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rippled plasma</title> <meta name="description" content="Search results for: density rippled plasma"> <meta name="keywords" content="density rippled plasma"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, minimum-scale=1, maximum-scale=1, user-scalable=no"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" rel="shortcut icon"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/bootstrap-4.2.1/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/fontawesome/css/all.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/css/site.css?v=150220211555" rel="stylesheet"> </head> <body> <header> <div class="container"> <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-light"> <a class="navbar-brand" href="https://waset.org"> <img src="https://cdn.waset.org/static/images/wasetc.png" alt="Open Science Research Excellence" title="Open Science Research Excellence" /> </a> <button class="d-block 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action="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search"> <div id="custom-search-input"> <div class="input-group"> <i class="fas fa-search"></i> <input type="text" class="search-query" name="q" placeholder="Author, Title, Abstract, Keywords" value="density rippled plasma"> <input type="submit" class="btn_search" value="Search"> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="row mt-3"> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Commenced</strong> in January 2007</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Frequency:</strong> Monthly</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Edition:</strong> International</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Paper Count:</strong> 4377</div> </div> </div> </div> <h1 class="mt-3 mb-3 text-center" style="font-size:1.6rem;">Search results for: density rippled plasma</h1> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">57</span> Development of One-Pot Sequential Cyclizations and Photocatalyzed Decarboxylative Radical Cyclization: Application Towards Aspidospermatan Alkaloids</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Guillaume%20B%C3%A9langer">Guillaume Bélanger</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jean-Philippe%20Fontaine"> Jean-Philippe Fontaine</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Cl%C3%A9mence%20Hauduc"> Clémence Hauduc</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> There is an undeniable thirst from organic chemists and from the pharmaceutical industry to access complex alkaloids with short syntheses. While medicinal chemists are interested in the fascinating wide range of biological properties of alkaloids, synthetic chemists are rather interested in finding new routes to access these challenging natural products of often low availability from nature. To synthesize complex polycyclic cores of natural products, reaction cascades or sequences performed one-pot offer a neat advantage over classical methods for their rapid increase in molecular complexity in a single operation. In counterpart, reaction cascades need to be run on substrates bearing all the required functional groups necessary for the key cyclizations. Chemoselectivity is thus a major issue associated with such a strategy, in addition to diastereocontrol and regiocontrol for the overall transformation. In the pursuit of synthetic efficiency, our research group developed an innovative one-pot transformation of linear substrates into bi- and tricyclic adducts applied to the construction of Aspidospermatan-type alkaloids. The latter is a rich class of indole alkaloids bearing a unique bridged azatricyclic core. Despite many efforts toward the synthesis of members of this family, efficient and versatile synthetic routes are still coveted. Indeed, very short, non-racemic approaches are rather scarce: for example, in the cases of aspidospermidine and aspidospermine, syntheses are all fifteen steps and over. We envisaged a unified approach to access several members of the Aspidospermatan alkaloids family. The key sequence features a highly chemoselective formamide activation that triggers a Vilsmeier-Haack cyclization, followed by an azomethine ylide generation and intramolecular cycloaddition. Despite the high density and variety of functional groups on the substrates (electron-rich and electron-poor alkenes, nitrile, amide, ester, enol ether), the sequence generated three new carbon-carbon bonds and three rings in a single operation with good yield and high chemoselectivity. A detailed study of amide, nucleophile, and dipolarophile variations to finally get to the successful combination required for the key transformation will be presented. To complete the indoline fragment of the natural products, we developed an original approach. Indeed, all reported routes to Aspidospermatan alkaloids introduce the indoline or indole early in the synthesis. In our work, the indoline needs to be installed on the azatricyclic core after the key cyclization sequence. As a result, typical Fischer indolization is not suited since this reaction is known to fail on such substrates. We thus envisaged a unique photocatalyzed decarboxylative radical cyclization. The development of this reaction as well as the scope and limitations of the methodology, will also be presented. The original Vilsmeier-Haack and azomethine ylide cyclization sequence as well as the new photocatalyzed decarboxylative radical cyclization will undoubtedly open access to new routes toward polycyclic indole alkaloids and derivatives of pharmaceutical interest in general. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Aspidospermatan%20alkaloids" title="Aspidospermatan alkaloids">Aspidospermatan alkaloids</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=azomethine%20ylide%20cycloaddition" title=" azomethine ylide cycloaddition"> azomethine ylide cycloaddition</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=decarboxylative%20radical%20cyclization" title=" decarboxylative radical cyclization"> decarboxylative radical cyclization</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=indole%20and%20indoline%20synthesis" title=" indole and indoline synthesis"> indole and indoline synthesis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=one-pot%20sequential%20cyclizations" title=" one-pot sequential cyclizations"> one-pot sequential cyclizations</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=photocatalysis" title=" photocatalysis"> photocatalysis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vilsmeier-Haack%20Cyclization" title=" Vilsmeier-Haack Cyclization"> Vilsmeier-Haack Cyclization</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139547/development-of-one-pot-sequential-cyclizations-and-photocatalyzed-decarboxylative-radical-cyclization-application-towards-aspidospermatan-alkaloids" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139547.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">81</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">56</span> Environmental Forensic Analysis of the Shoreline Microplastics Debris on the Limbe Coastline, Cameroon</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ndumbe%20Eric%20Esongami">Ndumbe Eric Esongami</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Manga%20Veronica%20Ebot"> Manga Veronica Ebot</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Foba%20Josepha%20Tendo"> Foba Josepha Tendo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Yengong%20Fabrice%20Lamfu"> Yengong Fabrice Lamfu</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tiku%20David%20Tambe"> Tiku David Tambe</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The prevalence and unpleasant nature of plastics pollution constantly observed on beach shore on stormy events has prompt researchers worldwide to thesis on sustainable economic and environmental designs on plastics, especially in Cameroon, a major touristic destination in the Central Africa Region. The inconsistent protocols develop by researchers has added to this burden, thus the morphological nature of microplastic remediation is a call for concerns. The prime aim of the study is to morphologically identify, quantify and forensically understands the distribution of each plastics polymer composition. Duplicates of 2×2 m (4m2) quadrants were sampled in each beach/month over 8 months period across five purposive beaches along the Limbe – Idenau coastline, Cameroon. Collected plastic samples were thoroughly washed and separation done using a 2 mm sieve. Only particles of size, < 2 mm, were considered and forward follow the microplastics laboratory analytical processes. Established step by step methodological procedures of particle filtration, organic matter digestion, density separation, particle extraction and polymer identification including microscope and were applied for the beach microplastics samples. Microplastics were observed in each sample/beach/month with an overall abundance of 241 particles/number weighs 89.15 g in total and with a mean abundance of 2 particles/m2 (0.69 g/m2) and 6 particles/month (2.0 g/m2). The accumulation of beach shoreline MPs rose dramatically towards decreasing size with microbeads and fiber only found in the < 1 mm size fraction. Approximately 75% of beach MPs contamination were found in LDB 2, LDB 1 and IDN beaches/average particles/number while the most dominant polymer type frequently observed also were PP, PE, and PS in all morphologically parameters analysed. Beach MPs accumulation significantly varied temporally and spatially at p = 0.05. ANOVA and Spearman’s rank correlation used shows linear relationships between the sizes categories considered in this study. In terms of polymer MPs analysis, the colour class recorded that white coloured MPs was dominant, 50 particles/number (22.25 g) with recorded abundance/number in PP (25), PE (15) and PS (5). The shape class also revealed that irregularly shaped MPs was dominant, 98 particles/number (30.5 g) with higher abundance/number in PP (39), PE (33), and PS (11). Similarly, MPs type class shows that fragmented MPs type was also dominant, 80 particles/number (25.25 g) with higher abundance/number in PP (30), PE (28) and PS (15). Equally, the sized class forward revealed that 1.5 – 1.99 mm sized ranged MPs had the highest abundance of 102 particles/number (51.77 g) with higher concentration observed in PP (47), PE (41), and PS (7) as well and finally, the weight class also show that 0.01 g weighs MPs was dominated by 98 particles/number (56.57 g) with varied numeric abundance seen in PP (49), PE (29) and PS (13). The forensic investigation of the pollution indicated that majority of the beach microplastic is sourced from the site/nearby area. The investigation could draw useful conclusions regarding the pathways of pollution. The fragmented microplastic, a significant component in the sample, was found to be sourced from recreational activities and partly from fishing boat installations and repairs activities carried out close to the shore. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=forensic%20analysis" title="forensic analysis">forensic analysis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=beach%20MPs" title=" beach MPs"> beach MPs</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=particle%2Fnumber" title=" particle/number"> particle/number</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=polymer%20composition" title=" polymer composition"> polymer composition</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cameroon" title=" cameroon"> cameroon</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/160222/environmental-forensic-analysis-of-the-shoreline-microplastics-debris-on-the-limbe-coastline-cameroon" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/160222.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">78</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">55</span> Urban Heat Islands Analysis of Matera, Italy Based on the Change of Land Cover Using Satellite Landsat Images from 2000 to 2017</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Giuseppina%20Anna%20Giorgio">Giuseppina Anna Giorgio</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Angela%20Lorusso"> Angela Lorusso</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Maria%20Ragosta"> Maria Ragosta</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vito%20Telesca"> Vito Telesca</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Climate change is a major public health threat due to the effects of extreme weather events on human health and on quality of life in general. In this context, mean temperatures are increasing, in particular, extreme temperatures, with heat waves becoming more frequent, more intense, and longer lasting. In many cities, extreme heat waves have drastically increased, giving rise to so-called Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. In an urban centre, maximum temperatures may be up to 10° C warmer, due to different local atmospheric conditions. UHI occurs in the metropolitan areas as function of the population size and density of a city. It consists of a significant difference in temperature compared to the rural/suburban areas. Increasing industrialization and urbanization have increased this phenomenon and it has recently also been detected in small cities. Weather conditions and land use are one of the key parameters in the formation of UHI. In particular surface urban heat island is directly related to temperatures, to land surface types and surface modifications. The present study concern a UHI analysis of Matera city (Italy) based on the analysis of temperature, change in land use and land cover, using Corine Land Cover maps and satellite Landsat images. Matera, located in Southern Italy, has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and humid summers. Moreover, Matera has been awarded the international title of the 2019 European Capital of Culture. Matera represents a significant example of vernacular architecture. The structure of the city is articulated by a vertical succession of dug layers sometimes excavated or partly excavated and partly built, according to the original shape and height of the calcarenitic slope. In this study, two meteorological stations were selected: MTA (MaTera Alsia, in industrial zone) and MTCP (MaTera Civil Protection, suburban area located in a green zone). In order to evaluate the increase in temperatures (in terms of UHI occurrences) over time, and evaluating the effect of land use on weather conditions, the climate variability of temperatures for both stations was explored. Results show that UHI phenomena is growing in Matera city, with an increase of maximum temperature values at a local scale. Subsequently, spatial analysis was conducted by Landsat satellite images. Four years was selected in the summer period (27/08/2000, 27/07/2006, 11/07/2012, 02/08/2017). In Particular, Landsat 7 ETM+ for 2000, 2006 and 2012 years; Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS for 2017. In order to estimate the LST, Mono Window Algorithm was applied. Therefore, the increase of LST values spatial scale trend has been verified, in according to results obtained at local scale. Finally, the analysis of land use maps over the years by the LST and/or the maximum temperatures measured, show that the development of industrialized area produces a corresponding increase in temperatures and consequently a growth in UHI. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=climate%20variability" title="climate variability">climate variability</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=land%20surface%20temperature" title=" land surface temperature"> land surface temperature</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=LANDSAT%20images" title=" LANDSAT images"> LANDSAT images</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urban%20heat%20island" title=" urban heat island"> urban heat island</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/99690/urban-heat-islands-analysis-of-matera-italy-based-on-the-change-of-land-cover-using-satellite-landsat-images-from-2000-to-2017" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/99690.