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This paper describes the construction of an optimal schedule for a metallurgical workshop using discrete programming, and in particular, the method of branches and boundaries. In this regard, a heuristic approach to solving this problem is proposed, which includes: building an initial graph that satisfies the constraints of the optimization problem, as well as sequential search optimization of the initial graph according to a given criterion. To test the effectiveness of using the task of forming a melting schedule as part of the operational control subsystem in the converter department, experimental studies were conducted. Considering that the creation of the automated process control system of the copper plant provides for the introduction of systems using modern software and hardware controls, cargo flow control, and an automated conversion process control system, the efficiency of using optimal melting schedules will significantly increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the information base of the system, which is formed by algorithms of centralized control, automated analytical control system and control data of material flows. The data processing algorithm according to a special program generates additional information necessary to solve the control tasks of the system and includes algorithms for processing analytical data information, as well as data for monitoring material flows, calculations of additional electric furnace variables, loading of charge into furnace bunkers and technological variables by department. The simulation model of the functioning of the complex ”technological process – control system” is implemented in the form of a package of interconnected software modules. The package implementing the simulation model is divided into three complexes: a set of programs for ”Data collection and processing”; a complex for ”Optimal process control”; a set of programs for ”optimal energy regime management”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal is the property of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Rubber Industry is the property of Editorial Office of China Rubber Industry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Low-density precipitation measurements impair the ability of hydrological models to estimate surface water resources accurately. Remote sensing techniques and climate models can help to improve the estimation of the space-time rainfall variability. However, they alone are not good enough to be used in surface models built to support water management. In this research, we test the improvement of rainfall field estimation by using hydrological modelling based on the premise that a higher hydrological performance generally implies that precipitation is more consistent with streamflow observations and evaporation estimates in the basin. The SWAT model was forced with two satellite and rain gauge blending techniques and with the traditional IDW deterministic interpolation method from stations. The three simulated stream-flows were compared separately against observed records. We do not only focus the comparison on one hydrological performance metric but also conduct a deeper evaluation using several hydrological signatures and statistics. We included the bias, the temporal correlation, the relation of general variability, and an analysis of the Flow Duration Curves (we found that low and medium segments were estimated correctly, whereas the high segments were underestimated). We conclude that either combination technique has its advantages over the other and that both outperform the performance achieved by the IDW in most of the defined criteria, with an overall 10% improvement and with individual streamflow gauge performance enhancement up to 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we established a blended‐acquisition method: temporally signatured and/or modulated and spatially dispersed source array that jointly uses various signaturing and/or modulation in the time dimension and dispersed source array in the space dimension. We acquired and processed the first pilot programme with our method onshore Abu Dhabi. In this paper, we review the resulting acquisition‐productivity enhancement in the time dimension and discuss it in the space dimension as well. We then review the deblended‐data‐reconstruction processing, followed by imaging processing, and discuss their performance and resulting data quality. We last establish a relationship between the acquisition productivity and the processing performance. We found that this method significantly enhances the acquisition productivity compared to conventional blending methods. For the processing performance, the deblended data can successfully be reconstructed from the blended data; afterwards, the subsurface sections can naturally be imaged from the deblended data. Furthermore, this method owns a relationship: The deblended‐data‐reconstruction performance increases with the acquisition time (i.e. the acquisition effort that is inversely proportional to the acquisition productivity) up to a plateau; the imaging processing improves the data quality as the flow makes progress and eventually reaches a high data quality after poststack processing, regardless of the acquisition effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to offer a classification of shortened terms and terminological phrases in Maritime English using the lexico-semantic method. It is based on examples excerpted from learning materials designed for cadets and students of Navigation at Varna Naval Academy, all of them compiled in the Learner’s English-Bulgarian Maritime Dictionary and forming a large corpus representative of the domain they are used in. Shortening here is chosen as an umbrella term for initialisms, acronyms, clippings and blends. The topic is worth discussing because it reveals techniques of shortening in maritime English thereby raising learners’ awareness to a variety of English they are going to face in their future work in a multinational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumonisins are one of the main problems affecting maize production in the Texas High Plains (THP), where its