bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLICATIONS OF PETROGRAPHY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF ATHINIOS METAMORPHIC UNITS USING PXRF AND GIS ANALYSES IN THERA (SANTORINI, GREECE).
Authors: Pasqualon N.G. , Santos K.N.S. , Marsellos A.E. , Kyriakopoulos K.
Published: July 2017

Santorini metamorphic basement is part of the metamorphic complex known as Cycladic Massif, which was formed during the subduction of the Mediterranean lithosphere underneath the Aegean microplate. The two main components of the exposed basement are a complex of low-grade schists and phyllites, which are well exposed in Athinios harbour and overlaid by the crystalline limestones exposed in Mount Profitis Ilias and Mount Mesa Vouno. The Eocene and Miocene metamorphic units present evidence of dynamic metamorphism, and possibly are influenced by a granitic intrusion in Miocene. In this study, a new methodology was developed to study the two units exposed at Athinios. Structural data and rock samples were analysed using a Portable X-Ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer analysis at Athinios and integrated in aGIS (Geographical Information System) software to understand the spatial geochemical variations in the area. PXRF results for the two metamorphic units showed similar geochemical patterns. However, a contour map of TiO2 (%) for the metamorphic rocks of the Athinios area presented intermittent zones of high and low TiO2 concentrations which could indicate hydrothermal remobilization of light elements and an enrichment in Ti. Petrography and geochemistry results suggest the local existence of a ductile-brittle shear zone between the two metamorphic units.
MINERAL CHEMISTRY AND FORMATION OF AWARUITE AND HEAZLEWOODITE IN THE XEROLIVADO CHROME MINE, VOURINOS, GREECE
Authors: Tzamos E. , Filippidis A. , Michailidis K. , Koroneos A. , Rassios A. , Grieco G. , Pedrotti M. , Stamoulis K.
Published: July 2017

The Serpentinite between the chromite bodies 4 and 5 of Xerolivado mine (Vourinos, Greece), contains sparsely very small grains (<20μm) of awaruite (Fe0.91Cu0.06Co0.03Ni3), heazlewoodite (Ni2.91Fe0.06S2), magnetite and Co pentlandite (Ni3.79Fe2.98Co2.38S8). The olivine contains 0.40 wt% NiO and 6.91 wt% FeO, while the serpentine 0.18 wt% NiO and 3.02 wt% FeO. The Co-content of awaruite is 1.31 wt% and that of heazlewoodite 0.12 wt%. Heazlewoodite is a product of the primary Co-pentlandite reduction, resulting from the serpentinization of the ultramafic rock. The Ni content of awaruite is derived both from olivine and from Co-pentlandite. The reducing environment resulting from serpentinization and the low sulphur fugacity, favour the formation of awaruite, heazlewoodite and magnetite.
THE MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THRACE ZEOLITIC ROCKS AND THEIR POTENTIAL USE AS FEED ADDITIVES AND NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS
Authors: Filippidis A. , Kantiranis N. , Tsirambides A.
Published: July 2017

Thirty two (32) locations of zeolitic rocks from Thrace (29 from Evros prefecture and 3 from Rhodope prefecture) were investigated for their mineralogical composition by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) method. According to EU Regulation No 651/2013, clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin (zeolitic tuffs) with ≥80 wt% clinoptilolite, ≤20 wt% clay minerals, free of fibres and quartz, can be used as feed additive for all animal species. The zeolitic rocks of Thrace on average contain, 23-89 wt% HEUtype zeolite (clinoptilolite-heulandite), 8-45 wt% mordenite (ten locations), 24 wt% analcime (one location), 1-11 wt% mica, 1 11 wt% clay minerals, 3-37 wt% quartz, 2-29 wt% cristobalite, 3-34 wt% feldspars and 0-22 wt% amorphous materials. Only one location contains 89 wt% HEU-type zeolite (clinoptilolite-heulandite), 2 wt% clay minerals, is free of fibres, but unfortunately it contains 3 wt% quartz and 2 wt% cristobalite. Considering the mineralogical composition, the zeolitic rocks of Thrace do not meet the requirements of the EU Regulation No 651/2013, and thus cannot be used as feed additives for all animal species and consequently as nutrition supplements, since the zeolitic rocks in all locations, contain on average 3-37 wt% quartz, 2-29 wt% cristobalite, 8-45 wt% mordenite (fibrous zeolite) in 10 locations, 24-65 wt% zeolites (HEU-type ± mordenite ± analcime) in 28 locations, 74 wt% HEUtype zeolite in 2 locations and 77 wt% HEU-type zeolite in 1 location.
ATTAPULGITE CLAY OF THE VENTZIA BASIN, WESTERN MACEDONIA, GREECE, AS TEMPLATE IN SYNTHESIZING AMORPHOUS CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: Koukakis P. , Tsakiridis P. , Ntziouni A. , Kordatos K. , Perraki M.
Published: July 2017

Attapulgite from the Ventzia Basin, Western Macedonia, Greece, was used as a template for preparing amorphous carbon nanotubes by vapor deposition polymerization (VDP) method and two different alcohols, furfuryl alcohol and ethylene glycol, as carbon source. The morphology and structure of the as prepared carbon nanotubes were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and a transmission electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were additionally employed. The amorphous nature of the carbon nanotubes has been confirmed by the XRD and the SAED pattern, as well as the Raman spectrum. No noticeable difference was observed in the morphology and structure of the as prepared carbon nanotubes regarding the type of alcohol used as carbon source. However, a difference in the quantity of the produced carbon nanotubes was noticed, with the furfuryl alcohol, as carbon source, producing a larger amount of carbon nanotubes than the ethylene glycol.
RARE ELEMENTS (ZR, NB, LA, CE AND HF) IN TRAFFIC EMITTED FERRIMAGNETIC PARTICLES FROM ROAD DUSTS
Authors: Bourliva A. , Papadopoulou L. , Aidona E.
Published: July 2017

