bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Metamodel for Evaluating Enterprise Readiness in the Context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Basl Josef , Doucek Petr
Published: March 2019

This article analyzes the available readiness indexes and maturity models applied for trends designated as “4.0”, with a focus on Industry 4.0, primarily within the countries of Europe. Based upon it, the available indexes and maturity models are organized into the individual layers of the metamodel; a proposal for this metamodel is this article’s main output. Simultaneously, as-yet-uncovered places for the development of existing maturity models, as well as space for further detailed research into the application of Industry 4.0 in theory and in practice, are identified on the basis of this metamodel.
Field and Laboratory Performance of False Codling Moth, Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Troticidae) on Orange and Selected Vegetables
Authors: Mkiga Abdullah Mohamed , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim , du Plessis Hannalene , Khamis Fathiya Mbarak , Ekesi Sunday
Published: March 2019

False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a key pest of citrus orange and other plants causing fruit loss through larval feeding. Although this pest is native to sub-Saharan Africa little is known on its performance on orange and vegetables in Kenya and Tanzania. Our objective was to assess the incidence, oviposition preference and offspring performance of FCM on orange and vegetables, namely, okra, African eggplant, chili and sweet peppers. A higher percentage of orange with FCM damage symptoms was recorded from the ground than from the tree sampled fruit. However, FCM larval incidence was higher for the latter (tree sampled fruit). The highest FCM larval incidence amongst the vegetables was recorded on African eggplant (12%) while the lowest was on okra (3%). Orange was the most while African eggplant was the least preferred for oviposition by FCM. Among the vegetables tested, strong oviposition preference was found for sweet pepper; however, larval survival was lowest (62%) on this crop. Highest larval survival (77%) was recorded on orange. Most demographic parameters (i.e., intrinsic rate of increase, doubling time) were comparable among the studied host plants. The results are discussed in line of FCM management.
On the Representativeness of the Cohesive Zone Model in the Simulation of the Delamination Problem
Authors: Sitnikova Elena , Li Dafei , Wei Jiahu , Yi Xiaosu , Li Shuguang
Published: March 2019

With the development of finite element (FE) codes, numerical modelling of delamination is often considered to be somewhat commonplace in modern engineering. However, the readily available modelling techniques often undermine the truthful understanding of the nature of the problem. In particular, a critical review of the representativeness of the numerical model is often diverted to merely a matter of numerical accuracy. The objective of this paper is to scrutinise the representativeness of cohesive zone modelling (CZM), which is readily available in most of the modern FE codes and is used extensively. By concentrating on obtaining the converged solution for the most basic types of delamination, a wide range of modelling complications are addressed systematically, through which complete clarity is brought to their FE modelling. The representativeness of the obtained predictions, i.e., their ability to reproduce the physical reality of the delamination process, is investigated by conducting a basic verification of the results, where the capability of the model to reproduce its input data in terms of critical energy release rates is assessed. It is revealed that even with converged solutions, input values of the critical energy release rates for the simple cases considered are not reproduced precisely, indicating that representativeness of the CZM for more general applications must not be taken for granted.
On the Latin Origins of Spanish mediante
Authors: Artigas Esther
Published: March 2019

This paper aims to contribute to the clarification of the linguistic and extra-linguistic circumstances that accompany the emergence and behavior of mediante in the first centuries of Spanish. To this end, the origin of the Latin participle medians, mediantis is examined and the evidence of its ablative form mediante in various contexts is also analysed and discussed. We conclude from our study that (1) the appearance of mediante in Latin takes place at a relatively late stage of Latin, it having entered the language as a grammatical calque from Greek; (2) in Latin, prepositional values of mediante, which do not necessarily originate from Latin absolute ablative clauses, are already detected; and finally, (3) discursive traditions and historical-cultural factors, in particular those developed in Patristic and Scholastic Literature, are fundamental for the understanding, not only of the evolution of mediante in Latin, but also of its introduccion into Spanish.
Plasma Exfoliated Graphene: Preparation via Rapid, Mild Thermal Reduction of Graphene Oxide and Application in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Luo Zuyun , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Fangfang , Hong Ruoyu
Published: March 2019

A simple, novel approach is proposed for the preparation of plasma-exfoliated graphene (PEGN) by reducing graphene oxide (GO) through a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment in a H2 atmosphere. The surface chemistry, microstructures, and crystallinity of the prepared samples were characterized via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectrometry to determine the formation mechanism of the PEGN. The results demonstrated that the prepared PEGN had only a few layers in its structure and that most of the functional groups containing oxygen on the GO surface were removed. The PEGN exhibited a considerably higher capacity, better cycling stability, and favorable electron transfer rate for use as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. This proposed approach is fast, convenient, and inexpensive, constituting a novel means of producing graphene.
The Study on Mechanical Strength of Titanium-Aluminum Dissimilar Butt Joints by Laser Welding-Brazing Process
Authors: Zhou Xiongfeng , Duan Ji’an , Zhang Fan , Zhong Shunshun
Published: March 2019

Laser welding–brazing of 5A06 aluminum to Ti6Al4V titanium in a butt configuration was carried out to discuss the influences of welding parameters on dissimilar joint properties. The effects of laser offset, welding speed, and laser power on the spreading length of the molten aluminum liquid, interface fracture zone width (IFZW), fracture roughness, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) thickness, and tensile strength were also investigated. The microstructure and fracture of the joint were also studied. The results show that the tensile strength of the joint is not only influenced by the thickness and type of IMCs, but also influenced by the spreading ability of the aluminum liquid, the fracture area broken at the Ti/fusing zone (FZ) interface, and the relative area of the brittle and ductile fracture in FZ. A dissimilar butt joint with an IMC thickness of 2.79 μm was obtained by adjusting the laser offset, welding speed, and laser power to 500 μm, 11 mm/s and 1130 W, respectively. The maximum tensile strength of the joint was up to 183 MPa, which is equivalent to 83% of the tensile strength of the 5A06 aluminum alloy.
CO2 Utilization in the Ironmaking and Steelmaking Process
Authors: Dong Kai , Wang Xueliang
Published: March 2019

Study on the resource utilization of CO2 is important for the reduction of CO2 emissions to cope with global warming and bring a beneficial metallurgical effect. In this paper, research on CO2 utilization in the sintering, blast furnace, converter, secondary refining, continuous casting, and smelting processes of stainless steel in recent years in China is carried out. Based on the foreign and domestic research and application status, the feasibility and metallurgical effects of CO2 utilization in the ferrous metallurgy process are analyzed. New techniques are shown, such as (1) flue gas circulating sintering, (2) blowing CO2 through a blast furnace tuyere and using CO2 as a pulverized coal carrier gas, (3) top and bottom blowing of CO2 in the converter, (4) ladle furnace and electric arc furnace bottom blowing of CO2, (5) CO2 as a continuous casting shielding gas, (6) CO2 for stainless steel smelting, and (7) CO2 circulation combustion. The prospects of CO2 application in the ferrous metallurgy process are widespread, and the quantity of CO2 utilization is expected to be more than 100 kg per ton of steel, although the large-scale industrial utilization of CO2 emissions is just beginning. It will facilitate the progress of metallurgical technology effectively and promote the energy conservation of the metallurgical industry strongly.
Valorization of Mining Waste by Application of Innovative Thiosulphate Leaching for Gold Recovery
Authors: Ubaldini Stefano , Guglietta Daniela , Vegliò Francesco , Giuliano Veronica
Published: March 2019

The metals and industrial minerals contained in the tailings of mining and quarrying activities, can degrade natural environments as well as human health. The objective of this experimental work is the application of innovative and sustainable technologies for the treatment and exploitation of mining tailings from Romania. Within this approach, the recovery of high grade raw materials to be placed on the market is achieved and reduction of these wastes volume are achieved. The current study is focused on hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of gold. The innovative treatment chosen is the thiosulphate process that, compared with the conventional cyanide, has several advantages (e.g., it is more ecologically friendly and is not toxic to humans). The conventional cyanidation process shows operating limits in the case of auriferous refractory minerals, such as Romanian wastes, the object of the study. An important characteristic of thiosulphate leaching process it has the best selectivity towards gold; it does not attack the majority of the gangue mineral constituents. Gold extraction of 75% was obtained under ambient conditions of temperature. Moreover, the overall process achieved about 65–67% Au recovery, this being in line with the conventional cyanidation process. As these results are obtained by application of the thiosulfate process on a low gold content ore, they may be considered encouraging. The optimization of process parameters and operating conditions, should permit the best results in terms of process yields to be achieved.
Continuous Estimation of the Crack Growth Rate during Rotating‒Bending Fatigue Testing
Authors: Martinez-Cazares Gabriela , Mercado-Solis Rafael , Bedolla-Gil Yaneth , Lozano Diego
Published: March 2019

A method for estimating the crack growth rate in steel during rotating‒bending fatigue testing is presented. Constant deflection tests were conducted in which the initial load remained constant prior to crack nucleation, when it decreased as the crack grew. In the proposed approach, steel samples were sharp-notched to produce a characteristic circular fracture upon loading and the final fracture area was correlated with a ratio of the load prior to fracture and the initial load. In this method, the deflection imposed is a function of a material’s elastic modulus rather than its yield strength and the correlation obtained to estimate the average crack length as a function of the instantaneous load is independent of the applied stress or steel grade.
Modulation of the Immune Response to Improve Health and Reduce Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry
Authors: Swaggerty Christina L. , Callaway Todd R. , Kogut Michael H. , Piva Andrea , Grilli Ester
Published: March 2019

