bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Các khuynh hướng nghiên cứu, ứng dụng BIM tại viện quản lý đầu tư xây dựng - Trường đại học Xây dựng
Authors: Banh Nguyen Mau , Ngoc Nguyen Bao
Published: July 2018

Mô hình thông tin công trình (Building Information Modelling - BIM) là một tiến bộ khoa học công nghệ trong lĩnh vực xây dựng và sản xuất công nghiệp nói chung. Mặc dù thuật ngữ BIM đã chính thức xuất hiện trên thế giới từ những năm đầu thế kỉ XXI, nhưng BIM mới được đưa về và biết tới ở Việt Nam trong vài năm trở lại đây bắt nguồn từ một số cơ quan nghiên cứu khoa học và một vài doanh nghiệp nước ngoài đầu tư vào Việt Nam. Bài viết nêu ra một số khuynh hướng nghiên cứu, ứng dụng BIM tại Viện Quản lý đầu tư xây dựng trong thiết kế, quản lý thi công, lập dự toán chi phí, khai thác công trình, thu thập thông tin công trình và nhiều mảng công việc khác.

Nhận ngày 7/12/2017; sửa xong 22/12/2017; chấp nhận đăng 16/01/2018
Phân tích bậc hai phi đàn hồi cột ống thép nhồi bê tông
Authors: Nhu Thao Dinh Thi , Binh Luu Thanh , Phuong Tran Duy , Hiep Nguyen Van , Chinh Truong Hoai , Cuong Ngo Huu
Published: July 2018

Bài báo này trình bày một chương trình máy tính được phát triển bằng ngôn ngữ lập trình C++ để phân tích cột ống thép nhồi bê tông chịu tải trọng tĩnh có kể đến tác động bậc hai và ứng xử phi đàn hồi. Ma trận độ cứng tiếp tuyến phi tuyến của phần tử cột được thiết lập bằng nguyên lý Rayleigh-Ritz với giả thiết có sự tương tác hoàn toàn giữa lõi bê tông và vỏ thép. Thuật toán chiều dài cung được áp dụng để giải hệ phương trình cân bằng phi tuyến. Kết quả phân tích của chương trình được so sánh với các nghiên cứu trước qua các ví dụ số để chứng tỏ độ tin cậy của chương trình đã được phát triển.

Nhận ngày 02/6/2017; sửa xong 31/7/2017; chấp nhận đăng 28/02/2018
Quy trình thi công lắp ghép cấu kiện bê tông nhẹ chống cháy cho cột thép chữ H và dầm thép chữ I
Authors: Hai Ninh Chu Thi , Tham Nguyen Dinh , Duc Vu Minh
Published: July 2018

Trong bài báo này, quy trình thi công lắp ghép cấu kiện bê tông nhẹ chống cháy (BNCC) cho cột thép chữ H và dầm thép chữ I đã được đề xuất, trong đó cấu kiện BNCC gồm các tấm và blốc viên xây được sử dụng để bọc chống cháy cho các cấu kiện chịu lực cho công trình. BNCC được chế tạo từ xi măng pooc lăng hỗn hợp và phế thải tro bay nhiệt điện có các ưu điểm sau: khối lượng thể tích nhỏ (≤ 800kg/m3), độ dẫn nhiệt thấp, khả năng làm việc ở nhiệt độ cao đến 1000oC. Việc sử dụng vật liệu BNCC có thể đem lại hiệu quả kinh tế và khả năng chống cháy cho công trình xây dựng dân dụng và công nghiệp.

Nhận ngày 5/12/2017; sửa xong 21/12/2017; chấp nhận đăng 28/02/2018
Nghiên cứu kết hợp công cụ GIS và phần mềm HEC-RAS trong bài toán lan truyền sóng vỡ đập
Authors: Dat Chu Tien
Published: July 2018

Nghiên cứu sự lan truyền sóng vỡ đập và xây dựng bản đồ ngập lụt hạ du hồ chứa thủy lợi là một vấn đề thời sự, do ở nước ta hiện nay có nhiều công trình thủy lợi được xếp vào hạng nguy cơ mất an toàn cao. Việc tính toán lan truyền con sóng vỡ đập phía hạ du hồ chứa thủy lợi là khá phức tạp, đòi hỏi nhiều thông số đầu vào về khảo sát địa hình, độ nhám, các công trình nằm trên hành lang con sóng vỡ đập đi qua. Nghiên cứu này tập trung vào việc mô phỏng sự lan truyền của con sóng vỡ đập bằng cách kết hợp công cụ GIS và phần mềm HEC-RAS. Kết quả của nghiên cứu này nhằm đề xuất một hướng tiếp cận bài toán lan truyền sóng vỡ đập khi kết hợp các công cụ tính toán mã nguồn mở và phi thương mại. Đồng thời, nghiên cứu này đưa ra một số khuyến nghị về việc sử dụng các công thức kinh nghiệm và phạm vi khu vực phía hạ du cần cân nhắc thận trọng khi tính toán.

Nhận ngày 19/11/2017; sửa xong 10/01/2018; chấp nhận đăng 28/02/2018
Phương pháp tiếp cận dự báo theo kịch bản trong quy hoạch giao thông đô thị bền vững
Authors: Thanh Mai Nguyen Thi , Thai Tran Quoc , Nghia Nguyen Xuan
Published: July 2018

Quy hoạch giao thông bền vững đã được đề cập nhiều trong thời gian gần đây, tuy nhiên để triển khai trong thực tiễn, còn gặp nhiều vấn đề bất cập. Câu hỏi đặt ra là phương pháp tiếp cận nào phù hợp cho phép lồng ghép các mục tiêu phát triển bền vững trong triển khai quy hoạch giao thông. Bài viết đưa ra những đánh giá sơ bộ về phương pháp triển khai quy hoạch giao thông truyền thống theo cách tiếp cận dự báo. Phương pháp này dựa trên hiện trạng, phân tích các xu hướng đã và đang xảy ra để dự báo mô hình phát triển cho tương lai. Tuy nhiên, trong nhiều trường hợp, các xu hướng lại không cho thấy mô hình phát triển bền vững trong tương lai. Phương pháp dự báo theo kịch bản là một cách tiếp cận mới, được áp dụng gần đây tại các thành phố phát triển, cho phép lồng ghép các mục tiêu phát triển bền vững vào quy hoạch giao thông. Phương pháp quy định những nhiệm vụ, hành động cần phải triển khai tại thời điểm hiện tại để lấp đi sự thiếu hụt giữa hiện tại và tương lai mong muốn (kịch bản). Báo cáo giới thiệu phần mềm Vensim, như một công cụ dự báo theo kịch bản, hiện đang sử dụng trong nghiên cứu cải thiện giao thông tại khuôn viên INSA Lyon hướng đến môi trường học tập bền vững.

Nhận ngày 20/12/2017; sửa xong 31/01/2018; chấp nhận đăng 28/02/2018
Nghiên cứu ảnh hưởng của một số thông số công nghệ đến cường độ nén gạch bê tông
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Van , Lam Nguyen Ngoc , Thang Nguyen Cong
Published: July 2018

Hiện nay trên thế giới nói chung và ở Việt Nam nói riêng đã áp dụng nhiều dạng công nghệ sản xuất vật liệu xây dựng không nung, nhằm giảm thiểu sự ô nhiễm môi trường trong quá trình khai thác, sản xuất và đã mang lại nhiều kết quả tích cực như: tận dụng được nhiều nguồn nguyên liệu rẻ tiền hiện có tại các vùng miền, tạo ra được nhiều loại vật liệu xây dựng (VLXD) có giá thành thấp... Các đề tài nghiên cứu về gạch không nung ở Việt Nam chủ yếu đề cập đến việc tối ưu hóa cấp phối, còn các nghiên cứu về ảnh hưởng của các thông số công nghệ lại ít được đề cập. Bài báo này trình bày kết quả nghiên cứu ảnh hưởng của một số thông số công nghệ của dây chuyền sản xuất thực tế như lực rung ép, thời gian rung ép tạo hình và số lần rải liệu đến cường độ nén của gạch bê tông. Kết quả nghiên cứu trên dây chuyền sản xuất công nghiệp QT 10-15 theo công nghệ rung ép cho thấy khi lực ép rung gạch tối thiểu từ 11-13 MPa, thời gian rung ép từ 5-7 giây, số lần rải liệu khoảng 3-4 lần thì gạch bê tông đạt mác M7,5, độ thấm nước thấp.

Nhận ngày 15/01/2018; sửa xong 5/02/2018; chấp nhận đăng 28/02/2018
Analytical model for predicting membrane actions in RC beam-slab structures subjected to penultimate-internal column loss scenarios
Authors: Dat Pham Xuan , Wahyudi Trieska Yokhebed , Anh Do Kim
Published: July 2018

The potential for progressive collapse of RC buildings can be estimated by column loss scenarios. The loss of either internal or external penultimate columns is among the most critical scenarios since the beam-slab substructures associated with the removed column becomes laterally unrestrained with two discontinuous edges. At large deformations, membrane behaviour of the associated slabs, consisting of a compressive ring of concrete around its perimeter and tensile membrane action in the central region, represents an important line of defence against progressive collapse. The reserve capacity can be used to sustain amplified gravity loads and to mitigate the progressive collapse of building structures. In this paper, based on experimental observation of 1/4 scaled tests together with investigation of previous research works, an analytical model is proposed to predict the load-carrying capacity of beam-slab structures at large deformations. Comparison with the test results shows that the analytical model gives a good estimation of the overall load-carrying capacity of the RC slabs by membrane actions.

Article history: Received 15 March 2018, Revised 28 March 2018, Accepted 27 April 2018
Urban design process with community participation for streetscapes in Hanoi
Authors: Hoa Ta Quynh , Loan Pham Thuy
Published: July 2018

"Urban design" and "community participation" are two topics that attract attention of the professionals and the society in these recent years in Vietnam. However, these topics are not studied and piloted thoroughly enough to have effective urban design process with community involvements in each step of the process. The new content of this research is to use 'road space' and 'streetscape' in Hanoi as a specific object to combine the two topics of 'urban design' and "community participation" into a formative process in which steps, contents of each step, technique and toolkits are proposed in detail.

Article history: Received 16 March 2018, Revised 27 March 2018, Accepted 27 April 2018
A fast fuzzy finite element approach for laterally loaded pile in layered soils
Authors: Anh Pham Hoang
Published: July 2018

A fuzzy finite element approach for static analysis of laterally loaded pile in multi-layer soil with uncertain properties is presented. The finite element (FE) formulation is established using a beam-on-two-parameter foundation model. Based on the developed FE model, uncertainty propagation of the soil parameters to the pile response is evaluated by mean of the α-cut strategy combined with a response surface based optimization technique. First order Taylor's expansion representing the pile responses is used to find the binary combinations of the fuzzy variables that result in extreme responses at an α-level. The exact values of the extreme responses are then determined by direct FE analysis at the found binary combinations of the fuzzy variables. The proposed approach is shown to be accurate and computationally efficient.

