particles, Sn-0.7Cu-TiO2 composite solder showed decreasing in thickness value and shear strength was increased. This signified that the presence of TiO2 particles effect on the thickness of Cu6Sn5 IMC layer at the interface and mechanical properties Sn-0.7Cu composite solder joint.
Wettability of CNT-Doped Solder under Isothermal Aging
Authors: Ismail Norliza , Ismail Roslina , Abd Aziz Nur Izni , Jalar Azman
Published: May 2016

Wettability for lead free solder 99.0Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu (SAC237) with addition of different weight percentage carbon nanotube after thermal treatment was investigated. SAC 237 solder powder with flux was mixed with 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% and 0.04% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to form SAC-CNTs solder paste. Printed solder paste on test board with Cu surface finish was then reflow under 270°C temperature and isothermal aging at 150°C for 0,200 and 400 hours. Wettability of SAC-CNT solder was determined by measuring contact angle using optical microscope and image analyzer. As a result, from reflow process right through 400 hours of thermal aging, SAC237 with 0.04% CNT has the lowest contact angle as compared to other SAC-CNTs and SAC237 solder. As a conclusion, addition of carbon nanotubes into solder SAC237 improved their wettability on Cu substrate, especially at 0.04% of CNTs.
Impact of Concanavalin-A-Mediated Cytoskeleton Disruption on Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 Internalization and Cell Surface Expression in Glioblastomas
Authors: Nanni Samuel Burke , Pratt Jonathan , Beauchemin David , Haidara Khadidja , Annabi Borhane
Published: May 2016

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) is a multiligand endocytic receptor, which plays a pivotal role in controlling cytoskeleton dynamics during cancer cell migration. Its rapid endocytosis further allows efficient clearance of extracellular ligands. Concanavalin-A (ConA) is a lectin used to trigger in vitro physiological cellular processes, including cytokines secretion, nitric oxide production, and T-lymphocytes activation. Given that ConA exerts part of its effects through cytoskeleton remodeling, we questioned whether it affected LRP-1 expression, intracellular trafficking, and cell surface function in grade IV U87 glioblastoma cells. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we found that loss of the cell surface 600-kDa mature form of LRP-1 occurs upon ConA treatment. Consequently, internalization of the physiological α 2-macroglobulin and the synthetic angiopep-2 ligands of LRP-1 was also decreased. Silencing of known mediators of ConA, such as the membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase, and the Toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and TLR-6 was unable to rescue ConA-mediated LRP-1 expression decrease, implying that the loss of LRP-1 was independent of cell surface relayed signaling. The ConA-mediated reduction in LRP-1 expression was emulated by the actin cytoskeleton-disrupting agent cytochalasin-D, but not by the microtubule inhibitor nocodazole, and required both lysosomal- and ubiquitin-proteasome system-mediated degradation. Our study implies that actin cytoskeleton integrity is required for proper LRP-1 cell surface functions and that impaired trafficking leads to specialized compartmentation and degradation. Our data also strengthen the biomarker role of cell surface LRP-1 functions in the vectorized transport of therapeutic angiopep bioconjugates into brain cancer cells.
Personal determinants of acceptance of drinking and driving among Polish drivers
Authors: Szulc Marcin , Peplińska Aleksandra , Połomski Piotr , Wyszomirska-Góra Magdalena
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of the study was to explore a number of personal predictors that increase one’s approval of driving under the influence (DUI). In keeping with the previous studies, we assumed this approval will more often be expressed by unmarried young men with a lower level of education, who are additionally characterized by a higher need for stimulation, risk acceptance, sensation seeking, and a preference for hedonic values.

Participants and procedure

After examining more than 1000 drivers, we selected a group of 254 individuals (97 men, 157 women) who formed our study group. In our survey, these drivers admitted to driving while intoxicated in the past, but at the same time declared that small doses of alcohol did not limit their driving skills. We used a set of research tools in order to verify the assumptions. The following tools measured temperamental and personality variables: Formal Characteristics of Behavior-Temperament Inventory, Risk Acceptance Scale, Stimulating-Instrumental Risk Inventory, Scheler Value Scale, Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, and Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale.

