bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Bloch Oscillations of a Dual Airy Beam
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Zhang Yiqi , Zhong Hua , Zhang Jingwen , Wang Rong , Belić Milivoj R. , Zhang Yanpeng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe investigate the propagation of a dual Airy beam in Hermitian and non‐Hermitian waveguides, theoretically and numerically. Optical Bloch oscillations (OBOs) of the beam are demonstrated during propagation in both types of waveguides, and the numerical OBO period is found to be in accordance with the theoretical predictions. The two branches of the dual Airy beam do not display translational symmetry — the peaks will form in one branch only, due to the desynchronized Bragg reflection of the lobes. In the non‐Hermitian waveguides, the dual Airy beam will be damped or amplified during propagation — depending on the imaginary part of the complex potential, which may provide loss or gain to the beam. In the ‐symmetric‐like potential, the dual Airy beam may undergo amplification during propagation, but the total power will exhibit a stair‐like behavior. The non‐reciprocity is also exhibited by the dual Airy beam in such a potential. We believe that our research not only provides a new geometry for optical switches but also deepens the understanding of OBO in dual Airy beams.
Real‐Time and Broadband Terahertz Wave Scattering Manipulation via Polarization‐Insensitive Conformal Graphene‐Based Coding Metasurfaces
Authors: Rouhi Kasra , Rajabalipanah Hamid , Abdolali Ali 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHere, for the first time, the real‐time and broadband manipulation of terahertz (THz) waves are acquired by introducing a multifunctional graphene‐based coding metasurface (GBCM). The designed structure consists of subwavelength patterned graphene units whose operational statuses can be dynamically switched between two digital states of “0” and “1”. By engineering the spatial distribution of chemical potentials across the GBCM, various scattering patterns having single, two, four, and numerous reflection beams are elaborately achieved just within one planar structure. To compute the far‐field pattern of GBCM, an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) is established, providing a fast and efficient design method. The proposed GBCM provides a low reflection bellow −10 dB over a broad frequency band ranging from 1 THz to 1.9 THz. In addition, the metasurface retains its low reflection behavior in a wide range of incident wave angles for both TE and TM polarizations. According to conformal invariance of graphene sheets, the stealth property of GBCM is well preserved while wrapping around a curved object. The proposed technique of real‐time scattering manipulation leads to multifunctional THz devices, opening new routes contributing to numerous applications such as imaging and stealth technology.
A Photoinduced Reversible Phase Transition in a Dipeptide Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Li Xianbao , Fei Jinbo , Xu Youqian , Li Dongxiang , Yuan Tingting , Li Guangle , Wang Chenlei , Li Junbai 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTunable supramolecular assembly has found various applications in biomedicine, molecular catalysis, optoelectronics, and nanofabrication. Unlike traditional covalent conjugation, non‐covalent introduction of a photoswitchable moiety enables reversible photomodulation of non‐photosensitive dipeptide supramolecular assembly. Under light illumination, a long‐lived photoacid generator releases a proton and mediates the dissociation of dipeptide‐based organogel, thereby resulting in sol formation. Under darkness, the photoswitchable moiety entraps a proton, resulting in gel regeneration. Furthermore, accompanying the isothermal recycled gel–sol transition in a spatially controlled manner, renewable patterns are spontaneously fabricated. This new concept of light‐controlled phase transition of amino acid‐based supramolecular assemblies will open up the possibility of wide applications.