In the present study, the presence and the elemental contents of some rare elements such as zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce) and hafnium (Hf) in different fractions (bulk samples, non-magnetic fraction NMF and magnetic fractionMF) of road dusts from the city of Thessaloniki, were  nvestigated. The mean Zr, Nb, La, Ce and Nb concentrations in the bulk road dust samples were 32.1, 5, 16.4, 40 and 0.9 μg g-1 ,αντίστοιχα.. On the other hand, the studied rare elements concentrations in magnetic fractions (MFs) were enriched and the enrichment ratios, defined as the concentration ratio of metals in MFs and NMFs, ranged between 1.9 (Ce) and 7.9 (Nb). Pearson’s correlation coefficients in the MFs indicated 3 groups of elements originating from common source: a) Zr-Hf-Cr-Cu-Mo-Sn-Sb, b) Nb-Ni-Cu-Mo-Sn and c) La-Ce. The significant correlations of the Zr, Hf and Nb with elements such as Cu, Sb, Sn and Mo which are characteristic of brake wear emissions indicated that the emission of these elements in the urban environment can also be attributed to vehicular traffic as they are highly associated with traffic emitted ferrimagnetic particles.
MOBILITY OF MERCURY IN THE VOLCANIC/GEOTHERMAL AREA OF NISYROS (GREECE)
Authors: Gagliano A.L. , Calabrese S. , Daskalopoulou K. , Cabassi J. , Capecchiacci F. , Tassi F. , Bonsignore M. , Sprovieri M. , Kyriakopoulos K. , Bellomo S. , Brusca L. , D’Alessandro W.
Published: July 2017

In the summer 2013, mercury concentrations in soils and air from Nisyros (Greece), an active volcanic island located in the Aegean Sea, were determined. Up to 102 samples of soil were collected in the Lakki plain caldera and analyzed for mercury by using a cold vapour atomic absorption analyzer, following 7473 US EPA method. Concentrations of mercury in air were also investigated in the same sites with a portable spectrophotometer (Lumex RA-915M). Soil mercury concentrations were in the range from 0.023 to 13.7 µg/g. The mercury concentrations in air showed high background values in the Lakki plain caldera, ranging from 21 to 36 ng/m3 and maximum values up to 493 ng/m3 in the proximity of the fumarolic areas, in contrast with the relatively low values (from 2 to 5 ng/m3 ) measured in the distal sites outside of the caldera. The positive correlation between mercury and CO2 and H2S in the atmosphere highlights the important role of fumarolic gases as carrier for gaseous mercury (Hg0 ). On the contrary, mercury does not show significant correlations with CO2 and H2S in the soil gases. This finding evidences the complexity of the processes affecting mercury in hydrothermal gases passing through the soil.
COPPER ACCUMULATION IN VINEYARD SOILS FROM NEMEA, GREECE
Authors: Kelepertzis E. , Massas I. , Fligos G. , Panagiotou M. , Argyraki A.
Published: July 2017

We present for the first time the extent and magnitude of Cu accumulation in calcareous vineyard soils from Nemea, Greece, as result of intensive application of Cu-based fungicidal sprays. Surface (0-20 cm) soil samples were collected from 40 vineyard plots covering the whole agricultural region of Nemea devoted to viticulture. In 20 randomly selected vineyards, we also collected soil at 50 cm depth. Major soil properties were determined (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and equivalent calcium carbonate contents, particle size distribution). Copper concentrations in Nemea vineyard soils (33.1 - 291 mg kg 1 ) were similar to those reported in the soils of vineyards in other parts of Europe. Copper has migrated down the soil profile since the levels at 50 cm depth are higher than the known background concentrations, probably as result of soil disturbance by tillage practices. We did not find differences in Cu availability between the surface and deep soil samples after applying the DTPA chemical extraction. The DTPA-extracted Cu concentrations were largely dependent on the total soil Cu content. The excessive application of Cu-based fungicides should be avoided with the aim to ensure that Cu accumulation does not reach levels that may inhibit plant growth.
SAFETY ISSUES WHEN MONITORING CO2 STORAGE IN THE PRINOS AREA, GREECE
Authors: Koukouzas N. , Lymperopoulos P. , Tasianas A.
Published: July 2017

Geological storage of CO2 in geological structures in the subsurface can mitigate global warming. A safe storage of CO2 can be ensured through the development of comprehensive monitoring programs that prevent any possible leakage of CO2. This paper presents various monitoring strategies of CO2 subsurface movement in the Prinos reservoir, northern Greece, the results of a simulation of a CO2 leak through a well, and an environmental risk assessment study related to the leakage of CO2 or oil from the seafloor. After only 13.7 years, from the beginning of injection, the CO2 leak reaches the seabed in the form of gas. For the assessment we set up a model, using ArcGIS software, based on the use of data regarding the speeds of the winds and currents encountered in the region. Assumptions were also made related to the flow rate of CO2. Modeling results show that it only takes a period of 10 days from the start of oil leakage until the “Natura” protected areas start to be affected. CO2 leakage modelling results show CO2 to be initially flowing along a preferential flow direction, which is towards NE. However, 5 days after the start of leakage of CO2, it is also flowing towards ENE. The consequences of a potential CO2 leak are considered spatially limited and the ecosystem is capable of recovering by itself.
GEOMOPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY INDEX FOR OIL SPILLS OF ANAVYSSOS BAY, ATTICA
Authors: Kourliaftis G. , Kapsimalis V. , Vandarakis D. , Pavlopoulos K.
Published: July 2017

