Finite abstractions for hybrid systems with stable continuous dynamics

This paper outlines an abstraction process in which a particular class of hybrid automata with continuous dynamics that have parameterized positive limit sets, are being abstracted into finite transition systems. The limit sets with their corresponding attraction regions define pre- and post-conditions for the continuous dynamics, and determine the transitions in the discrete abstraction. An observable (weak) bisimulation equivalence is established between the two models. The abstraction process described can find application in verification, as well as in planning and symbolic control.     

Numerical study on variation of chord modulus on the springback of high-strength steels

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology - The advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) have become an interesting alternative to the automotive industry to reduce vehicle weight...     

Enhanced visible-light photoresponse of DVT-grown Ni-doped SnSe crystal

Semiconductors with the group of IV-VI are key components of future photonics technology due to their unique properties. In the present study, we investigated the influence of nickel inclusion on the structural and electrical responsiveness of SnSe-layered crystals produced through direct vapour transport. The elemental composition, stoichiometry of grown crystals and the orthorhombic structure were investigated by EDAX and XRD analysis. The phase and high crystallinity of produced compounds are revealed by scanning electron microscopy and the SAED pattern of transmission electron microscopy. Nickel-doped SnSe photodetector exhibited a photocurrent of 53.83 nA, which is six times higher compared to the pristine SnSe. Moreover, the pristine and nickel-doped SnSe demonstrated excellent photoresponse behaviour under visible light. Additionally, important photodetection characteristics such as photoresponsivity (R), spectral detectivity (D), rise time and decay time are assessed. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of SnSe and Ni-doped SnSe-based photodetection capabilities which open up the future gateway for SnSe-based optoelectronic devices.

     

Preparation and Characterization of Microcapsules Containing Soybean Oil and Their Application in Self-Healing Anticorrosive Coatings

Synthetic self-healing materials are a new prototype in polymeric coatings. In the present investigation, soybean oil along with drier was encapsulated in urea–formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules, which were successfully prepared by in situ polymerization and their self-healing ability, the corrosion resistance, gloss, and adhesion strength of microcapsules were studied. The synthesized microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer for identification of separated core and shell materials and their surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscope. The particle size was checked under optical microscope and confirmed with particle size analyzer. Effectiveness of soybean oil-filled microcapsules was investigated for healing of cracks generated in anticorrosive coatings. Cracks in paint coatings were found to be healed when soybean oil was released from microcapsules under simulated mechanical action and the corrosion resistance of healed area was evaluated by immersion study.     

Effect of Selected Additives on Microencapsulation of Anthocyanin by Spray Drying

Microencapsulation of anthocyanin pigment present in Garcinia indica Choisy was carried out with maltodextrin of various dextrose equivalents (DE 06, 19, 21, and 33) and other additives such as gum acacia and tricalcium phosphate to enhance the stability of the pigment. The microencapsulated pigment containing 5.0% maltodextrin DE 21, 0.25% gum acacia, and 0.25% tricalcium phosphate was found to have lowest hygroscopic moisture content (4.38%), highest antioxidant activity (69.90%), and highest anthocyanin content (485 mg/100 g). The glass transition temperature was 44.59°C. The sorption isotherms for microencapsulated powder showed that the samples were stable up to water activity less than 0.43. The scanning electron microscope structures depicted that the particle size ranged from 5 to 50 μm with smooth spheres. Storage at 4°C increased the half-life twofold compared to that of the spray-dried product kept at ambient temperature (25°C).     

Optimal deflection and stacking sequence prediction of curved composite structure using hybrid (FEM and soft computing) technique

Engineering with Computers - The bending deflections and the corresponding optimal fiber angle sequences of the subsequent layers have been predicted in this article using a hybrid technique. The...     

Iterated Virtual Screening-Assisted Antiviral and Enzyme Inhibition Assays Reveal the Discovery of Novel Promising Anti-SARS-CoV-2 with Dual Activity

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a threat to humankind and has a dramatic impact on human health, social life, the world economy, and food security. With the limited number of suggested therapies under clinical trials, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents is essential. Here, a previously identified anti-SARS-CoV-2 compound named Compound 13 (1,2,5-Oxadiazole-3-carboximidic acid, 4,4′-(methylenediimino) bis,bis[[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hydrazide) was subjected to an iterated virtual screening against SARS-CoV-2 M^pro using a combination of Ligand Designer and PathFinder. PathFinder, a computational reaction enumeration tool, was used for the rapid generation of enumerated structures via default reaction library. Ligand designer was employed for the computerized lead optimization and selection of the best structural modification that resulted in a favorable ligand–protein complex. The obtained compounds that showed the best binding to M^pro were re-screened against TMPRSS2, leading to the identification of 20 shared compounds. The compounds were further visually inspected, which resulted in the identification of five shared compounds M1–5 with dual binding affinity. In vitro evaluation and enzyme inhibition assay indicated that M3, an analogue of Compound 13 afforded by replacing the phenolic moiety with pyridinyl, possesses an improved antiviral activity and safety. M3 displayed in vitro antiviral activity with IC₅₀ 0.016 µM and M^pro inhibition activity with IC₅₀ 0.013 µM, 7-fold more potent than the parent Compound 13 and potent than the antivirals drugs that are currently under clinical trials. Moreover, M3 showed potent activity against human TMPRSS2 and furin enzymes with IC₅₀ 0.05, and 0.08 µM, respectively. Molecular docking, WaterMap analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and R-group analysis confirmed the superiority of the binding fit to M3 with the target enzymes. WaterMap analysis calculated the thermodynamic properties of the hydration site in the binding pocket that significantly affects the biological activity. Loading M3 on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) increased the antiviral activity of the compound 1.5-fold, while maintaining a higher safety profile. In conclusion, lead optimized discovery following an iterated virtual screening in association with molecular docking and biological evaluation revealed a novel compound named M3 with promising dual activity against SARS-CoV-2. The compound deserves further investigation for potential clinical-based studies.     

Role of Cerium on Transformation Kinetics and Mechanical Properties of Low Carbon Steels

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - The present study has focused on the detailed dilatometric and electron microscopic analysis of the formation of austenite and its decomposition in two...     

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Solid Propellants in Rocket Motors by Indentation Technique

It is essential to evaluate the mechanical properties of propellants in a solid propellant rocket motor (SPRM) for structural integrity and its performance evaluation before the flight test. Conventionally, uni‐axial tensile testing on an universal testing machine (UTM) is used to evaluate the mechanical properties of solid propellant carton which is cast along with SPRM. Propellants in rocket motors experience various types of loading during storage, transportation, and environmental conditions over the period of time before actual flight whereas the propellant carton doesn’t experience the same as it is stored in magazine. At present, the mechanical properties of propellant cast in a carton are considered to be the mechanical properties of propellant in a rocket motor, which is not truly representative. Therefore, a non‐destructive indentation technique has been used to establish a method for evaluating the mechanical properties of solid propellants in rocket motors based on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene. The test results obtained using the penetrometer indentation technique was analyzed comprehensively and compared with UTM results. The mathematical correlations were also developed using least square method and established by conducting the penetrometer indentation test on similar propellant composition. Further, the developed correlation was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of propellant in flight SPRM by penetrometer indentation technique.