Rumex abyssinicus (mekmeko) extract as cleaner approach for dyeing in product manufacture: Optimization and modeling studies
Authors: Mohammed Shegaw Ahmed , Panda Rames C. , Madhan Balaraman , Demessie Berhanu Assefa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSome of the synthetica dyes, used in leather dyeing, are carcinogenic. Hence an eco‐benign dyeing is made for leather based on mekmeko (Rumex abyssinicus) extract that contains the anthraquinones, a natural dyeing constituent containing bioactive compounds. It is the first time where this material is tried for dyeing application in leather manufacture. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is supported by a thermodynamic model and is augmented using intra‐particle diffusion model. The optimum concentration of the extract for dyeing was 20% based on the weight of the undyed crust leather (dry). For the modeling and optimization studies of mekmeko‐based dyeing process, response surface methodologies and artificial neural network were used. The pH, temperature, and time effects on exhaustion of the dye were studied. The optimized conditions were found to be pH 4.5, temperature 60 °C, and duration 5.5 hr. The exhaustion level of mekmeko extract in dyeing process under optimized conditions was found to be 72%. Kinetic models explain adsorption using different adsorption isotherms. The leathers were treated with different pre‐ or post‐mordants dyeing with mekmeko, and multiple colors were obtained depending on the types of mordants used. The overall results in this study indicated that the mekmeko‐dyed leathers exhibit good fastness and organoleptic characteristics.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride)–polyacrylonitrile blend flat‐sheet membranes reinforced with carbon nanotubes for wastewater treatment
Authors: Wu Yanyan , Gao Ruichang , Gao Shenghan , Li Mingxue 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIn this reported study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blend flat‐sheet membranes were prepared via a phase‐inversion method with various loadings of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The effects of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the performance and morphology of the PVDF–PAN composites were investigated via tests of the pure water flux and rejection of bovine serum albumin, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle (CA) analysis. The experimental results demonstrate that the CNTs contributed to the improvement of the flux and hydrophilicity of the membranes. The maximum value of the flux was 398.1 L m−2 h−1, and the value of CA for the composite membranes was found to be 48°. In addition, the results of the mechanical properties tests illustrate that the brittleness and plasticity of the hybrid membranes were greatly improved by the presence of the CNTs. The flux recovery ratio was maintained at 75%; this demonstrated that the PVDF–PAN membranes enhanced with the CNTs possessed good antifouling performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46155.
Thermal, mechanical, and surface properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer modified cementitious composites for sustainable development
Authors: Lu Zeyu , Hanif Asad , Lu Cong , Sun Guoxing , Cheng Yu , Li Zongjin 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the effect of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer on the thermal, mechanical, and surface properties on cementitious composites for sustainable development. Thermal properties of the PVA‐modified cement paste, including thermal insulation and energy absorption ability, were first studied and correlated with the porosity and microstructures. The experimental results indicated that the thermal conductivity of cement paste can be greatly reduced by 42.9% with 2.0 wt % addition of PVA due to the more porous structure. However, at the same time, more thermal energy can be captured and concentrated at the surface of cement paste with the increasing amount of PVA, causing an increased thermal load and a negative effect on thermal insulating efficiency of cement paste. The contradictory effect of PVA on thermal properties of cement paste should be balanced before it is used as a foaming modifier to fabricate cementitious composites with thermal insulation. In addition, the contact angle measurement revealed that PVA can be used as an effective additive to improve the hydrophobicity of cement‐based materials. Only 3.0% PVA can turn the surface nature from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity for cement paste, which benefited to the development of self‐cleaning cementitious composites. Finally, the mechanical properties of the PVA‐modified cement paste, especially for the tensile strength that has been rarely reported, were investigated and correlated with its thermal and surface properties. Due to the compensative effects of irregular packing, formation of PVA films and microcracks, tensile strength of cement paste can be improved by 23.5% with a small scarifying of the compressive strength by adding 2.0% of PVA. In conclusion, the PVA‐modified cement‐based materials with lower thermal conductivity, hydrophobic surface nature and enhanced mechanical properties have a great potential to satisfy the high requirements in developing sustainable infrastructure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46177.
