bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidation of contact state on various rough surfaces via highly robust colorimetric optical interferometry
Authors: Tomota Tatsunori , Tohyama Mamoru , Yagi Kazuyuki
Published: January 2022

In this study, we developed and practiced colorimetric optical interferometry for the direct observation of contact states to clarify contact phenomena. We theoretically demonstrated that the effect of roughness diffuse reflection could be neglected using interferometric light intensity according to the relationship between the optical film thickness and hue. Then, we measured the static contact surfaces of spherical test pieces of different root mean square roughnesses. Results indicate that the nominal contact area is significantly larger than that obtained from the Hertzian theory of smooth contact as the surface roughness increases. The contact film thickness on the nominal contact area increases almost in proportion to the root mean square roughness. Our experiment supports the validity of the contact theory and contact simulation with very small roughnesses, which have been difficult to verify experimentally. The advantage of this measurement is that it can simultaneously capture the macroscopic contact area and microscopic film thickness distribution, which is expected to further expand the range of application.
The study on the effect of flotation purification on the performance of α-hemihydrate gypsum prepared from phosphogypsum
Authors: Du Mingxia , Wang Jinming , Dong Faqin , Wang Zhaojia , Yang Feihua , Tan Hongbin , Fu Kaibin , Wang Weiqing
Published: January 2022

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a massive industrial solid waste. In this paper, PG was purified by flotation method, and α-hemihydrate gypsum (α-HH) was prepared by the autoclaving method. The morphology of α-HH was adjusted by adding different doses of Maleic acid and Aluminium sulfate. The results showed that after flotation purification, the impurity content in PG was significantly reduced, the soluble phosphorus content decreased from 0.48 to 0.07%, the PG purity increased from 73.12 to 94.37%, and the PG whiteness risen from 19.4 to 40.5. Then the performance of α-HH prepared from PG before and after purification was compared. Fixing the amount of aluminium sulfate at 0.2 wt%, the reaction temperature at 140 °C, and the reaction time at 120 min, the average length/diameter ratio of α-HH crystals decreased from 7.2 to 0.6 as the amount of Maleic acid increased from 0 to 0.17 wt%. When the amount of Maleic acid was 0.13 wt%, the α-hemihydrate gypsum reached the best mechanical properties. The mechanical strength of high strength gypsum prepared from PG concentrate was significantly better than that of raw PG, indicating that flotation purification can effectively improve the performance of PG. In this study, a new method of PG purification and resource utilization was proposed.
Parental education is associated with differential engagement of neural pathways during inhibitory control
Authors: Cascio Christopher N. , Lauharatanahirun Nina , Lawson Gwendolyn M. , Farah Martha J. , Falk Emily B.
Published: January 2022

Response inhibition and socioeconomic status (SES) are critical predictors of many important outcomes, including educational attainment and health. The current study extends our understanding of SES and cognition by examining brain activity associated with response inhibition, during the key developmental period of adolescence. Adolescent males (N = 81), aged 16–17, completed a response inhibition task while undergoing fMRI brain imaging and reported on their parents’ education, one component of socioeconomic status. A region of interest analysis showed that parental education was associated with brain activation differences in the classic response inhibition network (right inferior frontal gyrus + subthalamic nucleus + globus pallidus) despite the absence of consistent parental education-performance effects. Further, although activity in our main regions of interest was not associated with performance differences, several regions that were associated with better inhibitory performance (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, middle frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, amygdala/hippocampus) also differed in their levels of activation according to parental education. Taken together, these results suggest that individuals from households with higher versus lower parental education engage key brain regions involved in response inhibition to differing degrees, though these differences may not translate into performance differences.
The evolution of extraordinary self-sacrifice
Authors: Krupp D. B. , Maciejewski Wes
Published: January 2022

From a theoretical perspective, individuals are expected to sacrifice their welfare only when the benefits outweigh the costs. In nature, however, the costs of altruism and spite can be extreme, as in cases of irreversible sterility and self-destructive weaponry. Here we show that “extraordinary” self-sacrifice—in which actors pay costs that exceed the benefits they give or the costs they impose on recipients—can evolve in structured populations, where social actions bring secondary benefits to neighboring kin. When given information about dispersal, sedentary actors evolve extraordinary altruism towards dispersing kin. Likewise, when given information about dispersal and kinship, sedentary actors evolve extraordinary spite towards sedentary nonkin. Our results can thus be summed up by a simple rule: extraordinary self-sacrifice evolves when the actor’s neighbors are close kin and the recipient’s neighbors are not.
Rhombic calcite microcrystals as a textural proxy for meteoric diagenesis
Authors: Hashim Mohammed S. , Kaczmarek Stephen E.
Published: January 2022

