bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of Verb Meaning From Syntactic Distribution in Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Horvath Sabrina , McDermott Elizabeth , Reilly Kathleen , Arunachalam Sudha
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Our goal was to investigate whether preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can begin to learn new word meanings by attending to the linguistic contexts in which they occur, even in the absence of visual or social context. We focused on verbs because of their importance for subsequent language development.

Method

Thirty-two children with ASD, ages 2;1–4;5 (years;months), participated in a verb-learning task. In a between-subjects design, they were randomly assigned to hear novel verbs in either transitive or intransitive syntactic frames while watching an unrelated silent animation or playing quietly with a toy. In an eye-tracking test, they viewed two video scenes, one depicting a causative event (e.g., boy spinning girl) and the other depicting synchronous events (e.g., boy and girl waving). They were prompted to find the referents of the novel verbs, and their eye gaze was measured.

Results

Like typically developing children in prior work, children with ASD who had heard the verbs in transitive syntactic frames preferred to look to the causative scene as compared to children who had heard intransitive frames.

Conclusions

This finding replicates and extends prior work on verb learning in children with ASD by demonstrating that they can attend to a novel verb's syntactic distribution absent relevant visual or social context, and they can use this information to assign the novel verb an appropriate meaning. We discuss points for future research, including examining individual differences that may impact success and contrasting social and nonsocial word-learning tasks directly.
Take Home Points: How to Use Statistical Learning
Authors: Alt Mary
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this epilogue is to synthesize the main points of the articles in this issue on statistical learning for clinicians. These points can be used to guide practice.
Artificial potential field algorithm for path control of unmanned ground vehicles formation in highway
Authors: Wang Shufeng , Zhang Junxin , Zhang Junyou
Published: August 2018

The artificial potential field algorithm for path control of unmanned ground vehicles formation in highway is proposed. First, the basic unit is derived from decomposition‐iteration principle to improve formation stability and flexibility. Then, the virtual‐leader potential field (VLPF) and vehicle‐vehicle potential field are combined to generate the formation path in straight highway. Especially the VLPF function boundary is set as ellipse to adapt the highway environment. Finally, the formation in curved highway can be achieved through changing the ellipse's orientation and dimension. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
DGALab: an extensible software implementation for DGA
Authors: Ibrahim Saleh I. , Ghoneim Sherif S.M. , Taha Ibrahim B.M.
Published: August 2018

The development of a new dissolved gas analysis (DGA) method often requires a comparative study to assess the accuracy of the proposed technique. This is faced with the following challenges: (i) the time and effort required to implement and validate the implementation of existing DGA methods, adds to the comparative study cost; (ii) the output states of different DGA methods are not similar, which makes it difficult to put methods side by side in a comparative study; and (iii) the availability of test data is limited. In this study, a user‐friendly graphical user interface software package, DGALab, is developed to overcome these challenges. DGALab implements a unified DGA diagnosis framework to map the output states of DGA methods to uniform specifications. DGALab includes a library implementing most common DGA techniques, and includes a repository for input datasets available in the literature and collected directly from laboratories. DGALab simplifies the addition of new DGA techniques written in virtually any programming language. As a result, the process of developing a new DGA technique is greatly simplified using DGALab. To evaluate the software package results, the datasets and methods implemented therein were used to regenerate the results published in earlier research papers.
Two‐element printed PIFA‐MIMO antenna system for WiMAX and WLAN applications
Authors: Biswal Sonika Priyadarsini , Das Sushrut
Published: August 2018

In this study, a printed dual‐band multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna is presented for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. Two symmetric printed inverted‐F antennas (PIFAs) are considered here as radiators. One of the open‐circuited radiating arms of the PIFA is loaded with a folded resonator to achieve dual‐band characteristics. Two symmetric stepped ‘L’‐shaped open ground slots have been introduced to enhance the isolation at the lower operating band. This also realises diagonal orthogonal radiation patterns of the antenna elements a results low correlation between them. Measurement reveals that the proposed MIMO antenna system has two 10 dB return loss bandwidths in the ranges of 2.6–3.08 and 5.48–6.12 GHz with isolation >21 dB over the operating bands. Respective gains are 2.5 and 3.48 dBi at the lower and upper resonant frequencies, respectively. Promising diversity performances are also investigated in terms of different MIMO parameters (total active reflection coefficient, envelope correlation coefficient, diversity gain, mean effective gain, and channel capacity loss), which are found within their acceptable range. Furthermore, the characteristics of the antenna have been investigated in the presence of a large ground plane, USB connector, and housing to ensure the applicability of the proposed antenna in handheld wireless devices.
Power‐oscillation evaluation in power systems with high penetration of renewable power generation based on network virtual inertia
Authors: Liu Cheng , Cai Guowei
Published: August 2018

