Sieving Technique Research Articles

Calibration‐free image analysis method for grain‐size distribution of small natural sand samples

AbstractNatural sand samples collected from bedload or suspension transport can be too small to be sieved. However, related transported mass to sediment size is crucial to calibrate sediment transport models. Image analysis technique can be an easy and cheap alternative. The present study proposes a general law valid for natural sand grains and small gravels that statistically relates elongation to flatness of particles and gives after some assumptions on grain shape and orientation of grains at the sieve mesh passage, the closest distribution of mass to sieving technique from images of grains given by a flatbed scanner. The proposed model is based on the hypothesis of an ellipsoidal grain shape and a preferential grain crossing aligned with the sieve diagonal. Any sand either homogeneous or heterogeneous from various origins (fluvial, marine and quarry) can be analysed directly without any further need for calibration.

A Novel Approach for Assessing Mitochondrial Respiration in Freshly Isolated Glomerular and Tubular Fractions from Whole Mouse Kidney

Intro: Understanding mitochondrial function within specific renal compartments is crucial for unraveling the intricate metabolic processes underlying kidney physiology and pathophysiology. In this study, we present a novel method for accurately measuring mitochondrial respiration in freshly isolated glomerular and tubular fractions derived from dissected kidneys. Methods: Employing a differential adhesive sieving technique, we isolated glomerular and tubular fractions from freshly harvested whole kidneys (n=2) and subsequently utilized a standard substrate-inhibitor titration protocol to assess mitochondrial respiration in the Oroboros Oxygraph O2K (Oroboros Instruments, Innsbruck AT). Results: Notably, our findings revealed distinct state 3 respiration rates in various fractions, with the 70 μm tubule fraction exhibiting a rate of 2133.029 pmol/sec/mgprotein, the 40 μm tubule fraction displaying a rate of 522.4116 pmol/sec/mgprotein, the first glomerular fraction demonstrating a rate of 407.7911 pmol/sec/mgprotein, and the second tubular fraction manifesting a rate of 362.3286 pmol/sec/mgprotein. Moreover, these fragments exhibited differential substrate preferences, as the addition of succinate increased state 3 respiration by ~90% in the 70 μm tubule fraction. In contrast, succinate increased respiration by ~30% in the 40 μm tubule and glomerular fractions. Discussion: These ongoing experiments provide compelling evidence supporting the feasibility and reliability of our approach in quantifying mitochondrial respiration within isolated renal fractions. Our methodology not only enables precise measurements of mitochondrial function in distinct nephron segments but also lays the groundwork for further investigations into the physiological and pathological implications of mitochondrial dynamics in kidney health and disease. This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health under Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award 5T32DK091317 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Voltage-regulated ion sieving assisted by a highly cationic polymer network achieves selective 99TcO4− adsorption with record-high capacity

The high salt content and strong ionic competition in real wastewater and contaminated fluids often result in subpar selectivity and capacity for 99TcO4− on adsorbents. To address this challenge, we present a voltage-regulated ion sieving (VRIS) technique aimed at enhancing the selectivity and capacity for nuclide ions on adsorption materials. As an example, a highly cationic polymer network (Cl@HCPN) is synthesized as anode material for the VRIS technique, designed for the efficient capture of 99TcO4−. Cl@HCPN is prepared through quaternization of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane with 1,3,5-Tris(bromomethyl)benzene and possesses a high content of anion exchange sites (7.64 mmol g−1). The material achieves rapid capture (within 30 s) and a record-high adsorption capacity (1752.1 mg g−1) for ReO4− (a nonradioactive surrogate of 99TcO4−), as well as superior adsorption kinetics and efficiency for 99TcO4−. The VRIS employs precisely regulated step positive voltages to achieve meticulous control over ion adsorption and desorption on Cl@HCPN, enabling cyclic ions sieving and enhancing selectivity for ReO4− by ∼50%. The VRIS technique is anticipated to emerge as a universal method for improving the selectivity of adsorption materials for 99TcO4−, with potential applications in efficient adsorption and separation of other pollutant ions.

