bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaching of Metals from Waste Silver Oxide-Zinc Button Cell Batteries by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Jadhav Umesh , Su Chun-Hui , Chakankar Mital , Hocheng Hong
Published: October 2018

Leaching of metals from waste button cell batteries was explored in this study. Aspergillus niger spent medium was used for metal leaching to avoid toxicity of metals toward microbial cells. Process parameters including time, temperature, shaking speed, and volume of the spent medium were optimized. We obtained 100% leaching of zinc and silver in six hours at 60 °C and 100 rpm using 15 mL spent medium. The use of spent medium supported the indirect leaching process. The organic acid produced by fungi acts as a lixiviant, aiding the metal leaching in this process.
Minerality in Wine: Towards the Reality behind the Myths
Authors: Parr Wendy V. , Maltman Alex J. , Easton Sally , Ballester Jordi
Published: October 2018

Tasting minerality in wine is highly fashionable, but it is unclear what this involves. The present review outlines published work concerning how minerality in wine is perceived and conceptualised by wine professionals and consumers. Studies investigating physico-chemical sources of perceived minerality in wine are reviewed also. Unusually, for a wine sensory descriptor, the term frequently is taken to imply a genesis: the sensation is the taste of minerals in the wine that were transported through the vine from the vineyard rocks and soils. Recent studies exploring tasters’ definitions of minerality in wine support this notion. However, there are reasons why this cannot be. First, minerals in wine are nutrient elements that are related distantly only to vineyard geological minerals. Second, mineral nutrients in wine normally have minuscule concentrations and generally lack flavour. Results of reviewed studies overall demonstrate marked variability in both wine professionals’ and wine consumers’ definitions and sensory-based judgments of minerality in wine, although there is some consensus in terms of the other wine attributes that associate with the term mineral. The main wine composition predictors of perceived minerality involve a complex combination of organic compounds dependent on grape ripeness and/or derived from wine fermentations and redox status.
Microfabricated and 3-D Printed Soft Bioelectronic Constructs from PAn-PAAMPSA-Containing Hydrogels
Authors: Aggas John R. , Abasi Sara , Smith Blake , Zimmerman Michael , Deprest Michael , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony
Published: October 2018

The formation of hybrid bioactive and inherently conductive constructs of composites formed from polyaniline-polyacrylamidomethylpropane sulfonic acid (PAn-PAAMPSA) nanomaterials (0.00–10.0 wt%) within poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate-co-N-{Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl} acrylamide)-co-polyethyleneglycol methacrylate) p(HEMA-co-HMMA-co-PEGMA) hydrogels was made possible using microlithographic fabrication and 3-D printing. Hybrid constructs formed by combining a non-conductive base (0.00 wt% PAn-PAAMPSA) and electroconductive (ECH) (varying wt% PAn-PAAMPSA) hydrogels using these two production techniques were directly compared. Hydrogels were electrically characterized using two-point probe resistivity and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results show that incorporation of >0.10 wt% PAn-PAAMPSA within the base hydrogel matrices was enough to achieve percolation and high conductivity with a membrane resistance (RM) of 2140 Ω and 87.9 Ω for base (0.00 wt%) and ECH (10.0 wt%), respectively. UV-vis spectroscopy of electroconductive hydrogels indicated a bandgap of 2.8 eV that was measurable at concentrations of >0.10 wt% PAn-PAAMPSA. Both base and electroconductive hydrogels supported the attachment and growth of NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells. When the base hydrogel was rendered bioactive by the inclusion of collagen (>200 µg/mL), it also supported the attachment, but not the differentiation, of PC-12 neural progenitor cells.
Two Experiments on the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Touching-Effect of Touching on the HPA Axis-Related Parts of the Body on Both Healthy and Traumatized Experiment Participants
Authors: Yachi Chigusa Theresa , Hitomi Taichi , Yamaguchi Hajime
Published: October 2018

Two experiments were conducted to measure both the psychological and physiological effects of touching on the HPA axis related parts of the body. HPA stands for the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal. One experiment was conducted with a group of healthy experiment participants, and another was with a group of traumatized participants who had Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). In the experiments, the back of an experiment participant was touched, where a kidney-adrenal was supposed to reside, and both the psychological and physiological effects were measured. As a result, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an indicator of the parasympathetic nerve system function and, especially, an indicator of the social engagement system increased, by a statistically significant degree, as a consequence of HPA touching in both the healthy and the trauma group, in comparison with the control. The traumatized participants had a lower RSA, and this was increased by HPA touching, accompanied by a decrease of the heart rate. It is worth noting that the social engagement function was possibly enhanced by HPA touching, especially in the trauma group, whose members tend to have difficulty being pro-social. This touching method is very simple, so it can be administered not only by oneself, but also by psycho-therapists and body workers in order to enhance both psychological and physiological well-being.
Oxidative Cleavage of Fatty Acid Derivatives for Monomer Synthesis
Authors: Soutelo-Maria Ana , Dubois Jean-Luc , Couturier Jean-Luc , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: October 2018