Article history: Received 05 October 2017, Revised 05 March 2018, Accepted 27 April 2018
Optimization to water supply system design and operation scheme in high rise buildings
Authors: Huong Nguyen Lan , Anh Nguyen Viet , Huyen Dang Thi Thanh , Son Tran Hoai , Cuong Dinh Viet
Published: July 2018

Greenhouse Gas emission from high-rise buildings has been increasing mainly due to excessive energy consumption of the HVAC system, structural system and electrical system. Electricity consumption for pump system accounts for 15% of total electricity usage in building. Therefore the reduction of electricity in operation is crucial to the overall reduction of GHGs in urban areas. In this study, a lab-scale experiment was conducted to test the electricity consumption in applying different design approaches; the energy efficiency of the system was calculated. Finally, this study proposes the advanced water supply design scheme to reduce electricity consumption of the pump system.

Article history: Received 12 March 2018, Revised 03 April 2018, Accepted 27 April 2018
Phân tích tĩnh tấm composite có lớp áp điện theo lý thuyết biến dạng cắt bậc cao Reddy bằng phương pháp giải tích
Authors: Tú Trần Minh , Quốc Trần Hữu , Thẩm Vũ Văn
Published: July 2018

Bài báo thiết lập lời giải giải tích phân tích tĩnh tấm composite lớp cấu hình phản xứng vuông góc có gắn lớp kích thích áp điện, chịu tác dụng đồng thời của tải cơ học và điện trường. Lý thuyết tấm biến dạng cắt bậc cao của Reddy được sử dụng để khảo sát ứng xử uốn của tấm composite áp điện. Điện thế áp đặt được giả thiết biến đổi tuyến tính theo chiều dày của lớp áp điện. Kết quả được so sánh với lý thuyết bậc cao 12 ẩn chuyển vị và với lời giải chính xác và cho thấy sự tương đồng với kết quả của các tác giả khác đã công bố.

Từ khoá: tấm composite lớp; áp điện; phân tích tĩnh; lý thuyết tấm Reddy; phương pháp giải tích.

Lịch sử bài viết: Nhận ngày 12/1/2018, Sửa xong 9/5/2018, Chấp nhận đăng 30/5/2018.
Đánh giá độ tin cậy của thiết bị giám sát chất lượng môi trường không khí trong công tác quan trắc môi trường không khí xung quanh
Authors: Hiếu Bùi Thị , Trung Nguyễn Thành
Published: July 2018

Vấn đề ô nhiễm môi trường không khí ngày càng trở nên nghiêm trọng kéo theo yêu cầu chú trọng các chương trình quan trắc môi trường không khí. Do đó đề tài B2014-03-12 đã nghiên cứu và chế tạo thiết bị quan trắc môi trường không khí. Để đánh giá khả năng ứng dụng của thiết bị này, bài báo đánh giá độ chính xác của thiết bị đề tài bằng cách so sánh bộ số liệu các thông số về chất ô nhiễm môi trường không khí cung cấp bởi thiết bị đề tài và thiết bị kiểm chứng sử dụng các công cụ thông số thống kê và các bài kiểm định xác suất thống kê. Kết quả thu được chứng tỏ khả năng quan trắc các chất ô nhiễm bao gồm PM10, SO2, CO, NO2 của thiết bị giám sát chất lượng môi trường không khí này.

Từ khoá: ô nhiễm môi trường không khí; nồng độ các chất độc hại; thiết bị quan trắc môi trường không khí; thông số thống kê; kiểm định xác suất thống kê.
Đánh giá thực nghiệm và mô phỏng độ thấm khí của đá xi măng có tính đến ảnh hưởng của độ bão hòa nước
Authors: Quân Từ Sỹ
Published: July 2018

Độ thấm khí của một vật liệu có lỗ rỗng là một đại lượng đặc trưng cho khả năng cho phép chất khí đi xuyên qua mà không làm thay đổi cấu trúc của chất đó. Tính thấm của vật liệu phụ thuộc vào nhiều thông số như độ rỗng, áp suất khí thẩm thấu, hình dạng, độ nhám và tính kết nối giữa các lỗ rỗng. Đối với trường hợp của đá xi măng, trong cấu trúc lỗ rỗng luôn tồn tại hai pha lỏng và khí. Sự tồn tại của nước tự do trong hệ thống lỗ rỗng có ảnh hưởng không nhỏ đến khả năng truyền dẫn và hấp thụ khí của vật liệu.Mô hình thực nghiệm giới thiệu trong bài báo đã được phát triển và ứng dụng tại phòng thí nghiệm về Xây dựng và Cơ học (Laboratoire en Génie Civil et Génie Mécanique) thuộc trường Trung ương thành phố Nantes (Ecole Centrale de Nantes), Cộng hòa Pháp. Trên cơ sở phân tích kết quả đo độ thấm khí thu được trên các mẫu hình trụ, dựa trên các lý thuyết mô phỏng đã được xây dựng và thiết lập, nghiên cứu cho phép chỉ ra những thông số cần thiết tương ứng với từng loại vật liệu xem xét.

