bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Topological Landscape Exhibited by Binary Zinc-triad 1,1-dithiolates
Authors: Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: July 2018

The crystal chemistry of the zinc-triad binary 1,1-dithiolates, that is, compounds of xanthate [−S2COR], dithiophosphate [−S2P(OR)2], and dithiocarbamate [−S2CNR2] ligands, is reviewed. Owing to a wide range of coordination modes that can be adopted by 1,1-dithiolate anions, such as monodentate, chelating, μ2-bridging, μ3-bridging, etc., there exists a rich diversity in supramolecular assemblies for these compounds, including examples of zero-, one-, and two-dimensional architectures. While there are similarities in structural motifs across the series of 1,1-dithiolate ligands, specific architectures are sometimes found, depending on the metal centre and/or on the 1,1-dithiolate ligand. Further, an influence of steric bulk upon supramolecular aggregation is apparent. Thus, bulky R groups generally preclude the close approach of molecules in order to reduce steric hindrance and therefore, lead to lower dimensional aggregation patterns. The ligating ability of the 1,1-dithiolate ligands also proves crucial in determining the extent of supramolecular aggregation, in particular for dithiocarbamate species where the relatively greater chelating ability of this ligand reduces the Lewis acidity of the zinc-triad element, which thereby reduces its ability to significantly expand its coordination number. Often, the functionalisation of the organic substituents in the 1,1-dithiolate ligands, for example, by incorporating pyridyl groups, can lead to different supramolecular association patterns. Herein, the diverse assemblies of supramolecular architectures are classified and compared. In all, 27 structurally distinct motifs have been identified.
Trends in Population Size of Rare Plant Species in the Alpine Habitats of the Ukrainian Carpathians under Climate Change
Authors: Kobiv Yuriy
Published: July 2018

Population trends in rare alpine plant species in the high-mountain zone of the Ukrainian Carpathians are described with regard to the types of habitats where they occur. Populations of cold-adapted species confined to snowbeds, alpine screes, poorly vegetated rocks, and the highest ridges, as well as mires and springs, are very vulnerable to climate change, while their habitats tend to shrink. The direct impact of warming affects mainly the most cryophilic species. Another driver of changes is climate-induced succession that results in denser vegetation cover and encroachment of more thermophilic plants, which replace low-competitive rare alpine species. Their replacement is largely caused by the loss of open microsites suitable for seed recruitment. However, the climate-driven decrease of snow cover often leads to frost damage to vegetation that provides gaps appropriate for the establishment of many rare species. One of the groups of species that benefit from warming includes rather thermophilic tall herbs that are more common in the subalpine zone but have been actively spreading at higher altitudes lately.
Category Structure and Categorical Perception Jointly Explained by Similarity-Based Information Theory
Authors: Brasselet Romain , Arleo Angelo
Published: July 2018

Categorization is a fundamental information processing phenomenon in the brain. It is critical for animals to compress an abundance of stimulations into groups to react quickly and efficiently. In addition to labels, categories possess an internal structure: the goodness measures how well any element belongs to a category. Interestingly, this categorization leads to an altered perception referred to as categorical perception: for a given physical distance, items within a category are perceived closer than items in two different categories. A subtler effect is the perceptual magnet: discriminability is reduced close to the prototypes of a category and increased near its boundaries. Here, starting from predefined abstract categories, we naturally derive the internal structure of categories and the phenomenon of categorical perception, using an information theoretical framework that involves both probabilities and pairwise similarities between items. Essentially, we suggest that pairwise similarities between items are to be tuned to render some predefined categories as well as possible. However, constraints on these pairwise similarities only produce an approximate matching, which explains concurrently the notion of goodness and the warping of perception. Overall, we demonstrate that similarity-based information theory may offer a global and unified principled understanding of categorization and categorical perception simultaneously.
On Chaos in the Fractional-Order Discrete-Time Unified System and Its Control Synchronization
Authors: Khennaoui Amina-Aicha , Ouannas Adel , Bendoukha Samir , Wang Xiong , Pham Viet-Thanh
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we propose a fractional map based on the integer-order unified map. The chaotic behavior of the proposed map is analyzed by means of bifurcations plots, and experimental bounds are placed on the parameters and fractional order. Different control laws are proposed to force the states to zero asymptotically and to achieve the complete synchronization of a pair of fractional unified maps with identical or nonidentical parameters. Numerical results are used throughout the paper to illustrate the findings.
TSV Technology and High-Energy Heavy Ions Radiation Impact Review
Authors: Tian Wenchao , Ma Tianran , Liu Xiaohan
Published: July 2018