agroclimatic conditions make it a perennial hotspot for mycotoxin contamination. In 2017, a fumonisin outbreak in the THP maize motivated stakeholders' request to repeal a subsection of the Texas Administrative Code, §61.61(a)(7) (Fumonisin Rule), and its related Texas Feed Industry Memorandum (Memo 5–20), which previously permitted the blending of maize containing high fumonisin levels with maize containing ≥ 5 mg/kg under state authority, and pivot to FDA fumonisin guidance. Shortly after, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA's) reintroduced Discount Factors (DFs) in annual Special Provisions (SP) that outline price reductions related to fumonisin contamination in maize. In this research, we estimate the potential economic burden posed by these changes through a two-part approach. In part one, we construct a decision model that explores the final disposition of fumonisin-contaminated maize based on blending permissions, fumonisin levels, and crop insurance status. In part two, we estimate the economic impact by inserting output values of the decision model into financial equations that consider testing costs, transportation fees, and discounts from crop insurance and grain elevators when applicable. Our economic analysis projects that the financial losses during a THP crop year with high fumonisin levels could range from $15.1 to $135.5 million without the option to blend under conditions of the revised RMA discount schedule. Findings further highlight crop insurance as the most promising risk management strategy for farmers in areas susceptible to fumonisin contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect that arises from blending functional agents with ordered fiber orientated structures is a noteworthy strategy to improve the mechanical properties, flexibility and waterproof performance of polylactic acid microfibrous fabrics. A promising polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol@erucamide (PLA/PEG@Era) microfibrous fabric with an ordered fiber orientation was successfully prepared by blending Era with PLA, followed by composite preparation processes of melt blowing and stretching. The results of the study revealed that the blended PLA/PEG@Era polymer with an Era mass ratio of 1.5% exhibited a higher relative degree of crystallinity of about 18.64% in comparison to the PLA/PEG polymer with a crystallinity degree of 2.24%. Moreover, the prepared fabrics exhibited a pleasant microfibrous nonwoven structure with an ordered, regular and a compensating fiber distribution, obtained by facile tailing of the stretching ratio. Also, the samples showed a high tensile breaking strength of 41.1 N with a good vapor permeability, ranging from 2537.2 g/(m2·day) to 2136.9 g/(m2·day), in addition to its excellent waterproof performance and softness. The study provides sufficient evidence that the developed PLA/PEG@Era microfibrous fabrics are extremely suitable candidates for packaging and outdoor clothing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a blended‐acquisition method: temporally signatured and/or modulated and spatially dispersed source array. The former, signatured and dispersed source array has much less constraints in the encoding with operational flexibility, allowing non‐uniform sampling and non‐patterned shooting both in the space and time dimension. The latter, modulated and dispersed source array allows straightforward deblending by filtering and physically separating frequency channels in the frequency domain. We demonstrate our method by synthesizing the blended acquisition followed by deblended‐data‐reconstruction processing in order to discuss the virtues. The examples show that this method could make the blended‐acquisition encoding and operations indeed simple and robust; the same is true for the deblending processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is one of the largest coconut-producing countries in the world. The utilization of coconut shell waste into briquettes will increase the selling value and become a great export opportunity. However, the effect of adhesives on the quality of coconut shell charcoal briquettes made using screw extruder machine has not been widely studied. This study aims to determine the effect of adhesive type on the quality of coconut shell charcoal briquettes. The process of fabricating briquettes in this study included crushing, mixing, blending, pressing, and drying. In the mixing process, 3 types of adhesives were used, namely tapioca flour (Briquette_1), cassava flour (Briquette_2), and modified cassava flour (Briquette_3) with a concentration of 5% of the weight of coconut shell charcoal powders. The quality of the resulting briquettes and commercial briquettes will be evaluated by moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, calorific value, density, compressive, and drop test testing. The results of this research showed that the type of adhesive had a significant effect on the quality of the briquettes produced. Specimen Briquette_1 had better quality than commercial briquettes (Briquette_4) and other briquette specimens. The test results showed that Briquette_1 produced briquettes with better compressive strength and friability than the other specimens, at 6.95 N/mm²and 4.44%, respectively. The moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon, and calorific value of Briquette_1 have met the requirements set by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) number 01-6235-2000. Meanwhile, the volatile matter content and density of Briquette_1 are by the standards of Japan and the United States America (USA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Co-Cultural Theory, we extend the concept of co-culture to the offspring of immigrants. The offspring immigrants are individuals with at least one foreign-born parent. Twenty-two offspring of Turkish immigrants born in the United States were interviewed about communication challenges from a co-cultural theoretical lens. Our analysis revealed that these participants utilize blending and co-cultural networking to process the intercultural tension they face within the US sociocultural landscape. These tensions inform us of how pronounced the US culture and power structure is and its ability