High Processing Research Articles

Experimental analysis of zero-gap laser welding of zinccoated steels in a lap joint configuration

Automotive manufacturing requires high productive manufacturing technologies to ensure a high-volume efficient production. Joining metal sheets in an overlap joint configuration of zinc-coated steel is an important task for body-in-white production. This paper describes the influence of different spot sizes regarding process stability in laser beam welding. Therefore, welds were performed in an overlap joint configuration with fully penetrated welds. Relevant material combinations for automotive industry were investigated. A broad-based parameter study and the analysis of interaction between spot- and keyhole diameter state a higher process stability. Welds with a smaller spot diameter lead to a sufficient increase of joint quality by using a zero gap overlap configuration. It is shown that the amount of joint instabilities such as pores, pinholes, spatter and further defects can be minimized by using smaller spot diameters. This can be explained by different keyhole regimes. Moreover, the change of isothermal interaction in the interlayer zone caused by the adjusted spot diameter leads to high-quality joints.

Multidimensional optimization of electrical discharge machining for high speed steel (AISI M2) using Taguchi-fuzzy approach

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the non-traditional machining processes characterized by its ability to machine parts that electrically conductive but difficult to be machined in the traditional machining processes due to its high hardness, complex geometry, and low tolerances. To minimize EDM process cost, ensure the highest process efficiency and achieve the highest product quality, the EDM process needs to be optimized. The aim of this research is optimizing EDM process parameters for machining HSS (AISI M2) material by use of copper electrode and brass electrode considering conflicting performance measures in one and multidimensional levels. The performance measures used in the current research are material removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear rate (EWR), while machining parameters that will subject to optimization process are current (A), pulse on (TON), and pulse off (TOFF). During optimization stages, the Taguchi method, signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio), and analysis of variances (ANOVA) will be used in the first stage to find the optimal machining parameters for each performance measure and for each electrode material. In the second stage, multidimensional optimization approach encompasses using the calculated S/N ratio as input from the first stage, fuzzy logic and ANOVA to calculate multi response performance index which will be used to select optimal machining parameters for each electrode and then select the best electrode and optimal machining parameters for machining AISI M2 steel. In one-dimensional optimization, for brass electrode, to maximize MRR value, the optimal machining parameters combination is A3TON1TOFF3 and to minimize EWR value, the optimal machining parameters combination is A1TON1TOFF2. For copper electrode, to maximize MRR value, the optimal machining parameters combination is A1TON1TOFF3 and to minimize EWR value, the optimal machining parameters combination is A1TON3TOFF1. In multidimensional optimization, for the copper electrode, the optimal machining parameters combination was A1TON1TOFF3 and for the brass electrode, the optimal machining parameters combination is A3TON1TOFF3. It could be concluded that EDM machining of HSS (AISI M2) by using the copper electrode will give the best results and the optimal machining parameters combination is A1TON1TOFF3. Yet, further research needs to be conducted to study these results and analyze machining process effectiveness in terms of cost and process sustainability, i.e. environmental impact. This research has both theoretical and practical implications.

Does squatting need attention?-A dual-task study on cognitive resources in resistance exercise.

IntroductionAccumulating evidence shows that acute resistance exercises and long-term resistance training positively influence cognitive functions, but the underlying mechanisms have been rarely investigated. One explanatory approach assumes that the execution of resistance exercises requires higher cognitive processes which, in turn, lead to an ‘indirect’ training of higher cognitive functions. However, current knowledge on the engagement of higher cognitive functions during the execution of resistance exercises is relatively sparse. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine to what extent cognitive resources are needed to perform a resistance exercise in the form of barbell back squatting.MethodsTwenty-four young adults performed a cognitive task (serial subtraction of 7’s) during standing and during barbell back squatting on a Smith machine. The total number and the number of correct responses were analyzed and taken as indicators of the cognitive load imposed by the experimental condition (squatting) and the control condition (standing). Additionally, participants’ perceived exertion, mean heart rate, and the number of squats they were able to perform were assessed.ResultsWhile accuracy scores were found not to be significantly different between conditions, the numbers of total and of correct responses were significantly lower during squatting than during standing. Additionally, during squatting a higher number of total answers was given in the fifth set compared to the first set. We attribute this phenomenon to a learning effect. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant correlation between cognitive measures and perceived exertion.ConclusionResults suggest that perceived exertion cannot explain the higher dual-task costs observed during squatting. They rather reflect that more cognitive resources are needed to perform low-load barbell back squats than during standing. However, further research is necessary to confirm and generalize these findings.

