Oblique propagation of nonlinear ion-acoustic cnoidal waves in magnetized electron–positron–ion plasmas with nonextensive electrons

Theoretical investigation of nonlinear electrostatic ion-acoustic cnoidal waves(IACWs) is presented in magnetized electron–positron–ion plasma with nonextensive electrons and Maxwellian positrons. Using reductive perturbation technique, Korteweg–de Vries equation is derived and its cnoidal wave solution is analyzed. For given plasma parameters, our model supports only positive potential(compressive) IACW structures. The effect of relevant plasma parameters(viz., nonextensive parameter q, positron concentration p, temperature ratio σ,obliqueness l_3) on the characteristics of IACWs is discussed in detail.     

Overview on economics and technology development of rubber seed utilisation in Southeast Asia

This paper overviewed the potential of rubber seed biomass for its various applications and processing technologies. The rubber seed availability and supply are studied and focused on Southeast Asia region. Technologies with rubber seed and rubber seed oil processing are reviewed. Challenges over rubber seed utilisation, e.g. rubber seed biomass availability, labour issue, etc., are raised and discussed. Future developments of rubber seed utilisation, in term of its management trends and supply solutions, are proposed. Rubber seed is gaining attractions for its vast practical applications, as a result of the expansion of rubber industry.     

Selective Electroless Deposition of Metal Clusters on Solid‐Supported Bacteriorhodopsin: Applications to Orientation Labeling and Electrical Contacts

Controlling the orientation of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) monolayers is an important step in studying and utilizing such membranes in a solid‐state configuration in, for example, photoelectric applications. Macroscopic monolayers of bR have been fabricated in a variety of ways, but characterization of the distribution of the two possible orientations in which the membrane fragments can adsorb has not yet been addressed experimentally. Here, an approach is presented that labels only one of the membrane surfaces by electroless growth of metal nanoparticles on top of the solid‐supported membranes. In this way, it is possible to observe which surface of the membranes is actually adsorbed to the substrate. How this technique serves to interface the membranes with a top metal contact for further electrical measurements is also demonstrated.     

Development of deep neural network model to predict the compressive strength of FRCM confined columns

The present study describes a reliability analysis of the strength model for predicting concrete columns confinement influence with Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM). through both physical models and Deep Neural Network model (artificial neural network (ANN) with double and triple hidden layers). The database of 330 samples collected for the training model contains many important parameters, i.e., section type (circle or square), corner radius r_c, unconfined concrete strength f_co, thickness n_t, the elastic modulus of fiber E_f , the elastic modulus of mortar E_m. The results revealed that the proposed ANN models well predicted the compressive strength of FRCM with high prediction accuracy. The ANN model with double hidden layers (APDL-1) was shown to be the best to predict the compressive strength of FRCM confined columns compared with the ACI design code and five physical models. Furthermore, the results also reveal that the unconfined compressive strength of concrete, type of fiber mesh for FRCM, type of section, and the corner radius ratio, are the most significant input variables in the efficiency of FRCM confinement prediction. The performance of the proposed ANN models (including double and triple hidden layers) had high precision with R higher than 0.93 and RMSE smaller than 0.13, as compared with other models from the literature available.     

RAPID OXIDATION OF COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL STORED UNDER FLUORESCENT LIGHT

Extra virgin olive oil is considered to be a high quality oil for health and nutrition and is widely consumed by the Mediterranean population. Presence of natural photosensitizers in olive oil may compromise its nutritional quality if stored in clear plastic or glass container under fluorescent light. In this study, the oxidative stability of commercial extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and its chlorophyll and tocopherol stripped counterpart (SEVOO) stored at 60C in the dark and under fluorescent light (2650 lux) was evaluated. A column chromatographic procedure using silicic acid, Celite 545, activated charcoal and powdered sugar (sucrose), and eluted with hexane, provide an effective means for stripping extra virgin olive oil from its minor components. Minor components, mainly tocopherol and other phenolic compounds as well as carotenoids in SEVOO, influenced their oxidative stability in the dark. Meanwhile, natural pigments such as chlorophyll played a major role in the photooxidation of EVOO. Therefore, commercial extra virgin oil should be protected from direct light exposure in order to protect it from the oil from photooxidative deterioration.