The study of the coastal and shallow marine geomorphology of the adjacent bays of Anavyssos and Aghios Nikolaos (southeastern Attica) was carried out by acoustic scanning of the seafloor with an echo sounder and sonar side scan; topographical sections perpendicular to the shoreline, collection and analysis of surface sediments; determination of long-term shoreline displacements by comparing old and modern aerial photographs and satellite imagery. The terrestrial part of the coastal area consists of many landforms, such as lagoons, cliffs, beachrocks, tombola etc. The beaches affected by intense human activity have gentle slopes, low elevations and a coarse-grained texture. The remote sensing analysis showed that, over the last six decades, there are some small shoreline changes of the order of ± 2 meters. The bays have relatively gentle gradients covered by sand in their shallower parts and patches of Posidonia Oceanica towards the open sea. Taken into account the texture of sediments and landforms that make up the terrestrial part of the coasts, four categories (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th) of Environmental Sensitivity Index for oil spill (ESI) have been identified and an ESI map is created serving as a quick reference for oil spill responders and coastal zone managers.
Constructing gendered identities: the rhetorics of gender in the NGO’s volunteers’ talk about sex trafficking
Authors: Μάκη (Kostoula Maki) Κωστούλα
Published: July 2017

This study examines the construction of gendered identities in Greek NGO volunteers’ discourse about sex trafficking, from the perspective of critical discursive social psychology and recent feminist post-structuralist theory. More specifically, the key analytical tools of the study’s methodology are the concepts of interpretative repertoires and ideological dilemmas (Potter and Wetherell, 1987, Wetherell, 1998, Billig, Condor, Edwards, Gene, Middleton, and Radley, 1988). The analysis highlights the link between the social construction of gender and sex trafficking. Gender is an object of negotiation in the volunteers’ discourse on sex trafficking and is related to specific ideological positions and dilemmas that emerge from the analysis.

The study consists of 32 semi structured interviews with volunteers working for NGOs in Greece. The NGOs were classified in four categories according to their profile. Those categories are:

NGOs with a humanistic profile.

NGOs with a religious profile.

NGO’s with a medical profile.

NGO’s with a feminist profile.

The survey’s data were collected between the months of June and December 2009. The interviews were conducted in the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki and Ioannina. Each interview lasted between one hour and one hour and a half. At this initial stage interviews were transcribed for content only. The data corpus adds up to approximately 800 A4 typewritten pages.

The analysis of this study is presented in chapter 7, 8 and 9. Chapter 7 examines sex trafficking as a criminal activity. Chapter 8 examines the “moral panic” that surrounds sex trafficking discourses. The final chapter (9), deals with the connection of sex trafficking to the “underdeveloped countries” and the ideological dilemmas that are related to it.
Recent advances in acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Authors: Ng Chin-Hin , Chng Wee-Joo
Published: July 2017

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) is a subtype of leukaemia arising from a distinct reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 15 and 17, which results in thePML-RARAfusion gene. Over the past three decades, APML has been transformed from a highly fatal disease to a highly curable one. This drastic improvement is because of the introduction of a new treatment strategy with all-trans retinoic acid and, more recently, arsenic trioxide. The revolutionary treatment of APML has also paved the way for a new cancer treatment, which is genetically targeted therapy. In this review, we look into this amazing journey of transformation and provide recent advances in the management of APML.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: an update on connecting the tracts
Authors: Smith Mallory K , Nicholson Cynthia L , Parks-Miller Angela , Hamzavi Iltefat H
Published: July 2017

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a devastating disease involving abscesses, sinus tracts, and inflammation classically affecting the axilla, groin, and/or anogenital region. Although the disease pathogenesis is not fully understood, recent advances suggest that HS pathology runs much deeper than the cutaneous manifestations. It is now believed that HS is a systemic inflammatory disease that gives rise to the characteristic cutaneous manifestations. This disease is problematic for both patients and physicians to manage because of a variety of diagnostic and management difficulties. This article seeks to provide updates on the current understanding of HS to increase awareness and improve management.
Disability Policy Evaluation: Combining Logic Models and Systems Thinking
Authors: Claes Claudia , Ferket Neelke , Vandevelde Stijn , Verlet Dries , De Maeyer Jessica
Published: July 2017

Policy evaluation focuses on the assessment of policy-related personal, family, and societal changes or benefits that follow as a result of the interventions, services, and supports provided to those persons to whom the policy is directed. This article describes a systematic approach to policy evaluation based on an evaluation framework and an evaluation process that combine the use of logic models and systems thinking. The article also includes an example of how the framework and process have recently been used in policy development and evaluation in Flanders (Belgium), as well as four policy evaluation guidelines based on relevant published literature.
Audience behaviours and digital television policy measures in Italy: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Papa Filomena , Sapio Bartolomeo , Nicolò Enrico
Published: July 2017

