Using AVAL-1D to simulate avalanches in the eastern Pyrenees

The two friction parameters used in the numerical avalanche dynamics program AVAL-1D, were calibrated empirically with data from observed avalanches in the Swiss Alps. The implementation of the model with these friction parameters in other regions with different characteristics can lead to considerable uncertainty if a previous calibration is not performed. However, direct calibration for a specific avalanche path is often not possible since the data available are insufficient. Therefore, we back-calculated twelve well-documented avalanche events from the Catalan Pyrenees to calibrate the friction coefficients to be used in this mountain range. The result of the study reveals that there is a good fit between recorded and simulated avalanche events using the friction parameters originally calibrated for the Swiss Alps, despite the difference in snow climate between these two mountain ranges.     

Reactivity of LaNi1−y Co y O3−δ Perovskite Systems in the Deep Oxidation of Toluene

In the present work we have evaluated the oxidation of toluene over different lanthanum perovskites with a general composition of LaNi_1?y Co _y O_3?δ. These catalysts, prepared by a spray pyrolysis method, have been characterised by XRD, BET and FE-SEM techniques. Additional experiments of temperature programmed desorption of O₂, reduction in H₂ and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were also performed in order to identify the main surface oxygen species and the reducibility of the different perovskites. The catalytic behaviour toward the oxidation of toluene (as a model for VOCs compounds) was evaluated in the range 100–600 °C, detecting a total conversion for all the samples below 400 °C and higher activities for the cobalt-containing perovskites. The catalytic behaviour of these samples is consistent with a suprafacial mechanism, with the α-type oxygen playing an active role in the oxidation reaction.     

Ultrathin PECVD epitaxial Si solar cells on glass via low‐temperature transfer process

Fabrication of high‐quality ultrathin monocrystalline silicon layers and their transfer to low‐cost substrates are key steps for flexible electronics and photovoltaics. In this work, we demonstrate a low‐temperature and low‐cost process for ultrathin silicon solar cells. By using standard plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), we grow high‐quality epitaxial silicon layers (epi‐PECVD) from SiH₄/H₂ gas mixtures at 175 °C. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy, we show that the porosity of the epi‐PECVD/crystalline silicon interface can be tuned by controlling the hydrogen accumulation there. Moreover, we demonstrate that 13–14% porosity is a threshold above which the interface becomes fragile and can easily be cleaved. Taking advantage of the H‐rich interface fragility, we demonstrate the transfer of large areas (∽10 cm²) ultrathin epi‐PECVD layers (0.5–5.5 µm) onto glass substrates by anodic bonding and moderate annealing (275–350 °C). The structural properties of transferred layers are assessed, and the first PECVD epitaxial silicon solar cells transferred on glass are characterized. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of different thermal treatments on the mechanical performance of poly(L‐lactic acid) based eco‐composites

PLLA‐based eco‐composites reinforced with kenaf fiber and rice straw and containing red or yellow pigments have been studied. The mechanical behavior of the composites was tested by DMTA at two different annealing temperatures (65°C and 85°C) and times (15 min and 120 min) as well as at two preparation conditions: vacuum drying and long time at room temperature. A decrease of microhardness was observed during the water absorption tests. Moreover, the rice straw‐based composites absorbed more water than the kenaf‐ones. Generally, the dyed NFs composites presented better water resistance than undyed ones. The pigments improved the adhesion and led to better mechanical performance. The natural fibers favored the cold crystallization process of PLLA and shifted the cold crystallization peak temperature to lower values, as it was confirmed by DSC measurements. The values of tensile storage modulus obtained after different preparation condition were strongly affected by the process of physical ageing. According to, tan δ parameter, the samples stored at room temperature for a long time showed the highest amorphous content. The PLLA eco‐composite reinforced with kenaf fibers, dyed with the red pigment, and annealed at 85°C for 2 h displays the best mechanical properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Improvement of mechanical performance of epoxy resins filled with cobalt and chromium powders

Epoxy/ powder metal composites have interesting electrical properties, becoming conductors above the percolation threshold. To complete this study, mechanical investigations have been carried out to show the influence of the fillers on the mechanical performance of these composites. In this framework, different epoxy/metallic powders (Cobalt, Chromium) composites were prepared. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed that the dispersion of the metallic fillers in the matrix is almost homogeneous. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) measurements showed the dependence of the viscoelastic parameters with the frequency, temperature, nature, and content of fillers. The main relaxations observed are the primary α relaxation (associated to the glass transition, T_g) and a secondary β relaxation. A second DMTA run on the same samples showed a slight increase of the T_g. It clearly showed that the used metallic fillers improve the mechanical properties of the obtained composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Relationship between collagen characteristics,lipid content and raw and cooked texture of meat from young bulls of fifteen European breeds

Variations in texture were determined for 10 day aged raw and cooked Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle from 436 bulls of 15 European cattle breeds slaughtered at an age of 13–16 months. Variations in texture were related to differences in pH 24 h post-mortem, sarcomere length, collagen characteristics and lipid content. The shear force of cooked meat samples varied from 43.8 to 67.4 N/cm². Simmental, Highland and Marchigiana cattle had the highest shear force values and Avileña-Negra Ibérica, Charolais, Casina and Pirenaica cattle had the lowest values. Cooked meat toughness showed a weak negative correlation to lipid content (P < 0.001) but no correlation to collagen characteristics. Raw meat texture measured by compression correlated positively (P < 0.001) with total and insoluble collagen. In conclusion, collagen characteristics showed correlation to raw meat texture but not to cooked meat toughness of LT muscle in European young bulls.     

Biocatalyzed Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Monoglucuronides of Hydroxytyrosol,Tyrosol, Homovanillic Alcohol,and 3‐(4′‐Hydroxyphenyl)propanol

The biocatalytic synthesis and purification of O‐β‐D ‐monoglucuronide conjugates of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, homovanillic alcohol, and 3‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)propanol, using porcine liver microsomes, are described here. The glucuronides were synthesized, analyzed and separated by HPLC‐UV, identified by HPLC‐MS, and their structures unequivocally established by NMR techniques. The outcome of the glucuronidation reaction depends on the structure of the phenolic compounds. Thus, the glucuronidation of hydroxytyrosol, biocatalyzed with porcine liver microsomes, proceeded exclusively on the phenolic hydroxy groups. The regioselectivity was similar to that observed for human and rat liver microsomes, the 4′‐hydroxy position being more favorable than the 3′‐hydroxy one. In the case of tyrosol, homovanillic alcohol, and hydroxyphenylpropanol, two products were formed during microsomal glucuronidation: a major one, the phenolic O‐β‐D ‐glucuronidated derivative and, a minor one, the O‐β‐D ‐glucuronidated aliphatic alcohol.