Numerous Phanerozoic limestones are comprised of diagenetic calcite microcrystals formed during mineralogical stabilization of metastable carbonate sediments. Previous laboratory experiments show that calcite microcrystals crystallizing under conditions similar to those that characterize meteoric diagenetic settings (impurity-free, low degree of supersaturation, high fluid:solid ratio) exhibit the rhombic form/morphology, whereas calcite microcrystals crystallizing under conditions similar to those that prevail in marine and marine burial diagenetic settings (impurity-rich, high degree of supersaturation, low fluid:solid ratio) exhibit non-rhombic forms. Based on these experimental observations, it is proposed here that rhombic calcite microcrystals form exclusively in meteoric environments. This hypothesis is tested using new and previously published textural and geochemical data from the rock record. These data show that the vast majority of Phanerozoic limestones characterized by rhombic microcrystals also exhibit petrographic and/or geochemical evidence (depleted δ13C, δ18O, and trace elements) indicative of meteoric diagenesis whereas non-rhombic forms are associated with marine burial conditions. By linking calcite microcrystal textures to specific diagenetic environments, our observations bring clarity to the conditions under which the various microcrystal textures form. Furthermore, the hypothesis that rhombic calcite microcrystals form exclusively in meteoric environments implies that this crystal form may be a useful textural proxy for meteoric diagenesis.
A novel graph convolutional neural network for predicting interaction sites on protein kinase inhibitors in phosphorylation
Authors: Wang Feiqi , Chen Yun-Ti , Yang Jinn-Moon , Akutsu Tatsuya
Published: January 2022

Protein kinase-inhibitor interactions are key to the phosphorylation of proteins involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, which shows the importance of binding mechanism research and kinase inhibitor design. In this study, a novel machine learning module (i.e., the WL Box) was designed and assembled to the Prediction of Interaction Sites of Protein Kinase Inhibitors (PISPKI) model, which is a graph convolutional neural network (GCN) to predict the interaction sites of protein kinase inhibitors. The WL Box is a novel module based on the well-known Weisfeiler-Lehman algorithm, which assembles multiple switch weights to effectively compute graph features. The PISPKI model was evaluated by testing with shuffled datasets and ablation analysis using 11 kinase classes. The accuracy of the PISPKI model with the shuffled datasets varied from 83 to 86%, demonstrating superior performance compared to two baseline models. The effectiveness of the model was confirmed by testing with shuffled datasets. Furthermore, the performance of each component of the model was analyzed via the ablation study, which demonstrated that the WL Box module was critical. The code is available at https://github.com/feiqiwang/PISPKI.
The influence of the optical properties on the determination of capillary diameters
Authors: Späth Moritz , Rohde Maximilian , Ni Dongqin , Knieling Ferdinand , Stelzle Florian , Schmidt Michael , Klämpfl Florian , Hohmann Martin
Published: January 2022

Various clinically applicable scores and indices are available to help identify the state of a microcirculatory disorder in a patient. Several of these methods, however, leave room for interpretation and only provide clues for diagnosis. Thus, a measurement method that allows a reliable detection of impending or manifest circulatory malfunctions would be of great value. In this context, the optical and non-invasive method of shifted position-diffuse reflectance imaging (SP-DRI) was developed. It allows to determine the capillary diameter and thus to assess the state of the microcirculation. The aim of the present study is to investigate how the quantification of capillary diameters by SP-DRI behaves in different individuals, i.e. for a wide range of optical properties. For this, within Monte-Carlo simulations all optical properties (seven skin layers, hemoglobin) were randomly varied following a Gaussian distribution. An important finding from the present investigation is that SP-DRI works when the optical properties are chosen randomly. Furthermore, it is shown that appropriate data analysis allows calibration-free absolute quantification of the capillary diameter across individuals using SP-DRI. This underpins the potential of SP-DRI to serve as an early alert system for the onset of microcirculatory associated diseases.
Evaluation of NAFLD fibrosis, FIB-4 and APRI score in diabetic patients receiving exenatide treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Unsal İlknur Ozturk , Calapkulu Murat , Sencar Muhammed Erkam , Cakal Basak , Ozbek Mustafa
Published: January 2022

There is a closely relationship between the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and obesity and diabetes. NAFLD fibrosis scores should be routinely used to rule out patients with advanced fibrosis. High scores may help identify patients at higher risk of all causes andliverrelated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between exenatide and fibrosis scores. The effect of exenatide treatment on fibrosis scores was evaluated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with MAFLD. Evaluation was made of 50 patients with type 2 DM and MAFLD. The NFS, FIB4 and APRI scores were calculated before and after 6 months of treatment. After 6 months of exenatide treatment, the NFS and APRI scores were determined to have decreased significantly. Exenatide was observed to control blood glucose, reduce body weight and improve fibrosis scores in MAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes.
Predicting suspended sediment load in Peninsular Malaysia using support vector machine and deep learning algorithms
Authors: Essam Yusuf , Huang Yuk Feng , Birima Ahmed H. , Ahmed Ali Najah , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: January 2022

High loads of suspended sediments in rivers are known to cause detrimental effects to potable water sources, river water quality, irrigation activities, and dam or reservoir operations. For this reason, the study of suspended sediment load (SSL) prediction is important for monitoring and damage mitigation purposes. The present study tests and develops machine learning (ML) models, based on the support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithms, to predict SSL based on 11 different river data sets comprising of streamflow (SF) and SSL data obtained from the Malaysian Department of Irrigation and Drainage. The main objective of the present study is to propose a single model that is capable of accurately predicting SSLs for any river data set within Peninsular Malaysia. The ANN3 model, based on the ANN algorithm and input scenario 3 (inputs consisting of current-day SF, previous-day SF, and previous-day SSL), is determined as the best model in the present study as it produced the best predictive performance for 5 out of 11 of the tested data sets and obtained the highest average RM with a score of 2.64 when compared to the other tested models, indicating that it has the highest reliability to produce relatively high-accuracy SSL predictions for different data sets. Therefore, the ANN3 model is proposed as a universal model for the prediction of SSL within Peninsular Malaysia.
Correcting B0 inhomogeneity-induced distortions in whole-body diffusion MRI of bone
Authors: Digma Leonardino A. , Feng Christine H. , Conlin Christopher C. , Rodríguez-Soto Ana E. , Zhong Allison Y. , Hussain Troy S. , Lui Asona J. , Batra Kanha , Simon Aaron B. , Karunamuni Roshan , Kuperman Joshua , Rakow-Penner Rebecca , Hahn Michael E. , Dale Anders M. , Seibert Tyler M.
Published: January 2022

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) of the musculoskeletal system has various applications, including visualization of bone tumors. However, DWI acquired with echo-planar imaging is susceptible to distortions due to static magnetic field inhomogeneities. This study aimed to estimate spatial displacements of bone and to examine whether distortion corrected DWI images more accurately reflect underlying anatomy. Whole-body MRI data from 127 prostate cancer patients were analyzed. The reverse polarity gradient (RPG) technique was applied to DWI data to estimate voxel-level distortions and to produce a distortion corrected DWI dataset. First, an anatomic landmark analysis was conducted, in which corresponding vertebral landmarks on DWI and anatomic T2-weighted images were annotated. Changes in distance between DWI- and T2-defined landmarks (i.e., changes in error) after distortion correction were calculated. In secondary analyses, distortion estimates from RPG were used to assess spatial displacements of bone metastases. Lastly, changes in mutual information between DWI and T2-weighted images of bone metastases after distortion correction were calculated. Distortion correction reduced anatomic error of vertebral DWI up to 29 mm. Error reductions were consistent across subjects (Wilcoxon signed-rank p < 10–20). On average (± SD), participants’ largest error reduction was 11.8 mm (± 3.6). Mean (95% CI) displacement of bone lesions was 6.0 mm (95% CI 5.0–7.2); maximum displacement was 17.1 mm. Corrected diffusion images were more similar to structural MRI, as evidenced by consistent increases in mutual information (Wilcoxon signed-rank p < 10–12). These findings support the use of distortion correction techniques to improve localization of bone on DWI.
Waste-honeycomb-derived in situ N-doped Hierarchical porous carbon as sulfur host in lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Li Hong , Zhao Zirui , Li Yuyun , Xiang Mingwu , Guo Junming , Bai Hongli , Liu Xiaofang , Yang Xinzhou , Su Changwei
Published: January 2022

Waste honeycomb derived porous carbon with a high specific surface area of 1683.6 m2 g−1 are prepared via a facile simultaneous activation/carbonization. The corresponding porous carbon/sulfur composite cathode exhibits a durable stable performance up to 500 cycles at 1 C.
Tunable TiO2–BN–Pd nanofibers by combining electrospinning and atomic layer deposition to enhance photodegradation of acetaminophen
Authors: Sayegh Syreina , Tanos Fida , Nada Amr , Lesage Geoffroy , Zaviska François , Petit Eddy , Rouessac Vincent , Iatsunskyi Igor , Coy Emerson , Viter Roman , Damberga Daina , Weber Matthieu , Razzouk Antonio , Stephan Juliette , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: January 2022

TiO2–BN–Pd materials were successfully prepared by combining electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. The obtained materials show outstanding properties for the degradation of acetaminophen (ACT) under UV and visible light as well as high stability and recyclability.
An anthracene based metal–organic framework showing efficient angle-dependent polarized emission, luminescence thermometry, and photoelectronic response
Authors: Zhang Ji-Rui , Zhang Hao-Yi , Guo Jia-Hui , Liu Zi-Han , Ma Cheng-Yu , Yang Xiao-Gang , Lu Xiao-Yan , Qin Jian-Hua , Ma Lu-Fang
Published: January 2022

The packing mode/configuration and photophysical performance relationship of an anthracene based MOF was studied by theoretical calculations and experiments. The MOF shows efficient luminescent polarized emission, luminescence thermometry, and photoelectronic response.
Environmentally persistent free radicals in indoor particulate matter, dust, and on surfaces
Authors: Filippi A. , Sheu R. , Berkemeier T. , Pöschl U. , Tong H. , Gentner D. R.
Published: January 2022

Long-lived, yet reactive, environmentally persistent free radicals with known human health effects have the potential to influence indoor air quality and chemistry.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial ofBifidobacterium bifidumCCFM16 for manipulation of the gut microbiota and relief from chronic constipation
Authors: Wang Luyao , Wang Linlin , Tian Peijun , Wang Botao , Cui Shumao , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Qian Long , Wang Qun , Chen Wei , Wang Gang
Published: January 2022