Results

Driving under the influence of alcohol is most often approved of by unmarried men who have a higher level of education and are characterized by low levels of sensory sensitivity, low levels of emotional reactivity, an internal locus of control, a high need for risks, high sensation-seeking tendencies, and who prefer vital and aesthetic values.

Conclusions

It is well justified to examine personal predictors of various dangerous road behaviors, such as driving under the influence of intoxicating substances. These studies could aid both creating effective social prevention programs and conducting psychological screening tests.
Teachers’ knowledge, perceived teaching efficacy, and attitudes regarding students with ADHD: a cross-cultural comparison of teachers in South Korea and Germany
Authors: Lee Yumi , Witruk Evelin
Published: May 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate cross-cultural similarities and differences between Korean and German teachers in terms of knowledge, perceived teaching efficacy (PTE), and attitudes regarding students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as to evaluate how teachers’ experiences influence their attitudes through knowledge and perceived teaching efficacy, based on three components of attitudes within a culture as well as across cultures.

Participants and procedure

Participants were teachers from Korea (n = 639) and Germany (n = 317). Through disproportional stratified sampling, matched samples of 264 Korean and 264 German teachers were obtained. The Kos questionnaire was slightly modified for the two countries due to different cultural backgrounds, by conducting translation/back-translation, item review, and a pilot study. The survey instrument was distributed from September 2012 to December 2013. SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 were used to analyze the data.

Results

Korean teachers showed higher knowledge than German teachers. German teachers were found to have a greater PTE as well as more favorable attitudes compared to Korean teachers. Both Korean and German teachers’ experience led to their attitudes through knowledge and PTE. Also, the ways in which these variables have an influence on teachers’ attitudes differ between Korea and Germany.

Conclusions

This investigation proved the cross-cultural differences of all research variables (experience, knowledge, PTE, attitudes) as well as the research model (knowledge and PTE as mediators) based on attitude theory. This study can be a preliminary resource to develop an ADHD management manual based on theoretical and cultural perspectives in both countries, so that both Korean and German teachers can be prepared for students with ADHD in their daily classroom practice.
Osteoporosis and polymorphisms of osteoprotegerin gene in postmenopausal women – a pilot study
Authors: Cvijetic Selma , Grazio Simeon , Kosovic Pasezada , Uremovic Melita , Nemcic Tomislav , Bobic Jasminka
Published: May 2016

Objectives:  Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has an important role in bone remodeling, and it has been proposed that the OPG gene might be a candidate gene for osteoporosis predisposition. Several studies have already assessed the connection between OPG gene polymorphism and bone mineral density (BMD). In this study we wanted to analyze the association of two polymorphisms in the OPG gene with BMD and bone turnover markers in women with and without osteoporosis.

Material and methods:  In 22 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (aged 65.6 ±12.6) and 59 women without osteoporosis (aged 60.8 ±8.7) we analyzed the association of two polymorphisms in the OPG gene with BMD, measured by dual energy absorptiometry and with bone turnover markers (crosslaps and osteoprotegerin). A163G, G209A, T245G and G1181C polymorphisms were determined.

Results:  No significant differences in age, anthropometry, number of fractures, osteocalcin and cross-laps were found between women with and without osteoporosis. Women with osteoporosis were significantly longer in postmenopause. Significantly more women with osteoporosis had AG polymorphism (p = 0.038) compared to women without osteoporosis, while no significant difference was found in prevalence of TT and GG polymorphism between patients with and without osteoporosis. No relationship was found between investigated polymorphism and bone turnover markers. A significant negative correlation between total hip BMD and crosslaps (p = 0.046) as well as between total hip T score and crosslaps (p = 0.044) was found in women without osteoporosis

Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had AG polymorphism more frequently than women without osteoporosis. Our results indicate that A163G polymorphism could have an impact on higher bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Clinical characteristics of patients with anti-TIF1-γ antibodies
Authors: Masiak Anna , Kulczycka Julia , Czuszyńska Zenobia , Zdrojewski Zbigniew
Published: May 2016

Objectives: Inflammatory myopathies are a group of idiopathic, heterogeneous systemic diseases affecting predominantly skeletal muscles, though they can also involve the skin and internal organs. The association between cancer and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, particularly dermatomyositis, which is termed cancer-associated myositis (CAM), has been reported in the medical literature. A newly described autoantibody to a 155-kDa nuclear protein, identified as transcription intermediary factor 1-gamma (TIF1-γ), has proven useful for cancer screening in patients with dermatomyositis.

