Study and experimental validation of the calculation of the ECT signal induced by a minute crack using a FEM–BIM combination

A combination of the boundary integral (BIM) and finite element (FEM) methods is presented for the calculation of the signal induced by small cracks. This approach—by preserving the attractive properties of both methods—allows considering a large variety of probe structures while the computation time remains low, especially if the signal of a complete scan is calculated. To validate the calculation results, experiments are carried out using a large number of minute cracks. The good agreement obtained between the measured and calculated data shows the applicability of the presented method.     

Effect of Water on α‐Methylstyrene Hydrogenation on Pd/Al2O3

α‐methylstyrene catalytic hydrogenation on Pd/Al₂O₃ is frequently used to characterize new reactors. However, whereas many authors report some problems of reproducibility or possible poisoning of the catalyst, no consistent advice is available in the literature to carry out the reaction without these problems. This work points out the inhibition of the reaction by trace amounts of water. An experimental procedure is explained to guarantee the reproducibility of the measures.     

Species identification of meat products by ELISA

ELISA methods used in this study are proved to detect low contents of animal species (pork, beef, sheep and poultry), even in highly processed foods. They present the advantages of being robust, cheap and easy to perform. Nevertheless, F factors, determining the threshold values of the test, need to be validated for each species.     

Hyperthermostabilization of Bacillus licheniformis{alpha}-amylase and modulation of its stability over a 50{degrees}C temperature range

Bacillus licheniformis     

Recent Catalytic Advances in the Chemistry of Substituted Furans from Carbohydrates and in the Ensuing Polymers

In this review, an overview is given on the last development of catalytic methods for the preparation of substituted furans from carbohydrates and ensuing polymers. The review starts with the recent aspects in the synthesis of some key furan monomers in the presence of solid catalysts. In the second part, selected examples are given of polymerization systems leading to furan-based materials with promising properties, thus constituting a serious alternative to petroleum-based counterparts. Finally, a short examination is given on what could be the future of furan chemistry with the recent development of ionic liquids as solvents.     

An assessment of façade coatings against colonisation by aerial algae and cyanobacteria

An accelerated water-streaming test method was used to evaluate several types of façade coatings regarding their behaviour to colonisation by algae and cyanobacteria, by closely reproducing the phenomenon of natural biological soiling. A set of materials with defined physical characteristics was thus investigated vs. the colonisation by algal and cyanobacterial strains isolated from natural façade biofilms. Porosity and roughness of the materials showed to be factors of influence in the establishment of those micro-organisms.     

Strategy planning in cats (Felis catus) in a progressive elimination task.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) were administered a progressive elimination task in which they had to visit and deplete 3 baited sites. Cats were brought back to the starting point after each visit to any site whether the visit represented a correct or an incorrect choice. The results revealed that cats organized search as a function of the least distance principle whether they had to assess starting point to target distances (Experiment 1, n=12) or adjacent bowl distances (Experiment 2, n=12). The results also revealed that the starting point to target distance factor was the most influential in determining the initial choice (Experiment 3, n=6) and in producing errors. Errors were also linked to the antero-posterior bodily axis of the cat. Results are discussed in terms of the predatory behavior of the cat. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)