Additional Material Research Articles

Fast and Thermal Neutron Removal Cross-Section for Ceramic Glass Aluminum Oxynitride

This study investigates the effectiveness of transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) in neutron shielding, focusing on both fast and thermal neutrons. Using conventional radiation attenuation parameters, the macroscopic neutron removal cross-sections of AlON were calculated for varying neutron energies and material thicknesses. The Geant4 simulation toolkit was employed to model and analyze the neutron interactions with AlON. The results indicate that AlON exhibits a high neutron shielding capacity for fast neutrons, performing better than traditional shielding materials such as concrete and lead. However, for thermal neutrons, AlON's performance was less effective, only surpassing lead but not concrete or water. The findings suggest that while AlON is highly effective for fast neutron shielding, it may require complementary materials to adequately shield thermal neutrons. This could involve using AlON in combination with other materials to create a more comprehensive neutron shielding solution. AlON shows significant potential as a neutron shielding material, particularly for fast neutrons. Its integration with additional shielding materials could enhance its overall effectiveness, making it suitable for various nuclear and radiation protection applications.

The effect of pre-sintering UO2 granules on the microstructure and the thermal conductivity of UO2–Mo composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS)

Uranium dioxide (UO2) is the standard fuel used in light water reactors (LWRs). However, it has a low thermal conductivity that ultimately limits its performance both during normal operation and in accident conditions. Adding a material with high thermal conductivity is a potential approach to enhance the thermal conductivity of UO2. Forming an interconnected structure of high-conductivity material can significantly enhance the overall thermal conductivity of the composite. Molybdenum (Mo) has been used as an additive material in UO2 composites previously. A new method for the fabrication of interconnected UO2−Mo composites using pre-sintered UO2 granules to improve the continuity of Mo channels was investigated in this study. UO2–10 wt% Mo composites were produced using UO2 granules and 1073 K and 1473 K pre-sintered UO2 granules, followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of the mixtures at 1473 K for 5 min. The composites were characterised using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry and their thermal conductivities were measured by the laser flash method and compared with a reference UO2 pellet. At a maximum measurement temperature of 1073 K, a 52 % increase in thermal conductivity was observed in the composites containing UO2 without pre-sintering, and UO2 pre-sintered at 1073 K. The increase was 31 % for composites manufactured from UO2 pre-sintered at 1473 K. These results suggest that higher temperature pre-sintering may be detrimental to forming interconnected Mo structures.

Easy to fabricate 3D metastructure for low-frequency vibration control

As a burgeoning category of elastic metamaterials, 3D metastructures have garnered significant research attention for manipulating low-frequency acoustic and elastic waves. Bandgap engineering allows for the control of these waves across a subwavelength ultrawide frequency range. However, the manufacturing of these 3D structures poses a challenge, necessitating additional support materials for 3D-printed components, creating difficulties in mass production. In this study, we propose a novel lightweight 3D metastructure design that is easy to fabricate and provides a low-frequency subwavelength bandgap. We replaced conventional struts supporting heavy mass inclusions in typical designs with modified arch beams. This structural modification enables the easy and self-supporting manufacturing of 3D metastructure unit cells without the need for extra support material. Utilizing magnets and steel masses with bolts as hard inclusions, the magnet facilitates the quick assembly of the 3D metastructure, potentially facilitating mass manufacturing in practical applications. The wave dispersion and bandgap properties of the metastructure are investigated numerically, and experimental vibration tests are performed on the 3D-printed and assembled parts. The experimental results and numerical findings demonstrate robust vibration attenuation at low frequencies by the proposed 3D metastructure. The suggested, easy-to-fabricate 3D-metastructure design holds potential applications in low-frequency elastic-wave manipulation, including noise and vibration control.

Optimization of CZM parameters of Norway spruce tested in mode I using multistart simplex method

The paper addresses the advanced fracture analysis of the SEN-TPB test on Norway Spruce in three anatomical directions: tangential (T), radial (R) and tangential–radial (TR). It utilizes reverse engineering to obtain cohesive zone model (CZM) parameters, which are then compared to the experimental values obtained using the compliance-based beam method (CBBM) and additional standard material tensile tests perpendicular to the grain. The optimization employs force–displacement curves to find their optimal fit using the multistart simplex optimization method. Results indicate that CZM modeling can be relatively problematic when realistic values are used; however, the best agreement with experimental data is observed for the group of cracks in the TR direction. A fundamental issue with CZM modeling in the elastic part has been identified and discussed. The sensitivity of the problem to various parameters was assessed, and an energy balance in the CZM at Fmax was performed. This work contributes to knowledge about realistic modeling of the interface and a fundamental understanding of fracture in wood.

Analytical model of friction at low shear rates for soft materials in 3D printing.

The biological properties of silicone elastomers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have widespread use in biomedicine for soft tissue implants, contact lenses, soft robots, and many other small medical devices, due to its exceptional biocompatibility. Additive manufacturing of soft materials still has significant challenges even with major advancements that have occurred in development of these technologies for customized medical devices and tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model of tangential stress in relation to shear stress, shear rate, 3D printing pressure and velocity, for non-Newtonian gels and fluids that are used as materials for 3D printing. This study used FENE (finitely extensible nonlinear elastic model) model, for non-Newtonian gels and fluids to define the dependences between tangential stress, velocity, and pressure, considering viscosity, shear stress and shear rates as governing factors in soft materials friction and adhesion. Experimental samples were fabricated as showcases, by SLA and FDM 3D printing technologies: elastic polymer samples with properties resembling elastic properties of PDMS and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) samples. Experimental 3D printing parameters were used in the developed analytical solution to analyse the relationships between governing influential factors (tangential stress, printing pressure, printing speed, shear rate and friction coefficient). Maple software was used for numerical modelling. Analytical model applied on a printed elastic polymer, at low shear rates, exhibited numerical values of tangential stress of 0.208-0.216 N m - 2 at printing velocities of 0.9 to 1.2 mm s - 1, while the coefficient of friction was as low as 0.09-0.16. These values were in accordance with experimental data in literature. Printing pressure did not significantly influence tangential stress, whereas it was slightly influenced by shear rate changes. Friction coefficient linearly increased with tangential stress. Simple analytical model of friction for elastic polymer in SLA 3D printing showed good correspondence with experimental literature data for low shear rates, thus indicating possibility to use it for prediction of printing parameters towards desired dimensional accuracy of printed objects. Further development of this analytical model should enable other shear rate regimes, as well as additional soft materials and printing parameters.

Direct application of tungstosilicic acid hydrate for the treatment of high free fatty acid in acidic crude palm oil and for biodiesel production

AbstractThis study explored the use of industrial acidic crude palm oil (ACPO) for biodiesel production, facing a significant obstacle due to its high free fatty acid (FFA) content, which complicates the biodiesel production process. Typically, esterification is employed to convert FFAs into fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Herein, the effectiveness of tungstosilicic acid hydrate (TSAH) as an unsupported heteropoly acid (HPA) catalyst for FFA esterification in ACPO was investigated. The FFA content was reduced from 8.43% to 0.95% under optimum conditions (4 wt% catalyst dosage, a methanol to oil molar ratio of 10:1, 150 min and a temperature of 60°C). Noteworthy, the TSAH catalyst showed stability over 7 cycles. The kinetic analysis revealed that the FFA esterification process closely followed pseudo first‐order kinetics, with an R2 value of 0.94. Furthermore, the biodiesel produced from TSAH‐treated ACPO meets the standard specifications outlined by ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. This research highlights the effectiveness of TSAH in catalyzing FFA esterification without the need for additional support materials or modifications.

Advances in elastomeric mount concepts for quasi-zero stiffness isolation

Quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) mounts can exploit geometric nonlinearity to minimize stiffness about an operating point, which isolates vibrations from a supported source or receiver. Previous research on elastomeric QZS mounts featured 3D-printed prototypes but did not consider unique material properties and fabrication artifacts that may impact the static and dynamic behavior of the mounts. Additionally, multi-axis properties and their influence on common box-like systems supported by several mounts lack detailed study. To overcome these limitations and improve the practicality of elastomeric QZS mechanisms, this article discusses nonlinear stiffness, hysteresis, and fabrication issues with elastomeric materials in this context. Multimaterial mount designs that improve strength and stability are considered, and their effectiveness for QZS isolation is experimentally evaluated. System-level dynamics are presented for a box-like load supported by QZS mounts. Comparisons between additive and cast materials in the fabrication of QZS mounts are discussed, and the mounts' dynamic stiffness amplification effect is examined for additive and molded materials.