Three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D IC) based on TSV (Through Silicon Via) technology is the latest packaging technology with the smallest size and quality. As a result, it can effectively reduce parasitic effects, improve work efficiency, reduce the power consumption of the chip, and so on. TSV-based silicon interposers have been applied in the ground environment. In order to meet the miniaturization, high performance and low-cost requirements of aerospace equipment, the adapter substrate is a better choice. However, the transfer substrate, as an important part of 3D integrated circuits, may accumulate charge due to heavy ion irradiation and further reduce the performance of the entire chip package in harsh space radiation environment or cause it to fail completely. Little research has been carried out until now. This article summarizes the research methods and conclusions of the research on silicon interposers and TSV technology in recent years, as well as the influence of high-energy heavy ions on semiconductor devices. Based on this, a series of research methods to study the effect of high-energy heavy ions on TSV and silicon adapter plates is proposed.
Selecting the Optimal Micro-Grid Planning Program Using a Novel Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model Based on Grey Cumulative Prospect Theory
Authors: Zhao Haoran , Guo Sen , Zhao Huiru
Published: July 2018

As useful supplements and effective support for large-scale electric power networks, micro-grid systems are the development tendency of future electric power systems. The planning performance of a micro-grid not only affects its security, reliability and economy, but also has a profound influence on the stable operation of large-scale electric power networks with the increasing penetration of micro-grids. Hence, studies related to micro-grid planning program evaluation are of great significance. This paper established a novel multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model combining the best-worst method (BWM), the entropy weighting approach, and grey cumulative prospect theory for optimum selection of micro-grid planning programs. Firstly, an evaluation index system containing 18 sub-criteria was built from the perspectives of economy, electricity supply reliability and environmental protection. Secondly, the weights of sub-criteria were calculated integrating the subjective weights judged by the BWM and the objective weights computed by the entropy weighting method. Then, the cumulative prospect theory (CPT) combined with grey theory was employed to select the optimal micro-grid planning program. The empirical result indicates that the program with 100 kWp photovoltaic power generation unit, 200 kW wind power generation unit and 600 kWh NaS battery energy storage system is the optimal micro-grid planning program. To verify the robustness of obtained result, a sensitivity analysis related to values change of parameters under different risk preferences was conducted, and the result indicates that the selected optimal micro-grid planning program will not be influenced by various risk preferences of decision makers (DMs) and investors. The novel MCDM proposed in this paper is applicable and feasible in the micro-grid planning programs evaluation and selection.
Resilient Multiscale Coordination Control against Adversarial Nodes
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: July 2018

Multiscale consensus has been studied recently as a new concept in the field of multi-agent systems, which is able to accommodate many complicated coordination control tasks where values are measured in different scales due to, e.g., the constraints of physical environment. In this paper, we investigate the problem of resilient multiscale coordination control against a set of adversarial or non-cooperative nodes in directed networks. We design a multiscale filtering algorithm based upon local information which can withstand both faulty and Byzantine nodes. Building on the concept of network robustness, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions guaranteeing multiscale consensus with general time varying scales in the presence of globally bounded as well as locally bounded threats. In particular, for a network containing at most R faulty nodes, multiscale consensus is achieved if and only if the network is (R+1,R+1)-robust. The counterpart when having at most R Byzantine nodes instead is that the induced subnetwork of cooperative nodes is R+1-robust. Conditions guaranteeing resilient consensus for time-dependent networks are developed. Moreover, multiscale formation generation problems are introduced and solved as the generalizations. Finally, some numerical examples including applications in modular microgrids and power systems are worked out to demonstrate the availability of our theoretical results.
Erratum: Rogada, J.R.; et al. Comparative Modeling of a Parabolic Trough Collectors Solar Power Plant with MARS Models. Energies 2018, 11, 37
Authors: Rogada Jose Ramón , Barcia Lourdes A. , Martinez Juan Angel , Menendez Mario , De Cos Juez Francisco Javier
Published: July 2018

Due to the difference in date between the sending and the publication of the article [...]
A Green Quality Management Decision Model with Carbon Tax and Capacity Expansion under Activity-Based Costing (ABC)—A Case Study in the Tire Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Tsai Wen-Hsien
Published: July 2018

Issues related to global environmental protection are highly important. Under the global trend of energy saving and carbon reduction, in order to lower the carbon emissions of products or services offered by enterprises, the Taiwanese government aims to control carbon emissions by constructing a carbon tax system and mandating enterprises to pay a carbon tax. The collection of a carbon tax can minimize the total social environmental cost and increase the efficiency of carbon reduction; the need to control the green quality cost can serve as a criterion of green management decision-making. This study aimed to reorganize carbon emissions in different stages of production in order to lower the total carbon emissions of products. Activity-based costing (ABC) was adopted to assess green quality management and production cost. The optimal green quality production portfolio was selected via a mathematical programming model to focus on the expansion of productivity and outsourcing strategy in order to effectively lessen the harmful effects on the environment and maximize profits. Besides academic contributions, the findings of this study could serve as a reference to enterprises on assessing the effects of carbon emissions, carbon taxes, and environmental management on production decision-making.
Water Balance of Mediterranean Quercus ilex L. and Pinus halepensis Mill. Forests in Semiarid Climates: A Review in A Climate Change Context
Authors: Vicente Eduardo , Vilagrosa Alberto , Ruiz-Yanetti Samantha , Manrique-Alba Àngela , González-Sanchís María , Moutahir Hassane , Chirino Esteban , Del Campo Antonio , Bellot Juan
Published: July 2018