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">125</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">54</span> An Integrated Approach to the Carbonate Reservoir Modeling: Case Study of the Eastern Siberia Field</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Yana%20Snegireva">Yana Snegireva</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Carbonate reservoirs are known for their heterogeneity, resulting from various geological processes such as diagenesis and fracturing. These complexities may cause great challenges in understanding fluid flow behavior and predicting the production performance of naturally fractured reservoirs. The investigation of carbonate reservoirs is crucial, as many petroleum reservoirs are naturally fractured, which can be difficult due to the complexity of their fracture networks. This can lead to geological uncertainties, which are important for global petroleum reserves. The problem outlines the key challenges in carbonate reservoir modeling, including the accurate representation of fractures and their connectivity, as well as capturing the impact of fractures on fluid flow and production. Traditional reservoir modeling techniques often oversimplify fracture networks, leading to inaccurate predictions. Therefore, there is a need for a modern approach that can capture the complexities of carbonate reservoirs and provide reliable predictions for effective reservoir management and production optimization. The modern approach to carbonate reservoir modeling involves the utilization of the hybrid fracture modeling approach, including the discrete fracture network (DFN) method and implicit fracture network, which offer enhanced accuracy and reliability in characterizing complex fracture systems within these reservoirs. This study focuses on the application of the hybrid method in the Nepsko-Botuobinskaya anticline of the Eastern Siberia field, aiming to prove the appropriateness of this method in these geological conditions. The DFN method is adopted to model the fracture network within the carbonate reservoir. This method considers fractures as discrete entities, capturing their geometry, orientation, and connectivity. But the method has significant disadvantages since the number of fractures in the field can be very high. Due to limitations in the amount of main memory, it is very difficult to represent these fractures explicitly. By integrating data from image logs (formation micro imager), core data, and fracture density logs, a discrete fracture network (DFN) model can be constructed to represent fracture characteristics for hydraulically relevant fractures. The results obtained from the DFN modeling approaches provide valuable insights into the East Siberia field's carbonate reservoir behavior. The DFN model accurately captures the fracture system, allowing for a better understanding of fluid flow pathways, connectivity, and potential production zones. The analysis of simulation results enables the identification of zones of increased fracturing and optimization opportunities for reservoir development with the potential application of enhanced oil recovery techniques, which were considered in further simulations on the dual porosity and dual permeability models. This approach considers fractures as separate, interconnected flow paths within the reservoir matrix, allowing for the characterization of dual-porosity media. The case study of the East Siberia field demonstrates the effectiveness of the hybrid model method in accurately representing fracture systems and predicting reservoir behavior. The findings from this study contribute to improved reservoir management and production optimization in carbonate reservoirs with the use of enhanced and improved oil recovery methods. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=carbonate%20reservoir" title="carbonate reservoir">carbonate reservoir</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=discrete%20fracture%20network" title=" discrete fracture network"> discrete fracture network</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=fracture%20modeling" title=" fracture modeling"> fracture modeling</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=dual%20porosity" title=" dual porosity"> dual porosity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=enhanced%20oil%20recovery" title=" enhanced oil recovery"> enhanced oil recovery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=implicit%20fracture%20model" title=" implicit fracture model"> implicit fracture model</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hybrid%20fracture%20model" title=" hybrid fracture model"> hybrid fracture model</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/168369/an-integrated-approach-to-the-carbonate-reservoir-modeling-case-study-of-the-eastern-siberia-field" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/168369.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">75</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">53</span> Diffusion MRI: Clinical Application in Radiotherapy Planning of Intracranial Pathology</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Pomozova%20Kseniia">Pomozova Kseniia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Gorlachev%20Gennadiy"> Gorlachev Gennadiy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Chernyaev%20Aleksandr"> Chernyaev Aleksandr</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Golanov%20Andrey"> Golanov Andrey</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In clinical practice, and especially in stereotactic radiosurgery planning, the significance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is growing. This makes the existence of software capable of quickly processing and reliably visualizing diffusion data, as well as equipped with tools for their analysis in terms of different tasks. We are developing the «MRDiffusionImaging» software on the standard C++ language. The subject part has been moved to separate class libraries and can be used on various platforms. The user interface is Windows WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation), which is a technology for managing Windows applications with access to all components of the .NET 5 or .NET Framework platform ecosystem. One of the important features is the use of a declarative markup language, XAML (eXtensible Application Markup Language), with which you can conveniently create, initialize and set properties of objects with hierarchical relationships. Graphics are generated using the DirectX environment. The MRDiffusionImaging software package has been implemented for processing diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), which allows loading and viewing images sorted by series. An algorithm for "masking" dMRI series based on T2-weighted images was developed using a deformable surface model to exclude tissues that are not related to the area of interest from the analysis. An algorithm of distortion correction using deformable image registration based on autocorrelation of local structure has been developed. Maximum voxel dimension was 1,03 ± 0,12 mm. In an elementary brain's volume, the diffusion tensor is geometrically interpreted using an ellipsoid, which is an isosurface of the probability density of a molecule's diffusion. For the first time, non-parametric intensity distributions, neighborhood correlations, and inhomogeneities are combined in one segmentation of white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) algorithm. A tool for calculating the coefficient of average diffusion and fractional anisotropy has been created, on the basis of which it is possible to build quantitative maps for solving various clinical problems. Functionality has been created that allows clustering and segmenting images to individualize the clinical volume of radiation treatment and further assess the response (Median Dice Score = 0.963 ± 0,137). White matter tracts of the brain were visualized using two algorithms: deterministic (fiber assignment by continuous tracking) and probabilistic using the Hough transform. The proposed algorithms test candidate curves in the voxel, assigning to each one a score computed from the diffusion data, and then selects the curves with the highest scores as the potential anatomical connections. White matter fibers were visualized using a Hough transform tractography algorithm. In the context of functional radiosurgery, it is possible to reduce the irradiation volume of the internal capsule receiving 12 Gy from 0,402 cc to 0,254 cc. The «MRDiffusionImaging» will improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostics and stereotactic radiotherapy of intracranial pathology. We develop software with integrated, intuitive support for processing, analysis, and inclusion in the process of radiotherapy planning and evaluating its results. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=diffusion-weighted%20imaging" title="diffusion-weighted imaging">diffusion-weighted imaging</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=medical%20imaging" title=" medical imaging"> medical imaging</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=stereotactic%20radiosurgery" title=" stereotactic radiosurgery"> stereotactic radiosurgery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=tractography" title=" tractography"> tractography</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/156540/diffusion-mri-clinical-application-in-radiotherapy-planning-of-intracranial-pathology" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/156540.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">85</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">52</span> Hyperspectral Imagery for Tree Speciation and Carbon Mass Estimates</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jennifer%20Buz">Jennifer Buz</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alvin%20Spivey"> Alvin Spivey</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The most common greenhouse gas emitted through human activities, carbon dioxide (CO2), is naturally consumed by plants during photosynthesis. This process is actively being monetized by companies wishing to offset their carbon dioxide emissions. For example, companies are now able to purchase protections for vegetated land due-to-be clear cut or purchase barren land for reforestation. Therefore, by actively preventing the destruction/decay of plant matter or by introducing more plant matter (reforestation), a company can theoretically offset some of their emissions. One of the biggest issues in the carbon credit market is validating and verifying carbon offsets. There is a need for a system that can accurately and frequently ensure that the areas sold for carbon credits have the vegetation mass (and therefore for carbon offset capability) they claim. Traditional techniques for measuring vegetation mass and determining health are costly and require many person-hours. Orbital Sidekick offers an alternative approach that accurately quantifies carbon mass and assesses vegetation health through satellite hyperspectral imagery, a technique which enables us to remotely identify material composition (including plant species) and condition (e.g., health and growth stage). How much carbon a plant is capable of storing ultimately is tied to many factors, including material density (primarily species-dependent), plant size, and health (trees that are actively decaying are not effectively storing carbon). All of these factors are capable of being observed through satellite hyperspectral imagery. This abstract focuses on speciation. To build a species classification model, we matched pixels in our remote sensing imagery to plants on the ground for which we know the species. To accomplish this, we collaborated with the researchers at the Teakettle Experimental Forest. Our remote sensing data comes from our airborne “Kato” sensor, which flew over the study area and acquired hyperspectral imagery (400-2500 nm, 472 bands) at ~0.5 m/pixel resolution. Coverage of the entire teakettle experimental forest required capturing dozens of individual hyperspectral images. In order to combine these images into a mosaic, we accounted for potential variations of atmospheric conditions throughout the data collection. To do this, we ran an open source atmospheric correction routine called ISOFIT1 (Imaging Spectrometer Optiman FITting), which converted all of our remote sensing data from radiance to reflectance. A database of reflectance spectra for each of the tree species within the study area was acquired using the Teakettle stem map and the geo-referenced hyperspectral images. We found that a wide variety of machine learning classifiers were able to identify the species within our images with high (>95%) accuracy. For the most robust quantification of carbon mass and the best assessment of the health of a vegetated area, speciation is critical. Through the use of high resolution hyperspectral data, ground-truth databases, and complex analytical techniques, we are able to determine the species present within a pixel to a high degree of accuracy. These species identifications will feed directly into our carbon mass model. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hyperspectral" title="hyperspectral">hyperspectral</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=satellite" title=" satellite"> satellite</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=carbon" title=" carbon"> carbon</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=imagery" title=" imagery"> imagery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=python" title=" python"> python</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=machine%20learning" title=" machine learning"> machine learning</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=speciation" title=" speciation"> speciation</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/163538/hyperspectral-imagery-for-tree-speciation-and-carbon-mass-estimates" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/163538.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">130</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">51</span> Prospective Museum Visitor Management Based on Prospect Theory: A Pragmatic Approach</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Athina%20Thanou">Athina Thanou</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eirini%20Eleni%20Tsiropoulou"> Eirini Eleni Tsiropoulou</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Symeon%20Papavassiliou"> Symeon Papavassiliou</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The problem of museum visitor experience and congestion management – in various forms - has come increasingly under the spotlight over the last few years, since overcrowding can significantly decrease the quality of visitors’ experience. Evidence suggests that on busy days the amount of time a visitor spends inside a crowded house museum can fall by up to 60% compared to a quiet mid-week day. In this paper we consider the aforementioned problem, by treating museums as evolving social systems that induce constraints. However, in a cultural heritage space, as opposed to the majority of social environments, the momentum of the experience is primarily controlled by the visitor himself. Visitors typically behave selfishly regarding the maximization of their own Quality of Experience (QoE) - commonly expressed through a utility function that takes several parameters into consideration, with crowd density and waiting/visiting time being among the key ones. In such a setting, congestion occurs when either the utility of one visitor decreases due to the behavior of other persons, or when costs of undertaking an activity rise due to the presence of other persons. We initially investigate how visitors’ behavioral risk attitudes, as captured and represented by prospect theory, affect their decisions in resource sharing settings, where visitors’ decisions and experiences are strongly interdependent. Different from the majority of existing studies and literature, we highlight that visitors are not risk neutral utility maximizers, but they demonstrate risk-aware behavior according to their personal risk characteristics. In our work, exhibits are organized into two groups: a) “safe exhibits” that correspond to less congested ones, where the visitors receive guaranteed satisfaction in accordance with the visiting time invested, and b) common pool of resources (CPR) exhibits, which are the most popular exhibits with possibly increased congestion and uncertain outcome in terms of visitor satisfaction. A key difference is that the visitor satisfaction due to CPR strongly depends not only on the invested time decision of a specific visitor, but also on that of the rest of the visitors. In the latter case, the over-investment in time, or equivalently the increased congestion potentially leads to “exhibit failure”, interpreted as the visitors gain no satisfaction from their observation of this exhibit due to high congestion. We present a framework where each visitor in a distributed manner determines his time investment in safe or CPR exhibits to optimize his QoE. Based on this framework, we analyze and evaluate how visitors, acting as prospect-theoretic decision-makers, respond and react to the various pricing policies imposed by the museum curators. Based on detailed evaluation results and experiments, we present interesting observations, regarding the impact of several parameters and characteristics such as visitor heterogeneity and use of alternative pricing policies, on scalability, user satisfaction, museum capacity, resource fragility, and operation point stability. Furthermore, we study and present the effectiveness of alternative pricing mechanisms, when used as implicit tools, to deal with the congestion management problem in the museums, and potentially decrease the exhibit failure probability (fragility), while considering the visitor risk preferences. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=museum%20resource%20and%20visitor%20management" title="museum resource and visitor management">museum resource and visitor management</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=congestion%20management" title=" congestion management"> congestion management</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=propsect%20theory" title=" propsect theory"> propsect theory</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cyber%20physical%20social%20systems" title=" cyber physical social systems"> cyber physical social systems</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/102868/prospective-museum-visitor-management-based-on-prospect-theory-a-pragmatic-approach" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/102868.