Từ khoá: định luật Darcy; độ thấm nội tại; hệ số thấm thủy lực; độ thấm khí; hiệu ứng Klinkenberg.
Nghiên cứu phương pháp lựa chọn bảng mục từ ngành công trình xây dựng trong đề án “biên soạn bách khoa toàn thư Việt Nam”
Authors: Thành Đỗ Hữu , Tấn Trần Văn , Tuấn Nguyễn Văn , Linh Nguyễn Ngọc
Published: July 2018

Biên soạn Bách khoa toàn thư (BKTT) Việt Nam là một đề án Nhà nước rất lớn, huy động hàng ngàn nhà khoa học giàu kinh nghiệm trên cả nước tham gia. Đây là một công trình văn hóa, khoa học rất đồ sộ, đòi hỏi đầu tư công sức trí tuệ và phương pháp tiếp cận khoa học trong các giai đoạn thực hiện: từ xây dựng đề cương đến biên soạn mục từ, biên tập và xuất bản. Trong khuôn khổ nhiệm vụ xây dựng đề cương đề án, Ban biên soạn BKTT quyển 14 - Xây dựng và Công nghệ vật liệu đã nghiên cứu kết hợp các phương pháp truyền thống và hiện đại để đề xuất bảng mục từ các chuyên ngành công trình xây dựng - Kết cấu vĩ mô của BKTT về xây dựng và công nghệ vật liệu. Bài báo này trình bày phương pháp tiếp cận khoa học trong lựa chọn và đề xuất các muc từ đại diện xứng đáng cho bức tranh tổng thể tri thức, thành tựu của ngành xây dựng trong bộ BKTT Việt Nam.

Từ khoá: bách khoa toàn thư; mục từ; công trình xây dựng.
Preliminary results of the molecular genetic investigation of the poplar hybridization naturally and in the urban beautification
Authors: Vasilieva N.V. , Kostina M.V. , Nasimovitch Yu.A.
Published: July 2018

The article presents preliminary results of the molecular genetic investigation of poplar (Populus nigra L., Ps laurifolia Ledeb. etc) hybridization naturally and in the urban beautification within Russian Federation. All the investigated species and hybrids of the black poplar and balsam poplar demonstrate wide geographic variation at the molecular level naturally and when being cultivated. At the same time different species and hybrids being agglomerated in the same region can have some similar genome regions. This, most probably, is associated with the intensive cross-species hybridization. This scheme corresponds with the idea of the reticulate evolution of the black poplar and balsam poplar.
Ramalina species and their preservation in Moscow region
Authors: Tolpysheva T.Yu. , Suslova E.G. , Rumyantsev V.Yu.
Published: July 2018

After the publication of the second edition of the Red Book of Moscow region (2008), work on the monitoring of Ramalina species listed in the Red Book continued, as well as the search for new locations of these species, and the identification of species of this genus, rarely found in the region. The analysis of the obtained data allowed to estimate modern distribution of Ramalina species on the territory of the region, their coinciding with certain types of plant communities, substrate and to identify the most rare species of the genus. The Mapinfo program contains a database and maps of all Ramalina species findings. The key for identification of Ramalina species in Moscow region is given.
Landscapes of the natural protected area of Vladivostok agglomeration
Authors: Pogorelov A.R. , Vovzhenyak I.S. , Korovin K.M.
Published: July 2018

This article is about physiographic features of the forest area of the Botanical Garden-Institute FEB RAS, which is the most important nature protected area within the Vladivostok agglomeration. As result of the field landscape researches, a landscape map was complied (with the allocation of 10 natural regions). A brief description of the allocated natural regions was given.
Femur segmentation in DXA imaging using a machine learning decision tree
Authors: Hussain Dildar , Al-antari Mugahed A. , Al-masni Mohammed A. , Han Seung-Moo , Kim Tae-Seong
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Accurate measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is essential for proper diagnosis of osteoporosis. Calculation of BMD requires precise bone segmentation and subtraction of soft tissue absorption. Femur segmentation remains a challenge as many existing methods fail to correctly distinguish femur from soft tissue. Reasons for this failure include low contrast and noise in DXA images, bone shape variability, and inconsistent X-ray beam penetration and attenuation, which cause shadowing effects and person-to-person variation.

OBJECTIVE:

To present a new method namely, a Pixel Label Decision Tree (PLDT), and test whether it can achieve higher accurate performance in femur segmentation in DXA imaging.

METHODS:

PLDT involves mainly feature extraction and selection. Unlike photographic images, X-ray images include features on the surface and inside an object. In order to reveal hidden patterns in DXA images, PLDT generates seven new feature maps from existing high energy (HE) and low energy (LE) X-ray features and determines the best feature set for the model. The performance of PLDT in femur segmentation is compared with that of three widely used medical image segmentation algorithms, the Global Threshold (GT), Region Growing Threshold (RGT), and artificial neural networks (ANN).

RESULTS:

PLDT achieved a higher accuracy of femur segmentation in DXA imaging (91.4%) than either GT (68.4%), RGT (76%) or ANN (84.4%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The study demonstrated that PLDT outperformed other conventional segmentation techniques in segmenting DXA images. Improved segmentation should help accurate computation of BMD which later improves clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Plant- and Seaweed-Based Extracts Increase Yield but Differentially Modulate Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse Spinach through Biostimulant Action
Authors: Rouphael Youssef , Giordano Maria , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Cozzolino Eugenio , Mori Mauro , Kyriacou Marios , Bonini Paolo , Colla Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

Plant biostimulants (PBs) such as protein hydrolysates and seaweed extracts are attracting the increasing interest of scientists and vegetable growers for their potential toenhance yield and nutritional quality. The current study assessed crop productivity, leaf colorimetry, mineral profile and bioactive compounds of greenhouse spinach in response to the foliar application of three PBs: legume-derived protein hydrolysate [PH], extract of seaweed Ecklonia maxima or mixture of vegetal oils, herbal and seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extracts. Plants were PB-treated at a rate of 3 mL L−1 four times during their growth cycle at weekly intervals. Foliar PB applications enhanced fresh yield, dry biomass and leaf area of spinach in comparison with untreated plants. Improved yield performance with PB applications was associated with improved chlorophyll biosynthesis (higher SPAD index). The three PB treatments elicited an increase in bioactive compounds (total phenols and ascorbic acid), thus raised the functional quality of spinach. The application of PH enhanced K and Mg concentrations and did not result in increased nitrate accumulation as observed with the other two PB treatments. Our findings can assist vegetable farmers and the agro-food industry in adopting innovative and sustainable tools such as PB for complementing a high yield with premium quality.
Motion Sensor Application on Building Lighting Installation for Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Joint Crediting Mechanism
Authors: Riyanto Indra , Margatama Lestari , Hakim H. , Martini  , Hindarto Dicky Edwin
Published: July 2018