Features of Distance Educational Technologies within the Framework Implemented by the Federal State Educational Standard

This article discusses the main normative documents regulating the forms and levels of professional training of students. Special attention is paid to the features of distance learning technologies (DOT) implemented as part of correspondence education at the agrarian University. The purpose of the research article is the application of new educational technologies in higher education. Research methodology and methods: theoretical analysis and descriptive method, including methods of comparative analysis of developed materials. In the course of this work, a comparative analysis of educational and methodological complexes of disciplines developed by the teaching staff was carried out. The results of the study. The university has developed an approximate structure of methodological materials, which includes an educational and methodological manual, funds of evaluation tools and additional educational and methodological materials. The approximate structure of the lesson in blocks is revealed: organizational, student and certification. Conclusion. Based on the studied materials, a generalizing conclusion can be drawn. The developed regulatory framework clearly regulates the organization and procedure for conducting distance learning.

Light-Triggered PROTAC Nanoassemblies for Photodynamic IDO Proteolysis in Cancer Immunotherapy.

While proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) hold great potential for persistently reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via targeted protein degradation, precisely activating them in tumor tissues and preventing uncontrolled proteolysis at off-target sites remain challenging. Herein, a light-triggered PROTAC nanoassembly (LPN) for photodynamic indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) proteolysis is reported. The LPN is derived from the self-assembly of prodrug conjugates, which comprise a PROTAC, cathepsin B-specific cleavable peptide linker, and photosensitizer, without any additional carrier materials. In colon tumor models, intravenously injected LPNs initially silence the activity of PROTACs and accumulate significantly in targeted tumor tissues due to an enhanced permeability and retention effect. Subsequently, the cancer biomarker cathepsin B begins to trigger the release of active PROTACs from the LPNs through enzymatic cleavage of the linkers. Upon light irradiation, tumor cells undergo immunogenic cell death induced by photodynamic therapy to promote the activation of effector T cells, while the continuous IDO degradation of PROTAC simultaneously blocks tryptophan metabolite-regulated regulatory-T-cell-mediated immunosuppression. Such LPN-mediated combinatorial photodynamic IDO proteolysis effectively inhibits tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Collectively, this study presents a promising nanomedicine, designed to synergize PROTACs with other immunotherapeutic modalities, for more effective and safer cancer immunotherapy.

Research on Phased Array Ultrasonic Imaging Method Based on Time Reversal Theory

Abstract With the wide application of additive manufacturing components and composite materials, it is of great significance to detect defects with non-destructive testing methods in the material manufacturing process and in service. Due to the strong attenuation and inhomogeneity characteristics, it is inefficient and poor imaging results to detect its internal defects by conventional ultrasonic testing methods. To improve the detection accuracy, this paper proposes an improved imaging algorithm with time reversal-total focusing method (TR-TFM) imaging technology to improve the defects detection in strongly attenuating materials. The experimental results show that the amplitude of the defect signal is increased by 8.30 dB, and compared with total focusing method (TFM), the diameter of the detected defect with TR-TFM imaging is increased from 1.20 mm to 1.60 mm, which is more adjacent to the accurate size. Meanwhile, with the sparse matrix based on FMC data, TR-TFM could obtain the same image quality with the approximate time of TFM imaging.

DIGITALIZACIA VYUCOVANIA, DIGITALNE UCEBNICE A DIGITALNE UCEBNE MATERIALY V PRAXI

The subject of the contribution is the identification of the possibilities and limits of incorporating work with digital forms of textbooks in the undergraduate training of future primary education teachers. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of incorporating additional digital teaching materials into the teaching of future primary education teachers in the master's degree on the level of digital competencies of the research sample. Through the analysis of the output data, we confirmed that the manipulation and mastering of work with digital textbooks and digital teaching materials for primary education within the undergraduate training of teacher students has the ability to positively influence the level of their information and data literacy.

The Effect of Addition Chenodeoxycholic Acid (CDCA) as Additive Material to Red Dye DN-F05 as a Color Sensitive Substance in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

The Effect of Addition Chenodeoxycholic Acid (CDCA) as Additive Material to Red Dye DN-F05 as a Color Sensitive Substance in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Жак Гандшин о музыковедении. Наука и образование

The article presents materials related to the pedagogical activities of the prominent Russian-Swiss musicologist and organist Jacques (Yakov Yakovlevich) Handschin (1886, Moscow — 1955, Basel). Based on the example of two articles related to different periods of the scholar’s work and a number of additional materials (including epistolary sources), the author of the article examines the specifics of his work with his students, as well as his views on musicology as a pure (fundamental) science and as an academic discipline in the systems of higher education in Switzerland and Russia. In the context of modern Handschin-research, this study is the first to address the scholar’s pedagogical views and beliefs. In addition to the materials of the two analysed articles (the fragments of which are presented in Russian translation for the first time), it introduces a range of epistolary sources on the history of academic musicology of the 20th century.

