bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of Periodic Traveling Waves in the Klausmeier Model of Desertification and its Modification: A Comparative Study
Authors: Howlader Md AS , Arif Md Ariful Islam , Andallah LS , Gani M Osman
Published: January 2019

Self-organized and spatially periodic banded vegetation patterns have been observed in many semi-arid ecosystems. In order to understand the mechanism of these patterns, we consider a system of reaction-advection-diffusion equations in a two-variable model of desertification. This work deals with the investigation of the existence of periodic traveling waves in a one-parameter family of solutions. In addition, we investigate the existence of periodic traveling waves as a function of water transport parameter in the model.

GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 38 (2018) 27-46
On Codes over the Rings fq + ufq + vfq + uvfq
Authors: M Yaghi Ibrahim , Ashker Mohammed M Ali
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we study the structure of linear and self dual codes of an arbitrary length n overhearing Fq + uFq + vFq + uvFq, where q is a power of the prime p and u2 = v2 = 0, uv = vu, Also we obtain the structure of consta-cyclic codes of length n = q − 1 over the ring Fq + uFq + vFq + uvFq in the light of studying cyclic codes over Fq + uFq + vFq + uvFq in [6]. This study is a generalization and extension of the works in [7], [8], and [10].

GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 38 (2018) 57-71
Heat-Mass Transfer of Nanofluid in Lid-Driven Enclosure under three Convective Modes
Authors: Rahman MS , Nasrin R , Hoque MI
Published: January 2019

Heat is a form of energy which transfers between bodies which are kept under thermal interactions. When a temperature difference occurs between two bodies or a body with its surroundings, heat transfer occurs. Heat transfer occurs in three modes. Three modes of heat transfer are conduction, convection and radiation. Convection is a very important phenomenon in heat transfer applications and it occurs due to two different gradients, such as, temperature and concentration. This paper reports a numerical study on forced-mixed-natural convections within a lid-driven square enclosure, filled with a mixture of water and 2% concentrated Cu nanoparticles. It is assumed that the temperature difference driving the convection comes from the side moving walls, when both horizontal walls are kept insulated. In order to solve general coupled equations, a code based on the Galerkin's finite element method is used. To make clear the effect of using nanofluid on heat and mass transfers inside the enclosure, a wide range of the Richardson number, taken from 0.1 to 10 is studied. A fair degree of precision can be found between the present and previously published works. The phenomenon is analyzed through streamlines, isotherm and iso-concentration plots, with special attention to the Nusselt number and Sherwood number. The larger heat and mass transfer rates can be achieved with nanofluid than the base fluid for all conditions at Richardson number, Ri = 0.1 to 10. It has been found that the heat and mass transfer rate increase approximately 6% for water with the increase of Ri = 0.1 to 10, whereas these increase about 34% for nanofluid.

GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 38 (2018) 73-83
Real Analyticity of Hausdorff Dimension Function of Disconnected Julia Sets of Parabolic Polynomials fa,b(z) = z(1 – az – bz2)
Authors: Akter Hasina
Published: January 2019

Abstract not available

GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 38 (2018) 119-125
Komparasi Pengujian Mutu Beton dengan Menggunakan Metode SNI 03-4430-1997 dan SNI 1974-1990 dalam Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat di Laboratorium Struktur dan Bahan Konstruksi Universitas Brawijaya
Authors: Hendik Sugeng , Teguh Dhino
Published: January 2019

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimental yang dilakukan di laboratorium, untuk mengetahui perbandingan pengukuran kekuatan beton pada kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat di Laboratorium Struktur dan Bahan Konstruksi Fakultas Teknik Universitas Brawijaya. Pengukuran kekuatan beton bisa menggunakan metode merusak dan tidak merusak. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mendapatkan konstanta pengali nilai hasil pengujian Hammer Test, sehingga hasilnya bisa mendekati hasil pengujian dengan menggunakan Mesin Uji Tekan. Adapun variabel penelitian adalah jenis sampel dan metode pengujian. Jumlah sampel untuk setiap umur beton adalah 20 silinder dan 20 kubus, sehingga total adalah 40 buah sampel beton, setelah itu dilakukan pengujian kekuatan dengan menggunakan metode non destruktif dan dengan bahan yang sama dilakukan pengujian kuat tekan dengan metode destruktif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengujian dengan menggunakan hammer test nilainya lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan pengujian dengan Compression Machine dan didapatkannya konstanta pengali sebesar 0,88. Sehingga dengan menggunakan nilai hasil pengujian dengan alat hammer test estimasi kekuatan beton bisa diukur terlebih dahulu tanpa menggunakan metode Destruktif

Kata-kata kunci : pengujian merusak dan tidak merusak, mesin uji tekan, uji kekerasan

ABSTRACT

This research is experimental research conducted at laboratory, to find the comparison of strength measurement of concrete in Community Service Activities at Laboratory of Structures and Construction Materials can use the method of destructive and non-destructive. The main purpose of this research is to get the value of multiplier constant from the test result of Hammer Test, so the result can come near to the test result by using Compression Machine. The research variable are; sample type (cube of 15 x 15 and cylinder of 15 x 30), testing method (hammer test vs Universal testing machine). The number of concrete cylinder sample (Ø 15 cm x 30cm) for each concrete age is 20 of cylinder and 20 of cube, so the total is 40 pcs of concrete sample, after that, compressive strength test is performed by using method of non-destructive and by the same materials, compressive strength test is performed by using method of destructive. The result of this research is prove that value test by using Hammer Test is lower that using Compression Machine and the obtained of multiplier constant is 0.88. So by using value of test result with hammer test, estimation of concrete strength can be measured in advance without using method of destructive.