to influence offspring immigrants' understanding of their cultural identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNCs) were blended with high‐quality commercial latex to enhance key pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) properties: tack, peel strength, and shear adhesion. Initially, a 25–1 fractional factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of five factors: cCNC type (never‐dried vs. dried re‐dispersed), the use of sonication to disperse the cCNC, cCNC loading, blend temperature, and mixing speed. The regression analysis identified optimal blend conditions and the three most significant factors. It was found that increasing mixing speed had the strongest positive impact on all three PSA properties. A subsequent design of experiments looked at using a different mixing system—a homogenizer—and the data were viewed relative to the mixing power. Further increase in mixing beyond the original design framework led to increase in shear adhesion but decreased tack and peel strength. Nevertheless, in all cases, the PSA properties of the blended latexes exceeded that of the base‐case latex without cCNCs. The second factor of importance was the cCNC loading. The blending of cCNCs at levels beginning at 0.5 phm (parts per hundred parts monomer) led to the simultaneous improvement in all three PSA properties compared to the base‐case latex. The 1 phm level appeared to provide the best impact on the PSA properties. Finally, the need to sonicate the cCNCs dispersions before blending was significant. The results were further supported by rheological measurements, which demonstrated significant increase in viscosity with cCNC addition. This study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of cCNC blending to improve all PSA properties simultaneously and provides practical insights for industrial‐scale application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing need to mainstream orphan or underutilized crops to enhance nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. Among these, Perilla frutescens L. is an important crop due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical content which makes it significant in nutrition, medicine, and industrial sector. Perilla seeds are mainly rich in ω-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, high α-linolenic acid, which contributes to their health benefits. This review explores the nutritional profile of perilla seeds and highlights its unique composition compared to other oilseed crops. It also analyzes the phytochemical components of perilla seeds and their various biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, cardioprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. These activities demonstrate the potential of perilla seeds in both pharmaceutical and food sectors. The review also covers recent advancements in genomics and transgenic research discussing potential areas for crop improvement. Additionally, it explores the use of perilla seeds in functional foods, blending perilla oil with other oils, and their applications in enhancing product formulations. This review offers valuable insights for researchers, students, policymakers, environmentalists, and industry professionals by detailing the potential of perilla seeds across various sectors. The findings support sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and innovative product development, thus contributing to the integration of perilla into mainstream agriculture.

This study aimed to explore the possibility of enriching cold-pressed Virginia (VIO) and Valencia (VAO) peanut oils with omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from walnut oil (WO) to produce blended oils with improved nutritional value. The oxidative stability of pure and blended oils was examined under accelerated conditions (60 °C) for 28 days. The FA and tocopherol profiles, as well as nutritional quality indices, were determined. As the proportion of WO increased in the blends, the levels of linoleic and α-linolenic essential FAs increased, while oleic acid content decreased. Furthermore, γ- and δ-tocopherol levels rose, whereas α-tocopherol declined. Among the studied blends, VIO:WO blends, especially at a (70:30) ratio, were nutritionally favorable with a balanced FA profile. During storage, notable changes were observed in tocopherol levels, along with subtle alterations in the FA profile of the blended oils. Hence, the oxidative stability of pure VIO and VAO decreased with WO incorporation.

The availability of crude oil and petroleum products has become scarce and costly over the years leading to a stiff rise in engine fuel. Due to the depletion of conventional fuels; alternative fuels are gaining importance in recent times and Waste Cooking Vegetable Oils (WCVOs) are the viable option for the same. The present study highlights the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of the Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) engine using three varieties of WCVOs (Ground Nut (GDN), Palm (PM), and Sunflower (SF)). Their inferior fuel features (density, viscosity, calorific value, etc.) are enhanced by blending 30 % of these oils with 70 % Diesel. The experiments are then conducted in the VCR engine using these blended oils under varying loading conditions (0–8 N) and at a constant speed of 1500 (RPM) with a compression ratio (18:1). It is seen that a single blend of Palm oil (PM) increases the engine Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) by 5 % in comparison to Diesel and other blended fuels (GDN, SF) owing to its lower calorific value and greater viscosity. The engine Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) decreases with the increase in load and the lower loads reduce the BSFC for WCVOs by 9–15 % compared to Diesel. Engine emissions like Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), and Hydrocarbons (HC) are also reduced significantly (by 12–15 %) using these blended oils compared to Diesel. The surge in both the Peak Cylinder Pressure (PCP) and Heat Release Rate (HRR) is also observed using these blended fuels, especially for Sunflower. Hence, these WCVOs are an appropriate option to advance the VCR engine performance and decrease its emissions.