Optimal design of building envelope towards life cycle performance: Impact of considering dynamic grid emission factors

Building-related carbon emissions in the construction and operation stages account for more than one-third of global energy-related emissions. Optimizing during the early design stage is an effective way to reduce building carbon emissions. However, current studies adopt a constant grid emission factor (GEF) to assess the environmental impacts of buildings while ignoring the dynamic changes of the future electricity mix. This will overestimate the operational carbon emissions of the building in the context of the increasing share of renewable energy in power generation. In this study, a dynamic life cycle assessment model based on dynamic GEF is constructed to evaluate the life cycle environmental impacts of buildings. On this basis, a building optimization design framework considering dynamic GEF is proposed, and the impact of considering future variations of GEF on the optimal design of the building envelope is explored. The study is conducted in three steps. First, dynamically changing GEFs are predicted under the future electricity mix based on scenario analysis. Second, a multi-objective optimization framework is established to minimize the life cycle carbon emissions (LCCE) of the building while optimizing its life cycle costs (LCC) and indoor discomfort hours (IDH). Finally, the proposed optimization framework is applied to a prototype office building in Shanghai, and a comparative analysis is conducted for the optimal schemes between a static and two dynamic scenarios. The result reveals that ignoring future variations will lead to overestimating the operational carbon emissions by 49.0%-64.8%, which in turn will result in an over-insulated design of the envelope (i.e., additional material consumption). In addition, compared to the static scenario, consideration of dynamic GEF results in a 38.7%-51.6% reduction in LCCE, a 5.2%-6.1% reduction in LCC, and a 5.3%-9.5% increase in IDH for the optimal solutions. This research illustrates the importance of considering dynamic GEF in identifying the optimal design parameters and can help decision-makers reasonably choose the optimal schemes during early-stage design.

Closed-loop transfer enables artificial intelligence to yield chemical knowledge.

Artificial intelligence-guided closed-loop experimentation has emerged as a promising method for optimization of objective functions1,2, but the substantial potential of this traditionally black-box approach to uncovering new chemical knowledge has remained largely untapped. Here we report the integration of closed-loop experiments with physics-based feature selection and supervised learning, denoted as closed-loop transfer (CLT), to yield chemical insights in parallel with optimization of objective functions. CLT was used to examine the factors dictating the photostability in solution of light-harvesting donor-acceptor molecules used in a variety of organic electronics applications, and showed fundamental insights including the importance of high-energy regions of the triplet state manifold. This was possible following automated modular synthesis and experimental characterization of only around 1.5% of the theoretical chemical space. This physics-informed model for photostability was strengthened using multiple experimental test sets and validated by tuning the triplet excited-state energy of the solvent to break out of the observed plateau in the closed-loop photostability optimization process. Further applications of CLT to additional materials systems support the generalizability of this strategy for augmenting closed-loop strategies. Broadly, these findings show that combining interpretable supervised learning models and physics-based features with closed-loop discovery processes can rapidly provide fundamental chemical insights.

Universal and large-scale transform engineering from commercial metals to micron/nanoporous metals via an induced oxidation-reduction reaction

Three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous metals are being increasingly utilized in various fields such as catalysis, energy storage, and sensing. However, the conventional fabrication approaches for 3D nanoporous metals, such as dealloying and template methods, require additional sacrificial materials and multiple fabrication steps and generate chemical waste. Herein, we propose a novel gaseous (O2 and H2) oxidation-reduction (GOR) method to directly transform various transition metals/alloys into 3D micron/nanoporous materials by utilizing the spontaneous reconstruction of metallic atoms. This method eliminates the need for sacrificial materials and acidic/alkaline solutions, making it facile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The resulting micron/nanoporous Ni/Ni alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties, atomic hydrogen adsorption capability, and hydrophilicity, leading to outstanding electrocatalytic activity and durability for hydrogen evolution reaction.