CCFM16 raises Firmicutes and Clostridia then SCFAs levels to relieve constipation. Several taxa in Clostridiales prevent CCFM16 from properly functioning.
Sodium diffusion and dynamics in Na2Ti3O7: neutron scattering and ab initio simulations
Authors: Mittal Ranjan , Kumar Sajan , Gupta Mayanak K. , Mishra Sanjay K. , Mukhopadhyay Sanghamitra , Duc Le Manh , Shukla Rakesh , Achary Srungarpu N. , Tyagi Avesh K. , Chaplot Samrath L.
Published: January 2022

Low dimensional sodium diffusion preferentially through interstitial sites.
Acetone complexes for high-performance perovskite photovoltaics with reduced nonradiative recombination
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yang Chenguang , Cui Yuying , Xie Li , Hao Feng
Published: January 2022

A greener solvent acetone is applied to replace DMF and NMP for depositing high-quality perovskite thin films through the formation of an acetone–MAI–PbI2 intermediate phase.
Directional quantum dot emission by soft-stamping on silicon Mie resonators
Authors: Veeken Tom , Daiber Benjamin , Agrawal Harshal , Aarts Mark , Alarcón-Lladó Esther , Garnett Erik C. , Ehrler Bruno , van de Groep Jorik , Polman Albert
Published: January 2022

We present a soft-stamping method to selectively print a homogenous layer of CdSeTe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) on top of Si nanocylinders with Mie-type resonant modes. Depending on the cylinder shape, we direct the QD emission up or down.
Identification and optimization of tunable endosomal escape parameters for enhanced efficacy in peptide-targeted prodrug-loaded nanoparticles
Authors: Mejia Franklin , Khan Sabrina , Omstead David T. , Minetos Christina , Bilgicer Basar
Published: January 2022

Endosomal escape of nanoparticles (NPs) is a weighty consideration for engineering successful nanomedicines.
Reconfigurable label-free shape-sieving of submicron particles in paired chalcogenide waveguides
Authors: Cao Tun , Wang Zhongming , Mao Libang
Published: January 2022

A paired Sb2Se3 waveguides were demonstrated to sort polystyrene spherical and rod-shaped submicron particles. Reconfigurable shape-sieving of particles was achieved by reversibly transiting Sb2Se3 state.
Strain-induced circular photogalvanic current in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 films epitaxied on a GaAs(111)B substrate
Authors: Liang Gaoming , Zhai Guihao , Ma Jialin , Wang Hailong , Zhao Jianhua , Wu Xiaoguang , Zhang Xinhui
Published: January 2022

The circular photogalvanic current was observed in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 film, which was suggested to originate from the reduced structure symmetry and modified band structure of Cd3As2 film that undergoes large epitaxial strain.
Phosphorene quantum dots: synthesis, properties and catalytic applications
Authors: Ozhukil Valappil Manila , Alwarappan Subbiah , Pillai Vijayamohanan K.
Published: January 2022

Phosphorene quantum dots (PQDs) belong to a new class of zero-dimensional functional nanostructures with unique physicochemical and surface properties in comparison with few-layer phosphorene and other 2D analogues.
Current-assisted magnetization reversal in Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals homojunctions
Authors: Lin Hailong , Yan Faguang , Hu Ce , Zheng Yuanhui , Sheng Yu , Zhu Wenkai , Wang Ziao , Zheng Houzhi , Wang Kaiyou
Published: January 2022

Current-assisted magnetization reversal in Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals homojunctions under an external magnetic field.
Cyclobutane based “overbred intermediates” and their exploration in organic synthesis
Authors: Nandy Monosij , Das Swagata , Nanda Samik
Published: January 2022

The strategic exploration of four-member “overbred intermediates” (cyclobutane based) in the total synthesis of a complex carbocyclic target structure from 1968 to 2020 is outlined in this short review.
Electroreductive synthesis of polyfunctionalized pyridin-2-ones from acetoacetanilides and carbon disulfide with oxygen evolution
Authors: Xu Lichun , Ma Zhongxiao , Hu Xi , Zhang Xin , Gao Shulin , Liang Deqiang , Wang Baoling , Li Weili , Li Yanni
Published: January 2022

A reductant-free electroreductive synthesis of polyfunctionalized pyridin-2-ones under the combined action of electro/copper/base with O2 evolution.
The inchoate horizon of electrolyzer designs, membranes and catalysts towards highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formic acid
Authors: Senthilkumar P. , Mohapatra Mamata , Basu Suddhasatwa
Published: January 2022

This review explores the recent advances in CO2 reactor configurations, components, membranes and electrocatalysts for HCOOH generation and draw readers attention to construct the economic, scalable and energy efficient CO2R electrolyzers.
Fabrication of an antifouling PES ultrafiltration membrane via blending SPSF
Authors: Wen Xin , He Can , Hai Yuyan , Ma Rui , Sun Jianyu , Yang Xue , Qi Yunlong , Wei Hui , Chen Jingyun
Published: January 2022