Keywords : destructive test, non-destructive test, universal testing machine, hammer test
Membangun Guru Profesional Untuk Pendidikan Bermutu
Authors: Miftahuddin Miftahuddin
Published: January 2019

Pendidikan bermutu harus dilihat dari tiga cakupan, yaitu Produk, efek dan dampak. Hasil pendidikan yang berupa produi adalah wujud hasil yang dicapai pada akhir satu proses pendidikan. Hasil yang berupa efek adalah perubahan lebih lanjut terhadap keseluruhan kepribadian peserta didik sebagai akibat perolehan produk dari proses pendidikan (pembelajaran) dari satu periode tertentu. Selanjutnya hasil pendidikan yang berupa dampak, adalah burupa penaruh lebih lanjut hasil pendidikan (yang berupa produk dan efek pada diri peserta didik) terhadap kondisi dan lingkungannya baik di dalam keluarga ataupun masyarakat secara keseluruhan.

Istilah profesi sudah cukup dikenal oleh semua pihak, dan senantiasa melekat pada guru karena tugas guru sesungguhnya merupakan suatu jabatan profesional. Ada bebarapa istilah lain yang dikembangkan yang bersumber dari istilah “profesi” yaitu istilah profesional, profesionalisme, profesionalitas, dan profesionalisasi.

Kualitas guru profesionalisme harus didukung oleh lima kompetensi, yaitu : 1. Keingan untuk selalu menampilkan perilaku yang mendekati standar ideal. 2. Meningkatkan dan memelihara citra profesi, 3. Keinginan untuk senantiasa mengejar kesempatan pengembangan profesi yang dapat meningkatkan dan memperbaiki kualitas pengetahuan dan ketrampilan, 4.Mengejar kualitas dan cita-cita dalam profesi, dan 5.Memiliki kebangaan terhadap profesinya.

Peningkatan profesionalisme dilaksanakan secara terpadu, konsepsional dan sistematis dengan pendekatan :  Melalui pelaksanaan tugas, response, penelusuran dan pengembangan diri, dan dukungan system.
KUALITAS PRODUK, CITRA MEREK DAN MINAT BELI KONSUMEN KERIPIK SINGKONG
Authors: Raharjo Rizki Maulana , Mulyanto Heru
Published: January 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Citra Merek dan Kualitas Produk Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen Keripik Singkong di Cileungsi.Penelitian dilakukan dengan menyebarkan kuesioner penelitian kepada 100 konsumen Qtela di Cileungsi, Bogor sebagai sampel penelitian. Data hasil kuesioner dianalisis menggunakan analisis regresi linier ganda yang meliputi uji asumsi klasik, analisis koefisien determinasi ganda, model persamaan regresi linier ganda, uji model menggunakan uji-F dan uji hipotesis menggunakan uji-t.Penelitian menghasilkan model persamaan linear ganda Y = 1,193 + 0,356 X1 + 0,535 X2. Model tersebut memenuhi kelayakan model karena citra merek dan kualitas produk mampu menjelaskan 74,9% variasi minat beli konsumen. Citra produk berpengaruh terhadap minat beli dengan arah positif, sebesar b1 = 0,356Â  artinya semakin tinggi citra merek maka semakin tinggi pula minat beli konsumen keripik singkong Qtela.Kualitas produk berpengaruh terhadap minat beli dengan arah positif sebesar b1 = 0,356 , artinya semakin tinggi kualitas produk maka semakin tinggi pula minat beli konsumen terhadap keripik singkong Qtela.Â Kata kunci: Citra Merek, Kualitas Produk, Minat Beli
PENGARUH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DAN EFIKASI DIRI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT NIKOMAS GEMILANG DIVISI PCI S5 SERANG BANTEN
Authors: Nurfajar Nurfajar , Marzuqi M. Syafiq , Rohmayati Nika
Published: January 2019

Tujuan penilitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh employee engagement, efikasi diri terhadap kinerja karyawan secara stimultan maupun secara parsial karyawan PT. Nikamas Gemilang. Metode penelitian dilakukan dengan metode survei, jenis penelitian dengan kuantitatif, pengujian instrumen dengan uji validitas dan reliabitas, pengujian lain dengan uji homoskedastisitas dan multikolonieritas. Populasi sebanyak 55 orang karyawan dan sampel penelitian 48 orang karyawan, teknik pengambilan sampel adalah random sampling. Metode analisi data dengan analisi regresi linier berganda dibantu pengelolahannya dengan program SPSS (statistical Package for Social Sciences) versi 16. Hasil penelitian menujukkan bahwa secara stimultan employee engagement, efikasi diri terhadap kinerja karyawan berpengaruh positif signifikan dengan hasil persamaan regresi berganda sebagai berikut Y = 67,739 + 0.218 X1 + - 0.250 X2 Nilai R2 sebesar 0,038. Secara parsial, ternyata employee engagement  berpengaruh positif signifikan, efikasi diri berpengaruh negatif tetapi signifikan terhadap prestasi kerja. Kata kunci:Employee engagement, Efikasi diri, Kinerja
Pencarian Rute Terbaik Pada Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) Menggunakan Algoritma Genetika pada Dinas Kebersihan dan Pertamanan Kota Pekanbaru
Authors: Cipta Hasibuan Medrio Dwi Aksara , - Lusiana
Published: January 2019

Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) merupakan salah satu permasalahan optimasi yang terjadi di kehidupan sehari-hari. Permasalahan pada kasus TSP adalah bagaimana membangun rute terpendek yang akan dilalui salesman. Pemodelan kasus ini akan diterapkan pada kegiatan pengangkutan sampah di Dinas Kebersihan dan Pertamanan Kota Pekanbaru (DKP). Saat ini rute pengangkutan sampah yang dikelola DKP masih dilakukan secara konvensional sehingga belum dapat dipastikan bahwa rute yang dibangun sudah optimal. Untuk membangun rute yang optimal pada TSP, penulis mengusulkan menggunakan algoritma genetika. Algoritma genetika merupakan suatu metode yang digunakan untuk memecahkan suatu permasalahan pencarian solusi optimal dalam sebuah masalah optimasi. Algoritma ini mengikuti proses genetik dari organisme-organisme biologi yang berdasar pada teori evolusi Charles Darwin. Implementasi algoritma genetika menguji kemampuan algoritma genetika, dalam mencari solusi rute optimal pada kegiatan pengangkutan sampah. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian yang dilakukan pada tiga wilayah kerja pengangkutan sampah yang disusun oleh Dinas Kebersihan dan Pertamanan Kota Pekanbaru, dapat disimpulkan bahwa algoritma genetika mampu menghasilkan solusi rute yang optimal.
Identification and Representation of Multi-Pulse Near-Fault Strong Ground Motion Using Adaptive Wavelet Transform
Authors: Xia Chunxu , Liu Chunguang
Published: January 2019

In order to identify the horizontal seismic motion owning the largest pulse energy, and represent the dominant pulse-like component embedded in this seismic motion, we used the adaptive wavelet transform algorithm in this paper. Fifteen candidate mother wavelets were evaluated to select the optimum wavelet based on the similarities between the candidate mother wavelet and the target seismic motion, evaluated by the minimum cross variance. This adaptive choosing algorithm for the optimum mother wavelet was invoked before identifying both the horizontal direction owning the largest pulse energy and every dominant pulse, which provides the optimum mother wavelet for the continuous wavelet transform. Each dominant pulse can be represented by its adaptively selected optimum mother wavelet. The results indicate that the identified multi-pulse component fits well with the seismic motion. In most cases, mother wavelets in one multi-pulse seismic motion were different from each other. For the Chi-Chi event (1999-Sep-20 17:47:16 UTC, Mw = 7.6), 62.26% of the qualified pulse-like earthquake motions lay in the horizontal direction ranging from ±15° to ±75°. The Daubechies 6 (db6) mother wavelet was the most frequently used type for both the first and second pulse components.
Microwave Photonic Devices Based on Liquid Crystal on Silicon Technology
Authors: Zheng Ruiqi , Chan Erwin H. W. , Wang Xudong , Feng Xinhuan , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: January 2019

This paper reviews the recent developments in microwave photonic devices based on liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) technology. The operation principle, functions and important specifications of an LCOS based optical processor are described. Three microwave photonic devices, which are microwave photonic notch filters, phase shifters and couplers, reported in the past five years are focused on in this paper. In addition, a new multi-function signal processing structure based on amplitude and phase control functions in conjunction with a power splitting function in a commercial LCOS based optical processor is presented. It has the ability to realize multiple time -shifting operations and multiple frequency-independent phase shifting operations at the same time and control multiple RF signal amplitudes, in a single unit. The results for the new multi-function microwave photonic signal processor demonstrate multiple tunable true time delay and phase shifting operations with less than 3 dB amplitude variation over a very wide frequency range of 10 to 40 GHz.
A Collaborative Human-Robot Framework for Visual Topological Mapping of Coral Reefs
Authors: Maldonado-Ramírez Angel Alejandro , Torres-Méndez Luz Abril
Published: January 2019

One of the most important tasks when creating a map of visual information obtained from different agents is finding common locations between the sets of images that enable them to be fused into a single representation. Typical approaches focus on images obtained from the same agent. However, in this paper, we focus on recognizing the same places in images captured by different agents to create a topological map of coral reefs. The main components of the proposed method are the voting scheme to find a sparse similarity matrix between different frames and an effective method to match sequences of images exploiting the sparsity of the resulting similarity matrix. We have applied our method to sequences of images obtained from coral reef explorations performed by different agents. The presented method shows a good performance compared to other well-established methods such as FABMAP. This demonstrates its ability to find common locations from visual information gathered from different sources, which eases the collaboration between humans and robots to map the environment.
Joining with Reactive Nano-Multilayers: Influence of Thermal Properties of Components on Joint Microstructure and Mechanical Performance
Authors: Rheingans Bastian , Spies Irina , Schumacher Axel , Knappmann Stephan , Furrer Roman , Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Janczak-Rusch Jolanta
Published: January 2019