ABULOY: Varied Expressions of Sympathy, Empathy and Apathy

The present study aimed to determine and explore the cultural value of abuloy in the Filipino culture and also determine its significance to the concept of fellowmen among Filipinos. It also asked specific questions regarding the context of abuloy in the Filipino culture; forms, gestures or expression that can be shown in times of family’s grieving in terms of being expressed with sympathy, empathy, apathy; giving of abuloy of Filipinos during the wake and after bereavement; how Filipinos are guided by cultural beliefs and practices in giving abuloy; changes in the cultural meaning and social recognition for the giving of abuloy; the different factors affecting the act of giving abuloy and also how the findings of thispresentstudy can contribute to an additional learning material. The study made use of the mixed method of research approach particularly with the use of the interview form and survey questionnaire as the primary tools for the data gathering process of the study. The findings of the study revealed that abuloy in the context of Filipino culture was mostly embedded on the idea of a financial assistance provided to the bereaved family and as an act of compassion and condolence; on the other hand, in terms of sympathy, thisis mostly expressed in considering the grief circumstances in which the bereaved family is currently going through; further, with regards to empathy, this is understanding the way in which a family feels when grieving; and finally, in terms of apathy, this is more expressed on being unaffected by the grief of the bereaved family. The participants also indicated that there was really no binding tradition that guides them in giving abuloy as long as it is based on having the intention to show compassion, in line with their financial capacity and budget; out of kindness and also to at least help the bereaved family with their present suffering. It can be concluded that most Filipinos express non-belief and non-adherence to common practices and beliefs, but they are increasingly reliant on the idea that providing or giving "abuloy" to the bereaved family is a form ofsocial obligation that everyone should fulfill in order to show compassion and care for other people's difficult situations.

Eco-Feminism and Translation: A Critical Reading of Abdel Rahman Munif's Cities of Salt

The complexities of language, society, and artistic expressions make literary works like novels difficult to translate. Translators encounter several problems such as cultural subtleties, colloquial idioms, distinctive writing styles, and other poetic aspects. Literary translation is a challenging process that necessitates a profound comprehension of the cultural and contextual nuances of the source material in addition to language proficiency. The Arabic novel Cities of Salt was written by Abdelrahman Munif, and was successfully translated into several languages, including English. Peter Theroux completed the English translation that was initially released in 1987, and he is the one who paved the way for opening up Munif's writing to a wider English-speaking community. The translated version preserves the novel's exploration of the impact of the oil industry on an unnamed Arab Gulf state and its reflection on the profound social, economic, and cultural changes brought about by rapid industrialization. Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif is a rich exploration of environmental exploitation and gender dynamics in the context of the Arab Gulf region's transformation due to the oil industry. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the interconnected challenges faced by communities grappling with rapid industrialization and its far-reaching consequences on both the environment and societal structures, including gender roles. Moreover, this research paper reveals how the exploitation of land mirrors the exploitation of women. The destruction of the environment echoes the silencing and erasure of women's voices and agency. Through an eco-feminist lens, the paper exposes the interconnectedness between the oppression of nature and the oppression of women, both subjected to exploitation, commodification, and dispossession. Because this novel is a quintet, this paper examines excerpts from the first volume, Al-Teeh, which better fit the study’s argument.

Utilization of Secondary Raw Materials from Rice and Buckwheat Processing for the Production of Enriched Bread: Optimization of Formulation, Physicochemical and Organoleptic Properties, Structural and Mechanical Properties, and Microbiological Safety.

Pursuing enhanced nutritional value in bakery products through technological advancements and new recipes is a promising facet of the food industry. This study focuses on incorporating rice and buckwheat brans, additional raw materials rich in biologically active substances, into bakery products. Utilizing a second-order rotatable plan, optimal ratios were determined-5% rice bran and 10% buckwheat bran. The application of these brans influenced dough and bread quality, reducing sugar content by 5% in dry form and 29% in the fermented brew, potentially aiding in diabetes prevention and cholesterol control. Introducing brans, especially in fermented brew, positively impacted microbiological stability, reducing the risk of mold and potato disease. The developed bread technology using rice and buckwheat brans in fermented brew significantly increased nutritional value, satisfying adult daily protein needs by 31.2%, fats by 15%, and dietary fibers by 18.4%. This innovative approach ensures a sufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, showcasing a promising avenue for creating healthier and more nutritious bakery products.

The Use of English Songs to Improve the Listening Comprehension of Eighth-Grade Students at SMP Negeri 2 Babahrot

English is the world's international language of communication. In some countries, English is even a common language or mother tongue. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using English songs in improving students' listening skills. The population of this study is VIII-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Babahrot. The study involved two groups: experimental group that learned by using songs and control group that used traditional teaching methods. The experimental group, consisting of 23 students, took a pretest and a posttest to measure the impact of the learning intervention using songs on their listening ability. The comparison between the two groups showed that the experimental group showed greater improvements in English language skills compared to the control group, with a mean pretest score of 60.70 and posttest score of 74.43. The use of English songs significantly improved the listening skills of the grade VIII students. These results support the hypothesis that using songs into English language learning, especially in improving listening skills, can improve students' listen skills. This suggests that songs can be an effective strategy for improving students and used as additional materials to increase students' motivation and engagement in learning.