Forests provide many environmental services, especially those related to the water cycle. In semiarid areas where water is a limiting factor for ecosystem functioning, forested areas can have a strong impact on ground water recharge. In these areas, proper knowledge of forests’ water balance is necessary to promote management practices that may ensure ecosystem properties and environmental services like water or carbon fixation. In this article, we review several ecohydrology topics within the framework of Mediterranean water-limited environments in two representative ecosystems: Kermes oak (Quercus ilex L.) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) forests. Both are the commonest species in countries that surround the Western Mediterranean Basin. We analysed the Blue and Green water components, i.e., green water is the water demand of forests, represented by evapotranspiration and interception; while blue water is the part of the balance involving runoff and deep percolation, which can be regarded as water directly usable by society. In general, different studies conducted in Mediterranean areas have pointed out that the water balances of Q. ilex and P. halepensis forests have low values for the Blue to Green water (B/G) ratios. Adaptive forest management like forest thinning can compensate for these ratios. Thinning has demonstrated to reduce losses by interception, but at same time, it can also increase individual tree transpiration and evaporation rates. However, these practices lead to higher B/G ratios when considering the whole stand. In future global change scenarios, in which drought conditions are expected to intensify, management practices can improve the water balance in these ecosystems by minimizing the risk of plant mortality and species replacement due to intense competence by water resources.
Hf-Nd Isotopes in Archean Marine Chemical Sediments: Implications for the Geodynamical History of Early Earth and Its Impact on Earliest Marine Habitats
Authors: Viehmann Sebastian
Published: July 2018

The Hf-Nd isotope systems are coupled in magmatic systems, but incongruent Hf weathering (‘zircon effect’) of the continental crust leads to a decoupling of the Hf-Nd isotope systems in low-temperature environments during weathering and erosion processes. The Hf-Nd isotope record was recently dated back from the Cenozoic oceans until the Archean, showing that both isotope systems were already decoupled in seawater 2.7 Ga ago and potentially 3.4 Ga and 3.7 Ga ago. While there might have existed a hydrothermal pathway for Hf into Archean seawater, incongruent Hf weathering of more evolved, zircon-bearing uppermost continental crust that was emerged and available for subaerial weathering accounts for a significant decoupling of Hf-Nd isotopes in the dissolved (<0.2 µm) and suspended (>0.2 µm) fractions of Early Earth’s seawater. These findings contradict the consensus that uppermost Archean continental crust was (ultra)mafic in composition and predominantly submerged. Hence, Hf-Nd isotopes in Archean marine chemical sediments provide the unique potential for future research to trace the emergence of evolved continental crust, which in turn has major implications for the geodynamical evolution of Early Earth and the nutrient flux into the earliest marine habitats on Earth.
Harmonizing Outcomes for Genomic Medicine: Comparison of eMERGE Outcomes to ClinGen Outcome/Intervention Pairs
Authors: Williams Janet L. , Chung Wendy K. , Fedotov Alex , Kiryluk Krzysztof , Weng Chunhua , Connolly John J. , Harr Margaret , Hakonarson Hakon , Leppig Kathleen A. , Larson Eric B. , Jarvik Gail P. , Veenstra David L. , Hoell Christin , Smith Maureen E. , Holm Ingrid A. , Peterson Josh F. , Williams Marc S.
Published: July 2018

Genomic medicine is moving from research to the clinic. There is a lack of evidence about the impact of genomic medicine interventions on health outcomes. This is due in part to a lack of standardized outcome measures that can be used across different programs to evaluate the impact of interventions targeted to specific genetic conditions. The eMERGE Outcomes working group (OWG) developed measures to collect information on outcomes following the return of genomic results to participants for several genetic disorders. These outcomes were compared to outcome intervention pairs for genetic disorders developed independently by the ClinGen Actionability working group (AWG). In general, there was concordance between the defined outcomes between the two groups. The ClinGen outcomes tended to be from a higher level and the AWG scored outcomes represented a subset of outcomes referenced in the accompanying AWG evidence review. eMERGE OWG outcomes were more detailed and discrete, facilitating a collection of relevant information from the health records. This paper demonstrates that common outcomes for genomic medicine interventions can be identified. Further work is needed to standardize outcomes across genomic medicine implementation projects and to make these publicly available to enhance dissemination and assist in making precision public health a reality.
A Multilevel Analysis of Perceived Noise Pollution, Geographic Contexts and Mental Health in Beijing
Authors: Ma Jing , Li Chunjiang , Kwan Mei-Po , Chai Yanwei
Published: July 2018