Oxidative cleavage of fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives is a practical way to obtain bifunctional molecules that can be used in polycondensation reactions. Diacids, hydroxyacids, and amino acids can then be used to produce polyesters or polyamides and also a large range of other products, such as lubricants and plasticizers. Ozonolysis has long been the sole industrial process for oxidative cleavage, but recently, routes using hydrogen peroxide as a clean oxidant have regained interest. Hydrogen peroxide is easier to use, but the kinetics of the catalyzed reactions are still slow. Although several catalytic systems have been described in the literature, tungsten-based catalysts are still the preferred choices. Different catalysts can trigger different mechanisms, such as a radical mechanism instead of a catalytic reaction. In addition, some side products and co-products often disregarded in the literature, such as shorted cleavage products, indicate the presence of side reactions that affect the quality of the final products. The oxidative cleavages in continuous and batch processes have significant differences, which are discussed with an illustration of our understanding of the process used by Matrica S.p.A.
Mechanochemically-Assisted Synthesis of Lead-Free Piezoelectric CaZrO3-Modified (K,Na,Li)(Nb,Ta)O3-Solid Solution
Authors: Radan Kristian , Kmet Brigita , Drnovšek Silvo , Prah Uroš , Rojac Tadej , Malič Barbara
Published: October 2018

Lead-free piezoelectric 0.95(Na0.49K0.49Li0.02)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3–0.05CaZrO3 with 2 wt % MnO2 addition was prepared using mechanochemically-assisted solid-state synthesis. Upon mechanochemical activation of the mixture of reagents partial amorphization occurs which contributes to a significantly lower temperature of completion of the solid-state reaction, ~600 °C as opposed to ~700 °C for the conventional solid-state synthesis as determined by thermal analysis. The ceramic specimens prepared by the mechanochemically-assisted route exhibit improved compositional homogeneity and slightly enhanced piezoelectric properties, achieved in a considerably shorter processing time compared to the conventional solid-state synthesis route, which was studied as a reference.
Cocrystal Assembled by Pyrene Derivative and 1,4-Diiodotetrafluorobenzene via a C=O···I Halogen Bond
Authors: Feng Qi , Huan Wenhui , Wang Jiali , Guo Fang , Lu Jiadan , Diao Guowang , Shan Yaqi
Published: October 2018

Cocrystal formation is a strategy used to modify the solid-state properties of a given molecule. In this study, a new cocrystal assembled by 1,4-Diiodotetrafluorobenzene (1,4-DITFB) and a pyrene derivative, 1-acetyl-3-phenyl-5-(1-pyrenyl)-pyrazoline (APPP), was synthesized. Due to the twisted structure of APPP, the crystal structure is greatly different with some large π-conjugated compounds, which exhibits edge-to-face π-stacked arrangement between 1,4-DITFB and pyrene rings, rather than the face-to-face π-stacked arrangement. Hirshfeld surface analysis and the shift of characteristic vibration band of the carbonyl group in FT-IR spectroscopy suggest the formation of a C=O···I halogen bond.
Carbapenemase-Producing Raoultella Planticola: A Rare Cause of Pneumonia and Bacteremia
Authors: Gonzales Zamora Jose Armando , Corzo-Pedroza Monica , Romero Alvarez Maria , Martinez Octavio V.
Published: October 2018

Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family that is usually found in soil, plant and aquatic environments. It is an uncommon human pathogen and has been associated with cases of bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, among others. Here, we present the case of an 85-year-old female that developed nosocomial pneumonia and bacteremia caused by Raoultella planticola. Pertinent microbiological studies detected carbapenemase production codified by the blaKPC gene. The patient was successfully treated with ceftazidime/avibactam and polymyxin. Our case illustrates the pathogenic potential of this organism and highlights the importance of phenotypic and genotypic assays for the appropriate identification of carbapenemase production.
Twist1 Suppresses Cementoblast Differentiation
Authors: Moon Jung-Sun , Kim Seong-Duk , Ko Hyun-Mi , Kim Young-Jun , Kim Sun-Hun , Kim Min-Seok
Published: October 2018

The transcription factor Twist1 is known to be closely associated with the formation of bone by mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts; however, the role of Twist1 in cementogenesis has not yet been determined. This study was undertaken to elucidate the roles of Twist1 in cementoblast differentiation by means of the gain- or loss-of-function method. We used alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S staining and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine whether the forced transient expression or knock-down of Twist1 in a mouse cementoblast cell line, OCCM-30, could affect cementogenic differentiation. Silencing Twist1 with small interference RNA (siRNA) enhanced the formation of mineralized tissue. The expression of several cementogenesis markers, such as bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) mRNA, were upregulated. Transient Twist1 overexpression in OCCM-30 consistently suppressed mineralization capacity and downregulated the differentiation markers. These results suggest that the Twist1 transcription factor may play a role in regulating cementoblast differentiation.
UAVs in Support of Algal Bloom Research: A Review of Current Applications and Future Opportunities
Authors: Kislik Chippie , Dronova Iryna , Kelly Maggi
Published: October 2018

