Magneto-sensitive nickel nanowires fabricated by electrodeposition into multi- and single-ion track templates

Polycarbonate templates of (30±1) μm thickness containing cylindrical etched-track nanochannels of (500±50) nm diameter were used for electrodeposition of Ni nanowires. Using 10⁴ channels per cm², the most favourable deposition potential of  − 1.0 V was determined in a potentiostatic mode by varying the deposition potential with respect to an Ag/AgCl reference electrode over a range between  − 0.1 V and  − 1.5 V. The deposition efficiency at  − 1.0 V was estimated around 10%. The resulting single wires had a resistance around 200 Ω and showed an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect of 1%, applicable to directionally sensitive magnetic field sensors.     

Sintering Kinetics at Constant Rates of Heating: Effect of Al2O3 on the Initial Sintering Stage of Fine Zirconia Powder

The sinterabilities of fine zirconia powders including 5 mass% Y₂O₃ were investigated, with emphasis on the effect of Al₂O₃ at the initial sintering stage. The shrinkage of powder compact was measured under constant rates of heating (CRH). The powder compact including a small amount of Al₂O₃ increased the densification rate with elevating temperature. The activation energies at the initial stage of sintering were determined by analyzing the densification curves. The activation energy of powder compact including Al₂O₃ was lower than that of a powder compact without Al₂O₃. The diffusion mechanisms at the initial sintering stage were determined using the new analytical equation applied for CRH techniques. This analysis exhibited that Al₂O₃ included in a powder compact changed the diffusion mechanism from grain boundary to volume diffusions (VD). Therefore, it is concluded that the effect of Al₂O₃ enhanced the densification rate because of decrease in the activation energy of VD at the initial sintering stage.     

Set-based particle swarm optimization with status memory for knapsack problem

Set-based particle swarm optimization (S-PSO) operates on discrete space. S-PSO can solve combinatorial optimization problem with high quality and is successful to apply to the large-scale problem. In S-PSO, a velocity is a set with possibility and a position is a candidate solution. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm of set-based particle swarm optimization with status memory (S-PSOSM) to decide the position based on the previous position for solving knapsack problem. Some operators are redefined for S-PSOSM. S-PSOSM is a simple algorithm because the state of probability reduces. In addition, the weight of S-PSOSM is discussed. S-PSOSM shows high qualities in experimental results.     

Electrochemical Fabrication of Metallic Nanowires and Metal Oxide Nanopores

A nuclear track etched polycarbonate membrane filter with numerous cylindrical nanopores was applied as a nanoporous template for growing metallic nanowires. Nickel, cobalt, and iron nanowires were electrodeposited into the cylindrical nanopores. Cathodic polarization curves were measured to determine an optimum condition for growing nanowires. The shape of nanowires was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the crystal structure was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Diameter and length of nanowires corresponded to those of nanopores and each nanowire was composed of a single crystal. Anodized aluminum oxide films were also fabricated as a novel nanoporous template. The pore length and diameter was controlled changing anodizing conditions. Ordering behavior of nanopores array in an anodized aluminum oxide film was also investigated to make a novel nanoporous template with a highly ordered honeycomb array of nanopores.     

Separation of PRMMC into matrix alloy and reinforcements by nozzle filtering method

The SiC_P/Al–4 mass%Cu alloy composites fabricated by a low-pressure infiltration process (LPI process) were remelted and separated by nozzle filtering method. In the separation process, the PRMMC specimen was placed in a container with a small nozzle at the bottom. The molten PRMMC was forced to flow out through the nozzle by applying a certain pressure of Ar gas. Most of the molten matrix alloy flowed out through the nozzle and the remainder in the container consisted of SiC particles and a part of the matrix alloy. The particle volume fraction of the remainder was higher than that of the original PRMMC and the remainder would work as a filter to separate SiC particles from the matrix alloy melt. When nozzle tip angle was ranged from 60° to 120°, about 80% of matrix alloy in the PRMMC was separated and few SiC particles were observed in the separated matrix alloy. The surface of recovered SiC particles became slightly roughened due to the reaction with the molten matrix during the separation process. However, this is not expected to affect their reuse.     