With regards to the problems in which the power‐oscillation characteristics of power systems with high penetration of renewable power generation are complex and difficult to effectively analyse, a novel network virtual‐inertia method is proposed to evaluate the power oscillation in such systems. Firstly, the network virtual inertia is defined and developed. Secondly, the network virtual inertia is calculated and obtained based on the measurement information. Thirdly, the relationship between the network virtual inertia and generator inertia is constructed. Finally, the network virtual inertia of power systems with high penetration of renewable power generation is analysed. The evaluation method is effective and easy to implement. Simulations involving four‐generator two‐area containing renewable power generation were conducted under various disturbances to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Model‐free adaptive learning control scheme for wind turbines with doubly fed induction generators
Authors: Abouheaf Mohammed , Gueaieb Wail , Sharaf Adel
Published: August 2018

The classical control mechanisms of the wind turbines are generally based on precise modelling approaches to ensure robust and effective interplay between the wind turbines and the main power grids in both autonomous and grid‐connected modes. This study presents an innovative intelligent control system for the doubly fed induction generator wind turbines. The proposed system uses model‐free control polices. The online controller is based on a policy iteration reinforcement learning paradigm along with an adaptive actor‐critic technique. It is shown to be robust against the turbine's high non‐linearities and stochastic variations in the input–output conditions. These are associated with single and double rotor doubly fed large‐scale induction generators driven by wind turbines in the range of 5–7 MW. The performance of the controller is validated against challenging scenarios of coexisting undesired situations like severe wind changes with load excursions and abrupt shifts in the loads.
Robust optimisation formulations for the design of an electric machine
Authors: Bontinck Zeger , Lass Oliver , Schöps Sebastian , De Gersem Herbert , Ulbrich Stefan , Rain Oliver
Published: August 2018

In this study, two formulations for the robust optimisation of the size of the permanent magnet in a synchronous machine are discussed. The optimisation is constrained by a partial differential equation to describe the electromagnetic behaviour of the machine. The need for a robust optimisation procedure originates from the fact that optimisation parameters have deviations. The first approach, i.e. worst‐case optimisation, makes use of local sensitivities. The second approach takes into account expectation values and standard deviations. The latter are associated with global sensitivities. The geometry parametrisation is elegantly handled thanks to the introduction of an affine decomposition. Since the stochastic quantities are determined by tools from uncertainty quantification (UQ) and thus require a lot of finite element evaluations, model order reduction is used in order to increase the efficiency of the procedure. It is shown that both approaches are equivalent if a linearisation is carried out. This finding is supported by the application on an electric machine. The optimisation algorithms used are sequential quadratic programming, particle swarm optimisation and genetic algorithm. While both formulations reduce the size of the magnets, the UQ‐based optimisation approach is less pessimistic with respect to deviations and yields smaller magnets.
Rheological and electrical percolation thresholds of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/in‐situ polymerised Nylon12 nanocomposites
Authors: Faridirad Farzaneh , Ahmadi Shervin , Barmar Mohammad
Published: August 2018

In this work, in‐situ polymerisation of laurolactam in the presence of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was performed toward MWCNT/Nylon12 nanocomposite. Different levels of MWCNT (0.1, 0.3, 0.7, 1.2 and 3.5 wt%) were introduced to the monomer in the presence of 2 wt% toluene diisocyanate and 1 wt% sodium caprolactam as an activator and catalyst, respectively. The test results indicated that by increasing the amount of MWCNT, the conductivity of the nanocomposite increased up to that level at which it could serve as an electrically conductive material at room temperature. The melt rheological measurements showed a transition from liquid‐like to solid‐like state. The rheological results obtained within the linear viscoelastic region demonstrated that the rheological percolation threshold happened at 0.1 wt% multi‐walled nanotube (MWNT), whereas the electrical percolation threshold appeared at 1.2 wt% MWCNT. A homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT into the Nylon12 matrix with a high aspect ratio of MWNT was achieved at a low percolation threshold. This mainly could be attributed to the fact that a denser MWCNT network was required for electrical conductivity, while a less dense MWCNT network sufficiently impeded Nylon12 chain mobility related to the rheological percolation threshold.
The MUSE Hubble Ultra Deep Field Survey
Authors: Boogaard Leindert A. , Brinchmann Jarle , Bouché Nicolas , Paalvast Mieke , Bacon Roland , Bouwens Rychard J. , Contini Thierry , Gunawardhana Madusha L. P. , Inami Hanae , Marino Raffaella A. , Maseda Michael V. , Mitchell Peter , Nanayakkara Themiya , Richard Johan , Schaye Joop , Schreiber Corentin , Tacchella Sandro , Wisotzki Lutz , Zabl Johannes
Published: August 2018