Salmonella and Campylobacter are the two leading causes of bacterial-induced foodborne illness in the US. Food production animals including cattle, swine, and chickens are transmission sources for both pathogens. The number of Salmonella outbreaks attributed to poultry has decreased. However, the same cannot be said for Campylobacter where 50–70% of human cases result from poultry products. The poultry industry selects heavily on performance traits which adversely affects immune competence. Despite increasing demand for poultry, regulations and public outcry resulted in the ban of antibiotic growth promoters, pressuring the industry to find alternatives to manage flock health. One approach is to incorporate a program that naturally enhances/modulates the bird’s immune response. Immunomodulation of the immune system can be achieved using a targeted dietary supplementation and/or feed additive to alter immune function. Science-based modulation of the immune system targets ways to reduce inflammation, boost a weakened response, manage gut health, and provide an alternative approach to prevent disease and control foodborne pathogens when conventional methods are not efficacious or not available. The role of immunomodulation is just one aspect of an integrated, coordinated approach to produce healthy birds that are also safe and wholesome products for consumers.
Graph-Based Community Detection for Decoy Selection in Template-Free Protein Structure Prediction
Authors: Kabir Kazi Lutful , Hassan Liban , Rajabi Zahra , Akhter Nasrin , Shehu Amarda
Published: March 2019

Significant efforts in wet and dry laboratories are devoted to resolving molecular structures. In particular, computational methods can now compute thousands of tertiary structures that populate the structure space of a protein molecule of interest. These advances are now allowing us to turn our attention to analysis methodologies that are able to organize the computed structures in order to highlight functionally relevant structural states. In this paper, we propose a methodology that leverages community detection methods, designed originally to detect communities in social networks, to organize computationally probed protein structure spaces. We report a principled comparison of such methods along several metrics on proteins of diverse folds and lengths. We present a rigorous evaluation in the context of decoy selection in template-free protein structure prediction. The results make the case that network-based community detection methods warrant further investigation to advance analysis of protein structure spaces for automated selection of functionally relevant structures.
Drug-1,3,4-Thiadiazole Conjugates as Novel Mixed-Type Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase: Synthesis, Molecular Docking, Pharmacokinetics, and ADMET Evaluation
Authors: Ujan Rabail , Saeed Aamer , Channar Pervaiz Ali , Larik Fayaz Ali , Abbas Qamar , Alajmi Mohamed F. , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Rind Mahboob Ali , Hassan Mubashir , Raza Hussain , Seo Sung-Yum
Published: March 2019

A small library of new drug-1,3,4-thiazidazole hybrid compounds (3a–3i) was synthesized, characterized, and assessed for their acetyl cholinesterase enzyme (AChE) inhibitory and free radical scavenging activities. The newly synthesized derivatives showed promising activities against AChE, especially compound 3b (IC50 18.1 ± 0.9 nM), which was the most promising molecule in the series, and was substantially more active than the reference drug (neostigmine methyl sulfate; IC50 2186.5 ± 98.0 nM). Kinetic studies were performed to elucidate the mode of inhibition of the enzyme, and the compounds showed mixed-type mechanisms for inhibiting AChE. The Ki of 3b (0.0031 µM) indicates that it can be very effective, even at low concentrations. Compounds 3a–3i all complied with Lipinski’s Rule of Five, and showed high drug-likeness scores. The pharmacokinetic parameters revealed notable lead-like properties with insignificant liver and skin-penetrating effects. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated π–π interactions with key amino acid residues related to Tyr124, Trp286, and Tyr341.
Synthesis and AChE-Inhibitory Activity of New Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Acar Cevik Ulviye , Saglik Begüm Nurpelin , Levent Serkan , Osmaniye Derya , Kaya Cavuşoglu Betul , Ozkay Yusuf , Kaplancikli Zafer Asim
Published: March 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the main causes of aged dementia, is a progressive and degenerative neurological disorder characterized by loss of cognition and memory. Although the symptomatic treatment of AD, particularly acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) based on the ‘cholinergic hypothesis’, has been successful in clinic, at present there is no cure for this disease. In this study, we designed compounds carrying benzimidazole and triazole rings on the same chemical skeleton so as to investigate their potential acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity. Furthermore, molecular modeling study was performed to determine the binding mode of the best inhibitor to the AChE. Among them, compounds 3d and 3h, which featured 3,4-dihydroxy substitution at the phenyl ring and 5(6)-chloro substitution at the benzimidazole ring were found to be potent inhibitors of AChE. The inhibition kinetics of the two most active derivatives 3d and 3h were further studied. The kinetic displayed increasing slope and increasing intercept, which is consistent with a mixed inhibition. The IC50 and Ki values of 3d are 31.9 ± 0.1 nM and 26.2 nM, respectively. Compound 3h exhibited IC50 of 29.5 ± 1.2 nM and Ki of 24.8 nM. The above data compared favorably with data for donepezil (21.8 ± 0.9 nM) the reference compound in our study.
First Total Synthesis of Varioxiranol A
Authors: Lásiková Angelika , Doháňošová Jana , Štiblariková Mária , Parák Martin , Moncol Ján , Gracza Tibor
Published: March 2019