Algal blooms have become major public health and ecosystem vitality concerns globally. The prevalence of blooms has increased due to warming water and additional nutrient inputs into aquatic systems. In response, various remotely-sensed methods of detection, analysis, and forecasting have been developed. Satellite imaging has proven successful in the identification of various inland and coastal blooms at large spatial and temporal scales, and airborne platforms offer higher spatial and often spectral resolution at targeted temporal frequencies. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have recently emerged as another tool for algal bloom detection, providing users with on-demand high spatial and temporal resolution at lower costs. However, due to the challenges of processing images of water, payload costs and limitations, and a lack of standardized methods, UAV-based algal bloom studies have not gained critical traction. This literature review explores the current state of this field, and highlights opportunities that could promote its growth. By understanding the technical parameters required to identify algal blooms with airborne platforms, and comparing these capabilities to current UAV technology, such knowledge will assist managers, researchers, and public health officials in utilizing UAVs to monitor and predict blooms at greater spatial and temporal precision, reducing exposure to potentially toxic events.
Funds of Identity and Humanizing Research as a Means of Combating Deficit Perspectives of Homelessness in the Middle Grades
Authors: Moulton Matthew
Published: October 2018

Youth experiencing homelessness have seldom had the opportunity to contribute to conversations about policies and practices that impact their day-to-day lives. Brinegar highlighted middle level education research’s contribution to the lack of representation of the voices of youth from marginalized perspectives. Where opportunities lack, dominant narratives persist. The word homeless often conjures deficit-laden images of ineptitude and unintelligence. This qualitative humanizing research study worked with one participant, AJ, who created maps and other identity artifacts as a means of illuminating his funds of identity that were then analyzed using Creswell and Poth’s data analysis spiral. Though results showed AJ to be a young adolescent with multiple funds of identity, the purpose of this article is to present how AJ draws great strength and purpose from his identity as a creator, despite transience between schools, who leverages technology for his personal and academic benefit. These results describe a young adolescent whose resilience and funds of identity transcend dominant narratives surrounding homelessness and point to opportunities for educator support in curriculum development and school-level policy.
Effect of [Zr(α-PW11O39)2]10− Polyoxometalate on the Self-Assembly of Surfactant Molecules in Water Studied by Fluorescence and DOSY NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Quanten Thomas , Shestakova Pavletta , Kondinski Aleksandar , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: October 2018

The catalytic fragmentation of hydrophobic proteins by polyoxometalates (POMs) requires the presence of surfactants in order to increase the solubility of the protein. Depending on the nature of the surfactant, different effects on the kinetics of protein hydrolysis are observed. As the molecular interactions between the POMs and surfactants in solutions have been scarcely explored, in this study, the interaction between the catalytically active Keggin polyoxometalate [Zr(α-PW11O39)2]10− and four different surfactants—sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dodecyldimethyl(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium (Zw3-12), dodecyldimethyl(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (CHAPS), and polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether (TX-100)—have been studied in aqueous media. The effect of polyoxometalate on the self-assembly of surfactant molecules into micelles and on the critical micellar concentration (CMC) has been examined by fluorescence spectroscopy and diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY).
A Novel Single-Stage Tandem Soft-Switching Converter with Low Input Current Distortion
Authors: Xu Jianming , Qian Bo , Humayun Muhammad
Published: October 2018

In order to improve the power factor and reduce the input current harmonics, power factor correction (PFC) converters are utilized. This paper introduces a single-stage continuous conduction mode (CCM) soft-switched power factor correction (PFC) converter with a tandem topology. The proposed topology has two operating modes, namely resonant operation mode and boost operation mode. Such a design and control realizes the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) of the power switches. The proposed topology has been introduced to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the input current further in the boost PFC converter under lower power and higher output voltage conditions. The simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the performance of the proposed design and its control.
A Robust Information Life Cycle Management Framework for Securing and Governing Critical Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Moulos Vrettos , Chatzikyriakos George , Kassouras Vassilis , Doulamis Anastasios , Doulamis Nikolaos , Leventakis Georgios , Florakis Thodoris , Varvarigou Theodora , Mitsokapas Evangelos , Kioumourtzis Georgios , Klirodetis Petros , Psychas Alexandros , Marinakis Achilleas , Sfetsos Thanasis , Koniaris Alexios , Liapis Dimitris , Gatzioura Anna
Published: October 2018

