Present-day Importance Research Articles

Karl Popper and Michael Polanyi: Two 20th century philosophers of science and their present-day importance

Karl Popper and Michael Polanyi: Two 20th century philosophers of science and their present-day importance Ute Deichmann, Director of the Jacques Loeb Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, discusses two prominent 20th-century philosophers and their distinctive but equally significant approaches to science. Karl Popper and Michael Polanyi shared important aspects of their biographies. Originating from intellectual circles in the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy (Vienna and Budapest) around 1900, they were expelled from their positions in Austria and Germany during the Nazi era as Jews and finally settled in the UK. Similarities can be found in their resentment of communism and their convictions that personal freedom is essential for the conduct of science. However, their philosophies concerning science differ widely.

An integrated approach to the sustainable development and production of biofuel from biopolymers and algal biomass derived from wastewater

Production of sustainable energy has attracted researchers to solve the necessity of energy and the impact of fossil-based fuels on environment. Biofuels solve the demand for non-renewable based fuels and protects the environment from CO2 pollution. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) can be obtained from wastewater, plant sources and industrial activated sludge. As of now only P3HB is being used for producing HAME so research has to be done for using other monomers as a substrate by doing esterification of them. The production of biochar, bio-oil and synthesis gas from microalgae by pyrolysis has gained importance in present day. Yet further analysis is required to optimise the yield and enhance the quality of biochar and bio-oil. This review focuses the process involved in synthesis of biofuel from bio-based polymers and microalgae as it alleviates the issues of demand for fuel and emission of greenhouse gases from non-renewable fuel combustion. The universe is in the urge of relying more on circular economy-based research for the effective usage of available sources and proper waste management. Using a holistic algal bio-refinery for obtaining high value-added by-products might decrease wastes and create sustainable feedstock conversion into bioenergy. Algal biomass has also been offered as a potential candidate for CO2 absorption from the environment or as a potential industrial source.

What wetlands can teach us: reconstructing historical water-management systems and their present-day importance through GIScience

Wetland environments are amongst the most dynamic landscapes of Europe. Because of their distinct geomorphological characteristics, they are strongly susceptible for changes in climate, demography, economy and politics. At the same time, these regions reflect areas of long-term human-landscape interactions and outstanding preservation conditions. Large parts of the northern and western Netherlands can be regarded as typical examples of such wetlands. After becoming covered by vast peat marshes over time, these areas were largely reclaimed during the last millennium, which has resulted in a typical landscape consisting of polders and elaborate water-management systems (e.g. canals, dikes, fenlands). This is especially true for the western wetlands, which also are part of the delta of two of the largest European rivers, the Rhine and Meuse. In this area, processes of flooding, fluvial activity and sea-level changes have greatly influenced the landscape, resulting in a very dynamic environment for local inhabitants. Already in the Middle Ages (ad 1050–1500), elaborate organisations and hydraulic systems were set up in these parts in order to ensure water safety and promote water drainage. Through time, these organisations, the so-called waterboards, have greatly influenced the spatial layout of these wetlands and, in doing so, collected huge amounts of data on water management. For the first time, recent digital developments in geosciences and humanities allow us to diachronically unravel the complex interplay between natural and cultural dynamics in such wetlands. In this paper, we present a Historical Geographical Information System (HGIS) designed for modelling heritage in wetland areas. The HGIS specifically focuses on water-management systems in the wetlands of the western Netherlands. We show that (1) our HGIS and GIScience-methodology facilitates an integrated and multi-proxy approach towards studying historical water-management systems, and (2) the developed system is highly suited for unravelling the complex interplay and interdependencies between drainage systems, waterboards and engineering works. Additionally, it becomes clear that by combining information on the past with the present, the HGIS is an extremely useful tool for modern-day policymaking facing future challenges.

Seismic Hazard Assessment of Dhanbad City, India, by deterministic approach

Dhanbad is the largest producer of coal in the state of Jharkhand, India, and hence, it is one of the most important cities in the country. Considering the present-day importance and future growth of the city, assessment of seismic hazard is extremely needed, especially for the mining authorities and the city planners. The prime objective of this study is to develop seismic hazard map of Dhanbad City for the bedrock level following the deterministic approach. In view of the absence of the region-specific Ground Motion Prediction Equations, the concept of logic tree comprising four different attenuation models is adopted. It is observed that the Peak Ground Acceleration in the range of 0.10–0.26 g may be expected in the city. Specifically, southern blocks of the city such as Baghmara, Jharia and Baliapur are found to be most vulnerable to the seismic hazard. Besides, developed seismic hazard map is divided into four zones and smooth acceleration response spectrums are proposed for the zones as per the expected seismicity in different parts of the city.