Let's Dance! The Equivocation in Chalmers' Dancing Qualia Argument

David Chalmers' dancing qualia argument is intended to show that phenomenal experiences, or qualia, are organizational invariants. The dancing qualia argument is a reductio ad absurdum, attempting to demonstrate that holding an alternative position, such as the famous inverted spectrum argument, leads one to an implausible position about the relation between consciousness and cognition. In this paper, we argue that Chalmers' dancing qualia argument fails to establish the plausibility of qualia being organizational invariants. Even stronger, we will argue that the gap in the argument cannot be closed.     

Production of triacylglycerol and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by the toluene-degrading bacterium Rhodococcus aetherivorans IAR1

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) produced by various bacteria has been intensively investigated as a promising biodegradable plastic, but required a supply of an expensive precursor as a secondary carbon source for its production. In a previous study, we identified a new bacterial strain, Rhodococcus aetherivorans IAR1, which synthesizes PHBV from toluene without the supply of a precursor. Toluene is the volatile organic compound most abundantly emitted to the environment. In the present paper, we show that R. aetherivorans IAR1 produces triacylglycerols (TAGs) simultaneously with PHBV. Both PHBV and TAGs were synthesized before the nitrogen source is completely exhausted. The cellular content of PHBV reached 10% of cell dry weight (CDW) and its synthesis ceased even during intermittent supply of toluene. However, accumulation of TAGs continued during cultivation and their cellular content reached 24% of CDW at the end of cultivation. Cerulenin inhibited TAG production and increased PHBV cellular content up to 30% of CDW. The mole fraction of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) in PHBV produced from toluene increased from 60% to 80% during its accumulation. Fatty acid compositions of TAGs produced from acetate and toluene were different. At the end of cultivation, the mole fraction of C17:0, one of odd-carbon number fatty acids, was 5% on toluene or 10% on acetate while the mole fraction of 3HV in PHBV from toluene was as high as that in PHBV from acetate, suggesting that a C5 intermediate of toluene degradation might directly become a precursor of 3HV whereas propionyl-CoA is required for the incorporation of C17:0 into TAGs.     

Raman Spectroscopic Studies on the Formation Mechanism of Hydrous-Zirconia Fine Particles

The Raman spectra of hydrous-zirconia fine particles produced by the hydrolysis of various ZrOCl₂ solutions were investigated. The Raman spectra of hydrous zirconia synthesized at HCl concentrations below 1 mol/L were similar to those of monoclinic, crystalline ZrO₂; those of hydrous zirconia synthesized at HCl concentrations greater than 1 mol/L showed a crystal structure change. The line width of the Raman bands increased with increasing H⁺ ion concentration. Analyzing the relationship between Raman band width and particle size revealed that the primary particle size of hydrous zirconia was controlled by the H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions, because these ions interfered with the polymerization in a hydrolysis reaction. Based on the experimental results, the formation mechanism for primary particles of hydrous zirconia was determined.     

A support tool incorporating a districtdisaster mitigation performance evaluation method for the examination of improvement plans in built-up areas

Approximately 20,000 ha of densely built-up areas still remain in Japan. However, the advance of improvements in these areas has been very slow. Thus, making draft improvement plans through citizen–administration partnerships is indispensable to promote improvements. The planning support tool proposed in this study supports a consensus-building process during the creation of draft improvement plans. We develop a disaster mitigation performance evaluation method (DMPEM) for built-up areas at the district level and incorporate this method into a disaster mitigation support Web-GIS. However, DMPEM requires lengthy calculation time because it uses the probabilistic Monte Carlo computation method. Using this tool in real- time planning is therefore difficult. In this study, we first develop a system that reduces the calculation time required by DMPEM. Second, the support tool is used to make draft plans through citizen–administration partnerships in districts where residents are conducting various disaster mitigation activities. Finally, we investigate the usefulness of the tool for consensus building through the promotion of lively discussions among residents and clarify the issues associated with practical use of the tool.