Material and methods: Based on our database of laboratory results, between November 2014 and January 2016, we found 80 patients with a positive autoimmune inflammatory myopathy immunoblot profile.

Results: Eleven of 80 patients revealed the presence of anti-TIF1-γ antibodies: 8 women and 3 men with average age 54.2 years. Dermatomyositis (DM) was diagnosed in 6 cases, polymyositis in 1 case, myositis limited to ocular muscles and rhabdomyolysis in 1 case each, and undifferentiated connective tissue disease in 2 cases. Neoplasm was found in 4 cases. All of those patients had DM. The average time between DM and diagnosis of neoplasm was 7.5 months (from 1 to 18 months).

Conclusions: The association between cancer and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, particularly DM, is well known, and cancer screening should be obligatory in such patients. So far there is no consensus as to the method or frequency with which patients with an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy should be tested to rule out neoplasm. Detection of anti-TIF1-γ antibodies in patients with DM gives the clinicians the very important suggestion of CAM. It seems reasonable that these patients should have more detailed and often repeated differential diagnostics.
Cross-Disciplinary Consultancy to Bridge Public Health Technical Needs and Analytic Developers: Asyndromic Surveillance Use Case
Authors: Faigen Zachary , Deynaka Lana , Ising Amy , Neill Daniel , Conway Mike , Fairchild Geoffrey , Gunn Julia , Swenson David , Painter Ian , Johnson Lauren , Kiley Chris , Streichert Laura , Burkom Howard
Published: May 2016

Introduction:  We document a funded effort to bridge the gap between constrained scientific challenges of public health surveillance and methodologies from academia and industry. Component tasks are the collection of epidemiologists’ use case problems, multidisciplinary consultancies to refine them, and dissemination of problem requirements and shareable datasets. We describe an initial use case and consultancy as a concrete example and challenge to developers. Materials and Methods: Supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Biosurveillance Ecosystem project, the International Society for Disease Surveillance formed an advisory group to select tractable use case problems and convene inter-disciplinary consultancies to translate analytic needs into well-defined problems and to promote development of applicable solution methods.  The initial consultancy’s focus was a problem originated by the North Carolina Department of Health and its NC DETECT surveillance system: Derive a method for detection of patient record clusters worthy of follow-up based on free-text chief complaints and without syndromic classification. Results:  Direct communication between public health problem owners and analytic developers was informative to both groups and constructive for the solution development process.  The consultancy achieved refinement of the asyndromic detection challenge and of solution requirements.  Participants summarized and evaluated solution approaches and discussed dissemination and collaboration strategies.Conclusions: A solution meeting the specification of the use case described above could improve human monitoring efficiency with expedited warning of events requiring follow-up, including otherwise overlooked events with no syndromic indicators.  This approach can remove obstacles to collaboration with efficient, minimal data-sharing and without costly overhead.
The Onset and Duration of Action of 0.2% Lidocaine in a One-per-Mil Tumescent Solution for Hand Surgery
Authors: Prasetyono Theddeus O.H. , Lestari Puri A.
Published: May 2016

Background One-per-mil tumescent solution, which contains 0.2% lidocaine with 1:1,000,000 epinephrine, has been reported to be clinically effective for hand surgery under local anesthesia. However, it was lacking in its basic pharmacokinetics profile in regard to the onset of action (OOA) and duration of action (DOA).

Methods A randomized, double-blind study was conducted on 12 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria from October to November 2014. All volunteers had their right and left ring finger pulps injected with either one-per-mil solution or 2% lidocaine. Semmes-Weinstein and two-point discrimination tests were used to test sensation. Visual analogue scale was recorded at the time when the finger lost its sensation and when it regained normal sensation to measure the OOA and DOA. The data were then analyzed with a paired t-test and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results The OOA and DOA of 2% plain lidocaine were 1 minute and 99.67 minutes, respectively. Meanwhile, 0.2% lidocaine in a one-per-mil tumescent solution showed an OOA of 5 minutes and a DOA of 186.83 minutes. The OOA of 0.2% lidocaine in a one-per-mil tumescent solution is statistically shorter than 2% plain lidocaine (P=0.04); while its DOA is statistically longer than 2% plain lidocaine (P<0.001).