Findings on how prior high-quality ideas affect the quality of subsequent ideas in online ideation contests have been mixed. Some studies find that high-quality ideas lead to subsequent high-quality ideas, while others find the opposite. Based on computationally intensive exploratory research, utilizing theory on blending of mental spaces, we suggest that the effects of prior ideas on the generation of subsequent ideas depend on the alignment of (1) crowd participants' subjective quality assessments of prior ideas and (2) subsequent problemrelated contributions made by the crowd. When a prior idea is assessed as high-quality, this motivates the crowd to emulate that idea. When this motivation is aligned with subsequent contributions that expand the mental space of the prior idea, a new high-quality idea can be created. In contrast, when a prior idea is assessed as low-quality, it motivates the crowd to redirect away from that idea. When this motivation is aligned with subsequent contributions that shift the mental space of the prior idea, a new high-quality idea can be created. The mixed findings in the literature can then be explained by a failure to consider non-idea information contributions made by the crowd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research touches upon the innovations in the English word formation processes, i.e., the role of analogy and intralingual borrowings as significant sources and ways of replenishing English vocabulary, interfering entirely with all the languages in the world and greatly influencing their development. Nominative units consisting of two or more words with a contraction of at least one of them at the place of a junction, i.e., blends, are an integral feature of the English language in general and modern English socio-political discourse in particular. Blending has been growing recently among the most productive means of word formation. Blends are needed to denote new concepts and phenomena and are often used to manifest the author’s word-formation skills; they become popular due to their expressiveness and novelty of form and content. The goal of the article is to study the functional features of blends as a means of strengthening the pragmatic component of the socio-political discourse, as well as the strategy and techniques of their translation. The general and special methods were used to achieve the goal and objectives of the study: information retrieval method – to select research material and process basic theoretical knowledge; generalization method – to highlight the most critical academic positions; deduction and induction – to clarify the theoretical foundations, generalize data and formulate conclusions; discourse analysis – to identify specific communicative and pragmatic features of socio-political communication; contextual and functional methods – to actualize the linguopragmatic meaning of the lexical units under the study, i.e., blends; the vocabulary definitions analysis – to examine their linguopragmatic peculiarities; structuralsemantic and component analysis – to determine the ways of blend formation and their main structural elements – all this is necessary for the implementation of translation analysis. The use of pragmalinguistic elements (blends, in our case) involves investigating relationships between language units and the conditions of the communicative-pragmatic space, tracing the relationship between the addressee’s intentional component and the choice of language means when translating the studied units within the socio-political discourse into another language. Conclusions. Regarding the focus of socio-political discourse on speech influence, the conveying of blend stylistics and the transfer of speech realia that form the basis of the blend implication and strengthen the socio-pragmatics of the given text cause difficulties in comprehending the English original and translation variants. The study of the translation aspect of blends within socio-political discourse revealed a lot of challenges, such as the need for a unique means for conveying blend semantics in the translation language, the complex nature of blend explication, and the problem of their interpretation. Among the translation techniques that are most effective in overcoming the outlined translation difficulties of socio-political blends, such ones should be mentioned first: transcription, transliteration, tracing, and creating an analogical model. The descriptive translation method is considered inappropriate when translating political blends (under research) because such a technique does not allow conveying pragmatics of blends and implement them in the translation language as expressive lexical and stylistic units that are components of speech influence on the addressee, and the society as a whole. The principles of the techniques studied in the article can be used for further research as being universal for translating English blends in inflectional languages (Ukrainian including), where such a phenomenon is non-typical. The process of blending hypothetically proves the activation of the redistribution of components within the different language structures and systems and their ability to self-reorganize.

Introduction: The challenge in restorative dentistry is related to changes in the colour of composite over time when exposed to a variety of common beverages, which necessitates additional expenses for the patients. Aim: To compare the colour changes of various composites currently available on the market after exposure to commonly consumed beverages. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022 in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Karnavati School of Dentistry in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. A total of 120 disc-shaped composite pellets, with 40 specimens for each type of composite (nanohybrid, nanofilled, and microhybrid), measuring 6×2 mm, were prepared and divided into four subgroups based on the beverages used (Distilled water, coca-cola, Tea, and Coffee). The samples were submerged in the respective beverages and kept at 37°C for seven days. Colour assessment was performed using a spectrophotometer before and after immersion. The obtained Commission International de l Eclairage (CIE) ΔE values were recorded after measuring the CIE L*a*b* values. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0, utilising a paired t-test, post hoc Tukey’s test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A significance level of p

