Average cluster sizes and cluster size distributions of superfine nickel particles in light media

Effects of shear rates on average cluster sizes (ACSs) and cluster size distributions (CSDs) in uni- and bi-systems of partly charged superfine nickel particles were investigated by Brownian dynamics, and clustering properties in these systems were compared with those in non-polar systems. The results show that the ACSs in bi-polar systems are larger than those in the non-polar systems. In uni-polar systems the behavior of clustering property differs: at the lower ionic concentration (10%), repulsive force is not strong enough to break clusters, but may greatly weaken them. The clusters are eventually cracked into smaller ones only when concentration of uni-polar charged particles is large enough. In this work, the ionic concentration is 20%. The relationship between ACS and shear rates follows power law in a exponent range of 0.176-0.276. This range is in a good agreement with the range of experimental data, but it is biased towards the lower limit slightly.

Particle Size Estimation Based on Edge Density

Given image sequences of closely packed particles, the underlying aim is to estimate diameters without explicit segmentation. In a way, this is similar to the task of counting objects without directly counting them. Such calculations may, for example, be useful）Cast estimation of particle size in different application areas. The topic is that of estimating average size （=average diameter） of packed particles, from formulas involving edge density, and the edges from moment-based thresholding are used. An average shape factor is involved in the calculations, obtained for some frames from crude partial segmentation. Measurement results from about 80frames have been analyzed.

Modified DS np Chart Using Generalized Multiple Dependent State Sampling under Time Truncated Life Test

This study presents the design of a modified attributed control chart based on a double sampling(DS)np chart applied in combination with generalized multiple dependent state(GMDS)sampling to monitor the mean life of the product based on the time truncated life test employing theWeibull distribution.The control chart developed supports the examination of the mean lifespan variation for a particular product in the process of manufacturing.Three control limit levels are used:the warning control limit,inner control limit,and outer control limit.Together,they enhance the capability for variation detection.A genetic algorithm can be used for optimization during the in-control process,whereby the optimal parameters can be established for the proposed control chart.The control chart performance is assessed using the average run length,while the influence of the model parameters upon the control chart solution is assessed via sensitivity analysis based on an orthogonal experimental design withmultiple linear regression.A comparative study was conducted based on the out-of-control average run length,in which the developed control chart offered greater sensitivity in the detection of process shifts while making use of smaller samples on average than is the case for existing control charts.Finally,to exhibit the utility of the developed control chart,this paper presents its application using simulated data with parameters drawn from the real set of data.

The Impacts and Causes of Land Fragmentation on Farm Productivity: Case Review of East African Countries

This report provides an overall assessment of land fragmentation problems in East Africa. Many parts of East Africa have become highly fragmented, putting development systems and activities in these areas at risk of complete collapse. Land fragmentation occurs when land gets converted for agriculture, industrialization, or urbanization, invaded by non-local plants, or enclosed for individual use and by subdividing farmlands into subsequent smaller units called parcels with varying average farm sizes. Fragmentation results from inappropriate agricultural development processes and ineffective land use planning that fails to recognize how farmland is used, and the importance of its interconnected areas. Insecurity of tenure and resource rights are key factors in making this possible. Land fragmentation is one of the key reasons why the ability of most resources in East Africa becomes scarcer, and those remaining become “privatized” by more powerful community members—keen to maintain their access to them. Such individualistic attitudes are new and disadvantage the poorest even further by affecting the traditional customary safety nets and agricultural outputs. Neither the government nor customary governance systems effectively protect resource access for the poorest. This review summary report identifies the key causes, measures, and implications, government interventions, and the common remedies to land fragmentation problems in the East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania including neighboring Ethiopia, and the Sudan. The findings indicated from 2005 to 2015, the population kept increasing for all the named countries in East Africa with Rwanda and Uganda having a substantial increase in population density. The study review further explores the trend in the performance of agriculture by average farm sizes within the intervals of five years by highlighting their strong linkages and found that the average farm size has declined drastically, especially for Kenya. This can only mean that small farms kept becoming smaller and smaller and that there were more small-scale farmers. The results further depicted that the major and commonly cultivated food crops among the East African countries include maize, sorghum, rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, Irish potatoes, beans, peas, etc., with maize yields (Mt/ha) in 2003 for Uganda being the highest (1.79 Mt/ha) and the lowest in Rwanda (0.77 Mt/ha) respectively. Therefore, from the review results, recommendations are being made as to how the negative impacts of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity can be reduced or mitigated. One way is by community sensitization and awareness about the importance of land consolidation and its proposition on farm productivity.