The chemical structures of (a) PES and (b) SPSF.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based nanofiber architectures for the removal of heavy metal ions
Authors: Adil Heja Ibrahim , Thalji Mohammad R. , Yasin Suhad A. , Saeed Ibtisam A. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Chong Kwok Feng , Ali Gomaa A. M.
Published: January 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising and effective materials for removing heavy metal ions from contaminated water owing to their high porosity, remarkable physical and chemical properties, and high specific surface area.
Evaluation of the performance of different membrane materials for microalgae cultivation on attached biofilm reactors
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Ma Rui , Chu Huaqiang , Zhou Xuefei , Yao Tianming , Zhang Yalei
Published: January 2022

Attached microalgae production in wastewater is a promising method to further develop biofilm reactors by reducing economic costs associated with biomass separation and harvesting.
Straightforward synthesis of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones via visible light-induced condensation cyclization
Authors: Sun Wuji , Ma Xue , Pang Yuqi , Zhao Lifeng , Zhong Qidi , Liu Chunyan , Fan Qiangwen
Published: January 2022

Visible light was used as a readily available and renewable clean energy source for the green and metal catalyst free synthesis of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones. High and excellent yields of the desired products were obtained with good functional group tolerance.
Small-molecule fluorescent probes based on covalent assembly strategy for chemoselective bioimaging
Authors: Chen Xingwei , Huang Zhongxi , Huang Lihua , Shen Qian , Yang Nai-Di , Pu Chibin , Shao Jinjun , Li Lin , Yu Changmin , Huang Wei
Published: January 2022

In this review, we comprehensively summarize the recent progress in the development of small molecular fluorescent probes based on the covalent assembly principle. The challenges and perspective in this field are also presented.
Electronic energy levels of porphyrins are influenced by the local chemical environment
Authors: Wolf Margaret , Ortiz-Garcia José J. , Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew J. , Gascón José A. , Quardokus Rebecca C.
Published: January 2022

Self-assembled islands of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluoro-phenyl)porphyrin (2HTFPP) on Au(111) contain two bistable molecular species that differ by shifted electronic energy levels.
Scale-invariance in miniature coarse-grained red blood cells by fluctuation analysis
Authors: Appshaw Paul , Seddon Annela M. , Hanna Simon
Published: January 2022

The scale-invariance of a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model of a red blood cell is investigated through fluctuation analysis, justifying the use of “miniature cells” in silico.
Carrier dynamics in two-dimensional perovskites: Dion–Jacobson vs. Ruddlesden–Popper thin films
Authors: Qin Chaochao , Xu Liuhong , Zhou Zhongpo , Song Jian , Ma Shuhong , Jiao Zhaoyong , Jiang Yuhai
Published: January 2022

Quasi-two dimensional perovskites have emerged as candidates of high-performance materials for various optoelectronic applications due to the unique excitonic properties in their multilayer structures.
Machine learning and molecular dynamics simulation-assisted evolutionary design and discovery pipeline to screen efficient small molecule acceptors for PTB7-Th-based organic solar cells with over 15% efficiency
Authors: Mahmood Asif , Irfan Ahmad , Wang Jin-Liang
Published: January 2022

A multi-stage machine learning and molecular dynamics simulation-assisted pipeline is introduced for the time- and cost-efficient design and screening of small molecule acceptors for organic solar cells.
A multi-pronged approach to strengthen diesel vehicle emission monitoring
Authors: Hao Lijun , Yin Hang , Wang Junfang , Li Lanju , Lu Wenhui , Wang Haohao , Ge Yunshan , Sjödin Åke
Published: January 2022

China is constructing an vehicle emission monitoring system, aimed at combining remote OBD, periodic inspections, remote sensing and roadside checks. In this study, the exhaust emissions from diesel vehicles were investigated and analysed.
Wideband series feeding antenna array made of substrate integrated waveguide slot array and patch array
Authors: Shahi Ali , Mohammad‐Taheri Mahmoud
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a wideband two layer slot array antenna is proposed which operates in the frequency range of 12–14.4 GHz. The lower layer of the antenna array includes narrow rectangular slots and the upper layer consist of rectangular patches shorted on the sides of the patches with via holes. The wideband operation is obtained by making two resonances. One resonance is due to radiation of the single element and the other is the effect of mutual coupling between adjacent elements. An 8 element array is designed, simulated and fabricated with good agreement between simulated and measured results.
Data driven optimization for electric vehicle charging station locating and sizing with charging satisfaction consideration in urban areas
Authors: Hu Dandan , Huang Liu , Liu Chen , Liu Zhi‐Wei , Ge Ming‐Feng
Published: January 2022