Toward a circular economy: zero-waste manufacturing of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites

Fiber-reinforced composites are becoming ubiquitous as a way of lightweighting in the wind, aerospace, and automotive industries, but current recycling technologies fall short of a circular economy. In this work, fiber-reinforced composites made of recycled carbon fiber and polyphenylene sulfide were recycled and remanufactured using common processing technologies such as compression and injection molding. An industrially viable size-exclusive sieving technique was used to retain fiber length and reduce variability in the mechanical properties of the remanufactured composites. Fiber length reduction alone could not explain the strength reductions apparent in the composites, which we propose are due to microstructural inhomogeneity as defined by poor dispersion of the fibers. Future recycling efforts must focus on fiber length retention and good dispersion to make composite remanufacturing a viable path toward a circular economy.

Comparative study of moisture treatment techniques for mineral insulating oil

The presence of moisture is one of the factors that promote degradation of transformer insulating oils and deterioration of cellulose insulation materials in oil-immersed power transformers, which affect the lifespan of the transformers. Realizing the importance of moisture in transformer insulating oils, this study compares the effectiveness of three moisture treatment techniques nitrogen bubbling technique (NBT), molecular sieve technique (MST), and vacuum oven technique (VOT)) for mineral oil (MO). The moisture content and AC breakdown voltage of the MO samples before and after moisture treatment were measured using Karl Fischer coulometric titrator and portable oil tester, respectively, in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D1533 and ASTM D1816 standards. The results showed that NBT is the best moisture treatment technique for the MO, where the NBT reduced 80.79% of moisture present in the oil, followed by MST and VOT, which reduced 72.87 and 42.28% of moisture, respectively. The results also showed that the AC breakdown voltage of the MO samples after moisture treatment was improved owing to the reduction in moisture content.

Assessment of natural radioactivity, radon gas and soil characteristics along the Volta Lake in the Kpando municipality of Volta region, Ghana.

Assessment of radionuclides, indoor radon (222RnI), radon exhalation (222Rnex), and soil characteristics in the coastal part of Kpando has been studied using HPGe, CR-39 and sieving techniques. Statistical analysis between radionuclides, radon levels and soil characteristics was done using Pearson's correlation. The mean radionuclide concentration, radon levels and soil characteristics were obtained as 226Ra (23.1±1.4Bq per kg), 232Th (34.6±2.9Bq per kg), 40K (187.1±13.7Bq per kg), 222RnI (64.70±2.7Bq per m3), 222Rnex (7.9±0.5 μBq per m2h), sandy (45.9±3.9%), silt (40.7±3.1%), clay (13.5±0.8%), porosity (0.6±0.1) and moisture (7.6±0.8%). Radiological effects estimated were within recommended limits. The maximum positive and negative coefficients exist between 222Ra/222Rnex (1.0) and 222Rnex/MC (-0.9), respectively. Radon exhalation correlates better with soil characteristics. The statistical analysis indicated that soil characteristics have significant effects on radionuclides and radon levels in soils and dwellings.

Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AM Fungi) in different plants within tailings deposition areas of Freeport Indonesia, Timika, Central Papua, Indonesia

Abstract. Djuuna IAF, May NL, Kubangun SH, Massora M, Aibini SW. 2023. Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AM Fungi) in different plants within tailings deposition areas of Freeport Indonesia, Timika, Central Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4515-4522. This study investigated the presence of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AM Fungi) in various vegetation types within tailings deposition areas in Freeport Timika, Papua. Soil and root samples were collected from 41 sampling locations, representing 28 types of vegetation growing in these areas. AM Fungi spores were extracted using the wet sieving technique, while root samples were cleaned, stained, and analyzed for the percentage of root infection using the gridlines method. Some soil characteristics were also analyzed, including pH (H2O), moisture content, organic carbon (C), Total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and soil texture. The study showed low total soil N and P levels, with organic C ranging from low to high and a pH range from 6 to 6.7. The spore number ranged from 2 to 20 spores/10 g soil, and the percentage of root colonization varied from 17 to 89.5%. The highest number of spores (20 spores/10 g soil) was found in the rhizosphere of Homalanthus sp. and Polyalthia glauca, while the highest percentage of root colonization (89.5%) was observed under Pandanus sp. at Upper ADA. Notably, the highest number of spores did not correspond to the highest percentage of infected roots. Additionally, four genera of AM Fungi, namely Glomus, Acaulospora, Scuttelospora and Gigaspora, were found to thrive in tailings areas and have the potential to be developed as biofertilizers for tailings rehabilitation programs.