The paper describes the first total synthesis of natural varioxiranol A by chiral pool approach and confirmation of its absolute configuration by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The target varioxiranol A and its 4-epimer were obtained after 10 steps from single and available chiral source 1,2-O-isopropylidene-d-glyceraldehyde in an overall yield of 10% and 6%, respectively. A synthetic strategy based on the Julia–Kocieński coupling reaction between aromatic sulfone and corresponding aldose derivative makes it possible to prepare other interesting polyketide derivatives (varioxiranols B-G, varioxirane, varioxiranediols).
Pretreatment with a Heat-Killed Probiotic Modulates the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Attenuates Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice
Authors: Chung I-Che , OuYang Chun-Nan , Yuan Sheng-Ning , Lin Hsin-Chung , Huang Kuo-Yang , Wu Pao-Shu , Liu Chia-Yuan , Tsai Kuen-Jou , Loi Lai-Keng , Chen Yu-Jen , Chung An-Ko , Ojcius David M. , Chang Yu-Sun , Chen Lih-Chyang
Published: March 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Inflammation contributes to cancer development and inflammatory bowel disease is an important risk factor for CRC. The aim of this study is to assess whether a widely used probiotic Enterococcus faecalis can modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome and protect against colitis and colitis-associated CRC. We studied the effect of heat-killed cells of E. faecalis on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1-derived macrophages. Pretreatment of E. faecalis or NLRP3 siRNA can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages in response to fecal content or commensal microbes, P. mirabilis or E. coli, according to the reduction of caspase-1 activation and IL-1β maturation. Mechanistically, E. faecalis attenuates the phagocytosis that is required for the full activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In in vivo mouse experiments, E. faecalis can ameliorate the severity of intestinal inflammation and thereby protect mice from dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and the formation of CRC in wild type mice. On the other hand, E. faecalis cannot prevent DSS-induced colitis in NLRP3 knockout mice. Our findings indicate that application of the inactivated probiotic, E. faecalis, may be a useful and safe strategy for attenuation of NLRP3-mediated colitis and inflammation-associated colon carcinogenesis.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Fattorusso Antonella , Di Genova Lorenza , Dell’Isola Giovanni , Mencaroni Elisabetta , Esposito Susanna
Published: March 2019

In recent years, there has been an emerging interest in the possible role of the gut microbiota as a co-factor in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), as many studies have highlighted the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain (the so-called “gut-brain axis”). Accumulating evidence has shown a link between alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota and both gastrointestinal and neurobehavioural symptoms in children with ASD. The aim of this narrative review was to analyse the current knowledge about dysbiosis and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in ASD and assess the current evidence for the role of probiotics and other non-pharmacological approaches in the treatment of children with ASD. Analysis of the literature showed that gut dysbiosis in ASD has been widely demonstrated; however, there is no single distinctive profile of the composition of the microbiota in people with ASD. Gut dysbiosis could contribute to the low-grade systemic inflammatory state reported in patients with GI comorbidities. The administration of probiotics (mostly a mixture of Bifidobacteria, Streptococci and Lactobacilli) is the most promising treatment for neurobehavioural symptoms and bowel dysfunction, but clinical trials are still limited and heterogeneous. Well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to validate the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of ASD and to identify the appropriate strains, dose, and timing of treatment.
Dietary Sources of Fructose and Its Association with Fatty Liver in Mexican Young Adults
Authors: Cantoral Alejandra , Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Luna-Villa Lynda , Batis Carolina , Roldán-Valadez Ernesto A. , Ettinger Adrienne S. , Mercado Adriana , Peterson Karen E. , Téllez-Rojo Martha M , Rivera Juan A.
Published: March 2019

Fructose intake has been associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of this study was to assess the consumption of dietary fructose according to: 1) classification of hepatic steatosis by two indexes and 2) diagnosis of NAFLD by MRI. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 100 young adults from Mexico City. The Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) were estimated using Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and fasting concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, and hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT). A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was administered to obtain dietary sources of fructose. We estimated the concordance between the hepatic indices and NAFLD and the correlation between the index scores and the percentage of liver fat. Eighteen percent presented NAFLD; 44% and 46% were classified with hepatic steatosis according to HSI and FLI, respectively. We compared dietary intake of fructose by each outcome: HSI, FLI, and NAFLD. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and juices were consumed significantly more by those with steatosis by FLI and NAFLD suggesting that SSB intake is linked to metabolic alterations that predict the risk of having NAFLD at a young age.
How Does Feeding Development and Progression onto Solid Foods in PKU Compare with Non-PKU Children During Weaning?
Authors: Evans Sharon , Daly Anne , Wildgoose Jo , Cochrane Barbara , Chahal Satnam , Ashmore Catherine , Loveridge Nik , MacDonald Anita
Published: March 2019