Artificial Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic Based Techniques for Numerical Modeling and Prediction of Aluminum-5%Magnesium Alloy Doped with REM Neodymium

In this study, the mechanical properties of aluminum-5%magnesium doped with rare earth metal neodymium were evaluated. Fuzzy logic (FL) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to model the mechanical properties of aluminum-5%magnesium (0-0.9 wt%) neodymium. The single input (SI) to the fuzzy logic and artificial neural network models was the percentage weight of neodymium, while the multiple outputs (MO) were average grain size, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength elongation and hardness. The fuzzy logic-based model showed more accurate prediction than the artificial neutral network-based model in terms of the correlation coefficient values (R).

Characterization of grain growth behaviors by BP-ANN and Sellars models for nickle-base superalloy and their comparisons

In order to deeply understand the grain growth behaviors of Ni80A superalloy,a series of grain growth experiments were conducted at holding temperatures ranging from 1223 to 1423 K and holding time ranging from 0 to 3600 s.A back-propagation artificial neural network(BP-ANN)model and a Sellars model were solved based on the experimental data.The prediction and generalization capabilities of these two models were evaluated and compared on the basis of four statistical indicators.The results show that the solved BP-ANN model has better performance as it has higher correlation coefficient(r),lower average absolute relative error(AARE),lower absolute values of mean value(μ)and standard deviation(ω).Eventually,a response surface of average grain size to holding temperature and holding time is constructed based on the data expanded by the solved BP-ANN model,and the grain growth behaviors are described.

Deformation behavior and dynamic recrystallization of Mg-Y-Nd-Gd-Zr alloy

The characteristics of dynamic recrystallization （DRX） in Mg-Y-Nd-Gd-Zr-RE magnesium alloy were investigated by compression tests at temperatures between 523 and 723 K and at strain rates ranging from 0.002 to 1 s^-1 with maximum strain of 0.693. The strainhardening rate can be obtained from true stress-true strain curves, plots of θ-σ, -（δθ/δσ-）-a and lnθ-σ in different compression conditions were obtained by further study. The critical condition of the onset of DRX process was determined as （（δ/δσ（ δθ/δσ））=0. In the range of the above deformation temperature and strain rate, the ratio of critical stress （σc） to peak stress （σm） and critical strain （εc） to the peak strain （εm） stood at σc/σm=0.62-0.89 and εc/εm=0.11-0.37, respectively. DRX could be observed during hot detormation process, microstructure evolution of the magnesium alloy at different temperatures and strain rates were studied with the aid of optical microscope（OM）, and the average recrystallized grain size was measured by means of intercepts on photomicrographs. It was shown that the average dynamically recrystallized grain size （drew） changed with different deformation parameters, the natural logarithm of the average recrystallized grain size varied linearly with the natural logarithm of Zener-Hollomon parameter; the peak stress changed with the average recrystallized grain size, and the natural logarithm of the average recrystallized grain size varied linearly with the natural logarithm of the peak stress.

XPS Studies on Rare Earth Oxide LSCO/YSZ Electrodes

The X ray diffraction spectra and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy were measured for Sr doped La 1- x Sr x CoO 3 materials with perovskite structure prepared by the solid state reaction method. The influence of heat treatment temperature on the average crystal size of La 1- x Sr x CoO 3 was studied. The surface chemical states of La 1- x Sr x CoO 3 cathodes with different Sr doped content were discussed. The experimental results show that average crystal size of La 1- x Sr x CoO 3 under the condition of heat treatment in the range of 900～1200 ℃ is larger than that at other temperatures, which is of benefit to forming porous electrodes. When La is replaced by Sr gradually, the oxygen vacancy concentration increases. It is of benefit to enhancing the transport property of oxygen ion.

