Superficial Properties Research Articles

Signs of subjective part of offenses related to the use of authority. Concept of «quasi-corrupt crime»

The article deals with the analyze of the characteristics of the subjective side of the offenses related to the use of authority, and attention is paid to their specificity. In particular, substantive features, forms and volume of wine, purpose orientation and determining influence of motives of these crimes are investigated. Criminal misuses by officials are characterized by actions that can be committed only intentionally, and in most cases the intent is straightforward. Mental attitude to socially dangerous consequences in these crimes can be both intentional and careless. Purpose and motive, depending on the articles formation, are mandatory for separate crimes. In most cases, the purpose of these crimes is to gain wrongful advantage (bribe), and the motive is selfish. Each time for the correct criminal qualification we need to establish a mental attitude of official to all signs of the crime – install the volume of wine. Also, the author proposes to use the concept of "quasi-corrupt crime" in the theory. The author suggests that this is the fraud which includes all its general characteristics. Its specificity is that under certain circumstances it takes on conditional and superficial properties of a corruption offense. However, essentially it is not a corruption offense. In such case, corruptive character is provided through fraud in the misuse of powers or promotion of abuse, which does not actually occur and cannot be embodied in future. And the guilty person must be fully aware of all this. Attention is also paied to the problematic aspects of law enforcement practice and ways to solve them are suggested. Also, the author notes on the inability to prosecute twice, that becomes a violation of «ne bis in idem» principle, which is fixed in Article 4 of Protocol 7 of Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Encapsulation of environmentally-friendly biocides in silica nanosystems for multifunctional coatings

In cultural heritage field, significant research efforts have been recently made to improve the efficacy of anti-vegetative treatments and to reduce the environmental impact caused by biocides high concentration. According to the pro-ecological approach, this work reports a novel approach based on the encapsulation/incorporation of environmentally-friendly biocides in different silica nanosystems in order to control the development of biological patinas on outdoor cultural heritage. Two different green biocides have been selected and tested in silica nanosystems: the zosteric acid sodium salt (ZS), a natural antifoulant compound produced by Zostera marina (eelgrass), and the usnic acid (UA), a secondary metabolite produced by some saxicolous lichens. ZS was previously successfully encapsulated but never entrapped in mesoporous silica; instead, UA is, for the first time, encapsulated and in situ entrapped into the silica nanosystems in order to control the release over time. Both silica nanosystems have been characterized as far as their dimensions and superficial properties and loading capability. The antifouling activity was assessed against microorganisms from biopatinas colonising the Aurelian Walls in Rome. Our results have shown that the two nanosystems have complementary properties, thus it is possible to tune the antifouling efficiency by combining the two in different proportions.

Development of micropatterning polyimide films for enhanced antifouling and antibacterial properties

A commercial biomedical Polyimide (PI) film was topographically and chemically modified by generating micrometric periodic arrays of lines using Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) in order to improve antifouling and antibacterial properties. DLIP patterning was performed with periods from 1 μm to 10 μm. The physical modification of the surface was characterized by SEM, AFM and contact angle measurements and, the chemical composition of the ablated surfaces was analyzed by ATR-IR and XPS spectroscopies. The antibacterial effects were evaluated through the effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies growth on the LB (Luria Bertani) broth. The results showed that the laser treatment change the topography and as a consequence the chemistry surface, also that the microstructured surfaces with periods below 2 μm, exhibited a significant bacterial (P. aeruginosa) adhesion decrease compared with non-structured surfaces or with surfaces with periods higher than 2 μm. The results suggest that periodic topography only confer antifouling properties and reduction of the biofilm formation when the microstructure presents periods ranging from 1 μm to 2 μm. On the other hand, the topography that confer strong antifouling superficial properties persists at long incubation times. In that way, polymer applications in the biosciences field can be improved by a surface topography modification using a simple, single-step laser-assisted ablation method.

Rheological, Thermal, Superficial, and Morphological Properties of Thermoplastic Achira Starch Modified with Lactic Acid and Oleic Acid.