Although common in developed countries such as Japan and Taiwan, the use of lamps coupled with motion sensors are still uncommon and even rare in Indonesia. Our experiment aims to show that simple installation of commercially available motion sensors can contribute to reduce the electricity bill from the increase of energy efficiency, abundance in availability of energy being the main factor in Indonesian high energy consumption habits. High electricity demand for consumption at current supply level in Indonesia led to the rising cost of electricity bills. This factor is compounded by the fact that many electric generators in Indonesia still use fossil fuels, which contributes to the high basic generation cost. UBL is one of the universities that aim to be a green campus. Our research explores the possibility of installing motion sensors to contribute to the energy efficiency. Although mostly common in developed countries, the use of motion sensors for energy efficiency is still rare, especially in Indonesia. Despite rising cost and supply shortages, Indonesian buildings are still of high energy consumption. Our experiment shows that simple installation of commercially available motion sensors can contribute to reduce the electricity bill from the increase of energy efficiency. One of the efforts to lower energy demand on the consumer side is to use the electricity efficiently, such as turning off lights in a room when it is not in use. This method can be simply done by turning the light switches for office and classrooms, but difficult to do in public spaces such as toilets and corridors. Automatic light switches experimentally installed in sample toilet rooms prove that electricity consumption from the lamps can contribute to the reduction of total weekly energy that translates into Greenhouse Gas emission reduction.
Alterations in Cellular Processes Involving Vesicular Trafficking and Implications in Drug Delivery
Authors: Muro Silvia
Published: July 2018

Endocytosis and vesicular trafficking are cellular processes that regulate numerous functions required to sustain life. From a translational perspective, they offer avenues to improve the access of therapeutic drugs across cellular barriers that separate body compartments and into diseased cells. However, the fact that many factors have the potential to alter these routes, impacting our ability to effectively exploit them, is often overlooked. Altered vesicular transport may arise from the molecular defects underlying the pathological syndrome which we aim to treat, the activity of the drugs being used, or side effects derived from the drug carriers employed. In addition, most cellular models currently available do not properly reflect key physiological parameters of the biological environment in the body, hindering translational progress. This article offers a critical overview of these topics, discussing current achievements, limitations and future perspectives on the use of vesicular transport for drug delivery applications.
Simultaneous Generation of Two Orthogonally Polarized Terahertz Waves by Stimulated Polariton Scattering with a Periodically Poled LiNbO3 Crystal
Authors: Li Zhongyang , Wang Silei , Wang Mengtao , Yuan Bin , Bing Pibin
Published: July 2018

We present a theoretical investigation of the simultaneous generation of two orthogonally polarized terahertz (THz) waves by stimulated polariton scattering (SPS) with a periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) crystal. The two orthogonally polarized THz waves are generated from SPS with A1 and E symmetric transverse optical (TO) modes in a LiNbO3 crystal, respectively. The parallel polarized THz wave is generated from A1 symmetric TO modes with type-0 phase-matching of e = e + e, and the perpendicular polarized THz wave is generated from E symmetric TO modes with type-I phase-matching of e = o + o. The two types of phase-matching of e = e + e and e = o + o can be almost satisfied simultaneously by accurately selecting the poling period of the PPLN crystal. We calculate the photon flux density of the two orthogonally polarized THz waves by solving the coupled wave equations. The calculation results indicate that the two orthogonally polarized THz waves can be efficiently generated, and the relative intensities between the two orthogonally polarized THz waves can be modulated.
Induction of Neuronal Differentiation of Murine N2a Cells by Two Polyphenols Present in the Mediterranean Diet Mimicking Neurotrophins Activities: Resveratrol and Apigenin
Authors: Namsi Amira , Nury Thomas , Hamdouni Haithem , Yammine Aline , Vejux Anne , Vervandier-Fasseur Dominique , Latruffe Norbert , Masmoudi-Kouki Olfa , Lizard Gérard
Published: July 2018

