Genetic programming-based attenuation relationship: An application of recent earthquakes in turkey

This study investigates an application of genetic programming (GP) for the prediction of peak ground acceleration (PGA) using strong-ground-motion data from Turkey. The input variables in the developed GP model are the average shear-wave velocity, earthquake source to site distance and earthquake magnitude, and the output is the PGA values. The proposed GP model is based on the most reliable database compiled for earthquakes in Turkey. The results show that the consistency between the observed PGA values and the predicted ones by the GP model yields relatively high correlation coefficients (R²=0.75). The proposed model is also compared with an existing attenuation relationship and found to be more accurate.     

A Novel Color Image Segmentation Approach Based on Neutrosophic Set and Modified Fuzzy c-Means

Color image segmentation is an important technique in image processing, pattern recognition and computer vision. Many segmentation algorithms have been proposed. However, it is still a complex task especially when there are noises in the images, which have not been studied in much detail. Neutrosophic set (NS) studies the origin, nature, and scope of neutralities. In this paper, we apply NS in the color image and define some new concepts. A directional α-mean operation is proposed to reduce the set indeterminacy. The fuzzy c-means clustering method is improved by integrating with NS and employed for the color image segmentation. The computation of membership and the clustering termination criterion are redefined accordingly. Moreover, a validity criterion is employed to determine the optimal clustering number. Numerical experiments serve to illustrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed approach. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach can segment color images automatically and effectively, produce good results as favorably compared to some existing algorithms. The optimal clustering number is determined automatically and no prior knowledge is required. Especially, it can segment both images with the simple and distinct objects and the images with complex and noisy objects, which is the most difficult task for color image segmentation.     

反相乳液制备缔合型耐盐聚合物及流变性能评价

摘要：以丙烯酰胺（AM）、2-丙烯酰胺-十二烷基磺酸钠（AMC12S）、疏水单体GTE-10为原料,通过反相乳液聚合法制备了一种缔合型耐盐聚合物p(AM/AMC12S/GTE-10)。通过FTIR、1HNMR、SEM、TEM及激光粒度分析仪对其结构和形貌进行表征,并对其流变性能进行评价。结果表明,疏水单体GTE-10成功引入聚合物中,聚合完成后的乳液粒径分布集中且均一,盐的加入使得p(AM/AMC12S/GTE-10)分子聚集态更紧密,形成的空间网络结构更稳定。质量分数为0.7%的p(AM/AMC12S/GTE-10)聚合物水溶液在140 ℃时表现出较好的耐温性能;在120 ℃,170 s-1条件下剪切1 h,在质量浓度为20000 mg/L的NaCl和CaCl2水溶液中分别配制质量分数0.7%的聚合物溶液,其黏度分别为64.7和54.2 mPa·s;触变性能测试表明,聚合物具有较好的剪切恢复性能;黏弹性测试结果表明,盐水条件下储能模量（G′）>损耗模量（G″）,金属离子与苯氧乙烯基发生络合反应,使分子间作用力增强,形成的空间结构更稳定且难被破坏,黏弹性更高。     

Investigation of charge transport mechanism in semiconducting La<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> manganite prepared by sol–gel method

Here in, we report the charge transport mechanism in semiconducting La_0.5Ca_0.5Mn_0.5Fe_0.5O₃ (LCMFO) polycrystalline material synthesized via sol–gel auto combustion route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the orthorhombic phase of the prepared material. Temperature dependent resistivity and impedance spectroscopy measurements have been carried out to probe the dielectric and electrical conduction mechanism which revealed a change of Mott variable range to the small polaronic hopping conduction mechanism around 303 K. The complex impedance and modulus spectra undoubtedly showed the contribution of both grain and grain boundary effect on the conduction properties of LCMFO. An equivalent circuit [(R_gbQ_gb) (R_gQ_g)] model has been used to address the electrical parameters associated with the different phases (grains and grain boundaries) having different relaxation times. The values of resistances of two phases obtained after fitting the equivalent circuit in the nyquist plot have been analyzed which confirmed the change of conduction mechanism around 303 K. The resultant change in conduction mechanism is also supported by the conductivity plots.     

Exhaust emission profiling of fatty acid methyl esters and NOx control studies using selective synthetic and natural additives

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The present study was focused on the optimized biodiesel production using Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) and rice bran oils, characterization, and...     