Alloying in an Intercalation Host: Metal Titanium Niobates as Anodes for Rechargeable Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Das Suman , Swain Diptikanta , Araujo Rafael B. , Shi Songxin , Ahuja Rajeev , Row Tayur N. Guru , Bhattacharyya Aninda J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe discuss here a unique flexible non‐carbonaceous layered host, namely, metal titanium niobates (M‐Ti‐niobate, M: Al3+, Pb2+, Sb3+, Ba2+, Mg2+), which can synergistically store both lithium ions and sodium ions via a simultaneous intercalation and alloying mechanisms. M‐Ti‐niobate is formed by ion exchange of the K+ ions, which are specifically located inside galleries between the layers formed by edge and corner sharing TiO6 and NbO6 octahedral units in the sol‐gel synthesized potassium titanium niobate (KTiNbO5). Drastic volume changes (approximately 300–400 %) typically associated with an alloying mechanism of storage are completely tackled chemically by the unique chemical composition and structure of the M‐Ti‐niobates. The free space between the adjustable Ti/Nb octahedral layers easily accommodates the volume changes. Due to the presence of an optimum amount of multivalent alloying metal ions (50–75 % of total K+) in the M‐Ti‐niobate, an efficient alloying reaction takes place directly with ions and completely eliminates any form of mechanical degradation of the electroactive particles. The M‐Ti‐niobate can be cycled over a wide voltage range (as low as 0.01 V) and displays remarkably stable Li+ and Na+ ion cyclability (>2 Li+/Na+ per formula unit) for widely varying current densities over few hundreds to thousands of successive cycles. The simultaneous intercalation and alloying storage mechanisms is also studied within the density functional theory (DFT) framework. DFT expectedly shows a very small variation in the volume of Al‐titanium niobate following lithium alloying. Moreover, the theoretical investigations also conclusively support the occurrence of the alloying process of Li ions with the Al ions along with the intercalation process during discharge. The M‐Ti‐niobates studied here demonstrate a paradigm shift in chemical design of electrodes and will pave the way for the development of a multitude of improved electrodes for different battery chemistries.
High Crystalline Prussian White Nanocubes as a Promising Cathode for Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Li Cong , Zang Rui , Li Pengxin , Man Zengming , Wang Shijian , Li Xuemei , Wu Yuhan , Liu Shuaishuai , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPrussian blue and its analogues (PBAs) have been recognized as one of the most promising cathode materials for room‐temperature sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we report high crystalline and Na‐rich Prussian white Na2CoFe(CN)6 nanocubes synthesized by an optimized and facile co‐precipitation method. The influence of crystallinity and sodium content on the electrochemical properties was systematically investigated. The optimized Na2CoFe(CN)6 nanocubes exhibited an initial capacity of 151 mA h g−1, which is close to its theoretical capacity (170 mA h g−1). Meanwhile, the Na2CoFe(CN)6 cathode demonstrated an outstanding long‐term cycle performance, retaining 78 % of its initial capacity after 500 cycles. Furthermore, the Na2CoFe(CN)6 Prussian white nanocubes also achieved a superior rate capability (115 mA h g−1 at 400 mA g−1, 92 mA h g−1 at 800 mA g−1). The enhanced performances could be attributed to the robust crystal structure and rapid transport of Na ions through large channels in the open‐framework. Most noteworthy, the as‐prepared Na2CoFe(CN)6 nanocubes are not only low‐cost in raw materials but also contain a rich sodium content (1.87 Na ions per lattice unit cell), which will be favorable for full cell fabrication and large‐scale electric storage applications.
Boundary Control for a Flexible Inverted Pendulum System Based on a PDE Model with Input Saturation
Authors: Peng Yawei , Liu Jinkun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis research considers the control problem of a flexible inverted pendulum system (FIPS) in the presence of input saturation. The model for a flexible inverted pendulum system (FIPS) is derived via the Hamilton principle. The FIPS model is divided into a fast subsystem and a slow subsystem via the singular perturbation method. We introduce an auxiliary system to deal with the input saturation of a fast subsystem. To stabilize the fast subsystem, a boundary anti‐windup control force is applied at the free end of the beam. It is proven that the closed‐loop subsystem is stable. For the slow subsystem, a sliding mode control method is employed to design a controller and a new decoupling method to design the sliding surface. Then it is shown that the slow subsystem is stable. Finally, simulation results are provided to confirm the efficacy of the proposed controller.
