Fp Value Research Articles

Classification of tourism business certification institution auditors based on the decision tree algorithm C4.5: case study of LSUP XYZ

Auditors who have appropriate competence are needed to carry out certification. The amount of experience a person has before becoming an Auditor determines the competence possessed by an Auditor. To be assigned to carry out certification, an auditor needs special competencies such as areas of expertise, work experience, and the Schemes and Standards that become the reference for certification. Auditors owned by LSUP need to be classified so that they can be assigned according to their competence. The C4.5 Decision tree algorithm is one of the methods that can be used to create a model used to classify and predict auditor competence. 65 data from 221 data are used as training data to form a model in the form of a tree structure. This model consists of 3 attributes that form a Node in a tree structure, namely the Workplace, Skill and Standard attributes. Each attribute has a value that forms a branch. The model was evaluated using the Confusion Matrix with a matrix size of 7x7 which resulted in a TP value of 99, FP value of 121, FN value of 121, and TN value of 1199. The accuracy level of this model is quite good, namely 84%. But the Precise and Recall values are not very good, only 45%.

Ultra-fast dynamic deposition of EuBa2Cu3O7−δ-BaHfO3 nanocomposite films: Self-assembly structure modulation and flux pinning behaviors

Structure modulation of rare-earth barium cuperates (REBCO) superconducting films plays an essential role in the flux pinning behaviors. In this paper, nano-composite EuBa2Cu3O7−δ-BaHfO3 (EuBCO/BHO) films were deposited by the ultra-fast pulsed laser deposition technique. All nano-composite films exhibited high-quality orientation under the growth rates up to 100 nm/s. TEM cross-sectional analysis reveals that the EuBCO/BHO films have a distinct lamellar structure, which is related to the periodic change of growth conditions during the multi-turn dynamic deposition. In addition, the morphology of BHO varies with dopant content, which suggests a strong correlation between dopant content and the BHO self-assembly mechanism. Consequently, the vortex behavior shifts from giant-flux creep to vortex-glass formation at the thermally activated flux flow region as the dopant content increases. The primary flux pinning behaviors change from random to correlated pinning with the increase of dopant content at 4.2 K. Due to the larger contribution of the correlated pinning machinimas, the 8% BHO-doped EuBCO film exhibits the highest Jc value at 4.2 K, with moderate fields (below 8 T) among all the three films. At 4.2 K and 14 T, the 6% BHO doped EuBCO film has the highest Fp value attributing to the predominate random pinning mechanism.

Distribution of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and their precursors in human blood

Many studies have examined per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in human blood. However, the distribution of PFASs in human blood remains not well known, especially for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) precursors. In this study, human blood samples (n = 162) were collected from general Chinese population, and then the isomer-specific partitioning of PFASs between human plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) were investigated. Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and PFOS were consistently the predominant PFASs in both human plasma and RBCs. In human blood, among C4–C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), the calculated mean mass fraction in plasma (Fp) values increased from 0.76 to 0.82 with the increasing chain length. C7–C13 PFCAs exhibited a trend of gradually decreasing mean Fp with chain length. Among PFAS precursors, 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester had the highest mean Fp value (0.87 ± 0.11). Calculated Fp values of N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-MeFOSA) and N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-EtFOSA) were 0.66 ± 0.13 and 0.70 ± 0.12, respectively. Individual branched isomers consistently had greater Fp values than their corresponding linear isomers for PFOA, PFHxS, and perfluoroctane sulfonamide. To our knowledge, this study first reports the distribution of N-MeFOSA and N-EtFOSA in human blood, contributing to the better understanding of the occurrence and fate of PFASs in humans.

Design and optimization of perovskite plasmonic nano-laser for operation at room temperature

This work presents the design and optimization of a cascade nano-laser using CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite. Due to increasing threshold gain with decreasing device size and high Auger losses, the use of perovskite as the active medium in the cascade nano-laser was proposed, as the material possesses a high emission rate in the visible wavelength region, with relative ease of device fabrication. By optimizing the thickness of the perovskite, its width, and the thickness of the silica used, photonic and plasmonic modes were created, which were further considered to permit the generation of lasing, using their respective Purcell factors. The pump wavelength considered was 400 nm, with the laser emission then at 537 nm. For suitability of plasmonic lasing, a Purcell factor FP of 1.22 is reported here, with no possibility for photonic lasing due to its FP value being less than 1 in this design. However, mode-crossing effects were observed in the plasmonic mode at λ = 400 nm for two designs: at a silica thickness of 27.5 nm with perovskite thickness and width of 100 and 300 nm, respectively, and at a silica thickness of 30 nm with perovskite thickness and width of 95 and 300 nm, respectively. These mode-crossing effects can be further analyzed to use these devices in the design of potential new sensor systems, mainly for gas and chemical sensing, exploiting the refractive index sensing capability as a means to determine the concentration of the gases, or other chemicals, under study.

Assessment of storm direct runoff and peak flow rates using improved SCS-CN models for selected forested watersheds in the Southeastern United States

Study regionSoutheastern United States Study focusThe objective was to evaluate the ability of two modified SCS-CN models to predict direct runoff (DRO) and peak discharge rate (Qp) for selected storm events in three forested watersheds in the region - one low-gradient system in South Carolina, two high-gradient upland systems in North Carolina, and a mid-gradient upland system in Arkansas. New hydrological insights for the regionThe calculated peak discharge rate Qp values by all methods were unsatisfactory when using the default pond and swamp adjustment factor (Fp) value of 0.72 recommended in the SCS TR55 guideline, indicating that use of the default Fp value may result in erroneous Qp estimates for forest watersheds with high retention capacities. These findings, indicating the superiority of the modified Sahu-Mishra-Eldo (SME_m) method to the original SCS method in runoff calculations and substantially lower Fp values in the associated Qp method, are significant for hydrologists and engineers who frequently apply the methods in design of storm water management structures including road culverts on forested landscapes.

The effects of nitrogen and water stresses on the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of winter wheat

An accurate estimation of grain protein concentration (GPC) based on the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (Fp) and grain nitrogen concentration is crucial for scientific research and human nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen and water stresses on Fp. Field experiments consisting of 16 treatments that included the coupled stresses of nitrogen and water were conducted over 2 wheat growing seasons from 2014 to 2016. The true GPC was determined based on the total amino acid concentration, and the wheat grain nitrogen concentration was determined using the Kjeldahl method. Water stress was estimated based on the soil volumetric water content, and nitrogen stress was estimated based on the crop nitrogen concentration. Water stress, nitrogen stress, and coupled water and nitrogen stresses were used to fit dynamic Fp (Fp’), which was different from common Fp value of 5.70. The results indicated that stresses resulted in the decline of Fp. The nitrogen concentration of total amino acid had a positive relationship with the minimum of the two stresses (SMIN). The observed Fp’ ranged from 5.14 to 5.86, and a certain significant negative linear relationship existed between SMIN and Fp’ (P < 0.001). The relative root mean square error (RRMSE) values of Fp’ and GPC based on an Fp’ were 0.024 and 0.072, respectively, while the RRMSE of GPC estimated based on an Fp value of 5.70 was 0.098. GPC estimated using a variable Fp value that accounted for coupled water and nitrogen stresses was more precise than GPC estimates based on Fp value of 5.70. The new general linear model provides an improved method to calculate GPC more accurately in different environment.

Flood risk reduction and flow buffering as ecosystem services – Part 2: Land use and rainfall intensity effects in Southeast Asia

