Multiobjective and multi-physics topology optimization using an updated smart normal constraint bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method

To date the design of structures using topology optimization methods has mainly focused on single-objective problems. Since real-world design problems typically involve several different objectives, most of which counteract each other, it is desirable to present the designer with a set of Pareto optimal solutions that capture the trade-off between these objectives, known as a smart Pareto set. Thus far only the weighted sums and global criterion methods have been incorporated into topology optimization problems. Such methods are unable to produce evenly distributed smart Pareto sets. However, recently the smart normal constraint method has been shown to be capable of directly generating smart Pareto sets. Therefore, in the present work, an updated smart Normal Constraint Method is combined with a Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (SNC-BESO) algorithm to produce smart Pareto sets for multiobjective topology optimization problems. Two examples are presented, showing that the Pareto solutions found by the SNC-BESO method make up a smart Pareto set. The first example, taken from the literature, shows the benefits of the SNC-BESO method. The second example is an industrial design problem for a micro fluidic mixer. Thus, the problem is multi-physics as well as multiobjective, highlighting the applicability of such methods to real-world problems. The results indicate that the method is capable of producing smart Pareto sets to industrial problems in an effective and efficient manner.     

The wabush mines fire

How could a five-million-dollar fire occur in a seemingly low hazard industry? The author discusses one such fire and examines the lessons learned from it. It takes careful study to determine if well-known fire protection principles are being violated.     

The sex and ethnicity or national origins of researchers in astronomy and oncology in four countries, 2006–2007 and 2011–2012

This paper uses two large databases, one of given names and one of family names, to categorise the names of researchers from Italy, Sweden, the UK and the USA whose papers in astronomy and oncology were published in 2006–2007 and in 2011–2012 by sex (gender) and ethnicity or national origin. For all the countries, there were relatively many more females publishing papers in oncology than in astronomy, but their share of contributions was lower than the percentage of researchers. Sweden and the UK had much higher percentages of both other European and Rest of the World researchers than Italy did. US researchers with non-European names were categorised in six main country groups. The ones with the greatest presence were Chinese (mainly Mandarin) and South Asians (mainly Indians). The method could be adapted to investigate the progress of women in research in many other countries, and the role played by non-national researchers in their scientific output.     

Synthesis and applications of molybdenum (IV) oxide

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) is a transition metal oxide with unusual metal-like electrical conductivity and high catalytic activity toward reforming hydrocarbons. This review covers the synthesis techniques used to fabricate MoO₂ in a variety of morphologies and particle sizes. Processing from molybdenum ore and reduction from MoO₃ are also covered, with emphasis on reduction mechanisms and kinetic considerations. Discussions of various solution-based and gas phase synthesis techniques shed light on strategies to achieve various unique morphologies, which leads into a brief discussion of nanoscale MoO₂. Nanoscale MoO₂ is of interest for important technological applications including catalysts for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, solid oxide fuel cell anodes, and high-capacity reversible lithium ion battery anodes.     

Pheromone responsiveness is regulated by components of the Gpr1p‐mediated glucose sensing pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Many fungi have evolved mechanisms to assess environmental nutrient availability prior to the energy‐intensive process of mating. In this study, we examined one such system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, involving a glucose‐sensing pathway mediated by Gpr1p and the pheromone‐induced mating pathway. Initially we observed that the mating pathway in MATa cells is sensitive to environmental glucose depletion. This phenomenon can be partially reversed with a high glucose spike, but not with the addition of low levels of glucose. Deletion of the low‐affinity glucose receptor, Gpr1p, eliminated this glucose‐induced recovery of pheromone responsiveness. We then determined the impact of GPR1 deletion on the mating pathway and observed that, in all end points studied, the mating pathway response to pheromone is reduced in the absence of Gpr1p. Similarly, elimination of the Gα for Gpr1p, Gpa2p, resulted in reduction in pheromone sensitivity in all assays studied. The negative effect of removing Gpr1p on mating pathway activation could be recovered by overexpressing the mating receptor, Ste2p. Furthermore, Ste2p levels are reduced in the absence of glucose and GPR1. These data suggest that activity of the GPCR‐mediated mating pathway in S. cerevisiae is modulated by extracellular glucose concentrations through the only other GPCR in MATa cells, Gpr1p. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Overview of underground coal gasification operations at Chinchilla,Australia

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a process which converts deep, un-mineable or difficult to mine coal resources into syngas which can then be converted into valuable end products such as electric power, liquid fuels, synthetic natural gas and chemicals. This paper provides a summary of the UCG operations conducted at the Chinchilla Demonstration Facility in Australia, focusing on gasifiers constructed using directional drilling. A number of the experiences and key lessons learned from operating multiple underground gasifiers over several years at the facility are described. Implications for the implementation in commercial projects using UCG are also discussed. Finally, the potential of UCG as a method for producing syngas from deep coal is discussed and some of the challenges and opportunities are summarized.