The lagging development of charging infrastructure seriously restricts the penetration of electric vehicles. Inadequate and unreasonably setting of charging stations (CS) aggravates charging anxiety of electric vehicle(EV) users. Location and sizing model is developed to expand existing CS to maximize EV charging service satisfaction in urban areas. The model captures charging behavior from massive GPS trajectory extraction data of electric taxis. Satisfaction from EV users with charging service is measured by whether the respond time from an electric vehicle driver issuing charging demand signal to completion of charging is within a threshold value. The respond time is considered to include seeking time, queuing time and charging time, which are determined by the decisions of the CS location, capacity and charging types. Heuristic algorithms, including the greedy, greedy‐substitute and two‐layer genetic algorithms, are designed to solve the problem. Algorithms are simulated in a large scale random computational environment. Finally, a practical case of Shenzhen is investigated. It is found that charger pooling is more effective than decentralized layout. Moreover, it is critical to weigh the cost and charging rate of different types of chargers with budget restriction. High charging rate chargers are not necessarily effective than slow ones in reducing charging respond time.
Quantitative risk assessment and safety databases in Romanian coal mining: preliminary systematic approach
Authors: Vasilescu Gabriel - Victor , Moraru Roland Iosif , Bǎbuţ Gabriel Bujor
Published: January 2022

Risk management is becoming increasingly more complex. Risk assessment, approached quantitatively, requires a factual database to define the likelihood of adverse health effects of workplace-related injuries and exposures, and it attempts to balance scientific knowledge with concerns of staff, investigators and administration. Practical guidance should be provided for Romanian coal mining companies to make progress in risk assessment process. Guidance is given on how to effectively introduce quantitative risk assessment in mining industry, the main goal being to highlight that the most valuable resource remains experience gained by effectively performing the process. Analyzing how various parameters are described/used, the paper aims to establish the place and role of quantitative risk analysis mining. Possibilities of developing safety/reliability database in coal mining are investigated. The block diagram describing the conceptual structure of a database on failures, safety of equipment and workers in the mining industry was developed. Because mining relies heavily on complex technologies - permanent mining facilities and large mobile equipment and support services - often located in isolated and hostile environments, the implementation of quantitative risk analysis and the development of a realistic database could be considered as a resilience business strategy and conversion of available knowledge into management actions.
Assessment of explosion risk for wood dust in a ventilation-dust separation installation, by determining the concentration of total dust in suspension inside of the installation
Authors: Kovacs Marius , Toth Lorand , Simion Sorin
Published: January 2022

Most of combustible dusts present both fire and explosion hazard. Explosion may occur at certain concentrations of dust mixed with air and in the presence of an ignition source. The threat posed by this real danger was confirmed by the events that took place in economic units such as: feed factories, wood products, textile industry, steel, etc. Among the parameters of explosiveness of combustible dust, which can cause an explosion, we mention: maximum explosion pressure, lower explosion limit, explosive index, minimum ignition energy, electrical resistivity of dust, minimum ignition temperature of dust layer and cloud, particle size and concentration of dust in suspension. The current paper presents the results of determinations of combustible wood dust concentrations, performed at an important economic unit, manufacturing veneer and wood panels, at a dusting ventilation installation composed of fan, cyclone and textile filter. These determinations were made in the pipe connecting the fan and the bag filter, to assess possible danger of explosion in the pipe, by relating the measured concentration to the lower explosion limit (concentration of wood dust).
Self-ignition temperature of the dust accumulations for sunflower and wood powders
Authors: Prodan Maria , Szollosi-Moța Andrei , Nălboc Vasilica Irina , Șuvar Niculina Sonia , Jurca Adrian
Published: January 2022

Spontaneous combustion is a phenomenon that results from the heating of combustible organic powders by slow oxidation and which occurs through the air passage (created by an air depression) through the mass of dust. The oxidation phenomenon of combustible powders represents their reaction with atmospheric oxygen resulting in products of carbon dioxide, carbon oxide, water and other gases whose content depends on the temperature at which the oxidation takes place. The self-ignition of combustible dusts depends on their chemical composition, the properties of component substances, on the particle size and geometry of the material mass and, last but not least, on the temperature of the environment. Due to global worries of sustainability in construction engineering the trend is to use ecofriendly organic waste to various purposes as in construction materials. The challenge is that by using this kind of materials one should ensure the safety related to the process of such organic materials which are known to have combustible properties. The purpose of this work is to present the self-ignition behavior of combustible dusts such as sunflower and wood by means of drying tests under constant temperature conditions.
Methane emissions from the mines belonging to the Hunedoara Energy Complex
Authors: Chiuzan Emeric , Dragoescu Razvan , Ianc Nicolae , Matei Adrian , Camarasescu Alexandru
Published: January 2022

Methane emitted by the hard coal mines in operation in the Jiu Valley coalfield is under study in order to find out the most suitable solutions that increase occupational health and safety and at last, but not in the least, to capitalize the power generating potential of it. From the point of view of occupational safety, methane displays the highest risk because it can give birth to an explosive mixture with the air and the coal dust. Methane discharges into the outer atmosphere have a negative impact, increasing the greenhouse effect, with serious consequences over the parameters of the climate. This paper focuses on the use of mine gas in three important stages: solutions for the use of methane discharged by central degassing stations for power generating purposes; development of the network for the drainage of gases and increasing the volume of recovered methane; solutions for the use of CH4 from the general ventilation.
Classification of underground mining works within the Tg. Ocna salt mine from the point of view of gas emissions
Authors: Matei Adrian , Ianc Nicolae
Published: January 2022