The modification of achira starch a thermoplastic biopolymer is shown. Glycerol and sorbitol, common plasticizers, were used in the molten state with organic acids such as oleic acid and lactic acid obtaining thermodynamically more stable products. The proportion of starch:plasticizer was 70:30, and the acid agent was added in portions from 3%, 6%, and 9% by weight. These mixtures were obtained in a torque rheometer for 10 min at 130 °C. The lactic acid managed to efficiently promote the gelatinization process by increasing the available polar sites towards the surface of the material; as a result, there were lower values in the contact angle, these results were corroborated with the analysis performed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The results derived from oscillatory rheological analysis had a viscous behavior in the thermoplastic starch samples and with the presence of acids; this behavior favors the transitions from viscous to elastic. The mixture of sorbitol or glycerol with lactic acid promoted lower values of the loss module, the storage module, and the complex viscosity, which means lower residual energy in the transition of the viscous state to the elastic state; this allows the compounds to be scaled to conventional polymer transformation processes.

Calibration of a multichannel millimeter wave radiometer of FY-4M based on the real-time brightness temperature along the lunar equator

Chinese FY-4M is a new-generation geosynchronous satellite, which will be launched in the near future. It is equipped with multichannel millimeter wave radiometers, which operate in the range of 50–430 GHz. This satellite will increase revisit time and significantly improve the monitoring and weather variation forecasting capabilities. Calibration is an important issue for the quantitative analysis and application of brightness temperature observations. Calibration is first conducted in a thermal/vacuum chamber prior to the launch. A hot target onboard the satellite is used to provide relative irradiance for onboard calibration, and the cold cosmos is used as a cold target. However, complicated space conditions may result in many uncertainties and instabilities during calibration. A new method is required to evaluate the performance of the instruments during long-term operation. Because of the non-existence of atmospheric and other environmental interferences, the lunar surface maintains its physical and chemical stability. Thus, it is an ideal source for thermal calibration. The earliest ground-based observation of thermal microwave emission of the Moon dates back to the early 1940s. At that time, the temperature profile and dielectric constant of the lunar surface had not been studied in detail. Thus, interpreting the observed microwave brightness temperature was difficult. In recent years, many studies of the lunar surface have been performed owing to the advances in satellite-borne remote sensing programs. The Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter investigated the global solar reflectance and mid-IR irradiance. These infrared measurements contribute to the quantitative description of the thermophysical properties of the superficial lunar regolith media. Chinese probes, Chang’e-1 and Chang’e-2, carried four-channel microwave radiometers to observe the microwave thermal emission of the lunar regolith media, which may provide information on superficial dielectric properties of the lunar surface. These advances created a foundation for the millimeter channel observation of the lunar surface. In this study, a real-time model of the sub-solar position and total irradiance of the lunar surface was developed. The altitude of FY-4M is 35800 km. The distance between the Moon and the Earth is between 363400 km (perigee) and 405400 km (apogee). This large distance enables nadir observation from the FY-4M radiometer toward the center region of the lunar equator. The observation beam angle ranges from 0.097° to 0.027°. The diameters of the observation regions at different channels are 750 km (55 GHz), 480 km (89, 118 GHz), 300 km (166, 183 GHz), and 210 km (425 GHz) at apogee. Based on the surface albedo derived from the Clementine data and the constrained thermophysical parameters of the lunar regolith media obtained from the Diviner infrared brightness temperature, the one-dimensional thermal transfer equation is solved to obtain the physical temperature profile of the lunar regolith media. Using the 37-GHz brightness temperature from Chang’e-2 observations, the loss tangent of the regolith media is inverted. Using the fluctuation dissipation theorem, the brightness temperature of the lunar surface in FY-4M millimeter channels is calculated. The thermophysical profile of the regolith can be validated using the Diviner infrared brightness temperature data. The calculated temperature at a depth of 1.3 m is consistent with the measurements obtained in the Apollo heat flow experiment. The surface temperature and millimeter brightness temperature on the lunar equator (0°N, 0°E) during the entire year of 2010 are simulated. The peak value of the brightness temperature is attained after that of the surface physical temperature peak value. In the low frequency channel, the penetration depth increases, its peak value is typically small, and the peak appears later. This study thus presents an effective model for FY-4M calibration and data analysis.