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Heterogeneously catalyzed transesterification reaction is known to be the most appropriate process for producing biodiesel from triglyceride-containing feedstock as it ensures catalyst reusability and easy product separation, lowers production costs, and makes biodiesel affordable. This work investigates the influence of calcination temperature (700–1000 °C) on the performance of CaO catalyst obtained from eggshells for biodiesel synthesis from waste frying oil (WFO). The prepared CaO catalyst was characterized using various techniques (TGA/DTA, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm (BET), FTIR, CO2-TPD, XRF, XRD, and SEM). Taguchi optimization method with an orthogonal array was used to investigate the effect of process parameters (time, catalyst amount, methanol/oil ratio, and temperature). Reaction time was observed to be the most influential variable according to the design. Under the optimal transesterification conditions (i.e., at 50 °C for 3 h using WFO/methanol molar ratio of 1:10 with catalyst dosage of 0.75 wt.%), the biodiesel yield attained 90.81% when eggshell derived-catalyst calcined at 850 °C (CEG-850) was used. The remarkable performance of the CEG-850 could be attributed to its high basic strength (749 μ mol/g), improved surface area (15.4 m2/g), and dominance of basic sites on its surface. The blended fuel with 10% by volume biodiesel (B10) exhibited improved fuel properties compared to blended fuel with 50% by volume biodiesel (B50), which confirmed the suitability of a low-level biodiesel blend in the diesel engine. More than 54% biodiesel yield was achieved after the seventh cycle, depicting better stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclaimed rubber (RR) from butyl tubes was evaluated as a partial and full replacement of a virgin rubber which is carboxylated nitrile butadiene (XNBR). This study involves the blending of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber with butyl reclaimed rubber (XNBR/BRR) in various loadings and cured with sulfur by using a two-roll mill. The objective is to investigate the effect of RR loading on crosslink density and mechanical properties of XNBR/BRR blends. The mechanical properties such as hardness, rebound resilience, tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus were evaluated. In this study, the amount of reclaimed rubber varied from 0 phr to 161 phr. The results showed that the rebound resilience, tear strength, and tensile strength had a reduction of 43%, 27%, and 67%, respectively. Also, the hardness and modulus increased by 17% and 60% each. As for the elongation at break, it had a decrease of 69% and then an increment of about 77%. These results appeared due to the low molecular 1 weight of the BRR800 and the presence of processing oil and carbon black in the reclaimed rubber itself. This study could prove that reclaimed rubber can be fully utilized by putting it to good use in producing good quality rubber-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen injection into natural gas distribution pipeline system through Tee junctions is numerically studied, by considering both ideal and Soave–Redlich–Kwong real gas models. The mixing homogeneity length is quantified for various side pipe sizes and perpendicular configurations for distribution-pressure and intermediate-pressure pipelines. The buoyant nature of hydrogen once blended into natural gas pipelines introduces a challenge as it tends to stratify and become trapped near the top wall. Accordingly, a greater side flow momentum leads to a shorter mixing homogeneity length. This reduces up to three to five times particularly when it penetrates deeply into the main flow without getting trapped from the beginning. Consequently, vertical bottom-side injection yields a mixing homogeneity length that is roughly four times shorter than horizontal and five times shorter than vertical top-side injection. Furthermore, employing a real gas model is critical once the pressure rises to intermediate pressures, resulting in a greater homogeneity length. [Display omitted] • Modeling hydrogen injection into natural gas distribution pipeline via Tee junctions. • Integration of Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state with van der Waals mixing rules. • Quantifying the mixing homogeneity length of hydrogen and natural gas in pipelines. • Impact of changing the side pipe size and its perpendicular orientation on mixing. • Comparing the ideal and real gas equation of state at intermediate-pressure lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at analyzing utopias and dystopias in Last and First Men (1930) by William Olaf Stapledon. Taking into consideration that this narrative was already defined as a scientific romance and an anatomy with allegorical status, as well as McCarthy's observation that Stapledon's writing resists simple categorization and that its classification as science fiction or utopian literature is inadequate, this paper suggests several definitions for Stapledon's work. The author also takes into account the ongoing dispute between utopian studies and science fiction scholars about the strong interaction between utopia and science fiction in the twentieth century. The possibilities of applying the conceptual integration theory to such a complex work of fiction as Last and First Men is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of Ablai Khan KazUIRandWL: Series 'Philological sciences' is the property of Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations & World Languages and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Engineering & Architectural Faculty of Eskisehir Osmangazi University / Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PVA/PEO/PVP‐B4C and PVA/PEO/PVP‐BN polymer nanocomposites were prepared using boron nitrite (BN), boron carbide (B4C), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polyethylene oxide (PEO). B4C and BN nanopowders were added to the mixture at three different percentages: 5%, 10%, and 20%. Thermal characterization was performed by differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction were used for surface analysis and crystal structure characterization. The atomic distribution was determined by elemental analysis. Neutron shielding properties were performed at three different gamma peak areas, 1293.56 keV, 1097.33 keV, 416.86 keV, and calculated total macroscopic cross‐section ∑T and half‐value layer. The ∑T values were found to be in the range of 7.99–14.37 for all synthesized composites. B4C‐doped composites show higher protection efficiency against slow thermal neutrons than BN‐doped samples. Highlights: Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene oxide)/polyvinylpyrrolidone composites containing boron nanoparticles are flexible and workable.Nanocomposites were prepared with a