Star-forming galaxies have been found to follow a relatively tight relation between stellar mass (M*) and star formation rate (SFR), dubbed the “star formation sequence”. A turnover in the sequence has been observed, where galaxies with M* <  1010 M⊙ follow a steeper relation than their higher mass counterparts, suggesting that the low-mass slope is (nearly) linear. In this paper, we characterise the properties of the low-mass end of the star formation sequence between 7 ≤ log M*[M⊙]  ≤  10.5 at redshift 0.11 <  z  <   0.91. We use the deepest MUSE observations of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field and the Hubble Deep Field South to construct a sample of 179 star-forming galaxies with high signal-to-noise emission lines. Dust-corrected SFRs are determined from Hβ λ4861 and Hα λ6563. We model the star formation sequence with a Gaussian distribution around a hyperplane between logM*, logSFR, and log(1 + z), to simultaneously constrain the slope, redshift evolution, and intrinsic scatter. We find a sub-linear slope for the low-mass regime where log SFR [M⊙yr−1] = 0.83+0.07−0.06 log M*[M⊙]+1.74+0.66−0.68 log(1 + z), increasing with redshift. We recover an intrinsic scatter in the relation of σintr = 0.44+0.05−0.04, dex, larger than typically found at higher masses. As both hydrodynamical simulations and (semi-)analytical models typically favour a steeper slope in the low-mass regime, our results provide new constraints on the feedback processes which operate preferentially in low-mass halos.
A new method to identify subclasses among AGB stars using Gaia and 2MASS photometry
Authors: Lebzelter T. , Mowlavi N. , Marigo P. , Pastorelli G. , Trabucchi M. , Wood P. R. , Lecoeur-Taïbi I.
Published: August 2018

Aims. We explore the wealth of high-quality photometric data provided by data release 2 (DR2) of the Gaia mission for long-period variables (LPVs) in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Our goal is to identify stars of various types and masses along the asymptotic giant branch.

Methods. For this endeavour, we developed a new multi-band approach combining Wesenheit functions WRP,BP−RP and WKs,J−Ks in the Gaia BP, RP, and 2MASS J, Ks spectral ranges, respectively, and use a new diagram, (WRP,BP−RP − WKs,J−Ks) versus Ks, to distinguish between different kinds of stars in our sample of LPVs. We used stellar population synthesis models to validate our approach.

Results. We demonstrate the ability of the new diagram to discriminate between O- and C-rich objects, and to identify low-mass, intermediate-mass, and massive O-rich red giants, as well as extreme C-rich stars. Stellar evolution and population synthesis models guide the interpretation of the results, highlighting the diagnostic power of the new tool to discriminate between stellar initial masses, chemical properties, and evolutionary stages.
Single machine scheduling with consideration of preventive maintenance and machine health
Authors: Huang Kwei-Long , Blue Jakey , Weng Hao-Chen , Liu Shu-Han
Published: August 2018

Because of Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things, it is easier to collect data from machines through sensors that are embedded inside machines. Once the status change of a machine is detected, production on that machine may need to be adjusted accordingly. In this research, we focus on single machine scheduling with considering the Preventive Maintenance (PM) and machine health index. Machine health index is categorized into three states: good, fair, and breakdown. When the machine moves from one state to another, the processing time of jobs will change as well as the machine failure rate. We develop a model to determine an optimal interval of performing PM and production sequence of jobs. A two-phase heuristic method is proposed to solve a large-size problem. Through different parameter settings, such as the machine failure rate, number of jobs, repair and maintenance cost, we show that the two-phase heuristic can obtain a solution with high quality.
Variable sampling interval run sum X‾ chart with estimated process parameters
Authors: Saha Sajal , Boon Chong Khoo Michael , Sang Ng Peh , Khatun Mahfuza
Published: August 2018

The X‾ type control chart is often evaluated by assuming the process parameters are known. However, the exact values of process parameters are hardly known and thus Phase-I dataset is needed to estimate them. In this paper, the performance of the variable sampling interval run sum X‾ chart with estimated process parameters is evaluated by using the performance measure of the average of the average time to signal (AATS) and the optimal design of the proposed chart in minimizing the out-of-control AATS is developed. The performance measure of the standard deviation of the average time to signal (SDATS) is then used to identify the number of Phase-I samples (w) needed to have an in-control AATS performance close to its known process parameter case. Results show that large w is needed to minimize the performance gap between known and unknown process parameters cases of the VSI RS X‾ chart.
Estimation of residual life of a cutting tool used in a machining process
Authors: Ghosh Sourath , Kumar Naskar Sukanta , Kumar Mandal Nirmal
Published: August 2018

A significant part of cost of machining is associated with non-optimum use of cutting tool. Moreover cutting tool failure is responsible for almost 20% of the machining downtime. Thus, having knowledge of residual life of cutting tool is highly recommended so as to maximise the availability time and reduce the machining cost. The aim of this work is to find out residual life of a worn cutting tool which has been used for turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy under constant cutting condition. The lognormal distribution is used to model the cutting tool life data. Remaining useful life of cutting tool is estimated using Mean Remaining Life (MRL) function. The results obtained from model are compared with the experimental results and it shows good agreement.
Synthesis of N-vinylpyrrolidone/Acrylic acid nanoparticles for drug delivery: Method optimization
Authors: Pornpitchanarong Chaiyakarn , Rojanarata Theerasak , Opanasopit Praneet , Patrojanasophon Prasopchai , Ngawhirunpat Tanasait
Published: August 2018