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">184</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">50</span> Analyzing the Effectiveness of Elderly Design and the Impact on Sustainable Built Environment</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tristance%20Kee">Tristance Kee</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> With an unprecedented increase in elderly population around the world, the severe lack of quality housing and health-and-safety provisions to serve this cohort cannot be ignored any longer. Many elderly citizens, especially singletons, live in unsafe housing conditions with poorly executed planning and design. Some suffer from deteriorating mobility, sight and general alertness and their sub-standard living conditions further hinder their daily existence. This research explains how concepts such as Universal Design and Co-Design operate in a high density city such as Hong Kong, China where innovative design can become an alternative solution where government and the private sector fail to provide quality elderly friendly facilities to promote a sustainable urban development. Unlike other elderly research which focuses more on housing policies, nursing care and theories, this research takes a more progressive approach by providing an in-depth impact assessment on how innovative design can be practical solutions for creating a more sustainable built environment. The research objectives are to: 1) explain the relationship between innovative design for elderly and a healthier and sustainable environment; 2) evaluate the impact of human ergonomics with the use of universal design; and 3) explain how innovation can enhance the sustainability of a city in improving citizen’s sight, sound, walkability and safety within the ageing population. The research adopts both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine ways to improve elderly population’s relationship to our built environment. In particular, the research utilizes collected data from questionnaire survey and focus group discussions to obtain inputs from various stakeholders, including designers, operators and managers related to public housing, community facilities and overall urban development. In addition to feedbacks from end-users and stakeholders, a thorough analysis on existing elderly housing facilities and Universal Design provisions are examined to evaluate their adequacy. To echo the theme of this conference on Innovation and Sustainable Development, this research examines the effectiveness of innovative design in a risk-benefit factor assessment. To test the hypothesis that innovation can cater for a sustainable development, the research evaluated the health improvement of a sample size of 150 elderly in a period of eight months. Their health performances, including mobility, speech and memory are monitored and recorded on a regular basis to assess if the use of innovation does trigger impact on improving health and home safety for an elderly cohort. This study was supported by district community centers under the auspices of Home Affairs Bureau to provide respondents for questionnaire survey, a standardized evaluation mechanism, and professional health care staff for evaluating the performance impact. The research findings will be integrated to formulate design solutions such as innovative home products to improve elderly daily experience and safety with a particular focus on the enhancement on sight, sound and mobility safety. Some policy recommendations and architectural planning recommendations related to Universal Design will also be incorporated into the research output for future planning of elderly housing and amenity provisions. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=elderly%20population" title="elderly population">elderly population</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=innovative%20design" title=" innovative design"> innovative design</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainable%20built%20environment" title=" sustainable built environment"> sustainable built environment</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=universal%20design" title=" universal design"> universal design</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/71421/analyzing-the-effectiveness-of-elderly-design-and-the-impact-on-sustainable-built-environment" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/71421.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">228</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">49</span> Gas-Phase Noncovalent Functionalization of Pristine Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with 3D Metal(II) Phthalocyanines </h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vladimir%20A.%20Basiuk">Vladimir A. Basiuk</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Laura%20J.%20Flores-Sanchez"> Laura J. Flores-Sanchez</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Victor%20Meza-Laguna"> Victor Meza-Laguna</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jose%20O.%20Flores-Flores"> Jose O. Flores-Flores</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lauro%20Bucio-Galindo"> Lauro Bucio-Galindo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Elena%20V.%20Basiuk"> Elena V. Basiuk</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Noncovalent nanohybrid materials combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with phthalocyanines (Pcs) is a subject of increasing research effort, with a particular emphasis on the design of new heterogeneous catalysts, efficient organic photovoltaic cells, lithium batteries, gas sensors, field effect transistors, among other possible applications. The possibility of using unsubstituted Pcs for CNT functionalization is very attractive due to their very moderate cost and easy commercial availability. However, unfortunately, the deposition of unsubstituted Pcs onto nanotube sidewalls through the traditional liquid-phase protocols turns to be very problematic due to extremely poor solubility of Pcs. On the other hand, unsubstituted free-base H₂Pc phthalocyanine ligand, as well as many of its transition metal complexes, exhibit very high thermal stability and considerable volatility under reduced pressure, which opens the possibility for their physical vapor deposition onto solid surfaces, including nanotube sidewalls. In the present work, we show the possibility of simple, fast and efficient noncovalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with a series of 3d metal(II) phthalocyanines Me(II)Pc, where Me= Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. The functionalization can be performed in a temperature range of 400-500 °C under moderate vacuum and requires about 2-3 h only. The functionalized materials obtained were characterized by means of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, UV-visible and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA suggested that Me(II)Pc weight content is 30%, 17% and 35% for NiPc, CuPc, and ZnPc, respectively (CoPc exhibited anomalous thermal decomposition behavior). The above values are consistent with those estimated from EDS spectra, namely, of 24-39%, 27-36% and 27-44% for CoPc, CuPc, and ZnPc, respectively. A strong increase in intensity of D band in the Raman spectra of SWNT‒Me(II)Pc hybrids, as compared to that of pristine nanotubes, implies very strong interactions between Pc molecules and SWNT sidewalls. Very high absolute values of binding energies of 32.46-37.12 kcal/mol and the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO and LUMO, respectively) distribution patterns, calculated with density functional theory by using Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof general gradient approximation correlation functional in combination with the Grimme’s empirical dispersion correction (PBE-D) and the double numerical basis set (DNP), also suggested that the interactions between Me(II) phthalocyanines and nanotube sidewalls are very strong. The authors thank the National Autonomous University of Mexico (grant DGAPA-IN200516) and the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT, grant 250655) for financial support. The authors are also grateful to Dr. Natalia Alzate-Carvajal (CCADET of UNAM), Eréndira Martínez (IF of UNAM) and Iván Puente-Lee (Faculty of Chemistry of UNAM) for technical assistance with FTIR, TGA measurements, and TEM imaging, respectively. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=carbon%20nanotubes" title="carbon nanotubes">carbon nanotubes</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=functionalization" title=" functionalization"> functionalization</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gas-phase" title=" gas-phase"> gas-phase</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=metal%28II%29%20phthalocyanines" title=" metal(II) phthalocyanines"> metal(II) phthalocyanines</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/91818/gas-phase-noncovalent-functionalization-of-pristine-single-walled-carbon-nanotubes-with-3d-metalii-phthalocyanines" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/91818.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">130</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">48</span> An Elasto-Viscoplastic Constitutive Model for Unsaturated Soils: Numerical Implementation and Validation</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Maria%20Lazari">Maria Lazari</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lorenzo%20Sanavia"> Lorenzo Sanavia</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Mechanics of unsaturated soils has been an active field of research in the last decades. Efficient constitutive models that take into account the partial saturation of soil are necessary to solve a number of engineering problems e.g. instability of slopes and cuts due to heavy rainfalls. A large number of constitutive models can now be found in the literature that considers fundamental issues associated with the unsaturated soil behaviour, like the volume change and shear strength behaviour with suction or saturation changes. Partially saturated soils may either expand or collapse upon wetting depending on the stress level, and it is also possible that a soil might experience a reversal in the volumetric behaviour during wetting. Shear strength of soils also changes dramatically with changes in the degree of saturation, and a related engineering problem is slope failures caused by rainfall. There are several states of the art reviews over the last years for studying the topic, usually providing a thorough discussion of the stress state, the advantages, and disadvantages of specific constitutive models as well as the latest developments in the area of unsaturated soil modelling. However, only a few studies focused on the coupling between partial saturation states and time effects on the behaviour of geomaterials. Rate dependency is experimentally observed in the mechanical response of granular materials, and a viscoplastic constitutive model is capable of reproducing creep and relaxation processes. Therefore, in this work an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils is proposed and validated on the basis of experimental data. The model constitutes an extension of an existing elastoplastic strain-hardening constitutive model capable of capturing the behaviour of variably saturated soils, based on energy conjugated stress variables in the framework of superposed continua. The purpose was to develop a model able to deal with possible mechanical instabilities within a consistent energy framework. The model shares the same conceptual structure of the elastoplastic laws proposed to deal with bonded geomaterials subject to weathering or diagenesis and is capable of modelling several kinds of instabilities induced by the loss of hydraulic bonding contributions. The novelty of the proposed formulation is enhanced with the incorporation of density dependent stiffness and hardening coefficients in order to allow the modeling of the pycnotropy behaviour of granular materials with a single set of material constants. The model has been implemented in the commercial FE platform PLAXIS, widely used in Europe for advanced geotechnical design. The algorithmic strategies adopted for the stress-point algorithm had to be revised to take into account the different approach adopted by PLAXIS developers in the solution of the discrete non-linear equilibrium equations. An extensive comparison between models with a series of experimental data reported by different authors is presented to validate the model and illustrate the capability of the newly developed model. After the validation, the effectiveness of the viscoplastic model is displayed by numerical simulations of a partially saturated slope failure of the laboratory scale and the effect of viscosity and degree of saturation on slope’s stability is discussed. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=PLAXIS%20software" title="PLAXIS software">PLAXIS software</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=slope" title=" slope"> slope</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=unsaturated%20soils" title=" unsaturated soils"> unsaturated soils</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Viscoplasticity" title=" Viscoplasticity"> Viscoplasticity</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/66381/an-elasto-viscoplastic-constitutive-model-for-unsaturated-soils-numerical-implementation-and-validation" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/66381.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">225</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">47</span> Crack Size and Moisture Issues in Thermally Modified vs. Native Norway Spruce Window Frames: A Hygrothermal Simulation Study</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Gregor%20Vidmar">Gregor Vidmar</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ro%C5%BEle%20Repi%C4%8D"> Rožle Repič</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Bo%C5%A1tjan%20Lesar"> Boštjan Lesar</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Miha%20Humar"> Miha Humar</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The study investigates the impact of cracks in surface coatings on moisture content (MC) and related fungal growth in window frames made of thermally modified (TM) and native Norway spruce using hygrothermal simulations for Ljubljana, Slovenia. Comprehensive validation against field test data confirmed the numerical model's predictions, demonstrating similar trends in MC changes over the investigated four years. Various established mould growth models (isopleth, VTT, bio hygrothermal) did not appropriately reflect differences between the spruce types because they do not consider material moisture content, leading to the main conclusion that TM spruce is more resistant to moisture-related issues. Wood's MC influences fungal decomposition, typically occurring above 25% - 30% MC, with some fungi growing at lower MC under conducive conditions. Surface coatings cannot wholly prevent water penetration, which becomes significant when the coating is damaged. This study investigates the detrimental effects of surface coating cracks on wood moisture absorption, comparing TM spruce and native spruce window frames. Simulations were conducted for undamaged and damaged coatings (from 1 mm to 9 mm wide cracks) on window profiles as well as for uncoated profiles. Sorption curves were also measured up to 95% of the relative humidity. MC was measured in the frames exposed to actual climatic conditions and compared to simulated data for model validation. The study utilizes a simplified model of the bottom frame part due to convergence issues with simulations of the whole frame. TM spruce showed about 4% lower MC content compared to native spruce. Simulations showed that a 3 mm wide crack in native spruce coatings for the north orientation poses significant moisture risks, while a 9 mm wide crack in TM spruce coatings remains acceptable furthermore in the case of uncoated TM spruce could be acceptable. In addition, it seems that large enough cracks may cause even worse moisture dynamics compared to uncoated native spruce profiles. The absorption curve comes out to be the far most influential parameter, and the next one is density. Existing mould growth models need to be upgraded to reflect wood material differences accurately. Due to the lower sorption curve of TM spruce, in reality, higher RH values are obtained under the same boundary conditions, which implies a more critical situation according to these mould growth models. Still, it does not reflect the difference in materials, especially under external exposure conditions. Even if different substrate categories in the isopleth and bio-hygrothermal model or different sensitivity material classes for standard and TM wood are used, it does not necessarily change the expected trends; thus, models with MC being the inherent part of the models should be introduced. Orientation plays a crucial role in moisture dynamics. Results show that for similar moisture dynamics, for Norway spruce, the crack could be about 2 mm wider on the south than on the north side. In contrast, for TM spruce, orientation isn't as important, compared to other material properties. The study confirms the enhanced suitability of TM spruce for window frames in terms of moisture resistance and crack tolerance in surface coatings. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hygrothermal%20simulations" title="hygrothermal simulations">hygrothermal simulations</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mould%20growth" title=" mould growth"> mould growth</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=surface%20coating" title=" surface coating"> surface coating</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=thermally%20modified%20wood" title=" thermally modified wood"> thermally modified wood</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=window%20frame" title=" window frame"> window frame</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/190342/crack-size-and-moisture-issues-in-thermally-modified-vs-native-norway-spruce-window-frames-a-hygrothermal-simulation-study" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/190342.