The diversity and abundance of terrestrial snails in yankari game reserve, bauchi state, Nigeria

Land snails represent one of the most important groups of invertebrates in terrestrial ecosystems; this study was aimed at determining the distribution and abundance of land snails in Yankari Game Reserve Bauchi State, Nigeria. Land snails were investigated in Yankari using a combination of direct search and litter sieving techniques. 10 plots were sampled randomly within an area of 100m × 100m so as to have a good spread of each site. Soil sample were collected within each of the plots and analyzed for soil pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, calcium and moisture content. A total of 103 specimens comprising of six species belonging to four molluscan families were collected from ten plots in Yankari Game Reserve. This showed that the molluscs were moderately diverse. The family, Achatinidae dominated the fauna in Yankari Game Reserve. This study has revealed that the land fauna in Yankari are moderately diverse with low densities. The result indicates that not all the sampling areas of the reserves had much species; it is therefore presumed that there may be richer areas of land snails which were not sampled in both sites.

Influence of Prosthodontic Rehabilitation Using Zygomatic Implants in Covid 19 Related Mucormycosis (Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral) Maxillectomy Patients Upon Post-Operative Stress, Anxiety and Functional Impairment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

To determine the influence of prosthodontic rehabilitation using zygomatic implants in partial maxillectomy upon post-operative stress, anxiety and functional impairment, due to covid 19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Twenty maxillectomy patients fulfilling study criterion, received zygomatic implants (ZI) (quad zygoma) (ZDI Simpladent, Switzerland) retained/supported complete maxillary denture. Assessment of stress, anxiety, masticatory performance and speech were determined using diurnal salivary cortisol level, Appearance Anxiety Inventory, multiple sieve technique and auditory perception analysis, respectively. Data were recorded at 6 different stages of rehabilitation (after maxillectomy, implant placement, and after prosthesis delivery (1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year)). Demographic data were expressed as frequency distribution, while mean values were used to find differences between various rehabilitation stages using Friedman and chi-square test with statistical significance value at p < 0.05. Average daily salivary cortisol levels declined from post maxillectomy (22.80 ± 0.902) to 1 year after prosthesis wearing (8.65 ± 0.985), indicating stress reduction after ZI rehabilitation. Mean scores for appearance anxiety reduced from pre-prosthetic rehabilitation (27.350 ± 3.030) to 1 year (8.950 ± 0.887) following prosthesis wearing. Functional parameters for mastication and speech also improved significantly during the course of rehabilitation. All differences between pre-prosthetic to 1-year stage after prosthesis wearing were found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. Post ROCM maxillectomy cases after prosthetic rehabilitation using zygomatic implants showed significant improvement in the psychological (stress and anxiety) as well as function (mastication and speech) characteristics. Rehabilitation post ROCM maxillectomy with the present approach of fixed prosthesis using zygomatic implants mitigates deficient mastication and speech. It also impacts positively on patient psychology by decreasing stress and anxiety.

Extraction of asphalt mastic from mixture without chemical agent

A mechanical method is presented which helps to recover asphalt mastic from asphalt mixture without any chemical agent. It may be used as a surrogate to the current chemical extraction method when asphalt mastic shall be recovered from the asphalt mixture. The presented approach is based on granulation and sieving techniques. For the purpose of validation, the method is compared to the standard chemical extraction method which uses a chemical agent to recover the asphalt binder from the mineral aggregates. Both methods are compared in terms of recoverable amount of mastic, and of filler/binder ratio, of reproducibility, and of suitability of the recovered mastic sample for subsequent temperature and frequency sweep (T-f sweep) tests using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR).

