bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on rheological properties of polymer grouting materials with different expansion rates
Authors: Zhigang Zheng , Tao Liu , Shaoyou Hong , Zhi Huang , Yintan Wu , Hong Huang
Published: May 2020

Non-water reactive polymer grouting technology is an important means to control water-induced engineering disaster emergency rescue. However, the time-varying viscosity of polymer slurry and the expansion force of slurry reaction are the main factors affecting the grouting treatment effect. Therefore, it is necessary to study the time-varying viscosity of polymer slurry and the expansion force of slurry reaction. Firstly, the expansion rate of polymer slurry with different expansion ratio is tested and checked by the self-made expansion rate measuring cylinder. Then, the reaction expansion force and viscosity of polymer slurry with different expansion ratio are tested and studied by the expansion force testing device and NDJ-5T digital rotational viscometer. The results show that the expansion rate of polymer slurry used in this paper is basically the same as the factory instructions At the same time, the viscosity of polymer slurry increases exponentially with time, and the curve is steeper, that is to say, the viscosity increases rapidly with time.
A CASSCF/CSAPT2 Study on the Reaction Pathways From HOSS to HSSO Radicals
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Cui Jiubo , Pei Weiwei , Wang Dongfang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we used the CASSCF/CASPT2 method to study the low-lying electronic states of the HOSS and HSSO radicals. Based on the Cs and C1 symmetries, the geometrical parameters, total energies, configurations, oscillator strengths, excitation energies, oscillator strengths and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the HOSS and HSSO radicals were calculated. We found that the ground state of HSSO radical with C1 symmetry has multi-configurational character, which leads to a significant difference of dihedral angles of HSSO radical among at our work and at References. Moreover, a transition state was given out in the pathway for the reaction from HOSS to HSSO. This transition state produces relatively high-energy barrier of 30.5 Kcal/mol corresponding to the gradual changes of the S2-H-O angle.
Application of the general matching law on the study of multi-coated radar absorbing materials
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Cui Jiubo , Pei Weiwei , Wang Dongfang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the Generalized Matching Law of electromagnetic parameters was given for in the application of radar absorbing materials, and applied in the research of absorbing properties of multi -coated absorbing materials. We gave the power reflection formula, defined the constant of general matching law M, and discussed the relationship of general matching constant M with power reflectivity RP, thickness d, relative permittivity εr, relative permeability μr. We found that the enhancement of RP was not obvious at the ε″r was optimized, but the μ″r was primary. In short, this is consistent with panorama analysis method.
Research on the changes of physiological characteristics of algal cells in the process of algae dissolving by immobilized white rot fungi
Authors: Zeng Guoming , Luo Jing , Liu Xiaowan , Zhang Maolan , Tang Hengjun
Published: May 2020

With the increasing of water pollution, water eutrophication is seriously affecting people’s daily life and production. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore safe and efficient algae control technology. In the current algal bloom treatment methods, the physical method is not complete in algae dissolving, and the cost of algal control is high. The chemical method is easy to produce secondary pollution and toxic by-products, and the safety is not high. However, the biological method has the advantages of low cost, high ecological security and good ecological compatibility. It is considered to be a more promising method to remove algae and biological toxins, and it is also an inevitable trend to control water eutrophication in the future.
Dynamic Optimization of Airflow Organization in Green Data Center Based on MATLAB
Authors: Zhao Jinhui , Guo Binjie , Qiao Hongwei , Zhu Qingbo
Published: May 2020

In order to make data centers meet the requirements of green data center standards, this paper starts with air conditioning systems with high energy consumption, and dynamically optimizes airflow organization. It uses limited space convection heat transfer and air kinematics to dissipate multiple processes in the data center. The process is solved by MATLAB optimization and reverse demonstration. In this paper, the influence of cold air flow on cabinet cooling is divided into four key processes: mixing loss during descent, convective heat transfer in descending process, the convection heat exchange during the steady flow process, and mixed airflow discharge. By analyzing the temperature change of cold airflow in each process, and seeking the relationship between velocity v and air resistance F in viscous gas flow, the temperature-velocity relationship is obtained. Then the relationship between cold loss, PUE value and indoor height of the data center was analyzed to obtain the ceiling height corresponding to the standard cabinet height. The best combination is the ceiling height of 3.5m and the cabinet height of 2m and the corresponding PUE value is about 1.87, which meets the requirements of green data centers and is highly economical.
Prospects and Challenges for the Future Development of Ships
Authors: Zhu Jianhao
Published: May 2020

Due to the recent amendments to the rules of IMO Convention and the global “Sulfur Limitation Order” issued by IMO, which came into effect on January 1, 2020, has brought a greater impact on the shipping industry chain and economic chain. The traditional types of ships in terms of fuel and tail gas treatment and the large-tonnage ships on the EEDI energy efficiency index are gradually unable to meet the requirements of the new amendment convention to be implemented, so the shipowners are required to make technical breakthroughs. Starting from some conventions amended by IMO, the article analyzes the current method to deal with the “Sulfur Limitation Order”, and introduces the convention taking force, as well as analyzes some of the technologies required and challenges faced of the ships in the future.
The experimental study and finite element analysis of wheel - buckle scaffold
Authors: Wang Tan , Luo Kun , Yuan Kuo , Yuan Shuai feng
Published: May 2020