The ACO based Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile ad hoc networks are gaining high importance in present days due to many civilian applications apart from regular military applications. Networks usually are designed using fixed infrastructure. Wherever fixed networks are not feasible, ad hoc network serve the purpose. Routing plays an important role in packet transmission, Multicast routing protocols designed for data transfer should consider both bandwidth and energy of the node. Many Ant colony Optimization (ACO) based routing approaches are proposed by researchers. In this paper three popular ACO based routing protocols ANTCHAIN, ANTALG and EMRP-AIPUR are compared using NS2 simulator. The results obtained show that EMRP-AIPUR shows better performance when compared to the other two protocols

The ACO based Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile ad hoc networks are gaining high importance in present days due to many civilian applications apart from regular military applications. Networks usually are designed using fixed infrastructure. Wherever fixed networks are not feasible, ad hoc network serve the purpose. Routing plays an important role in packet transmission, Multicast routing protocols designed for data transfer should consider both bandwidth and energy of the node. Many Ant colony Optimization (ACO) based routing approaches are proposed by researchers. In this paper three popular ACO based routing protocols ANTCHAIN, ANTALG and EMRP-AIPUR are compared using NS2 simulator. The results obtained show that EMRP-AIPUR shows better performance when compared to the other two protocols

Fe2O3 nanocatalyst aided transesterification for biodiesel production from lipid-intact wet microalgal biomass: A biorefinery approach

Biodiesel production from non-edible feedstock such as microalgae is gaining importance in present day, as they do not interfere with global food economy in addition to higher photosynthetic efficiency as compared to plants. Fresh water grown Neochloris oleoabundans UTEX 1185 is considered as a potential source for biodiesel production. The present study investigated different direct lipid extraction process from wet microalgal biomass through autoclaving, microwave, and ultrasonication pretreatments. Autoclave treatment showed a higher efficiency for lipid extraction as compared to other two pretreatments. Furthermore, transesterification process was carried out in presence of Fe2O3 catalyst and compared with conventional acid (HCl) and base (NaOH) catalysts. Fe2O3 nanoparticles used were synthesized from extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis by green procedure. The synthesized Fe2O3 catalyst played an important role in improving the biodiesel yield up to 81%, which is higher than that obtained with HCl (64%) and NaOH (48%). Thereafter transesterification process parameter like catalyst content, reaction temperature and reaction time were optimized and finally 86% biodiesel yield was obtained. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile analysis and fuel properties revealed the suitability of algal lipid for biodiesel production. 20.2% w/w of carbohydrate present in lipid extracted microalgal biomass was further converted into biohydrogen by dark fermentation and bioethanol under anaerobic condition using acidogenic mixed consortia and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (INVSC-1), respectively. The life cycle assessment study of the overall process was also done.

Examining trends in abundance of an overexploited elasmobranch species in a nursery area closure

Determining the dynamics of ecological communities following periods of anthropogenic change is critical to assessing the effectiveness of management strategies. Several coastal areas in south-eastern Australia were proclaimed shark refuge areas (SRAs) following overfishing of the school shark (Galeorhinus galeus) during the 1940s and 1950s. In conjunction with catch reduction measures, these areas provide spatial protection for juvenile G. galeus. In the present study, we compared recent (2012–14) and historic (1991–97) longline catch rates to determine whether young-of-year (YOY) and juvenile G. galeus continue to use these nursery areas (42°47′60.00″S, 147°30′0.00″E). Our data suggest that YOY abundances in the SRAs may have increased, or at least have remained stable, since the 1990s. Data from research fishing conducted from 1947 to 1956 showed that YOY abundance in the SRA correlated well with overall stock abundance in the past. If this relationship still holds, our longline data indicate that the stock may be showing signs of recovery. However, the present-day importance of the SRA to overall stock recruitment, as well as the relationship between YOY abundance in the SRA and stock health, need to be resolved before monitoring of YOY abundance in the SRA can be used as a fisheries-independent stock-assessment tool.

Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Modified by Replacement of Cement by Rice Husk Ash

ABSTRACT Construction industry is in need of lump sum quantities of materials which has increased both their demand and price. The use of large quantities of cement leads to increasing CO2 emission and as a consequence, the greenhouse effect. Consumption of wastes and byproducts from various sources in the manufacture of concrete has gained a great deal of importance in present days. Various researches are currently being conducted concerning the use of such products in concrete. RHA is a carbon neutral green product. Lots of ways are being thought of for disposing them by making commercial use of this. Rice husk ash is a good super-pozzolan which can be used to make special concrete mixes. The rice husk ash has been taken for this present study due to its easy availability and effective pozzolonic properties that are expected to improve the mechanical strength properties of concrete. Concrete specimens were made for evaluation of Compressive, Split Tensile, Flexural strength and Stress-Strain Behavior of concrete. The tests were conducted at the age of 7 and 28 days. Generally all mixes containing RHA achieved better properties than the conventional mix without RHA. By the experimental investigation the recommendation is given for using optimum percentage of RHA in concrete.

Transition metal loaded silicon carbide-derived carbons with enhanced catalytic properties

Carbide-derived carbons (CDC) with incorporated transition metal nanoparticles (∼2.5nm) were prepared using a microemulsion approach. Time-consuming post synthesis functionalization of the carbon support material can thus be avoided and nanoparticle sizes can be controlled by changing the microemulsion composition. This synthesis strategy is a technique for the preparation of highly porous carbon materials with a catalytically active component. In particular we investigated the integration of ruthenium, palladium, and platinum in a concentration ranging from 4.45 to 12wt.%. It was found that the transition metal has a considerable influence on sorption properties of resulting nanoparticle-CDC composite materials. Depending on the used metal salt additive the surface area and the pore volume ranges from 1480m2/g and 1.25cm3/g for Pt to 2480m2/g and 2.0cm3/g for Ru doped carbons. Moreover, members of this material class show impressive properties as heterogeneous catalysts. The liquid phase oxidation of tetralin and the partial oxidation of methane were studied, and electrochemical applications were also investigated. Primarily Pt doped CDCs are highly active in the oxygen reduction reaction, which is of great importance in present day fuel cell research.

Hydrocracker Performance Optimization and Catalyst Remaining Life Assessment: Methodology and Case Studies

Hydrocracking has assumed immense importance in present day refining due to stringent environmental regulations for improvement in the quality of fuels and lubes. The hydrocracker units need to be operated optimally to sustain refinery profitability. An integrated methodology has been developed through a combination of a pilot plant and process model for better prediction and monitoring of the performance of commercial hydrocracking units. Three case studies on performance monitoring and optimization, catalyst remaining life assessment and its optimum utilization, and selection of a new catalyst system for commercial hydrocracker units are presented in this article to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach. The studies have led to significant benefits to refineries.

Photomechanical modelling in geomechanics

Physical modelling as a scientific method is widely employed in various fields of science and engineering; its present-day importance is generally recognized. The methods of physical modelling, being a constituent part of complex investigations in geomechanics, improve results, contribute to the lowering of total costs, as well as serving as a base for making analytical calculations and full-scale test experiments. This paper gives a review of the theoretical grounds for photomechanical and combined modelling of geomechanical processes, presents major procedures and techniques developed in VNIMI by the Laboratory of Photomechanical Modelling, which makes it possible to reproduce as a mood approximation to the full-scale model, the geological and tectonophysical properties of the modelled rock mass and structures erected in it, to carry out tests of these models not only in elastic behaviour of the material but also in its elastoplastic, plastic deformations up to its failure. In these pages, a few examples are presented showing the techniques applied in solving the problems concerning rock deformations and their failure, as well as underground constructions, which allow us to conclude whether it is advisable to use photomechanical models.

The Stellar Disk–Halo Connection

The thick disk is the stellar disk-halo connection. At least near the solar circle, this component is on average as old as the system of disk globular clusters, or ~ 12 Gyr. This implies that it most probably formed early in the process of Galaxy formation, so that its properties – chemical abundances, stellar kinematics and spatial distribution – contain clues to the physics of these stages of Galaxy evolution. Its present-day importance for the interstellar disk-halo connection lies in the evolution of its constituent stars – gas loss through winds on the red giant and asymptotic giant branches, through planetary nebulae prior to white dwarf formation, and through supernovae. This gas loss results in mass injection, momentum injection and energy injection into the interstellar medium from a stellar population with a scale height of ~ 1kpc.