Experimental Granulometric Characterization of Wood Particles from CNC Machining of Chipboard

The aim of this paper is to determine the particle size composition of the wood particles obtained from CNC milling the chipboard using an experimental optical granulometric method. Composite materials (chipboard) are the most-used materials in the woodworking and furniture industries. The proposed optical method of measuring particles’ dimensions is compared to the sieving technique. The researched experimental method allows for the determination of not only the size of the fraction of an individual particle’s fraction but also more detailed information about the analyzed wood dust emission, for example, the largest and smallest dimension of each single particle; its circularity, area, perimeter, eccentricity, and convex hull major and minor axis length; or the color of the particle.

Meet‐in‐the‐middle attacks on round‐reduced CRAFT based on automatic search

AbstractCRAFT is a lightweight block cipher designed by Beierle et al. to effectively resist differential fault attacks at fast software encryption 2019. In this article, Demirci‐Selçuk meet‐in‐the‐middle (DS‐MITM) attacks on round‐reduced CRAFT based on automatic search are proposed. A DS‐MITM automatic search model for CRAFT was constructed, and then, the automatic search model was used to detect a 9‐round DS‐MITM distinguisher. The strong relations between the round‐subtweakeys were observed and the key‐dependent sieve technique was adopted to reduce the memory complexity of the attack. Based on the 9‐round distinguisher, a 19‐round DS‐MITM attack can be presented. Due to the strong key relations, the time complexity can be reduced by the key‐bridging technique and the equivalent round‐subtweakey. The time complexity of the 19‐round DS‐MITM attack is 2114.68 19‐round CRAFT encryption, the data complexity is 256 chosen plaintexts, and the memory complexity is 2109 64‐bit blocks. Adding one round to the end of the 19‐round DS‐MITM attack, a 20‐round DS‐MITM attack can be proposed. The time complexity of the 20‐round attack is 2126.94 20‐round CRAFT encryption, the data complexity is 256 chosen plaintexts, and the memory complexity is 2109 64‐bit blocks.

Integer factorization as subset-sum problem

This paper elaborates on a sieving technique that has first been applied in 2018 for improving bounds on deterministic integer factorization. We will generalize the sieve in order to obtain a polynomial-time reduction from integer factorization to a specific instance of the multiple choice subset-sum problem. As an application, we will improve upon special purpose factorization algorithms for integers composed of divisors with small difference. In particular, we will refine the runtime complexity of Fermat's factorization algorithm by a large subexponential factor. Our first procedure is deterministic, rigorous, easy to implement and has negligible space complexity. Our second procedure is heuristically faster than the first, but has non-negligible space complexity.

Study on stochastic behavior of particle system in hot mix asphalt mixture from a meso-structural perspective

The variability and uncertainty bring great trouble to the application and in-depth research of asphalt mixture. This study aimed to detect the microstructural differences between the asphalt specimens after fixing the experimental and environmental inputs. To this end, the digital image correlation (DIC) method was utilized to propose reliable skeletal and disruptive meso-parameters. Besides, the close packing theory and digital sieving technique were combined to classify the internal particles of the mixture structure. Afterward, the stochastic behaviors of the particle systems containing the dominant aggregate size range (DASR) and interstitial component (IC) aggregates were thoroughly discussed. Finally, the disruption effect of IC on the skeletal structure was also investigated. The analysis results show that the microstructure of the asphalt mixture was a typical random system with a great deal of contingency. The aggregate contact index (ACI) was the most variable among the overall skeletal parameters, with a variation coefficient (COV) of 13.24 %. Besides, almost all the microstructural indexes indicated that about 4% of the specimens in parallel tests showed significant variability behavior, e.g., Na,13.2 > Na,16.0. Besides, the microstructural uncertainty of the minority class, e.g., the 16-mm aggregates with a 4% ∼7% COV higher than the other classes, was particularly significant. Finally, the interference effect was proven to focus on the contact behavior of DASR particles, thus damaging the DASR-based system. This study not only emphasizes the impact of variability but provides implications for controlling the performance of asphalt pavement.