In the prevention of neurodegeneration associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease), neuronal differentiation is of interest. In this context, neurotrophic factors are a family of peptides capable of promoting the growth, survival, and/or differentiation of both developing and immature neurons. In contrast to these peptidyl compounds, polyphenols are not degraded in the intestinal tract and are able to cross the blood–brain barrier. Consequently, they could potentially be used as therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative pathologies associated with neuronal loss, thus requiring the stimulation of neurogenesis. We therefore studied the ability to induce neuronal differentiation of two major polyphenols present in the Mediterranean diet: resveratrol (RSV), a major compound found in grapes and red wine, and apigenin (API), present in parsley, rosemary, olive oil, and honey. The effects of these compounds (RSV and API: 6.25–50 µM) were studied on murine neuro-2a (N2a) cells after 48 h of treatment without or with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Retinoic acid (RA: 6.25–50 µM) was used as positive control. Neuronal differentiation was morphologically evaluated through the presence of dendrites and axons. Cell growth was determined by cell counting and cell viability by staining with fluorescein diacetate (FDA). Neuronal differentiation was more efficient in the absence of serum than with 10% FBS or 10% delipidized FBS. At concentrations inducing neuronal differentiation, no or slight cytotoxicity was observed with RSV and API, whereas RA was cytotoxic. Without FBS, RSV and API, as well as RA, trigger the neuronal differentiation of N2a cells via signaling pathways simultaneously involving protein kinase A (PKA)/phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC) and MEK/ERK. With 10% FBS, RSV and RA induce neuronal differentiation via PLC/PKC and PKA/PLC/PKC, respectively. With 10% FBS, PKA and PLC/PKC as well as MEK/ERK signaling pathways were not activated in API-induced neuronal differentiation. In addition, the differentiating effects of RSV and API were not inhibited by cyclo[DLeu5] OP, an antagonist of octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) which is a neurotrophic factor. Moreover, RSV and API do not stimulate the expression of the diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), the precursor of ODN. Thus, RSV and API are able to induce neuronal differentiation, ODN and its receptor are not involved in this process, and the activation of the (PLC/PKC) signaling pathway is required, except with apigenin in the presence of 10% FBS. These data show that RSV and API are able to induce neuronal differentiation and therefore mimic neurotrophin activity. Thus, RSV and API could be of interest in regenerative medicine to favor neurogenesis.
Pipette Petri Dish Single-Cell Trapping (PP-SCT) in Microfluidic Platforms: A Passive Hydrodynamic Technique
Authors: Narayanamurthy Vigneswaran , Lee Tze Pin , Khan Al’aina Yuhainis Firus , Samsuri Fahmi , Mohamed Khairudin , Hamzah Hairul Aini , Baharom Madia Baizura
Published: July 2018

Microfluidics-based biochips play a vital role in single-cell research applications. Handling and positioning of single cells at the microscale level are an essential need for various applications, including genomics, proteomics, secretomics, and lysis-analysis. In this article, the pipette Petri dish single-cell trapping (PP-SCT) technique is demonstrated. PP-SCT is a simple and cost-effective technique with ease of implementation for single cell analysis applications. In this paper a wide operation at different fluid flow rates of the novel PP-SCT technique is demonstrated. The effects of the microfluidic channel shape (straight, branched, and serpent) on the efficiency of single-cell trapping are studied. This article exhibited passive microfluidic-based biochips capable of vertical cell trapping with the hexagonally-positioned array of microwells. Microwells were 35 μm in diameter, a size sufficient to allow the attachment of captured cells for short-term study. Single-cell capture (SCC) capabilities of the microfluidic-biochips were found to be improving from the straight channel, branched channel, and serpent channel, accordingly. Multiple cell capture (MCC) was on the order of decreasing from the straight channel, branch channel, and serpent channel. Among the three designs investigated, the serpent channel biochip offers high SCC percentage with reduced MCC and NC (no capture) percentage. SCC was around 52%, 42%, and 35% for the serpent, branched, and straight channel biochips, respectively, for the tilt angle, θ values were between 10–15°. Human lung cancer cells (A549) were used for characterization. Using the PP-SCT technique, flow rate variations can be precisely achieved with a flow velocity range of 0.25–4 m/s (fluid channel of 2 mm width and 100 µm height). The upper dish (UD) can be used for low flow rate applications and the lower dish (LD) for high flow rate applications. Passive single-cell analysis applications will be facilitated using this method.
Bioengineering Strategies for Protein-Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Diaz Dennis , Care Andrew , Sunna Anwar
Published: July 2018

In recent years, the practical application of protein-based nanoparticles (PNPs) has expanded rapidly into areas like drug delivery, vaccine development, and biocatalysis. PNPs possess unique features that make them attractive as potential platforms for a variety of nanobiotechnological applications. They self-assemble from multiple protein subunits into hollow monodisperse structures; they are highly stable, biocompatible, and biodegradable; and their external components and encapsulation properties can be readily manipulated by chemical or genetic strategies. Moreover, their complex and perfect symmetry have motivated researchers to mimic their properties in order to create de novo protein assemblies. This review focuses on recent advances in the bioengineering and bioconjugation of PNPs and the implementation of synthetic biology concepts to exploit and enhance PNP’s intrinsic properties and to impart them with novel functionalities.
Anger and Aggression in UK Treatment-Seeking Veterans with PTSD
Authors: Turgoose David , Murphy Dominic
Published: July 2018

Prevalence rates of anger and aggression are often higher in military personnel. Therefore, it is important to understand more about why this is, and the factors with which it is associated. Despite this, there is little evidence relating to anger and aggression in UK veterans who are seeking treatment for mental health difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the prevalence rates of anger and aggression in this population, as well as the associations between anger and aggression, and various sociodemographic, functioning and mental health variables. A cross-sectional design was used, with participants completing a battery of self-report questionnaires. Prevalence rates for significant anger and aggression were 74% and 28% respectively. Both women and those over 55 were less likely to report difficulties. Those with high levels of PTSD and other mental health difficulties were more likely to report anger and aggression. Other factors related to anger and aggression included unemployment due to ill health, and a perceived lack of family support. Findings showed that veterans who are seeking support for mental health are likely to be experiencing significant difficulties with anger and aggression, especially if they have comorbid mental health difficulties. The associations between anger, aggression, and other variables, has implications for the assessment and treatment of military veterans.
Assembly Mechanism for Aggregation of Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Zhang Lingyun
Published: July 2018

The assembly mechanism for aggregation of amyloid fibril is important and fundamental for any quantitative and physical descriptions because it needs to have a deep understanding of both molecular and statistical physics. A theoretical model with three states including coil, helix and sheet is presented to describe the amyloid formation. The corresponding general mathematical expression of N molecule systems are derived, including the partition function and thermodynamic quantities. We study the equilibrium properties of the system in the solution and find that three molecules have the extreme value of free energy. The denaturant effect on molecular assemble is also discussed. Furthermore, we apply the kinetic theories to take account of the nucleation and growth of the amyloid in the solution. It has been shown that our theoretical results can be compared with experimental results.
AI to Bypass Creativity. Will Robots Replace Journalists? (The Answer Is “Yes”)
Authors: Miroshnichenko Andrey
Published: July 2018