Abstract. Watersheds buffer the temporal pattern of river flow relative to the temporal pattern of rainfall. This ecosystem service is inherent to geology and climate, but buffering also responds to human use and misuse of the landscape. Buffering can be part of management feedback loops if salient, credible and legitimate indicators are used. The flow persistence parameter Fp in a parsimonious recursive model of river flow (Part 1, van Noordwijk et al., 2017) couples the transmission of extreme rainfall events (1 − Fp), to the annual base-flow fraction of a watershed (Fp). Here we compare Fp estimates from four meso-scale watersheds in Indonesia (Cidanau, Way Besai and Bialo) and Thailand (Mae Chaem), with varying climate, geology and land cover history, at a decadal timescale. The likely response in each of these four to variation in rainfall properties (including the maximum hourly rainfall intensity) and land cover (comparing scenarios with either more or less forest and tree cover than the current situation) was explored through a basic daily water-balance model, GenRiver. This model was calibrated for each site on existing data, before being used for alternative land cover and rainfall parameter settings. In both data and model runs, the wet-season (3-monthly) Fp values were consistently lower than dry-season values for all four sites. Across the four catchments Fp values decreased with increasing annual rainfall, but specific aspects of watersheds, such as the riparian swamp (peat soils) in Cidanau reduced effects of land use change in the upper watershed. Increasing the mean rainfall intensity (at constant monthly totals for rainfall) around the values considered typical for each landscape was predicted to cause a decrease in Fp values by between 0.047 (Bialo) and 0.261 (Mae Chaem). Sensitivity of Fp to changes in land use change plus changes in rainfall intensity depends on other characteristics of the watersheds, and generalisations made on the basis of one or two case studies may not hold, even within the same climatic zone. A wet-season Fp value above 0.7 was achievable in forest–agroforestry mosaic case studies. Inter-annual variability in Fp is large relative to effects of land cover change. Multiple (5–10) years of paired-plot data would generally be needed to reject no-change null hypotheses on the effects of land use change (degradation and restoration). Fp trends over time serve as a holistic scale-dependent performance indicator of degrading/recovering watershed health and can be tested for acceptability and acceptance in a wider social-ecological context.

Voxelwise analysis of simultaneously acquired and spatially correlated 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET and intravoxel incoherent motion metrics in breast cancer.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18 F-FDG-PET) independently correlate with malignancy in breast cancer, but the relationship between their structural and metabolic metrics is not completely understood. This study spatially correlates diffusion, perfusion, and glucose avidity in breast cancer with simultaneous PET/MR imaging and compares correlations with clinical prognostics. In this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant prospective study, with written informed consent and approval of the institutional review board and using simultaneously acquired FDG-PET and DWI, tissue diffusion (Dt ), and perfusion fraction (fp ) from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis were registered to FDG-PET within 14 locally advanced breast cancers. Lesions were analyzed using 2D histograms and correlation coefficients between Dt , fp , and standardized uptake value (SUV). Correlations were compared with prognostics from biopsy, metastatic burden from whole-body PET, and treatment history. SUV||Dt correlation coefficient significantly distinguished treated (0.11 ± 0.24) from nontreated (-0.33 ± 0.26) patients (P = 0.005). SUV||fp correlations were on average negative for the whole cohort (-0.17 ± 0.13). Simultaneously acquired and registered FDG-PET/DWI allowed quantifiable descriptions of breast cancer microenvironments that may provide a framework for monitoring and predicting response to treatment. Magn Reson Med 78:1147-1156, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Dual-input two-compartment pharmacokinetic model of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma.

To investigate the feasibility of a dual-input two-compartment tracer kinetic model for evaluating tumorous microvascular properties in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From January 2014 to April 2015, we prospectively measured and analyzed pharmacokinetic parameters [transfer constant (Ktrans), plasma flow (Fp), permeability surface area product (PS), efflux rate constant (kep), extravascular extracellular space volume ratio (ve), blood plasma volume ratio (vp), and hepatic perfusion index (HPI)] using dual-input two-compartment tracer kinetic models [a dual-input extended Tofts model and a dual-input 2-compartment exchange model (2CXM)] in 28 consecutive HCC patients. A well-known consensus that HCC is a hypervascular tumor supplied by the hepatic artery and the portal vein was used as a reference standard. A paired Student's t-test and a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the equivalent pharmacokinetic parameters derived from the two models, and Pearson correlation analysis was also applied to observe the correlations among all equivalent parameters. The tumor size and pharmacokinetic parameters were tested by Pearson correlation analysis, while correlations among stage, tumor size and all pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed by Spearman correlation analysis. The Fp value was greater than the PS value (FP = 1.07 mL/mL per minute, PS = 0.19 mL/mL per minute) in the dual-input 2CXM; HPI was 0.66 and 0.63 in the dual-input extended Tofts model and the dual-input 2CXM, respectively. There were no significant differences in the kep, vp, or HPI between the dual-input extended Tofts model and the dual-input 2CXM (P = 0.524, 0.569, and 0.622, respectively). All equivalent pharmacokinetic parameters, except for ve, were correlated in the two dual-input two-compartment pharmacokinetic models; both Fp and PS in the dual-input 2CXM were correlated with Ktrans derived from the dual-input extended Tofts model (P = 0.002, r = 0.566; P = 0.002, r = 0.570); kep, vp, and HPI between the two kinetic models were positively correlated (P = 0.001, r = 0.594; P = 0.0001, r = 0.686; P = 0.04, r = 0.391, respectively). In the dual input extended Tofts model, ve was significantly less than that in the dual input 2CXM (P = 0.004), and no significant correlation was seen between the two tracer kinetic models (P = 0.156, r = 0.276). Neither tumor size nor tumor stage was significantly correlated with any of the pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from the two models (P > 0.05). A dual-input two-compartment pharmacokinetic model (a dual-input extended Tofts model and a dual-input 2CXM) can be used in assessing the microvascular physiopathological properties before the treatment of advanced HCC. The dual-input extended Tofts model may be more stable in measuring the ve; however, the dual-input 2CXM may be more detailed and accurate in measuring microvascular permeability.

High Adhesive Force between Laminated Sheets of Titanium and Polyurethane Improved by Homogeneous Low Energy Electron Beam Irradiation Prior to Hot-Press

2-layer copper/polyurethane (Cu/PU) laminated sheets were prepared by a new adhesion method, a double-step treatment consisting of applying low dose (1⁄40.43MGy) homogeneous low energy electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) prior to hot-press under 5MPa and 413K. Although the weak hot-press adhesion of the Cu/PU was observed without HLEBI, the new adhesion raised the bonding forces as evidenced by the mean adhesive forces of peeling resistance (Fp). Based on the 3-parameter Weibull equation, the lowest Fp value at peeling probability (Pp) of zero (Fs) could be estimated. An increasing trend in Fs occurred by the double-step treatment applying HLEBI up to 0.13MGy reaching a maximum at 27.1Nm11, improving the safety level without radiation damage. When HLEBI cut the chemical bonds in PU polymer and generated terminated atoms with dangling bonds, they probably induced the chemical bonding and intermolecular coulomb attractive forces. Therefore, increasing adhesion force between the laminated sheets could be explained. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MBW201312]

Influences of BaZrO3 particles on the microstructure and flux pinning of YBCO film prepared by using modified TFA-MOD approach

YBa2Cu3Oy (YBCO) films with BaZrO3 (BZO) particles were fabricated on LaAlO3 (00l) single crystal substrates by benzoate modified trifluoroacetate metal organic deposition (modified TFA-MOD). The influences of BZO particles on the texture, microstructure and the flux pinning properties of YBCO films were discussed. At high level of BZO doping, the BZO particles were considered to play an important role in the formation of a-axis oriented YBCO grains and the degradation of texture. When the optimal BZO content was 5%, the BZO particles as the flux pinning centers could significantly improve the critical current density (Jc) and flux pinning force (Fp) of BZO-doped YBCO film. Jc value of YBCO + 5%BZO film was about 4.9 MA/cm2 at 77 K and 0 T, and the highest Fp value (Fpmax) was about 4.3 GN/m3 at 77 K.