Irregular characteristic analysis of 3D particles—A novel virtual sieving technique

For digitizing the granular material systems, including asphalt mixture, the sieving size of the particles plays an irreplaceable role. However, the traditional methods based on equivalent conversion performed terribly in measuring the size of individual particles. This study combined digital image processing, ensemble learning, and over-sampling algorithms to develop a novel sieving method. Besides, the comprehensive importance ranking of variables was put forward to assist in optimizing the random forest. The results show that the data collection method proposed in this study can quickly gain bulks of digital aggregates without a complicated reconstruction process. The synthetic minority over-sampling algorithm was conducive to the accuracy ascension by balancing the database. By scoring variables' relative importance and function, the variable selection method can effectively reduce system complexity, thus improving computational efficiency and robustness. Based on the above-improving processes, the measuring precision of the aggregates' sieving opening was raised by over 20%.

High-Resolution Biostratigraphic, and Paleoenvironmental Analysis of AJAYI-01 Well, Niger Delta, Nigeria

A high-resolution biostratigraphy study and paleoenvironment analysis were carried out on composited fifteen (15) ditch-cutting samples retrieved from AJAYI-01 well, offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria. The studied intervals range from 4060feet – 4960feet and were subjected to foraminifera, calcareous nannofossil and palynological analysis to determine their age, biozonation and environment of deposition. The standard laboratory preparation techniques of wet sieving, simple smear method, and Hydrofluoric (HF) and Hydrochloric (HCl) acids maceration techniques respectively. A sedimentological description of the ditch-cutting samples was carried out.&#x0D; Three major foraminifera zones of Turborotalia peripheroacuta/Bolivina mandoroveensis Zone, Praeorbulina glomerosa/Nonion centrosulcatum Zone and Catapsydrax dissimilis/Buliminella subfusiformis Zone and the important marker Heterostegina sp. was recognized in the well based on the critical evaluation of bioevents and correlatable datums. The nannofossil zones of Helicosphaera ampliaperta and Sphenolithus heteromorphus were erected for this well based on the index taxa and fossil assemblage recorded. The palynological data consists of highly diversified assemblages dominated by terrestrial forms such as Zonocostites ramonae, Monoporites annulatus, Laevigatosporites sp., Verrucatosporites sp., Retitricolporites sp., Acrostichum aureum. The important marker recorded was Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni (FDO) at 4420feet. The well is dated early to middle Miocene (NN4 –NN5) based on the occurrence of marker species Helicosphaera ampliaperta and Sphenolithus heteromophus which corresponds to Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni - Echitricolporites spinosus Zone (P720-P680) subzones.&#x0D; A tentative sequence stratigraphic framework for the studied sequences was established. A condensed section that is associated with the Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) was dated 15.20Ma at 4480 feet based on peak faunal abundance and diversity. The environment of deposition has sediments deposited in the marine environment fluctuating between middle neritic and inner neritic to the littoral, including coastal deltaic settings based on deductions from foraminiferal, palynological and sedimentological data.

A Dimension Reduction Technique for Large-Scale Structured Sparse Optimization Problems with Application to Convex Clustering

In this paper, we propose a novel adaptive sieving (AS) technique and an enhanced AS (EAS) technique, which are solver independent and could accelerate optimization algorithms for solving large scale convex optimization problems with intrinsic structured sparsity. We establish the finite convergence property of the AS technique and the EAS technique with inexact solutions of the reduced subproblems. As an important application, we apply the AS technique and the EAS technique on the convex clustering model, which could accelerate the state-of-the-art algorithm SSNAL by more than 7 times and the algorithm ADMM by more than 14 times.