There are various approaches to deliver therapeutic agents to the preferred target. Polymeric nanoparticles were found to have pleasing suitability as a drug carrier. The goal of this research was to optimize the synthesis method to obtain the desirable %yield and particle properties of the new biocompatible polymer-based nanoparticles. The non-toxic polymer, N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) and a widely used hydrophilic biocompatible acrylic acid (AA) monomer were used to form the drug nanocarriers. The synthesis method was optimized by changing the types of initiator (KPS or V50) and the monomers molar ratio (NVP:AA). It was found that by varying both the monomer molar ratio and the type of reaction initiator, did not have significant effect on the physicochemical characteristics of the nanocarriers. The FTIR spectra of all products exhibited the peaks of carboxylic acid, carbonyl, and tertiary amine functional group vibration. The particle size of the nanocarriers was in the range of 173.6 ± 18.4 to 201.4 ± 17.1 nm with negative surface charge. However, the yield obtained increased as the initiator was altered from KPS to V50, and when the acrylic acid molar ratio was increased from 1:1 to 1:3. In conclusion, changing the initiator and monomer molar ratio may affect the physicochemical properties of the nanocarriers and the %yield of the nanocarrier product. Further investigations are essential to obtain the favorable drug nanocarriers for drug delivery.
An investigation on dimensional accuracy of EDM deep hole using multi-hole interior flushing electrode
Authors: Chuvaree Suppawat , Kanlayasiri Kannachai
Published: August 2018

Improper flushing of dielectric fluid adversely affects the dimensional accuracy produced in EDM deep hole process. This paper investigates the dimensional accuracy (e.g. roundness error and gap clearance) in EDM deep hole process of AISI P20 tool steel. The inner flushing electrode is newly proposed in this study, using the multi-hole interior flushing technique coupled with electrode rotation. The results showed that the multi-hole interior flushing with electrode rotation improves the deviation of roundness error due to improved flushing. In addition, using multi-hole interior flushing with electrode rotation provides the cylindrical shape in gap clearance. Finally, a more powerful flushing technique is achieved with newly purposed multi-hole interior flushing technique on roundness error and gap clearance, respectively.
Development of natural acne patch from local materials using quality function deployment technique
Authors: Kapao Nattawadee , Wattanutchariya Wassanai
Published: August 2018

This research aims to develop an acne patch based on local material extracted from silk and mulberry and the implementation of quality tools. The development started with a consumer needs' survey about the acne patch product. Technical requirements were evaluated based on quality function deployment (QFD) technique phase 1 or house of quality (HoQ). The results show that the highest score of consumer requirements is standard, followed by acne pus absorption and acne bacteria inhibition property, respectively. After transforming the consumer requirements into technical requirements, it was found that the highest score of technical requirements is qualified to anti-acne bacteria test, followed by swelling and antioxidant property, respectively. According to QFD result, the product prototype was developed using local materials extract and then evaluated based on consumer satisfaction. The most consumer satisfying feature of the natural acne patch product was the acne treatment and no irritation properties. However, the consumer made suggestion on the strength and stickiness of the product for further improvement.
Variation minimization in tele-sandblasting system: the effect of human-arm movement error
Authors: Jientrakul Ranon , Attavanish Pornsak , Chotiprayanakul Pholchai , Limnararat Sunpasit , Yuangyai Chumpol
Published: August 2018

In tele-sandblasting task, human arm movement is a critical source of producing variation in position of sandblasting nozzle resulting in high operating cost and low productivity. Each operator behaves differently leading to unpredictable movements. Skilled operators are able to reduce the variation; however, developing skills requires a training period. In this paper, we proposed a new approach which is the use of a novel operator's arm movement pattern incorporated with a Kalman filter to reduce the effect of human-arm movement error. A virtual tele-sandblasting system is used to validate our approach. The experimental results verify that our proposed approach is able to significantly reduce the effect of human arm movement error. The approach helps operators to perform the task more comfortably and takes short training time.
Development of correlation-regression model between land use change and water quality indices in Ciliwung watershed
Authors: Arfan Yopy , Sutjiningsih Dwita
Published: August 2018

Urbanization and industrialization lead to the change of land cover from pervious into impervious. This can impact environmental problems such as water quality degradation that affects human health and water ecosystems. The study aimed to develop a regression-correlation model between impervious cover in Ciliwung watershed and water quality indices in Ciliwung river. The correlation-regression model can be used to predict changes in the status of Ciliwung river water quality due to impervious cover changes. Methods of assessing the indices of water quality are CCME-WQI, NSF-WQI, and STORET within the period of 2005-2016. Monitoring locations from the most upstream to downstream are Atta’awun, Katulampa, Kedung Halang, Pondok Rajeg, Panus Bridge, Kelapa Dua, Condet, Kalibata, MT Haryono and Manggarai. Impervious cover data for each water quality monitoring location is processed using ArcGIS Software. Test of correlation significance between percentage of impervious cover and water quality indices using Pearson Correlation test method. The result of correlation test is significantly a strong inverse relationship between impervious cover and water quality indices. The result of regression test is trend line between impervious cover change and water quality indices that can be used to predict the change of water quality status in Ciliwung River.
Application of magnetorheological fluids in the design of a leg prosthesis with active damping
Authors: Arteaga Oscar , Cevallos Alex , Erazo Maria I. , Morales Klever D. , Tenezaca Daniel B. , Argüello Edison M.
Published: August 2018

