F-LEACH: a fuzzy-based data aggregation scheme for healthcare IoT systems

The Journal of Supercomputing - Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging paradigm that consists of numerous connected and interrelated devices with embedded sensors, exchanging data with each other...     

Biosynthesis of waste pistachio shell supported silver nanoparticles for the catalytic reduction processes

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) are immobilised on pistachio shell surface by Cichorium intybus L. leaves extract as an antioxidant media. The Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope analyses confirmed the support of silver NPs on the pistachio shell (Ag NPs/pistachio shell). Ag NPs on the pistachio shell had a diameter basically in the 10–15 nm range. Reduction reactions of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), and organic dyes at ambient condition were used in the investigation of the catalytic performance of the prepared catalyst. Through this research, the Ag NPs/pistachio shell shows a high activity and recyclability, and reusability without loss of its catalytic activity.Inspec keywords: transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, catalysis, nanofabrication, dyes, X‐ray chemical analysis, reduction (chemical), silver, catalysts, Fourier transform infrared spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopyOther keywords: waste pistachio shell, silver nanoparticles, catalytic reduction processes, pistachio shell surface, antioxidant media, infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope analyses, reduction reactions, catalytic performance, catalytic activity, Cichorium intybus L. leaves extract, size 10.0 nm to 15.0 nm, Ag     

Numerical simulation of transient heat transfer for tomato paste in semi rigid aluminum container

In this study, numerical model of heat transfer for tomato paste in semi-rigid aluminum container was developed by Fluent software 6.3.26. Grid independence was recognized. The impact of head space (air and water -vapor) and buoyancy force on heat transfer were investigated. Simulation results showed slowest heating zone (SHZ) located in (?11.676?<?X?<??10.738, 0.183?<?Y?<?1.269 and 4.417?<?Z?<?5.560) for model with air head space and in (?11.166?<?X?<??11.370, 0.762?<?Y?<?1.21 and 5.480?<?Z?<?5.506) for model with water–vapor head space in Cartesian system coordinate. A thermocouple was connected to container at (0, 0, 10 cartesian system coordinate) to get experimental data during process. Comparing temperatures of experimental model and predicted model (with head space) illustrated no significant difference (p?<?0.05).     

Exploring a Local Linear Model Tree Approach to Car‐Following

Because car‐following (CF) models are fundamental to replicating traffic flow they have received considerable attention over the last 50 years. They are in a continuous state of improvement due to their significant role in traffic microsimulations, intelligent transportation systems, and safety engineering models. This article uses the local linear model tree (LOLIMOT) approach to model driver's CF behavior to incorporate human perceptual imperfections into a CF model. This model defines some localities in the input space. These localities are fuzzy and have overlaps with each other. Specific models for each of the localities are then defined and combined in a fuzzy manner to predict the final output. The model was developed using real world dynamic data sets. Three different data sets were used for training, testing, and validating the model. The performance of the model was compared to a number of existing CF models. The results showed very close agreement between the real data and the LOLIMOT outputs.     

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic monitoring of sol-gel process in synthesis of PbS-TiO2 hybrid nanostructures

A typical hybrid nanostructure was prepared consisting of lead sulfide (PbS) nano-crystals, embedded in titanium oxide (TiO₂) using sol-gel method. The synthesis procedure was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopic investigations indicated that PbS nano-crystals are embedded in the TiO₂ matrix with no strong Ti-O-Pb-S bonding. The size of PbS hybrid nanostructures decreased with diminishing lead and sulfur mole concentrations. The smallest size of NCs has been obtained in 10% of mole concentration (30-45 nm particle size for the hybrid nanostructure). The morphology and microstructure of the nano hybrid was investigated by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction.     

Colloidal synthesis of copper nanoparticles in a two-phase liquid-liquid system

Synthesis of copper nanoparticles in a two-phase, toluene-water system was investigated. The synthesis involves a transfer of metal cations from the aqueous phase to the toluene phase through the use of tetraoctylammonium bromide, a phase transfer reagent. Subsequently, the metal cations were reduced using sodium borohydride in the presence of oleylamine, a stabilizing ligand. Due to the high tendency of copper to oxidize in air, the syntheses and post-synthesis treatments were carried out in an inert atmosphere, N₂. Non-agglomerated, generally spherical, copper nanoparticles with a mean size of 6.06 nm were successfully made using the technique. By analyzing the lattice d spacing of HRTEM images, the crystal structure of the particles was found to be FCC. The expected plasmon resonance peak for copper, 570 nm, was missing from UV/Vis spectroscopy analysis; this has been attributed to quenching due to residual CuBr.     