Reactive nano-multilayers (RNMLs), which are able to undergo a self-heating exothermal reaction, can, e.g., be utilised as a local heat source for soldering or brazing. Upon joining with RNMLs, the heat produced by the exothermal reaction must be carefully adjusted to the joining system in order to provide sufficient heat for bond formation while avoiding damaging of the joining components by excessive heat. This heat balance strongly depends on the thermal properties of the joining components: a low thermal conductivity leads to heat concentration within the joining zone adjacent to the RNML, while a high thermal conductivity leads to fast heat dissipation into the components. The quality of the joint is thus co-determined by the thermal properties of the joining components. This work provides a systematic study on the influence of the thermal properties upon reactive joining for a set of substrate materials with thermal conductivities ranging from very low to very high. In particular, the evolution of the microstructure within the joining zone as a function of the specific time-temperature-profile for the given component material is investigated, focusing on the interaction between solder, RNML foil and surface metallisations, and the associated formation of intermetallic phases. Finally, the specific microstructure of the joints is related to their mechanical performance upon shear testing, and suggestions for optimum joint design are provided.
Double-Diffracted Spatially Separated Heterodyne Grating Interferometer and Analysis on its Alignment Tolerance
Authors: Chang Di , Xing Xu , Hu Pengcheng , Wang Jianing , Tan Jiubin
Published: January 2019

An optical configuration of double-diffracted spatially separated heterodyne grating interferometer with a mechanical fixture was designed. To further investigate its features and provide robust measurements, the alignment tolerance in double-diffracted spatially separated heterodyne grating interferometer was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Except for the offset error causing no influence on the interfering signal, the effect of the other four errors, roll, yaw, pitch angles, and stand-off error were geometrically analyzed and mathematically modeled. The simulation result quantified the position mismatches of output beams in a double-diffracted configuration and found the crucial structural parameters related to the intensity of interfering signals. Experiments based on the grating interferometer with a mechanical fixture and the same optical configuration built by independent optical components were implemented, whose results agreed with the simulation. Besides, the results showed that the proposed grating interferometer structure could tolerate the ±1100 arcsec roll movement, ±440 arcsec yaw movement, ±280 arcsec pitch movement, and ±0.6 mm stand-off error when -10 dB intensity loss is afforded.
Determining Countermeasures against Fault Currents Using a Decomposition Method Based on Fuzzy Fault Level Constrained Optimal Power Flow
Authors: Flores BenJeMar-Hope , Song Hwachang
Published: January 2019

This study applies a decomposed method to determine adequate countermeasures against excessive fault current levels in power systems. A set of candidate locations for the countermeasures such as bus splitting and current limiting reactors are pre-defined and modeled using variable reactances. A decomposition method is applied for the decision-making on the selection of the location and type of countermeasures. The main problem is to identify the optimal settings of the variable reactances by considering the sensitivities of the bus fault currents and generation costs with respect to the incremental increase in the reactance values of each countermeasure. For the subproblem, the optimization tool of fuzzy fault level constrained optimal power flow (FFLC-OPF) is applied to obtain the optimal operating point for the system with the given reactance settings. The FFLC-OPF incorporates both traditional constraints and fault level constraints in solving for the power flow. In addition, illustrative examples using the modified 28-bus system are included to show the effectiveness of the decomposition method.
Active Fault-Tolerant Control Based on Multiple Input Multiple Output-Model Free Adaptive Control for Four Wheel Independently Driven Electric Vehicle Drive System
Authors: Luo Yugong , Hu Yun , Jiang Fachao , Chen Rui , Wang Yongsheng
Published: January 2019

To solve the problems with the existing active fault-tolerant control system, which does not consider the cooperative control of the drive system and steering system or accurately relies on the vehicle model when one or more motors fail, a multi-input and multi-output model-free adaptive active fault-tolerant control method for four-wheel independently driven electric vehicles is proposed. The method, which only uses the input/output data of the vehicle in the control system design, is based on a new dynamic linearization technique with a pseudo-partial derivative, aimed at solving the complex and nonlinear issues of the vehicle model. The desired control objectives can be achieved by the coordinated adaptive fault-tolerant control of the drive and steering systems under different failure conditions of the drive system. The error convergence and input-output boundedness of the control system are proven by means of stability analysis. Finally, simulations and further experiments are carried out to validate the effectiveness and real-time response of the fault-tolerant system in different driving scenarios. The results demonstrate that our proposed approach can maintain the longitudinal speed error (within 3%) and lateral stability, thereby improving the safety of the vehicles.
Enhancement of High-Order Harmonic Generation due to the Large Gradient of the Electric Field Amplitude
Authors: Qin Meiyan , Zeng Yi , Zeng Xin , Liao Qing
Published: January 2019