Digital gestützte Bewehrungsabnahme als Beitrag zur Qualitätssicherung auf Baustellen
Authors: Klemt‐Albert Katharina , Ostermann Jörn , Munderloh Marco , Bahlau Sascha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDie Verknüpfung von Methoden des maschinellen Sehens mit digitalen Bauwerksmodellen kann einen deutlichen Beitrag zur Bauwerksqualität liefern, indem entscheidende Schritte im Qualitätssicherungsprozess teilautomatisiert werden können. Hierfür wird ein algorithmusbasierter virtueller Soll‐Ist‐Vergleich zwischen geforderter Bauwerksqualität und gebauter Realität unter Berücksichtigung zulässiger baulicher Toleranzen und technischer Regelungen entwickelt und am Beispiel der fotogrammetrischen Bewehrungsabnahme als Optimierungsansatz für die Qualitätssicherung auf Baustellen aufgesetzt. Kern des Ansatzes ist die (teil‐)automatische Verifikation der Objekte des digitalen Bauwerksmodells mittels Methoden des maschinellen Sehens (Computer Vision). Das gesamte Verfahren soll rein optisch ohne Marker und Referenzen erfolgen. Eine Herausforderung hierbei ist die Berücksichtigung der mehrstufigen Ausführungstoleranzen im Bauwesen. Mit der Umsetzung des vorgestellten Ansatzes kann die örtliche Bauüberwachung durch den intelligenten und transparenten Einsatz von Bauwerksinformationsmodellen und digitalen Informations‐ und Kommunikationstechnologien optimiert und damit eine signifikante Qualitätssteigerung sowohl bei der Bauwerkserstellung als auch bei der Dokumentation erzielt werden.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: quality of life after laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy
Authors: Barkhatov Leonid , Tyukina Natalia , Fretland Åsmund A. , Røsok Bård I. , Kazaryan Airazat M. , Riis Rolf , Edwin Bjørn 
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical MessageIn this study, we present results after laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for five patients with protracted superior mesenteric artery syndrome. The procedure can be performed with minimal perioperative risk and very short postoperative stay. It provides significant postoperative symptom relief for many patients with typical presentation of the syndrome.
TiO2/Carbon Materials Derived from Hydrothermal Carbonization of Waste Biomass: A Highly Efficient, Low‐Cost Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalyst
Authors: Donar Yusuf Osman , Bilge Selva , Sınağ Ali , Pliekhov Oleksii 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we present a green, low‐cost carbon material derived from waste biomass (hazelnut shell (HS) and olive residue (OR)) to fabricate a binary TiO2/carbon composite for improving the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 under visible light. The synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic applications of the TiO2/carbon composite were performed. Hydrothermal carbonization was used to obtain the carbon support materials. A series of TiO2/carbon composite materials from waste biomass based on hydrochar, fullerene, and carbon nanotubes has been prepared for comparison purposes. Photocatalytic performances of all composites were measured by comparing methylene blue (MB) removal rates. The results show that waste biomass based hydrochar/TiO2 composites possessed superior visible‐light photocatalytic activity compared with high technology carbons/TiO2 composites such as fullerene and carbon nanotubes. The enhanced photodegradation capacity could be ascribed to the delocalized furanic conjugated system and functional groups of HS‐TiO2 and OR‐TiO2 composites.
Contribution of image processing for analyzing the cellular structure of cork
Authors: Lagorce‐Tachon Aurélie , Mairesse Fabrice , Karbowiak Thomas , Gougeon Régis D. , Bellat Jean‐Pierre , Sliwa Tadeusz , Simon Jean‐Marc 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe alveolar structure of cork confers to this natural material specific physical properties such as low permeability to liquids and gases, advanced thermal and acoustic insulation, and high elasticity. In this paper, a morphological analysis of natural cork cells is presented including statistical distributions of structural quantities. These results were obtained from the study of scanning electron microscopy images of natural cork stoppers. After automation of the image processing analysis, the area and perimeter distributions were measured in different cork sections: axial, tangential, and radial. Perpendicular to the radial direction we also focused on growth rings, which are characterized by smaller cell sizes. This systematic image analysis offers new possibilities to investigate the material at the cell scale and provides useful statistical information about the cork structure.
