Early Stages of Calcium Phosphate Formation on Bioactive Borosilicate Glass in Aqueous Phosphate Solution

The conversion of bioactive glass to a calcium phosphate material, typically hydroxyapatite (HA), by solution–precipitation reactions in aqueous phosphate solution, has been commonly reported. This paper describes the structural and compositional characteristics of the calcium phosphate material formed during the early-stage conversion (<5 h) of a borosilicate glass (designated H12) in aqueous phosphate solution. Disks of H12 glass were reacted with 0.25 M K₂HPO₄ solution with a starting pH=7.0 at 37°C. The structure and composition of the product layer were characterized using thin film X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy. For reaction times <5 h, the results indicated the formation of brushite (CaHPO₄·2H₂O) with coarse, plate-like crystals. In comparison, the formation of HA with small needle-like crystals was found at later times. This early-stage formation of brushite has not been reported in previous studies of converting bioactive silicate and borate glasses in aqueous phosphate solution.     

Content of antinutritional factors and HCl-extractability of minerals from white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars: Influence of soaking and/or cooking

White bean seeds were subjected to soaking in distilled water for 1, 2 and 3 days. In order to perform complete processing, the seeds were cooked until soft. Effects of soaking and/or cooking of white bean seeds on antinutritional factors, mineral contents and HCl-extractability were studied. Phytic acid and polyphenol contents of all cultivars were reduced. Soaking alone and soaking, followed by cooking, reduced mineral contents of the cultivars, but HCl-extractability was significantly (P ? 0.01) improved to varying extents, depending on cultivar type. Soaking and/or cooking treatment was thus found to be an effective technique and caused further improvement in the availability of both major and trace minerals in white bean.     

Catalytic properties of chemically deposited platinum in fuel cells

A new method for depositing platinum onto a macroporous silicon electrode is described that allows the catalytic properties of platinum in fuel cells to be significantly improved. This effect is achieved by means of the chemical deposition of platinum on silicon at reduced temperatures.     

Modelling and estimating the reliability of stochastic dynamical systems with Markovian switching

In this paper, a general framework for the modelling of physical phenomena with stochastic dynamical systems switched by jump Markov processes is given. A methodology of the associated estimation procedures is provided. A particular attention is paid to the estimation of the underlying jump process, which is not observable.As an application, a stochastic model is proposed for the fatigue crack growth problem. The estimation of the model parameters is made on a real crack growth data set. We are thus able to simulate some crack growth paths which are used for reliability analysis through Monte Carlo techniques.     

Quantitative assessment of energy conservation due to public awareness campaigns using neural networks

This case study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of an energy conservation campaign that was launched under the name “Trsheed” in Kuwait in the summer of 2007. Most electric energy (EE) consumption in the summer in the country is used in air conditioning and past trends indicate a strong correlation between ambient weather conditions and energy demand. The size and attitude of the population is an important factor in this regard; Kuwait has an expatriate population that is larger than the indigent population, and whose size is closely linked to economic activities that are largely dependent on oil revenues and varies with fluctuations of oil prices. Three neural network architectures (NNs) were evaluated in terms of their ability to estimate future EE demand based on previous trends. Backpropagation neural networks were found to be most suitable for this purpose in comparison to General Regression and Polynomial NNs. The inputs to the NNs investigated included hourly weather condition indicators; specifically the dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity. The output of the NNs was the hourly energy demand. An analysis based on actual weather data from 2004 to 2007 was performed to gauge the impact of the energy conservation campaign in the summer of 2007. Results of a second NN analysis show that round-the-clock mean weather conditions may be used to predict total future energy demand over a period of time (daily, weekly or monthly), but future peak loads should be estimated separately using mean weather conditions during peak hours only. Savings in national energy demand, as a result of future conservation campaigns, are estimated to be more than 5% and 4% in total and peak demands, respectively.     

Generalized thermo-microstretch elastic medium with temperature dependent properties for different theories

A general model of the equations of generalized thermo–microstretch for a homogeneous isotropic elastic half–space is given. The modulus of elasticity is taken as a linear function of reference temperature. The formulation is applied to generalized thermoelasticity theories, the Lord–?hulman and Green–Lindsay theories, as well as the classical dynamical coupled theory. The normal mode analysis is used to obtain the exact expressions for the displacement components, force stresses, temperature, couple stresses and microstress distribution. The variations of the considered variables through the horizontal distance are illustrated graphically. A comparison is made with the results predicted by the three theories in case of temperature–independent modulus of elasticity.     