With the rapid development of the construction industry, the country has a higher demand for scaffolding engineering, so it is very necessary to develop and promote the application of wheel buckle scaffolding. Steel tube scaffold with wheel buckle has the characteristics of clear transmission and good mechanical performance. In order to study the structural performance of steel tubular scaffolding with wheel buckle, the single span three-step element frame was tested. The failure mode and ultimate bearing capacity of the frame are obtained. The finite element software Sap2000 was used to conduct 3d modeling and linear buckling analysis of scaffolds in the test. The results of experiments and finite element analysis show that the failure type of steel tubular scaffolding is the overall torsional instability failure. The connection stiffness at the joint of the diagonal brace fastener has a great influence on the wheel-buckle scaffold. The diagonal brace has obvious influence on the bearing capacity of steel tubular scaffolding body with buckles.
Analysis of Main Influencing Factors of Global Electrification Development
Authors: Feng Junshu , Wang Peng
Published: May 2020

Based on the analysis of electrification development process in major countries, this paper systematically studied and judged 5 important influencing factors of electrification development in the world, including resource endowment, economic development, improvement of people’s livelihood, infrastructure and policy guidance, among economic development includes industrial structure and urbanization level. The opinions of this paper can support different regions or countries to choose proper electrification development paths.
Forecast of Power Grid Investment Scale Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wang Yongli , Lu Yanchao , Wang Jingyan , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Shuo , Xue Lu
Published: May 2020

Economic transformation creates a new environment for grid investment. In the situation of high quality development, the traditional investment scale prediction model is no longer applicable. Aiming at the problems of single parameter of grid-driven investment scale prediction model and poor linear fitting accuracy, a provincial medium- and long-term investment scale prediction model based on support vector machine was proposed. Aiming at the single parameter and poor line fitting accuracy of the grid-driven investment scale prediction model under the new situation, the new environment, new directions and new requirements for grid investment are analyzed. Based on the support vector machine algorithm, a medium-and long-term investment scale prediction model for provincial grids based on support vector machines is proposed. The scale of provincial grid investment is expected from 2019 to 2022. The empirical results show that the prediction model constructed in this paper is effective and feasible. It is of great significance to explore the prediction model of medium and long-term investment scale of power grid enterprises in the new situation.
Failure Analysis of Weld Cracking in External Cold Water Pipeline of Condenser in Converter Station
Authors: Wang Jun , Qiao Yaxia , Zhang Hao , Lou Hongjian
Published: May 2020

The cause of weld cracking in external cold water pipeline of condenser in a ±800kV converter station were analyzed by macro inspection, chemical composition analysis, hardness test, microstructure inspection, scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrum test methods.The results show that the main reason for the cracks is that the material and manufacturing process are not qualified, and the welding process is not good. Corresponding control measures are put forward to avoid similar failures from happening again.
Research on Clearing Model of Long-Term Transaction Considering Matching Degree between Generation and Load
Authors: Lin Zhang , Qinghe Zhang , Xue Zhang , Hui Gao
Published: May 2020

With the development of new energy and flexible load, there are many kinds of power and load characters in the power grid. It’s necessary to considerate the similarity between generation output and load when it’s market clearing. First, similarity analysis of generation-load curve based on the grey correlation degree is introduced, correlation between power generation enterprises and power users can be calculated. Then, market clearing model is built. market clearing mechanism is set which considering the matching degree between generation and load. The technological process of market clearing is given. Last, the effectiveness of the proposed clearing model is verified by an example.
Nonlinear solutions of lateral response for single pile under the combined action of axial and lateral loads
Authors: Xing Kangyu , Zhang Kaishui
Published: May 2020

For the study of the laterally loaded pile under axial load, most of the past research always confined the surrounding soil of pile in the linear elastic and elastic-plastic. In order to consider the nonlinear property of soil around the pile more realistically and improve the design of single piles under combined vertical and lateral loads, a nonlinear analysis method based on the hyperbola p-y curve model is applied to calculate the lateral response of pile. The relevant computer program is developed by MATLAB language, and the relevant solving algorithm is presented. The reliability of this approach was verified through comparisons with the measured data from model tests. The calculation results indicate that the approach was more convenient and accurate than the existing methods. The proposed method is applicable for laterally loaded pile under axial load in preliminary engineering design.
Failure Analysis of Clamp Crack on TA Equipment in Converter Station
Authors: Wang Jun , Tan Junling , Liu Jun , Gong Jie , Hu Jiarui , Xie Yi , Chen Junjun , Liu Weike
Published: May 2020

Through macro inspection, chemical composition analysis, hardness test, tensile performance test, microstructure inspection and scanning electron microscope analysis, the causes of clamp crack on TA equipment in the 500kV AC filter field of the ± 800kV converter station were analyzed. The results show that improper selection of the manufacturing process of the equipment clamps will cause more micro-defects inside it, leading to poor mechanical properties and excessive internal stress, which are the main causes of cracking. Corresponding measures are put forward to improve the manufacturing quality of equipment clamps, which can avoid similar failures from happening again.
Parametric Design and Static Performance Comparison of Six Typical Spherical Semi-open Reticulated Shell
Authors: Cao Junchao , Huang Lili , Lu Xiaoyang , Li Dayong , Chong Shuai
Published: May 2020

By using ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL), this paper compiled the parametric design macro program for six types of single-layer semi-open spherical reticulated shell structure. Parametric design of the six types of reticulated shell structure was realized with given parameters of span S, the vector high F, radial node cycles number Nx, ring to symmetric regional copies number Kn, and the upper removed laps Ns. The stress performance of the six types of reticulated shell structure was compared and analyzed. Modelling examples demonstrated that the parametric design macro program is simple, practical and improves the efficiency of the selection of the reticulated shell design and the stress analysis under different geometric parameters. Through the comparative analysis of stress performance, some conclusions with engineering significance were obtained.
Les organoïdes pulmonaires
Authors: Bourguignon Chloé , Vernisse Charlotte , Mianné Joffrey , Fieldès Mathieu , Ahmed Engi , Petit Aurélie , Vachier Isabelle , Bertrand Thierry Lavabre , Assou Said , Bourdin Arnaud , De Vos John
Published: May 2020

L’impact en santé publique des pathologies respiratoires chroniques ne cesse de croître. Dans ce contexte, il paraît indispensable d’améliorer les modèles d’études du poumon afin de reproduire au plus proche l’architecture pulmonaire complexe, garante des fonctions d’oxygénation et d’épuration du gaz carbonique. Les connaissances actuelles en physiopathologie respiratoire résultent en partie des études de modèles de reconstitution d’épithélium bronchique in vitro à partir de cellules primaires, en deux dimensions sur des inserts, ou en trois dimensions, en organoïdes mimant jusqu’à l’arborescence pulmonaire. Le développement de ces modèles in vitro a connu un nouvel essor grâce aux organoïdes pulmonaires issus de cellules souches pluripotentes et la démocratisation des outils d’édition du génome. Ces apports technologiques récents offrent de nouvelles perspectives en matière de thérapeutiques ou de compréhension physiopathologique et pourraient, dans le futur, ouvrir les portes de la médecine régénératrice pulmonaire.
Origine et nature de la réponse immunitaire neutralisante contre le facteur VIII thérapeutique
Authors: Bou Jaoudeh Mélissa , Delignat Sandrine , Varthaman Aditi , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien
Published: May 2020

L’utilisation de protéines thérapeutiques se heurte, chez certains patients, à l’apparition d’anticorps neutralisants. C’est le cas, par exemple, du facteur VIII pro-coagulant qui est utilisé pour traiter les patients atteints d’hémophilie A. Plusieurs paramètres, liés à la protéine elle-même, au type de pathologie ou aux patients, conditionnent l’immunogénicité d’une protéine thérapeutique. Les comprendre permettrait d’anticiper ou de prévenir la survenue d’anticorps neutralisants. Nous proposons dans cette revue de montrer que, dans le cas du facteur VIII, la survenue de ces anticorps neutralisants ne résulte pas d’une réponse immunitaire inopinée, mais plutôt de l’incapacité de l’organisme des patients à développer une réponse anti-inflammatoire ou régulatrice.
Operationalising an ensemble approach in the description of uncertainty in atmospheric dispersion modelling and an emergency response
Authors: Bedwell P. , Korsakissok I. , Leadbetter S. , Périllat R. , Rudas Cs. , Tomas J. , Wellings J. , Geertsema G. , de Vries H.
Published: May 2020

Uncertainties were propagated through the chain of atmospheric dispersion and radiological assessment models based on an ensemble approach for a range of scenarios. It was apparent that the time taken to complete model runs, ranging from several hours to a few tens of hours, was not appropriate for an emergency response. Thus, for an operational method, there was a requirement to reduce the number of ensemble members and/or reduce model run time for a single ensemble member, such that a measure of uncertainty may be obtained within the timeframe of one hour, but without significant detriment to the model endpoints derived, the uncertainty estimated and the radiation protection advice inferred. This study proposes recommendations for operationalising an ensemble approach used in the description of uncertainty in atmospheric dispersion modelling and an emergency response.
Auftreten des Post-Finasterid-Syndroms nach Verschreibung von Propecia 1 mg-Tablette zur Behandlung der männlichen Glatzenbildung
Authors: Lehmann P.
Published: May 2020

Ein Patient wurde im Jahre 2013 mit Propecia 1 mg aufgrund einer androgenetischen Alopezie behandelt. Es traten bei ihm eine sexuelle Dysfunktion mit Erektionsschwäche und vermindertem sexuellen Verlangen auf, die auch nach Abbrechen der Therapie anhielt. Daraufhin machte der Patient gegenüber dem Facharzt einen Behandlungsfehler geltend aufgrund mangelhafter Aufklärung mit der Konsequenz einer fehlerhaften Behandlung. Der urologische Fachgutachter bejahte den Behandlungsfehler. Er war der Meinung, dass, auch wenn nur Einzelfälle mit geringer wissenschaftlicher Basis über das Post-Finasterid-Syndrom bekannt wären, der Facharzt über diese schwerwiegende Nebenwirkung den Patienten hätte aufklären müssen, dies insbesondere bei einer rein kosmetischen Indikation männlicher Glatzenbildung.