In modern societies, the rampant growth of the Internet, both on the technological and social level, has created fertile ground for the emergence of new types of risk. On top of that, it enhances pre-existing threats by offering new means for accessing and exploiting Critical Infrastructures. As the kinds of potential threats evolve, the security, safety and resilience of these infrastructures must be updated accordingly, both at a prevention, as well as a real-time confrontation level. Our research approaches the security of these infrastructures with a focus on the data and utilization of every possible piece of information that derives from this ecosystem. Such a task is quite daunting, since the quantity of data that requires processing resides in the Big Dataspace. To address this, we introduce a new well-defined Information Life Cycle in order to properly model and optimise the way information flows through a modern security system. This life cycle covers all the possible stages, starting from the collection phase up until the exploitation of information intelligence. That ensures the efficiency of data processing and filtering while increasing both the veracity and validity of the final outcome. In addition, an agile Framework is introduced that is optimised to take full advantage of the Information Life Cycle. As a result, it exploits the generated knowledge taking the correct sequence of actions that will successfully address possible threats. This Framework leverages every possible data source that could provide vital information to Critical Infrastructures by performing analysis and data fusion being able to cope with data variety and variability. At the same time, it orchestrates the pre-existing processes and resources of these infrastructures. Through rigorous testing, it was found that response time against hazards was dramatically decreased. As a result, this Framework is an ideal candidate for strengthening and shielding the infrastructures’ resilience while improving management of the resources used.
Numerical Simulations of Azobé/Urea Formaldehyde Wood Plastic Composite Behaviors under Charpy Impact and Low-Velocity Drop Weight Tests
Authors: Ntenga Richard , Lahe Serges Fabrice , Atangana Ateba Jean , Beda Tibi
Published: October 2018

This work is concerned with the study of the influence of impactor’s velocity parameters, impactor’s geometry, the target plate properties, and thickness, on the response of a tropical wood plastic composite (WPC) Azobé/urea formaldehyde (Az/UF) plate under impact loading. Variations of the impact force, displacement, deformation, and impact energy of the specimens with weight fractions of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% have been considered in finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. The simulations of the Charpy and of a drop weight impact test on the WPC were carried out using the explicit dynamics module of ANSYS Workbench, which handles problems of dynamic loading of a short duration for 2D and 3D analyses. Contact laws that account for the compressibility of the interacting bodies (the standard steel impactor and the WPC target plate), have been used. The results show that the displacements decrease in contrast to the increase of the wood filler content, and vary in the 6.8–9.0 mm interval. From an energetic point of view, it is observed that the maximum absorbed energy is between 40 and 50% for the Azobe flour wt.%, with energy absorption rates of 28% and 26% of the total energy. These results are in agreement with those reported in previous experimental investigations on hybrid WPCs filled with wood flour and glass fibers, which produce an energy absorption rate of 24–26%. These results promote the applicability of Azobé tropical wood in fabricating WPCs for impact loading situations.
Identifying Promising Application Areas for Cyber-Physical and Complex Event Processing in Logistics Practice
Authors: Alias Cyril , Alarcón Olalla Frank Eduardo , Iwersen Hauke , Ollesch Julius , Noche Bernd
Published: October 2018

In the course of the ongoing era of digitization, cyber-physical systems and complex event processing belong to the most discussed technologies nowadays. The huge challenge that digitization is forming to the transportation and logistics sector is largely accepted by the responsible organizations. Despite initial steps being taken towards digitized value-creation, many professionals wonder about how to realize the ideas and stumble with the precise steps to be taken. With the vision of smart logistics in mind and cost-efficient technologies available, they require a systematic methodology to exploit the potentials accompanying digitization. With the help of an effective and targeted workshop procedure, potentially appropriate application areas with promising benefit potentials can be identified effectively. Such a workshop procedure needs to be a stepwise approach in order to carefully consider all the relevant aspects and to allow for organizational acceptance to grow. In three real-world use case examples from different areas of the transportation and logistics industry, promising applications of cyber-physical systems and complex event processing are identified and pertaining event patterns of critical situations developed in order to make realization easier at a later stage. Each use case example exhibits a frequently occurring problem that can be effectively addressed by using the above-mentioned technology.
A Computational Method with MAPLE for a Piecewise Polynomial Approximation to the Trigonometric Functions
Authors: Quan Le Phuong
Published: October 2018

A complete MAPLE procedure is designed to effectively implement an algorithm for approximating trigonometric functions. The algorithm gives a piecewise polynomial approximation on an arbitrary interval, presenting a special partition that we can get its parts, subintervals with ending points of finite rational numbers, together with corresponding approximate polynomials. The procedure takes a sequence of pairs of interval–polynomial as its output that we can easily exploit in some useful ways. Examples on calculating approximate values of the sine function with arbitrary accuracy for both rational and irrational arguments as well as drawing the graph of the piecewise approximate functions are presented. Moreover, from the approximate integration on [ a , b ] with integrands of the form x m sin x , another MAPLE procedure is proposed to find the desired polynomial estimates in norm for the best L 2 -approximation of the sine function in the vector space P ℓ of polynomials of degree at most ℓ, a subspace of L 2 ( a , b ) .
Quasi-Static Loading Responses and Constitutive Modeling of Al–Si–Mg alloy
Authors: Liang Zhenglong , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2018