With rapid urbanization and increase in car ownership, ambient noise pollution resulting from diversified sources (e.g., road traffic, railway, commercial services) has become a severe environmental problem in the populated areas in China. However, research on the spatial variation of noise pollution and its potential effects on urban residents’ mental health has to date been quite scarce in developing countries like China. Using a health survey conducted in Beijing in 2017, we for the first time investigated the spatial distributions of multiple noise pollution perceived by residents in Beijing, including road traffic noise, railway (or subway) noise, commercial noise, and housing renovation (or construction) noise. Our results indicate that there is geographic variability in noise pollution at the neighborhood scale, and road traffic and housing renovation/construction are the principal sources of noise pollution in Beijing. We then employed Bayesian multilevel logistic models to examine the associations between diversified noise pollution and urban residents’ mental health symptoms, including anxiety, stress, fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbance, while controlling for a wide range of confounding factors such as socio-demographics, objective built environment characteristics, social environment and geographic context. The results show that perceived higher noise-pollution exposure is significantly associated with worse mental health, while physical environment variables seem to contribute little to variations in self-reported mental disorders, except for proximity to the main road. Social factors or socio-demographic attributes, such as age and income, are significant covariates of urban residents’ mental health, while the social environment (i.e., community attachment) and housing satisfaction are significantly correlated with anxiety and stress. This study provides empirical evidence on the noise-health relationships in the Chinese context and sheds light on the policy implications for environmental pollution mitigation and healthy city development in China.
Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives of Factors That Influence Contact Centre Call Agents’ Workplace Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour
Authors: Morris Abigail , Murphy Rebecca , Shepherd Sam , Graves Lee
Published: July 2018

Contact centre call agents are highly sedentary at work, which can negatively affect cardio-metabolic health. This qualitative cross-sectional study explored factors influencing call agents’ workplace physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), and perspectives on strategies to help agents move more and sit less at work. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with call agents (n = 20), team leaders (n = 11) and senior staff (n = 12) across four contact centres were guided by the socio-ecological model and analysed thematically. Agents offered insights into the impact of high occupational sitting and low PA on their physical and mental health, and factors influencing their motivation to move more and sit less at work. Team leaders, although pivotal in influencing behaviours, identified their own workload, and agents’ requirement to meet targets, as factors influencing their ability to promote agents to move more and sit less at work. Further, senior team leaders offered a broad organisational perspective on influential factors, including business needs and the importance of return on investment from PA and SB interventions. Unique factors, including continuous monitoring of productivity metrics and personal time, a physical connection to their workstation, and low autonomy over their working practices, seemed to limit call agents’ opportunity to move more and sit less at work. Proposed strategies included acknowledgement of PA and SB within policy and job roles, height-adjustable workstations, education and training sessions and greater interpersonal support. Additionally, measuring the impact of interventions was perceived to be key for developing a business case and enhancing organisational buy-in. Multi-level interventions embedded into current working practices appear important for the multiple stakeholders, while addressing concerns regarding productivity.
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for Workers Exposed to Bioaerosol in Wastewater Treatment Plants Aimed at the Choice and Setup of Safety Measures
Authors: Carducci Annalaura , Donzelli Gabriele , Cioni Lorenzo , Federigi Ileana , Lombardi Roberto , Verani Marco
Published: July 2018

Biological risk assessment in occupational settings currently is based on either qualitative or semiquantitative analysis. In this study, a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) has been applied to estimate the human adenovirus (HAdV) health risk due to bioaerosol exposure in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). A stochastic QMRA model was developed considering HAdV as the index pathogen, using its concentrations in different areas and published dose–response relationship for inhalation. A sensitivity analysis was employed to examine the impact of input parameters on health risk. The QMRA estimated a higher average risk in sewage influent and biological oxidation tanks (15.64% and 12.73% for an exposure of 3 min). Sensitivity analysis indicated HAdV concentration as a predominant factor in the estimated risk. QMRA results were used to calculate the exposure limits considering four different risk levels (one illness case per 100, 1.000, 10.000, and 100.000 workers): for 3 min exposures, we obtained 565, 170, 54, and 6 GC/m3 of HAdV. We also calculated the maximum time of exposure for each level for different areas. Our findings can be useful to better define the effectiveness of control measures, which would thus reduce the virus concentration or the exposure time.
Discrepancy between Self-Reported and Urine Cotinine-Verified Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure among Rural Pregnant Women in China
Authors: Xiao Xia , Li Yan , Song Xiaoxiao , Xu Qinghua , Yang Siwei , Wu Jie , Seto Edmund
Published: July 2018

Prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the most modifiable risk factor associated with adverse child-health outcomes. However, few longitudinal studies are implemented to compare the rates of discrepancy between self-reported (SR) and urinary cotinine (UC)-verified ETS exposure during the three trimesters of pregnancy, especially in rural areas. The objectives of this study were to assess the discrepancy between SR and UC-verified ETS exposure among rural women employing three measures throughout pregnancy, and to explore predictors related to these differences. This study used a prospective prenatal cohort consisting of 420 pregnant women whose ETS exposure was entirely evaluated by both SR and UC verification across three trimesters of pregnancy. Environmental tobacco exposure was assessed via SR verification, and was validated using the limit of detection for UC. The discrepancy rates were determined for each trimester. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the predictors associated with these differences. The discrepancy rates between SR and UC verification were 25.2%, 17.1%, and 20.5% (first, second, and third trimester, respectively). The highest inconsistency occurred in the first trimester. After adjusting for confounding factors, the following variables were found to have statistically significant associations with the discrepancy rate between SR and UC-verified ETS exposure: the number of smokers in the family and household income for all three trimesters, township site for the second and third trimester, and gravidity for the last trimester. The SR rate of ETS exposure among rural pregnant women is underreported, while the UC-verified rate is higher. More smokers in the family and gravidity may increase the risk of ETS exposure for pregnant women. Biochemical validation is warranted throughout pregnancy for the adoption of home-smoking bans and the promotion of community-based smoke-free programs.
New Aspects of Lipotoxicity in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Mendez-Sanchez Nahum , Cruz-Ramon Vania Cesar , Ramirez-Perez Oscar Lenin , Hwang Jessica P. , Barranco-Fragoso Beatriz , Cordova-Gallardo Jaqueline
Published: July 2018

NASH is becoming increasingly common worldwide because of the growing global prevalence of obesity and consequently NAFLD. Unfortunately, the mechanism of progression of NAFLD to NASH and then cirrhosis is not completely understood. Several factors, including insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, and bile acid (BA) toxicity, have been reported to be associated with NASH progression. The release of fatty acids from dysfunctional and insulin-resistant adipocytes results in lipotoxicity, which is caused by the ectopic accumulation of triglyceride-derived toxic metabolites and the subsequent activation of inflammatory pathways, cellular dysfunction, and lipoapoptosis. Adipose tissue (AT), especially visceral AT, comprises multiple cell populations that produce adipokines and insulin-like growth factor, plus macrophages and other immune cells that stimulate the development of lipotoxic liver disease. These biomolecules have been recently linked with many digestive diseases and gastrointestinal malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma. This made us question what role lipotoxicity has in the natural history of liver fibrosis. Therefore, this review focuses on the close relationship between AT and NASH. A good comprehension of the pathways that are related to dysregulated AT, metabolic dysfunction, and hepatic lipotoxicity will result in the development of prevention strategies and promising therapeutics for patients with NASH.
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Disorders
Authors: Titorenko Vladimir I.
Published: July 2018

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Programmed Cell Death in the Pathogenesis of Influenza
Authors: Fujikura Daisuke , Miyazaki Tadaaki
Published: July 2018

Influenza is a respiratory disease induced by infection by the influenza virus, which is a member of Orthomyxoviridae family. This infectious disease has serious impacts on public health systems and results in considerable mortality and economic costs throughout the world. Based on several experimental studies, massive host immune reaction is associated with the disease severity of influenza. Programmed cell death is typically induced during virus infection as a consequence of host immune reaction to limit virus spread by eliminating niches for virus propagation without causing inflammation. However, in some viral infectious diseases, such as influenza, in the process of immune reaction, aberrant induction of programmed cell death disturbs the maintenance of organ function. Current reports show that there are different types of programmed cell death that vary in terms of molecular mechanisms and/or associations with inflammation. In addition, these novel types of programmed cell death are associated with pathogenesis rather than suppressing virus propagation in the disease course. Here, we review our current understanding of mechanisms of programmed cell death in the pathogenesis of influenza.
A Deploying Method for Predicting the Size and Optimizing the Location of an Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Liyan
Published: July 2018

With the depletion of oil resources and the aggravation of environmental pollution, electric vehicles have a growing future and will be more popular as the main force of new energy consumption. They have attracted greater attention from various countries. The sizing and location problem for charging stations has been a hot point of global research, and these issues are important for government planning for electric vehicles. In this paper, we first built a BASS model to predict the total number of electric vehicles and calculate the size of charging stations in the coming years. Moreover, we also developed a queuing model to optimize the location of charging stations and solved this issue by using the exhaustion method, which regards minimum cost as the objective function. After that, the model was tested using data from a city in China. The results show that the model in this paper is good at predicting the number of electric vehicles in the coming years and calculating the size of charging stations. At the same time, it can also optimize the distribution of charging stations and make them more balanceable. Thus, this model is beneficial for the government in planning the development of electric vehicles in the future.
A Survey on the Affordances of “Hearables”
Authors: Plazak Joseph , Kersten-Oertel Marta
Published: July 2018

Recent developments pertaining to ear-mounted wearable computer interfaces (i.e., “hearables”) offer a number of distinct affordances over other wearable devices in ambient and ubiquitous computing systems. This paper provides a survey of hearables and the possibilities that they offer as computer interfaces. Thereafter, these affordances are examined with respect to other wearable interfaces. Finally, several historical trends are noted within this domain, and multiple paths for future development are offered.
Hydrolytic Hydrogen Production on Al–Sn–Zn Alloys Processed by High-Pressure Torsion
Authors: Zhang Fan , Edalati Kaveh , Arita Makoto , Horita Zenji
Published: July 2018