Hydrodynamic modeling of downward gas–solids flow. Part I: Counter-current flow

The one-dimensional model of accelerating turbulent downward counter-current gas–solids flow of coarse particles was formulated and experimentally verified by measuring the pressure distribution along the transport tube. The continuity and momentum equations were used in the model formulation and variational model was used for the prediction of the fluid–particle interphase drag coefficient.Experiments were performed by transporting spherical glass particles 1.94mm in diameter in a 16mm i.d. acrylic tube at constant solids mass flux of 392.8kg/m2s. Tube Reynolds number ranged from 170 to 5300 and the slip Reynolds number from 650 to 1060. Under these conditions loading ratio (Gp/Gf) varied between 66 and 2089. Visual observations show that particles flow downward in apparently homogenous dispersion. Experimental data for the static fluid pressure distribution along the transport tube agree quite well with the model predictions. The mean voidage and the particle velocity decrease, while the slip velocity increases with the increase in gas superficial velocity.The values of the pressure gradient, porosity, particle velocity and slip velocity along the tube were calculated according to the formulated model. In these calculations, particle–wall friction coefficient was determined indirectly by adjusting the fp value to agree with the experimental data. The effect of the value of fp on the model calculations was significant.Calculations show that the acceleration length for the same particles (1.94mm) in downward counter-current gas–solids flow is about two times higher than the acceleration length in upward co-current gas–solids flow. In the system investigated, “choking” occurs at slip velocity which is about 73% of the single particle terminal velocity.

Adhesive Resistance to Peeling Force of PTFE/PDMS Laminated Sheet Assisted by Homogeneous Low Voltage Electron Beam Irradiation at 77 K

The effects of homogeneous low voltage electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) under liquid nitrogen on the adhesive force of peeling ( o Fp )a t accumulative probability of peeling (Pp) of laminated PTFE/PDMS sheets of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) at 77K were investigated without glue. o Fp values at each Pp of PTFE/PDMS laminated sheets irradiated of 0.04 to 0.43MGy at both 77 and 298K exceed the corresponding values of the untreated samples. Although 298K-HLEBI with 0.04MGy improves o Fp value at low Pp (0.06), 77K-HLEBI didn’t improve it. On the contrary, the 77K-HLEBI with 0.22MGy apparently enhanced the o Fp at low-Pp of 0.06. It is higher than that of 298K-HLEBI with 0.22MGy. Furthermore, the operation dose range at high o Fp value of more than 1.5Nm ¹1 at low Pp (0.06) at 77K, indicator of high industrial reliability of production process, was 0.33MGy, which was more than 3.7 times broader than that at 298K. Based on the 3-parameter Weibull equation, the lowest o Fp value at Pp of zero (Fs) could be estimated. The 0.22MGy-HLEBI at 77K apparently improves the Fs, which was higher than that 0.22MGy-HLEBI at 298K. Decreasing the irradiation temperature from 298 to 77K controlled the rapid adhesion and rapid decay of adhesion at low-Pp, which were mainly caused by the low forming ability of dangling bonds induced by strong apparent bonding force, which is related to decreasing atoms vibration energy. Since the 0.22MGy-HLEBI at 77K controlled the recovery of dangling bonds and generated the chemical bonds, the strong adhesive force of PTFE/PDMS treated by 0.22MGy-HLEBI at 77K could be explained. Therefore, HLEBI under liquid nitrogen was useful tool for quick strong PTFE/PDMS lamination with sterilization for bio-adaptable application. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MAW201416]

Creation of Adhesive Force between Laminated Sheets of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Polyethylene (PE) by Homogeneous Low Energy Electron Beam Irradiation Prior to Hot-Press for Bio-Adaptable Application

Bio-adaptable 2-layer polytetrafluoroethylene/polyethylene (PTFE/PE) laminated sheets were prepared by a new adhesion method, a double-step treatment consisting of applying low dose (¼0.43MGy) homogeneous low energy electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) to the 2-layer assembly where the HLEBI penetrates through the PTFE and PE layers, respectively, prior to hot-press under 5MPa and 433K. Although the adhesion of the PTFE/PE sheets cannot be observed without the new double-step treatment, bonding forces were created as evidenced by the mean adhesive forces of peeling resistance ( o Fp). The adhesion cannot be observed without HLEBI. On the other hand, application of a small dose of HLEBI (less than 0.43MGy) prior to hot-press lamination enhances the o Fp at each Pp. The maximum o Fp values at each Pp (0.06, 0.50 and 0.94) of the laminated sheet irradiated at 0.13, 0.13, and 0.22MGy are 5.44, 10.7, and 19.7Nm ¹1 , respectively. Based on the 3-parameter Weibull equation, the lowest o Fp value at Pp of zero (Fs) could be estimated. An increasing trend in Fs occurs by the double-step treatment applying HLEBI up to 0.43MGy reaching a maximum at 2.66Nm¹1, improving the safety level without radiation damage of PTFE/PE. It was more than 6 times higher than that of PTFE/Polyurethane (PU) (0.4Nm ¹1 ). When HLEBI cuts the chemical bonds and generates dangling bonds with nonbonding electrons in PTFE and PE, the created adhesion between the laminated sheets can be explained. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) surface analysis of the PTFE/PE laminated sheets after the peeling tests, fluorine (F) was detected on the PE peeled surface, indicating both strong chemical and intermolecular bonds generated by the double-step treatment. For these reasons, double-step treatment is a useful method for quick lamination of PTFE and PE with sterilization without the use of glue. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M2013247]

Implementation of Function Point Analysis in Measuring the Volume Estimation of Software System in Object Oriented and Structural Model of Academic System

In the software development required a fidelity and accuracy in determining the size or value of the software to fit the operation is executed. Various methods of calculation has been widely applied to estimate the size, and one of them is by using the method of Function Point Analysis (FPA). The method is then applied by author to measure the complexity of an academic information system by using the two modeling approaches, namely object oriented and structural models. Measurements in this paper consists of several stages, namely describing the information system that will be built into the UML models and structured. Then the model is analyzed by calculating Crude Function Points (CRP), Relative Complexity Adjustment Factor (RCAF), and then calculate its function point. From the result of a calculation using the FPA to the academic system software development, FP values of object oriented model obtained for 174,64 and the FP value of structured models for 180,93. The result of function point that will be used by developers in determining the price and cost of software systems to be built.

Creation of Adhesive Force between Laminated Sheets of Polyurethane (PU) and Polytetrafluoruethylene (PTFE) by Homogeneous Low Energy Electron Beam Irradiation Prior to Hot-Press for Bio-Adaptable Application

Bio-adaptable 2-layer polyurethane/polytetrafluoroethylene (PU/PTFE) laminated sheets were prepared by a new adhesion method, a double-step treatment consisting of: (1) applying low dose <0.65MGy homogeneous low energy electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) to the 2-layer assembly where the HLEBI penetrates through the PU and PTFE layers, respectively, prior to: (2) hot-press under 5MPa and 403K. Although the adhesion of the PU/PTFE sheets cannot be observed without the new double-step treatment, bonding forces were created as evidenced by the mean adhesive forces of peeling resistance ( o Fp). Based on the 3-parameter Weibull equation, the lowest o Fp value at Pp of zero (Fs) could be estimated. An increasing trend in Fs occurs by the double-step treatment applying HLEBI up to 0.43MGy reaching a maximum at 0.38Nm ¹1 , improving the safety level without radiation damage. When HLEBI cuts the chemical bonds and generates dangling bonds with nonbonding electrons in PU and PTFE, the created adhesion between the laminated sheets can be explained. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) surface analysis of the PU/PTFE laminated sheets after the peeling tests, fluorine (F) was detected on the PU peeled surface, indicating the strong chemical bonding generated by the double-step treatment. For these reasons, double-step treatment is a useful method for quick lamination of PU and PTFE with sterilization without the use of glue. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MBW201216]

Creation of Adhesive Force between Laminated Sheets of Aluminum and Polyurethane by Homogeneous Low Energy Electron Beam Irradiation Prior to Hot-Press

2-layer aluminum/polyurethane (Al/PU) laminated sheets were prepared by a new adhesion method, a double-step treatment consisting of: (1) applying low dose 50:43MGy homogeneous low energy electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) to the 2-layer assembly where the HLEBI penetrates through the Al and PU layers, respectively, prior to: (2) hot-press under 5MPa and 403K. Although the adhesion of the Al/PU sheets cannot be observed without the new double-step treatment, bonding forces were created as evidenced by the mean adhesive forces of peeling resistance (Fp). Based on the 3-parameter Weibull equation, the lowest Fp value at peeling probability (Pp) of zero (Fs) could be estimated. An increasing trend in Fs occurs by the double-step treatment applying HLEBI up to 0.22MGy reaching a maximum at 34.0Nm11, improving the safety level without radiation damage. When HLEBI cuts the chemical bonds and generates dangling bonds with nonbonding electrons in Al and PU, the created adhesion between the laminated sheets can be explained. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MAW201314]