Conclusions The 0.2% lidocaine in a one-per-mil tumescent solution is statistically and clinically superior to 2% plain lidocaine in achieving longer duration of local anesthesia.
Spin mixing conductance in Cu–Ir dilute alloys
Authors: Takizawa Sei , Kimata Motoi , Omori Yasutomo , Niimi Yasuhiro , Otani YoshiChika
Published: May 2016

We have investigated the spin mixing conductance at the interface of Py and Cu–Ir dilute alloys by means of spin pumping and inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) measurements for Cu–Ir. From systematic studies of the effective spin mixing conductance as a function of Ir concentration, we found that the interfacial spin mixing conductance

was proportional to the Ir concentration. This result is consistent with a scenario based on the impurity-dependent density of states at the Fermi energy. From the ISHE measurements as a function of Ir concentration, we show that the mechanism of the spin Hall effect is skew scattering and that the spin Hall angle is comparable to the previously determined value by using the lateral spin valve structures.
Structural and electrical properties and current–voltage characteristics of nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon films on Si substrates by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Tsuchiya Masato , Murakami Kazuki , Magara Kohei , Nakamura Kazuki , Ohashi Haruka , Tokuda Kengo , Takami Takahiro , Ogasawara Haruka , Enta Yoshiharu , Suzuki Yushi , Ando Satoshi , Nakazawa Hideki
Published: May 2016

We have deposited nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon (N-DLC) films by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using CH4, N2, and Ar, and investigated the effects of N doping on the structure and the electrical, mechanical, and optical properties of the N-DLC films. We fabricated undoped DLC/p-type Si and N-DLC/p-type Si heterojunctions and examined the current–voltage characteristics of the heterojunctions. When the N2 flow ratio was increased from 0 to 3.64%, the resistivity markedly decreased from the order of 105 Ω·cm to that of 10−2 Ω·cm and the internal stress also decreased. The resistivity gradually increased with increasing N2 flow ratio from 3.64 to 13.6%, and then it decreased at a N2 flow ratio of 13.6%. These behaviors can be explained in terms of the clustering of sp2 carbons and the formation of sp3C–N, sp2C=N, sp1C≡N, and C–H
n
bonds. The rectification ratio of the heterojunction using the N-DLC film prepared at 3.64% was 35.8 at ±0.5 V.
Investigation of Oxygen Reduction Activity of Catalysts Derived from Co and Co/Zn Methyl‐Imidazolate Frameworks in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Chong Lina , Goenaga Gabriel A. , Williams Kia , Barkholtz Heather M. , Grabstanowicz Lauren R. , Brooksbank Jeremy A. , Papandrew Alex B. , Elzein Radwan , Schlaf Rudiger , Zawodzinski Thomas A. , Zou Jianxin , Ma Shengqian , Liu Di‐Jia
Published: May 2016

We demonstrated that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity over catalysts derived from pyrolyzed cobalt zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) depends strongly on the imidazole ligand structure and cobalt content. The activity and durability of these catalysts were tested in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell for the first time. The membrane electrode assembly containing a catalyst derived from Co/Zn bimetallic ZIF at the cathode achieved an open‐circuit voltage of 0.93 V, a current density of 28 mA cm−2 at 0.8 ViR‐free, and a peak power density of 374 mW cm−2.
A comparative design study of continuous‐time incremental sigma‐delta ADC architectures
Authors: Tao Sha , Rusu Ana
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a comparative design study of continuous‐time (CT) incremental sigma‐delta (IΣΔ) ADCs, which can expand another dimension of the IΣΔ ADC world that is dominated by discrete‐time implementations. Several CT IΣΔ ADC architectures are introduced and analyzed aiming to reduce the modulator's sampling frequency and consequently the power dissipation. Based on the analytical results, three CT IΣΔ ADCs are selected to be examined, implemented, and tested. The three ADC prototypes, fabricated in a standard 0.18‐m CMOS technology, demonstrate competitive figure‐of‐merits in terms of power efficiency compared to the state‐of‐the‐art counterparts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.