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">35</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">46</span> Functions and Challenges of New County-Based Regional Plan in Taiwan</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Yu-Hsin%20Tsai">Yu-Hsin Tsai</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> A new, mandated county regional plan system has been initiated since 2010 nationwide in Taiwan, with its role situated in-between the policy-led cross-county regional plan and the blueprint-led city plan. This new regional plan contain both urban and rural areas in one single plan, which provides a more complete planning territory, i.e., city region within the county’s jurisdiction, and to be executed and managed effectively by the county government. However, the full picture of its functions and characteristics seems still not totally clear, compared with other levels of plans; either are planning goals and issues that can be most appropriately dealt with at this spatial scale. In addition, the extent to which the inclusion of sustainability ideal and measures to cope with climate change are unclear. Based on the above issues, this study aims to clarify the roles of county regional plan, to analyze the extent to which the measures cope with sustainability, climate change, and forecasted declining population, and the success factors and issues faced in the planning process. The methodology applied includes literature review, plan quality evaluation, and interview with officials of the central and local governments and urban planners involved for all the 23 counties in Taiwan. The preliminary research results show, first, growth management related policies have been widely implemented and expected to have effective impact, including incorporating resources capacity to determine maximum population for the city region as a whole, developing overall vision of urban growth boundary for all the whole city region, prioritizing infill development, and use of architectural land within urbanized area over rural area to cope with urban growth. Secondly, planning-oriented zoning is adopted in urban areas, while demand-oriented planning permission is applied in the rural areas with designated plans. Then, public participation has been evolved to the next level to oversee all of government’s planning and review processes due to the decreasing trust in the government, and development of public forum on the internet etc. Next, fertile agricultural land is preserved to maintain food self-supplied goal for national security concern. More adoption-based methods than mitigation-based methods have been applied to cope with global climate change. Finally, better land use and transportation planning in terms of avoiding developing rail transit stations and corridor in rural area is promoted. Even though many promising, prompt measures have been adopted, however, challenges exist to surround: first, overall urban density, likely affecting success of UGB, or use of rural agricultural land, has not been incorporated, possibly due to implementation difficulties. Second, land-use related measures to mitigating climate change seem less clear and hence less employed. Smart decline has not drawn enough attention to cope with predicted population decrease in the next decade. Then, some reluctance from county’s government to implement county regional plan can be observed vaguely possibly since limits have be set on further development on agricultural land and sensitive areas. Finally, resolving issue on existing illegal factories on agricultural land remains the most challenging dilemma. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=city%20region%20plan" title="city region plan">city region plan</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainability" title=" sustainability"> sustainability</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=global%20climate%20change" title=" global climate change"> global climate change</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=growth%20management" title=" growth management"> growth management</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/26424/functions-and-challenges-of-new-county-based-regional-plan-in-taiwan" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/26424.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">349</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">45</span> Wear Resistance in Dry and Lubricated Conditions of Hard-anodized EN AW-4006 Aluminum Alloy</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=C.%20Soffritti">C. Soffritti</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=A.%20Fortini"> A. Fortini</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=E.%20Baroni"> E. Baroni</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=M.%20Merlin"> M. Merlin</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=G.%20L.%20Garagnani"> G. L. Garagnani</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Aluminum alloys are widely used in many engineering applications due to their advantages such ashigh electrical and thermal conductivities, low density, high strength to weight ratio, and good corrosion resistance. However, their low hardness and poor tribological properties still limit their use in industrial fields requiring sliding contacts. Hard anodizing is one of the most common solution for overcoming issues concerning the insufficient friction resistance of aluminum alloys. In this work, the tribological behavior ofhard-anodized AW-4006 aluminum alloys in dry and lubricated conditions was evaluated. Three different hard-anodizing treatments were selected: a conventional one (HA) and two innovative golden hard-anodizing treatments (named G and GP, respectively), which involve the sealing of the porosity of anodic aluminum oxides (AAO) with silver ions at different temperatures. Before wear tests, all AAO layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM/EDS), X-ray diffractometry, roughness (Ra and Rz), microhardness (HV0.01), nanoindentation, and scratch tests. Wear tests were carried out according to the ASTM G99-17 standard using a ball-on-disc tribometer. The tests were performed in triplicate under a 2 Hz constant frequency oscillatory motion, a maximum linear speed of 0.1 m/s, normal loads of 5, 10, and 15 N, and a sliding distance of 200 m. A 100Cr6 steel ball10 mm in diameter was used as counterpart material. All tests were conducted at room temperature, in dry and lubricated conditions. Considering the more recent regulations about the environmental hazard, four bio-lubricants were considered after assessing their chemical composition (in terms of Unsaturation Number, UN) and viscosity: olive, peanut, sunflower, and soybean oils. The friction coefficient was provided by the equipment. The wear rate of anodized surfaces was evaluated by measuring the cross-section area of the wear track with a non-contact 3D profilometer. Each area value, obtained as an average of four measurements of cross-section areas along the track, was used to determine the wear volume. The worn surfaces were analyzed by VPSEM/EDS. Finally, in agreement with DoE methodology, a statistical analysis was carried out to identify the most influencing factors on the friction coefficients and wear rates. In all conditions, results show that the friction coefficient increased with raising the normal load. Considering the wear tests in dry sliding conditions, irrespective of the type of anodizing treatments, metal transfer between the mating materials was observed over the anodic aluminum oxides. During sliding at higher loads, the detachment of the metallic film also caused the delamination of some regions of the wear track. For the wear tests in lubricated conditions, the natural oils with high percentages of oleic acid (i.e., olive and peanut oils) maintained high friction coefficients and low wear rates. Irrespective of the type of oil, smallmicrocraks were visible over the AAO layers. Based on the statistical analysis, the type of anodizing treatment and magnitude of applied load were the main factors of influence on the friction coefficient and wear rate values. Nevertheless, an interaction between bio-lubricants and load magnitude could occur during the tests. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hard%20anodizing%20treatment" title="hard anodizing treatment">hard anodizing treatment</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=silver%20ions" title=" silver ions"> silver ions</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=bio-lubricants" title=" bio-lubricants"> bio-lubricants</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sliding%20wear" title=" sliding wear"> sliding wear</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=statistical%20analysis" title=" statistical analysis"> statistical analysis</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/143493/wear-resistance-in-dry-and-lubricated-conditions-of-hard-anodized-en-aw-4006-aluminum-alloy" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/143493.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">151</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">44</span> Runoff Estimates of Rapidly Urbanizing Indian Cities: An Integrated Modeling Approach</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rupesh%20S.%20Gundewar">Rupesh S. Gundewar</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kanchan%20C.%20Khare"> Kanchan C. Khare</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Runoff contribution from urban areas is generally from manmade structures and few natural contributors. The manmade structures are buildings; roads and other paved areas whereas natural contributors are groundwater and overland flows etc. Runoff alleviation is done by manmade as well as natural storages. Manmade storages are storage tanks or other storage structures such as soakways or soak pits which are more common in western and European countries. Natural storages are catchment slope, infiltration, catchment length, channel rerouting, drainage density, depression storage etc. A literature survey on the manmade and natural storages/inflow has presented percentage contribution of each individually. Sanders et.al. in their research have reported that a vegetation canopy reduces runoff by 7% to 12%. Nassif et el in their research have reported that catchment slope has an impact of 16% on bare standard soil and 24% on grassed soil on rainfall runoff. Infiltration being a pervious/impervious ratio dependent parameter is catchment specific. But a literature survey has presented a range of 15% to 30% loss of rainfall runoff in various catchment study areas. Catchment length and channel rerouting too play a considerable role in reduction of rainfall runoff. Ground infiltration inflow adds to the runoff where the groundwater table is very shallow and soil saturates even in a lower intensity storm. An approximate percent contribution through this inflow and surface inflow contributes to about 2% of total runoff volume. Considering the various contributing factors in runoff it has been observed during a literature survey that integrated modelling approach needs to be considered. The traditional storm water network models are able to predict to a fair/acceptable degree of accuracy provided no interaction with receiving water (river, sea, canal etc), ground infiltration, treatment works etc. are assumed. When such interactions are significant then it becomes difficult to reproduce the actual flood extent using the traditional discrete modelling approach. As a result the correct flooding situation is very rarely addressed accurately. Since the development of spatially distributed hydrologic model the predictions have become more accurate at the cost of requiring more accurate spatial information.The integrated approach provides a greater understanding of performance of the entire catchment. It enables to identify the source of flow in the system, understand how it is conveyed and also its impact on the receiving body. It also confirms important pain points, hydraulic controls and the source of flooding which could not be easily understood with discrete modelling approach. This also enables the decision makers to identify solutions which can be spread throughout the catchment rather than being concentrated at single point where the problem exists. Thus it can be concluded from the literature survey that the representation of urban details can be a key differentiator to the successful understanding of flooding issue. The intent of this study is to accurately predict the runoff from impermeable areas from urban area in India. A representative area has been selected for which data was available and predictions have been made which are corroborated with the actual measured data. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=runoff" title="runoff">runoff</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urbanization" title=" urbanization"> urbanization</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=impermeable%20response" title=" impermeable response"> impermeable response</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=flooding" title=" flooding "> flooding </a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/28226/runoff-estimates-of-rapidly-urbanizing-indian-cities-an-integrated-modeling-approach" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/28226.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">250</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">43</span> Effectiveness of Essential Oils as Inhibitors of Quorum Sensing Activity Using Biomonitor Strain Chromobacterium Violaceum</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ivana%20Cabarkapa">Ivana Cabarkapa</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Zorica%20Tomicic"> Zorica Tomicic</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Olivera%20Duragic"> Olivera Duragic</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the major challenges facing humanity in the last decades. Increasing antibiotic-resistant pathogens indicates the need for the development of alternative antibacterial drugs and new treatment strategies. One of the innovative emerging treatments in overcoming multidrug-resistant pathogens certainly represents the inhibition anti-quorum sensing system. For most of the food-borne pathogens, the expression of the virulence depends on their capability communication with other members of the population by means of quorum sensing (QS). QS represents a specific way of bacterial intercellular communication, which enabled owing to their ability to detect and to respond to cell population density by gene regulation. QS mechanisms are responsible for controls the pathogenesis, virulence luminescence, motility, sporulation and biofilm formation of many organisms by regulating gene expression. Therefore, research in this field is being an attractive target for the development of new natural antibacterial agents. Anti-QS compounds are known to have the ability to prohibit bacterial pathogenicity. Considering the importance of quorum sensing during bacterial pathogenesis, this research has been focused on evaluation anti - QS properties of four essential oils (EOs) Origanum heracleoticum, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgare, and Thymus serpyllum, using biomonitor strain of Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Tests conducted on Luria Bertani agar supplemented with N hexanol DL homoserine lacton (HHL) 10µl/50ml of agar. The anti-QS potential of the EOs was assayed in a range of concentrations of 200 – 0.39 µl/ml using the disc diffusion method. EOs of Th. vulgaris and T. serpyllum were exhibited anti-QS activity indicated by a non- pigmented ring with a dilution-dependent manner. The lowest dilution of EOs T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum in which they exhibited visually detectable inhibition of violacein synthesis was 6.25 µl/ml for both tested EOs. EOs of O. heracleoticum and O. vulgare were displayed different active principles, i.e., antimicrobial activity indicated by the inner clear ring and anti-QS activity indicated by the outer non-pigmented ring, in a concentration-dependent manner. The lowest dilution of EOs of O. heracleoticum and O. vulgare in which exhibited visually detectable inhibition of violacein synthesis was 1.56 and 3.25 µl/ml, respectively. Considering that, the main constituents of the tested EOs represented by monoterpenes (carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene, and p-cymene), anti - QS properties of tested EOs can be mainly attributed to their activity. In particular, from the scientific literature, carvacrol and thymol show a sub-inhibitory effect against foodborne pathogens. Previous studies indicated that sub-lethal concentrations of carvacrol reduced the mobility of bacteria due to the ability of interference using QS mechanism between the bacterial cells, and thereby reducing the ability of biofilm formation The precise mechanism by which carvacrol inhibits biofilm formation is still not fully understood. Our results indicated that EOs displayed different active principles, i.e., antimicrobial activity indicated by the inner clear ring and anti-QS activity indicated by an outer non- pigmented ring with visually detectable inhibition of violacein. Preliminary results suggest that EOs represent a promising alternative for effective control of the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=anti-quorum%20sensing%20activity" title="anti-quorum sensing activity">anti-quorum sensing activity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Chromobacterium%20violaceum" title=" Chromobacterium violaceum"> Chromobacterium violaceum</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=essential%20oils" title=" essential oils"> essential oils</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=violacein" title=" violacein"> violacein</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/118341/effectiveness-of-essential-oils-as-inhibitors-of-quorum-sensing-activity-using-biomonitor-strain-chromobacterium-violaceum" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/118341.