Weaning is complex for children with phenylketonuria (PKU). Breastmilk/infant formula and phenylalanine (Phe)-free infant protein-substitute (PS) are gradually replaced with equivalent amounts of Phe-containing food, a semi-solid/spoonable weaning PS and special low-protein foods. In PKU, feeding patterns/practices during weaning in PKU have not been formally evaluated. In this longitudinal, prospective, case-control study (n = 20) infants with PKU transitioning to a second-stage PS, were recruited at weaning (4–6 months) for a comparison of feeding practices and development with non-PKU infants. Subjects were monitored monthly to 12 months and at age 15 months, 18 months and 24 months for: feeding progression; food textures; motor skill development and self-feeding; feeding environment; gastrointestinal symptoms; and negative feeding behaviours. Children with PKU had comparable weaning progression to non-PKU infants including texture acceptance, infant formula volume and self-feeding skills. However, children with PKU had more prolonged Phe-free infant formula bottle-feeding and parental spoon feeding than controls; fewer meals/snacks per day; and experienced more flatulence (p = 0.0005), burping (p = 0.001), retching (p = 0.03); and less regurgitation (p = 0.003). Negative behaviours associated with PS at age 10–18 months, coincided with the age of teething. Use of semi-solid PS in PKU supports normal weaning development/progression but parents require support to manage the complexity of feeding and to normalise the social inclusivity of their child’s family food environment. Further study regarding parental anxiety associated with mealtimes is required.
Generators of Atmospheric Pressure Diffuse Discharge Plasma and Their Use for Surface Modification
Authors: Erofeev Mikhail , Lomaev Mikhail , Ripenko Vasilii , Shulepov Mikhail , Sorokin Dmitry , Tarasenko Victor
Published: March 2019

Studies of the properties of runaway electron preionized diffuse discharges (REP DDs) and their possible use have been carried out for more than 15 years. Three experimental setups generating a low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma and differing in the geometry of a discharge gap were developed. They allow the treatment of surfaces of different materials with an area of several tens of square centimeters. A diffuse discharge plasma was formed in the pulse–periodic mode by applying negative voltage pulses with an amplitude of several tens of kilovolts and a duration of 4 ns to a discharge gap with sharply non-uniform electric field strength distribution. This paper presents experimental results of the study of the surface layer microstructure of copper and steel specimens of different sizes after treatment with the REP DD plasma in nitrogen flow mode and nitrogen circulation mode in the discharge chamber. It was shown that after 105 discharge pulses, the carbon concentration decreases and a disoriented surface layer with a depth of up to 200 nm is formed. Moreover, the results of X-ray phase analysis did not reveal changes in the phase composition of the surface of copper specimens. However, as a result of surface treatment with the REP DD plasma, the copper lattice becomes larger and the microstress increases.
Current Advancements in Transdermal Biosensing and Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Pandey Prem C. , Shukla Shubhangi , Skoog Shelby A. , Boehm Ryan D. , Narayan Roger J.
Published: March 2019

In this manuscript, recent advancements in the area of minimally-invasive transdermal biosensing and drug delivery are reviewed. The administration of therapeutic entities through the skin is complicated by the stratum corneum layer, which serves as a barrier to entry and retards bioavailability. A variety of strategies have been adopted for the enhancement of transdermal permeation for drug delivery and biosensing of various substances. Physical techniques such as iontophoresis, reverse iontophoresis, electroporation, and microneedles offer (a) electrical amplification for transdermal sensing of biomolecules and (b) transport of amphiphilic drug molecules to the targeted site in a minimally invasive manner. Iontophoretic delivery involves the application of low currents to the skin as well as the migration of polarized and neutral molecules across it. Transdermal biosensing via microneedles has emerged as a novel approach to replace hypodermic needles. In addition, microneedles have facilitated minimally invasive detection of analytes in body fluids. This review considers recent innovations in the structure and performance of transdermal systems.
A Flexible 5-In-1 Microsensor for Internal Microscopic Diagnosis of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Charging Process
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Hsieh Chin-Lung , Chen Chia-Hung , Huang Yen-Pu , Jiang Chong-An , Wu Pei-Chi
Published: March 2019

Multiple important physical parameters in the vanadium redox flow battery are difficult to measure accurately, and the multiple important physical parameters (e.g., temperature, flow, voltage, current, pressure, and electrolyte concentration) are correlated with each other; all of them have a critical influence on the performance and life of vanadium redox flow battery. In terms of the feed of fuel to vanadium redox flow battery, the pump conveys electrolytes from the outside to inside for reaction. As the performance of vanadium redox flow battery can be tested only by an external machine—after which, the speed of pump is adjusted to control the flow velocity of electrolyte—the optimum performance cannot be obtained. There is a demand for internal real-time microscopic diagnosis of vanadium redox flow batteries, and this study uses micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop a flexible five-in-one (temperature, flow, voltage, current, and pressure) microsensor, which is embedded in vanadium redox flow battery, for real-time sensing. Its advantages include: (1) Small size and the simultaneous measurement of five important physical quantities; (2) elastic measurement position and accurate embedding; and (3) high accuracy, sensitivity, and quick response time. The flexible five-in-one microsensor embedded in the vanadium redox flow battery can instantly monitor the changes in different physical quantities in the vanadium redox flow battery during charging; as such, optimum operating parameters can be found out so that performance and life can be enhancec.
Distributed Orbit Determination for Global Navigation Satellite System with Inter-Satellite Link
Authors: Wen Yuanlan , Zhu Jun , Gong Youxing , Wang Qian , He Xiufeng
Published: March 2019