ADVANCES IN STEEL STRUCTURES AND STEEL MATERIALS IN JAPAN
Authors: Kanno Ryoichi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere are around six hundred thousand buildings that are built every year in Japan, and approximately 40% of them are constructed using steel frames. This wide application of steel frames is largely because of the continuing technological advancements in structural steel systems and steel materials for meeting a variety of needs that have evolved in the market. In this paper, starting with an overview of steel buildings in Japan, some of the advanced steel materials such as high‐strength steels and seismic resistant steels are outlined with their backgrounds. Since the material advancements in Japan are largely motivated by frequent large earthquakes, the relations with seismic design are stressed throughout the paper.
FATIGUE LIFE ASSESSMENT OF WELDED COVER PLATE BY USING GLOBAL AND LOCAL APPROACHES
Authors: Lukačević Ivan , Fuštar Boris , Dujmović Darko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents the fatigue life assessment of a welded detail in an existing steel railway bridge. The fatigue life is assessed based on strain measurements due to the passage of characteristic trains. Characteristic trains are an integral part of the load model formed by „Croatian railways„ data. Strain gauges that measure deformations are set at specific locations in order to gain information on Nominal and Hot Spot stresses. Based on this measurement data, stress ranges and stress spectrum are determined and compared to a corresponding detail category. Obtained results in this paper are related to comparing fatigue life of the analysed detail based on local and global approaches according to Eurocode 3 and IIW recommendations.
MODELING OF SMART PATCH/LAYER JOINTS UNDER DYNAMIC TIME HARMONIC LOAD WITH INTERFACE DEFECT
Authors: Petrova Tatyana S. , Becker Wilfried , Kirilova Elisaveta G. , Ivanova Jordanka A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe modified 1D shear lag analysis is applied to study the hygro‐thermal‐piezoelectric response of a smart patch/layer structure with and without an interface gap along the overlap zone at environmental conditions and under dynamic time harmonic and electrical loads. The overlap zone is divided into 3 parts – 2 of them belong to intact parts of the interface and 1 of them to the length of the gap. All three types of closed form analytical solutions are derived and obtained. The comparison of the model shear stress, electric gradient, stresses and debond length for both cases of the interface (continuous or with a gap) is done at an example of a PZT‐5H/CFRP structure. All results are shown in figures and discussed.
SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF STEEL MOMENT FRAME OFFICE BUILDINGS WITH RECTANGULAR CONCRETE‐FILLED STEEL TUBE GRAVITY COLUMNS
Authors: Pakwan Nipun , Judd Johnn 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn conventional seismic design, the lateral strength in the gravity framing systems is not utilized. However, utilizing the lateral strength of a concrete‐filled steel tube (CFT) gravity column system has the potential to increase lateral capacity and improve global behaviour, compared to buildings with wide‐flange gravity columns. In this paper, the seismic performance of 1‐story, 2‐story and 4‐story office buildings with perimeter steel moment frames and gravity columns consisting of rectangular CFTs or wide flange members is evaluated. The results predicted that the CFTs generally improve seismic performance of the buildings, with reduced repair costs and repair times, compared to buildings with wide‐flange gravity columns.
Structural behavior of full‐scale beam‐to‐girder joints having composite slab under gravity load
Authors: Arita Masaki , Kitaoka Satoshi , Kanno Ryoich , Hanya Koji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractComposite beam‐to‐girder joints with fin‐plates have been widely used in non‐seismic regions and basic design models have been proposed in EC4 and other documents; however, there is insufficient experimental data to verify the proposed models or to provide rational parameters that complete the joint models. In this paper, experiments of two full‐scaled beam‐to‐girder joints with composite slab were conducted: one without contact plates and the other with them between the lower flanges. Simple models of moment‐rotation relations were then proposed based on EC4. The proposed models provided reasonable approximations to the test results.