Non-linear analysis of FRP chimneys under thermal and wind loads

Due to their high corrosion and chemical attack resistance, Fiber Reinforced Plastic materials (FRP) are increasingly being used in the construction of industrial chimneys. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study represents the first analytical investigation aimed at describing the behavior of FRP chimneys under the effect of both thermal and wind loads. The study is conducted numerically using a consistent shell element model which includes the effect of large deformations. A simple material non-linearity model that accounts for cracks occurring in the resin is added to the shell element model. The finite element model is used to describe the typical structural behavior of FRP chimneys, assess the effect of cracking and determine the critical through-thickness temperature profile.     

Numerical investigation of potential elimination of ‘hot streaking’ and stratification in the VHTR lower plenum using helicoid inserts

The helium-cooled, high temperature Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) and Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) with prismatic type cores are being designed to operate at reactor exit temperatures ranging from 873 to 923 K and 1123 to 1223 K, respectively. The helium flow velocity in the coolant channels of the core is ∼70 m/s. The high-temperature helium jets exiting the coolant channels impinge onto the bottom plate in the lower plenum (LP), causing “hot spots” (“hot streaking”) and stratification due to the absence of proper mixing and the obstruction caused by the graphite support columns. In order to minimize or eliminate hot streaking and enhance helium mixing in the LP, this work investigates using static, quadruple helicoid inserts at the exit of the coolant channels. These inserts introduce radial and azimuthal momentum flow components, which result in extensive entrainment and mixing of the surrounding gas in the LP, significantly reducing the impingement onto the bottom plate, thereby minimizing hot streaking and stratification. Results of parametric analyses and a comparison of the flow fields of helium free conventional and swirling jets, and of a convectional jet in cross flow are presented and discussed. The analyses with helium at 1273 K and the dynamic Smagorinsky turbulence model are conducted using Fuego, a 3D, finite element, incompressible, reactive flow, massively parallel code with state-of-the-art turbulence models developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The calculations are benchmarked successfully by comparing the numerical results with experimental data and semi-empirical analytical expressions.     

The behaviour of copper-zinc alloys in alkaline solutions upon alternate anodic and cathodic polarization

Galvanostatic cyclic anodic and cathodic polarization curves for four CuZn alloys are traced in alkaline solutions of different concentrations. The anodic behaviour of the first three alloys, with 15.9, 46.8 and 50.5 wt% Zn, resembles that of pure Cu. Oxidation arrests, corresponding to the formation of Cu₂O, Cu(OH)₂, HCuO₂? and Cu₂O₃, are recorded before the evolution of O₂ on the passive electrode. The Zn of the electrodes does not develop its oxidation arrest. It affects, however, the behaviour of the alloys in a number of ways. The results are explained on the basis of kinetic interactions, and in relation to the phase diagram of the Cu-Zn system.The fourth alloy, with 85.9 wt% Zn (ε + η phases), yields upon oxidation in concentrated alkali solutions a series of five or six arrests. The first two of these represent the oxidation of the Zn of the η- and ε-phases, respectively. Calculations have shown that the activity of the Zn in the ε-phase is ～ 4.6 × 10^?10 times that of the free η-phase. The other oxidation steps correspond to the oxidation of the Cu of the alloy. In 0.1N NaOH the same alloy behaves as if it was pure Zn.Critical current densities for the passivation of Cu, Zn and the four alloys are determined in 0.1M Na₂SO₄. The ability of the tested materials to withstand electrochemical dissolution decreases in the succession: Alloy I > Alloy III > Cu > Alloy II > Alloy IV > Zn.     

Functional properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) protein concentrate

Proximate composition and physicochemical properties of a protein concentrate prepared from fenugreek seed were determined. The effects of pH and/or NaCl concentration on these properties were investigated. The protein content of fenugreek was found to be 28.4%. The crude fibre content was 9.3% and crude fat was 7.1%. The minimum protein solubility was observed at pH 4.5, which was 18.5%, while maximum protein solubility was observed at pH 11, which was 91.3%.