This paper explores a practical application of a weak, or narrow, artificial intelligence (AI) in the news media. Journalism is a creative human practice. This, according to widespread opinion, makes it harder for robots to replicate. However, writing algorithms are already widely used in the news media to produce articles and thereby replace human journalists. In 2016, Wordsmith, one of the two most powerful news-writing algorithms, wrote and published 1.5 billion news stories. This number is comparable to or may even exceed work written and published by human journalists. Robo-journalists’ skills and competencies are constantly growing. Research has shown that readers sometimes cannot differentiate between news written by robots or by humans; more importantly, readers often make little of such distinctions. Considering this, these forms of AI can be seen as having already passed a kind of Turing test as applied to journalism. The paper provides a review of the current state of robo-journalism; analyses popular arguments about “robots’ incapability” to prevail over humans in creative practices; and offers a foresight of the possible further development of robo-journalism and its collision with organic forms of journalism.
Testing the Insecticidal Activity of Nanostructured Alumina on Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Under Laboratory Conditions Using Galvanized Steel Containers
Authors: López-García Guillermo Pablo , Buteler Micaela , Stadler Teodoro
Published: July 2018

Most stored-grain pest insects increase their population within a relatively short time, causing serious damage to stored products. Sitophilus oryzae (L.) is one of the world’s major stored-grain pest insects and was chosen as the model insect for our studies. This study compared the efficacy of three different dusts under laboratory conditions: aluminum dust (nanostructured alumina), DiatomiD®, and Protect-It® (commercial diatomaceous earth). Parental survival, grain damage, and progeny production were measured at 250 and 500 ppm in treated wheat. The tests were conducted in 400 mL galvanized steel jars, an experimental model used for the first time to measure the effectiveness of nanostructured alumina, since most studies have been typically performed in small petri dishes. Parental survival obtained was highest in the untreated controls, followed in decreasing order by DiatomiD®, Protect-It®, and nanostructured alumina (NSA). NSA caused the greatest mortality. All treatments significantly reduced grain weight loss and frass production in wheat infested by S. oryzae. The degree of progeny (F1) suppression was directly related to the product and treatment rate, progeny being significantly suppressed by NSA in wheat followed by Protect-It® and DiatomiD®. Therefore, NSA had a greater impact on insect population dynamics.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Onychomycosis
Authors: Christenson Julia K. , Peterson Gregory M. , Naunton Mark , Bushell Mary , Kosari Sam , Baby Kavya E. , Thomas Jackson
Published: July 2018

Onychomycosis is an increasingly common fungal nail infection, chiefly caused by dermatophyte fungi. The disease is notoriously difficult to treat due to the deep-seated nature of fungi within the nail plate, prolonged treatment requirements, poor patient adherence and frequent recurrences. Given the poor efficacy of currently available topical and systemic therapies, there is a renewed interest in exploring alternative treatment modalities for onychomycosis. Natural therapies, physical treatments and various combination therapies have all shown potential for the management of onychomycosis, though research on many of these methods is still in preliminary stages. Further large, well-designed, randomised controlled trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of these novel treatments in order to make formal recommendations regarding their use in the management of onychomycosis.
First-Principles Study on the Adsorption and Dissociation of Impurities on Copper Current Collector in Electrolyte for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Chao , Zhang Jian , Li Cong , Chen Jianlin , Ren Yanjie
Published: July 2018

The copper current collector is an important component for lithium-ion batteries and its stability in electrolyte impacts their performance. The decomposition of LiPF6 in the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries produces the reactive PF6, which reacts with the residual water and generates HF. In this paper, the adsorption and dissociation of H2O, HF, and PF5 on the Cu(111) surface were studied using a first-principles method based on the density functional theory. The stable configurations of HF, H2O, and PF5 adsorbed on Cu(111) and the geometric parameters of the admolecules were confirmed after structure optimization. The results showed that PF5 can promote the dissociation reaction of HF. Meanwhile, PF5 also promoted the physical adsorption of H2O on the Cu(111) surface. The CuF2 molecule was identified by determining the bond length and the bond angle of the reaction product. The energy barriers of HF dissociation on clean and O-atom-preadsorbed Cu(111) surfaces revealed that the preadsorbed O atom can promote the dissociation of HF significantly.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Cold-Rolled Steel Cutting
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Jarosław , Grajcar Adam
Published: July 2018

The paper presents results of the investigations on numerical computations and experimental verification concerning the influence of selected parameters of the cutting process on the stress state in bundles of cold-rolled steel sheets being cut using a guillotine. The physical model and, corresponding to it, the mathematical model of the analysed steel sheet being cut were elaborated. In this work, the relationship between the cutting depth and the values of reduced Huber–Mises stresses as well as the mechanism of sheet separation were presented. The numerical simulations were conducted by means of the finite element method and the computer system LS-DYNA. The results of numerical computations are juxtaposed as graphs, tables, and contour maps of sheet deformation as well as reduced Huber–Mises strains and stresses for selected time instants. The microscopic tests revealed two distinct zones in the fracture areas. The ductile and brittle zones are separated at the depth of ca. 1/3 thickness of the cut steel sheet.
Rapid and Continuous Preparation of Polyacrylonitrile-Based Carbon Fibers with Electron-Beam Irradiation Pretreatment
Authors: Yang Jia , Liu Yuchen , Liu Jie , Shen Zhigang , Liang Jieying , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: July 2018