The article is about of research of the behavior of magnetorheological materials (MR), later it will be implemented in a prototype leg prosthesis with active damping for people who have suffered amputations in lower extremities, which considers the use of an actuator with Magnetorheological Fluids (MRF) LORD MRF – 140 CG, whose control is based on the adjustment of the magnetic field applied to the MRF using in its design the main parameters of anatomy and biomechanics of the foot-leg system, so that the force applied in the course of the gait cycle it can be absorbed by the prosthesis, reducing the impact on the user's column thus allowing the prosthesis to be subjected to tests for emulation in different positions according to the applied load.
Hydromagnetic rotating flow of Casson fluid in Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium
Authors: Shanker Seth Gauri , Kumar Mandal Prashanta
Published: August 2018

Present study investigates three dimensional rotating flow of Casson fluid in the presence of magnetic field over a convectively heated linear stretching sheet. Concept of nonlinear radiative heat transfer is considered. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations with the help of similarity transformation and then solved by using shooting method along with Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration technique. The primary and secondary velocities and temperature profiles are plotted and analysed corresponding to various pertinent flow parameters. Also, the skin friction for both directions and rate of heat transfer at the surface are computed and explained.
Effect of freeze drying and hot air drying methods on quality of cordycepin production
Authors: Chimsook Thitiphan
Published: August 2018

This study determined the effect of drying methods including hot air drying and freeze drying on the quality of cordycepin production from Cordyceps militaris. The fruiting bodies and mycelium of C. militaris were used as the raw material. For hot air drying was performed at 55 °C for 24 hrs. Whereas the freeze drying was carried out under vacuum at 140 L min-1 for 48 hours. The bioactive compound extracted from dried powder of C. militaris from two drying methods was investigated. The results showed that both cordycepin and adenosine extracted from freezed drying sample had higher value than those of extracted from hot air dried sample. The bioactivities of C. militaris extract were investigated. The results revealed that the antioxidant activity and also total phenolic contents of C. militaris extract prepared from freeze drying had higher value than that of extracted from hot air drying. However, most of C. militaris production performed using hot air drying to dry sample because of its low cost technique.
Effect of barium loading on CaO derived from waste egg shell heterogeneous catalyst for canola oil biodiesel
Authors: Jitjamnong Jakkrapong
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this research was to investigate the catalytic activity of Ba loading on calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst by varying the amount of barium added during the synthesis: 5-15 wt%. The waste egg shells were utilized as a CaO heterogeneous catalyst by calcined at 900 °C for 2 h. The Ba/CaO catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and were used as a catalyst in transesterification reaction of canola oil via microwave irradiation under microwave power 300 W. The characterization of catalyst and FAME composition of biodiesel were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and gas chromatography (GC-FID). The conditions of biodiesel production were operated at 60 °C, 3 wt% of catalyst loading, 9:1 methanol-to-canola oil ratio, and microwave irradiation power was 300W for 2 min. The experimental results found that, the waste egg shells consist mainly of CaCO3, which was decomposed to CaO more than 88 wt% after cacination step. The 15 wt% Ba/CaO catalysts exhibited the best catalytic performance with the FAME conversion higher than 97.68%.
Estimation of the organic film thickness on stainless steel using image intensity
Authors: Songthai Maethinee , Suesut Taweepol , Nunak Navaphattra
Published: August 2018

This research proposes an estimation of thickness of organic film coating on a Stainless Steel surface (SS) and a clear microscope slide using a visible optical method with the image intensity level analysis. Sweetened Condensed Milk (SCM) was used as a representative of the organic film. The uncertainty of inverse calibration equations was evaluated to determine the reliability of this technique. The results showed that the image intensity increased with the increasing of the film thickness in a linear relationship with a high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.97). Uncertainty of both inverse calibration equations was low and acceptable. It could be concluded that this technique could be used to estimate the thickness of the organic translucent film coating directly on a SS or a clear slide with the limitation of approximately 1.0 mm thickness using the reported linear inverse calibration equations.
Effect of drying methods on properties of green curry powder
Authors: Chaloeichitratham Natthacha , Mawilai Pornkanya , Pongsuttiyakorn Thadchapong , Pornchalermpong Pimpen
Published: August 2018