Cercomacra manu, a New Species of Antbird from Southwestern Amazonia

Cercomacra manu, a New Species of Antbird from Southwestern Amazonia

Antibodies and clinical relapse of murine typhus fever following early chemotherapy.

Excerpt Insecticides, rodenticides, immunoprophylactic measures, and chemotherapeutic agents have combined to minimize the present-day importance of typhus fevers as a cause of death or incapacitat...

Mastitis. an Appraisal of its Present-Day Importance

Progress in the control of mastitis in dairy cows has not been so great as is popularly believed. Although mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae has been much reduced in British herds by the general use of antibiotics, the disease is still prevalent because sub-clinical cases are ignored. Other forms of mastitis which do not respond to therapy have assumed a greater role, and we shall have to deal with these increasingly in future.

The Place of Astronomy in Navigation

Of the 293 papers published in the Journal, eighty-two, or 28 per cent, have been concerned with astronomical navigation. This, however, gives a false impression of its present-day importance. There was a time when conventional astronomical navigation provided the only means of determining position, in the absence of recognizable landmarks; and it still provides the only fundamental method independent of man-controlled devices. But there has been no change in principle since accurate time became available through the combination of radio time-signals and chronometers. The papers have dealt with techniques only. The large number is evidence of the abiding interest in astronomical navigation; but it also indicates the realization that, while the principles of astronomical navigation are unchanged, the conditions of its application have undergone radical change. Techniques have had to be improved under the pressure of necessity, so that the practice of astronomical navigation is now simpler than it has ever been.

Submarine Geology : New French Annual

OCEANOGRAPHERS, who have long had good cause to be grateful to two well-known American institutions for their volume of "Collected Reprints" distributed each year, will welcome the recent institution of a comparable practice in France. It is manifestly impossible for individuals, and practicable only for a few major libraries, to maintain subscriptions and exchanges adequate to ensure the receipt of anything like all the important oceanographical papers which appear in the course of a year; a serious difficulty resides, of course, in the fact that so many organs of publication are concerned. This latter point is evident on scanning a new volume just received, Travaux du Laboratoire de Géologie Sous-Marine, vol. I (1947). This is produced by the École Pratique des Hautes Études, 1 Rue Victor-Cousin, Paris 5e, under the superintendence of the director, Jacques Bourcart. It contains fifteen papers ; five are by Dr. Bourcart himself, of which three are on the sediments of the French continental shelf, one on sedimentation in the English Channel, and the other on the geology of the 'lies Atlantides'. A paper by B. Brajnikov on the origin of the alluvial deposits of the Seine estuary is followed by a series of three by Prof. A. Cailleux, of which one discusses criteria for distinguishing between marine and nuviatile gravels. Dr. Claude Franeis-Bœuf, who is the author of five of the remaining papers, is well known for papers already published on the processes involved in estuarial sedimentation—a topic of great present-day importance. He discusses the physico-chemical factors of estuarial waters in connexion with the tropisms which affect eel migrations ; sedimentation in estuaries ; the oxygen content of fluvio-marine muds, and the production and consumption of oxygen in the topmost surface layer of the latter. The last paper, by V. Romanovsky, is on the elasticity of agar-agar gels. All the papers included are reprints from various publications ; the practice of issuing annual fascicules of reprints in special branches of study is very valuable to those directly interested.

Present-day Importance of Studying the Enterprise

Present-day Importance of Studying the Enterprise. Un article de la revue Relations industrielles / Industrial Relations (Volume 5, numéro 2, novembre 1949, p. 11-20) diffusée par la plateforme Érudit.

Sheffield Steel

THE intimate association of Sheffield with the steel industry is probably even better known and appreciated than the proverbial relationship between coals and Newcastle. In the former case the industry has developed practically from its very birth within this city to its present unshakable and unique position in the industrial world, and although steel-making in England is now rather more decentralised than was formerly the case, Sheffield still holds pride of place in respect of both historical associations and present-day importance.