The flow behavior of the Al–Si–Mg alloy under uniaxial compression loading was investigated at different strain rates (10−3 s−1, 10−2 s−1,10−1 s−1, 100 s−1) at a wide range of temperatures (573 K, 623 K, 673 K, 723 K, 773 K). The results showed that the peak stress increase with the strain rate and decrease with the increase of temperature. According to the measured flow stress curves, a modified Johnson-Cook (J-C) constitutive model taking strain rate effect on thermo softening into account was proposed to delineate the flow behavior. The comparisons between the measured flow curves and the predicted ones showed them to be very close and the average error is 1.65%. The added experiments were also conducted for validating the modified model, and the predicted data well agreed with the measured flow stress curves. That indicated the modified Johnson-Cook model is reliable and can accurately delineate the flow behavior of Al–Si–Mg alloy.
Mineral Phase-Element Associations Based on Sequential Leaching of Ferromanganese Crusts, Amerasia Basin Arctic Ocean
Authors: Konstantinova Natalia , Hein James , Gartman Amy , Mizell Kira , Barrulas Pedro , Cherkashov Georgy , Mikhailik Pavel , Khanchuk Alexander
Published: October 2018

Ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts from Mendeleev Ridge, Chukchi Borderland, and Alpha Ridge, in the Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean, are similar based on morphology and chemical composition. The crusts are characterized by a two- to four-layered stratigraphy. The chemical composition of the Arctic crusts differs significantly from hydrogenetic crusts from elsewhere of global ocean by high mean Fe/Mn ratios, high As, Li, V, Sc, and Th concentrations, and high detrital contents. Here, we present element distributions through crust stratigraphic sections and element phase association using several complementary techniques such as SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS, and sequential leaching, a widely employed method of element phase association that dissolves mineral phases of different stability step-by-step: Exchangeable cations and Ca carbonates, Mn-oxides, Fe-hydroxides, and residual fraction. Sequential leaching shows that the Arctic crusts have higher contents of most elements characteristic of the aluminosilicate phase than do Pacific crusts. Elements have similar distributions between the hydrogenetic Mn and Fe phases in all the Arctic and Pacific crusts. The main host phases for the elements enriched in the Arctic crusts over Pacific crusts (Li, As, Th, and V) are the Mn-phase for Li and Fe-phase for As, Th, and V; those elements also have higher contents in the residual aluminosilicate phase. Thus, higher concentrations of Li, As, Th, and V likely occur in the dissolved and particulate phases in bottom waters where the Arctic crusts grow, which has been shown to be true for Sc, also highly enriched in the crusts. The phase distributions of elements within the crust layers is mostly consistent among the Arctic crusts, being somewhat different in element concentrations in the residual phase.
Synchrotron Radiation XRD Investigation of the Fine Phase Transformation during Synthetic Chalcocite Acidic Ferric Sulfate Leaching
Authors: Fang Chaojun , Yu Shichao , Wang Xingxing , Zhao Hongbo , Qin Wenqing , Qiu Guanzhou , Wang Jun
Published: October 2018

The fine phase transformation process of chalcocite (Cu2S) leaching in acidic ferric sulfate solution was studied by leaching experiments and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SRXRD) tests. The results showed that the dissolution process of chalcocite was divided into two stages. In the first stage, Cu2S was firstly transformed to Cu5FeS4 and Cu2−xS, then the galvanic effect between Cu5FeS4 and Cu2−xS accelerated the dissolution process of Cu1.8S → Cu1.6S → CuS, and finally Cu5FeS4 was also transformed to CuS. While in the second stage, CuS was transformed to elemental sulfur, which formed the passivation layer and inhibited the leaching of chalcocite. Specifically, Cu5FeS4 was detected during the chalcocite leaching process by SRXRD for the first time. This research is helpful for revealing the detailed leaching process of chalcocite.
Case Studies for Clean Technology Development in the Chemical Industry Using Zeolite Based Catalysts
Authors: Juzsakova Tatjána , Al-Jammal Noor , Cretescu Igor , Sebestyén Viktor , Le Phuoc Cuong , Domokos Endre , Rédey Ákos , Stan Catalina Daniela
Published: October 2018

This paper deals with the practical implementation of cleaner technologies in the chemical industry, using two case studies as an illustration. The first case study deals with the removal of NOx and N2O gases over an iron-doped ZSM-5 catalyst developed for tail gas treatment in nitric acid manufacturing. The aim for this case study was to investigate the efficiency of the zeolitic catalyst in the DeNOx process and to compare its catalytic activity with the conventional vanadia-titania. By the experiments carried out, it can be concluded that the new technological developments could significantly contribute to a decrease in environmental pollution. The second case study focuses on zeolite-based catalysts prepared from zeolitic tuff by the impregnation method, for biodiesel production from waste sunflower vegetable oil. The effects of operating and processing variables such as reaction temperature and time were investigated. The results showed that the highest biodiesel yield was 96.7% at an 11.5 MeOH/oil molar ratio, in the presence of 6.4 wt % catalyst at a 50 °C reaction temperature and reaction time of 2 h. The properties of the biodiesel that was produced, such as the viscosity, meet the required specifications of standard JUS EN14214. The common feature of the two different case studies is that both technologies use zeolite catalysts, namely naturally-occurring zeolitic tuff and synthetic ZSM type zeolite catalyst. The examples shown emphasize the importance of the zeolites in clean chemical technologies, which contribute to the protection of the environment.
Lignocellulosic Biomass as Source for Lignin-Based Environmentally Benign Antioxidants
Authors: Alzagameem Abla , Khaldi-Hansen Basma El , Büchner Dominik , Larkins Michael , Kamm Birgit , Witzleben Steffen , Schulze Margit
Published: October 2018