To keep the global navigation satellite system functional during extreme conditions, it is a trend to employ autonomous navigation technology with inter-satellite link. As in the newly built BeiDou system (BDS-3) equipped with Ka-band inter-satellite links, every individual satellite has the ability of communicating and measuring distances among each other. The system also has less dependence on the ground stations and improved navigation performance. Because of the huge amount of measurement data, the centralized data processing algorithm for orbit determination is suggested to be replaced by a distributed one in which each satellite in the constellation is required to finish a partial computation task. In the present paper, the balanced extended Kalman filter algorithm for distributed orbit determination is proposed and compared with the whole-constellation centralized extended Kalman filter, the iterative cascade extended Kalman filter, and the increasing measurement covariance extended Kalman filter. The proposed method demands a lower computation power; however, it yields results with a relatively good accuracy.
Evaluation of Dissolution Enhancement of Aprepitant Drug in Ternary Pharmaceutical Solid Dispersions with Soluplus® and Poloxamer 188 Prepared by Melt Mixing
Authors: Nanaki Stavroula , Eleftheriou Rodanthi Maria , Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Kostoglou Margaritis , Karavas Evangelos , Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: March 2019

In the present study Aprepitant (APT) ternary solid dispersions (SDs) were developed and evaluated for the first time. Specifically, ternary SDs of APT with Poloxamer 188 and Soluplus® (SOL) were prepared via melt mixing and compared to binary APT/Poloxamer 188 and APT/SOL SDs. Initially, combined thermo-gravimetric and hot-stage polarized light microscopy studies indicated that all tested compounds were thermally stable up to 280 °C, while Poloxamer 188 acted as a plasticizer to SOL by significantly reducing the temperature required to fully solubilize the API during SD preparation. Differential scanning calorimetry combined with wide angle X-ray diffraction studies showed that crystalline API was dispersed in both binary and ternary SDs, while Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy studies revealed no molecular interactions among the components. Scanning electron microscopy combined with EDAX element analysis showed that the API was dispersed in nano-scale within the polymer matrices, while increasing APT content led to increasing API nano-crystals within the SDs. Finally, dissolution studies showed that the prepared formulations enhanced dissolution of Aprepitant and its mechanism analysis was further studied. A mathematical model was also investigated to evaluate the drug release mechanism.
The Human Influence Experiment (Part 2): Guidelines for Improved Mapping of Local Climate Zones Using a Supervised Classification
Authors: Verdonck Marie-leen , Demuzere Matthias , Bechtel Benjamin , Beck Christoph , Brousse Oscar , Droste Arjan , Fenner Daniel , Leconte François , Van Coillie Frieke
Published: March 2019

Since 2012, Local Climate Zones (LCZ) have been used for numerous studies related to urban environment. In 2015, this use amplified because a method to map urban areas in LCZs was introduced by the World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT). However in 2017, the first HUMan INfluence EXperiment showed that these maps often have poor or low quality. Since the maps are used in different applications such as urban modelling and land use/land cover change studies, it is of the utmost importance to improve mapping accuracies and a second experiment was launched. In HUMINEX 2.0, the focus lies on providing guidelines on the use of the mapping protocol based on the results of both HUMINEX 1.0 and 2.0. The results showed that: (1) it is important to follow the mapping protocol as strictly as possible, (2) a reasonable amount of time should be spent on the mapping procedure, (3) all users should perform a driving test, and (4) training area sets should be stored in the WUDAPT database for other users.
Disinfection of Escherichia coli by a Reactive Electrochemical Membrane System Involving Activated Carbon Fiber Cloth (ACFC)
Authors: Huang Edward , White Townshend , Wang Beibei , Shi Huanhuan , Liu Jiayang
Published: March 2019

This study examined a novel reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) system with activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) serving simultaneously as the anode and the membrane to effectively disinfect water that was filtered through the device. An Escherichia coli strain was inoculated to water as a model pathogen. The influence of REM operation parameters, including the number of ACFC layers, voltage, flow rate and operation time, was evaluated. Up to 7.5 log unit reduction of E. coli concentration in water was achieved at the optimal treatment condition, while the energy consumption was 1.5 kWh/m3 per log unit reduction of E. coli. This makes it possible to use this ACFC-based REM technology for point-of-use water disinfection to provide clean water for underdeveloped regions. Further tests by free radical probing, Linear Scan Voltammetry (LSV) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) suggest that the disinfection involved the filtration/retention of bacteria on ACFC and attack by reactive oxygen species generated electrochemically on the anode.
From Water Management to Water Stewardship—A Policy Maker’s Opinion on the Progress of the Mining Sector
Authors: Hamilton Ross
Published: March 2019

Water is a critical resource for mining operations, as it is for many other water users within any local catchment. With operations often located in water scarce areas, mining companies are increasingly experiencing competition for access to water resources. Concerns over the potential adverse impacts of mining on these shared resources has resulted in the sectors water management approach and practices being challenged by external stakeholders including local communities. This paper overviews the drivers that have resulted in the mining sector expanding its approach from water management within the operational fence line to catchment water stewardship, some of the major obstacles to continued progress and the related needs for guidance, research and research applications.
Review of time-resolved non-contact electrostatic force microscopy techniques with applications to ionic transport measurements
Authors: Mascaro Aaron , Miyahara Yoichi , Enright Tyler , Dagdeviren Omur E , Grütter Peter
Published: March 2019

Recently, there have been a number of variations of electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) that allow for the measurement of time-varying forces arising from phenomena such as ion transport in battery materials or charge separation in photovoltaic systems. These forces reveal information about dynamic processes happening over nanometer length scales due to the nanometer-sized probe tips used in atomic force microscopy. Here, we review in detail several time-resolved EFM techniques based on non-contact atomic force microscopy, elaborating on their specific limitations and challenges. We also introduce a new experimental technique that can resolve time-varying signals well below the oscillation period of the cantilever and compare and contrast it with those previously established.
POSSIBILITIES OF OPERATIONAL USE OF RELIABILITY THEORY METHODS/PATIKIMUMO TEORIJOS METODŲ PRAKTINIO TAIKYMO GALIMYBĖS
Authors: Parasonis Josifas
Published: March 2019

The possibilities of using methods of a reliability theory are considered from the point of view of solving three problem groups. At first, collecting representative statistical data about loadings, design schemes, physical-mechanical characteristics of materials, geometrical parameters of structures, etc. Secondly, it is necessary to investigate reliability of the applied deterministic calculation and to evaluate statistically possible inaccuracies in calculations. At last, rated probabilities of the failure of structures.

Use of reliability theory methods can be extended. It is necessary to accumulate statistical data about changes in time of strength and deformation properties of structural materials for reinforced concrete structures, variability of concrete strength in structures. It is necessary to accumulate statistics about actions and to solve the problem of values of factors.

It has been marked that the studies of reliability of the design methods are realized for rather simple members subjected to bending and compression without consideration of materials properties in time.

The expediency of experimental research on reliability of structures is discussed.

Taking into account our experience of influence on reliability of frames of one-storey industrial buildings of the precision of geometrical parameters of mounting, it is expedient study reliability separately from design, mounting and maintenance stages.

The new approach to a reliability estimation on the basis of ensuring functional reliablity of buildings is discussed. Thus the probability of failure should be equal to the magnitude of probability.
NON-LINEAR RESPONSE FUNCTIONS FOR TRANSVERSELY ISOTROPIC ELASTIC MEMBRANES/NETIESINĖS MEDŽIAGOS DARBĄ APIBŪDINANČIOS FUNKCIJOS SKERSAI IZOTROPINEI TAMPRIAI MEMBRANAI
Authors: Kazakevičiūtė-Makovska Rasa
Published: March 2019

Membranai, pagamintai iš medžiagos, kurios fizinės savybės aprašomos deformacijos energijos funkcija W tūrio vienetui, deformacijos energijos funkcija Φ membranos vidurinio paviršiaus ploto vienetui gaunama integruojant funkciją W pagal membranos storį. (Nagrinėjama deformacijos energijos funkcija W neturi nustatytų apribojimų ir yra leidžiamos bet kokio dydžio deformacijos.) Funkcijos Φ tiksli išraiška yra išvesta skersai izotropinei medžiagai, kai izotropijos ašis sutampa su membranos nedeformuoto vidurinio paviršiaus normale. Parodoma, kad skersai izotropinei medžiagai gauta dvimatė membranos darbą apibūdinanti funkcija yra izotropinė ir išsamiai ištirta gautų fizinių priklausomybių struktūra. Tokios fizinės priklausomybės yra išvestos keturiems kontinuumo mechanikoje dažnai nagrinėjamų medžiagų tipams.
THE EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE CONTENT OF LOW-DENSITY THERMAL INSULATING MATERIALS/LENGVŲ TERMOIZOLIACINIŲ MEDŽIAGŲ NUOSTOVUSIS DRĖGNIS
Authors: Gnip Ivan , Vėjelis Sigitas , Keršulis Vladislovas
Published: March 2019

Data about water vapour sorption by modern low-density thermal insulating materials are very scarce. The isothermal sorption of water vapour dependent on relative air humidity was investigated for rock and glass wool products in this paper as well as for expanded and extruded polystyrene slabs and cellulose fibre produced in Lithuania, Poland and Estonia.

The moisture in these materials is bound by several ways, therefore it is not possibile to express the equilibrium moisture Wp dependency on relative air humidity ϕ by an exact analytical equation [1, 6]. These dependencies were expressed by a two-constant empiric equation (1) for interval ϕ from 0 to 0,97 based on BET equations [1, 7, 8].

The experimental data are given in Figs 1–9, statistical treatment of this data results are given in Tables 1–3. The two fields are typical for all isothermal sorption curves: 0<ϕ<0,8 moisture bound as adsorbate) and 0,8<ϕ<0,97 (capillary bound moisture).

The hygroscopicity of investigated glass wool products is higher than for rock wool products and depends on their density. This value is very small for expanded polystyrene and is considerable for cellulose fibre.
PROCESSES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT/EKONOMINIŲ PROCESŲ MODELIAVIMAS
Authors: Macek Daniel
Published: March 2019

Ekonominių procesų optimizavimas plačiąja prasme nėra vien tik matematinių metodų taikymas sprendimo modeliams su ribojimais, jis apima projektavimo modelius ir ribojančių sąlygų apibrėžimą. Svarbu apibūdinti visus modelio komponentus ir nurodyti jų tarpusavio priklausomybę. Kiekvieno komponento padėtis yra nustatyta ir jis gali būti įtrauktas į panašiai funkcionuojančią grupę.