The influence of the waveform of circularly polarized laser field on high-order harmonic (HH) generation from atoms is investigated by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) and by classical trajectory analysis, without assuming an initial transverse velocity. Both the HH simulation and the classical trajectory calculation demonstrate that the positive temporal gradient of the electric field amplitude is a key factor that makes the electron return to the parent ion possible. Moreover, the larger the temporal gradient of the field amplitude is, the more the electron trajectories will revisit the parent ion. Correspondingly, the enhancement of HH is observed. This is confirmed by the pulse-duration dependence of the harmonic yield driven by a circularly polarized laser field.
Variations in the Simulation of Climate Change Impact Indices due to Different Land Surface Schemes over the Mediterranean, Middle East and Northern Africa
Authors: Constantinidou Katiana , Zittis George , Hadjinicolaou Panos
Published: January 2019

The Eastern Mediterranean (EM) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are projected to be exposed to extreme climatic conditions in the 21st century, which will likely induce adverse impacts in various sectors. Relevant climate change impact assessments utilise data from climate model projections and process-based impact models or simpler, index-based approaches. In this study, we explore the implied uncertainty from variations of climate change impact-related indices as induced by the modelled climate (WRF regional climate model) from different land surface schemes (Noah, NoahMP, CLM and RUC). The three climate change impact-related indicators examined here are the Radiative Index of Dryness (RID), the Fuel Dryness Index (Fd) and the Water-limited Yield (Yw). Our findings indicate that Noah simulates the highest values for both RID and Fd, while CLM gives the highest estimations for winter wheat Yw. The relative dispersion in the three indices derived by the different land schemes is not negligible, amounting, for the overall geographical domain of 25% for RID and Fd, and 10% for Yw. The dispersion is even larger for specific sub-regions.
Enzymatic Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel α-1→6-Glucosyl Rebaudioside C Derivative Sweetener
Authors: Yang Zheng , Uhler Brandon , Zheng Ted , Adams Kristie M.
Published: January 2019

Zero-calorie high-intensity sweeteners from natural sources perform very well in the market place. This has encouraged food scientists to continue the effort to search for novel natural ingredients to satisfy consumer demand. Rebaudioside C (reb C) is the third most prevalent steviol glycoside in the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, but has limited applications in food and beverage products due to its low sweetness and high lingering bitterness compared to other major steviol glycosides, such as rebaudioside A (reb A). Here we present a new enzyme modification strategy to improve the taste profile of reb C by using Cargill’s propriety enzyme and sucrose as a glucose donor. A novel α-1→6-glucosyl reb C derivative was produced and its structure was elucidated by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Sensory analysis demonstrated that this new reb C derivative has improved sweetness, reduced bitterness, and enhanced solubility in water.
A Life Cycle Assessment of Two Residential Buildings Using Two Different LCA Database-Software Combinations: Recognizing Uniformities and Inconsistencies
Authors: Emami Nargessadat , Heinonen Jukka , Marteinsson Björn , Säynäjoki Antti , Junnonen Juha-Matti , Laine Jani , Junnila Seppo
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, the emissions embodied in construction materials have not been considered important; however, they are becoming crucial due to the short time-frame in which the emissions should be reduced. Moreover, evaluating the environmental burden of construction materials has proven problematic and the reliability of the reported impact estimates is questionable. More reliable information from the construction sector is thus urgently needed to back and guide decision-making. Currently, the building sector environmental impact assessments predominantly employ commercial software with environmental impact databases and report results without knowledge about the impact of the software/database choice on the results. In this study, estimates for the embodied environmental impacts of residential construction from the two most widely used life cycle assessment (LCA) database-software combinations, ecoinvent with SimaPro software and GaBi, are compared to recognize the uniformities and inconsistencies. The impacts caused by two residential buildings of different types, a concrete-element multi-story residential building and a detached wooden house, both located in Finland, were assessed, including all building systems with a high level of detail. Based on the ReCiPe Midpoint method, fifteen impact categories were estimated and compared. The results confirm that the tool choice significantly affects the outcome. For the whole building, the difference is significant, around 15%, even in the most widely assessed category of Climate Change, and yields results that lean in different directions for the two cases. In the others, the estimates are entirely different, 40% or more in the majority of the categories and up to several thousand percentages of difference. The main conclusion is that extensive work is still urgently needed to improve the reliability of LCA tools in the building sector in order to provide reliable and trustworthy information for policy-making.
Longitudinal Monitoring of Alpha-Fetoprotein by Dried Blood Spot for Hepatoblastoma Screening in Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome
Authors: Mussa Alessandro , Ciuffreda Valentina , Sauro Pina , Pagliardini Veronica , Pagliardini Severo , Carli Diana , Kalish Jennifer , Fagioli Franca , Pavanello Enza , Ferrero Giovanni
Published: January 2019

