A trimer plus a dimer-gallate reproduce the bioactivity described for an extract of grape seed procyanidins

The relationship between grape seed-derived procyanidin extract components and their bioactivity was explored. The monomeric and dimeric structures only acted as anti-inflammatory agents. Similarly, pure C1 trimer was highly effective on LPS-activated macrophages. To reproduce all of the bioactivities of the total extract, a fraction enriched with trimeric structures was needed. This trimeric-enriched fraction was divided into subfractions, the most bioactive of which contained two compounds with a molecular weight equal to a trimer (865) and a dimer-gallate (729), according to spectrometric analysis. Thus, it may be concluded that a mixture of both molecules reproduces the bioactivity in glucose metabolism (3T3-L1), lipid metabolism (HepG2) and macrophage functionality (RAW 264.6).     

Modeling of Magnetoresistive-Based Electrical Current Sensors: A Technological Approach

The utilization of modeling tools can, in many cases, help us in the design and final prototyping of any sort of sensors. In this paper, we describe a finite-element method (FEM) model applied to a hybrid technology involving a full Wheatstone bridge spin-valve-based electrical current sensor. After validating the model against experimental results, we focus our studies on geometrical aspects of the sensor configuration, in order to detect possible deviations that may have occurred during the fabrication process. In this regard, the characteristics of the behavior of the sensor depending on lateral displacements and inclination are included. Moreover, the frequency response of the sensor is also analyzed, thus enlarging the scope of the model.     

Iteration-fusing conjugate gradient for sparse linear systems with MPI + OmpSs

The Journal of Supercomputing - In this paper, we target the parallel solution of sparse linear systems via iterative Krylov subspace-based method enhanced with a block-Jacobi preconditioner on a...     

Solving the edge‐disjoint paths problem using a two‐stage method

There exists a wide variety of network problems where several connection requests occur simultaneously. In general, each request is attended by finding a route in the network, where the origin and destination of such a route are those hosts that wish to establish a connection for information exchange. As is well documented in the related literature, the exchange of information through disjoint routes increases the effective bandwidth, velocity, and the probability of receiving the corresponding information. The definition of disjoint paths may refer to nodes, edges, or both. One of the most studied variants is the one where disjointness implies not to share edges. This optimization problem is usually known as the maximum edge‐disjoint paths problem. This ‐hard optimization problem has applications in real‐time communications, very large scale integration design, scheduling, bin packing, or load balancing. The proposed approach hybridizes an integer linear programming formulation of the problem with an evolutionary algorithm. Empirical results using 174 previously reported instances show that the proposed procedure compares favorably to previous metaheuristics for this problem. We confirm the significance of the results by conducting nonparametric statistical tests.     

Synthesis and Characterization of an Fe/Co Ferrite Spinel Oxide Film Produced by Using N2/Steam Heat Treatment on Two Maraging Steels

An experimental procedure was developed to obtain an oxide layer formed mainly by spinel on maraging steels. It consists of different stages with specific conditions, such as atmospheres rich in nitrogen and water vapor, and different steps of temperatures and times. Tests were performed on grade 300 and 350 maraging steels. Oxide layer characterization was done using optical and electron microscopy, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nanoscratch tests in order to determine the adhesion force as well as to observe the main deformation mechanism induced under sliding tests. In both steels, oxide layers are formed by the spinel’s Fe₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ in amounts close to ca. 85 pct, whereas TiO₂ and MoO₃ represent the other 15 pct. No hematite was found. The low oxygen availability during the heat treatment was fundamental for avoiding hematite formation. A nickel-rich austenitic phase formed at the metal-oxide interface due the kinetics of the oxidation process of the cobalt, iron, and molybdenum. The particular conditions of the heat treatments induced the formation of a mixture of iron, nickel, and cobalt spinel ferrites, thereby contradicting previous studies that said that only magnetite would be formed. The sliding tests at the nanometric length scale highlight that the layer formed on maraging 300 grade presents a better adhesion than the other investigated material due to the fact that it requires more load in order to induce cracks located at the edge of the sliding track and, subsequently, the chipping of the formed layer.

Graphical abstract

     

Have we reached the organisational ceiling? a review of applied accident causation models,methods and contributing factors in construction

Work-related fatalities continue to represent a significant issue within the construction industry. Contemporary accident causation models are underpinned by systems thinking, however, it is unclear whether these theories have translated into the construction domain. This article presents the findings of a review that was conducted to determine if the construction accident analysis literature has applied a systems thinking approach to understand accident causation. Specifically, the review examined two key aspects: first the types of models and methods that have been applied to analyse construction incidents, and second, the types of contributing factors identified as playing a role in construction incidents. The findings are summarised using Rasmussen’s Risk Management Framework. The review revealed that contemporary models of accident causation have not yet been applied in construction-related research. It is concluded that the models and methods applied in the construction literature predominantly identify contributing factors associated with the company, management, and frontline work levels of the system, rather than considering broader, system-wide factors. Further, the relationships between individuals and organisations operating at each level of the system have not been typically examined. Further research underpinned by systems thinking is required to better understand accident causation in the construction domain.

• Highlights

• The review revealed that contemporary models of accident causation have not yet been applied in construction-related research;

• The models and methods applied in the construction literature predominantly identify contributing factors associated with the company, management, and front line work levels of the system, rather than considering broader, system-wide factors;

• Relationships between individuals and organisations operating at each level of the system have not yet been examined;

• Despite the efforts of regulators and construction entities, the consistently high rate of fatal accidents in construction highlights the challenges surrounding the practical management of safe production within complex and dynamic working environments;

• Accident analysis methods used in this industry have not kept pace with advances in the field of safety science.

     

Electrostatic Precipitator for Metal and Particulate Emission Control

Improving air pollution control systems is crucial for incinerators to be an option for sewage sludge disposal. Combinations of venturi and tray tower scrubbers are the most popular air pollution control system for sewage sludge incinerators. Recently wet electrostatic precipitators have been installed downstream of the scrubbing system to ensure the compliance of new regulations. Performance and stack tests were conducted on sludge incinerators at Somerset Raritan Valley Sewage Authority and New England Treatment Company. Efficiencies in terms of heavy metal and particulate removals are presented. This paper also describes sewage sludge incinerators, existing air pollution control systems, design considerations of the wet electrostatic precipitator, as well as sampling and analysis methods.