Examining the Electrical characteristic for Triple Material Double-Gate Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) MOSFETs with High Dielectric Oxide: A Comparative Study

Demand for devices with higher processing speed and lower power consumption increase exponentially every year. The device industry achieved these demands by the down-scaling device structures. As device size decreases, the physical parameters also decrease. This results in several critical issues. One such an issue is the decreasing of device threshold voltage. This decrease in threshold voltage is the result of decrease in control by the gate above the channel region and source/drain charge sharing. Silicon-on-nothing (SOI) and Silicon-on-insulator (SON) are among some structural solutions to tackle this issue. In this paper, studies on the effects of various physical parameters to the threshold voltage of a double-gate SON metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) has been presented. The concept of high dielectric material on the oxide layer and gate material engineering is also incorporated. A comparison between SON and SOI is also carried out on the ATLAS simulator.

Use of recycled cotton for making composite material used for different applications: An overview

Textile preforming plays an important role in composite technology that is widely used as reinforcing materials. The main advantages of woven composites are their cost efficiency and high process ability, particularly in lay-up manufacturing of large-scale structures. Textile reinforced composites based on natural fibers have been studied by many research groups in recent years due to their good mechanical performances, easy to handle, excellent integrity. Natural fiber composites help in preserving the fast depleting non renewable resources (petroleum feed stocks), which are the main source for practically every material used in present applications. Thus, the Natural fiber composites have come to bridge this gap and take materials closer to Green Composites (GC) for the future in view of their complete or partial bio degradable nature. Natural fibres are rich in cellulose and they are cheap and available in abundant for polymer reinforcement and it is also a potential alternative to the fibers of glass, carbon and other synthetics materials used for the manufacturing of composites. For reinforcement of natural fibre in composites, several problems occur along the interface due to the presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups on the fibre surface. This hydrophilic nature hinders effective reaction with the matrix. In addition to this, pectin and waxy substance covers the reactive functional groups of the fibre and act as a barrier to interlocking with the matrix. To optimize effective interfacial bonding between fibre and matrix, the fibre surface needs to be modified with different chemical treatment, reactive additives and coupling agents. Chemical treatments expose more reactive groups on the fibre surface and thus facilitate efficient coupling with the matrix. As a result, better mechanical and thermal properties of the composites can be achieved.

Chapter 2 - Neurophysiological and cognitive changes in pregnancy

The hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy drive a wide range of adaptive changes in the maternal brain. These range from specific neurophysiological changes in the patterns of activity of individual neuronal populations, through to complete modification of circuit characteristics leading to fundamental changes in behavior. From a neurologic perspective, the key hormone changes are those of the sex steroids, estradiol and progesterone, secreted first from the ovary and then from the placenta, the adrenal glucocorticoid cortisol, as well as the anterior pituitary peptide hormone prolactin and its pregnancy-specific homolog placental lactogen. All of these hormones are markedly elevated during pregnancy and cross the blood-brain barrier to exert actions on neuronal populations through receptors expressed in specific regions. Many of the hormone-induced changes are in autonomic or homeostatic systems. For example, patterns of oxytocin and prolactin secretion are dramatically altered to support novel physiological functions. Appetite is increased and feedback responses to metabolic hormones such as leptin and insulin are suppressed to promote a positive energy balance. Fundamental physiological systems such as glucose homeostasis and thermoregulation are modified to optimize conditions for fetal development. In addition to these largely autonomic changes, there are also changes in mood, behavior, and higher processes such as cognition. This chapter summarizes the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and reviews how these changes impact on brain function, drawing on examples from animal research, as well as available information about human pregnancy.

DEVELOPMENT OF GIFTEDNESS DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD

Since the early postnatal days, gifted children seem to benefit more from the experience than their non gifted peers by developing increasingly efficient behaviors in more complex environments. Most of the models that try to explain this greater adaptability focus on the study of the higher cognitive functions and cortical regions that support them, However, during the early stages of development these areas are still functionally and structurally immature. The objective of this review is to synthesize and describe the subcortical and cortical neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the interaction with the environment, motivation for the practice and automation of higher cognitive processes in gifted children from the early stages of postnatal development.