simple, cheap, and fast method.Prepared boron nanocomposites exhibit slow thermal neutron stopping even at 3 mm thickness.PVA90/PEO5/PVP5‐BN and PVA90/PEO5/PVP5‐B4C composites are good candidates for demanding military applications such as vehicle and body armor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures reduces environmental burden by utilising existing pavement material. However, RAP percent is limited due to performance issues at higher RAP content due to improper blending. The degree of blending can be improved using rejuvenator. Waste cooking oil (WCO) is gaining attention as a potential rejuvenator in recycled mixtures. However, past studies have shown contradictory results on WCO influence in asphalt mixture and have not investigated the influence of WCO on blending. This study is devised with a methodological approach to investigate the influence of WCO on blending in asphalt mixtures. Four blending approaches were formulated with four RAP and WCO contents resulting in a total of 148 mixture combinations. The blending characteristics were evaluated by assessing the workability and moisture damage resistance. The optimum mixtures were determined by Grey relational analysis, which were further investigated. The results showed the WCO doses determined from blending equation resulted in the higher dose than optimum WCO. The mixtures with medium dose and dry mixing of WCO showed the highest resistance to moisture damage. Further, for utilising higher than 30% RAP, higher binder content is required as compared to conventional mixture to increase the functional binder in the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blend membranes of polycarbonate and polysulfone were studied for removal of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from water. The membranes were prepared by blending (1–10) wt.% of polysulfone with polycarbonate and then non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) of blend solutions. Structural analysis, thermal and tensile properties, water uptake, porosity, water contact angle, and morphological studies were conducted. Water treatment performance of membranes were tested in a crossflow system in terms of pure water flux, rejection, and fouling. BSA rejection value was improved from 85.65% to 92.88% for polycarbonate membrane in the presence of 10 wt.% polysulfone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending hydrogen in existing natural gas pipelines compromises steel integrity because it increases fatigue crack growth, promotes subcritical cracking and decreases fracture toughness. In this regard, several laboratories reported that the fracture toughness measured in a hydrogen containing gaseous atmosphere, KIH, can be 50% or less than KIC, the fracture toughness measured in air. From a pipeline integrity perspective, fracture mechanics predicts that injecting hydrogen in a natural gas pipeline decreases the failure pressure and the size of the critical flaw at a given pressure level. For a pipeline with a given flaw size, as shown in this work, the effect of Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) in the predicted failure pressure is largest when a failure occurs by a brittle fracture. The HE effect on failure pressure diminishes with a decreasing crack size or increasing fracture toughness. The safety margin after a successful hydrostatic test is reduced and therefore the time between hydrotests should be decreased. In this work, all those effects were quantified using a crack assessment methodology (level 2, API 579-ASME FFS) considering literature values for KIH and KIC reported for an API 5L X52 pipeline steel. To characterize different scenarios, various crack sizes were assumed, including a small crack with a size close to the detection limit of current in-line inspection techniques and a larger crack that represents the largest crack size that could survive a hydrotest to 100% of the steel Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS). The implications of a smaller failure pressure and smaller critical crack size on pipeline integrity are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a variation in nickel content produced by PT. Aneka Tambang Tbk Site Pakal with the needs of the processing industry so that the blending method needs to be applied. Blending is the process of mixing two or more materials that have different qualities to get the right mixture. In the blending process, it must meet the specific ore according to the needs of the processing plant. The results of the XRF analysis on the stockpile Sosolat, Bicoli, Maba, Mafia, Sangaji, Roomstock Harmony, Resampling Sangaji were respectively 2.26%, 1.61%, 1.48%, 1.35%, 1.32%, 1.53%, and 1.60%. The results of theoretical simulations and actual blending in the field obtained factory quality of 1.75%, Buana Jaya barge with simulated Ni content of 1.87% and realized Ni content of 1.76%, Bukit Emas barge with simulated Ni content of 1.83% and realized Ni content of 1.90, TGH barge with simulated Ni content of 1.85% and realized Ni content of 1.76%, Ilir Jaya barge with simulated Ni content of 1.87% and real Ni content sai is 1.85%, the DBS 3029 barge with a simulated Ni content of 1.88% and a realized Ni content of 1.78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuum residue hydrocracker naphtha (VRHN) is a chemically unstable product that during storage changes its colour and forms sediments after two weeks. It cannot be directly exported from the refinery without improving its chemical stability. In this research, the hydrotreatment of H-Oil naphtha with straight run naphtha in a commercial hydrotreater, its co-processing with fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline in a commercial Prime-G+ post-treater, and its co-processing with vacuum gas oil (VGO) in a commercial FCC unit were discussed. The hydrotreatment improves the chemical stability of H-Oil naphtha and reduces its sulphur content to 3 ppm. The Prime-G+ co-hydrotreating increases the H-Oil naphtha blending research octane number (RON) by 6 points and motor octane number (MON) by 9 points. The FCC co-cracking with VGO enhances the blending RON by 11.5 points and blending MON by 17.6 points. H-Oil naphtha conversion to gaseous products (C1–C4 hydrocarbons) in the commercial FCC unit was found to be 50%. The use of ZSM 5 containing catalyst additive during processing H-Oil naphtha showed to lead to FCC gasoline blending octane enhancement by 2 points. This enabled an increment of low octane number naphtha in the commodity premium near zero sulphur automotive gasoline by 2.4 vol.