Assessment of Interstitial Lung Disease Using Lung Ultrasound Surface Wave Elastography: A Novel Technique With Clinicoradiologic Correlates.

Optimal strategies to detect early interstitial lung disease (ILD) are unknown. ILD is frequently subpleural in distribution and affects lung elasticity. Lung ultrasound surface wave elastography (LUSWE) is a noninvasive method of quantifying superficial lung tissue elastic properties. In LUWSE a handheld device applied at the intercostal space vibrates the chest at a set frequency, and the lung surface wave velocity is measured by an ultrasound probe 5 mm away in the same intercostal space. We explored LUWSE's ability to detect ILD and correlated LUSWE velocity with physiological, quantitative, and visual radiologic features of subjects with known ILD and of healthy controls. Seventy-seven subjects with ILD, mostly caused by connective tissue disease, and 19 healthy controls were recruited. LUSWE was performed on all subjects in 3 intercostal lung regions bilaterally. Comparison of LUSWE velocities pulmonary function testing, visual assessment, and quantitative analysis of recent computed tomographic imaging with Computer-Aided Lung Informatics for Pathology Evaluation and Rating (CALIPER) software. Sonographic velocities were higher in all lung regions for cases, with the greatest difference in the lateral lower lung. Median velocity in m/s was 5.84 versus 4.11 and 5.96 versus 4.27 (P<0.00001) for cases versus controls, left and right lateral lower lung zones, respectively. LUSWE velocity correlated negatively with vital capacity and positively with radiologist and CALIPER-detected interstitial abnormalities. LUSWE is a safe and noninvasive technique that shows high sensitivity to detect ILD and correlated with clinical, physiological, radiologic, and quantitative assessments of ILD. Prospective study in detecting ILD is indicated.

Superficial properties of Ti6Al4V discs obtained by the additive and subtractive manufacturing method

Superficial properties of Ti6Al4V discs obtained by the additive and subtractive manufacturing method

Development of multilayer Hydroxyapatite - Ag/TiN-Ti coatings deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering with potential application in the biomedical field

The use of composite coatings is emerging as a great alternative to conventional coatings, allowing the combination of different superficial properties that are widely desired in surgical implants, such as osteointegration and bactericidal character, and cannot be provided by one material alone. In the present investigation the effect of the incorporation of a TiN-Ti intermediate bilayer on the chemical composition, structure, morphology, roughness, residual stresses and adhesion of a multi-layer Hydroxyapatite (HA)-Ag coating deposited on Ti-6Al-4V by magnetron sputtering was evaluated. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the developed system was evaluated by in vitro tests. According to the results obtained, a decrease in the Ca/P ratio from 1.85 to 1.74 was obtained through the deposition of an HA-Ag system on the intermediate bilayer, and the crystallinity of the developed coating was favored. The multi-layer structure was effectively observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, where it was possible to identify each of the HA, Ag, TiN and Ti layers. Meanwhile, an increase of 7% in crystallite size, a decrease of 36% in residual stresses and an increase of 32% in adhesion were registered for this composite coating compared to the free intermediate bilayer system. Finally, biological evaluation allowed the non-cytotoxic character of the deposited coatings to be confirmed.

The ‘hero archetype’ in the neo-mythological context of contemporary screen culture