Analyses on uniformity of particles under HPGR finished grinding system

In order to deal with the disadvantages of excessive grinding and non-uniformity in finished particle under high-pressure grinding rolls （HPGR） finished grinding system, four aspects were investigated, including evaluating indicators, effects of operating factors, effect of particle uniformity on the flotation and formation mechanism of particle uniformity. Experiment of HPGR finished grinding system, cationic reverse flotation experiment and simulation test of particle bed comminution under the condition of quasi-static were carried out. Theoretical analyses indicated that both of uniformity coefficient and average particle size should be included in the uniformity analysis of the mineral particles. The results show that the effect of circulation fan impeller speed on particle uniformity is the most evident, HPGR working pressure and roll gap are second and HPGR roller speed is the last. Average particle size has a more obvious effect on the grade of flotation concentrate while uniformity coefficient has a more obvious effect on the flotation recovery. Considering the two aspects of grade and recovery, the optimal uniformity coefficient for flotation is 1.1-1.2 and the optimal average particle size for flotation is 50-55 μm. The operating factors which promote the shielding effect and compact effect in the HPGR finished grinding system should be strengthened based on the uniformity of particles.

Clustering properties of partly charged superfine particles in a light medium

This paper investigated average cluster sizes （ACS） and cluster size distributions （CSD） at different shear rates by Brownian dynamics in non-, bi-, and uni-polar systems with partly charged superfine particles, The investigation indicates that clusters in non- polar systems are the weakest and easiest to be damaged by increasing shear stresses; charged particles play important and different roles： in bi-polar system, it intends to strengthen clusters to some extent provided that the sign-like ions homogeneously arranged; in uni-polar system charged particles cracked the clusters into smaller ones, but the small clusters are strong to stand with larger shear stress. The relationship between ACS and shear rates follows power law with exponents in a range 0.18-0.28, these values are in a good agreement with experiment range but at the lower limit compared with other systems of non-metallic cluster particles.

An estimation model for the fragmentation properties of brittle rock block due to the impacts against an obstruction

Mountain hazards with large masses of rock blocks in motion – such as rock falls, avalanches and landslides – threaten human lives and structures. Dynamic fragmentation is a common phenomenon during the movement process of rock blocks in rock avalanche, due to the high velocity and impacts against obstructions. In view of the energy consumption theory for brittle rock fragmentation proposed by Bond, which relates energy to size reduction, a theoretical model is proposed to estimate the average fragment size for a moving rock block when it impacts against an obstruction. Then, different forms of motion are studied, with various drop heights and slope angles for the moving rock block. The calculated results reveal that the average fragment size decreases as the drop height increases, whether for free-fall or for a sliding or rolling rock block, and the decline in size is rapid for low heights and slow for increasing heights in the corresponding curves. Moreover, the average fragment size also decreases as the slope angle increases for a slidingrock block. In addition, a rolling rock block has a higher degree of fragmentation than a sliding rock block, even for the same slope angle and block volume. Finally, to compare with others' results, the approximate number of fragments is estimated for each calculated example, and the results show that the proposed model is applicable to a relatively isotropic moving rock block.

Is Any Correlation between Platelet Indices with Extent of Coronary Artery Involvement in Ischemic Heart Diseases?

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common cause of death around the world. Nowadays Platelet counts (PC) and volumetric platelet indices are available routinely in most laboratories and reflect the level of mobility and production of platelets. It seems that the excessive flexibility and size of the platelets and their local activation have correlation with extent of ischemic heart disease. So our objective is the study of platelet indices in ischemic heart disease. This non-randomized prospective study was performed on 245 patients with ischemic heart disease, who underwent the coronary angiography. The patients were divided into four groups: stable angina, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction and control group;and then platelet indices, including the platelet counts (PC), the average platelet volume (MPV), the Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) in each group with the extent of coronary disease were compared based on an Syntax Score system and observational methods. The average ages of the patients were 57 years and 65% of them were male and the rest were female. A significant difference is exists between indices in all three groups compared to the control that this difference was related to gender and the type of the coronary artery involvement. However, only in infarction group, PDW in different disease intensities was significantly different. In this study, unlike many of the previous studies no relationship was found between the MPV with the extent of coronary disease.

Preparation and Electrical Transport Properties of Perovskite Oxide Ln0.5Sr0.5CoO3

The superfine powders of Ln0.5 Sr0.5 CoO3 （Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu） were obtained by solid state reactions. The crystal structure and electrical transport properties of samples doped with different rare earth elements as well as the forming process of the Perovskite structure were studied. The result shows that when the temperature reaches 1200 ℃, the samples will become a steady and unitary Perovskite phase by solid state reactions. The conductive behavor at low temperature is consistent with small polaron mechanism （i. e., localized electronic carriers having a thermally activated mobility）. However, the maximum of conductivity appears at about 700 ℃, and the conductivity of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 is the biggest in the intermediate-temperature （600 - 850 ℃ ）, so it is fit for cathode material of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

Microstructural evolvement of wrought magnesium alloy sheet during heat treatment

Magnesium alloy is the lightest structural metal material. As its ductility is usually limited because of its hexagonal closest packing (hcp) structure, it is significant to improve its forming performance. The primary way to achieve this goal is by grain refinement. This study explores new ways of grain refinement for cold-rolled sheet of magnesium alloy AZ31B by probing into its structural evolvement in heat treatment. It is found that recrystallization mostly takes place in the cold-rolled sheet in heat-treatment, and refined and equiaxial recrystallization grains with an average diameter of (14 to 15) mm can be obtained by heat-treatment at 260 C for (60 to 90) min, which is an effective method to obtain refined symmetrical grains of magnesium alloy by heat treatment at a lower recrystallization temperature after cold-rolling.

An Algorithm to Determine the Truncated Weibull Parameters for Distribution of Throats and Pores in Random Network Models

In random network models, sizes for pores and throats are distributed according to a truncated Weibull distribution. As a result, parameters defining the shape of the distribution are critical for the characteristic of the network. In this paper, an algorithm to distribute pores and throats in random network was established to more representatively describe the topology of porous media. First, relations between Weibull parameters and the distribution of dimensionless throat sizes were studied and a series of standard curves were obtained. Then, by analyzing the capillary pressure curve of the core sample, frequency distribution histogram of throat sizes was obtained. All the sizes were transformed to dimensionless numbers ranged from 0 to 1. Curves of the core were compared to the standard curves, and truncated Weibull parameters could be determined according an inverse algorithm. Finally, aspect ratio and average length of throats were adjusted to simultaneously fit the porosity and the capillary pressure curves and the whole network was established. The predicted relative permeability curves were in good agreement with the experimental data of cores, indicating the validity of the algorithm.

Wright-Fisher-like models with constant population size on average

We first recall some basic facts from the theory of discrete-time Markov chains arising from two types neutral and non-neutral evolution models of population genetics with constant size. We then define and analyze a version of such models whose fluctuating total population size is conserved on average only. In our model, the population of interest is seen as being embedded in a frame process which is a critical Galton Watson process. In this context, we address problems such as extinction, fixation, size of the population at fixation and survival probability to a bottleneck effect of the environment.

On the polynomiality and asymptotics of moments of sizes for random(n,dn ± 1)-core partitions with distinct parts

Amdeberhan’s conjectures on the enumeration,the average size,and the largest size of(n,n+1)-core partitions with distinct parts have motivated many research on this topic.Recently,Straub(2016)and Nath and Sellers(2017)obtained formulas for the numbers of(n,dn-1)-and(n,dn+1)-core partitions with distinct parts,respectively.Let X_(s,t) be the size of a uniform random(s,t)-core partition with distinct parts when s and t are coprime to each other.Some explicit formulas for the k-th moments E[X_(n,n+1)^(k)]and E[X_(2 n+1,2 n+3)^(k)]were given by Zaleski and Zeilberger(2017)when k is small.Zaleski(2017)also studied the expectation and higher moments of X_(n,dn-1) and conjectured some polynomiality properties concerning them in ar Xiv:1702.05634.Motivated by the above works,we derive several polynomiality results and asymptotic formulas for the k-th moments of X_(n,dn+1) and X_(n,dn-1) in this paper,by studying theβ-sets of core partitions.In particular,we show that these k-th moments are asymptotically some polynomials of n with degrees at most 2 k,when d is given and n tends to infinity.Moreover,when d=1,we derive that the k-th moment E[X_(n,n+1)^(k)]of X_(n,n+1) is asymptotically equal to(n^(2)/10)^(k)when n tends to infinity.The explicit formulas for the expectations E[X_(n,dn+1)]and E[X_(n,dn-1)]are also given.The(n,dn-1)-core case in our results proves several conjectures of Zaleski(2017)on the polynomiality of the expectation and higher moments of X_(n,dn-1).

Air pollution and inhalation exposure to particulate matter of different sizes in rural households using improved stoves in central China

Household air pollution is considered to be among the top environmental risks in China.To examine the performance of improved stoves for reduction of indoor particulate matter（PM） emission and exposure in rural households, individual inhalation exposure to size-resolved PM was investigated using personal portable samplers carried by residents using wood gasifier stoves or improved coal stoves in a rural county in Central China.Concentrations of PM with different sizes in stationary indoor and outdoor air were also monitored at paired sites. The stationary concentrations of size-resolved PM in indoor air were greater than those in outdoor air, especially finer particles PM0.25. The daily averaged exposure concentrations of PM0.25, PM1.0, PM2.5 and total suspended particle for all the surveyed residents were 74.4 ± 41.1, 159.3 ± 74.3, 176.7 ± 78.1 and 217.9 ± 78.1 μg/m3,respectively. Even using the improved stoves, the individual exposure to indoor PM far exceeded the air quality guideline by WHO at 25 μg/m3. Submicron particles PM1.0 were the dominant PM fraction for personal exposure and indoor and outdoor air. Personal exposure exhibited a closer correlation with indoor PM concentrations than that for outdoor concentrations. Both inhalation exposure and indoor air PM concentrations in the rural households with gasifier firewood stoves were evidently lower than the reported results using traditional firewood stoves. However, local governments in the studied rural areas should exercise caution when widely and hastily promoting gasifier firewood stoves in place of improved coal stoves, due to the higher PM levels in indoor and outdoor air and personal inhaled exposure.

Environmental selection and evolutionary process jointly shape genomic and functional profiles of mangrove rhizosphere microbiomes

Mangrove reforestation with introduced species has been an important strategy to restore mangrove ecosystem functioning.However,how such activities affect microbially driven methane(CH4),nitrogen(N),and sulfur(S)cycling of rhizosphere microbiomes remains unclear.To understand the effect of environmental selection and the evolutionary process on microbially driven biogeochemical cycles in native and introduced mangrove rhizospheres,we analyzed key genomic and functional profiles of rhizosphere microbiomes from native and introduced mangrove species by metagenome sequencing technologies.Compared with the native mangrove(Kandelia obovata,KO),the introduced mangrove(Sonneratia apetala,SA)rhizosphere microbiome had significantly(p<0.05)higher average genome size(AGS)(5.8 vs.5.5 Mb),average 16S ribosomal RNA gene copy number(3.5 vs.3.1),relative abundances of mobile genetic elements,and functional diversity in terms of the Shannon index(7.88 vs.7.84)but lower functional potentials involved in CH4 cycling(e.g.,mcrABCDG and pmoABC),N2 fixation(nifHDK),and inorganic S cycling(dsrAB,dsrC,dsrMKJOP,soxB,sqr,and fccAB).Similar results were also observed from the recovered Proteobacterial metagenome-assembled genomes with a higher AGS and distinct functions in the introduced mangrove rhizosphere.Additionally,salinity and ammonium were identified as the main environmental drivers of functional profiles of mangrove rhizosphere microbiomes through deterministic processes.This study advances our understanding of microbially mediated biogeochemical cycling of CH_(4),N,and S in the mangrove rhizosphere and provides novel insights into the influence of environmental selection and evolutionary processes on ecosystem functions,which has important implications for future mangrove reforestation.

Simulation of gas-solid flow in sinter vertical cooling furnace

The velocity distribution of sinter and gas in vertical cooling furnace(VCF)has an important influence on gas-solid heat transfer.Based on the slot model of single hopper in the VCF of Meishan Iron and Steel Co.,Ltd.,the velocity and particle size distribution of sinter and the velocity and pressure distribution of gas were studied using a computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method model to obtain the gas-solid flow rule in the VCF.The results showed that the velocity of sinter near the wall and the edge of vent cowl was lower than that in the rest of the same plane.Therefore,the rectangular section of the vertical cooling furnace can be divided into a quasi-static zone,a plug flow zone and a convergent flow zone according to the flow velocity of the sinter.The average particle size and the void fraction of sinter bed were distributed in"W"and"V"shape along the width direction,respectively.The distribution of gas velocity in the furnace cavity was uneven,and the high-velocity area gradually changed from the center to the edge of the furnace cavity with the rise of gas.Reducing the ratio of edge to center gas flow from 2.7∶1 to 0.7∶1 could improve the gas velocity,but could not change the gas velocity distribution.The gas velocity distribution was more affected by the average particle size distribution of the sinter bed.It was suggested that measures need be taken to adjust it to improve the gas velocity distribution in the VCF.