Grain size analysis and total organic matter and carbonate contents of sediments on Saya de Malha and Nazareth Banks

The Mascarene Plateau is one of the least studied regions of the Western Indian Ocean. The aim of this paper is to describe the qualitative grain size characteristics and the total organic matter and carbonate contents of sediments on the two underwater banks known as the Saya de Malha and Nazareth Banks. Sediment samples were collected during the R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen expedition in 2018, using a Video-Assisted Multi-Sampler (VAMS). Sieving techniques and GRADISTAT software were used for granulometric analysis and grain size statistics, respectively. Total organic matter and carbonate contents were determined with the sequential weight loss on ignition method. Grain size parameters from 15 stations (depths ranging from 37 to 381 m) are reported in this study. The results showed that sand was the dominant grain size on both banks. Eleven of the 15 stations had a mean grain size of coarse sand, three stations had a mean size of medium sand and one station had fine sand. The average total organic matter and carbonate contents on the Banks ranged from 2.1 to 7.7 % and from 53.9 to 58.3 %, respectively. This study provides baseline information that will help to classify benthic habitats and better understand the ecosystem functioning and dynamics on of the Saya de Malha and Nazareth Banks.

Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks in the City of Valencia (Eastern Spain).

Toxocara spp. is one of the most common zoonotic geohelminths in the world. Its infections are associated with the accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and affecting, especially children. In this study, feces, and soil samples from 14 public parks in the city of Valencia were analyzed. The Telemann method and a modified version of a sieving technique were used to process feces and soil, respectively. None of the fecal samples and 10.9% of soil samples from five parks (35.7%) tested positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. The most contaminated areas were the canine sanitary parks (30.8% of the samples), followed by socialization areas for dogs (9.7%); no positive samples were found at children’s playgrounds. Our results suggest that most pets in Valencia are periodically dewormed, although additional preventive measures should be applied, since the risk of infection exists probably due to the presence of stray dogs and feral cats.

Karakterisasi Mikoriza di Kawasan Hutan Desa Fatusene Kecamatan Miomaffo Timur Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara

The existence of allegations about the presence of various mycorrhizae in the forest area of Fatusene Village, East Miomaffo District, North Central Timor Regency, is a benchmark for assessing the characterization of mycorrhizae in the area. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify mycorrhizae in the forest area of Fatusene Village, East Miomaffo District, North Central Timor Regency. Mycorrhizal identification begins with sampling the soil under the tree stands using the quadratic method. Soil samples were taken randomly at three points per observation plot with a depth of 0-30 cm from the base of the tree trunk. Separation of spores from soil samples was carried out using a wet sieve technique. Data analysis was carried out descriptively by identifying morphological characters including the shape and color of the spores. The results of mycorrhizal research found in the research location of the forest area of Fatusene Village are endomycorrhizal types, especially arbuscular vesicles. Characterization of mycorrhizal spores showed that there were three different spore genera in soil samples, namely the genus Glomus, Gigaspora and Acaulospora. The three genus found in the soil samples at the study location were present in each dominant tree with different numbers of individuals. The spores of the three mycorrhizal genus found at the study site were 65 spores, with the distribution of 35 spores genus Glomus, 20 spores genus Acaulospora and 10 spores the genus Gigaspora. The characters the genus glomus are round, slightly round, oval and brown and dark brown in, have hyphae and are equipped with oily fluid spots on cook spores. The characters the genus Acaulospora are round and oval in shape, blackish brown in color, brownish red and brownish yellow, have several layers of cell walls, one of which is dark in color. The characters the genus Gigaspora are irregular in shape, somewhat round and round, yellow, brownish yellow, to yellowish brown, large in size and black spore walls. Conclusion The mycorrhizae found in the study site were endomycorrhizal, especially arbuscular vesicles which consisted of 3 genera, namely Glomus, Acaulospora and Gigaspora. The characters of the genus glomus are round to oval in shape, dark brown in color, have hyphae and spotting of oil. The characters the genus Acaulospora are round and oblong, brownish yellow in color, have several layers of cell walls. The genus Gigaspora is slightly round and round, yellowish brown in color, large and black spore walls.