Investigation of Magnesium Incorporation within Gelatin/Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

In this study, diffusional method was used to prepare a calcium phosphate/gelatin nanocomposite as a scaffold for bone tissue repair. Incorporation of magnesium (Mg) into mineral phase of the scaffold was also investigated. Addition of Mg ions to the synthesis process caused formation of magnesium phosphate (MgP) and hydroxyapatite (HAp). However, analyses data for the sample lacking Mg showed that the mineral formed within GEL had a low crystalline nature, consisting of HAp and octacalcium phosphate (OCP). With addition of Mg within the structure of precipitated minerals, morphology of minerals was dramatically changed toward being irregular and less ordered.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of Iranian sumac (R. coriaria L.) fruit and spice extracts with different solvents

The antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of three sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) samples, including brown sumac fruit, brown sumac powder and red sumac powder were investigated in the present study. Methanol, ethanol, distilled water, and a mixture of methanol and ethanol (1:1) were used as solvent systems. Antioxidant activities of extracts were screened using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical scavenging method. Phenolic content was determined through Folin–Ciocaltaeu procedure. The efficiency of the solvents used to extract phenols from the samples varied considerably. The phenolic content of brown sumac powder ranged from 2.906 to 2.997 gallic acid equivalents/100 g (GAE/100 g), while that of the brown sumac fruit was 2.438–2.529 GAE/100 g, and that of the red sumac powder was 2.172–2.263 GAE/100 g. Findings indicated that water extracts of sumac have effective antioxidant and radical scavenging activities as compared to other extracts.     

Acrylamide in Foods: Chemistry and Analysis. A Review

Acrylamide is a potential cause of a wide spectrum of toxic effects and is classified as probably “carcinogenic in humans”. The discovery of acrylamide in human foods has given rise to extensive studies exploring its formation mechanisms and levels of exposure and has spurred search into suitable analytical procedures for its determination in foodstuffs. However, the exact chemical mechanisms governing acrylamide formation are not yet known and cheap, convenient, and rapid screening methods are still to be developed. Acrylamide in food is produced by heat-induced reactions between the amino group of asparagine and the carbonyl group of reducing sugars along with thermal treatment of early Maillard reaction products (N-glycosides). Similarly, the decarboxylated Schiff base and decarboxylated Amadori compounds of asparagine as well as the Strecker aldehyde have been proposed as direct precursors and intermediates of acrylamide. Corresponding chromatographic methods are used to determine various structural groups present in Maillard reaction model systems. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis are both acknowledged as the main, useful, and authoritative methods for acrylamide determination. This review is an attempt to summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge of acrylamide chemistry, formation mechanisms, and analytical methods. Special attention is given to comparison of different chromatographic techniques, particularly the novel, simple, and low-cost methods of its determination.     

Electroactive polythiophene/polystyrene bottlebrushes as morphology compatibilizers in photovoltaic systems

Poly(3‐thiophene ethanol) (P3ThEt)‐graft‐polystyrene (PSt) bottlebrushes were synthesized and applied in active layers of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) solar cells as morphology compatibilizers. In the presence of 15 wt% of P3ThEt‐graft‐PSt bottlebrush compatibilizers, the P3HT crystallite dimensions (D₍₁₀₀₎ = 45.67 nm and D₍₀₂₀₎ = 30.12 nm) and R_mean (38.96 nm) of PCBM clusters were the largest and the layer spacings were all the smallest (d₍₁₀₀₎ = 1.054 nm, d₍₀₂₀₎ = 0.301 nm and d_(PCBM) = 0.406 nm). These dimensional properties led to better hole (1.9 × 10^?3 cm² V^?1 s^?1) and electron (1.2 × 10^?2 cm² V^?1 s^?1) mobilities. The content of bottlebrushes was optimized at 15 wt%, and thereby the best photovoltaic results including the maximum cell efficiency of 5.37% were obtained for this turning point (12.75 mA cm^?2, 61%, 0.69 V). On exceeding the optimum weight percentage, all photovoltaic parameters decreased markedly and reached even less than that of pristine devices (1.92% versus 2.24%). After an optimum weight percentage of compatibilizers, further enhancement in bottlebrush content in active layers saturated and finally oversaturated the system and, consequently, the cell parameters significantly decreased. Accumulation of bottlebrushes in interfaces and donor/acceptor phases ruined the system function even with large and packed P3HT crystallites and PC71BM clusters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry