Identification of Hibonite‐5H in the Characterization of Inner SEN Deposits

The aim of the study described in this paper is to determine the character of deposits formed on the inner wall of an submerge entry nozzle during the continuous casting of steel. By using X‐ray diffraction and optic microscopy with refracted light, it has been found that the minerals most abundant in the deposit's structure are corundum, hibonite‐5H, hematite, graphite and, in certain cases, there is also magnetite. The results of the examination of the mineralogical composition and of the structure of the SEN wall after the exploitation in the continuous steel casting process are also shown.     

Multibit Σ–∆ PWM Digital Controller IC for DC–DC Converters Operating at Switching Frequencies Beyond 10 MHz

An integrated digital controller for dc-dc switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) used in portable applications is introduced. The controller has very low power consumption, fast dynamic response, and can operate at programmable constant switching frequencies exceeding 10 MHz. To achieve these characteristics, three novel functional blocks, a digital pulse-width modulator based on second-order sigma-delta concept (Sigma-Delta DPWM), dual-clocking mode compensator, and nonlinear analog-to-digital converter are combined. In steady state, to minimize power consumption, the controller is clocked at a frequency lower than SMPS switching frequency. During transients the clock rate is increased to the switching frequency improving transient response. The controller integrated circuit (IC) is fabricated in a standard 0.18-mum process and tested with a 750-mW buck converter prototype. Experimental results show the controller current consumption of 55 muA/MHz and verify closed-loop operation at programmable switching frequencies up to 12.3 MHz. Simulation results indicating that this architecture can potentially support operation at switching frequencies beyond 100 MHz are also presented.     

Targeting Mitochondria in Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), one of the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases, is often preceded by insulin resistance (IR), which underlies the inability of tissues to respond to insulin and leads to disturbed metabolic homeostasis. Mitochondria, as a central player in the cellular energy metabolism, are involved in the mechanisms of IR and T2D. Mitochondrial function is affected by insulin resistance in different tissues, among which skeletal muscle and liver have the highest impact on whole-body glucose homeostasis. This review focuses on human studies that assess mitochondrial function in liver, muscle and blood cells in the context of T2D. Furthermore, different interventions targeting mitochondria in IR and T2D are listed, with a selection of studies using respirometry as a measure of mitochondrial function, for better data comparison. Altogether, mitochondrial respiratory capacity appears to be a metabolic indicator since it decreases as the disease progresses but increases after lifestyle (exercise) and pharmacological interventions, together with the improvement in metabolic health. Finally, novel therapeutics developed to target mitochondria have potential for a more integrative therapeutic approach, treating both causative and secondary defects of diabetes.     

A study on the Co-W activated Ni electrodes for the hydrogen production from alkaline water electrolysis - Energy saving

Hydrogen is considered to be the most promising candidate as a future energy carrier. One of the most used technologies for the electrolytic hydrogen production is alkaline water electrolysis. However, due to high energy requirements of about 4.5-5 kWh/Nm³ H₂ in most industrial electrolysers, the cost of hydrogen produced in such a way is high. There are various attempts to overcome this problem, like zero-gap cell geometry, development of new diaphragm materials, development of new electrocatalytic materials for electrodes, etc.In continuous search to improve this process using advanced electrocatalytic materials for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), based on transition metal series, catalyst based of cobalt and wolfram was investigated as cathode material. On the basis of the results of our experiments, there is a strong indication that the Co-W catalyst reduces energy needs per mass unit of hydrogen produced for more than 20% in some cases. Objective of this work was to investigate the electrocatalytic efficiency using quasi-potentiostatic, galvanostatic and impedance spectroscopy techniques. Results are presented to show the Tafel slopes, the exchange current densities, the apparent energy of activation, the apparent electrochemical surface and the stability of Co-W catalyst. Results suggest to significant catalytic performance not only from the increase of the real surface area of electrodes, but also from the true catalytic effect of the Co-W catalyst.     

Determination of As(III) and As(V) in oilseeds by chronopotentiometric stripping analysis: development of a method

Chronopotentiometric stripping analysis (CSA) was used for selective determination of As(III) and As(V) in different oilseeds. After the optimization of experimental parameters an appropriate procedure for sample pretreatment was developed. A detection limit of 2 microg/dm3 for As(III) was obtained with an electrolysis time of 600 s. This method was used for arsenic determination in sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seed, as well as for soy flakes and almond.     

Zero-Sequence Voltage-based Method for Determination and Classification of Unloaded Overhead Line Operating Conditions at the Moment of Energization

Overhead line energization can be performed under normal or faulty conditions. The latter indicates an occurrence of a fault along the line that exists at the moment of energization. This can lead to significant over-voltages that could endanger proper line operation. The issue gets more complex to protective devices when it comes to high-resistance faults, which impair the ability of relays to react promptly and accurately. Consequently, installation of additional detection devices becomes necessary. This paper proposes a novel method that properly detects and classifies line operating conditions at the moment of energization. The method is designed to be useful for utilities and it can be considered as a low-cost, fast, and accurate detection and classification approach, suitable for dealing with both low-resistance and high-resistance faults. Through comprehensive mathematical modeling it was found that both normal and faulty conditions during line energization are accompanied by the zero-sequence voltages of specific characteristics. The differences between zero voltage sequences are reflected in harmonic content, magnitudes of dominant frequencies, and their phase angles in regard to supply voltage. These findings are taken as the method's detection and classification criteria. The validity of the proposed model is verified by simulations and by field measurements.     

Radioactivity in soil from the city of Kavadarci (Republic of Macedonia) and its environs

The activity concentrations and distribution of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soils from the city of Kavadarci, Republic of Macedonia, and its environs were investigated. The purpose of the study, the first of this kind in this region was to evaluate the environmental radioactivity and radiological health hazard, as well as to determine the connection between the concentration of natural radionuclides and the geology of the terrain. A total of 45 surface soil samples were collected from evenly distributed sampling sites. Gross alpha and gross beta activity measurements were made using a gas flow proportional counter, while the activity concentrations of gamma emitting radionuclides were measured using a high purity germanium detector. The average activity concentrations of ??K, 22?Ra, 232Th and 13?Cs were found to be 546±118, 38.8±14.6, 43.7±18.4 and 41.5±40 Bq kg?1, respectively. The mean values of gross alpha and gross beta activities were 522±192 and 681±146 Bq kg?1. The mean total absorbed dose rate in air calculated from the concentration of the natural radionuclides was 67.1±20.9 nGy h?1, and the corresponding annual effective dose rate outdoors was 0.082±0.026 mSv y?1. The results of the analysis show strong correlation between the abundance of the natural radionuclides in soils and their geological origin.