In this study, the effects of two drying methods: hot-air and freeze drying for Thai green curry paste in a terms of drying time and qualities have been investigated. The hot-air drying was carried out in tray dryer at temperature of 50, 60 and 70 °C. The freeze drying was carried out in freeze dryer at freezing temperature of -20°C, primary drying temperature of -10°C and secondary drying temperature of 50°C. Moisture content, water activity, colour, bulk density, and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined in samples. Freeze dried sample had significantly (p<0.05) lower moisture content, water activity, bulk density, total colour difference and browning index than hot air dried samples. For antioxidant activity, the results showed hot-air drying at 70°C effected highest TPC similar to freeze drying.
Performance analysis of a pressure swing adsorption unit in removing biogas impurities using zeolite 13X
Authors: Antonio-Abdu Sami Magomnang , Eliseo Villanueva
Published: August 2018

This study aims to assess the performance of a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) unit in removing the carbon dioxide from biogas by evaluating the breakthrough and adsorption capacity of the adsorption process as well as determining the effects of cyclic regeneration of the adsorbent. The PSA system developed and composed only a main vessel made up of 316 stainless steel components. It was then operated up to 10 bars pressure at ambient temperatures and gas flows at a rate from 0 to 15 L min-1. Use of physical adsorbent (zeolite 13X) will consume the gaseous impurities such as CO2. Product gas was collected into 1 L Tedlar bags and analyzed using SRI gas chromatograph with TCD and HID detector to validate the CO2 and CH4 composition. The results of the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) experiments showed an average increase of 160% in the net heating value over that of a certified gas standard. The amount of methane was also significantly higher although the amount of the other gasses (i.e. nitrogen) remained comparatively the same. The number of other gases was significantly lower and leaving no traces of carbon dioxide was observed in the PSA system product gas indicating that carbon dioxide had been completely adsorbed by the system. This study greatly helps to reduce CO2 emitted to the atmosphere from the anaerobic co-digestion of biogas to produce high energy content bio-methane fuel.
Production and analysis of volatile flavor compounds in sweet fermented rice (Khao Mak)
Authors: Wongsa Jittimon , Rungsardthong Vilai , Yasutomo Tamaki
Published: August 2018

Khao Mak is a sweet fermented rice-based dessert with a unique flavor profile commonly found throughout Thailand. The traditional starter culture (Look Pang) contains yeast, mold and herbs, which is used to ferment cooked glutinous rice. This research studied production of Khao Mak which resulted in volatile flavor compounds that were affected by rice varieties, including white glutinous rice (Kor Khor 6), Japanese rice (Hitomebore) and black glutinous rice (Kam Doi and Leum Phua). Total soluble solids (TSS) as degree Brix, pH, and alcohol concentrations were measured daily during the fermentation period. Volatile flavor compounds were separated and identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). At the end of the fermentation, samples had pH ranging from 3.91±0.16 to 4.30±0.09, total soluble solids of 32.65±1.65 to 44.02±1.72°Brix, and alcohol concentrations between 0.33±0.03 and 0.38±0.03% (v/v). The potent odors associated with Khao Mak were alcohol, wine-like, whiskey-like, solvent-like, sweet and fruity. The major volatile compounds, which have stimulant flavor in Khao Mak, included 1-propanal, 1-propanol-2-methyl, 1-butanal-3-methyl and acetic acid ethyl ester. Among all rice varieties tested, the white glutinous rice produced Khao Mak containing the highest TSS, alcohol concentrations followed by Hitomebore rice and black glutinous rice, respectively.
Optimization of drum drying parameters for gac powder
Authors: Suriyajunhom Pornthip , Phongpipatpong Maradee
Published: August 2018

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) is a tropical fruit which contains a rich nutrient source, especially lycopene. However, fresh gac fruit can spoil rapidly due to its high moisture content. Drum drying is a process to remove moisture from food in order to preserve nutrients and extend shelf life. In this study, gac fruit powder was produced by using drum drying technique. The present research was aimed to determine the optimum drum drying condition for gac powder. Response Surface Methodology was employed with three processing variables, including drum surface drying temperature (115, 125, 135˚C) maltodextrin content (100, 150, 200%) and gum arabic content (10, 20, 30%). The response variables were moisture content, solubility, hygroscopicity, total phenolic content and lycopene content of gac fruit powder. Regression analysis was then performed to obtain the mathematical relation between the processing variables and the responses in the form of second-order polynomial equations.. The results showed that optimum conditions for drum drying of gac fruit was at 135˚C of drum surface drying temperature, 138% of added maltodextrin and 10% of added gum arabic, which provided the highest amount of total phenolic and lycopene content.
Antimicrobial Potential of Vapour Phase Acetic Acid in Combination with Ethyl Alcohol against Salmonella Typhimurium Contaminated on Bird Eye Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.)
Authors: Nichayapun Pasit , Khawsa-ard Theeraporn , Pimrat Todsaphon , Lilitsajja Pokpong , Tepsorn Racha
Published: August 2018

Bacterial contamination is the main cause of food poisoning. The currently decontamination methods arise to find novel, effective and safe approach. Acetic acid (AC) in both aqueous and vapour forms have been conducted on its effectiveness against several bacterial contaminations. The use in high concentration can cause strong smell and corrosives that have an effect on the qualities of food. This study aim to assess the potential of Mechanically Vapourized AC solution in combination with ethyl alcohol (EA) (MVA-E) on the reduction ofSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium ATCC 13311 contaminated on both microbiological media and on fresh Bird Eye Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.). In vitro surface inhibitions of S. Typhimurium at low population, ca. 1.0 CFU/cm2, and high population, ca. 10.0 CFU/cm2 were examined on Tryptic Soya Agar (TSA). MVA-E at the concentration of 10:95 (AC:EA) presented the absolutely inhibited S. Typhimurium within 20 min at 27±2°C. At the concentration of 10:75 (AC:EA), the absolutely inactivated S. Typhimurium was observed within 10 min at 50±2°C. For the evaluation of antimicrobial activity of MVA-E over time, the results indicated that ca. 8.00 Log10 reductions were observed within 20, 25 and 25 min at the concentration of AC:EA ratio as 10:95, 10:75, and 10:45, respectively at 27±2°C. The effectiveness of MVA-E increased when the temperature of MVA-E process increased. The reduction of S. Typhimurium contaminated on fresh Bird Eye Chili by MVA-E was also determined at 4°C, 27±2°C and 50°C. The efficiency of MVA-E on the reduction of S. Typhimurium depended on the concentration of EA in MVA-E process, the fumigation time and also the temperature. To the best of knowledge this is the first time a combination of AC and EA in vapour phase has been tested as a preservative method prevent microorganism proliferation.
Analytical and numerical study of normal shock response in a uniform duct
Authors: Chakravarthy R. V. K. , Nair Vedanth , Muruganandam T. M. , Ghosh Santanu
Published: August 2018

The response of an inviscid shock to external pressure perturbations in a constant area duct is analyzed in terms of fundamental processes like perturbation propagation and its interaction with shock. The results of these elementary processes are formulated analytically and with a Riemann wave tracking method to enable the prediction of shock movement for both upstream and downstream perturbations. The predictions thus obtained are compared with the finite-volume based numerical simulations of the Euler equations. This study shows that the shock responds nonlinearly to perturbations and the nonlinearity has a cumulative effect. Contact surfaces generated during the interaction of normal shock with perturbations, which was ignored in previous investigations, are shown to be important in order to capture this cumulative nonlinearity. The nonlinearity alters the positive and negative duty cycles, which results in a net displacement of shock after responding to one full cycle of sinusoidal perturbation. This drift in shock location is pronounced at low supersonic Mach numbers (1.2–3) but is also present at higher Mach numbers. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the duty cycle variations are higher for perturbations originating downstream of shock than those originating upstream. The variations in frequency and amplitude are found to merely scale the response and do not introduce any new physics.
Growth of films with anisotropic particles: Simulations and rate equations
Authors: Dixit M. , Schilling T. , Oettel M.
Published: August 2018

By means of computer simulations and kinetic rate equations, we study the formation of a film of rod-like particles which are deposited on a substrate. The rod-rod interactions are hard with a short-range attraction of variable strength and width, and the rod-substrate interactions favor lying rods with a variable strength. For a rod aspect ratio of 5 and deposition of up to an equivalent of one monolayer of standing rods, we demonstrate a rich variety of growth modes upon variation of the three interaction parameters. We formulate rate equations for the time evolution of densities of islands composed of standing, lying, and mixed rods. Input parameters such as diffusion constants, island capture numbers, and rod reorientation free energies are extracted from simulations, while rod reorientation attempt frequencies remain as free parameters. Numerical solutions of the rate equations in a simple truncation show rough qualitative agreement with the simulations for the early stage of film growth but an extension to later stages requires to go significantly beyond this simple truncation.
Micro-spectrometer for fusion plasma boundary measurements
Authors: Keesee A. M. , Dugas M. , Ellison S. , Neal L. , Scime E. E. , Thompson D. S. , Tersteeg J. , Tucker C. J.
Published: August 2018

In situ probes are being developed to make direct, spatially resolved measurements of the ion energy spectra in the edge of tokamak plasmas while being easily replaced and requiring minimal resources. The ion spectrometers will consist of a combined collimator and energy analyzer fabricated from silicon and mated to a detector to yield a form factor of approximately 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.2 cm. Results of fabrication and testing of the combined collimator and energy analyzer element are presented.
Enhanced reproducibility of planar perovskite solar cells by fullerene doping with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Higgins Marissa , Ely Fernando , Nome Renata C. , Nome Rene A. , dos Santos Diego P. , Choi Hyunjoo , Nam Seungjin , Quevedo-Lopez Manuel
Published: August 2018