Der dermatologische Gutachter schloss sich nicht dieser Meinung an. Im Verordnungsjahr 2013 existierten lediglich 2 Publikationen über Einzelfälle des Post-Finasterid-Syndroms. Diese Publikationen in peripheren Zeitschriften fanden noch kein allgemeines wissenschaftliches Echo und führten auch nicht zur Änderung der Fachinformation. Erst im Verlauf der Folgejahre wurde in der Postmarketing-Phase das Syndrom öfters beschrieben und fand auch Eingang in die Fachinformation. Da für die Beurteilung das im Jahre der Verordnung geltende wissenschaftliche Wissen entscheidend ist, kann dem Facharzt kein Behandlungsfehler vorgeworfen werden.
Pilotäre Zwischenergebnisse zur Evaluation eines
störungsspezifischen, körperpsychotherapeutisch orientierten
Gruppenbehandlungsprogramms für Menschen mit psychogenen
Anfällen
Authors: Senf-Beckenbach Philine , Hinkelmann Kim , Hoheisel Matthias , Devine Janine , Rose Matthias
Published: May 2020

Psychogene nicht-epileptische Anfälle (PNES) treten im Kontext verschiedener
Erkrankungen auf. Die Ätiologie ist noch weitgehend unverstanden. Bisherige
Konzepte gehen von einer erhöhten Rate an Trauma – Folgestörungen als
ätiologische Erklärung für PNES aus, was sich durch Studien mehrfach belegen
ließ 1
2. Klinisch imponiert das Krankheitsbild
bedrohlich, wodurch die Betroffenen häufig intensivmedizinische Maßnahmen
erhalten, ohne dass sie davon profitieren 3.
v. a. in Epilepsiezentren häufen sich Betroffene, da hier eine diagnostische
Abgrenzung zu epileptischen Anfällen möglich ist. Oft gestaltet sich der
Übergang von der Diagnosestellung in der Epileptologie zur Weiterbehandlung in
die Psychosomatik schwierig, da sowohl Patienten/innen als auch Behandelnde oft
in somatischen Krankheitskonzepten verhaftet sind 28. Aufgrund der notwendigen Interdisziplinarität zwischen
Neurologie und Psychosomatik wurde an der Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
eine Spezialambulanz für Menschen mit dissoziativen Anfällen gegründet, welche
sich im Übergang von Neurologie zu Psychosomatik ansiedelt und als
Kooperationsprojekt funktioniert 27. Aus der
Ambulanz heraus wurde zudem ein Gruppenbehandlungsprogramm (Kördis) entwickelt.
Dieses modularisierte 10-wöchige Therapieprogramm wird im Folgenden inhaltlich
vorgestellt und ist weiterhin Gegenstand einer aktuell noch laufenden
randomisierten, kontrollierten Evaluationsstudie. In den hier vorgestellten
Pilotdaten aus der laufenden RCT Studie zeigte sich eine signifikante
Verbesserung der Anfallsstärke (gemessen mit der Liverpool Seizure Severity
Scale LSSS) sowie der Dissoziationsneigung (gemessen mit dem Fragebogen für
dissoziative Symptome FDS-20) durch das Therapieprogramm (LSSS-Wert
prä-interventionell: 49,2±4,2; LSSS-Wert post-interventionell: 46,8±5,4;
t(10)=2,73; p=0,02; FDS-20 -Wert prä-interventionell: 25,3±14,6; FDS-20 -Wert
post-interventionell: 19,7±8,8; t(10)=2,18; p=0,05).
Die Pandemiekatastrophe aus katastrophenrechtlicher und
-medizinischer Sicht
Authors: Walus Andreas , Holbe Fabian
Published: May 2020

Die Corona-Pandemie löst auch in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland eine
Gefahrenlage aus, deren Auswirkungen – wie z. B. in Italien
– zu einem medizinischen Notstand führen können. Die
Überlastung des Gesundheitswesens oder anderer kritischer
Infrastrukturen können eine Pandemiekatastrophe auslösen. Das
deutsche Infektionsschutz- und Katastrophenschutzrecht sehen zahlreiche
Mechanismen der Katastrophenvorsorge und der Katastrophenabwehr vor. Dennoch
werden sowohl Behörden als auch Ärzte ethisch und rechtlich
schwierige Entscheidungen treffen müssen. Denn im Falle eines
Ressourcenmangels (z. B. von Impfstoffen oder
Beatmungskapazitäten) müssen konfliktträchtige
Auswahlentscheidungen getroffen werden. Einer Überprüfung
bedürfen die Regelungen zur Pandemievorsorge: Die Vorbereitung auf die
Pandemiebekämpfung muss eine klare und rechtsverbindliche Aufgabe aller
staatlichen und privaten Verantwortungsträger darstellen. Hierbei
spielen u. a. Planungen, Fortbildungen, Übungen und
Vorratshaltungen eine zentrale Rolle.
Bilateral FCR Tendon Injury Associated with Osteoarthritis of the STT Joint
Authors: Takami Hiroaki , Aso Kuniichi
Published: May 2020

Subcutaneous flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon ruptures secondary to osteoarthritis of the scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joint are very rare. A 53-year-old female suffered a subcutaneous FCR tendon rupture after noticing pain in her right wrist. Because of continuing pain and decreasing strength in her right hand, surgery of the STT joint arthrodesis and an FCR tendon reconstruction with free tendon graft was performed. Her left wrist gradually showed the same symptoms 9 years later. The STT fusion for her left wrist was then performed. The FCR tendon was partially worn out on the spur of the trapezial ridge as well. Only 10 cases of FCR tendon ruptures have been reported due to definite STT osteoarthritis in six English papers. We believe STT fusion should be done without hesitation before tendon rupture occurs, and when motion pain around the STT joint and decreasing grip strength exists. However, it is controversial whether the FCR tendon reconstruction should be done in addition to STT fusion.
Responsive Neurostimulation for Intractable Epilepsy in Phelan–McDermid Syndrome
Authors: Wolf Steven Marc , McGoldrick Patricia Engel , Garg Nikita , Ghatan Saadi , Panov Fedor , Moss Rachel , Singh Prashant , Geem Kevin Van
Published: May 2020

Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is an approved treatment for intractable epilepsy in the adult population but has not yet been approved for pediatric patients. We present here the first reported case of a 14-year-old adolescent with 22q13.3 syndrome (more commonly known as Phelan–McDermid syndrome) with intractable epilepsy who showed clinical improvement after implantation of an RNS device. The patient had trialed 10 antiepileptic drugs without improvement and despite magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating left mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), the patient was not considered as a candidate for temporal lobe resection due to multifocal seizure activity on electroencephalogram (EEG). At 23 months postoperatively, she has experienced 86.7% reduction in seizure frequency; a clinical improvement which emphasizes the importance of considering RNS treatment for those with intractable epilepsy in the pediatric population, even in the setting of known genetic syndromes.
Dissemination of international rankings: characteristics of the media coverage of the Shanghai Ranking in the French press
Authors: Barats Christine
Published: May 2020

The number of university rankings proliferated in the 2000s against a background of reforms in higher education (HE) and the development of a discourse on academic ‘excellence’. The analysis of the emergence and treatment in the French press of the so-called ‘Shanghai ranking’, the first international ranking to originate in the world of academia, makes it possible to objectify the characteristics of its dissemination in France from June 2003 when it was first published in China. Although there was no intention initially to have this ranking circulated in France, it ultimately became more widely known owing to its status as a useful resource for different actors working against a background of HE reforms in France. This article discusses the intensification of media coverage from 2007 onwards, as well as the role played by certain media organisations and players (analysis of French press corpus and interviews). It highlights the importance of depreciative framing for French universities to ‘create a buzz’ along with the co-construction of the process by different players. The ranking has become a journalistic resource, as well as a political argument for reforms and a communication tool for certain university presidents.
Effect of surface texturing on hydrodynamic lubrication at various temperatures
Authors: Gao Huichao , Chen Xinyuan
Published: May 2020

The formation of hydrodynamic lubrication is analyzed based on an experimental study of the hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics between two parallel surfaces with different types of surface texturing. The study considers planar samples of C45 steel and accounts for the thermal expansion of 304 stainless steel in the experimental apparatus at oil temperatures of 323.15 K and 353.15 K. The experiments involve the use of a rotating rheometer at various angular speeds, with the effect of thermal expansion that occurs in actual applications being simulated by varying the gap between the planar sample surfaces. The experimental results show that (i) the lubrication properties of the planar textured samples depend strongly on temperature and (ii) the load-carrying capacity of the textured samples is considerably greater than that of the non-textured samples.
Microscale rainforest interactions can result in vulnerabilities across large regions
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: May 2020

A study on the dynamics of stylized tipping elements demonstrates how small-scale interactions can decrease the overall health of an entire region.
First-passage, transition path, and looping times in conical varying-width channels: Comparison of analytical and numerical results
Authors: Pérez-Espinosa Adriana , Aguilar-Cornejo Manuel , Dagdug Leonardo
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with transitions of diffusing point particles between the two ends of expanding and narrowing two-dimensional conical channels. The particle trajectory starts from the reflecting boundary and ends as soon as the absorbing boundary is reached for the first time. Any such trajectories can be divided into two segments: the looping segment and the transition path segment. The latter is the last part of the trajectory that leaves the reflecting boundary and goes to the absorbing boundary without returning to the reflecting one. The remaining portion of the trajectory is the looping part, where a number of loops that begin and end at the same reflecting boundary are made without touching the absorbing boundary. Because axial diffusion of a smoothly varying channel can be approximately described as one-dimensional diffusion in the presence of an entropy potential with position-dependent effective diffusivity, we approach the problem in terms of the modified Fick–Jacobs equation. This allows us to derive analytical expressions for mean first-passage time, as well as looping and transition path times. Comparison with results from Brownian dynamics simulations allows us to establish the domain of applicability of the one-dimensional description. We also compare our results with those obtained for three-dimensional conical tubes [A. M. Berezhkovskii, L. Dagdug, and S. M. Bezrukov, J. Chem. Phys. 147, 134104 (2017)].
Low-pressure-induced giant barocaloric effect in an all-d-metal Heusler Ni35.5Co14.5Mn35Ti15 magnetic shape memory alloy
Authors: Wei Zhiyang , Shen Yi , Zhang Zhe , Guo Jianping , Li Bing , Liu Enke , Zhang Zhidong , Liu Jian
Published: May 2020

The clean and energy-efficient solid-state refrigeration based on magnetostructural phase transformation is a promising alternative technology for vapor-compression refrigeration. Herein, using a unique quasi-direct calorimetric method in a high hydrostatic pressure condition, we have studied the barocaloric effect for a Ni35.5Co14.5Mn35Ti15 all-d-metal Heusler alloy that undergoes a martensitic transformation accompanied by a large magnetization change. The martensitic transformation is found to be sensitive to either applied pressure or magnetic field with the large transformation temperature driving rates of 5.8 K kbar−1 and 2.0 K T−1. Such a sensitive response to external stimuli originates from the large lattice/volume- and magnetization-discontinuity on the phase transformation. The Ni35.5Co14.5Mn35Ti15 alloy exhibits a large barocaloric effect with an isothermal entropy change of −24.2 J kg−1 K−1and an adiabatic temperature change of 4.2 K, concomitant with a relatively low pressure change of 1 kbar, appearing to be the largest values among those of reported magnetic shape memory alloys. Moreover, by virtue of the strong magnetostructural coupling in the Ni35.5Co14.5Mn35Ti15 alloy, we propose a strategy of applying/releasing pressure and magnetic field in a proper sequence to eliminate the hysteresis and effectively enhance the reproducibility of the barocaloric effect.
Teaching science in prisons brings rewards
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: May 2020

Highly motivated, incarcerated students surmount obstacles to further their education.
A transdisciplinary protocol evaluating auditory processing disorder (APD) in children using speech and non-speech stimuli and tools for common co-morbidities
Authors: Ahmmed Ansar Uddin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Effective combination of speech and non-speech tests, using pass–fail cut-off criteria consistent with that used to diagnose co-morbidities, in evaluating APD are explored.

Method

Retrospective- analysis of 80 children, 8 to 12 years-old, undergoing APD assessment. Filtered Words, Auditory Figure Ground 0 dB, Competing Words, Competing Sentences and Time Compressed Sentences from SCAN-3:C battery were used as speech tests and non-speech tests included Dichotic Digits, Gap Detection and Frequency Pattern. Comorbidities evaluated were language impairment, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and impaired manual dexterity, using cut-off ≤ 10th centile in appropriate tools.

Results

Seventy-three participants (91.25%) were diagnosed with APD (≤ 9th centile in at least two tests) using speech plus non-speech tests. Speech tests alone diagnosed 60 (82%) and additional low linguistic load/non-speech tests helped in identifying the other 13 (18%). Sixty-six participants (82.5%) had APD plus co-morbidities, seven (8.75%) had APD only and the other seven (8.75%) had comorbidities without APD.

Conclusions

Initial evaluation by SCAN-3 battery followed by non-speech tests if necessary, will reduce test duration and improve child friendliness. Overlap between APD and comorbidities consistent with the literature is achieved if consistent pass/fail cut-off are used. The use of comorbidities to compare APD diagnostic criteria need to be explored.
Infrared spectroscopy analysis of montmorillonite thermal effects
Authors: Caccamo M T , Sabatino G , Bennardo A , Magazù S
Published: May 2020

The present work reports the analysis of the intramolecular OH stretching band obtained by Infrared spectroscopy measurements. In order to characterize the effect of montmorillonite on the properties of Lysozyme the so-called two-state model is adopted for the analysis of the intramolecular OH stretching band. This latter assumes that the OH stretching can be partitioned into two different states of intermolecular bonding. Such a result confirms that the montmorillonite leads to a stabilization of the Lysozyme structure. Moreover, the analysis of the spectra temperature dependence shows a montmorillonite-induced higher thermal restraint of the Lysozyme in respect to pure Lysozyme.
Oil spill removal using kenaf core fibers as biosorbent material
Authors: Siwayanan P , Ramachandran D G , Jamaluddin R , Ahmad S
Published: May 2020

Offshore crude oil exploration has led to oil spillage in the sea and causes an enormous negative impact on the surrounding environment, animals and human beings. In this paper, studies have been carried out to utilize Malaysian grown Kenaf core fibers as biosorbent material to clean-up the spilled oil from the sea. Kenaf fibers have natural oleophilic characteristics and therefore would be suitable to be used as biosorbent material. Studies were conducted to understand the surface characteristics, to evaluate the absorption capacity under simulated sea conditions and to determine oil/seawater sorption characteristics of Malaysia grown Kenaf core fibers. The crude oil/seawater absorption capacity study has indicated that both 20 mesh and 40 mesh Kenaf fibers can absorb 4 times its original weight in crude oil upon short contact time with crude oil/seawater. This study also reveals that the Kenaf fibers tend to absorb seawater upon prolonged contact with crude oil/seawater. Based on the separate crude oil and seawater sorption tests, both 20 mesh and 40 mesh Kenaf core fibers were found to have the ability to absorb 5-6 times and 1-6 times of its original weight in crude oil and seawater respectively, depending on the contact time.
Electrochemical properties of ascorbic acid and folic acid under acidic solution
Authors: Abyor Handayani Noer , Anisa Krisanti Elsa , Sadeli Yunita , Kartohardjono Sutrasno , Mulia Kamarza
Published: May 2020

Ascorbic acid and folic acid are very important vitamins which have some crucial roles in human body’s metabolism, including enhancing iron absorption. Regardless of its roles, these vitamins are also known to be unstable and easily degraded in the processing by oxygen, pH, temperature, and UV light. Nowadays, microencapsulation may be a proper technique to overcome some of these shortcomings. However, there is a possibility of the changes in vitamin stability during encapsulation processes, particularly while using chitosan and acetic acid as wall material and solvent, respectively. In this study, cyclic voltammetry method was carried out for investigating the electrochemical properties of ascorbic acid and folic acid under acidic medium. The effect of scan rate (0.1; 0.2; 0.3 V/s) on the observed current was also studied. Furthermore, vitamin-aquadest solutions were also studied as a referred sample. Cyclic voltammetry was conducted using a three electrodes configuration connected to an electrochemical analyser. Platinum wire, graphite, and Ag/AgCl were employed as the working, auxiliary and reference electrodes, respectively. All the solutions were maintained for free oxygen by the degassing process. In general, the recorded currents of all solutions were increased while using a higher scan rate. Cyclic voltammogram also showed that ascorbic acid had two anodic peaks and two cathodic peaks which indicated that ascorbic acid undergoes reversible reaction. However, folic acid only had one anodic peak in water which represented an oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of ascorbic acid have a similar profile with folic acid while were in acidic solutions. Both vitamins have more positives anodic peak; hence depicted that acid could suspend the oxidation reaction.
Enhanced production of β-carotene suspensions using supercritical CO2 via naturally occurring Z-isomerization-accelerating catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yelin , Honda Masaki , Wahyudiono  , Kanda Hideki , Goto Motonobu
Published: May 2020