Research on Supply Chain Financial Risks and Preventive Measures in the Era of Big Data

The emergence of supply chain finance has reduced the financing costs of SMEs. Due to the development of a diversified supply chain financial subject platform, there is a lack of risk control in terms of theory and practice. Big data is generated in Internet applications and combined with information technology to form big data technology. It can provide financial institutions with large-scale data analysis methods and can effectively improve the efficiency and ability of financial institutions to serve supply chain members. However, big data has some problems, such as higher processing cost, lower authenticity, and difficulty in effectively protecting the privacy and security of users. There are many problems with this new development model. This article focuses on the risk problems faced by supply chain finance. It discusses the use of big data technology to effectively solve the supply chain financial risk problems, and gives some measures that can be effectively solved for how to effectively avoid these risk factors. By effectively solving the financial risk problem in the era of big data, it provides guarantee for the benign development of enterprises, and provides a certain reference for researchers engaged in related fields and workers in this field.

Process Window Expansion of Laser Chemical Machining by Using High Pressure

Laser Chemical Machining (LCM) is a non-conventional removal process, based on a precise thermal activation of heterogeneous chemical reactions between an electrolyte and a metallic surface. Due to local overheating during the process, boiling bubbles occur, which can impair the removal quality. In order to reduce the amount of bubbles, the laser chemical process is performed at different process pressures. Removal experiments were performed on Titanium Grade 1 using the electrolyte phosphoric acid at various process pressures, machining speeds and laser powers in order to determine the limit of the process window by evaluating the characteristics of the removal cavities. As a result, the process window for non-disturbed laser chemical machining is widened at higher process pressures. The process pressures have no influence on the geometric shape of the removal. The expansion of the process window is attributed to the fact that at higher process pressures the saturation temperature of the electrolyte rises, so that bubble boiling starts at a higher surface temperature on the workpiece induced by the laser power. The removal rate could be increased by a factor of 2.48 by increasing the process pressures from ambient pressure to 6 bar, thus taking an important step towards the economic efficiency of the laser chemical machining.

Similarity perceptions in investor reactions to acquisition announcements

We contribute to an improved understanding of investor reactions to acquisition announcements by building on the recent research in cognitive psychology that distinguishes between the following two types of cognitive similarity assessments: taxonomic and thematic similarity. We theorize and find that investor reactions to taxonomic acquisitions, where synergies are easier to comprehend, are generally more positive than investor reactions to thematic acquisitions, which require higher cognitive processing. We argue that this effect is driven by the cognitive processing of investors, instead of “true” synergy, since the more negative announcement returns for thematic deals reverse a few days after the announcement, converging with the announcement returns of taxonomic deals. Moreover, we find that attempts by the acquiring company to help investors assess thematic acquisitions do not seem to be effective at eliminating this effect and instead appear to aggravate investor suspicion. Overall, our findings contribute to the emerging behavioral perspective of investor reactions to acquisition announcements.