% and substantial improvement of refinery margin. The processing of H-Oil naphtha in the FCC unit leads also to energy saving as a result of an equivalent lift steam substitution in the FCC riser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategies of the extrapolation adjusted by model prediction (ExAMP) blending scheme, which trusts the field pattern predicted by extrapolation and allows the field intensity to be adjusted by numerical weather prediction (NWP), for rainfall nowcasting are analyzed in this study. The McGill algorithm for precipitation nowcasting by Lagrangian extrapolation (MAPLE) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model serve as the extrapolation and NWP models, respectively. Seven 150-min rainfall nowcasting experiments with different strategies are carried out for 37 sampled periods from seven heavy rainfall events in Taiwan in 2019. The results of the overall statistics indicate that, for the extrapolation component, extrapolating the current rainfall rate estimated from the lowest dual-polarimetric radar observations is a superior strategy. The ExAMP scheme that blends the MAPLE and WRF forecasts can surpass both components in 150-min rainfall nowcasting, and an empirical limitation on the innovation of intensity during the blending procedure is found unnecessary in this study. Moreover, the spatial performance for two contrasting events reveals the ability of ExAMP in grasping the rainfall strengthening and weakening in different areas. The skill statistics separately at rainfall strengthening gauges and weakening gauges further prove the effectiveness of ExAMP even though it is effective in intensity correction instead of pattern correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern pharmaceutical manufacturing based on Quality by Design and digitalisation is revolutionising the pharmaceutical industry. Continuous processes are promoted as they increase efficiency and improve quality control. Compared to batch blending, continuous blending is easier to scale and provides advantages for achieving blend homogeneity. One potential challenge of continuous blending is the risk of over-lubrication. In this study, blending homogeneity and lubricant sensitivity are investigated for both batch and continuous processes. Given their distinct chemical structures and morphologies, anhydrous lactose and granulated lactose are expected to exhibit varying sensitivities to changes in process settings across both technologies. The findings suggest that both lactose grades provide highly stable blends that can be safely utilised in both batch and continuous modes. Optimisation should focus on process variables, such as the quality of loss-in-weight feeders used for dosing low doses of ingredients. The most significant process parameter for lubricant sensitivity was the type of lactose used. Anhydrous lactose produced harder tablets than the more porous granulated lactose but was more sensitive to lubrication at the same settings. The magnesium stearate content and its interaction with the type of lactose are also critical factors, with magnesium stearate having a counterproductive impact on tabletability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The challenge in restorative dentistry is related to changes in the colour of composite over time when exposed to a variety of common beverages, which necessitates additional expenses for the patients. Aim: To compare the colour changes of various composites currently available on the market after exposure to commonly consumed beverages. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022 in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Karnavati School of Dentistry in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. A total of 120 disc-shaped composite pellets, with 40 specimens for each type of composite (nanohybrid, nanofilled, and microhybrid), measuring 6×2 mm, were prepared and divided into four subgroups based on the beverages used (Distilled water, coca-cola, Tea, and Coffee). The samples were submerged in the respective beverages and kept at 37°C for seven days. Colour assessment was performed using a spectrophotometer before and after immersion. The obtained Commission International de l Eclairage (CIE) ΔE values were recorded after measuring the CIE L*a*b* values. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0, utilising a paired t-test, post hoc Tukey's test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A significance level of p<0.05 was used. Result: Among all the beverages, the nanofilled composite showed the highest mean colour change, while the nanohybrid composite exhibited the lowest. Overall, the greatest colour change was observed with tea, followed by coffee, coca-cola, and the least with distilled water. In tea, coffee, and cocacola, the nanohybrid composite and nanofilled composite showed a statistically significant difference in mean colour change: 16.74 (p<0.001), -7.29 (p<0.001), and -1.02 (p=0.018), respectively. However, the difference between the nanohybrid and microhybrid composite was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The nanohybrid composite demonstrated the least mean colour change, followed by the microhybrid composite, while the nanofilled composite exhibited the highest colour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The strategies of the extrapolation adjusted by model prediction (ExAMP) blending scheme, which trusts the field pattern predicted by extrapolation and allows the field intensity to be adjusted by numerical weather prediction (NWP), for rainfall nowcasting are analyzed in this study. The McGill algorithm for precipitation nowcasting by Lagrangian extrapolation (MAPLE) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model serve as the extrapolation and NWP models, respectively. Seven 150-min rainfall nowcasting experiments with different strategies are carried out for 37 sampled periods from seven heavy rainfall events in Taiwan in 2019. The results of the overall statistics indicate that, for the extrapolation component, extrapolating the current rainfall rate estimated from the lowest dual-polarimetric radar observations is a superior strategy. The ExAMP scheme that blends the MAPLE and WRF forecasts can surpass both components in 150-min rainfall nowcasting, and an empirical limitation on the innovation of intensity during the blending procedure is found unnecessary in this study. Moreover, the spatial performance for two contrasting events reveals the ability of ExAMP in grasping the rainfall strengthening and weakening in different areas. The skill statistics separately at rainfall strengthening gauges and weakening gauges further prove the effectiveness of ExAMP even though it is effective in intensity correction instead of pattern correction.