A small cross-section of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) placed at the rear-part of the solar cell avoids the parasitic absorption of the nanoparticles which is the biggest barrier for plasmonic structures when acting as photocurrent enhancers. Herein, we demonstrate p-i-n planar perovskite solar cells with the structure ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI3/PCBM/Ni:Au, where the PCBM electron extraction layer (EEL) was intentionally modified with variable amounts of AgNPs. The addition of small amounts of AgNPs (e.g., 5 wt. %) into the PCBM improved the overall reproducibility and reliability of the solar cell fabrication process after optimization. Plasmonic simulations suggest that any plasmonic-optical effects are relatively small compared to sample absorbance due to perovskite alone. It has been concluded that plasmonic-electrical effects play a major role in averaged performance improvement. Therefore, the addition of small AgNPs in low concentration to the EEL layer accounts for higher Jsc, Voc and FF as a result of a better perovskite coverage by the EEL and an improved charge carrier collection as evidenced by morphological and electrical analysis.
Four-dimensional calibration turntable of the motional Stark effect diagnostic on EAST
Authors: Huang X. , Liu D. M. , Liu C. , Fu J. , Wan B. N. , Lyu B. , Wu Z. W. , Holcomb C. T. , Ko J. , Rowan W. L. , Huang H. , Miao G. Z.
Published: August 2018

The motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic is applied to measure the safety factor q and current density profile of a tokamak device, which are important parameters in realizing the high-performance and long-pulse steady state of a tokamak. A single-channel MSE diagnostic based on dual photoelastic modulators, whose sightline meets with the neutral beam injection at a major radius of R = 2.12 m, has been built for the D window of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). According to the requirements of MSE diagnostic polarimetric calibration, a high-precision four-dimensional calibration turntable, driven by four stepping motors and controlled by software running on the computer, was designed for EAST. The turntable allows us to rapidly calibrate the MSE diagnostic in a series of positions and angles during EAST maintenance. The turntable can move in four dimensions of translation, yaw, pitch, and roll of the polarizer and can create linearly polarized light at any given angle with accuracy of ∼0.05° for the MSE system offline calibration. The experimental results of the MSE diagnostic calibration in the laboratory show that the turntable has the advantages of high positioning accuracy, flexible spatial movement, and convenient control and fully meets the calibration requirements of an MSE diagnosis system.
Extension of the atom by atom scheme of counterpoise method and presentation of its new advantages
Authors: Maleki Farahnaz , Salehzadeh Sadegh
Published: August 2018

In this paper, for the first time, we want to clearly show that two types of binding energies, cited here as interaction energies (IEs) and stabilization energies (SEs), may need different values of basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrections. We also report the first calculation of the BSSE correction for the strain energies (ES) of supermolecular systems. For this purpose, the known atom by atom scheme of the counterpoise method was extended to mathematically show that the values of BSSE for IE versus SE of a defined system can be really different. Then the IE and SE values of some AB and ABC supermolecules were corrected for BSSE, calculated through the full counterpoise method (CPn) versus its atom by atom scheme (CPaa). The data confirmed that the CPaa accurately gives the different BSSE values for IE versus SE when there is a noticeable difference between the values of these energies. In the above case, the CPn method that gives a single value of BSSE for both IE and SE is not a suitable choice for correcting the SE values.
On performance capacity of plasma optical mass separator
Authors: Bardakov V. M. , Ivanov S. D. , Kazantsev A. V. , Strokin N. A. , Stupin A. N.
Published: August 2018

In the magnetic barrier of the azimuthator of the POMS-E-3 plasma optical mass separator, a 20–40 times decrease in the ion flux has been observed. Such a phenomenon deems the process of separation of a multi-component ion beam into elements inefficient. Upon conducting an in-depth theoretical analysis of the problem regarding the passage of the ion stream across the magnetic barrier while considering the walls and in the absence of those, it has been concluded that the problem has a unique steady-state solution allowing for the ions to pass at any values of magnetic field induction, regardless of the density and thermal dispersion in the incoming ion beam. The maximum value of the ion density at the output of the magnetic barrier is estimated as n∞∼β1πW0e2Δ2, where W0 stands for the ion energy at the input of the magnetic barrier and Δ equals the length of the magnetic barrier, while e signifies the electron charge and β varies from 1/9 to 1.
A high-linearity time-to-digital converter based on dynamically delay-adjustable looped carry chains on FPGAs
Authors: Cui Ke , Li Xiangyu , Zhu Rihong
Published: August 2018

Time-to-digital converters (TDCs) act as the core component in many scientific and engineering systems which are based on high-accuracy time measurement. Traditionally, field programmable gate array (FPGA) based TDCs are constructed by organizing carry chains in the tapped delay line style, though acquiring high resolution, the differential nonlinearity (DNL) error is high in the range of 2 least significant bits (LSBs)–4 LSBs. Additionally, their long used length of the carry chain costs rather high resource, which is not friendly for multi-channel TDCs. This paper proposes a new TDC architecture based on dynamically delay-adjustable looped carry chains, which works in the Vernier mode. The TDC contains two looped carry chains, and their oscillation period difference (resolution) is dynamically adjusted by a personal computer program without manual intervene and re-compilation of the TDC circuit. A prototype TDC implemented on a Stratix III FPGA obtains the resolution of 26 ps and the DNL less than 1 LSB, but it only uses two carry chains of length of 32 each. The proposed TDC architecture opens a new way to exploit the capability of the carry chains on FPGAs for high-performance TDC applications.