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">138</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">42</span> Investigation of Different Electrolyte Salts Effect on ZnO/MWCNT Anode Capacity in LIBs </h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=%C5%9Eeyma%20Dombayc%C4%B1o%C4%9Flu">Şeyma Dombaycıoğlu</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Hilal%20K%C3%B6se"> Hilal Köse</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ali%20Osman%20Ayd%C4%B1n"> Ali Osman Aydın</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Hatem%20Akbulut"> Hatem Akbulut</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been considered as one of the most attractive energy storage choices for laptop computers, electric vehicles and cellular phones owing to their high energy and power density. Compared with conventional carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides (TMOs) have attracted great interests and stand out among versatile novel anode materials due to their high theoretical specific capacity, wide availability and good safety performance. ZnO, as an anode material for LIBs, has a high theoretical capacity of 978 mAh g-1, much higher than that of the conventional graphite anode (∼370 mAhg-1). However, several major problems such as poor cycleability, resulting from the severe volume expansion and contraction during the alloying-dealloying cycles with Li+ ions and the associated charge transfer process, the pulverization and the agglomeration of individual particles, which drastically reduces the total entrance/exit sites available for Li+ ions still hinder the practical use of ZnO powders as an anode material for LIBs. Therefore, a great deal of effort has been devoted to overcome these problems, and many methods have been developed. In most of these methods, it is claimed that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) will radically improve the performance of batteries, because their unique structure may especially enhance the kinetic properties of the electrodes and result in an extremely high specific charge compared with the theoretical limits of graphitic carbon. Due to outstanding properties of CNTs, MWCNT buckypaper substrate is considered a buffer material to prevent mechanical disintegration of anode material during the battery applications. As the bridge connecting the positive and negative electrodes, the electrolyte plays a critical role affecting the overall electrochemical performance of the cell including rate, capacity, durability and safety. Commercial electrolytes for Li-ion batteries normally consist of certain lithium salts and mixed organic linear and cyclic carbonate solvents. Most commonly, LiPF6 is attributed to its remarkable features including high solubility, good ionic conductivity, high dissociation constant and satisfactory electrochemical stability for commercial fabrication. Besides LiPF6, LiBF4 is well known as a conducting salt for LIBs. LiBF4 shows a better temperature stability in organic carbonate based solutions and less moisture sensitivity compared to LiPF6. In this work, free standing zinc oxide (ZnO) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite materials were prepared by a sol gel technique giving a high capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries. Electrolyte solutions (including 1 m Li+ ion) were prepared with different Li salts in glove box. For this purpose, LiPF6 and LiBF4 salts and also mixed of these salts were solved in EC:DMC solvents (1:1, w/w). CR2016 cells were assembled by using these prepared electrolyte solutions, the ZnO/MWCNT buckypaper nanocomposites as working electrodes, metallic lithium as cathode and polypropylene (PP) as separator. For investigating the effect of different Li salts on the electrochemical performance of ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposite anode material electrochemical tests were performed at room temperature. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=anode" title="anode">anode</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=electrolyte" title=" electrolyte"> electrolyte</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Li-ion%20battery" title=" Li-ion battery"> Li-ion battery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ZnO%2FMWCNT" title=" ZnO/MWCNT"> ZnO/MWCNT</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/45384/investigation-of-different-electrolyte-salts-effect-on-znomwcnt-anode-capacity-in-libs" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/45384.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">231</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">41</span> Assessing Flexural Damage Mechanisms Induced by Mesoscopic Buckle Defects in Textile-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites Using Acoustic Emission Analysis</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Christopher%20Okechukwu%20Ndukwe">Christopher Okechukwu Ndukwe</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This paper investigates and categorizes the flexural damage mechanisms in composite materials caused by mesoscopic out-of-plane buckle defects that occur during the initial stage of the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The findings of this study have significant practical implications for the manufacturing and use of composite materials, as they provide a deeper understanding of these damage mechanisms and their analysis. During the initial stage of shaping a preform, alterations, and distortions in the reinforcement sample can significantly lead to defects, such as buckling, especially when forming double-curvature geometries. These recurring mesoscopic defects have been investigated using a specialized laboratory bench designed to reproduce buckle defects like those found in complex geometric shapes, such as tetrahedrons. The study examined two sample configurations with buckle defects in the longitudinal and transverse directions alongside a reference sample for comparison. An acoustic emission (AE) system, a well-regarded non-contact method for monitoring structural health, was used to analyze the mechanical behavior of material samples in detail. An unsupervised K-means algorithm was employed to classify the damage mechanisms—such as matrix cracking, interface damage, and fiber breakage linked to the samples' failure. A standard was established based on three AE parameters: absolute energy, amplitude, and the number of AE events. This standard helped identify the origin and sequence of damage propagation. Initially, the results of the AE parameters were superimposed with the flexural loading curves to pinpoint the loading phases during which damage began and the specific points at which the samples ultimately failed. The normalized density of AE events related to different damage mechanisms was evaluated by analyzing the number of AE events within the amplitude domain of the AE signals. The ranges of the identified damage mechanisms in the amplitude plane illustrate the progression and order of load transfer among the elements of the composite material. In the reference sample, the AE event signals corresponding to the three classes of damage mechanisms partially overlap with adjacent signals. In contrast, the two defective sample configurations showed that the overlapping AE event signals for the respective damage mechanisms converged within the intermediate damage mode area at specific points, depending on the sample configuration. The convergence points in the samples with transverse defects were identified relatively earlier than in the other samples. Low and high amplitude ranges characterize the matrix cracking and fiber breakage damage mechanisms. The low amplitude damage occurred over a more extended length, while the high amplitude damage began much earlier. This results in the signals from both damage mechanisms converging at the center of the interface damage zone. This convergence suggests that all individual composite components fail concurrently at specific points in the defective samples, resulting in rapid fragmentation and ultimately contributing to failure. Overall, the results show that mesoscopic out-of-plane buckling in all directions affects the composite's flexural response, with more severe effects observed when the load is applied transversely. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=acoustic%20emission" title="acoustic emission">acoustic emission</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=composite%20reinforcement" title=" composite reinforcement"> composite reinforcement</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=damage%20mechanisms" title=" damage mechanisms"> damage mechanisms</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mesoscopic%20buckle%20defects" title=" mesoscopic buckle defects"> mesoscopic buckle defects</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/195426/assessing-flexural-damage-mechanisms-induced-by-mesoscopic-buckle-defects-in-textile-reinforced-polymer-matrix-composites-using-acoustic-emission-analysis" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/195426.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">0</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">40</span> Single Crystal Growth in Floating-Zone Method and Properties of Spin Ladders: Quantum Magnets</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rabindranath%20Bag">Rabindranath Bag</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Surjeet%20Singh"> Surjeet Singh</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Materials in which the electrons are strongly correlated provide some of the most challenging and exciting problems in condensed matter physics today. After the discovery of high critical temperature superconductivity in layered or two-dimensional copper oxides, many physicists got attention in cuprates and it led to an upsurge of interest in the synthesis and physical properties of copper-oxide based material. The quest to understand superconducting mechanism in high-temperature cuprates, drew physicist’s attention to somewhat simpler compounds consisting of spin-chains or one-dimensional lattice of coupled spins. Low-dimensional quantum magnets are of huge contemporary interest in basic sciences as well emerging technologies such as quantum computing and quantum information theory, and heat management in microelectronic devices. Spin ladder is an example of quasi one-dimensional quantum magnets which provides a bridge between one and two dimensional materials. One of the examples of quasi one-dimensional spin-ladder compounds is Sr14Cu24O41, which exhibits a lot of interesting and exciting physical phenomena in low dimensional systems. Very recently, the ladder compound Sr14Cu24O41 was shown to exhibit long-distance quantum entanglement crucial to quantum information theory. Also, it is well known that hole-compensation in this material results in very high (metal-like) anisotropic thermal conductivity at room temperature. These observations suggest that Sr14Cu24O41 is a potential multifunctional material which invites further detailed investigations. To investigate these properties one must needs a large and high quality of single crystal. But these systems are showing incongruently melting behavior, which brings many difficulties to grow a large and quality of single crystals. Hence, we are using TSFZ (Travelling Solvent Floating Zone) method to grow the high quality of single crystals of the low dimensional magnets. Apart from this, it has unique crystal structure (alternating stacks of plane containing edge-sharing CuO2 chains, and the plane containing two-leg Cu2O3 ladder with intermediate Sr layers along the b- axis), which is also incommensurate in nature. It exhibits abundant physical phenomenon such as spin dimerization, crystallization of charge holes and charge density wave. The maximum focus of research so far involved in introducing defects on A-site (Sr). However, apart from the A-site (Sr) doping, there are only few studies in which the B-site (Cu) doping of polycrystalline Sr14Cu24O41 have been discussed and the reason behind this is the possibility of two doping sites for Cu (CuO2 chain and Cu2O3 ladder). Therefore, in our present work, the crystals (pristine and Cu-site doped) were grown by using TSFZ method by tuning the growth parameters. The Laue diffraction images, optical polarized microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images confirm the quality of the grown crystals. Here, we report the single crystal growth, magnetic and transport properties of Sr14Cu24O41 and its lightly doped variants (magnetic and non-magnetic) containing less than 1% of Co, Ni, Al and Zn impurities. Since, any real system will have some amount of weak disorder, our studies on these ladder compounds with controlled dilute disorder would be significant in the present context. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=low-dimensional%20quantum%20magnets" title="low-dimensional quantum magnets">low-dimensional quantum magnets</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=single%20crystal" title=" single crystal"> single crystal</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=spin-ladder" title=" spin-ladder"> spin-ladder</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=TSFZ%20technique" title=" TSFZ technique"> TSFZ technique</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/59022/single-crystal-growth-in-floating-zone-method-and-properties-of-spin-ladders-quantum-magnets" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/59022.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">274</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">39</span> Towards an Effective Approach for Modelling near Surface Air Temperature Combining Weather and Satellite Data</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nicola%20Colaninno">Nicola Colaninno</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eugenio%20Morello"> Eugenio Morello</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The urban environment affects local-to-global climate and, in turn, suffers global warming phenomena, with worrying impacts on human well-being, health, social and economic activities. Physic-morphological features of the built-up space affect urban air temperature, locally, causing the urban environment to be warmer compared to surrounding rural. This occurrence, typically known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI), is normally assessed by means of air temperature from fixed weather stations and/or traverse observations or based on remotely sensed Land Surface Temperatures (LST). The information provided by ground weather stations is key for assessing local air temperature. However, the spatial coverage is normally limited due to low density and uneven distribution of the stations. Although different interpolation techniques such as Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Ordinary Kriging (OK), or Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) are used to estimate air temperature from observed points, such an approach may not effectively reflect the real climatic conditions of an interpolated point. Quantifying local UHI for extensive areas based on weather stations’ observations only is not practicable. Alternatively, the use of thermal remote sensing has been widely investigated based on LST. Data from Landsat, ASTER, or MODIS have been extensively used. Indeed, LST has an indirect but significant influence on air temperatures. However, high-resolution near-surface air temperature (NSAT) is currently difficult to retrieve. Here we have experimented Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) as an effective approach to enable NSAT estimation by accounting for spatial non-stationarity of the phenomenon. The model combines on-site measurements of air temperature, from fixed weather stations and satellite-derived LST. The approach is structured upon two main steps. First, a GWR model has been set to estimate NSAT at low resolution, by combining air temperature from discrete observations retrieved by weather stations (dependent variable) and the LST from satellite observations (predictor). At this step, MODIS data, from Terra satellite, at 1 kilometer of spatial resolution have been employed. Two time periods are considered according to satellite revisit period, i.e. 10:30 am and 9:30 pm. Afterward, the results have been downscaled at 30 meters of spatial resolution by setting a GWR model between the previously retrieved near-surface air temperature (dependent variable), the multispectral information as provided by the Landsat mission, in particular the albedo, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), both at 30 meters. Albedo and DEM are now the predictors. The area under investigation is the Metropolitan City of Milan, which covers an area of approximately 1,575 km2 and encompasses a population of over 3 million inhabitants. Both models, low- (1 km) and high-resolution (30 meters), have been validated according to a cross-validation that relies on indicators such as R2, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). All the employed indicators give evidence of highly efficient models. In addition, an alternative network of weather stations, available for the City of Milano only, has been employed for testing the accuracy of the predicted temperatures, giving and RMSE of 0.6 and 0.7 for daytime and night-time, respectively. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urban%20climate" title="urban climate">urban climate</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urban%20heat%20island" title=" urban heat island"> urban heat island</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=geographically%20weighted%20regression" title=" geographically weighted regression"> geographically weighted regression</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=remote%20sensing" title=" remote sensing"> remote sensing</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/130224/towards-an-effective-approach-for-modelling-near-surface-air-temperature-combining-weather-and-satellite-data" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/130224.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">195</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">38</span> Exploring Type V Hydrogen Storage Tanks: Shape Analysis and Material Evaluation for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency Focusing on Drop Test Performance</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mariam%20Jaber">Mariam Jaber</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Abdullah%20Yahya"> Abdullah Yahya</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mohammad%20Alkhedher"> Mohammad Alkhedher</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The shift toward sustainable energy solutions increasingly focuses on hydrogen, recognized for its potential as a clean energy carrier. Despite its benefits, hydrogen storage poses significant challenges, primarily due to its low energy density and high volatility. Among the various solutions, pressure vessels designed for hydrogen storage range from Type I to Type V, each tailored for specific needs and benefits. Notably, Type V vessels, with their all-composite, liner-less design, significantly reduce weight and costs while optimizing space and decreasing maintenance demands. This study focuses on optimizing Type V hydrogen storage tanks by examining how different shapes affect performance in drop tests—a crucial aspect of achieving ISO 15869 certification. This certification ensures that if a tank is dropped, it will fail in a controlled manner, ideally by leaking before bursting. While cylindrical vessels are predominant in mobile applications due to their manufacturability and efficient use of space, spherical vessels offer superior stress distribution and require significantly less material thickness for the same pressure tolerance, making them advantageous for high-pressure scenarios. However, spherical tanks are less efficient in terms of packing and more complex to manufacture. Additionally, this study introduces toroidal vessels to assess their performance relative to the more traditional shapes, noting that the toroidal shape offers a more space-efficient option. The research evaluates how different shapes—spherical, cylindrical, and toroidal—affect drop test outcomes when combined with various composite materials and layup configurations. The ultimate goal is to identify optimal vessel geometries that enhance the safety and efficiency of hydrogen storage systems. For our materials, we selected high-performance composites such as Carbon T-700/Epoxy, Kevlar/Epoxy, E-Glass Fiber/Epoxy, and Basalt/Epoxy, configured in various orientations like [0,90]s, [45,-45]s, and [54,-54]. Our tests involved dropping tanks from different angles—horizontal, vertical, and 45 degrees—with an internal pressure of 35 MPa to replicate real-world scenarios as closely as possible. We used finite element analysis and first-order shear deformation theory, conducting tests with the Abaqus Explicit Dynamics software, which is ideal for handling the quick, intense stresses of an impact. The results from these simulations will provide valuable insights into how different designs and materials can enhance the durability and safety of hydrogen storage tanks. Our findings aim to guide future designs, making them more effective at withstanding impacts and safer overall. Ultimately, this research will contribute to the broader field of lightweight composite materials and polymers, advancing more innovative and practical approaches to hydrogen storage. By refining how we design these tanks, we are moving toward more reliable and economically feasible hydrogen storage solutions, further emphasizing hydrogen's role in the landscape of sustainable energy carriers. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hydrogen%20storage" title="hydrogen storage">hydrogen storage</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=drop%20test" title=" drop test"> drop test</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=composite%20materials" title=" composite materials"> composite materials</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=type%20V%20tanks" title=" type V tanks"> type V tanks</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=finite%20element%20analysis" title=" finite element analysis"> finite element analysis</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/185850/exploring-type-v-hydrogen-storage-tanks-shape-analysis-and-material-evaluation-for-enhanced-safety-and-efficiency-focusing-on-drop-test-performance" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/185850.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">46</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">37</span> Blood Lipid Management: Combined Treatment with Hydrotherapy and Ozone Bubbles Bursting in Water</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=M.%20M.%20Wickramasinghe">M. M. Wickramasinghe</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids, mainly essential to maintain the cellular structure of the human body. Cholesterol is also important for hormone production, vitamin D production, proper digestion functions, and strengthening the immune system. Excess fats in the blood circulation, known as hyperlipidemia, become harmful leading to arterial clogging and causing atherosclerosis. Aim of this research is to develop a treatment protocol to efficiently break down and maintain circulatory lipids by improving blood circulation without strenuous physical exercises while immersed in a tub of water. To achieve the target of strong exercise effect, this method involves generating powerful ozone bubbles to spin, collide, and burst in the water. Powerful emission of air into water is capable of transferring locked energy of the water molecules and releasing energy. This method involves water and air-based impact generated by pumping ozone at the speed of 46 lts/sec with a concentration of 0.03-0.05 ppt according to safety standards of The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, BfArM, Germany. The direct impact of ozone bubbles on the muscular system and skin becomes the main target and is capable of increasing the heart rate while immersed in water. A total time duration of 20 minutes is adequate to exert a strong exercise effect, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the nervous and endocrine systems. Unstable ozone breakdown into oxygen release onto the surface of the water giving additional benefits and supplying high-quality air rich in oxygen required to maintain efficient metabolic functions. The breathing technique was introduced to improve the efficiency of lung functions and benefit the air exchange mechanism. The temperature of the water is maintained at 39c to 40c to support arterial dilation and enzyme functions and efficiently improve blood circulation to the vital organs. The buoyancy of water and natural hydrostatic pressure release the tension of the body weight and relax the mind and body. Sufficient hydration (3lts of water per day) is an essential requirement to transport nutrients and remove waste byproducts to process through the liver, kidney, and skin. Proper nutritional intake is an added advantage to optimize the efficiency of this method which aids in a fast recovery process. Within 20-30 days of daily treatment, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and total cholesterol reduction were observed in patients with abnormal levels of lipid profile. Borderline patients were cleared within 10–15 days of treatment. This is a highly efficient system that provides many benefits and is able to achieve a successful reduction of triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol within a short period of time. Supported by proper hydration and nutritional balance, this system of natural treatment maintains healthy levels of lipids in the blood and avoids the risk of cerebral stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=atherosclerosis" title="atherosclerosis">atherosclerosis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cholesterol" title=" cholesterol"> cholesterol</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hydrotherapy" title=" hydrotherapy"> hydrotherapy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hyperlipidemia" title=" hyperlipidemia"> hyperlipidemia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=lipid%20management" title=" lipid management"> lipid management</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ozone%20therapy" title=" ozone therapy"> ozone therapy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=triglycerides" title=" triglycerides"> triglycerides</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/158366/blood-lipid-management-combined-treatment-with-hydrotherapy-and-ozone-bubbles-bursting-in-water" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/158366.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">91</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">36</span> Analysis of Vibration and Shock Levels during Transport and Handling of Bananas within the Post-Harvest Supply Chain in Australia</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Indika%20Fernando">Indika Fernando</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jiangang%20Fei"> Jiangang Fei</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Roger%20%20Stanley"> Roger Stanley</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Hossein%20Enshaei"> Hossein Enshaei</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Delicate produce such as fresh fruits are increasingly susceptible to physiological damage during the essential post-harvest operations such as transport and handling. Vibration and shock during the distribution are identified factors for produce damage within post-harvest supply chains. Mechanical damages caused during transit may significantly diminish the quality of fresh produce which may also result in a substantial wastage. Bananas are one of the staple fruit crops and the most sold supermarket produce in Australia. It is also the largest horticultural industry in the state of Queensland where 95% of the total production of bananas are cultivated. This results in significantly lengthy interstate supply chains where fruits are exposed to prolonged vibration and shocks. This paper is focused on determining the shock and vibration levels experienced by packaged bananas during transit from the farm gate to the retail market. Tri-axis acceleration data were captured by custom made accelerometer based data loggers which were set to a predetermined sampling rate of 400 Hz. The devices recorded data continuously for 96 Hours in the interstate journey of nearly 3000 Km from the growing fields in far north Queensland to the central distribution centre in Melbourne in Victoria. After the bananas were ripened at the ripening facility in Melbourne, the data loggers were used to capture the transport and handling conditions from the central distribution centre to three retail outlets within the outskirts of Melbourne. The quality of bananas were assessed before and after transport at each location along the supply chain. Time series vibration and shock data were used to determine the frequency and the severity of the transient shocks experienced by the packages. Frequency spectrogram was generated to determine the dominant frequencies within each segment of the post-harvest supply chain. Root Mean Square (RMS) acceleration levels were calculated to characterise the vibration intensity during transport. Data were further analysed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the Power Spectral Density (PSD) profiles were generated to determine the critical frequency ranges. It revealed the frequency range in which the escalated energy levels were transferred to the packages. It was found that the vertical vibration was the highest and the acceleration levels mostly oscillated between ± 1g during transport. Several shock responses were recorded exceeding this range which were mostly attributed to package handling. These detrimental high impact shocks may eventually lead to mechanical damages in bananas such as impact bruising, compression bruising and neck injuries which affect their freshness and visual quality. It was revealed that the frequency range between 0-5 Hz and 15-20 Hz exert an escalated level of vibration energy to the packaged bananas which may result in abrasion damages such as scuffing, fruit rub and blackened rub. Further research is indicated specially in the identified critical frequency ranges to minimise exposure of fruits to the harmful effects of vibration. Improving the handling conditions and also further study on package failure mechanisms when exposed to transient shock excitation will be crucial to improve the visual quality of bananas within the post-harvest supply chain in Australia. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=bananas" title="bananas">bananas</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=handling" title=" handling"> handling</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=post-harvest" title=" post-harvest"> post-harvest</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=supply%20chain" title=" supply chain"> supply chain</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=shocks" title=" shocks"> shocks</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=transport" title=" transport"> transport</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=vibration" title=" vibration"> vibration</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/87293/analysis-of-vibration-and-shock-levels-during-transport-and-handling-of-bananas-within-the-post-harvest-supply-chain-in-australia" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/87293.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">190</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">35</span> Microplastic Concentrations and Fluxes in Urban Compartments: A Systemic Approach at the Scale of the Paris Megacity</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rachid%20Dris">Rachid Dris</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Robin%20%20Treilles"> Robin Treilles</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Max%20Beaurepaire"> Max Beaurepaire</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Minh%20Trang%20Nguyen"> Minh Trang Nguyen</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sam%20Azimi"> Sam Azimi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vincent%20Rocher"> Vincent Rocher</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Johnny%20Gasperi"> Johnny Gasperi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Bruno%20Tassin"> Bruno Tassin</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Microplastic sources and fluxes in urban catchments are only poorly studied. Most often, the approaches taken focus on a single source and only carry out a description of the contamination levels and type (shape, size, polymers). In order to gain an improved knowledge of microplastic inputs at urban scales, estimating and comparing various fluxes is necessary. The Laboratoire Eau, Environnement et Systèmes Urbains (LEESU), the Laboratoire Eau Environnement (LEE) and the SIAAP (Service public de l’assainissement francilien) initiated several projects to investigate different urban sources and flows of microplastics. A systemic approach is undertaken at the scale of Paris Megacity, and several compartments are considered, including atmospheric fallout, wastewater treatments plants, runoff and combined sewer overflows. These investigations are carried out within the Limnoplast and OPUR projects. Atmospheric fallout was sampled during consecutive periods ranging from 2 to 3 weeks with a stainless-steel funnel. Both wet and dry periods were considered. Different treatment steps were sampled in 2 wastewater treatment plants (Seine-Amont for activated sludge and Seine-Centre for biofiltration) of the SIAAP, including sludge samples. Microplastics were also investigated in combined sewer overflows as well as in stormwater at the outlet suburban catchment (Sucy-en-Brie, France) during four rain events. Samples are treated using hydroperoxide digestion (H₂O₂ 30 %) in order to reduce organic material. Microplastics are then extracted from the samples with a density separation step using NaI (d=1.6 g.cm⁻³). Samples are filtered on metallic filters with a porosity of 14 µm between steps to separate them from the solutions (H₂O₂ and NaI). The last filtration was carried out on alumina filters. Infrared mapping analysis (using a micro-FTIR with an MCT detector) is performed on each alumina filter. The resulting maps are analyzed using a microplastic analysis software simple, developed by Aalborg University, Denmark and Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany. Blanks were systematically carried out to consider sample contamination. This presentation aims at synthesizing the data found in the various projects. In order to carry out a systemic approach and compare the various inputs, all the data were converted into annual microplastic fluxes (number of microplastics per year), and extrapolated to the Parisian agglomeration. PP, PE and alkyd are the most prevalent polymers found in storm water samples. Rain intensity and microplastic concentrations did not show any clear correlation. Considering the runoff volumes and the impervious surface area of the studied catchment, a flux of 4*107–9*107 MPs.yr⁻¹.ha⁻¹ was estimated. Samples of wastewater treatment plants and atmospheric fallout are currently being analyzed in order to finalize this assessment. The representativeness of such samplings and uncertainties related to the extrapolations will be discussed and gaps in knowledge will be identified. The data provided by such an approach will help to prioritize future research as well as policy efforts. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=microplastics" title="microplastics">microplastics</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=atmosphere" title=" atmosphere"> atmosphere</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=wastewater" title=" wastewater"> wastewater</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urban%20runoff" title=" urban runoff"> urban runoff</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Paris%20megacity" title=" Paris megacity"> Paris megacity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urban%20waters" title=" urban waters"> urban waters</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/131671/microplastic-concentrations-and-fluxes-in-urban-compartments-a-systemic-approach-at-the-scale-of-the-paris-megacity" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/131671.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">180</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">34</span> Application of Aerogeomagnetic and Ground Magnetic Surveys for Deep-Seated Kimberlite Pipes in Central India</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Utkarsh%20Tripathi">Utkarsh Tripathi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Bikalp%20C.%20Mandal"> Bikalp C. Mandal</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ravi%20Kumar%20Umrao"> Ravi Kumar Umrao</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sirsha%20Das"> Sirsha Das</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=M.%20K.%20Bhowmic"> M. K. Bhowmic</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joyesh%20Bagchi"> Joyesh Bagchi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Hemant%20Kumar"> Hemant Kumar</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The Central India Diamond Province (CIDP) is known for the occurrences of primary and secondary sources for diamonds from the Vindhyan platformal sediments, which host several kimberlites, with one operating mine. The known kimberlites are Neo-Proterozoic in age and intrude into the Kaimur Group of rocks. Based on the interpretation of areo-geomagnetic data, three potential zones were demarcated in parts of Chitrakoot and Banda districts, Uttar Pradesh, and Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, India. To validate the aero-geomagnetic interpretation, ground magnetic coupled with a gravity survey was conducted to validate the anomaly and explore the possibility of some pipes concealed beneath the Vindhyan sedimentary cover. Geologically the area exposes the milky white to buff-colored arkosic and arenitic sandstone belonging to the Dhandraul Formation of the Kaimur Group, which are undeformed and unmetamorphosed providing almost transparent media for geophysical exploration. There is neither surface nor any geophysical indication of intersections of linear structures, but the joint patterns depict three principal joints along NNE-SSW, ENE-WSW, and NW-SE directions with vertical to sub-vertical dips. Aeromagnetic data interpretation brings out three promising zones with the bi-polar magnetic anomaly (69-602nT) that represent potential kimberlite intrusive concealed below at an approximate depth of 150-170m. The ground magnetic survey has brought out the above-mentioned anomalies in zone-I, which is congruent with the available aero-geophysical data. The magnetic anomaly map shows a total variation of 741 nT over the area. Two very high magnetic zones (H1 and H2) have been observed with around 500 nT and 400 nT magnitudes, respectively. Anomaly zone H1 is located in the west-central part of the area, south of Madulihai village, while anomaly zone H2 is located 2km apart in the north-eastern direction. The Euler 3D solution map indicates the possible existence of the ultramafic body in both the magnetic highs (H1 and H2). The H2 high shows the shallow depth, and H1 shows a deeper depth solution. In the reduced-to-pole (RTP) method, the bipolar anomaly disappears and indicates the existence of one causative source for both anomalies, which is, in all probabilities, an ultramafic suite of rock. The H1 magnetic high represents the main body, which persists up to depths of ~500m, as depicted through the upward continuation derivative map. Radially Averaged Power Spectrum (RAPS) shows the thickness of loose sediments up to 25m with a cumulative depth of 154m for sandstone overlying the ultramafic body. The average depth range of the shallower body (H2) is 60.5-86 meters, as estimated through the Peters half slope method. Magnetic (TF) anomaly with BA contour also shows high BA value around the high zones of magnetic anomaly (H1 and H2), which suggests that the causative body is with higher density and susceptibility for the surrounding host rock. The ground magnetic survey coupled with the gravity confirms a potential target for further exploration as the findings are co-relatable with the presence of the known diamondiferous kimberlites in this region, which post-date the rocks of the Kaimur Group. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kaimur" title="Kaimur">Kaimur</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=kimberlite" title=" kimberlite"> kimberlite</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Euler%203D%20solution" title=" Euler 3D solution"> Euler 3D solution</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=magnetic" title=" magnetic"> magnetic</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/160889/application-of-aerogeomagnetic-and-ground-magnetic-surveys-for-deep-seated-kimberlite-pipes-in-central-india" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/160889.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">75</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">33</span> Polysaccharide Polyelectrolyte Complexation: An Engineering Strategy for the Development of Commercially Viable Sustainable Materials</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jeffrey%20M.%20Catchmark">Jeffrey M. Catchmark</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Parisa%20Nazema"> Parisa Nazema</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Caini%20Chen"> Caini Chen</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Wei-Shu%20Lin"> Wei-Shu Lin</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Sustainable and environmentally compatible materials are needed for a wide variety of volume commercial applications. Current synthetic materials such as plastics, fluorochemicals (such as PFAS), adhesives and resins in form of sheets, laminates, coatings, foams, fibers, molded parts and composites are used for countless products such as packaging, food handling, textiles, biomedical, construction, automotive and general consumer devices. Synthetic materials offer distinct performance advantages including stability, durability and low cost. These attributes are associated with the physical and chemical properties of these materials that, once formed, can be resistant to water, oils, solvents, harsh chemicals, salt, temperature, impact, wear and microbial degradation. These advantages become disadvantages when considering the end of life of these products which generate significant land and water pollution when disposed of and few are recycled. Agriculturally and biologically derived polymers offer the potential of remediating these environmental and life-cycle difficulties, but face numerous challenges including feedstock supply, scalability, performance and cost. Such polymers include microbial biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates and polyhydroxbutirate; polymers produced using biomonomer chemical synthesis like polylactic acid; proteins like soy, collagen and casein; lipids like waxes; and polysaccharides like cellulose and starch. Although these materials, and combinations thereof, exhibit the potential for meeting some of the performance needs of various commercial applications, only cellulose and starch have both the production feedstock volume and cost to compete with petroleum derived materials. Over 430 million tons of plastic is produced each year and plastics like low density polyethylene cost ~$1500 to $1800 per ton. Over 400 million tons of cellulose and over 100 million tons of starch are produced each year at a volume cost as low as ~$500 to $1000 per ton with the capability of increased production. Cellulose and starches, however, are hydroscopic materials that do not exhibit the needed performance in most applications. Celluloses and starches can be chemically modified to contain positive and negative surface charges and such modified versions of these are used in papermaking, foods and cosmetics. Although these modified polysaccharides exhibit the same performance limitations, recent research has shown that composite materials comprised of cationic and anionic polysaccharides in polyelectrolyte complexation exhibit significantly improved performance including stability in diverse environments. Moreover, starches with added plasticizers can exhibit thermoplasticity, presenting the possibility of improved thermoplastic starches when comprised of starches in polyelectrolyte complexation. In this work, the potential for numerous volume commercial products based on polysaccharide polyelectrolyte complexes (PPCs) will be discussed, including the engineering design strategy used to develop them. Research results will be detailed including the development and demonstration of starch PPC compositions for paper coatings to replace PFAS; adhesives; foams for packaging, insulation and biomedical applications; and thermoplastic starches. In addition, efforts to demonstrate the potential for volume manufacturing with industrial partners will be discussed. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=biomaterials%20engineering" title="biomaterials engineering">biomaterials engineering</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=commercial%20materials" title=" commercial materials"> commercial materials</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=polysaccharides" title=" polysaccharides"> polysaccharides</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainable%20materials" title=" sustainable materials"> sustainable materials</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/191252/polysaccharide-polyelectrolyte-complexation-an-engineering-strategy-for-the-development-of-commercially-viable-sustainable-materials" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/191252.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">17</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">32</span> Modeling and Performance Evaluation of an Urban Corridor under Mixed Traffic Flow Condition</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kavitha%20Madhu">Kavitha Madhu</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Karthik%20K.%20Srinivasan"> Karthik K. Srinivasan</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=R.%20Sivanandan"> R. Sivanandan</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Indian traffic can be considered as mixed and heterogeneous due to the presence of various types of vehicles that operate with weak lane discipline. Consequently, vehicles can position themselves anywhere in the traffic stream depending on availability of gaps. The choice of lateral positioning is an important component in representing and characterizing mixed traffic. The field data provides evidence that the trajectory of vehicles in Indian urban roads have significantly varying longitudinal and lateral components. Further, the notion of headway which is widely used for homogeneous traffic simulation is not well defined in conditions lacking lane discipline. From field data it is clear that following is not strict as in homogeneous and lane disciplined conditions and neighbouring vehicles ahead of a given vehicle and those adjacent to it could also influence the subject vehicles choice of position, speed and acceleration. Given these empirical features, the suitability of using headway distributions to characterize mixed traffic in Indian cities is questionable, and needs to be modified appropriately. To address these issues, this paper attempts to analyze the time gap distribution between consecutive vehicles (in a time-sense) crossing a section of roadway. More specifically, to characterize the complex interactions noted above, the influence of composition, manoeuvre types, and lateral placement characteristics on time gap distribution is quantified in this paper. The developed model is used for evaluating various performance measures such as link speed, midblock delay and intersection delay which further helps to characterise the vehicular fuel consumption and emission on urban roads of India. Identifying and analyzing exact interactions between various classes of vehicles in the traffic stream is essential for increasing the accuracy and realism of microscopic traffic flow modelling. In this regard, this study aims to develop and analyze time gap distribution models and quantify it by lead lag pair, manoeuvre type and lateral position characteristics in heterogeneous non-lane based traffic. Once the modelling scheme is developed, this can be used for estimating the vehicle kilometres travelled for the entire traffic system which helps to determine the vehicular fuel consumption and emission. The approach to this objective involves: data collection, statistical modelling and parameter estimation, simulation using calibrated time-gap distribution and its validation, empirical analysis of simulation result and associated traffic flow parameters, and application to analyze illustrative traffic policies. In particular, video graphic methods are used for data extraction from urban mid-block sections in Chennai, where the data comprises of vehicle type, vehicle position (both longitudinal and lateral), speed and time gap. Statistical tests are carried out to compare the simulated data with the actual data and the model performance is evaluated. The effect of integration of above mentioned factors in vehicle generation is studied by comparing the performance measures like density, speed, flow, capacity, area occupancy etc under various traffic conditions and policies. The implications of the quantified distributions and simulation model for estimating the PCU (Passenger Car Units), capacity and level of service of the system are also discussed. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=lateral%20movement" title="lateral movement">lateral movement</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mixed%20traffic%20condition" title=" mixed traffic condition"> mixed traffic condition</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=simulation%20modeling" title=" simulation modeling"> simulation modeling</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=vehicle%20following%20models" title=" vehicle following models"> vehicle following models</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/37285/modeling-and-performance-evaluation-of-an-urban-corridor-under-mixed-traffic-flow-condition" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/37285.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">342</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">31</span> Influence of Atmospheric Pollutants on Child Respiratory Disease in Cartagena De Indias, Colombia</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jose%20A.%20Alvarez%20Aldegunde">Jose A. Alvarez Aldegunde</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Adrian%20Fernandez%20Sanchez"> Adrian Fernandez Sanchez</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Matthew%20D.