Thermal stabilization is a critical, yet time- and energy-consuming process during the preparation of PAN-based carbon fibers. In this work, automobile-grade carbon fibers with a 2.85 GPa tensile strength and a 203 GPa modulus are continuously produced with electron-beam (e-beam) irradiation pretreatment and 24 min thermal stabilization. Thermal and structural analyses reveal that e-beam irradiation can lower the onset temperature of the cyclization reaction and mitigate the heat release. Meanwhile, during the process of stabilization, e-beam irradiation can facilitate the evolution of both the chemical structure and the crystalline structure of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers. Comparing to the industrial production of carbon fiber with a 40 min stabilization time, e-beam irradiated PAN fibers can achieve the same degree of stabilization with a 40% time savings.
The Wastes of Sanitary Ceramics as Recycling Aggregate to Special Concretes
Authors: Ogrodnik Paweł , Szulej Jacek , Franus Wojciech
Published: July 2018

This article presents the results of research on the wastes of sanitary ceramics as an aggregate to concretes. The case of high temperature load was taken into account. Six concrete mixes were designed on Portland and calcium aluminate cement with various content of aerating admixture. Only the ground waste ceramics were used as an aggregate from one of the Polish sanitary ceramics plants. The abrasion test by Boehme blade of the designed concrete was conducted within the frame of study and compression strength tests on the cylindrical samples were performed as well. Some samples were initially annealed at 400 or 800 °C prior to strength tests. In order to determine the impact of annealing on the phase content and the concrete sample structure, the analyses on phase content (XRD—X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted. The tests on compression strength demonstrated that there is considerable resistance of concrete containing ceramic aggregate and calcium aluminate cement to high temperatures. Abrasion tests confirmed that selected mixes have a high resistance to abrasion and they can be applied as a concrete coating. The possibility of ceramic cullet use as an aggregate to special concretes has been confirmed by the conducted research on specific features. Taking into consideration the available literature, the article presents widely conducted research in the area of the internal structure of concrete designed on the basis of recycled ceramic aggregate, the phase content of individual components, and basic mechanical tests both in normal temperatures and under thermal stress.
Production of Clean Steel Using the Nitrogen Elevating and Reducing Method
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Jianhua , Yu Saijian , Dong Daxi , Wang Gongliang , Li Shiqi
Published: July 2018

Nitrogen Elevating and Reducing Method (NERM) is a new technology developed to remove inclusions and oxygen in molten steel. The principle that underlies it is that nitrogenizing molten steel under low or normal pressure initially elevates the nitrogen content. Then, when the vacuum treatment is started, the nitrogen bubbles can nucleate on the surface of the inclusions and carry them to slag, reducing the number of inclusions in steel significantly. The removal effects between the new method and the conventional method were compared by industrial trials in this paper. The results show that the average oxygen content of the billet produced by the conventional method was 16 ppm, while that produced by the new method dropped to 11.5 ppm. Besides, the new method shows better removal effect of inclusions, and the number of inclusions decreased by 52.8% compared to the conventional method. The new method has obvious removal effects on inclusions in different sizes. In addition, the differences between NERM and the Pressure Elevating and Reducing Method (PERM) were compared, and the mechanism of each method was analyzed in this paper.
Long Period Grating-Based Fiber Coupling to WGM Microresonators
Authors: Chiavaioli Francesco , Laneve Dario , Farnesi Daniele , Falconi Mario , Nunzi Conti Gualtiero , Baldini Francesco , Prudenzano Francesco
Published: July 2018

A comprehensive model for designing robust all-in-fiber microresonator-based optical sensing setups is illustrated. The investigated all-in-fiber setups allow light to selectively excite high-Q whispering gallery modes (WGMs) into optical microresonators, thanks to a pair of identical long period gratings (LPGs) written in the same optical fiber. Microspheres and microbubbles are used as microresonators and evanescently side-coupled to a thick fiber taper, with a waist diameter of about 18 µm, in between the two LPGs. The model is validated by comparing the simulated results with the experimental data. A good agreement between the simulated and experimental results is obtained. The model is general and by exploiting the refractive index and/or absorption characteristics at suitable wavelengths, the sensing of several substances or pollutants can be predicted.
Determination of Dissolution Rates of Ag Contained in Metallurgical and Mining Residues in the S2O32−-O2-Cu2+ System: Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Juárez Tapia Julio , Patiño Cardona Francisco , Roca Vallmajor Antonio , Teja Ruiz Aislinn , Reyes Domínguez Iván , Reyes Pérez Martín , Pérez Labra Miguel , Flores Guerrero Mizraim
Published: July 2018

The materials used to conduct kinetic study on the leaching of silver in the S2O32−-O2-Cu2+ system were mining residues (tailings) from the Dos Carlos site in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, which have an estimated concentration of Ag = 71 g∙ton−1. The kinetic study presented in this paper assessed the effects of the following variables on Ag dissolution rate: particle diameter (d0), temperature (T), copper concentration [Cu2+], thiosulfate concentration [S2O32−], pH, [OH−], stirring rate (RPM), and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). Temperature has a favorable effect on the leaching rate of Ag, obtaining an activation energy (Ea) = 43.5 kJ∙mol−1 in a range between 288 K (15 °C) and 328 K (55 °C), which indicates that the dissolution reaction is controlled by the chemical reaction. With a reaction order of n = 0.4, the addition of [Cu2+] had a catalytic effect on the leaching rate of silver, as opposed to not adding it. The dissolution rate is dependent on [S2O32−] in a range between 0.02 mol·L−1 and 0.06 mol·L−1. Under the studied conditions, variables d0, [OH−] and RPM did not have an effect on the overall rate of silver leaching.