β-carotene has high antioxidant activity and its adequate intake can reduce the risk of various diseases. Thus, β-carotene can be utilized as a dietary supplement and valuable natural food colorant. Z-isomerization of β-carotene can reduce the crystallinity of (all-E)-β-carotene and improve the solubility of it in solvents. Preparing nanosuspensions of Z-isomer-rich β-carotene can improve the dispersibility of β-carotene in water and bioavailability of it. In previous work, Z-isomerization and encapsulation process of β-carotene was implemented in two separated steps. In this work, organic catalyst derived from plants was utilized for Z-isomerization of β-carotene. The Z-isomerization and emulsification-evaporation process were conducted simultaneously under supercritical CO2 assisted by ultrasound. β-carotene suspension produced in this work was characterized by UV-vis, HPLC and DLS. The nanosuspensions rich in Z-isomers of β-carotene has been successfully prepared using allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) as the catalyst for Z-isomerization. When the distributed processing was performed with 50mg, 100 mg AITC, the encapsulation efficiency and Z-isomerization ratio in the suspensions were approximately 6 times and 13 times higher than those of no catalyst. Adding AITC in the emulsification-evaporation process using SC-CO2 as a Z-isomerization-accelerating catalyst improved not only the Z-isomerization ratio of βcarotene but also the encapsulated β-carotene content in suspensions.
Utilization of Corn Cob Waste as an Alternative Composite Material of Motorcycle Non-asbestos Brake Lining
Authors: Sukirman  , Ma’mun S , Rusdi S , Fahruli A , Yulpando R E
Published: May 2020

One of the safety factors in riding a motorcycle is the braking system in which the brake lining plays an important role in the braking performance, therefore, application of an appropriate brake lining material which gives a low brake lining wear value is a must. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of brake lining material compositions on the value of brake lining wear. The brake lining was made from a mixture of corn cob powder, Al2O3, BaSO4, and polyester resin with a certain composition. The brake lining wear value was then determined by the Ogoshi wear testing by varying the material compositions. The brake lining wear values were then compared to those obtained from the brake linings existing in the market, e.g. Texiar. The results show that the higher the concentration of the corn cob, the better the value of the brake lining wear. This is due to the nature of the corn cob that gives less wear value compared to Al2O3. It was found that the brake lining wear value of 2.8 × 10−9 mm2/kg, corresponding to the brake lining wear value of Texiar, was achieved at which the compositions of the corn cob powder, Al2O3, BaSO4, and the polyester resin are 30, 30, 20, and 20 wt%, respectively. The result indicates that variations in the composition of constituent material have an influence on the brake lining wear value.
Preparation of Cationic Polyurethane Dispersion and Its Effectiveness as Denim Dye Fixing Agent
Authors: Sundang M. , Sipaut C. S. , Saalah S.
Published: May 2020

The issue encountered by the textile industry is that the colours are fading off, particularly in denim fabric, by constant washing, so fixing agent is needed to enhance the colour fastness of the denim fabric. Polyurethane is one of the promising types of nonformaldehyde dye fixing agents. It has good film covering properties and allows air permeability. In this study, cationic polyurethane dispersions (CPU) were syntheses and applied as fixing agent for sulphur dye denim fabric. Different formulation of CPU were synthesized using isophorone diisocyanate, different molecular weight of polyols, and tertiary amine. Formulated CPU were then analysed using FTIR, zeta potential analyser and viscometer. Zeta potential obtained was in the range of +8.1 mV to +41.7 mV indicates that some of the CPU particles tend to agglomerate and some are stable. After fixing treatment, colour fastness to crocking of the treated fabric has improved. Surface morphology changes were determined by SEM and it shows that smooth finishing fibre surface was obtained in treated black denim fabric.
New monopolar arrangement of electrodes to enhance the production of magnetite nanoparticles in an electrochemical cell
Authors: Setyawan H , Nurlilasari P , Widiyastuti W
Published: May 2020

Here, we proposed to increase the production rate of magnetite nanoparticles by electro-oxidation of iron in water using multi-electrode with an arrangement of conventional monopolar (CM) and alternating monopolar (AM). The production rate of the magnetite nanoparticles could be increased significantly using the proposed electrode arrangement compared to our previous method using one-pair of electrodes in the same system. The particle sizes ranged from 28 to 88 nm for the CM and from 20 to 25 nm for the AM arrangements. The performance of the AM arrangement was superior that of the CM arrangement in regard to production rate, particle size, and product purity. The production rates were approximately 20 and 30-fold increases for, respectively, the CM and AM arrangements compared to that of one-pair electrode. The magnetite particles produced using the CM arrangement contained impurities in the form of FeOOH and Fe2O3. On the contrary, only magnetite was identified in the particles prepared using the AM arrangement.
Synthesis of TiO2/GO nanocomposite for Methylene Blue Degradation
Authors: Kasmiarno L. D. , Floresyona D. , Raissa R. , Pambudi N. S.
Published: May 2020