The essay examines the image of the hero in the contemporary neo-mythological field of mass screen culture. The author identifies the main features of the hero archetype and the core cultural meanings forming this concept and analyzes images of the neo-mythological heroes of our time, taking examples of mass cinema and authorial cinema and revealing differences between these two categories. According to the author, mass culture creates the hero model according to the principle of bricolage, remaining within the framework of the Christian eschatological paradigm and synthesizing it with scientific and technical progress or other elements but not reproducing the structure of the archaic myth. When the stereotype of happy ending replaces tragedy, it completely changes the true archetype of the hero more characteristic of art-house or authorial cinema. Examining the films of Jim Jarmusch and Alejandro Gonzlez Irritu, the author analyzes the method of deconstruction in authorial cinema, a cinema which seeks to reveal the meanings of the archaic hero archetype. If mass cinema acts within the simulacrum system without transcending its limits endlessly repeating the same models and often using only superficial formal properties authorial cinema tries to explode the structure in such a way as to widen the boundaries of the senses or to discover them under the layers of simulacra. Thus, screen culture has the characteristics of a neo-mythology, forming the neo-myth and developing its elements and structures, producing a stream of neo-mythological images in the media landscape. The conglomerate of various structural elements borrowed from different traditions fully reflects the postmodern situation that turns symbols and archetypes into a set of simulacra. The era of postmodernism is a stage in the development of culture characterized by the problem of the impossibility of creating anything new. Postmodernism is a creative crisis which leads to excessive visuality and, paradoxically, to visualitys death.

Silica nanosystems for active antifouling protection: nanocapsules and mesoporous nanoparticles in controlled release applications

In the attempt of satisfying the quest for new antifouling products tailored for applications on Cultural Heritage, we have synthesized and characterized two different silica nanosystems. The first consists of core-shell nanocapsules and the second one of mesostructured nanoparticles. Both systems have been successfully loaded in situ with the commercial biocide 2-mercaptobenzothizole (MBT). The synthesis procedure and particles characterization measurements, as far as their dimensions and superficial properties, loading capability, and release rate in aqueous solution, are reported. We stress that both particles have the dimensions required to avoid undesired light scattering once dispersed on the artefact surface. Interestingly, the two nanoparticles have complementary properties, suggesting that combining them in a coating may have a higher potential for production of new generation active products.

Water is and is not H2O

The Twin Earth thought experiment invites us to consider a liquid that has all of the superficial properties associated with water (clear, potable, etc.) but has entirely different deeper causal properties (composed of “XYZ” rather than of H2O). Debates about natural kind concepts have sought to accommodate an apparent fact about ordinary people's judgments: Intuitively, the Twin Earth liquid is not water. We present results showing that people do not have this intuition. Instead, people tend to judge that there is a sense in which the liquid is not water but also a sense in which it is water.

Effect of Sterilization on the Properties of a Bioactive Hybrid Coating Containing Hydroxyapatite

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sterilization on a hybrid coating obtained from a sol composed of alkoxysilane tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and organoalkoxysilane methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) containing 10% (mass) of hydroxyapatite particles. The coating was obtained by dip coating, by applying two layers (protective/bioactive), which were cured at different temperatures (450°C and 60°C). The effects of sterilization on the superficial, electrochemical, bioactive, and mechanical properties of the coating were evaluated by performing different sterilization processes, namely, steam autoclave, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and ethylene oxide. Subsequently, the coating was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/FEG), and FTIR measurements were performed to characterize the chemical structure. The bioactivity and degradability of the coating were analyzed by mass variation after immersion in SBF and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The electrochemical behavior was assessed by open circuit potential (OCP) and potentiodynamic polarization curves and the mechanical behavior by wear resistance. Results showed that all sterilization processes caused significant morphological changes in the hybrid coating. The autoclaved sample presented the highest structural chemical changes, and, consequently, the highest degradability, even though it had a superior bioactive behavior in relation to the other samples. In addition, the sterilization processes influenced the electrochemical behavior of the hybrid coating and altered the mechanical resistance to abrasion, thus presenting lower wear performance in relation to the nonsterilized sample.

Aqueous Solutions of Polyethoxylated Fatty Alcohols Rheological behavior and superficial properties

The paper presents the study of the rheological and superficial behavior (foaming power and wetting capacity) of some aqueous solutions with polyethoxylated fatty alcohols content. The influence of fatty alcohols concentration and their degree of ethoxylation as well as that of temperature on the rheological behavior was determined from the dependences between the shear stress t and the shear rate. The results demonstrate that all the studied solutions have non-Newtonian behavior, with flow behavior index smaller than 1.