Natural lipids with nutritional or therapeutic benefits that also provide desired texture, melting and organoleptic appeal (mouthfeel, skin feel) are difficult to procure for the food and cosmetics industries. Natural Astrocaryum pulp oil (AVP) and kernel fat (AVK) from Guyana were blended without further modification to study the potential of extending the physical functionality of the blends beyond that of crude AVK and AVP. An evaluation of non-lipid components by ESI-MS indicated twenty-four (24) bioactive molecules, mainly carotenoids (90%), polyphenols (9%) and sterols (1%) in AVP, indicating important health and therapeutic benefits. Only trace-to-negligible amounts of these compounds were detected in AVK. The thermal transition phase behavior, solid fat content (SFC), microstructure and textural properties of five AVP/AVL blends were used to construct phase diagrams of the AVK/AVP binary system. Binary phase diagrams constructed from the cooling and heating DSC thermograms of the mixtures and description of the liquidus line indicated a mixing behavior close to ideal with a tendency for order, with no phase separation. Melting onsets, solid fat content and measurements of solid-like texture all predictively increased with increasing AVK content. The descriptive decay parameters obtained for SFC, crystal size, hardness, firmness and spreadability were similar and predictive and indicate the way the binary system structure approaches that of a liquid or a functional solid. The bioactive content of the blends was accurately calculated; the work provides a blueprint for the blending of AVP and AVK to deliver targeted bioactive content, stability, spreadability, texture, melting profile, organoleptic appeal and solid content. SFCs at 20 °C ranged from 9.1% to 39.1%, melting onset from −17.5 °C to 27.8 °C, hardness from 0.1 N to 3.5 N and spreadability from 3.3 N·s to 147.1 N·s; indicating a useful dynamic range of physical properties suitable for bioactive oils to bioactive butters.

In this study, 10 min and 2 km high-resolution blended fog data (HRBFD) were generated using grid visibility data (GVD) and data from a GK2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) fog product (GKFP) in Korea. As the blending method, the decision tree method (DTM) was used to consider the different characteristics of the two-input data (categorical data and continuity data). The blending of the two datasets was performed according to the presence or absence of the input data and considered the spatial representation of the GVD and the accuracy of the GKFP. The quality of the HRBFD was evaluated through visual comparison using GVD, GKFP, and visible images of the GK2A. The HRBFD seems to have partly solved the problem of fog detection in areas where visibility meters are rare or absent through the detection of fog occurring in the sea or mountain areas. In addition, the critical problem of the GKFP, which has limitations in detecting fog occurring under clouds, has been mostly overcome. Using the DTM, we generated 23 fog cases of 10 min and 2 km HRBFD. The results confirmed that detailed spatiotemporal characteristics of fog in Korea can be analyzed if such HRBFD is generated for a long time.

Nowadays, transportation fuels such as diesel or gasoline are standardly produced from crude oil refining. These petroleum-based products are gradually replaced by more environmentally friendly sources, such as Fischer–Tropsch diesel fractions and other biofuels. The present work reports the distillation of Fischer–Tropsch (FTS) waxes and its use for fuel production by (i) blending the FTS wax diesel fraction with fossil diesel (7:93; 15:85; 30:70; and 50:50 wt.%) and (ii) blending the FTS wax heavy fraction (360–700 °C) with vacuum gas oil (10–50 wt.%) followed by hydrocracking at industrial operating conditions (T = 420 °C, WHSV = 0.5–1.0 h−1, P = 10.0 MPa). The obtained products in both cases were analysed and compared with standard EN590 for petroleum-diesel fuels. Overall, our results point to the suitability of the distillation of FTS waxes for renewable fuel production, either by straight blending of the diesel petroleum-based products or co-hydrocracking of the heavy fraction with vacuum gas oil.

Blended electrodes are becoming increasingly more popular in lithium-ion batteries, yet most modeling approaches are still lacking the ability to separate the blend components. This is problematic because the different components are unlikely to degrade at the same pace. This work investigated a new approach towards the simulation of blended electrodes by replicating the complex current distributions within the electrodes using a paralleling model rather than the traditional constant-current method. In addition, a blending model was used to generate three publicly available datasets with more than 260,000 unique degradations for three exemplary blended cells. These datasets allowed us to showcase the necessity of considering all active components of the blend separately for diagnosis and prognosis.