Antioxidant activity is an essential aspect of oxygen-sensitive merchandise and goods, such as food and corresponding packaging, cosmetics, and biomedicine. Technical lignin has not yet been applied as a natural antioxidant, mainly due to the complex heterogeneous structure and polydispersity of lignin. This report presents antioxidant capacity studies completed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The influence of purification on lignin structure and activity was investigated. The purification procedure showed that double-fold selective extraction is the most efficient (confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and X-ray diffraction), resulting in fractions of very narrow polydispersity (3.2–1.6), up to four distinct absorption bands in UV/Vis spectroscopy. Due to differential scanning calorimetry measurements, the glass transition temperature increased from 123 to 185 °C for the purest fraction. Antioxidant capacity is discussed regarding the biomass source, pulping process, and degree of purification. Lignin obtained from industrial black liquor are compared with beech wood samples: antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition) of kraft lignin fractions were 62–68%, whereas beech and spruce/pine-mixed lignin showed values of 42% and 64%, respectively. Total phenol content (TPC) of the isolated kraft lignin fractions varied between 26 and 35%, whereas beech and spruce/pine lignin were 33% and 34%, respectively. Storage decreased the TPC values but increased the DPPH inhibition.
Synthesis of Multi-Substituted Pyrrole Derivatives Through [3+2] Cycloaddition with Tosylmethyl Isocyanides (TosMICs) and Electron-Deficient Compounds
Authors: Ma Zhengning , Ma Zicheng , Zhang Dawei
Published: October 2018

Pyrrole and its polysubstituted derivatives are important five-membered heterocyclic compounds, which exist alone or as a core framework in many pharmaceutical and natural product structures, some of which have good biological activities. The Van Leusen [3+2] cycloaddition reaction based on tosylmethyl isocyanides (TosMICs) and electron-deficient compounds as a substrate, which has been continuously developed due to its advantages such as operationally simple, easily available starting materials, and broadly range of substrates, is one of the most convenient methods to synthetize pyrrole heterocycles. In this review, we discuss the different types of two carbon synthons in the Van Leusen pyrrole reaction and give a summary of the progress of these synthesis methods in the past two decades.
Increasing Antiradical Activity of Polyphenols from Lotus Seed Epicarp by Probiotic Bacteria Bioconversion
Authors: Liu Ying , Hui Xuekuan , Ibrahim Salam A. , Huang Wen
Published: October 2018

Probiotic bacteria is able to metabolize polyphenols and produce functional compounds. In this study, we investigated the ability of probiotic bacteria including Lactobacillus, bifidobacteria and Enterococcus strains to increase the antioxidant capacity of polyphenols from lotus seed epicarp (PLSE) at full ripening stage. The results showed that the six selected strains of probiotic bacteria grew well in De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth with PLSE, and their resistant extent to PLSE varied from strain to strain. The metabolized PLSE was found to have good antioxidant properties on 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in vitro. Five polyphenol compounds—chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin and hyperoside—were suggested as the major bioactive metabolism for the antiradical activity of PLSE metabolized by Lactobacillus reuteri DSM20016, Enterococcus faecalis M74 and Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15701. Moreover, L. reuteri DSM20016 and E. faecalis M74 were found to have a high PLSE bioconversion rate. Our results suggested that both L. reuteri DSM20016 and E. faecalis M74 might have excellent potential for the bioconversion of PLSE to increase its antiradical activity.
Protective Effect of Bergenin against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression by Immunomodulatory Effect and Antioxidation in Balb/c Mice
Authors: Qi Qiuchen , Dong Zhonghua , Sun Yueyue , Li Siying , Zhao Zhongxi
Published: October 2018

In this study, the aim was to investigate the effect of bergenin on immune function and antioxidation in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed mice. Firstly, we estimated its effect on immune organs. Histological analysis and indexes of immune organs showed that cyclophosphamide exhibited spleen and thymus injury compared with the normal control, which was alleviated by bergenin. Secondly, bergenin also enhanced the humoral immune function through increasing the level of IgM and IgG in serum. Thirdly, bergenin also enhanced the cellular immune function. The results indicate that bergenin increased peritoneal macrophage functions, the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, NK and CTL cell activities, and T (CD4+ and CD8+) lymphocyte subsets. Besides, bergenin also had the ability to modulate the Th1/Th2 balance. Moreover, bergenin prevented the Cy-induced decrease in numbers of peripheral RBC, WBC and platelets, providing supportive evidence for their anti-leukopenia activities. Finally, bergenin also reversed the Cy-induced decrease in the total antioxidant capacity including activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In conclusion, bergenin protected against Cy-induced adverse reactions by enhancing humoral and cellular immune functions and augmenting antioxidative activity and could be considered as a potential immunomodulatory agent.
Anti-Hyperuricemic Effect of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone-5-sulfonic Acid in Hyperuricemic Mice through XOD
Authors: Yong Tianqiao , Li Dan , Li Muxia , Liang Danling , Diao Xue , Deng Chenling , Chen Shaodan , Xie Yizhen , Chen Diling , Zuo Dan
Published: October 2018

Conventionally, benzophenone-type molecules are beneficial for alleviating the UV exposure of humans. More importantly, various compounds with this skeleton have demonstrated various biological activities. In this paper, we report the anti-hyperuricemic effect of the benzophenone compound 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid (HMS). Preliminarily, its molecular docking score and xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition suggested a good anti-hyperuricemic effect. Then, its anti-hyperuricemic effect, primary mechanisms and general toxicity were examined on a hyperuricemic mouse model which was established using potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine together. HMS demonstrated a remarkable anti- hyperuricemic effect which was near to that of the control drugs, showing promising perspective. General toxicity was assessed and it showed no negative effects on body weight growth and kidney function. Moreover, anti-inflammatory action was observed for HMS via spleen and thymus changes. Its anti-hyperuricemic mechanisms may be ascribed to its inhibition of XOD and its up-regulation of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and down-regulation of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9).
Green Preparation of High Yield Fluorescent Graphene Quantum Dots from Coal-Tar-Pitch by Mild Oxidation
Authors: Liu Quanrun , Zhang Jingjie , He He , Huang Guangxu , Xing Baolin , Jia Jianbo , Zhang Chuanxiang
Published: October 2018

Coal tar pitch (CTP), a by-product of coking industry, has a unique molecule structure comprising an aromatic nucleus and several side chains bonding on this graphene-like nucleus, which is very similar to the structure of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Based on this perception, we develop a facile approach to convert CTP to GQDs only by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide under mild conditions. One to three graphene layers, monodisperse GQDs with a narrow size distribution of 1.7 ± 0.4 nm, are obtained at high yield (more than 80 wt. %) from CTP. The as-produced GQDs are highly soluble and strongly fluorescent in aqueous solution. This simple strategy provides a feasible route towards the commercial synthesis of GQDs for its cheap material source, green reagent, mild condition, and high yield.
Physicochemical Characterization of FRET-Labelled Chitosan Nanocapsules and Model Degradation Studies
Authors: Hoffmann Stefan , Gorzelanny Christian , Moerschbacher Bruno , Goycoolea Francisco M.
Published: October 2018

Sub-micron o/w emulsions coated with chitosan have been used for drug delivery, quorum sensing inhibition, and vaccine development. To study interactions with biological systems, nanocapsules have been fluorescently labelled in previous works, but it is often difficult to distinguish the released label from intact nanocapsules. In this study, we present advanced-labelling strategies based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measurements for chitosan-coated nanocapsules and investigate their dissolution and degradation. We used FRET measurements of nanocapsules loaded with equimolar concentrations of two fluorescent dyes in their oily core and correlated them with dynamic light scattering (DLS) count rate measurement and absorbance measurements during their disintegration by dissolution. Using count rate measurements, we also investigated the enzymatic degradation of nanocapsules using pancreatin and how protein corona formation influences their degradation. Of note, nanocapsules dissolved in ethanol, while FRET decreased simultaneously with count rate, and absorbance was caused by nanocapsule turbidity, indicating increased distance between dye molecules after their release. Nanocapsules were degradable by pancreatin in a dose-dependent manner, and showed a delayed enzymatic degradation after protein corona formation. We present here novel labelling strategies for nanocapsules that allow us to judge their status and an in vitro method to study nanocapsule degradation and the influence of surface characteristics.
What Matters? Non-Electoral Youth Political Participation in Austerity Britain
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad Rakib
Published: October 2018

Since the 2008 global financial crisis, Britain’s young people have been disproportionately affected by policies of welfare retrenchment. Youth disillusionment with austerity has been cited as a reason for the youthquake witnessed in the 2017 General Election, where the Labour Party’s better-than-expected performance resulted in the loss of the ruling Conservative Party government’s parliamentary majority. The degree of one-party dominance among younger voters was unprecedented, with Labour’s aggressively pro-youth agenda paying dividends. However, this paper takes the attention away from voting behaviour and towards non-electoral forms of youth political participation in the UK. What are the strongest predictors of non-electoral political participation among young British people? Three possible predictors are explored: educational attainment, level of trust in politicians, and party identification. Three forms of non-electoral participation are considered: signing a petition, taking part in a boycott and sharing political messages on social media. Using a bespoke representative survey commissioned by Hope Not Hate, this paper finds that educational attainment does not have a particularly strong effect on non-electoral participation, with Labour Party identification being significantly associated with all three forms. A strong relationship is also discovered between identifying with a ‘minor party’ and non-electoral political participation among Britain’s young people.
Who ‘Uses’ Smart Grids? The Evolving Nature of User Representations in Layered Infrastructures
Authors: Silvast Antti , Williams Robin , Hyysalo Sampsa , Rommetveit Kjetil , Raab Charles
Published: October 2018