Aluminium-tin-based alloys with different compositions were synthesized by a high-pressure torsion (HPT) method. The effect of different alloying elements and processing routes on the hydrogen generation performance of the alloys was investigated. The results show that Zn can enhance the hydrogen generation rate and yield by promoting pitting corrosion. The highest reactivity in water was achieved for an Al-30wt %Sn-10wt %Zn alloy. Detailed analysis of the Al-30wt %Sn-10wt %Zn alloy shows that increasing the shear strain and the resultant formation of ultrafine grains and phase mixing enhance the hydrogen generation rate through the effects of both nanogalvanic cells and pitting corrosion.
Synthesis and Characterizations of (CoxMg(2−x))SiO4 Forsterite Ceramic Pigments from Mirror Waste
Authors: Yongvanich Niti , Supanichwatin Kullada , Penglan Jitat , Triamnak Narit
Published: July 2018

Ceramic pigments have been widely used in a variety of industries because of their excellent properties, such as high thermal stability, low-cost productions, and simple manufacturing processes. Re-use of mirror waste, which consists of silicon dioxide greater than 70%, is a method that can reduce raw materials cost. In this work, ceramic pigment with forsterite structure, Mg2SiO4, was synthesized via conventional solid state reaction by using mirror waste as a precursor. Solid solutions of Co-doped forsterite pigment, CoxMg(2−x)SiO4 where x = 0.02–1.6, were calcined at 1000 °C for 2 h. The calcined powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and color measurement (CIEL*a*b*). XRD results confirmed that forsterite phase was found as a main phase in the ceramic powder. However, the forsterite phase decreased with increased concentration of Co to x = 0.8–1.6. This could be because of the solubility limit of Co in solid solution. In addition, the use of mirror waste as a raw material was able to reduce calcination temperature compared to the use of oxide reagents. Color measurements or CIEL*a*b* color space of forsterite pigments were located in red-blue quadrant for Co-doped pigment.
Design, Development and FE Thermal Analysis of a Radially Grooved Brake Disc Developed through Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Authors: Sayeed Ahmed Gulam Mohammed , Algarni Salem
Published: July 2018

The present research work analyzed the effect of design modification with radial grooves on disc brake performance and its thermal behavior by using additive manufacturing based 3D printed material maraging steel. Temperature distribution across the disc surface was estimated with different boundary conditions such as rotor speed, braking pressure, and braking time. Design modification and number of radial grooves were decided based on existing dimensions. Radial grooves were incorporated on disc surface through Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process to increase surface area for maximum heat dissipation and reduce the stresses induced during braking process. The radial grooves act as a cooling channels which provides an effective means of cooling the disc surface which is under severe condition of sudden fall and rise of temperatures during running conditions. ANSYS software is used for transient structural and thermal analysis to investigate the variations in temperatures profile across the disc with induced heat flux. FE based thermo-structural analysis was done to determine thermal strains induced in disc due to sudden temperature fluctuations. The maximum temperature and Von Mises stress in disc brake without grooves on disc surface were observed which can severely affect thermal fatigue and rupture brake disc surface. It was been observed by incorporating the radial grooves that the disc brake surface is thermally stable. Experimental results are in good agreement with FE thermal analysis. DMLS provides easy fabrication of disc brake with radial grooves and enhancement of disc brake performance at higher speeds and temperatures. Therefore, DMLS provides an effective means of implementing product development technology.
Low-Temperature Superplasticity and Deformation Mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Zhou Ge , Chen Lijia , Liu Lirong , Liu Haijian , Peng Heli , Zhong Yiping
Published: July 2018

The low-temperature superplastic tensile behavior and the deformation mechanisms of Ti-6Al-4V alloy are investigated in this paper. Through the experiments carried out, elongation to failure (δ) is calculated and a set of values are derived that subsequently includes the strain rate sensitivity exponent (m), deformation activation energy (Q) at low-temperature superplastic deformation, and the variation of δ, m and Q at different strain rates and temperatures. Microstructures are observed before and after superplastic deformation. The deformation mechanism maps incorporating the density of dislocations inside grains at temperatures of 973 and 1123 K are drawn respectively. By applying the elevated temperature deformation mechanism maps based on Burgers vector compensated grain size and modulus compensated stress, the dislocation quantities and low-temperature superplastic deformation mechanisms of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at different temperatures within appropriate processing regime are elucidated.
Investigation of Electrochemical, Optical and Thermal Effects during Flash Sintering of 8YSZ
Authors: Biesuz Mattia , Pinter Lorenzo , Saunders Theo , Reece Mike , Binner Jon , Sglavo Vincenzo M. , Grasso Salvatore
Published: July 2018