%20Menden"> Matthew D. Menden</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Bernardo%20Vila%20Rodriguez"> Bernardo Vila Rodriguez</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Up to five statistical pre-processings have been carried out considering the pollutant records of the stations present in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, also taking into account the childhood asthma incidence surveys conducted in hospitals in the city by the Health Ministry of Colombia for this study. These pre-processings have consisted of different techniques such as the determination of the quality of data collection, determination of the quality of the registration network, identification and debugging of errors in data collection, completion of missing data and purified data, as well as the improvement of the time scale of records. The characterization of the quality of the data has been conducted by means of density analysis of the pollutant registration stations using ArcGis Software and through mass balance techniques, making it possible to determine inconsistencies in the records relating the registration data between stations following the linear regression. The results obtained in this process have highlighted the positive quality in the pollutant registration process. Consequently, debugging of errors has allowed us to identify certain data as statistically non-significant in the incidence and series of contamination. This data, together with certain missing records in the series recorded by the measuring stations, have been completed by statistical imputation equations. Following the application of these prior processes, the basic series of incidence data for respiratory disease and pollutant records have allowed the characterization of the influence of pollutants on respiratory diseases such as, for example, childhood asthma. This characterization has been carried out using statistical correlation methods, including visual correlation, simple linear regression correlation and spectral analysis with PAST Software which identifies maximum periodicity cycles and minimums under the formula of the Lomb periodgram. In relation to part of the results obtained, up to eleven maximums and minimums considered contemporary between the incidence records and the particles have been identified taking into account the visual comparison. The spectral analyses that have been performed on the incidence and the PM2.5 have returned a series of similar maximum periods in both registers, which are at a maximum during a period of one year and another every 25 days (0.9 and 0.07 years). The bivariate analysis has managed to characterize the variable "Daily Vehicular Flow" in the ninth position of importance of a total of 55 variables. However, the statistical correlation has not obtained a favorable result, having obtained a low value of the R2 coefficient. The series of analyses conducted has demonstrated the importance of the influence of pollutants such as PM2.5 in the development of childhood asthma in Cartagena. The quantification of the influence of the variables has been able to determine that there is a 56% probability of dependence between PM2.5 and childhood respiratory asthma in Cartagena. Considering this justification, the study could be completed through the application of the BenMap Software, throwing a series of spatial results of interpolated values of the pollutant contamination records that exceeded the established legal limits (represented by homogeneous units up to the neighborhood level) and results of the impact on the exacerbation of pediatric asthma. As a final result, an economic estimate (in Colombian Pesos) of the monthly and individual savings derived from the percentage reduction of the influence of pollutants in relation to visits to the Hospital Emergency Room due to asthma exacerbation in pediatric patients has been granted. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Asthma%20Incidence" title="Asthma Incidence">Asthma Incidence</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=BenMap" title=" BenMap"> BenMap</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=PM2.5" title=" PM2.5"> PM2.5</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Statistical%20Analysis" title=" Statistical Analysis"> Statistical Analysis</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/123902/influence-of-atmospheric-pollutants-on-child-respiratory-disease-in-cartagena-de-indias-colombia" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/123902.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">116</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">30</span> Mapping Iron Content in the Brain with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Machine Learning</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Gabrielle%20Robertson">Gabrielle Robertson</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Matthew%20Downs"> Matthew Downs</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joseph%20Dagher"> Joseph Dagher</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Iron deposition in the brain has been linked with a host of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. While some treatment options exist, there are no objective measurement tools that allow for the monitoring of iron levels in the brain in vivo. An emerging Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method has been recently proposed to deduce iron concentration through quantitative measurement of magnetic susceptibility. This is a multi-step process that involves repeated modeling of physical processes via approximate numerical solutions. For example, the last two steps of this Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) method involve I) mapping magnetic field into magnetic susceptibility and II) mapping magnetic susceptibility into iron concentration. Process I involves solving an ill-posed inverse problem by using regularization via injection of prior belief. The end result from Process II highly depends on the model used to describe the molecular content of each voxel (type of iron, water fraction, etc.) Due to these factors, the accuracy and repeatability of QSM have been an active area of research in the MRI and medical imaging community. This work aims to estimate iron concentration in the brain via a single step. A synthetic numerical model of the human head was created by automatically and manually segmenting the human head on a high-resolution grid (640x640x640, 0.4mm³) yielding detailed structures such as microvasculature and subcortical regions as well as bone, soft tissue, Cerebral Spinal Fluid, sinuses, arteries, and eyes. Each segmented region was then assigned tissue properties such as relaxation rates, proton density, electromagnetic tissue properties and iron concentration. These tissue property values were randomly selected from a Probability Distribution Function derived from a thorough literature review. In addition to having unique tissue property values, different synthetic head realizations also possess unique structural geometry created by morphing the boundary regions of different areas within normal physical constraints. This model of the human brain is then used to create synthetic MRI measurements. This is repeated thousands of times, for different head shapes, volume, tissue properties and noise realizations. Collectively, this constitutes a training-set that is similar to in vivo data, but larger than datasets available from clinical measurements. This 3D convolutional U-Net neural network architecture was used to train data-driven Deep Learning models to solve for iron concentrations from raw MRI measurements. The performance was then tested on both synthetic data not used in training as well as real in vivo data. Results showed that the model trained on synthetic MRI measurements is able to directly learn iron concentrations in areas of interest more effectively than other existing QSM reconstruction methods. For comparison, models trained on random geometric shapes (as proposed in the Deep QSM method) are less effective than models trained on realistic synthetic head models. Such an accurate method for the quantitative measurement of iron deposits in the brain would be of important value in clinical studies aiming to understand the role of iron in neurological disease. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=magnetic%20resonance%20imaging" title="magnetic resonance imaging">magnetic resonance imaging</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=MRI" title=" MRI"> MRI</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=iron%20deposition" title=" iron deposition"> iron deposition</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=machine%20learning" title=" machine learning"> machine learning</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=quantitative%20susceptibility%20mapping" title=" quantitative susceptibility mapping"> quantitative susceptibility mapping</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/111451/mapping-iron-content-in-the-brain-with-magnetic-resonance-imaging-and-machine-learning" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/111451.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">137</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">29</span> A Computational Investigation of Potential Drugs for Cholesterol Regulation to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Marina%20Passero">Marina Passero</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tianhua%20Zhai"> Tianhua Zhai</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Zuyi%20%28Jacky%29%20Huang"> Zuyi (Jacky) Huang</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Alzheimer’s disease has become a major public health issue, as indicated by the increasing populations of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. After decades of extensive research in Alzheimer’s disease, only seven drugs have been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Five of these drugs were designed to treat the dementia symptoms, and only two drugs (i.e., Aducanumab and Lecanemab) target the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, especially the accumulation of amyloid-b plaques. However, controversial comments were raised for the accelerated approvals of either Aducanumab or Lecanemab, especially with concerns on safety and side effects of these two drugs. There is still an urgent need for further drug discovery to target the biological processes involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Excessive cholesterol has been found to accumulate in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Cholesterol can be synthesized in both the blood and the brain, but the majority of biosynthesis in the adult brain takes place in astrocytes and is then transported to the neurons via ApoE. The blood brain barrier separates cholesterol metabolism in the brain from the rest of the body. Various proteins contribute to the metabolism of cholesterol in the brain, which offer potential targets for Alzheimer’s treatment. In the astrocytes, SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) binds to Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein 2 (SREBP2) in order to transport the complex from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. Cholesterol is secreted out of the astrocytes by ATP-Binding Cassette A1 (ABCA1) transporter. Lipoprotein receptors such as triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) internalize cholesterol into the microglia, while lipoprotein receptors such as Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) internalize cholesterol into the neuron. Cytochrome P450 Family 46 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP46A1) converts excess cholesterol to 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC). Cholesterol has been approved for its direct effect on the production of amyloid-beta and tau proteins. The addition of cholesterol to the brain promotes the activity of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), secretase, and amyloid precursor protein (APP), which all aid in amyloid-beta production. The reduction of cholesterol esters in the brain have been found to reduce phosphorylated tau levels in mice. In this work, a computational pipeline was developed to identify the protein targets involved in cholesterol regulation in brain and further to identify chemical compounds as the inhibitors of a selected protein target. Since extensive evidence shows the strong correlation between brain cholesterol regulation and Alzheimer’s disease, a detailed literature review on genes or pathways related to the brain cholesterol synthesis and regulation was first conducted in this work. An interaction network was then built for those genes so that the top gene targets were identified. The involvement of these genes in Alzheimer’s disease progression was discussed, which was followed by the investigation of existing clinical trials for those targets. A ligand-protein docking program was finally developed to screen 1.5 million chemical compounds for the selected protein target. A machine learning program was developed to evaluate and predict the binding interaction between chemical compounds and the protein target. The results from this work pave the way for further drug discovery to regulate brain cholesterol to combat Alzheimer’s disease. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alzheimer%E2%80%99s%20disease" title="Alzheimer’s disease">Alzheimer’s disease</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=drug%20discovery" title=" drug discovery"> drug discovery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ligand-protein%20docking" title=" ligand-protein docking"> ligand-protein docking</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gene-network%20analysis" title=" gene-network analysis"> gene-network analysis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cholesterol%20regulation" title=" cholesterol regulation"> cholesterol regulation</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/162391/a-computational-investigation-of-potential-drugs-for-cholesterol-regulation-to-treat-alzheimers-disease" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/162391.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">75</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">28</span> Deciphering Information Quality: Unraveling the Impact of Information Distortion in the UK Aerospace Supply Chains</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jing%20Jin">Jing Jin</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in aircraft manufacturing and aerospace supply chains leads to the generation of a substantial amount of data among various tiers of suppliers and OEMs. Identifying the high-quality information challenges decision-makers. The application of AI/ML models necessitates access to 'high-quality' information to yield desired outputs. However, the process of information sharing introduces complexities, including distortion through various communication channels and biases introduced by both human and AI entities. This phenomenon significantly influences the quality of information, impacting decision-makers engaged in configuring supply chain systems. Traditionally, distorted information is categorized as 'low-quality'; however, this study challenges this perception, positing that distorted information, contributing to stakeholder goals, can be deemed high-quality within supply chains. The main aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the dimensions of information quality crucial to the UK aerospace supply chain. Guided by a central research question, "What information quality dimensions are considered when defining information quality in the UK aerospace supply chain?" the study delves into the intricate dynamics of information quality in the aerospace industry. Additionally, the research explores the nuanced impact of information distortion on stakeholders' decision-making processes, addressing the question, "How does the information distortion phenomenon influence stakeholders’ decisions regarding information quality in the UK aerospace supply chain system?" This study employs deductive methodologies rooted in positivism, utilizing a cross-sectional approach and a mono-quantitative method -a questionnaire survey. Data is systematically collected from diverse tiers of supply chain stakeholders, encompassing end-customers, OEMs, Tier 0.5, Tier 1, and Tier 2 suppliers. Employing robust statistical data analysis methods, including mean values, mode values, standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation analysis, the study interprets and extracts meaningful insights from the gathered data. Initial analyses challenge conventional notions, revealing that information distortion positively influences the definition of information quality, disrupting the established perception of distorted information as inherently low-quality. Further exploration through correlation analysis unveils the varied perspectives of different stakeholder tiers on the impact of information distortion on specific information quality dimensions. For instance, Tier 2 suppliers demonstrate strong positive correlations between information distortion and dimensions like access security, accuracy, interpretability, and timeliness. Conversely, Tier 1 suppliers emphasise strong negative influences on the security of accessing information and negligible impact on information timeliness. Tier 0.5 suppliers showcase very strong positive correlations with dimensions like conciseness and completeness, while OEMs exhibit limited interest in considering information distortion within the supply chain. Introducing social network analysis (SNA) provides a structural understanding of the relationships between information distortion and quality dimensions. The moderately high density of ‘information distortion-by-information quality’ underscores the interconnected nature of these factors. In conclusion, this study offers a nuanced exploration of information quality dimensions in the UK aerospace supply chain, highlighting the significance of individual perspectives across different tiers. The positive influence of information distortion challenges prevailing assumptions, fostering a more nuanced understanding of information's role in the Industry 4.0 landscape. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=information%20distortion" title="information distortion">information distortion</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=information%20quality" title=" information quality"> information quality</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=supply%20chain%20configuration" title=" supply chain configuration"> supply chain configuration</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=UK%20aerospace%20industry" title=" UK aerospace industry"> UK aerospace industry</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/181451/deciphering-information-quality-unraveling-the-impact-of-information-distortion-in-the-uk-aerospace-supply-chains" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/181451.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">64</span> </span> </div> </div> <ul class="pagination"> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=density%20rippled%20plasma&page=144" rel="prev">&lsaquo;</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=density%20rippled%20plasma&page=1">1</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=density%20rippled%20plasma&page=2">2</a></li> <li class="page-item disabled"><span class="page-link">...</span></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=density%20rippled%20plasma&page=137">137</a></li> <li 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