Background: Hepatoblastoma screening in the Beckwith–Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) is currently based on measuring a specific serum marker alpha-fetoprotein (αFP) every three months until the fourth birthday. Frequent blood draws can be a burden for patients and their families. Methods: We have developed a less invasive alternative testing method based on measuring αFPs from dried blood spots (DBS). The method was validated with 259 simultaneous plasma and DBS αFP measurements in 171 children (132 controls and 39 patients with BWSp). Results: The DBS and plasma measurements overlapped across the wide range of αFP concentrations independent of patient age (p < 0.0001), demonstrating the utility of this method for longitudinal monitoring. Occasional differences between measurements by the two techniques fell within standard laboratory error and would not alter clinical management. Conclusions: This novel method shows consistent overlap with the traditional blood draws, thereby demonstrating its utility for hepatoblastoma screening in this setting and alleviating the burden of frequent blood draws. This also may help increase patient compliance and reduce costs of health care screening. The DBS-based method for the measurement of cancer biomarkers may also be applied to several other chronic diseases with increased risks of αFP-producing liver tumors.
Enzyme-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Particles with Tuning Wettability as a Pickering Catalyst for Enhancing Biocatalysis
Authors: Meng Tao , Bai Ruixue , Wang Weihao , Yang Xin , Guo Ting , Wang Yaolei
Published: January 2019

Pickering emulsion systems have created new opportunities for two-phase biocatalysis, however their catalytic performance is often hindered by biphasic mass transfer process relying on the interfacial area. In this study, lipase-immobilized mesoporous silica particles (LMSPs) are employed as both Pickering stabilizers and biocatalysts. A series of alkyl silanes with the different carbon length are used to modify LMSPs to obtain suitable wettability and enlarge the interfacial area of Pickering emulsion. The results show the water/paraffin oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by 8 carbon atoms silane grafted LMSPs (LMSPs_C8) with a three-phase contact angles of 95° get the relatively large interfacial area. Moreover, the conversion of enzymatic reaction catalyzed by LMSPs_C8 Pickering emulsion system is 3.4 times higher than that unmodified LMSPs with the reaction time of 10 min. Additionally, the effective recycling of LMSPs is achieved by simple low-speed centrifugation. As evidenced by a 6-cycles reaction of remaining 75% of relative enzymatic activity, the protection of 350–450 nm mesoporous silica particles can alleviate the inactivation of enzyme from the shear stress and make a benefit to form stabile Pickering emulsion. Therefore, the biphasic reactions in the Pickering emulsion system can be effectively enhanced through changing interfacial area only by the means of adjusting the wettability of biocatalysts.
The Role of NiO in Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization Over NiO/ZnO-Al2O3-SiO2 Adsorbent
Authors: Ju Feng , Wang Miao , Wu Tian , Ling Hao
Published: January 2019

The reactive adsorption desulfurization (RADS) of a model gasoline n-hexane containing thiophene was carried out with a NiO/ZnO-Al2O3-SiO2 adsorbent in N2 and H2, respectively. A declining RADS trend has been observed in N2, without the presence of H2, indicating that NiO is sulfurized and exhibits activity for RADS. TPR and XPS results presented NiO in the adsorbent is hard to be reduced because of the powerful interaction between NiO and the support. The sulfurization of NiO into NiSx is a primary condition for the RADS process, the same as the presulfurization of hydrotreating catalyst, while metallic Ni is an intermediate reduction product of NiSx. Results of a low RADS temperature at 300 °C, much lower than the reduction temperature of NiO, suggest that NiO plays an important role. Based on assumption of NiO as the main active component, the RADS could reduce the reaction temperature and energy consumption significantly. The participation of hydrogen and n-hexane in pretreatment conducted at 420 °C contributes to the activation of adsorbent. Also, these methods of pretreatment improved the desulfurization performance under the reaction temperature of 300 °C.
Copper Containing Molecular Systems in Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation—Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Lukács Dávid , Szyrwiel Łukasz , Pap József S.
Published: January 2019

Molecular design represents an exciting platform to refine mechanistic details of electrocatalytic water oxidation and explore new perspectives. In the growing number of publications some general trends seem to be outlined concerning the operation mechanisms, with the help of experimental and theoretical approaches that have been broadly applied in the case of bioinorganic systems. In this review we focus on bio-inspired Cu-containing complexes that are classified according to the proposed mechanistic pathways and the related experimental evidence, strongly linked to the applied ligand architecture. In addition, we devote special attention to features of molecular compounds, which have been exploited in the efficient fabrication of catalytically active thin films.
HIF-1α and HIF-2α Differently Regulate the Radiation Sensitivity of NSCLC Cells
Authors: Moreno Roig Eloy , Groot Arjan J. , Yaromina Ala , Hendrickx Tessa C. , Barbeau Lydie M. O. , Giuranno Lorena , Dams Glenn , Ient Jonathan , Olivo Pimentel Veronica , van Gisbergen Marike W. , Dubois Ludwig J. , Vooijs Marc A.
Published: January 2019

The hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF)-1/2α are the main oxygen sensors which regulate the adaptation to intratumoral hypoxia. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the HIF proteins in regulating the radiation response of a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro model. To directly assess the unique and overlapping functions of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, we use CRISPR gene-editing to generate isogenic H1299 non-small cell lung carcinoma cells lacking HIF-1α, HIF-2α or both. We found that in HIF1 knockout cells, HIF-2α was strongly induced by hypoxia compared to wild type but the reverse was not seen in HIF2 knockout cells. Cells lacking HIF-1α were more radiation resistant than HIF2 knockout and wildtype cells upon hypoxia, which was associated with a reduced recruitment of γH2AX foci directly after irradiation and not due to differences in proliferation. Conversely, double-HIF1/2 knockout cells were most radiation sensitive and had increased γH2AX recruitment and cell cycle delay. Compensatory HIF-2α activity in HIF1 knockout cells is the main cause of this radioprotective effect. Under hypoxia, HIF1 knockout cells uniquely had a strong increase in lactate production and decrease in extracellular pH. Using genetically identical HIF-α isoform-deficient cells we identified a strong radiosensitizing of HIF1, but not of HIF2, which was associated with a reduced extracellular pH and reduced glycolysis.
Coupled Photonic Crystal Nanocavities as a Tool to Tailor and Control Photon Emission
Authors: Gerardino Annamaria , Pettinari Giorgio , Caselli Niccolò , Vignolini Silvia , Riboli Francesco , Biccari Francesco , Felici Marco , Polimeni Antonio , Fiore Andrea , Gurioli Massimo , Intonti Francesca
Published: January 2019

In this review, we report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of photonic crystal arrays, made of two and three coupled nanocavities. The properties of the cavity modes depend directly on the shape of the nanocavities and on their geometrical arrangement. A non-negligible role is also played by the possible disorder because of the fabrication processes. The experimental results on the spatial distribution of the cavity modes and their physical characteristics, like polarization and parity, are described and compared with the numerical simulations. Moreover, an innovative approach to deterministically couple the single emitters to the cavity modes is described. The possibility to image the mode spatial distribution, in single and coupled nanocavities, combined with the control of the emitter spatial position allows for a deterministic approach for the study of cavity quantum electrodynamics phenomena and for the development of new photonic-based applications.
Durability of Selected Transparent and Semi-Transparent Coatings on Siberian and European Larch during Artificial Weathering
Authors: Šimůnková Kristýna , Oberhofnerová Eliška , Reinprecht Ladislav , Pánek Miloš , Podlena Milan , Štěrbová Irena
Published: January 2019

This paper compares the resistance of 20 commercial transparent and semi-transparent coatings applied to European and Siberian larch during artificial weathering in Xenotest. The change in gloss, colour, contact angle of wetting, resistance to Aspergillus niger and Penicillium brevicompactum moulds was evaluated, and visual changes at the top surface of treated wood species were measured. Overall, the durability of coatings on European larch was higher than that on Siberian larch. The most durable of the tested coatings was a thin-film, i.e., semi-transparent oil-based film containing TiO2 pigment and propiconazole fungicide. Of the transparent coatings, the most stable was a thick acrylic coating. Conversely, penetrating transparent oil systems had low colour stability and overall lifespan. Artificial weathering of all of the coatings resulted in a marked decrease in their resistance to moulds.
Silver Nanoparticle-Based Paper Packaging to Combat Black Anther Disease in Orchid Flowers
Authors: Nokkrut Bang-on , Pisuttipiched Sawitree , Khantayanuwong Somwang , Puangsin Buapan
Published: January 2019

Metal nanoparticles have been reported to have a high antimicrobial activity against fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. In this study, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a chemical reduction method at 90 °C. The obtained AgNPs were used as an antifungal coating on packaging paper, to control the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in cut orchid flowers during the shipping process. The AgNPs were characterized by a UV-Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results indicated that their shape was spherical and homogenous, with an average size of 47 nm. An AgNPs concentration of 20 and 50 particles per million (ppm), mixed with starch, was prepared as the coating solution. The paper coated with a concentration of 50 ppm exhibited a significant antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides compared to 20 ppm. The coated paper had a higher water resistance and better mechanical properties compared to the uncoated paper. Additionally, we observed a significant reduction in the number of orchid inflorescence anthers, infected by C. gloeosporioides, when stored in the coated boxes. The current study demonstrates that paper boxes, coated with AgNPs, can be used in controlling the C. gloeosporioides infection during storage of cut orchid flowers.
Influence of the Obtaining Method on the Properties of Amorphous Aluminum Compounds
Authors: Mukhamed'yarova Aliya N. , Nesterova Oksana V. , Boretsky Kirill S. , Skibina Juliya D. , Boretskaya Avgustina V. , Egorova Svetlana R. , Lamberov Alexander A.
Published: January 2019

Amorphous aluminum compounds are formed during the synthesis of the γ-Al2O3 catalyst precursor. Amorphous compounds influence on the alumina catalyst variously due to different physicochemical properties, which depend on the method of their preparation. In this research, the comparative analysis of physicochemical properties of amorphous aluminum compounds that were obtained by the precipitation method, the thermal decomposition of aluminum nitrate, and alcoxide hydrolysis product were studied. It is the first time that a new method for calculating of quantitative phase composition of amorphous aluminum compounds using the X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, mass-spectrometry, and CHN-analysis was described. Properties of obtaining samples were studied using scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and temperature programmed desorption of ammonium analyses. The methods of precipitation and thermal decomposition of aluminum nitrate allows for obtaining non-porous samples consisting of a mixture of amorphous phases (hydroxide and basic salt) that contain the metals impurities and have low acidity of the oxides obtained from them. The highly porous amorphous alumina formed by the thermal decomposition of the alcoxide hydrolysis product with the least amount of impurities and a high acidity of the surface was observed.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of Bulk Synthesized Mn2−xFexP1−ySiy Compounds from Magnetization, 57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy, and Electronic Structure Calculations
Authors: Fruchart Daniel , Haj-Khlifa Sonia , de Rango Patricia , Balli Mohamed , Zach Ryszard , Chajec Wieslaw , Fornal Piotr , Stanek Jan , Kaprzyk Stanislaw , Tobola Janusz
Published: January 2019

The series of Mn2−xFexP1−ySiy types of compounds form one of the most promising families of magnetocaloric materials in term of performances and availability of the elemental components. Potential for large scale application needs to optimize the synthesis process, and an easy and rather fast process here described is based on the use of two main type of precursors, providing the Fe-P and Mn-Si proportions. The series of Mn2−xFexP1−ySiy compounds were synthesized and carefully investigated for their crystal structure versus temperature and compared interestingly with earlier results. A strong magnetoelastic effect accompanying the 1st order magnetic transition—as well as the parent phosphide–arsenides—was related to the relative stability of both the Fe magnetic polarization and the Fe–Fe exchange couplings. In order to better understand this effect, we propose a local distortion index of the non-metal tetrahedron hosting Fe atoms. Besides, from Mn-rich (Si-rich) to Fe-rich (P-rich) compositions, it is shown that the magnetocaloric phenomenon can be established on demand below and above room temperature. Excellent performance compounds were realized in terms of magnetic entropy ΔSm and adiabatic temperature ΔTad variations. Since from literature it was seen that the magnetic performances are very sensitive to the synthesis process, correspondingly here a new effective process is proposed. Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis was performed on Mn-rich, equi-atomic Mn-Fe, and Fe-rich compounds, allowing determination of the distribution of hyperfine fields setting on Fe in the tetrahedral and pyramidal sites, respectively. Electronic structure calculations confirmed the scheme of metal and non-metal preferential ordering, respectively. Moreover, the local magnetic moments were derived, in fair agreement with both the experimental magnetization and the Fe contributions, as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Entropy and its Application to Urban Systems
Authors: Purvis Ben , Mao Yong , Robinson Darren
Published: January 2019

Since its conception over 150 years ago, entropy has enlightened and confused scholars and students alike, from its origins in physics and beyond. More recently, it has been considered within the urban context in a rather eclectic range of applications. The entropy maximization approach, as applied by Alan Wilson and others from the 1960s, contrasts with considerations from the 1990s of the city as a thermodynamic dissipative system, in the tradition of Ilya Prigogine. By reviewing the relevant mathematical theory, we draw the distinction among three interrelated definitions of entropy, the thermodynamic, the figurative, and the information statistical. The applications of these definitions to urban systems within the literature are explored, and the conflation of the thermodynamic and figurative interpretations are disentangled. We close this paper with an outlook on future uses of entropy in urban systems analysis.
On Continuous-Time Gaussian Channels
Authors: Liu Xianming , Han Guangyue
Published: January 2019

A continuous-time white Gaussian channel can be formulated using a white Gaussian noise, and a conventional way for examining such a channel is the sampling approach based on the Shannon–Nyquist sampling theorem, where the original continuous-time channel is converted to an equivalent discrete-time channel, to which a great variety of established tools and methodology can be applied. However, one of the key issues of this scheme is that continuous-time feedback and memory cannot be incorporated into the channel model. It turns out that this issue can be circumvented by considering the Brownian motion formulation of a continuous-time white Gaussian channel. Nevertheless, as opposed to the white Gaussian noise formulation, a link that establishes the information-theoretic connection between a continuous-time channel under the Brownian motion formulation and its discrete-time counterparts has long been missing. This paper is to fill this gap by establishing causality-preserving connections between continuous-time Gaussian feedback/memory channels and their associated discrete-time versions in the forms of sampling and approximation theorems, which we believe will play important roles in the long run for further developing continuous-time information theory. As an immediate application of the approximation theorem, we propose the so-called approximation approach to examine continuous-time white Gaussian channels in the point-to-point or multi-user setting. It turns out that the approximation approach, complemented by relevant tools from stochastic calculus, can enhance our understanding of continuous-time Gaussian channels in terms of giving alternative and strengthened interpretation to some long-held folklore, recovering “long-known” results from new perspectives, and rigorously establishing new results predicted by the intuition that the approximation approach carries. More specifically, using the approximation approach complemented by relevant tools from stochastic calculus, we first derive the capacity regions of continuous-time white Gaussian multiple access channels and broadcast channels, and we then analyze how feedback affects their capacity regions: feedback will increase the capacity regions of some continuous-time white Gaussian broadcast channels and interference channels, while it will not increase capacity regions of continuous-time white Gaussian multiple access channels.