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.     

Production of surface-active sophorolipid biosurfactant and crude oil degradability by novel Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain SKF2

Biosurfactants are produced by important types of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi and have been used in a variety of industries. Among the 15 crude oil-degrading fungi, the two molds and one yeast were identified by 18S rDNA sequences as Mucor circinelloides strain SKMC, Fusarium fujikuroi strain DB2, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain SKF2. These strains were isolated from crude oil–contaminated soil, diesel oil–contaminated soil, and activated sludge in the Oil Refinery Plant in Isfahan, Iran, respectively. The yeast strain was identified as a novel crude oil–degrading and biosurfactant-producing fungi in the presence of (1% v/v) Iranian light crude oil in the minimal salt medium (MSM). The highest amount of the dry weight of produced biosurfactant was measured at 6.2 g L⁻¹. Chemical nature of produced biosurfactant was determined as a surface-active sophorolipid biosurfactant compound by thin-layer chromatography, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The residual hydrocarbons in the MSM were analyzed by GC–MS, and it was shown that octadecane and docosane were eliminated by this novel strain completely.     

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.     

Oncogenic RAS genes impair erythroid differentiation of erythroleukaemia cells

RAS mutations occur frequently in acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia, suggesting a functional role for this oncogene in leukaemogenesis. We show here, for the first time, that both N-RAS and H-RAS can impair erythroid differentiation of erythroleukaemia cells induced with hexamethylene bisacetamide. Transformation by RAS allowed extended proliferation in the presence of inducer and also inhibited maturation as measured by impaired haemoglobinization and reduction in cell size. These data provide an interesting counterpoint to the effect of mutant RAS on monocytic cells, where it has a potentiating effect on differentiation and may indicate a causal link between the activation of RAS and erythroid lineage dysplasia in preleukaemia.