A transition process to new Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) technologies is in progress in Europe, connected to the release of the 700 MHz band. In the management of this new technological transition, the experience gained in the previous transition process (from analogue to digital) could provide useful insight to help reduce costs and promote citizens’ uptake of new technologies. This article presents an investigation into the use behaviour of adults not using the Internet during the DTT transition and their future expectations regarding TV services. As a broad reference, we adopted both user experience and user acceptance models, in particular the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Following a qualitative methodological approach, three focus groups were carried out, involving adult non-Internet users. The results confirm that user segmentation is critical not only on the basis of socio-demographic variables but also according to the definition of appropriate cultural models. A segmentation into four micro-cultures (‘Ideologically against’, ‘Inadequates’, ‘Enthusiasts’, ‘Indigents’) emerges. This segmentation can inspire different tactical interventions to encourage the adoption of digital media and different policy measures, such as communication campaigns, specific support modalities and economic incentives. In order to face the 700 MHz band transition process, it is advisable to carry out ad hoc qualitative surveys with the direct involvement of citizens, in order to identify the most appropriate measures to be implemented in favour of the corresponding user segments.
Rocking against patriarchy: Single-sex solutions for female musicians
Authors: Gregory Georgina
Published: July 2017

Opinions on the merits of single sex education are divided, but it is acknowledged that this context for learning offers certain benefits for female musicians. This is particularly true for female rock guitarists and drummers, who are under-represented and rarely achieve virtuoso status. The scarcity of women musicians in rock and heavy metal is noted by various feminist scholars, but solutions to the problem of under-representation are elusive. In order to perform rock music professionally, women must develop initial musicianship skills. However, many girls and younger women report being intimidated, marginalized or excluded in rock bands, making it harder for them to gain experience. This article draws attention to two recent developments – female rock tributes and rock camps for women and girls – presenting them as offering a feminist solution for women who would like to perform metal and rock music with confidence.
Rethinking the Guidonian hand for twenty-first-century musicians
Authors: Fleet Paul
Published: July 2017

The immediate recognition and description of the thirteen enharmonic intervals within an octave is a quest upon which students on popular music degree programmes frequently embark, but which they rarely complete. The problem often lies in a disconnect between the sound heard and the sound recognized when the task is undertaken without recourse to an instrument. During the eleventh century, Guido d’Arezzo used the joints on the hand (phalanges) to help music students recognize and sing intervals from hexachords. This article considers rethinking this tool with regard to recent investigations into corporeal intentionality. The approach is developed across three short incremental exercises that are designed for the twenty-first-century musician. It begins by connecting the familiar singing of a major scale whilst pointing to the phalanges of the hand, moving towards inflecting the scale by singing and pointing to non-sequential intervals.
Giving it all away: Race, locale and the transformations of blues harmonica education in the digital age
Authors: Gussow Adam
Published: July 2017

This essay explores the transformation of blues harmonica education in recent decades, via changes in the racial cohorts of teachers and students, emergence of digital technologies and dematerialization of teaching contexts. As a by-product of the ‘whitening’ of the American blues scene between 1960 and 1970, ‘old-school’ pedagogical exchanges constituted by black masters and apprentices modulated to include white apprentices. Tony ‘Little Sun’ Glover’s instructional Blues Harp (1965) marks a key transition: an erstwhile white master engaging in distance learning with an invisible cohort of students. Subsequently, literature scholar and blues harp player/teacher, Gussow, vowed to ‘give it all away on YouTube’, creating a pioneering website for peddling instructional videos. He also interrogates racial problematics of his business model, sketches his blues apprenticeships with older African Americans and concludes with a story about his own younger black apprentice, a Memphis teen who wins a ‘Star Search’ competition, harmonica in hand.
Book Reviews
Authors: Beauregard Julie , Gulish Sarah
Published: July 2017

Remixing the Classroom: Toward an Open Philosophy of Music Education, Randall Everett Allsup (2016)

Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press, 198 pp.,

ISBN: 978-0253021427, $27.00

 

When Music Goes to School: Perspectives on Learning and Teaching, D. Littleton (2015)

Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc., 172 pp.,

ISBN-13: 978-1475813357, paperback: $30.00, hardback: $60.00
THE INTERACTION OF HUMAN OSTEOBLAST-LIKE Saos-2 CELLS WITH STAINLESS STEEL AND Si(100) COATED BY SILICALITE 1 FILMS
Authors: Jirka Ivan , Vandrovcová Marta , Plšek Jan , Bačáková Lucie
Published: July 2017

Interaction of osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells with stainless steel and Si(100) covered by a film of densely intergrown silicalite-1 crystals is investigated.  Surface properties  of the films are tuned by synthesis conditions and post-synthetic modifications.  A number of adhered cells is affected by surface morphology and wettability of the film.
Transitivities of maps on G-spaces
Authors: Garg Mukta , Das Ruchi
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we define various kinds of transitivity of maps onG-spaces. We obtain conditions onG-spaces and on maps for one type of transitivity to imply another type of transitivity. Giving several examples and proving various equivalences, we provide a complete description of the relationships among the different types of transitivities defined for maps onG-spaces.
E-Book-Metadaten Pool und E-Book-Management Tool – ein Kooperationsprojekt von BSZ und VZG
Authors: Block Barbara , Kühn Roswitha
Published: July 2017

Im Rahmen der Kooperation des Gemeinsamen Bibliotheksverbundes (GBV) und des Bibliotheksservicezentrums Baden-Württemberg (BSZ) wurde als gemeinsames Projekt ein E-Book-Metadaten Pool aufgebaut. Ziel ist es, möglichst schnell und flexibel mit den Metadateneinspielungen in die Verbundsysteme und damit in die lokalen Kataloge zu reagieren, wenn neue Lizenzierungen aus den Teilnehmerbibliotheken gemeldet werden.

Zusätzlich wurde im BSZ ein E-Book-Metadaten-Management Tool (das EBM-Tool) programmiert, über das die Informationen zu Lizenzen und Paketen im E-Book-Pool verwaltet werden können.
Einführung des Qualitätsmanagementmodells „Ausgezeichnete Bibliothek“ an der Hochschulbibliothek Heilbronn
Authors: Zoller Rahel , Dolch Dagmar
Published: July 2017

Die Bibliothek der Hochschule Heilbronn erhält im Mai 2017 als eine der ersten Hochschulbibliotheken für Angewandte Wissenschaften das Zertifikat „Ausgezeichnete Bibliothek“. Dieser Projektbericht beschreibt die Arbeit der vorausgehenden drei Jahre, die Besonderheiten und das Vorgehen vor Ort sowie die dadurch entstandenen Verbesserungen und Ergebnisse.
Role of TRAF3 in neurological and cardiovascular diseases: an overview of recent studies
Authors: Cullell Natalia , Muiño Elena , Carrera Caty , Torres Nuria , Krupinski Jerzy , Fernandez-Cadenas Israel
Published: July 2017

Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is a member of the TRAF adaptor protein family, which exerts different effects on the cell depending on the receptor to which it binds and the cell type in which it is expressed. TRAF3 is a major regulator of the innate immune response. To perform its functions properly,TRAF3is transcriptionally and epigenetically regulated. At the transcriptional level,TRAF3expression has been associated with neurological and cardiovascular diseases including stroke, among other pathologies. Epigenetic modifications ofTRAF3have been observed at the histone and DNA levels. It has been observed that acetylation ofTRAF3, as well as other NF-κβ target genes, is associated with cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore,TRAF3methylation has been associated with vascular recurrence after ischemic stroke in patients treated with clopidogrel. In this overview, we summarise the most interesting studies related to transcriptional and epigenetic regulation ofTRAF3focusing on those studies performed in neurological and cardiovascular diseases.
Critical Modeling & Exergy Analysis of Multi Phase Change Materials Storage System
Authors: Hosseininasab Seyedalireza , Nemati Lay Ebrahim
Published: July 2017

Using the phase change materials (PCMs) can help to store thermal energy as latent heat method in the multi PCMs storage system. In this research study, an analytical model has been developed for solar thermal storage system. An especial shell and tube heat exchanger is considered to heat exchange purpose. Double pipes have been used as tubes and PCMs allocated on the shell side of the double pipes for the heat exchanger. The hot heat transfer fluid (HTF) flows across the tube banks to charge the thermal energy storage system during the charging cycle. The thermal energy absorbed in PCMs while the HFT temperature reduced in the charging process. The heat exchanger tube length is function of HTF residence time then the equivalent length is defined in the presented model. The validity of the proposed model has been checked by comparison between the analytical results and numerical data obtained before using CFD simulation. The result shows that required times to melt of the PCMs for the presented study has the consistency of about 0.928 with CFD results in different PCMs melting percentages. Also the required time to melt of the PCMs for the presented study has the consistency of 0.915 with CFD results in different air inlet temperatures. Therefore the presented model can predict the system behavior also can apply for cascaded PCMs storage systems for exergy analysis.
Challenges in preparation of metal-containing nanocomposites; dispersion of titanium into plastics
Authors: Sur Gunjan , Chhabra Pranshu , Gupta Ruchi , Saxena Shikha , Tyagi Mukti , Seshadri Geetha , Verma Gurucharan Lal , Khandal Rakesh Kumar
Published: July 2017

Metal containing polymers are of great interest as they have proven to be the most promising materials for applications such as microelectronics, holography and magnetic recording of information. Metal containing polymers also provide an alternative to even the specialty glass materials conventionally used for optical applications. Metals such as barium, lead and lanthanum have been used to improve the optical properties such as refractive index and mechanical properties such as hardness of optical plastics. The metal-containing optical plastic materials with improved refractive index of as much as 1.60 along with the Abbe number of more than 30 have been successfully designed using these metals by the authors of this paper. To further increase the refractive index without any drop in Abbe number and to improve the hardness of the polymer matrix, titanium would be the most promising metal. Incorporation of titanium in plastic matrices to form homogeneous and optically clear compositions is a challenging task. This paper reviews the state-ofthe- art by which titanium can be dispersed in polymer matrices to form metal containing composites as optical plastics.
Novel silane based cross-linkers for preparation of methyl methacrylate gels
Authors: Naghash Hamid Javaherian , Garshasb Mir
Published: July 2017

(2,2'-(Dimethylsilanediyl)bis(oxy)bis(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(2-methylacrylate) (Type A cross-linker), (2,2'-(methyl) (phenyl) silanediyl)bis(oxy) bis (ethane-1,2- diyl)bis(2-methylacrylate)) (Type B cross-linker), and (2,2'-(diphenylsilanediyl)bis (oxy)bis(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(2-methylacrylate)) (Type C cross-linker) three novel cross-linkers, (divinyl monomers), containing silanes and two methacrylates group (Si-DVM) were prepared by the condensation of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with dichlorodimethyl, (DCDM) dichloromethyl phenyl (DCMP) and dichlorodiphenyl silane (DCDPS) in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). With these cross-linkers, methyl methacrylate, (MMA) can copolymerize by free-radical cross-linking copolymerization in toluene at a total monomer concentration of 3 molL-1 and at 70 °C. The experimental results show that increasing of Si-DVM concentration resulted in a decrease in gel point and swelling degree and an increase in conversion percent and weight fraction of the gels. The obtained crosslinkers were characterized by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and structural characteristics of the gels were examined by using equilibrium swelling in toluene solvent, gel fraction and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The morphology of the copolymers was also investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
On the metastability of β phase in isotactic polypropylene: experiments and numerical simulation
Authors: Sajkiewicz Paweł , Gradys Arkadiusz , Ziabicki Andrzej , Misztal-Faraj Beata
Published: July 2017

Phase transitions in isotactic polypropylene were investigated during isothermal crystallization and heating after isothermal crystallization using various experimental techniques. The results obtained by wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), light depolarization technique (LDT), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical microscopy show that crystallization of isotactic polypropylene can result in simultaneous formation of two crystal modifications, α and β. There is clear experimental evidence that β phase tends to convert into α modification during crystallization as well as during subsequent heating. Experimental results are compared with numerical simulation performed according to the model of nucleation-controlled phase transitions in multiphase systems. The results of simulation show that b phase is not thermodynamically stable in any temperature range. The reason for the appearance of β phase is related to low interfacial tension of melt vs β. It has been also shown that maximum crystallinity reached in experiments does not exceed 40-50% in agreement with the concept of constrained amorphous phase.
Copolymerzation of L,L-lactide with ε-caprolactone by using novel zinc L-proline organometallic catalyst
Authors: Pandey Asutosh K.
Published: July 2017

Copolyesters based on L,L-lactide (LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL) with different LA: ε-CL ratios were synthesized by ring opening polymerization using zinc (L-proline) as a catalyst. Ring opening polymerization results in random P(L, L-lactide-ε-caprolactone) copolymers of molecular weights between 9,800 to 30,000 and block copolymer up to 51,800 Da. 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis was used for calculation of monomer incorporation in the copolymer. FT-IR spectra were used to differentiate between random and block copolymer using carbonyl region splitting. 13C quantitative NMR spectroscopy analysis coupled with information from TGA and DSC allowed determination of the polymer structure. Copolymers (CP-1, CP-2 and CP-3) prepared by ROP are random copolymer (h>1), while CP-4 prepared by ROP (sequential addition of έ-caprolactone and L, L-lactide) has a multi block character (h<1). The LA number-average sequence length (LLA) decreased from 14 to 5 for LA-CL 80:20 to 50:50 copolymers prepared by ROP. The copolymer (CP-4) prepared by sequential addition showed the number-average sequence length (LLA) to be 83.0.
Modification of poly(D,L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer by low energy electron beam (EB) radiation
Authors: Miao Peikai , Wu Dimeng , Zhao Chun’e , Xu Guoliang , Zeng Ke , Wang Yipeng , Fu Qiang , Yang Gang
Published: July 2017

Poly(D,L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer (D,L-PLEG) synthesized by melt polycondensation was irradiated using low energy electron beam (EB) in the presence of triallyl cyanurate (TAC) and tetraallyl pentaerythritol (TAPE) as crosslinking agents. The tensile strength of D,L-PLEG/TAC and D,L-PLEG/TAPE samples increases up to 48 MPa and 28 MPa at dose of 80 kGy and 60 kGy, respectively, and decreases with further increase of dose, whereas the elongation at break decreases continuously with increasing dose. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is improved to some extent due to the formation of molecular chain network. Degradation of D,L-PLEG is retarded with introduction of cross-linked network. The results suggest that the physical properties of crosslinked D,L-PLEG can be adjusted easily by varying irradiation dose.
Effect of P(St-EGDMA)/P(MMA- St-BA-MA) core shell particles on dyeable fine polypropylene fibres
Authors: Yan Huizhi , Chen Yanmo , Zhang Yu , Wu Wenhua
Published: July 2017

Dyeable fine polypropylene (PP) fibre has remained a problem for decades. In this paper, blends of PP with P(St-EGDMA)/P(St-MMA-BA-MA) [poly(styrene-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)/poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate- butyl acrylate-methyl acrylate)] core shell particles, have been used for the preparation of dyeable fine PP fibres. Dyeing experiment showed that the incorporation of the designed core shell particles markedly enhanced the dyeability of fine PP fibres with three distinct disperse dyes and the shades of these dyed fine fibres were deep and bright. Mechanical tensile tests showed that the particles had slight effect on the mechanical properties of fine PP fibres. The designed core shell particles were relatively monodispersed with nanoscale, and were stable during the melt-spinning process. Spinning possibility of the blends and crystallinity and orientation of the dyeable fine PP fibres were also investigated. The possible reasons for the increased depth of shade were proposed.
Synthesis and properties of hyperbranched polyurethane elastomers based on dimer fatty acid-ethylene glycol polyester diol
Authors: Meng Jingjing , Yao Cheng
Published: July 2017

Hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) elastomers were synthesized from dimer fatty acid-ethylene glycol polyester diol (DFA-EG), toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and glycerol (GLY) by a two-step, solvent-free process. The effect of glycerol on phase separation was studied by Fourier transforminfrared (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal and viscoelastic properties of the HBPU were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively. The transparent HBPU elastomers presented a typical amorphous morphology, with a single glass transition temperature (Tg) about -25 °C. All TGA curves showed two distinct stages of degradation with the onset decomposition temperature at 275 °C. It was found that the increasing content of GLY resulted in a decrease in the thermal stability between 295 °C and 445 °C. The results for DMA revealed that HBPU crosslinked with GLY had high elasticity up to 5.12 MPa at 100 °C. The best mechanical and viscoelastic properties were achieved at the nNCO(TDI)/nOH(DFA-EG+GLY) of 0.95, with its hardness and tensile strength values of 83 A and 13.2 MPa, respectively and the storage modulus value of 32.8 MPa. In addition, the lowest water absorptivity was 0.24% when the nNCO(TDI)/nOH(DFA-EG+GLY) equalled 1.05.
Fire retardancy effect of aluminium phosphinate and melamine polyphosphate in glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6
Authors: Braun Ulrike , Bahr Horst , Schartel Bernhard
Published: July 2017

The fire retardancy mechanism of aluminium diethyl phosphinate (AlPi) and AlPi in combination with melamine polyphosphate (MPP) was investigated in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/GF) by analysing the pyrolysis, flammability and fire behaviour. AlPi in PA6/GF-AlPi partly vaporises as AlPi and partly decomposes to volatile diethylphosphinic acid (subsequently called phosphinic acid) and aluminium phosphate residue. In fire a predominant gasphase action was observed, but the material did not reach a V-0 classification for the moderate additive content used. For the combination of both AlPi and MPP in PA6/GF-AlPi-MPP a synergistic effect occurred, because of the reaction of MPP with AlPi. Aluminium phosphate is formed in the residue and melamine and phosphinic acid are released in the gas phase. The aluminium phosphate acts as a barrier for fuel and heat transport, whereas the melamine release results in fuel dilution and the phosphinic acid formation in flame inhibition. The higher amount of aluminium phosphate in PA6/GF-AlPi-MPP stabilised the residue in flammability tests in comparison to PA6/GF-AlPi, so that this material achieved a V-0 classification in the UL 94 test.
Post-irradiation effects on Nylon-fibers reinforced concretes
Authors: Martínez-Barrera Gonzalo , Menchaca-Campos Carmina , Vigueras- Santiago Enrique , Brostow Witold
Published: July 2017

Fiber-reinforced concretes (FRCs) have a wider application range than ordinary concretes. Properties of FRCs necessarily depend on the characteristics of the aggregates used. We have studied first effects of gamma radiation on mechanical properties of hydraulic concretes containing Portland cement, silica sand, marble, water and Nylon fibers. Compressive strength and dynamic elasticity modulus are of particular importance. In the second stage we have analyzed the changes in these mechanical properties after storage of our concretes for three years. The long storage results in a 97 % of increment in the compressive strength and simultaneous lowering by 35 % of the dynamic elastic modulus. We find a larger influence of the Nylon fibers than those of silica sand and marble on mechanical properties of the concretes.
Synthesis, third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of polystyrene containing 1,8-naphthalimide chromophores in the side chain
Authors: Zhengneng Jin , Najun Li , Jianmei Lu , Qingfeng Xu , Xuewei Xia , Jianfeng Ge , Lihua Wang
Published: July 2017

Two novel methacrylate monomers, (4-((methacryloyloxy)-hexyloxy)- benzylidene-hydrazine)-N-(4-alkyloxy)-benzene-1,8-naphthalimide (NAOPH) and (4-((methacryloyloxy)-hexyloxy)-3,5-dimethoxy-benzylidene-hydrazine)-N-(4-alkyloxy)- benzene-1,8-naphthalimide (NA3OPH) were synthesized. The polystyrenes containing 1,8-naphthalimide chromophores were prepared by copolymerization of styrene with NAOPH or NA3OPH. The obtained copolymers were characterized by GPC, 1H-NMR and TLC. The third-order NLO properties of the monomers and copolymers were measured by Z-scan technique. Results show that both monomers and copolymers have reverse saturable absorption (RSA) and selfdefocusing effects. For monomers, NA3OPH has larger third-order NLO susceptibility χ(3) than NAOPH due to introduction of two more methoxy groups. For all copolymers, larger χ(3) is observed when content of 1,8-naphthalimide chromophores was higher.
Novel low-band-gap conjugated polymers using an alternating donor/acceptor repeat unit
Authors: Piyakulawat Phimwipha , Keawprajak Anusit , Chindaduang Anon , Helfer Anke , Asawapirom Udom
Published: July 2017

A series of new π-conjugated donor-acceptor copolymers, based on a naphthalene-bisimide moiety as the electron-acceptor and connected to either thiophene or dialkylfluorene as the electron-donor, were synthesized. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents. The UV-Vis spectra of the copolymers in chloroform showed two absorption maxima at higher energies (ca. 301 - 364 nm), assigned to the π-π * transition, and at a lower energy (ca. 512 - 595 nm), ascribed to the intramolecular charge transfer between donor and acceptor units. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the polymers were susceptible to both electrochemical oxidation and reduction, and they had a LUMO and HOMO levels ranging from -4.07 to -3.80 eV and -6.13 to -5.64 eV, respectively. The energy band gaps were estimated to be 1.48 - 2.06 eV. These results represent a positive step towards making novel compounds suitable for electronic applications.
Catalytic activity of V2O5 on aniline polymerization and the study of structural properties of poly(aniline)/V2O5 nano composite
Authors: Arasi A.Yelil , Jeyakumari J.Juliet Latha , Sundaresan B. , Dhanalakshmi V. , Anbarasan R.
Published: July 2017