In using visible light for commercially available photocatalytic TiO2 powder, the alteration of its chemical structure is required in which a metal or non metal ion is introduced to the naturally TiO2 compound in a process called doping. In this study, a graphene oxide is chosen as composite that can be functioned under visible light irradiation since it can extended light absorption range and can improved activity of TiO2/GO nanocomposite for enhancing charge separation. The TiO2/GO nanocomposite were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and FT-IR. The TiO2/GO nanocomposites was active for reduction of Methylene Blue in aqueous media.
A hydrophobic cellulose aerogel from coir fibers waste for oil spill application
Authors: Fauziyah M , Widiyastuti W , Setyawan H
Published: May 2020

In this work, a hydrophobic cellulose aerogel was successfully developed from coir fibers waste. The hydrophobic aerogel was prepared using a simple sol-gel and freeze-drying method followed by surface modification using either trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) or hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). The operating temperature was varied around the boiling point of the modifying agent ranging from 50-70°C for TMCS and 110-130°C for HMDS. The concentration of modification agents was varied from 40-60 wt.% in n-Hexane. The best condition in term of its hydrophobicity was obtained at 50% of TMCS with a temperature of 60°C and 40% of HMDS at 120°C. The obtained aerogel has a good hydrophobic characteristic indicated by a high of water contact angle of 100-150°C. The aerogel also could selectively absorb only oil from the mixture of oil-water. Therefore, it could be the promising material used to overcome the oil spill issue due to its biodegradability, abundant availability, and low cost.
Transport Properties of Evaporative Cooling in a Seashell Packed Bed Cooling Tower
Authors: Syahirah Amir Kusin Amalina , Aishah Afifah Zahari Siti , Irfan Hatim Mohd , Afif Mohd Ruslan Mahfuz , Nabil Adzim Mohd , Omar Razif , Sani Jamailudin Mohd , Radi Wan Yaakub Ahmad , Mahmad Puzi Syazwani
Published: May 2020

This project was aimed to investigate the transport properties of evaporative cooling using seashell as packing material in a packed bed tower. Cockle shell was used as the packing material, which usually discharged as waste from marine life and fishery industry. The packing section is 15 inch high and filled with seashell which consists of 15 mm to 14 mm of equivalent diameter. The performance of cooling tower using seashell packing is compared to HDPE pipe packing. The results show that seashell packing have higher cooling water range, lower cooling approach and higher cooling tower efficiency than HDPE pipe packing. Meanwhile, cooling water range, R and cooling tower efficiency, e decrease with increasing of water to air ratio, L/G for all circulation rate. The heat transfer coefficient, KaV/L decreases with increasing of L/G ratio with lower circulation rate.
Microencapsulation of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) using Alginate and Chitosan : Effect of Alginate and Chitosan Concentration upon Microcapsule Diameter
Authors: Danarto YC. , Rochmadi  , Budhijanto
Published: May 2020

Riboflavin ( Vitamin B2) plays an important role in the development of human body tissue, the production of red blood cells and helps release energy derived from protein. Riboflavin cannot be produced and stored by the human body therefore must be supplied outside via food. Riboflavin is very sensitive and unstable to environmental influence such as light and reductor. One of technology for maintaining the stability of riboflavin is microencapsulation which is composed of polymer matrix containing riboflavin. Alginate was chosen as a polymer matrix because of riboflavin’s absorption ability, biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. The matrix polymer is strengthened by coating it with chitosan. The layer is then reinforced by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. This research aims to study the microencapsulation process of riboflavin with alginate and chitosan. This research also studied the effect of alginate and chiton concentrations upon the diameter of microcapsules.The results showed that microencapsulation of riboflavin with alginate and chitosan can be done. The increase in chitosan concentration will reduce the size of microcapsules diameter. The concentration of alginate does not significantly affect the size of microcapsules diameter. Average diameter microcapsule range 380 – 610 µm, smaller than other research studies
Kinetic study of epoxidation of Tung oil (Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw) by peroxyacetic acid
Authors: Budiyati E , Budhijanto  , Budiman A , Rochmadi
Published: May 2020

The use of vegetable oils (VOs) to replace petroleum derivatives is very interesting. This is due to the advantages of VOs, which are relatively biodegradable and renewable. The VOs containing high unsaturated fatty acid, such as Tung oil, soybean oil, rubber oil are very potential materials for biopolymers, which can be reacted further into epoxy, polyols, and even polymers. The kinetic of epoxidation of Tung oil by peroxyacetic acid produced in-situ process was studied. In this study, the formation of peroxyacetic acid was considered as rate determining step, which controlled the overall reaction rate. The process was conducted in batch reaction at atmospheric pressure, constant mixing rate and constant ratio of raw material to acetic acid. The temperature was varied at 40, 50, 60, and 70°C. The reaction samples were taken at specific time during 2-4 hours of reaction. The result shows that the proposed simple kinetics model fits appropriately at lower reaction temperature, but does not agree at higher temperature (more than 60°C). The reaction rate constants is in the range of (3.307–9.634) × 10−6 L.mol−1.s−1, in which its collision factor and activation energy are 286,768 gram.mol−1.min−1 and 30,900 Joule/mol, respectively.