Equivalent Loading Frequencies for Dynamic Analysis of Asphalt Pavements

An investigation of the existence of predominant frequency, fp (or frequencies), and the ability to predict critical pavement responses in asphalt layers using those predominant frequencies has been presented. The study used an extensive database of computed pavement response histories of four different asphalt pavement structures (thin and thick) at two temperatures (21 and 40°C) subjected to a tandem axle load at three speeds (16, 65, and 97 km/h) using the pavement response analysis program 3D-Move Analysis. The conversion of load duration to frequency and the validity of using one response component (σzz) alone in the estimation of the pulse time (tp) were explored. Instead of focusing on only σzz, attention is given to all pavement response components (stresses and strains). In addition, verification of whether the use of a consistent set of fp value(s) can in fact adequately capture all components of pavement response has also been undertaken. The viscoelastic properties that are representative for the predominant (or equivalent) frequencies from frequency sweep data were used. A major contribution of the study is that the critical responses and performance in a flexible pavement system can be successfully simulated with a static multilayer elastic analysis (within ±10%) by assigning elastic modulus to hot-mix asphalt (HMA) based on appropriately selecting the corresponding predominant or equivalent frequency, fp (or frequencies). Generalized equations for estimating those fp values for all pavement structures, temperatures, and vehicle speeds under consideration have been developed. Good fitting parameters (R2) were observed for all evaluated cases. The impact of loading frequency on predicted asphalt distresses was assessed for rutting and bottom-up fatigue cracking following the AASHTO mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide approach. The study showed that the proposed procedure for estimating fp values resulted in rut depths and bottom-up fatigue cracking that are within ±10% of those determined using the viscoelastic dynamic responses.

Impaired fibrinolytic capacity and increased fibrin formation associate with myocardial infarction

We assessed whether abnormality of haemostasis measured by a newly developed global method is associated with risk of a first myocardial infarction (MI). The global markers coagulation activation profile (Cp), fibrinolysis activation profile (Fp) and sum of fibrin optical density over time (Fibrin OD-sum) were determined in plasma from 800 MI cases and 1,123 controls included in the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program. Clot lysis time (CLT) was also determined based on raw data of fibrin OD from the global assay. Odds ratios (OR) of MI with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. A Fp value <10th percentile value in controls was significantly associated with increased MI risk; OR after multivariate adjustments for conventional cardiovascular risk factors 1.66 (95% CI 1.22-2.27). For an abnormally long CLT (>90th percentile value in controls) the adjusted OR of MI was 2.62 (95% CI 1.87-3.66) and for a high Fibrin OD-sum value (>90th percentile in controls) it was 1.86 (95% CI 1.37-2.53). A high Cp value was not significantly associated with MI. In conclusion, we found that abnormal haemostasis in platelet-poor plasma, reflected either as an attenuated fibrinolytic capacity or the resulting increase of fibrin formation, was associated with increased MI risk.

Long-term measurements of unattached radon progeny concentrations using solid-state nuclear track detectors

We described a method for long-term passive measurements of unattached fraction fp of the potential alpha energy concentration of radon progeny from a set of measured (f1, f2, f3) values, where fi=Ci/C0 (i=1, 2, 3), and C0, C1, C2 and C3 were the concentrations of 222Rn, and the airborne concentrations of 218Po, 214Pb and 214Bi, respectively. Jacobi room model parameters were randomly sampled from their lognormal distributions to search for (f1′, f2′, f3′) sufficiently close to (f1, f2, f3) and to determine fp. There was 99% and 88% chance obtaining an estimated fp value within 50% and 30% of the true value, respectively.