Application of lung ultrasound surface wave elastography for assessment of extravascular lung water in patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure

Lung ultrasound (LUS) detects the presence of extravascular lung water (EVLW) through the visualization of B-Line artifacts. However, the qualitative nature of LUS limits its effectiveness in serial or longitudinal studies such as evaluating changes in EVLW at different time points in patients undergoing diuretic therapy for congestive heart failure. Lung ultrasound surface wave elastography (LUSWE) is a novel technique using a small handheld device that can measure superficial lung tissue elastic properties. We aimed to evaluate the use of LUSWE to measure quantitative changes in lung elasticity caused by acute changes in EVLW. We performed LUSWE on consecutive days in 14 patients hospitalized for acute congestive heart failure with evidence of pulmonary edema (clinical EVLW). From day#1 to day#2, the patients had an average diuresis of net negative 2.1 l associated with an average decrease in 13 B-Lines by lung ultrasound, signifying a reduction in EVLW. LUSWE analysis demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in surface wave velocity in all interrogated intercostal spaces from day#1 to day#2. In summary, LUSWE performed at the bedside was able to demonstrate improvement in lung compliance (decreased elasticity) correlating with a reduction in EVLW in hospitalized patients being treated for congestive heart failure.

Effect of sterilization processes on nanostructured Ti6Al4V surfaces obtained by electropolishing

Abstract

Bubble formation in continuous liquid phase under industrial jetting conditions

Accurate prediction of bubble diameter is crucial for the proper design, optimization, and scale-up of gas-liquid apparatuses. Bubble formation at submerged multiple orifices in a gas-liquid apparatus under industrial conditions is systematically investigated in this work. It is found that the bubble diameter firstly increases and then approaches to a relatively constant value in the low viscous liquid when increasing the orifice superficial gas velocity. Parametric studies demonstrate that large orifice diameter and high liquid viscosity lead to larger bubble diameter, and the inflection point in the curve of bubble diameter versus orifice superficial gas velocity is also affected. With surfactant added in solutions, the bubble diameter decreases markedly. Based on the experimental data, a semi-empirical correlation for predicting the bubble diameter is proposed using nonlinear least square optimization. The new correlation, containing the influence of orifice diameter, orifice superficial gas velocity and liquid properties on the bubble diameter, is further validated by comparing prediction results with experimental data over a wide range of operating conditions and working systems from the literature. Therefore, it is thought useful for the industrial design of gas-liquid apparatus.

Mechanical Properties for Circumferential Welding Applied to UNS S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Using the GMAW Process with CMT Control

Super Duplex Stainless Steel has been studied for oil and gas industry applications since the 90 s, but their welding always is a technical issue. Then different methods were developed to meet all requirements presents in ASME standards, where most of are applied for lower production, when compared to other materials such carbon steel. This study accomplished circumferential welding experiments in base material (BM)—UNS S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel with a thickness of 3.68 mm. Welding was performed using GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process with CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) control and the aid of a Motoman robot and a turntable device, which were used to ensure the accurate positioning of the torch and that the welding has been fully implemented in the 1 G position, respectively. This process achieves higher production in relation other welding process usually applied for this material class. The joints which presented adequate dimensional results were, then, subjected to tensile and hardness Vickers tests. To avoid the lack of penetration problem, the welding was performed using the CMT process combined with pulsed arc, thus, resulting in full penetration and improved surface finish. The results have shown that the CMT procedure, combined with pulsed arc, led to an adequate superficial finishing, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in accomplishment with the requirements presented in applicable standards.

Dysmature superficial white matter microstructure in developmental focal epilepsy.