It is a novel approach to the synthesize Poly(aniline) / V2O5 nano composite by free radical polymerization method under different experimental conditions such as variation in time, temperature and concentration of aniline and initiator. It was indicated that V2O5 itself could catalyze the oxidative polymerization of aniline. This can be attributed to the internal doping effect, which introduced flexibility to the rigid PANI backbone. TGA counseled the thermal stability of PANI. Through FTIR study, the structure of PANI was established. Comparison of polymerized aniline composite with two different initiators was done.
Synthesis and characterization of novel optically active, poly(ester-imide)s bearing calix[4]arene and amino acid moieties: ionophoric properties and extraction abilities towards alkali-metal cations
Authors: Hajipour Abdol-Reza , Habibi Sakineh
Published: July 2017

Optically active poly(ester-imide)s (PEIs) containing upper rim calix[4]arene were prepared in good yield by polycondensation reactions of distal calix[4]arene diol with some optically active diacid chlorides. Pyromellitic dianhydride (3) was reacted with chiral amino acids (4a-4e) to obtain the resulting imide-acids (6a-6e). The compounds (6a-6e) were converted into the corresponding diacid chlorides (7a-7e). The polycondensation reactions of calixarene diol with optically active compounds 7a-7e were carried out by two methods: bulk polycondensation under microwave irradiation and solution polycondensation in a system of triethyl amine (TEA)/dichloromethane (CH2Cl2). The optically active PEIs had good yield and moderate inherent viscosity ranging between 0.18-0.38 dL/g. The extraction ability measurements of PEIs towards alkali metal cations (Na+, K+, Cs+) and Ag+ showed a remarkable efficiency and selectivity toward Ag+.
Wood-cement inhibition revisited and development of new wood-cement inhibitory and compatibility indices based on twelve wood species
Authors: Hachmi M’Hamed , Guelzim Mourad , Hakam Abdelillah , Sesbou Abdessadek
Published: July 2017

A new approach is presented in terms of the analysis of wood-cement (WC) compatibility, which is based on a similarity coefficient (CS) that reflects the degree of resemblance between the curves of the “WC hydration temperature vs. time (24 h)” based on 15 g WC mixture and that of neat cement (C). This approach classifies clearly the compatibilities of different wood species on a scale of 0–100%, on which the most incompatible species have CS-values <5% and the upper compatibility class CS data around 95%, which is close to that of C, and which cannot be exceeded. The CS-value is well suited for modelling the inhibitory behaviour of all woods. In the discussion, the CS-approach is compared with other inhibitory indices proposed in the literature.
Improving the Quality of Positive Datasets for the Establishment of Machine Learning Models for pre-microRNA Detection
Authors: Demirci Müşerref Duygu Saçar , Allmer Jens
Published: July 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of protein abundance and thus have a great impact on the resulting phenotype. It is, therefore, no wonder that they have been implicated in many diseases ranging from virus infections to cancer. This impact on the phenotype leads to a great interest in establishing the miRNAs of an organism. Experimental methods are complicated which led to the development of computational methods for pre-miRNA detection. Such methods generally employ machine learning to establish models for the discrimination between miRNAs and other sequences. Positive training data for model establishment, for the most part, stems from miRBase, the miRNA registry. The quality of the entries in miRBase has been questioned, though. This unknown quality led to the development of filtering strategies in attempts to produce high quality positive datasets which can lead to a scarcity of positive data. To analyze the quality of filtered data we developed a machine learning model and found it is well able to establish data quality based on intrinsic measures. Additionally, we analyzed which features describing pre-miRNAs could discriminate between low and high quality data. Both models are applicable to data from miRBase and can be used for establishing high quality positive data. This will facilitate the development of better miRNA detection tools which will make the prediction of miRNAs in disease states more accurate. Finally, we applied both models to all miRBase data and provide the list of high quality hairpins.
Assessment of strain and dyssynchrony in normal fetuses using speckle tracking echocardiography – comparison of three different ultrasound probes
Authors: Rolf Daniel , Schmidt Rene , Möllers Mareike , Oelmeier de Murcia Kathrin , Braun Janina , Hammer Kerstin , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To evaluate segmental left (LV-S) and right (RV-S) ventricular strain as well as longitudinal mechanical myocardial dyssynchrony as a time difference between peaks in strain of both ventricles in fetuses (two-chamber-dyssynchrony, 2C-DYS) using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of data acquisition on the results of STE measurement using different ultrasound probes.

Methods:

We prospectively recorded cardiac cycles of four-chamber views of 56 normal fetuses with three different ultrasound probes and analyzed them offline with speckle tracking imaging software. Furthermore, we looked at a possible influence of heartbeat variability (beat-to-beat variability).

Results:

The evaluation of the parameters was feasible with all three probes in 53 cases. There was no influence of heartbeat variability and no noticeable differences in 2C-DYS, LV-S and RV-S in all cases and for all three probes determined.

Conclusion:

Assessment of strain and dyssynchrony using STE with three different probes is comparable. Further research is needed to validate dyssynchrony as a predictor for fetal outcome.