Pateiktu modeliu demonstruojami procedūrinės veiklos elementai. Procedūrinė veikla apima pačią kontroę ir kontroliuojamus procesus, įskaitant procedūrų sąlygas. Procedūrų sąlygos—tai parametrai, apibūdinantys priklausomybę tarp kontrolės ir kontroliuojamų procesų Kontrolės procesas reiškia procesą, priklausantį tik nuo sprendimų priėmimo. Sprendimų priėmimas reiškia tam tikros vertės pasirinkimą kontrolės procese. Kontroliuojamas procesas priklauso nuo sprendimų priėmimo ir yra pavaldus kontrolės procesui ir procedūrų sąlygoms.

Valdymas vyksta dviem lygiais. Pirmuoju lygiu pasirenkami tam tikri procesai, kuriais papildomas modelis. Antruoju lygiu sprendimų priėmimas yra realizuojamas kontrolės procesais modelio viduje.
THE INFLUENCE OF COARSE AGGREGATE CONCENTRATION ON THE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE AND ON THE POROSITY OF CONCRETE MORTAR/STAMBIOJO UŽPILDO KONCENTRACIJOS ĮTAKA BETONO STIPRUMUI IR SKIEDININĖS DALIES PORINGUMUI
Authors: Skripkiūnas Gintautas , Vaitkevičius Vitoldas
Published: March 2019

The results of experiments dealing with coarse aggregate concentration influence on the concrete strength and the structure of hardened cement paste and mortar of concrete are presented in the paper.

Experiments were performed on concrete with dense coarse aggregate (crushed granite) which strength is more than strength of mortar and lightweight porous aggregate (expanded clay aggregate) with strength less than that of mortar. Physical and mechanical properties of concrete with dense coarse aggregate are presented in Table 1 and the concretes with the porous coarse aggregate in Table 2. The decrease of entrained air content with the increase of coarse aggregate concentration ϕσt were determined both for concretes with dense and porous coarse aggregate. The entrained air has a significant effect on concrete strength—1% of entrained air decreases the strength of concrete about 5% [11]. The influence of the coarse aggregate concentration on the compressive strength of concrete with the constant air content is presented in Figs 3 and 4. With the increase of coarse aggregate concentration the concrete strength decreases when the entrained air content in concrete is constant. The main reasons of the concrete strength reduction are the stress concentration and structural defects near the coarse aggregate.

Coarse aggregate affects the structure of mortar. Dense coarse aggregate has negligible water absorption and does not change water content in mortar of concrete, and capillary porosity of mortar remains constant when the concentration of dense coarse aggregate ϕ st increases (Fig 5). Porous coarse aggregate (expanded clay aggregate) has large water absorption (more than 16%), therefore water content in mortar of concrete is reduced and capillary porosity of mortar is significantly reduced when the concentration of porous coarse aggregate ϕ st increases (Fig 5).

The entrained air content in mortar with both dense and porous coarse aggregate decreases inverse proportionally to coarse aggregate concentration ϕ st (Fig 6).

The investigations have shown that suitable selection of properties and volumetric concentration of coarse aggregate can reduce stress concentration in concrete and increase the concrete strength.
THE COLOURING OF CLAY BODY WITH INDUSTRIAL WASTE MATERIALS/KERAMINĖS ŠUKĖS TŪRINIS DAŽYMAS PRAMONĖS ATLIEKOMIS
Authors: Šiaučiūnas Raimundas , Valančienė Virginija
Published: March 2019

Different products are produced by JSC “Palemono keramika” including brick and tile using Kertupis clay. This clay contains very small amounts of iron (III) oxide and a lot of fine break-up carbonates. Therefore the colour of clay body is lightly red. Often this colour does not satisfy the customers, especially restorers.

The clay body colour improved by introducing various pigments in which the colouring oxides of Fe, Cr, Mn, Co predominate. Unfortunately, these oxides are very expensive and their use increases the production costs.

The aim of this work was the investigation of possibilities to apply waste materials for colouring a clay body and to study physical and mechanical properties of the clay samples coloured by waste materials.

It was established that for clay mass prepared by pouring dross or dry method the best colouring effect is reached introducing ca 7% of waste water sludge of JSC “Dzūkijos vandenys”. Such amounts of colouring materials only slightly change the properties of the ceramic samples. The density decreases by ca 100 kg/m3, the general shrinkage increases by 1% and the compressive strength by 15%.

When the clay mass is prepared by a plastic paste method it is recommended to use a catalyst of iron-chromium CTK-2. Before use the catalyst must be ground in wet, filtrated and dried out.

The Kertupis clay can be coloured in rich red colour by adding 30% of Dukstyna clay or 3–5% of the red pigment. The brown colour of the Kertupis clay can be obtained by introducing 3–5% of the technical MnO2.