This paper reports the electrochemical, optical and thermal effects occurring during flash sintering of 8 mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ). In-situ observations of polycrystalline and single crystal specimens revealed electrochemical blackening/darkening during an incubation period prior to flash sintering. The phenomenon is induced by cathodic partial reduction under DC fields. When using a low frequency AC field (0.1–10 Hz) the blackening is reversible, following the imposed polarity switching. Thermal imaging combined with sample colour changes and electrical conductivity mapping give a complete picture of the multi-physical phenomena occurring during each stage of the flash sintering event. The partial reduction at the cathode causes a modification of the electrical properties in the sample and the blackened regions, which are close to the cathode, are more conductive than the remainder of the sample. The asymmetrical nature of the electrochemical reactions follows the field polarity and causes an asymmetry in the temperature between the anode and cathode, with the positive electrode tending to overheat. It is also observed that the phenomena are influenced by the quality of the electrical contacts and by the atmosphere used.
Novel Composite Electrolytes of Zr0.92Y0.08O2-α(8YSZ)-Low Melting Point Glass Powder for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Du Ruifeng , Shi Ruijuan , Liu Junlong
Published: July 2018

In this study, Zr0.92Y0.08O2-α(8YSZ) powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The chemical physics changes and phase formation temperature of 8YSZ crystal were determined by thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC). 8YSZ-low melting point glass powder (8YSZ-glass) composite electrolytes with various weight ratios were prepared and calcined at different temperatures. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the composite electrolytes were tested. The effects of synthesis temperature, weight ratio, test temperature, and oxygen partial pressure on the conductivities of 8YSZ-glass composite electrolytes, were also investigated at 400–800 °C. The result of the logσ ~ log(pO2) plot indicates that the 8YSZ-20% glass (700 °C) is almost a pure ionic conductor. The oxygen concentration discharge cell illustrates that the 8YSZ-20% glass (700 °C) composite electrolyte is a good oxygen ion conductor.
Applying Computer Algebra Systems in Approximating the Trigonometric Functions
Authors: Quan Le Phuong , Nhan Thái Anh
Published: July 2018

We propose numerical algorithms which can be integrated with modern computer algebra systems in a way that is easily implemented to approximate the sine and cosine functions with an arbitrary accuracy. Our approach is based on Taylor’s expansion about a point having a form of k p , k ∈ Z and p = π / 2 , and being chosen such that it is closest to the argument. A full error analysis, which takes advantage of current computer algebra systems in approximating π with a very high accuracy, of our proposed methods is provided. A numerical integration application is performed to demonstrate the use of algorithms. Numerical and graphical results are implemented by MAPLE.
Characteristics of depressiveness among adolescents with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Žilinskienė Jolanta , Šinkariova Liuda , Perminas Aidas
Published: July 2018

The objective of this article was to establish the characteristics of depressiveness among adolescents with diabetes. Adolescents aged 14 and 16 years suffering from diabetes, healthy ones, and their parents were enrolled in the study. A total of 260 adolescents (100 adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 160 healthy ones) were interviewed. To measure adolescents’ depressiveness, a new scale was constructed using different questionnaires (Maastricht, Hamilton, Beck). Parents’ depressiveness was measured with Beck depression scale. This study showed that 16-year-old girls with diabetes were more depressed than the healthy ones. Mothers of 14-year-old adolescents and 16-year-old girls with diabetes are more depressed than the healthy adolescents’ mothers. Results of the study confirmed that depressiveness of 14- and 16-year-old girls with diabetes and that of their mothers were related. The relationship between the depressiveness of mothers of 14-year-old boys with diabetes mellitus and bad glycemic control of their sons was determined. The following peculiarities of depressiveness among adolescents with diabetes were found: 14-year-old girls had more negative attitude toward themselves; 16-year-old girls were very sensitive and had depressed mood; 16-year-old boys complained about lowered daily activity.
Single Gas Permeance Performance of High Silica SSZ-13 Zeolite Membranes
Authors: Liang Li , Zhu Meihua , Chen Le , Zhong Caijun , Yang Yiming , Wu Ting , Wang Heli , Kumakiri Izumi , Chen Xiangshu , Kita Hidetoshi
Published: July 2018

Continuous and high silica SSZ-13 zeolite membranes were prepared on porous mullite supports from high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio or aluminum-free precursor synthesis gel. Single gas permeance (CO2 and CH4) of the high silica SSZ-13 zeolite membrane was decreased with the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio in the precursor synthesis gel, while the ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity of the membrane was gradually increased. Moreover, effects of synthesis conditions (such as H2O/SiO2 and RNOH/SiO2 ratios of precursor synthesis gel, crystallization time) on the single gas permeance performance of high silica SSZ-13 zeolite membranes were studied in detail. Medium H2O/SiO2 and RNOH/SiO2 ratios in the initial synthesis gel were crucial to prepare the good CO2 perm-selective SSZ-13 zeolite membrane. When the molar composition of precursor synthesis gel, crystallization temperature and time were 1.0 SiO2: 0.1 Na2O: 0.1 TMAdaOH: 80 H2O, 160 °C and 48 h, CO2 permeance and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity of the SSZ-13 zeolite membrane were 0.98 × 10−7 mol/(m2·s·Pa) and 47 at 25 °C and 0.4 MPa. In addition, the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the corresponding SSZ-13 zeolite was 410 by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
Unbiased Lipidomic Profiling of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tissues Reveals the Association of Sphingomyelin Levels with Patient Disease-Free Survival
Authors: Purwaha Preeti , Gu Franklin , Piyarathna Danthasinghe Waduge Badrajee , Rajendiran Theckelnaycke , Ravindran Anindita , Omilian Angela R. , Jiralerspong Sao , Das Gokul , Morrison Carl , Ambrosone Christine , Coarfa Cristian , Putluri Nagireddy , Sreekumar Arun
Published: July 2018

The reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a hallmark of many cancers that has been shown to promote breast cancer progression. While several lipid signatures associated with breast cancer aggressiveness have been identified, a comprehensive lipidomic analysis specifically targeting the triple-negative subtype of breast cancer (TNBC) may be required to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this most aggressive subtype of breast cancer that still lacks effective therapies. In this current study, our global LC-MS-based lipidomics platform was able to measure 684 named lipids across 15 lipid classes in 70 TNBC tumors. Multivariate survival analysis found that higher levels of sphingomyelins were significantly associated with better disease-free survival in TNBC patients. Furthermore, analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets identified that decreased production of ceramides and increased accumulation of sphingoid base intermediates by metabolic enzymes were associated with better survival outcomes in TNBC patients. Our LC-MS lipidomics profiling of TNBC tumors has, for the first time, identified sphingomyelins as a potential prognostic marker and implicated enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism as candidate therapeutic targets that warrant further investigation.
Selective Detection of NO and NO2 with CNTs-Based Ionization Sensor Array
Authors: Song Hui , Li Kun , Wang Chang
Published: July 2018

The accurate detection of NOx is an important issue, because nitrogen oxides are not only environmental pollutants, but also harm to human health. An array composed of two carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based ionization sensors with different separations is proposed for NO and NO2 selective detection. The experimental results indicate that the CNTs-based ionization sensor has an intrinsic, monotonically decreasing response to NO or NO2. The sensor with 80 µm separations and 100 µm separations exhibited the highest sensitivity of −0.11 nA/ppm to 300 ppm NO and −0.49 nA /ppm to 70 ppm NO2, respectively. Although the effect of the NO2 concentration on the NO response is much stronger than that of NO on NO2, the array of these two sensors still exhibits the ability to simultaneously detect the concentrations of NO and NO2 in a gas mixture without component separation.
Percolated Si:SiO2 Nanocomposites: Oven- vs. Millisecond Laser-Induced Crystallization of SiOx Thin Films
Authors: Schumann Erik , Hübner René , Grenzer Jörg , Gemming Sibylle , Krause Matthias
Published: July 2018

Three-dimensional nanocomposite networks consisting of percolated Si nanowires in a SiO2 matrix, Si:SiO2, were studied. The structures were obtained by reactive ion beam sputter deposition of SiOx (x ≈ 0.6) thin films at 450 ∘C and subsequent crystallization using conventional oven, as well as millisecond line focus laser treatment. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, cross-sectional and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy were applied for sample characterization. While oven treatment resulted in a mean Si wire diameter of 10 nm and a crystallinity of 72% within the Si volume, almost single-domain Si structures of 30 nm in diameter and almost free of amorphous Si were obtained by millisecond laser application. The structural differences are attributed to the different crystallization processes: conventional oven tempering proceeds via solid state and millisecond laser application via liquid phase crystallization of Si. The five orders of magnitude larger diffusion constant in the liquid phase is responsible for the three-times larger Si nanostructure diameter. In conclusion, laser treatment offers not only significantly shorter process times, but moreover, a superior structural order of nano-Si compared to conventional heating.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Loaded Porous Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) Electrodes Used in a Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Cell for Effective Desalination
Authors: Aldalbahi Ali , Rahaman Mostafizur , Almoiqli Mohammed , Hamedelniel Abdelrazig , Alrehaili Abdulaziz
Published: July 2018

Acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (a-SWCNT)-coated reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) composite electrodes have been prepared and the use of these electrodes in capacitive deionization (CDI) cells for water desalination has been the focus of this study. The performance of these electrodes was tested based on the applied voltage, flow rate, bias potential and a-SWCNT loadings, and then evaluated by electrosorption dynamics. The effect of the feed stream directly through the electrodes, between the electrodes, and the distance between the electrodes in the CDI system on the performance of the electrodes has been investigated. The interaction of ions with the electrodes was tested through Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. A new CDI cell was developed, which shows an increase of 23.96% in electrosorption capacity compared to the basic CDI cells. Moreover, a comparison of our results with the published results reveals that RVC/a-SWCNT electrodes produce 16 times more pure water compared to the ones produced using only CNT-based electrodes. Finally, it can be inferred that RVC/a-SWCNT composite electrodes in newly-developed CDI cells can be effectively used in desalination technology for water purification.