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome that predominantly affects boys, characterized by self-limited focal seizures arising from the perirolandic cortex and fine motor abnormalities. Concurrent with the age-specific presentation of this syndrome, the brain undergoes a developmentally choreographed sequence of white matter microstructural changes, including maturation of association u-fibres abutting the cortex. These short fibres mediate local cortico-cortical communication and provide an age-sensitive structural substrate that could support a focal disease process. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the microstructural properties of superficial white matter in regions corresponding to u-fibres underlying the perirolandic seizure onset zone in children with this epilepsy syndrome compared with healthy controls. To verify the spatial specificity of these features, we characterized global superficial and deep white matter properties. We further evaluated the characteristics of the perirolandic white matter in relation to performance on a fine motor task, gender and abnormalities observed on EEG. Children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 14) underwent multimodal testing with high-resolution MRI including diffusion tensor imaging sequences, sleep EEG recordings and fine motor assessment. We compared white matter microstructural characteristics (axial, radial and mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy) between groups in each region. We found distinct abnormalities corresponding to the perirolandic u-fibre region, with increased axial, radial and mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy values in children with epilepsy (P = 0.039, P = 0.035, P = 0.042 and P = 0.017, respectively). Increased fractional anisotropy in this region, consistent with decreased integrity of crossing sensorimotor u-fibres, correlated with inferior fine motor performance (P = 0.029). There were gender-specific differences in white matter microstructure in the perirolandic region; males and females with epilepsy and healthy males had higher diffusion and fractional anisotropy values than healthy females (P ≤ 0.035 for all measures), suggesting that typical patterns of white matter development disproportionately predispose boys to this developmental epilepsy syndrome. Perirolandic white matter microstructure showed no relationship to epilepsy duration, duration seizure free, or epileptiform burden. There were no group differences in diffusivity or fractional anisotropy in superficial white matter outside of the perirolandic region. Children with epilepsy had increased radial diffusivity (P = 0.022) and decreased fractional anisotropy (P = 0.027) in deep white matter, consistent with a global delay in white matter maturation. These data provide evidence that atypical maturation of white matter microstructure is a basic feature in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and may contribute to the epilepsy, male predisposition and clinical comorbidities observed in this disorder.

Effect of surface treatment by sandblasting on the quality and electrochemical corrosion properties of a C-1020 carbon steel used by an Algerian oil company

The purpose of the different operations under the term surface preparation is to get a clean surface able to be coated. It is essential to adapt this preparation in terms of the metallurgical nature of the substrate, cleanliness, its shape and roughness. Surface preparations especially the operations of sandblasting, polishing, or grinding prove of capital importance. It allows to modify the superficial properties of these materials, after these treatments the surface becomes very active. This paper evaluates the mechanical surface treatments effect by sandblasting (Sa 1.5 and Sa 2.5) on the electrochemical corrosion characteristics of C-1020 carbon steel in 3% NaCl solution electrolyte simulating aggressive sea atmosphere. Investigations are conducted using stationary (free potential "E-t, polarization curves "E-i", the Tafel rights and the Rp) and nonstationary electrochemical tools such as electrochemical impedance. The results obtained allowed us to highlight that sandblasted carbon steel degrades with immersion time because of the roughness of the surface. These results were confirmed by the plot of the electrochemical impedance diagrams, confirming that the process governing kinetics is under charge transfer control. Good protection against corrosion cannot be obtained only with a good surface preparation of the adapted steel.

Perovskites as Alternatives to Noble Metals in Automotive Exhaust Abatement: Activation of Oxygen on LaCrO3 and LaMnO3

In this contribution, perovskitic materials have been tested as substitutes of noble metals in automotive exhaust abatement devices. LaMnO3 and LaCrO3 were the chosen materials. Samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, BET surface area, temperature programmed reduction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Reactions tested have been soot oxidation by 10% O2 and 0.5% NO and stoichiometric 1% NO reduction by 1% CO. LaMnO3 has proved to be a good catalyst for oxidation reactions, whereas LaCrO3 is more suitable for reduction reactions. TPR and XPS analysis have shown a greater oxygen exchange capability in LaMnO3 than in LaCrO3, which is less reducible and strongly bonds adsorbed oxygen. Substitution of 20% La in the A-site of the perovskitic lattice with K has increased activity of both catalysts. In the case of LaCrO3, however, this has lead to a slower reaction course. NO reduction test clearly indicates that Cr-containing perovskite is more suitable for reduction reactions, whereas Mn-based materials are a good choice for oxidative applications. This can relate to superficial oxygen properties and bulk oxygen mobility, as shown by XPS and TPR results.