This article addresses the anticipated use and users of smart energy technologies and the contribution of these technologies to energy sustainability. It focuses on smart grids and smart energy meters. Qualitative accounts given by European technology developers and experts reveal how they understand the final use and social impacts of these technologies. The article analyzes these accounts and compares the UK’s smart meter rollout with experiences from other European countries, especially Finland, to provide insights into the later adoption stages of smart energy and how its impacts have evolved. The analysis highlights significant differences in the likely intensity and manner of user engagement with smart grids and meters: depending first on whether we are considering existing technologies or smart technologies that are expected to mature sometime in the next decade, and second on whether the ‘user’ is the user of smart meters or the user of an entire layer of new energy services and applications. By deploying the strategic approach developed in the article, smart grid developers and experts can give more explicit attention to recognizing the descriptions of ‘users’ in smart-grid projects and to the feasibility of these expectations of ‘use’ in comparison to the possibilities and limits of energy services and applications in different country contexts. The examination of user representations can also point out the need for further technology and service development if some of the envisioned user profiles and user actions appear unrealistic for presently available technologies.
Propriétés optiques de la série bastnaesite-vaterite
Authors: Donnay Joseph Désiré Hubert , Donnay Gabrielle
Published: October 2018

Dans la série bastnaesite-vaterite, on calcule, à partir des formules de Wiener, les courbes de nₒ² et I /ne² en fonction de la fraction en volume de vaterite. Ces courbes sont linéaires et rendent fidèlement compte des valeurs expérimentales des indices de réfraction. On confirme ainsi que la vaterite est le terme extrême de la série bastnaesite-synchisite (résultat précédemment annoncé par Semenov et McConnell). Le minéral X de Semenov pourrait répondre à la formule 2CeFCO₃. 3CaCO₃. L'«yttroparisite » de Nefedov serait une variété du mineral X ; toutefois la valeur élevée de ses indices ne peut s'expliquer par la substitution d'yttrium au cérium.
Minéralogie et Pétrographie des roches volcaniques du massif du Mont-Dore (Auvergne). Première partie : les minéraux. Deuxième partie : pétrographie systématique
Authors: Brousse Robert
Published: October 2018

L'étude minéralogique et pétrographique des roches volcaniques tertiaires du massif du Mont-Dore (Auvergne) est faite au microscope polarisant, au compteur de points, au diffractographe de rayons X et, enfin, par analyses chimiques. Des précisions sont notamment apportées sur la constitution des sancyites, des doréites et des ordanchites, trois types de roches autrefois définis dans ce massif.

Dans une publication ultérieure, nous montrerons que l'ensemble des roches du massif du Mont-Dore peuvent être rapportées à deux séries magmatiques différentes, l'une, sous-saturée en silice (basaltes à phonolites), l'autre, sursaturée (basaltes à rhyolites).
THE LAND REALLOCATION MODEL IN THE COURSE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSOLIDATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Bugaіenko Olena
Published: October 2018

The issue of the effectiveness of agricultural land consolidation in the environment of land relations being reshaped, with Ukraine as the example has been scrutinized in the research. Land reallocation as the key constituent of land consolidation has been considered according to the existing approaches. Necessity for substantiation of the peerness of land plots to be reallocated has been singled out. Key factors influencing the peer agricultural land exchange in the process of reallocation have been defined. It is offered to define the peerness of agricultural land plots by a set of qualitative and spatial and technological characteristics. The improvement of the existing approaches to land reallocation by limiting for the reallocated land plots peerness by the preset characteristics has been suggested. The gist of the modelling is the minimization of distance from land plot to the farmhouse. Technical data characterizing the qualitative and spatial and technological characteristics of land plots at the reallotment have been defined. The assessment of the provided reallocation model with the example of the agricultural land mass has been provided. Land reallocation is accomplished by the voluntary land plot exchange. The analysis of the reallocation results using the provided model has been executed.
ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES AND LEVEL OF MAINTENANCE FOR ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS IN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
Authors: Lee Chijoo , Lee Chiheyon , Lee Eul-Bum
Published: October 2018

A construction company without a similar information technology (IT) system in the past has insufficient historical data to use for investment decision-making of IT system. An estimation of maintenance costs is especially more uncertain than the initial investment costs, and the uncertainty is greater when the IT system is used over a long period, such as an enterprise system (ES). This study proposes estimation criteria for the maintenance costs of an ES for an accurate investment decision. First, the causes of maintenance are determined, and the level of maintenance analyzed. Then, the result is compared with a general trend of maintenance incidence (bathtub curve) that is widely used as reference criteria to estimate maintenance cost. The level of maintenance was high during the early stage but steadily decreased in the middle and end stage because high-cost maintenance activities were postponed with the approach of the time in which the ES was being restructured. This trend is different from the bathtub curve that increases again during the end stage. Thus, when a maintenance contract is negotiated, the maintenance level that affects maintenance cost should be considered as well as the incidence of maintenance.