According to the new classification method, salt mines and underground work or areas where methane has not been observed but for which methane has been observed in boreholes found in rock massifs are considered to be fire mines / mine areas or mining work. This new classification allows only the effective areas of exploitation to be maintained in the wire regime, the rest of the salt mine being considered non-wire. The purpose of this paper is to determine the rate of methane (explosive gas) and carbon dioxide (oxidizing gas) in the mining operations of the Tg-Ocna salt mine, given its classification.
Generalized graphic-analytical model for evaluation of the fatality / structural collapse production mechanism on a building affected by an explosion
Authors: Vasilescu Gabriel , Kovacs Attila , Jitea Ciprian , Anghelache Doru , Stoian Florian
Published: January 2022

The paper highlights the generalized grapho-analytical model of analysis and evaluation of the mechanism of occurrence of the event scenario for the production of fatality/structural collapse in the case of a building affected by explosion. This mathematical model is based on research results in the field of civil explosives for the technological/occupational risks estimation and assessment, as well as threats to the security of protected areas that may be vulnerable through acts of malice. The process of quantitative risk assessment associated with explosion phenomena as a result of the detonation of an explosive charge, allows estimating result indicators based on the use of algorithms and models specific to associated hazards, in order to model the effects and consequences of event scenarios.
Study on nitrogen barrier protection of an airend oil-free compressor bearings in H2 compression
Authors: Vladuca Iulian , Prisăcariu Emilia Georgiana , Suciu Cosmin Petru , Dobromirescu Cristian , Nicoară Răzvan Edmond
Published: January 2022

The oil free compressors were specially designed for air compression. The National Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines COMOTI gained a great deal of experience in producing/designing certified oil injection screw compressors for the natural gas field and for several years it has been focusing its research on the use of “dry” (oil-free) compressors in natural gas compression and more recently in hydrogen compression. Working with an explosive gas, one of an idea was to use a nitrogen barrier in oil bearing sealing, which are open source of gases in the atmosphere for such compressors. Worldwide, on-site nitrogen generators have been developed for a purity range of 95…99.5%, and that nitrogen can be supplied in any environment conditions. The present paper will address nitrogen flow with low percentage of oxygen for bearing sealing at the working pressure, the nitrogen consumption, ideas for H2 re-injection and the influence over the global efficiency of the process. Due to the Energy Strategy worldwide, and the studies regarding production, transport and storage of hydrogen in natural gas network, COMOTI has involved researches in developing such possibilities and to express a point of view in existing research in the newly created industry.
Considerations regarding test methods against dust and water ingress protection for Ex equipment
Authors: Vătavu Niculina , Părăian Mihaela , Vătavu Sorin , Popa Mihai
Published: January 2022

The explosion danger in all industries where explosive atmospheres generated by the mixture of combustible dusts or flammable gases with air may form, must be treated as a major hazard, as the explosions that may occur can seriously affect both health and safety people, as well as the environment. It is therefore necessary to assess the explosion risk and to establish appropriate measures to reduce it to acceptable levels in accordance with the requirements of the European Directives. An essential element in the assessment of the explosion risk for electrical and non-electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres is the way in which an appropriate normal degree of protection is provided through the equipment housing (protection against touching of dangerous parts inside the equipment housing and protection against the ingress of dust and water inside it). The aim of the paper is to highlight compliance with the requirements of the ATEX Directive, given that this protection is a basic requirement for explosion protection and to present the important elements to be considered for the assessment of the normal degree of protection and the development of harmonized test methods with the requirements of European standards.
Research on labor consumption and rescuers’ physiological parameters progress in the case of practical training in a mobile training facility
Authors: Nicolescu Cristian , Găman George Artur , Pupăzan Daniel , Ilie Cosmin
Published: January 2022

An important factor in ensuring success in an intervention operation in dangerous environments lays in the training process, in conditions as close as possible to real intervention situations, as well as the manner of setting up rescue teams. In order to organize the intervention process as efficiently as possible, when setting up rescue teams we must take into account work consumption and physiological parameters achieved by members of the rescue teams during practical training carried out within the mobile training facility. In case of special incidents, the rescue intervention can take place in areas with small (limited) sections, spaces with high temperature, in low visibility conditions, which would make rescuers’ intervention even more difficult. Conditions mentioned above can be easily created within the rescuers’ mobile training facility, endowment of INSEMEX Petroșani, facility that through its equipment and facilities, allows monitoring of labour consumption and physiological parameters of rescuers throughout and in all training situations. The current paper presents training methods of intervention and rescue personnel within the mobile training facility and progress of work consumption / physiological parameters of rescuers throughout these practical exercises, with the aim of preparing intervention and rescue teams for situations close to real ones.
Research on rescuers’ training process in toxic / explosive / flammable environments
Authors: Gireadă Andrei-Lucian , Ilie Cosmin , Irimia Alin
Published: January 2022

The paper presents the structuring of physical effort put in by rescuers during training, taking into account the activity specific psychosocial factors, structuring that aimed at streamlining the training process of intervention and rescue personnel in toxic / explosive / flammable environments. Training routes with various degrees of difficulty, allowing the simulation of intervention activities in horizontally and vertically confined spaces, low visibility, high temperature and humidity environments were analysed, for each the specific labour consumption being calculated. A dysfunctional phenomenon caused by the intervention and rescue activity is fatigue, perceived as a body reaction to readjust and restore its functions following intense or repeated body requests for energy consumption. Not only physical fatigue (which can be controlled through exercises) is specific for rescue and intervention activity but also mental fatigue. In addition to physical and technical training, psychosocial training of people who carry out intervention and rescue activities was followed in the training programs.
Green methods that are used to ensure the sustainable development of the environment and the society
Authors: Gavrilaș Simona
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, pollution is one of the biggest challenges for human society. Many types of research are directed toward finding sustainable solutions with minimum or no environmental impact. The contaminants affect the ecosystem components and the people's health equally. Cardiovascular and cancer are only two examples of diseases for which air and food adulteration are directly influenced. For each situation, the conditions need to be evaluated. Environmental accidents or rehearsal ones can determine the risk sources. Regardless of the case, prevention measures are always recommended. Different organic wastes recovery represents a possible solution ensuring an endurable process. Such an approach has to be also looked at from an economic point of view. Renewable natural raw materials usually have lower costs. Independent of the considered strategies, they all have to be based on two pilings. One acts by the authority’s involvement using legislation and standards, and the other refers to society through awareness and implication. The paper highlights some of the most recent and significant findings regarding eco-friendly and sustainable techniques newly developed that were presented in recently published articles. The topics considered essential for this approach regarded the improvements made to increase the city life, the industrial environment, and the laboratory techniques.
Agro-tourism Structures, SARS-CoV-2: the Role of Water
Authors: Schiavon Marco , Giurea Ramona , Ionescu Gabriela , Magaril Elena , Rada Elena Cristina
Published: January 2022

The agro-tourism environmental sustainability and its circular economy approaches represent the keys for the future development of the sector and in term of tourist presences, thanks to their growing attractivity. Water is one of the most used inputs in agro-tourism structures for internal (drinking, cooking, cleaning, etc.) and outdoor use (for agriculture and green areas management). In the scientific literature, the outdoor water use was more studied with regard the agro-tourism structures. The aim of the present paper is first to check and understand how the water consumption of an agro-tourism structure is managed and to propose solutions for its reduction, all in agreement with circular economy concepts, considering also the SARS-CoV-2 issue. Also, the role of tourists in helping, respect the rules and complying with the proposed solutions will be considered. The results demonstrate that a proper maintenance can be obtained by simply introducing simplified devices. Moreover, a key factor is the tourist information at agro-tourism structures. With a technological effort, water can be managed to favour reuse (e.g. grey water).
RETRACTED: Techno-economic analysis and modelling of the feasibility of wind energy in Kuwait
Authors: Kaboli Seyed Amir , Nazmabadi Reyhaneh
Published: January 2022

The Editors have retracted this article, see the Retraction Notice, because the authors have used data from a study without permission and without citing the source. The Editors received this information after the publication of the paper.
Optimization of advanced manufacturing processes using socio inspired cohort intelligence algorithm
Authors: Kale Ishaan R. , Pachpande Mayur A. , Naikwadi Swapnil P. , Narkhede Mayur N.
Published: January 2022

The demand of Advanced Machining Processes (AMP) is continuously increasing owing to the technological advancement. The problems based on AMP are complex in nature as it consisted of parameters which are interdependent. These problems also consisted of linear and nonlinear constraints. This makes the problem complex which may not be solved using traditional optimization techniques. The optimization of process parameters is indispensable to use AMP's at its aptness and to make it economical to use. This paper states the optimization of process parameters of Ultrasonic machining (USM) and Abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) processes to maximize the Material Removal Rate (MRR) using a socio inspired Cohort Intelligent (CI) algorithm. The constraints involved with these problems are handled using static penalty function approach. The solutions are compared with other contemporary techniques such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Modified Harmony Search (HS_M) and Genetic Algorithm (GA).
Optimization based on electro-thermo-mechanical modeling of the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT)
Authors: Amar Abdelhamid , Radi Bouchaïb , El Hami Abdelkhalak
Published: January 2022

The electro-thermomechanical modeling study of the High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) has been presented, all the necessary equations are detailed and coupled. This proposed modeling by the finite element method using the Comsol multiphysics software, allowed to study the multiphysics behaviour of the transistor and to observe the different degradations in the structure of the component. Then, an optimization study is necessary to avoid failures in the transistor. In this work, we have used the Covariance Matrix Adaptation-Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) method to solve the optimization problem, but it requires a very important computing time. Therefore, we proposed the kriging assisted CMA-ES method (KA-CMA-ES), it is an integration of the kriging metamodel in the CMA-ES method, it allows us to solve the problem of optimization and overcome the constraint of calculation time. All these methods are well detailed in this paper. The coupling of the finite element model developed on Comsol Multiphysics and the KA-CMA-ES method on Matlab software, allowed to optimize the multiphysics behaviour of the transistors. We made a comparison between the results of the numerical simulations of the initial state and the optimal state of the component. It was found that the proposed KA-CMA-ES method is efficient in solving optimization problems.