Abstract AP09: COPY-NUMBER SIGNATURES AND MUTATIONAL PROCESSES IN HIGH GRADE SEROUS OVARIAN CARCINOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND: The genomic complexity of profound copy-number aberration has prevented effective molecular stratification of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Recent algorithmic advances have enabled interpretation of complex genomic changes by identifying mutational signatures—genomic patterns that are the imprint of mutagenic processes accumulated over the lifetime of a cancer cell. We hypothesized that specific features of copy-number (CN) abnormalities could represent the imprints of distinct mutational processes, and developed methods to identify signatures from copy-number features in HGSOC. METHODS: We derived copy-number signatures from absolute copy number profiles from 253 primary and relapsed HGSOC samples from 132 patients in the BriTROC-1 cohort using low-cost shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS; 0.1×). A subset of 56 of these cases had deep whole-genome sequencing (dWGS) performed for mutation analysis and comparison with sWGS data. Independent validation was performed using 112 dWGS HGSOC cases from PCAWG and 415 HGSOC cases with SNP array and whole exome sequence from TCGA. CN signature exposures were correlated with mutation data, SNV signatures, and other measures derived from deep WGS and exome sequencing to identify statistically significant genomic associations using a false discovery rate <0.05. RESULTS: We identified 7 CN signatures that provided a molecular framework to rederive the major defining elements of HGSOC genomes, including defective homologous recombination (HRD), tandem duplication, amplification of CCNE1 and amplification-associated fold-back inversions. Almost all patients with HGSOC demonstrated a mixture of signatures indicative of combinations of mutational processes, including those with early driver events such as BRCA2 mutation (in addition to HRD signatures). High exposure to CN signature 3, characterised by BRCA1/2-related HRD, was associated with improved overall survival. Conversely, high exposure to signature 1, which was characterised by oncogenic RAS signaling (including NF1, KRAS and NRAS mutation), predicted platinum-resistant relapse and poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: HGSOC lacks clinically-relevant patient stratification, which is reflected in poor survival and is a significant barrier to precision medicine. Copy-number signature exposures at diagnosis predict both overall survival and the probability of platinum-resistant relapse. Our results suggest that early TP53 mutation, the ubiquitous initiating event in HGSOC, may permit multiple mutational processes to co-evolve, potentially simultaneously and that additional signature exposures may alter the risk of developing therapeutic resistance. Thus, our results suggest that HGSOC is a continuum of genomes. We derived signatures using inexpensive sWGS of DNA from core biopsies. These approaches are rapid and cost effective, thus providing a clear path to clinical implementation. By dissecting the mutational forces shaping HGSOC genomes, our study paves the way to understanding extreme genomic complexity, as well as revealing the evolution of tumors as they relapse and acquire resistance to therapy. Citation Format: Geoff Macintyre, Teodora E. Goranova, Dilrini De Silva, Darren Ennis, Anna M. Piskorz, Matthew Eldridge, Daoud Sie, Liz-Anne Lewsley, Aishah Hanif, Cheryl Wilson, Suzanne Dowson, Rosalind M. Glasspool, Michelle Lockley, Elly Brockbank, Ana Montes, Axel Walther, Sudha Sundar, Richard Edmondson, Geoff D. Hall, Andrew Clamp, Charlie Gourley, Marcia Hall, Christina Fotopoulou, Hani Gabra, James Paul, Anna Supernat, David Millan, Aoisha Hoyle, Gareth Bryson, Craig Nourse, Laura Mincarelli, Luis Navarro Sanchez, Bauke Ylstra, Mercedes Jimenez-Linan, Luiza Moore, Oliver Hofmann, Florian Markowetz, Iain A. McNeish, James D. Brenton. COPY-NUMBER SIGNATURES AND MUTATIONAL PROCESSES IN HIGH GRADE SEROUS OVARIAN CARCINOMA [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 13-15, 2018; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2019;25(22 Suppl):Abstract nr AP09.

Impairments of humour comprehension in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundSociocognition is an important field of neuropsychology involving human interactions. In relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, it was recently demonstrated that sociocognition is severely and precociously impaired. Among sociocognitive abilities, humour has not yet been considered in this disease despite its important social functions, including during doctor-patient communication. Its main functions are to reduce stress when interactions become strained and to convey difficult messages in a gentle form. Thus, the inability to perceive this second degree of language is likely to generate a major social handicap. As humour is a higher cognitive process, its assessment requires the control of lower levels according to a serial model. MethodsThe present humour comprehension protocol, based on a serial cognitive model, consisted of a first incongruity detection step (normality identification task) and a second incongruity resolution step (funniness identification task). This protocol was administered using both verbal and visual material (stories and cartoons). For each type of material, the participant had to decide which of three proposed endings was normal (normality identification) and which was funny (funniness identification).A group of 21 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients was compared to a control group of 38 healthy participants. In view of the severe impairment demonstrated for MS patients in other sociocognitive abilities, we predicted a deficit of humour comprehension in these patients in comparison with healthy participants. In reference to the serial model of humour, and considering the variability of MS lesions, our main goal was to test the hypothesis of a primary deficit in incongruity resolution (selective to funniness identification) in some MS patients whereas others may suffer a non-specific comprehension impairment (affecting both normality and funniness identification). ResultsGroup analyses (non-parametric tests, Mann-Whitney) revealed lower scores for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients compared to controls for the visual tasks (normality and funniness). No significant difference was found in the verbal tasks. At the individual level, 62% of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients showed impairment compared to controls for the funniness tasks. Moreover, 38% presented a selective deficit in the funniness tasks. ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest that a high proportion of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients may be impaired in humour comprehension, some as a primary deficit and others as a secondary deficit to more general comprehension difficulties. On a theoretical level, the dissociations obtained between verbal and visual material do not support an amodal humour comprehension model.

Complex visual analysis of ecologically relevant signals in Siamese fighting fish.

We currently have limited knowledge about complex visual representations in teleosts. For the specific case of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), we do not know whether they can represent much more than mere colour or size. In this study, we assess their visual capabilities using increasingly complex stimulus manipulations akin to those adopted in human psychophysical studies of higher-level perceptual processes, such as face recognition. Our findings demonstrate a surprisingly sophisticated degree of perceptual representation. Consistent with previous work in established teleost models like zebrafish (Danio rerio), we find that fighting fish can integrate different features (e.g. shape and motion) for visually guided behaviour; this integration process, however, operates in a more holistic fashion in the fighting fish. More specifically, their analysis of complex spatiotemporal patterns is primarily global rather than local, meaning that individual stimulus elements must cohere into an organized percept for effective behavioural drive. The configural nature of this perceptual process is reminiscent of how mammals represent socially relevant signals, notwithstanding the lack of cortical structures that are widely recognized to play a critical role in higher cognitive processes. Our results indicate that mammalian-centric accounts of social cognition present serious conceptual limitations, and in so doing they highlight the importance of understanding complex perceptual function from a general ethological perspective.

Determination of Strength Properties of Energy Plants on the Example of Miscanthus × Giganteus, Rosa Multiflora and Salix Viminalis

Energy from biomass accounts for 70% of all renewables used for heat and electricity production. Such a significant share of biomass determines the need for the investigation of their mechanical properties, as most of the lignocellulosic material requires cutting, chipping or milling before its utilization for energy purposes. Therefore, the knowledge about cutting resistance, bending stiffness, and impact strength of the energy plants is very important. The values of these parameters are used in the proper selection of shredding machines and their elements, wrapping nets or determination of power demand during raw material conversion. This paper presents the results of research on the mechanical properties of selected energy plants. The scope of the research included three different plant species: Miscanthus × giganteus, Rosa multiflora, and Salix viminalis, investigated in terms of cutting resistance, bending stiffness and impact strength of stalks. The results showed that the average stalk cutting resistance for the rotation speed of 4200 RPM was 0.17 N·mm−2 for the Miscanthus × giganteus, 0.15 N·mm−2 for the Rosa multiflora and 0.2 N·mm−2 for the Salix viminalis. Meanwhile, for a rotation speed of 3200 RPM, the cutting resistance amounted to 0.15 N·mm−2 for Miscanthus × giganteus, 0.16 N·mm−2 for Rosa multiflora and 0.18 N·mm−2 for Salix viminalis. For the impact measurements, the Salix viminalis exceeded 40 J·mm−2 of absorbed energy. Meanwhile, the average impact strength value for the Rosa multiflora was 0.53 J·mm−2 and for the Miscanthus × giganteus was 0.22 J·mm−2. The bending stiffness of Miscanthus × giganteus at an average modulus of 3.44 GPa was 1.1 N·m2 for the basal zone, 0.78 N·m2 for the central zone, and 0.72 N·m2 of the apical zone. For the average Young’s modulus of 0.19 GPa, the bending stiffness of the Rosa multiflora reached a value of 0.64 N·m2 for the basal zone, 0.23 N·m2 for the central zone, and 0.28 N·m2 for the apical zone. The Salix viminalis, with an average modulus of elasticity of 0.23 GPa, achieved bending stiffness in the basal zone of 0.99 N·m2, the central zone 0.33 N·m2, and the tip zone 0.38 N·m2. This research makes it possible to expand our knowledge in the field of biomass processing and construction of agricultural machinery with higher processing efficiency.

Towards a standard model of musical improvisation.

Musical improvisation is a sophisticated cognitive process that combines creativity, goal-directed action, sensory monitoring and social interaction. With a renewed interest in quantifying creative processes facilitated by recent advances in neuroimaging technology, musical improvisation has emerged as an ideal paradigm to study creativity. However, many studies isolate the top-down processes related to creativity from those related to production and auditory perception, leaving the question of how creative behaviours integrate sensory information with higher cognitive processes unanswered. The bottom-up neural correlates of music perception have been extensively quantified, comprising networks for auditory processing and parsing semantic and syntactic content. In studies of spontaneously generated music and domain-general creativity, executive control and goal-directed movement networks are added to the perceptual foundation. This review summarises previous work on music perception and improvisation and presents a conceptual model of musical improvisation with known neural correlates. We make recommendations on future directions for the study of improvisation and discuss the challenges posed by this endeavour.

Ammonia-Sensing Properties of α-MoO3 Fabricated By Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT)

A vast body of literature exists focusing on the measurement of gaseous ammonia up to 1000ppm for various applications, ranging from healthcare to industry. Among the various sensing methods used for these measurements, the implementation of chemi-resistive sensors based on α-MoO3 is promising due to these sensors’ simplicity and selectivity toward ammonia [1-4]. Chemi-resistive sensors based on metal oxides typically involve a film of the metal oxide particles between two electrodes. The measured resistance of this metal oxide film changes as a function of gaseous ammonia concentration to which the film is exposed. The sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored based on the particle size and morphology of the metal oxide film [5-10]. α-MoO3 is a n-type semiconductor [4], meaning that the electronic conductivity of α-MoO3 is dominated by the free electrons as opposed to holes. The mechanism of ammonia sensing by n-type semiconducting metal oxides is commonly attributed to the alteration of the charge depletion layer (Λ) of the metal oxide particles through the reaction of ammonia with adsorbed oxygen species [4-10]. Rout et.al. [5] describe the formation of the charge depletion layer by the transfer of electrons from the surface of the metal oxide particles to chemisorbed oxygen species, as shown in Equation (1). O2+2e-→2O- ads (Equation 1) Because the charge depletion lower has a lower concentration of free electrons as a result of oxygen adsorption, the surface of the metal oxide particles has a higher electronic resistance than the bulk. Upon the introduction of gaseous ammonia, the ammonia reacts with oxygen species adsorbed on the surface of the metal oxide particles as shown in Equation (2), thereby releasing electrons back into the surface of the metal oxide particles [5]. This release of electrons decreases the electronic resistance of the surface of the metal oxide particles, which ultimately decreases the resistance of the sensor. 2NH3+3O- ads →N2+3H2O+3e- (Equation 2) Despite the wide acceptance of the charge depletion layer model as the method for ammonia sensitivity by metal oxides, the sensing literature does not appear to address the specific reaction pathway(s) involving both the adsorption of ammonia onto the MoO3 surface and the reaction of adsorbed ammonia species with adsorbed oxygen species. However, reaction pathways for the heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of ammonia on MoO3 are proposed in the literature. In this work, chemi-resistive α-MoO3 ammonia sensors with two distinct morphologies, see Figure 1, are fabricated by RSDT. These sensors are characterized with XRD, SEM, and TEM. XRD results confirm the presence of α-MoO3 in both sensor morphologies. The differences in sensor morphologies are consistent with the differences in processing parameters. For example, the larger structures in Sensor A are consistent with the higher processing and annealing temperatures as compared with those used for Sensor B. The response of the sensors to gaseous ammonia in dry synthetic air up to 4.9ppm is measured using an in-house-built testing apparatus. Initial results suggest that there is a strong influence of α-MoO3 morphology on sensing response (Figure 2). Through the correlation of sensor morphology with sensing response, along with the application of the charge depletion layer model and catalytic oxidation mechanisms, a comprehensive reaction pathway for the adsorption and reaction of gaseous ammonia on α-MoO3 sensors will be proposed. References A. Prasad, et.al. Thin Solid Films. 436 2003 pp. 46-51.P. Gouma, et.al. IEEE Sensors Journal. 18 (1) 2010 pp. 49-53A. Güntner, et.al. Sensors and Actuators B. 223 2016 pp. 266-273.D. Kwak, et.al. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces. 11 2019 pp. 10697-10706C. Rout, et.al. Nanotechnology. 18 2007.M. Franke, et.al. Small. 2 (1) 2006 pp. 36-50.P. Feng, et.al. Appl. Phys. Letters. 87 (213111) 2005Y. Chen, et.al. Nanotechnology. 17 2006 pp. 4537-4541.V. Sysoev, et.al. Nano Letters. 6 (8) 2006 pp. 1584-1588.H. Ogawa, et.al. Journal of Applied Physics. 53 1982 pp. 4448-4455. Figure 1

Prueba colectiva sin producción oral para la evaluación de los procesos de reconocimiento de la palabra escrita. PIPE

El trabajo tiene por objetivo la presentación de una prueba de evaluación de los procesos dereconocimiento de la palabra escrita en estudiantes de tercero de infantil y primer y segundo curso de educación primaria. Esta prueba, de aplicación colectiva, está diseñada para evaluar a todo tipo de alumnado, con y sin discapacidad, con y sin problemas del lenguaje, pues se resuelve sin necesidad de dar una respuesta oral por parte del estudiante. El modelo teórico en el que se basa la prueba establece que la comprensión lectora se define por la combinación de dos habilidades, las no específicas de la lectura, comunes a la lengua oral (sintaxis y vocabulario, principalmente), y las habilidades específicas de la misma, aquellas que solo se ponen en marcha exclusivamente cuando leemos y escribimos palabras, siendo una de las más importantes los Procesos de Reconocimiento de la Palabra Escrita. Para que un lector sea considerado experto, es necesario que el funcionamiento de estos procesos se realice con fluidez, es decir, con precisión, (sin cometer errores), y con automaticidad, esto es, sin consumir demasiados recursos cognitivos en estos procesos y poder usarlos en procesos superiores como la comprenisón. Para evaluar la fluidez en la lectura de palabrasen castellano disponemos de varias pruebas de aplicación individual y que requieren una respuesta oral por parte del estudiante. Por este motivo, la prueba que se presenta se compone de 60 ítems representados por un dibujo y tres opciones de respuesta, la palabra correcta y dos distractrores ortográficos que han de completarse (el mayor número de ellos) en tres minutos. A medida que se avanza en la prueba aumenta la complejidad semántica de los ítems. Finalmente, se discute la importancia de utilizar pruebas como esta para la prevención y diagnóstico tempranos de las dificultades a este nivel.

A Comparative Analysis of Artificial Intelligence-Based Methods for Fault Diagnosis of Mechanical Systems

Abstract The present research studied fault diagnosis of composite sheets using vibration signal processing and artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods. To this end, vibration signals were collected from sound and faulty composite plates. Using different time-frequency signal analysis and processing methods, a number of features were extracted from these signals and the most effective features containing further information on these composite plates were provided as input to different classification systems. The output of these classification systems reveals the faults in composite plates. The different types of classification systems used in this research were the support vector machine (SVM), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), artificial neural networks (ANNs), Extended Classifier System (XCS) algorithm, and the proposed improved XCS algorithm. The research results were reflective of the superiority of ANFIS in terms of precision, while this method had the highest process duration with an equal number of iterations. The precision of the proposed improved XCS method was lower than that of ANFIS, but the duration of the process was shorter than the ANFIS method with an equal number of iterations.

Individual and combined presenilin 1 and 2 knockouts reveal that both have highly overlapping functions in HEK293T cells

Presenilins 1 and 2 (PS1 and 2) are the catalytic subunits of γ-secretase, a multiprotein protease that cleaves amyloid protein precursor and other type I transmembrane proteins. Previous studies with mouse models or cells have indicated differences in PS1 and PS2 functions. We have recently reported that clinical γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), initially developed to manage Alzheimer's disease and now being considered for other therapeutic interventions, are both pharmacologically and functionally distinct. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, we established human HEK 293T cell lines in which endogenous PS1, PS2, or both have been knocked out. Using these knockout lines to examine differences in PS1- and PS2-mediated cleavage events, we confirmed that PS2 generates more intracellular β-amyloid than does PS1. Moreover, we observed subtle differences in PS1- and PS2-mediated cleavages of select substrates. In exploring the question of whether differences in activity among clinical GSIs could be attributed to differential inhibition of PS1 or PS2, we noted that select GSIs inhibit PS1 and PS2 activities on specific substrates with slightly different potencies. We also found that endoproteolysis of select PS1 FAD-linked variants in human cells is more efficient than what has been previously reported for mouse cell lines. Overall, these results obtained with HEK293T cells suggest that selective PS1 or PS2 inhibition by a given GSI does not explain the previously observed differences in functional and pharmacological properties among various GSIs.

Design of Nano-Scale Devices Affecting Synapses

The research describes the nano scale devices, their general architecture, and how they affect the synapses. Such devices, based on the new approach in artificial intelligence, will play a significant role in many spheres. The research also describes the architecture of the programming neuron built on the basis of a biological one. Unlike existing technical devices for implementing a neuron based on classical nodes oriented to binary processing, the proposed path is based on bit-parallel processing of numerical data (synapses) for obtaining result. The proposed approach of implementing a neuron can serve as a new elementary basis for the construction of neuron-based computers with a higher processing speed of biological information and good survivability.