Root Cause Failure Analysis of a Domestic Pressure Cooker Through Metallurgical Characterization and Computational Simulation

Pressure cooker is a closed domestic pressure cooking vessel for use with external heat source and capable of maintaining nominal cooking pressure up to 1.0 kgf/cm² (100 kN/m² approximately) gauge nominal. In pressure cookers, despite the development of electronic controllers, the basic edition of such vessels are still equipped with fewer advanced safety functions due to economic constraints. Although the provision of pressure relief valves (PRV) is considered as one of the major protective features, however, pressure cooker failure accidents have been reported frequently. This paper describes the analysis of pressure cooker failure that failed prematurely after 1 year of service considering the design life of > 5 years. It was hypothesized that the root cause of pipe failure was either material degradation from exposure to an aggressive environment or an inherent defect in the pressure cooker. To test this hypothesis, a thorough visual examination of the exhumed failed section and the fracture surface was undertaken, followed by liquid penetrant testing, material identification, hardness testing, and metallographic analysis. Computational models of static and transient loading were also used to determine the stress distribution along the actual geometry of the failed cooker and to understand the main causes of recurrent failures. Visual and macroscale examination revealed significant body deformation at the lower dish-ended shell showing distorted locking grooves. It was also noticed that dirt and food particle, from the earlier cooking, were stuck in the pressure valves orifice. In addition, no evidence of metallurgical defect was observed. The inspection indicated that the cause of failure is primarily due to the choking of pressure relief value (PRV) and overpressure safety valves. Consequently, the pressure release occurred from the sealing side of the top lid, which resulted in its ejection.     

Recent Developments and Applications of Ionic Liquids in Gas Separation Membranes

Flue gas emissions and the harmful effects of these gases urge to separate and capture these unwanted gases. Ionic liquids due to negligible vapor pressure, thermal stability, and wide electrochemical stability have expanded its application in gas separations. A comprehensive overview of the recent developments and applications of ionic liquid membranes (ILMs) for gas separation is given. The three general classifications of ILMs, such as supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), ionic liquid polymeric membranes (ILPMs), and ionic liquid mixed‐matrix membranes (ILMMMs) along with their applications, for the separation of various mixed gases systems is discussed in detail. Furthermore, issues, challenges, computational study, and future perspectives for ILMs are also considered.     

Identification of Proteins Modulated in the Date Palm Stem Infested with Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv.) Using Two Dimensional Differential Gel Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry

A state of the art proteomic methodology using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI TOF) has been employed to characterize peptides modulated in the date palm stem subsequent to infestation with red palm weevil (RPW). Our analyses revealed 32 differentially expressed peptides associated with RPW infestation in date palm stem. To identify RPW infestation associated peptides (I), artificially wounded plants (W) were used as additional control beside uninfested plants, a conventional control (C). A constant unique pattern of differential expression in infested (I), wounded (W) stem samples compared to control (C) was observed. The upregulated proteins showed relative fold intensity in order of I > W and downregulated spots trend as W > I, a quite interesting pattern. This study also reveals that artificially wounding of date palm stem affects almost the same proteins as infestation; however, relative intensity is quite lower than in infested samples both in up and downregulated spots. All 32 differentially expressed spots were subjected to MALDI-TOF analysis for their identification and we were able to match 21 proteins in the already existing databases. Relatively significant modulated expression pattern of a number of peptides in infested plants predicts the possibility of developing a quick and reliable molecular methodology for detecting plants infested with date palm.     

Composite mixed matrix membranes incorporating microporous carbon molecular sieve as filler in polyethersulfone for CO2/CH4 separation

Membrane technology has been considered a key factor for sustainable growth in high-efficiency gas separation. Current mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) technology is rising, but these membranes in the dense structure are having difficulties in operating at high pressures and scale up for commercialization. The purpose of this research is to synthesize composite MMMs (CMMMs) consisting of polyethersulfone (PES), carbon molecular sieve (CMS 1–5 wt %), and Novatex 2471 nonwoven fabric (support layer). The membranes' physical, chemical, and thermal properties were evaluated by different analytical equipment. The morphology of both PES and PES-CMS composite membranes had a porous and asymmetric structure, in which CMS was uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix. The thermal properties showed that the membranes were stable up to 350 °C with a single glass transition temperature. The functional groups in the membrane were confirmed by spectral analysis. The gas performance results showed that carbon dioxide permeance increased with increased CMS concentration and methane permeance decreased due to the hindering effect of CMS under similar operating conditions. The highest selectivity achieved was 12.774 using CMMM of 5 wt % of CMS at 10 bar, which on average was 137.80%, improved selectivity compared to pure PES membrane. The support layer was able to withstand high operating pressures and showed the ability to scale up. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48476.     

尾式5-{对-[2-(2-甲乙基)-1,3-二噁烷]苯氧基}-10,15,20- 三苯基卟啉及其金属配合物的合成与表征

2-(2-溴-2-甲乙基)-1,3-二噁烷与存在无水K2CO3的DMF溶剂中的5-(4-羟基苯基)-10,15,20-三苯基卟啉反应,合成出了一种新型卟啉5-{对-[2-(2-甲乙基)-1,3-二噁烷]苯氧基}-10,15,20-三苯基卟啉,并据此制得了锌、钯、钌配合物.对化合物的结构分别用UV-Vis、IR、1HNMR、元素分析等手段进行了表征.